NRI punjab news- 2015

Punjab News:

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XISTING TARIFF STRUCTURE TO REMAIN OPERATIONAL

Ø 06.00 PM to 10.00 PM TO BE CONSIDERED AS PEAK LOAD HOURS

Chandigarh March 31: The Punjab State Regulatory Commission has decided that the existing tariff structure as ordered vide its order dated 22.08.2014 would continue to be charged to all categories of consumers with effect from 01.04.2015 till the date of issue of the Tariff Order for the year 2015-16.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab government said that the tariff structure mentioned in the Tariff Order of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) for FY 2014-15 issued by the Commission on 22.08.2014 was to remain operative till 31.03.2015. He also said that the change would be subject to the condition that the state government continues to pay subsidy to PSPCL in respect of the categories already being subsidized.

It has also been ordered by the Commission that the Time of Day (ToD) tariff applicable to Large Supply and Medium Supply industrial category consumers’ up to 31.03.2015 would not be applicable from 01.04.2015 to 31.05.2015 and peak load exemption charges would be charged as approved by the Commission in the Tariff Order for the year 2013-14. Further, peak load hours would not be more than 3 hours between 06.00 PM to 10.00 PM depending upon the seasons.

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CM CONDOLES DEATH OF MS. RAVNEET KAUR

1966 BATCH RETIRED IAS OFFICER PASSED AWAY ON MONDAY AFTER A PROLONGED ILLNESS

Chandigarh, March 31: Punjab chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today mourned the sad demise of 1966 batch Retired IAS Officer Ms. Ravneet Kaur, who passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness.

In a condolence message, the Chief Minister recalled the services of Ms. Ravneet Kaur, who served the state administration in different capacities with distinction during her long service span. She was a fine human being with the qualities of head and heart besides an able administrator who worked zealously with utmost dedication, honesty and professional commitment, added Mr. Badal.

The Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give strength to bear this huge loss to the bereaved family, relatives and friends and grant eternal peace to the departed soul.

SPECIAL MONITORING CELL TEAMS RAIDS 601 SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATE

43 TEACHERS WERE ABSENT, 45 LATE COMERS AND 28 TEACHERS FOUND LONG TIME ABSENTEE

CHANDIGARH, March 31:

On the directions of Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister Punjab, Special teams of the Education Department conducted surprise checks in 601 Schools of the State with the aim of ensuring punctuality and discipline in the Schools. Three Circles namely Jalandhar, Faridkot and Nabha (Patiala) were visited by the special teams at the same time.

Divulging the details a spokesperson of the department said that during the special checking total 43 teachers were found absent while 45 teachers were late whereas 28 teachers were found long time absentees. He said that immediately after opening the schools special teams visited 205 schools of Jalandhar Circle, 160 schools of Nabha (Patiala) Circle and 236 schools of Faridkot Circle.

He further said that 25 teachers were found absent in Jalandhar Circle and 32 were late comers while 12 found long time absentee. In Nabha (Patiala) Circle 7 teachers were found absent and 5 were long time absentee. Similarly, in Faridkot Circle 7 teachers were found absent, 13 late comers and 11 were found long time absentee.

The Spokesman said that to maintain discipline and punctuality in the Government Schools special and surprise checking would continue in future also. The Minister also directed to the senior officers that 100 percent attendance of the teachers would be ensured.

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PUNJAB EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SETTLES 32 CASES IN PUBLIC MEETING

MOHALI, MARCH 31:

The Punjab Education Department conducted a Public meeting to settle all those cases pertaining to the employees of education department upon which Hon’ble Courts has announced its verdict. Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesperson of the Education Department said that in the public meeting 50 such cases were presented before the committee and out of it 32 cases were disposed off.

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

He said that pending cases were forwarded to the appropriate authority to take action in light of the decision of the Hon’ble Courts. He further said that apart from these 50 cases the grievances of another 54 employees were listened to sympathetically and the concerned authorities have been asked to take action for the redressal of grievances.

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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, March 31:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Rabi Season through Canal water upto 06-04-2015. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala feeder, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab Canal and Sidhwan Branch 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 distributries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their ident. 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. Kasur Branch Lower with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies water available would be utilised in Sabraon Branch, Lahore Branch, Main Branch Lower with their distributaries respectively.

PRESIDENT CONFERS COVETED PADMA VIBUSHAN AWARD TO BADAL

New Delhi/ Chandigarh, March 30-

President of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee today conferred the coveted Padma Vibhushan Award to the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at a Civil Investiture Ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Sardar Badal was given the award by the President in the presence of Vice President of India Dr. Hameed Ansari and Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi besides several Union Ministers. The citation of the Chief Minister presented on this occasion reads as “Sardar Parkash Singh Badal is an Indian politician, who has been the Chief Minister of Punjab for four terms previously - from 1969-71, 1977-80, 1997-2002, 2007-2012 and is currently the Chief Minister of the state for the fifth term. Few in this country can claim to have remained in the forefront of public life for almost the entire period of the post-Independence India as he has been, making him the grand patriarch on the Indian political scene.

Born on December 8, 1927 in village Abul Khurana, Sardar Badal did his graduation from FC College Lahore. He entered politics in 1947 and became the Sarpanch of his village. He was elected to the state legislative assembly first in 1957. He was re-elected to Vidhan Sabha in 1969. He served as the Minister for Community Development, Panchayati Raj, Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry. He was the Chief Minister of Punjab for four terms previously - from 1969-71, 1977-80, 1997-2002, 2007-2012 and is currently the Chief Minister of the state for fifth term. He has been a Member of Parliament and has served the position of the Union Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation in the Union Government headed by late Shri Morarji Desai in 1977.

Sardar Badal's contributions towards the welfare of people of Punjab have been enormous. Apart from carrying out various welfare services, he has contributed in the upliftment of the society and states, introducing various welfare schemes that has benefitted his state largely. His life is a saga of struggle for safeguarding human rights, civil liberties, freedom of the press and other democratic values in the country. He has spent the better part of the prime of his life in prison fighting for popular causes in independent India. Throughout his life, he has championed the cause of the poor and the underprivileged people, especially the poor peasantry and landless labourers. He has been beacon-light of peace and communal harmony in society, emerging as a strong voice of sanity and humane values. Completing more than half a century in political life, Sardar Badal has worked consistently for the establishment of a genuinely federal structure in the country.

All his life, Sardar Badal has worked closely with the common people, earning him the well deserved sobriquet of "Man of the Masses" and a true grass-root leader. Even today at the age of 86 years, he regularly holds Sangat Darshans in villages across Punjab by going to the doorsteps of the people to redress their grievances. His contribution to the cause of his state has been phenomenal indeed.

Sardar Badal has numerous awards and coveted honours to his credit for distinguished services and life time achievements. However, the most revered honor bestowed upon him was the legendary title of 'Panth Rattan Faqhr-e-Quam' from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib in recognition of his outstanding contribution and glorious services rendered by him during his long Panthic and political career”.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Union Food Processing Minister Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal

JAYANI ADVOCATES JOINT FAMILY SYSTEM FOR A HEALTHY SOCIETY: EMPHASIZES ON COMPLETE TRANSFORMATION OF MIND SET OF MEN

 MODERN DAY DURGAS SHOULD CRUSH THE FEELINGS OF ASURAS IN MODERN MEN SAYS JAYANI

 WOMEN COMMISSION HOLDS ONE DAY SEMINAR ON PROTECTION OF WOMEN FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Chandigarh March 27: Women, Child Development and Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani today advocated the concept of Joint family system as against the nuclear families for a health and well conceived socio-cultural fabric. The interaction of the children with the elderly members of the family was lacking in modern day families which has caused the emotional and social imbalance in our society.

Addressing a massive gathering after inaugurating one day National seminar on “Domestic and Gender based Violence against Women” jointly organized by Punjab State Women Commission and National Commission for Women, New Delhi, Mr. Jayani has called upon the social, religious and non-government organizations to join hands in eliminating crime against women from the society. He said that women should not be treated as an object rather they should be respected and honored as taught by our saints and seers. He said that complete transformation of the male mindset was required so as to give respectable place to women in society.

Mr. Jayani said that it is apt that Punjab State Women Commission was organizing this seminar on the day of Durga Ashtami when every Indian is supposed to worship women in the form of Goddess. He said that time has come that women should understand their inherent powers, strengthen themselves and face the perpetuators of crime and domestic violence in befitting manner. He said that Ma Durga crushed Asuras and similarly modern day durgas should crush the feelings of asuras in modern men.

Speaking on the occasion Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. N.K. Sharma, also expressed concern at the rise in suicide cases by young men and women. He said that lack of proper counseling by the elders and experienced members of the families was the main cause of such suicides. He said that the state government recruited 3200 lady constables besides appointed lady officers in the police station so that the women could easily open up with the women officers. The state government has also set up 2500 suvidha kendras and 181 toll free number facility for women have also been launched where complaints could be registered and redressed within a short time span. He also said that the adequate value based education was the need of an hour and the male child should be taught the first lesson of respecting women from home only. He also said that social aberrations such as dowry, drug abuse and craze for a male child should come to an end for an educated, healthy and developed society. He also asked men in general to change their mind set so as to accept woman as an integral part of the ethos.

Inspector General Police (Crime) Ms. Vibhu Raj said that Punjab police was committed to eliminate crime against women from the society. She said that the SSPs across the state have been directed to personally monitor the cases of crime against women. Five women Police Stations at Amritsar, Jallandhar, Patiala, Ludhiana and Bathinda have been set up to facilitate women. She also said that to protect women from any crime, adequate police personnel have been deployed in plain clothes at public places.

Earlier in her welcome address, Chairperson Punjab State Women Commission, Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Landran, said that the commission had received more than 266 complaints in the months of January and February out of which 127 have been resolved. She informed that Commission had also chalked out a special drive to educate women about protection from domestic violence. She also announced that Commission was in the process of launching a special drive in April to resolve the issues pertaining to women of border areas. She said the commission would visit the border belt of the state where cases relating to women issues would be examined on the spot besides initiating necessary action.

Prominent amongst others who expressed their views on the occasion included Dr. Paramjit Kaur, Principal Sidhwan College, Additional Session Judge T.T.S.Bindra, Additional Advocate General, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Ms. Amarjeet Kaur Khurana, Chairpersons of state Women Commissions from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttranchal and Vice Chairperson Bibi Satvir Kaur Manhera.

Action to be initiated against Eye Surgeons holding Screening/Operative eye camps without permission of Civil Surgeon: Vini Mahajan

Chandigarh, March 27:

The Principal Secretary, Health, Government of Punjab Mrs. Vini Mahajan chaired the monthly Civil Surgeons’ Conference held today at Punjab Civil Secretariat. During the conference all the National Health Programmes were reviewed.

According to an official spokesperson, Mrs. Vini Mahajan said that guidelines for holding general and eye screening /operation camps have already been issued. All the Civil Surgeons have held meeting with NGO hospitals and private eye surgeons and advised them to follow these guidelines in letter and spirit. The guidelines are already available on health department website:- www.pbhealth.gov.in. It is mandatory for all the NGO-Hospitals/Pvt. Eye Surgeons to sign an MOU with concerned Civil Surgeon and get permission for holding any eye screening/operation camp. If any camp is held without the permission of concerned Civil Surgeon, the operating eye surgeon will be liable to action. Punjab Medical Council will be duly informed and action will be taken as per rules. She appreciated the Civil Surgeons for holding Glaucoma Screening Camps all over Punjab. More than 22000 persons were examined and 600 Glaucoma cases were treated. Recently a team from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India visited District Hospitals-Mohali, Gurdaspur, Batala, Tarntaran & Govt. Medical College, Amritsar in Punjab and submitted a very satisfactory report to the Govt. regarding availability of eye equipment and performance.

All the Civil Surgeons, District Nodal Officers, Tobacco Control Cell, Punjab were congratulated for a highly successful, first of a kind three day campaign to tackle the menace of Tobacco/Nicotine in which more than 1700 violators were challaned for violation of Anti-Tobacco Act/Ban on chewable tobacco/Hukkah Bars/ E-Cigarettes. Raids were conducted on more than 1400 Hotels/eateries & Paan/Cigarette Shops to check violations as per directions of Hon'ble High Court. She said that such campaigns will continue in future to protect the youth from abuse of tobacco/Nicotine.

During the conference, PGI studies for "Tobacco Smoke Free" Ludhiana & “Total COTPA Compliant first City” Hoshiarpur were released by Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Health.

Civil Surgeons Tarn-Taran, Ludhiana, Moga and Hoshiarpur were honoured by Sh. Hussan Lal ,Secretary Health cum Managing Director, National Health Mission for getting their respective districts declared as "Tobacco Smoke Free" and for getting Hoshiarpur City declared as "Total COTPA Compliant" .

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CM SLAMS BARNALA FOR BACKSTABBING SAD

BARNALA HAS DITCHED HIS MOTHER PARTY BY FIELDING GRANDSON ON CONGRESS TICKET FROM DHURI

ASSAILS AMARINDER FOR MISLEADING THE PEOPLE

SIT CONSTITUTED BY NDA WOULD BRING THE PERPETRATORS OF SIKH GENOCIDE TO BOOK

PAY COMMISSION FOR EMPLOYEES TO BE SET AT APPROPRIATE TIME

PAYS TRIBUTE TO FORMER MINISTER JASDEV SINGH SANDHU

Kauli (Patiala), March 27:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today blamed the former state Chief Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala for backstabbing the Shiromani Akali Dal, the political party to which he originally belonged and due to which he remained its President besides occupying the coveted positions right from the Chief Minister, Governor and the Union Cabinet Minister.

Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of the function to observe the 15th death anniversary function of veteran akali leader Mr. Jasdev Singh Sandhu here, the Chief Minister said probably Mr. Barnala was the only leader, to whom the Akali Dal gave all respect and recognition but in return he ditched the party by fielding his grandson Simarpreet Singh Barnala as an official candidate on the Congress party’s ticket for the Dhuri by-elections.

Replying to another question regarding former Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh’s claim that the state was revenue surplus of over Rs.2000 crore in year 2006-07 when he demitted office, Mr. Badal said that everything was on the record and none else could make such tall claims without any ground. He further said, “What is the fun of making such non-sense statements and even I can claim that state is having surplus revenue of Rs.50,000 crore but everyone knows what our government did for the overall development of the state and what Amarinder contributed for its growth”.

Asked to comment on the clean chit given by CBI to Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, Mr. Badal said SIT constituted by the NDA government would bring the culprits of 1984 Sikh genocide to the book and ultimately justice would be done to the victims of the world’s most heinous tragedy.

Asked to justify the recent hike in the Salary and Perks of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries and Legislators viz-a-viz non-acceptance of the state employees demand to constitute 6th State Pay Commission, the Chief Minister said that the state government was equally concerned for the welfare of the all sections of the society and especially the employees which were the integral part of the state administration and it would announce to set up the next state pay commission at appropriate time.

Earlier paying homage to the Akali stalwart and former Minister Late S. Jasdev Singh Sandhu, the Chief Minister said he was the multi faceted personality and played a pro active role in the spread of education in every nook and corner of the state and the educational institutions being run in his name by his son Senior Akali leader Tejinder Pal Singh and her daughter-in-law Anoopinder Kaur.

The Chief Minister said that Jasdev Singh Sandhu was an ‘encyclopedia of Sikhism and Akali Politics’ as he had a green memory and even remembered the events which happened almost 20 to 50 years before.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University Dr. Jaspal Singh, former Minister Mr. Ajaib Singh Mukhmailpur, Chairman District Planning Committee Mr. Mohinder Singh Lalwa, Inspector General of Police Mr. Paramjeet Singh and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Varun Roojam.

CM FELICITATES PEOPLE ON RAM NAVAMI

Chandigarh, March 27-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today extended his warm greetings to the people of state on the auspicious occasion of 'Ram Navami, the birthday of Maryada Pushotam Lord Rama.

In his message, the Chief Minister said that Lord Ram is the embodiment of tolerance, justice and high moral values, who showed us the path of ideal and virtuous living to carve out a prosperous and harmonious society. “Lord Rama’s philosophy and teachings inspire all of us to rededicate ourselves to the cause of a just society” added Mr. Badal.

Exhorting the people to follow the teachings of Lord Rama in the true spirit, the Chief Minister said that these were still relevant in the present materialistic society. He said that such pious occasions not only promote a sense of communal harmony, brotherhood and mutual understanding amongst the people but also showers bountiful joy and prosperity on them.

The Chief Minister called upon the people to celebrate this auspicious day collectively rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.

SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL GREETS PEOPLE ON RAM NAVAMI

CHANDIGARH MARCH 27:

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today extended his warm greetings to the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of 'Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama.

In his message, Mr. Badal said this sacred day symbolizes the unity of mankind and brotherhood besides moral and spiritual values preached by Lord Rama (Maryada Purshotam). He said, “Lord Ram is the embodiment of tolerance, justice and high moral values. His philosophy and teachings inspire all of us to rededicate ourselves to the cause of a just society.”

Mr. Badal called upon the people to follow the teachings of Lord Rama in true spirit, which were still relevant in the present materialistic society besides redeeming the mankind from the yoke of evils. May the festival usher in happiness, prosperity and well being of all, he added.

He also appealed the people to celebrate this sacred day collectively rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.

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MALUKA & TOTA SINGH GREETS PEOPLE ON RAM NAVAMI

Chandigarh, March 27:

Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Punjab Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka and Agriculture Minister Punjab Jathedar Tota Singh today conveyed their best wishes to the entire nation and people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. They said Lord Rama, through his role as Maryada Purushottama has inspired generations of mankind to uphold the high standards of ethical conduct in life and his life and teachings have the power to provide guidance and spiritual solace in all phases of our lives.

In their message they said the life of Lord Ram inspires us to follow the path of righteousness even in the face of extreme hardships. It is an occasion to rededicate ourselves towards living virtuously. They prayed that may this day inspire us all to spread Lord Ram’s message of righteous conduct and selfless service and strengthen our resolve to strive for justice and human dignity in order to build a glorious India.

They said that being citizens of a country, where Lord Rama was born, it becomes our duty to take care of our parents and not let them live alone in old age homes.

MAJITHIA GREETS PEOPLE ON THE OCCASION OF RAM NAVAMI

Chandigarh, March 27:

Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today greeted the people of Punjab on the occasion of Ram Navami, the birth day of Maryada Purshotam Lord Ram.

In a message, Mr. Majithia said that Lord Ram was the epithet of righteousness (Dharma) and highest moral and ethical principles and this occasion inspires us to adopt the highest moral principles in life besides serving the needy and underprivileged with dedication and devotion.

He exhorted the people to celebrate the occasion collectively, in a spirit of traditional gaiety, amity and devotion, rising above considerations of caste, creed and religion.

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DR. CHEMMA CONDUCTS SURPRISE CHECK AT SECRECY BRANCH OF EDUCATION BOARD

DIRECTS AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE TIMELY DECLARATION OF RESULTS

MOHALI/CHANDIGARH, MARCH 27:

In view to ongoing 10th and 12th board examinations, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab has conducted a surprise check in the secrecy branch of Punjab School Education Board, Mohali. During the visit, he was accompanied by Ms. Tejinder Kaur Dhaliwal Chairperson, Punjab School Education Board, Mr. C. Raul, Principal Secretary, School Education and Mr. Pardeep Kumar Aggarwal, Director General School Education.

Education Minister has checked the branch between 10 PM and 11 PM and all the staff members were present on duty. The Minister has ordered to officials for ensuring the declaration of 10th and 12th class results within the stipulated time period. While expressing satisfaction on the functioning of branch, Dr. Cheema said that surprise checks would also be made during table marking as well.

Hailing the initiative of table marking, the Minister ordered to maintain the guidelines in true spirit and manner to make it a success story as the table marking is being done for the first time. He said that the main behind this move was to ensure the declaration of results as early as possible so that the vacant time between result and new academic session could be minimize.

COMMITTE CONSTITUTED FOR FREE INSURANCE OF LIVESTOCK- RANIKE

• RANIKE REVIEWS THE WORKING OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY , DIARY DEVELOPMENT AND FISHERY DEPARTMENT

Chandigarh, March 27:

The Punjab Government has constituted a Departmental Committee to encourage the farmers to opt for subsidiary occupations and to ensure the free insurance for the livestock. It was disclosed by Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike while presiding over a review meeting of the Animal Husbandry, Diary Development and Fishery Department. He said that a policy would be chalked out by this committee for the free insurance of the livestock. He said that the State Government will launch a massive campaign to generate awareness among the farmers about the various animal welfare schemes. He said that the camps have also being conducted at the village level for generating awareness among the peasantry.

In this review meeting, Mr Mandeep Singh Sidhu , Financial Commissioner Of Animal Husbandry, Diary Development And Fishery Department, Dr. H.S. Sandha, Director Animal Husbandry, Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Director Dairy Development and Dr V.k Sood, Director Fishery were also present.

During the meeting, Mr. Ranike was appraised about the vaccination campaign for foot and mouth disease in animals. The minister directed the officers to constitute district level animals welfare committees. Mr Ranike also took stock of the subsidies and loan schemes for the peasantry. The officers told that to encourage the domestication for goats and pigs in Punjab, under National Mission for Protein Supplements, a project of RKVI, amount of Rs.185.97 lakhs and Rs.303.88 lakhs respectively has been approved.

COUNSELING FOR PUNJAB STATE CIVIL SERVICES COMBINED

COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION, 2013 BE HELD ON 7TH APRIL

CHANIDIGARH, MARCH 25:

Department of Personnel, Government of Punjab, in order to bring transparency in the process of allocation of various posts to the candidates selected in the Punjab State Civil Services Combined Competitive Examination, 2013, has decided to hold counselling. While giving this information an official spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the candidates as per the list below are requested to check PPSC website http://ppsc.gov.in regarding the result of PCSCCE, 2013 and come present for the counselling on 07.04.2015 (Tuesday) at 9-30 AM in the Auditorium of Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Sector 26, Chandigarh, alongwith all original certificates/documents.

General Category (71) Merit No.1 to 72

Ex-Serviceman/LDESM Category (72/73) Merit No.1 to 2

Sports Person Category (75) Merit No.1 to 4

Physically Handicapped Category (76) Merit No.1

Scheduled Caste Others Category (77) Merit No.1 to 16

SC ESM Category (78) Merit No.1 to 2

SC LDESM Category (79) Merit No.1

Balmiki/Mazhabi Sikh Category (81) Merit No.1 to 13

Backward Class Category (85) Merit No.1 to 17

Backward Class ESM/LDESM (86/87) Merit No.1

In the event of extreme unavoidable exigency, if any candidate is unable to attend the counselling, he/she should inform about his/her willingness to join the post allocated to him/her during counselling, at the E-mail ID personnelpp3@gmail.com OR through Fax No.0172-2740553. It is made clear that if no information is received before the date of counselling, it will be presumed that he/she is not inclined to join the post being allocated to him/her and the next candidate in the merit list will be considered for that post as per his/her preference.

MAJITHIA BATS FOR MORE REPRESENTATION TO YOUTH

· Iqbal Singh Sandhu takes over as Member PSSSB

SAS Nagar, March 25: Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today advocated for due representation to youth in various boards/corporations as well as in elected bodies keeping in view the large number of youngsters. He said that by entrusting responsibilities to our youngsters, we can serve the dual purpose of recognizing the services of youth leaders in various fields besides motivating the others to follow them.

Earlier in the presence of Mr. Majithia, newly nominated member of Punjab Subordinate Services Selection (PSSSB), Mr. Iqbal Singh Sandhu today assumed his new responsibility. Congratulating, Mr. Sandhu on the occasion, Mr. Majithia thanked Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for recognizing the services of a youth leader, who worked tirelessly for strengthening the party at grass root level. He pointed out that Shiromani Akali Dal has been giving maximum representation to progressive youths both in party organization and various governmental bodies with a view to make them partner in rapid and overall development of the state. He expressed confidence that Mr. Sandhu would contribute a lot in selecting the talented and efficient youngsters for various jobs. He said that India has an advantage of having maximum youth population in the world and now it was all set to become the economic super power of the country.

Prominent amongst others, who were present on the occasion, included, Mr. Santa Singh Umaidpur, Chairman, Mr. Gurmit Singh Daduwal , Mr. Rajinder Sigh Dalam, Mr. Anwar Masih, all members, PSSSB and Mr. Sarbhjot Singh Sahbi, Chairman, Zila Parishad, Hoshiarpur.

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Government purchasing power as per PSERC tariff orders-Deputy CM

(Punjab has enhanced electricity rates much less as compared to other states)

Chandigarh, March 25 – Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Punjab government has been purchasing power from private thermal plants at the rates approved by the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC).

Replying to the call attention motion raised by leader of opposition Sunil Kumar Jakhar, Deputy Chief Minister said the data provided by Jakhar was not official and not based on actual figures. “At Present, two private thermal plants NPL Rajpura and TSPL Talwandi Sabo are supplying power in Punjab. These plants were selected through a global bidding as per case-II bidding policy of the union ministry of power and the PPA to purchase of power was signed with them only after approval by the PSERC”, he added.

Quoting the actual figures, Mr. Badal said State Government has purchased power from private thermal plants at the rate of Rs 3.59 per unit during 2013-14 and Rs 3.84 per unit during 2014-15 as per PPA as approved by the PSERC. He said the marginal increase in rate was fixed by Regulatory Commission on the basis of increase in coal and transportation charges.

Mr. Badal said Punjab has enhanced electricity rates much less as compared to other states. He informed that Punjab has increased power rates only by 2.74 percent whereas Uttar Pradesh increased the rates by 40 percent, Madhya Pradesh by 14 percent and Delhi by 28 percent.

Comparing the power rates being levied on heavy industry, Mr. Badal said Punjab has been charging Rs. 7.4 per unit against Rs. 8.53 by Haryana, Rs. 10.18 by Delhi, Rs 9.50 by Maharashtra and 8.14 by Madhya Pradesh.

Deputy CM said the tariff orders of PSERC for the current year were awaited and it was expected that it would be a balanced order which would take into account the interests of power sector and consumers. He added that the initiatives taken by Punjab government to enhance power production would further improve the power situation in the state. EOM

SPEAKER HONOURS OFFICE BEARERS OF PROF. MOHAN SINGH MEMORIAL FOUNDATION AND GADARI MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 25:

Dr. Charanjit Singh Attwal, Speaker, Punjab Legislative Assembly has honoured Mr. Sahib Singh Thind, President, Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation, Canada, Ms. Jasveer Kaur Gill, grand daughter of Shahid Banta Singh Sanghwal, Mr. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal ,President, Gadari Memorial Foundation, USA, Mr . Bhupinder Singh Sandhu, President, Aalmi Punjbi Virasat Manch, Mr. Gurbhajan Singh Gill, Ex-President, Punjabi Sahitya Academy, Ludhiana, Mr. Jagwinder Singh Thind, Chairman, Virasat Kala Manch, Canada, Mr. Ramesh Yadav,President, Folk Lore Research Academy, Mr Pargat Singh Grewal, President, Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation,Ludhiana and Mr Rajiv Sharma at his office in Vidhan Sabha complex. Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka and former Chief Minister Bibi Rajinder Kaur Bhattal also present during the occasion.

Dr. Atwal said that this is the moment of pride not only for our state but for the entire nation and this will be the true wreath for those who have laid their lives for our independence. While honouring them he feels pride as these personalities has been fighting for the cause of patriotism. During session, Punjab Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed the resolution regarding apology to the Kamagata Maru incident by the Canadian Parliament on their request.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT INKS MoU WITH TMC TO SET UP HOMI BHABHA CANCER HOSPITAL (HBCH) AT SANGRUR

MOVE AIMED AT IMPARTING QUALITY CANCER DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT FACILITIES TO THE PEOPLE OF MALWA REGION

HBCH TO ACT AS OUTREACH CENTRE TO UPCOMING HOMI BHABHA CANCER HOSPITAL RESEARCH CENTRE AT MULLANPUR

OPDS MADE OPERATIONAL AT HBCH EVEN BEFORE ITS FORMAL INAUGURATION

Chandigarh, March 25-

In a bid to impart the best quality diagnostic and treatment facilities to the people in the cancer affected Malwa region of the state, the Punjab Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) Mumbai for setting up Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH) at Sangrur.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that this MoU was signed by Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mrs. Vini Mahajan and Director TMC Mr. R.A. Badwe on behalf of the Punjab government and TMC respectively in the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, on Tuesday late evening. The MoU was a part of the ongoing endeavors of the Punjab government to completely eliminate the curse of cancer from the state.

The spokesperson further said that HBCH would be set up at Civil Hospital, Sangrur and would act as an Outreach facility to the upcoming Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital Research Centre at Mullanpur, Mohali (SAS Nagar) district. The HBCH would be established by the Tata Memorial Center (TMC) Mumbai within the premises of Civil Hospital to provide best cancer treatment to the people of the Malwa region. The main aim of setting up HBCH was to set up a Cancer care facility in District Civil Hospital, Sangrur for catering the population of the Sangrur and other adjoining districts of the Malwa region.

The HBCH would have 10 day care beds, three Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, three recovery beds and eight inpatient beds. This centre would also be equipped with high end cancer diagnostic and treatment facilities and RT treatment requirements like 3D-CRT, SRS, IMRT, IGRT, etc. besides having chemotherapy and surgical facility. This centre was a part of the state government commitment to eradicate the menace of cancer from Punjab by setting up state-of-the art cancer diagnostic and treatment centers across the state. It is estimated that the HBCH would cater to about 2500 to 3000 cancer patients in the coming four to five years.

It may be recalled that the state-of-the-art equipment and latest machines have been installed at HBCH, Sangrur and the cancer patients were being diagnosed and treated in the OPD besides few critical patients have been operated upon even before the formal launch of this cancer hospital, which was likely to be inaugurated shortly.

THREE DAY CAMPAIGN TO NAB TOBACCO VIOLATIONS

MORE THAN 800 VIOLATORS CHALLANED FOR VIOLATION OF ANTI-TOBACCO ACT/BAN ON CHEWABLE TOBACCO : JAYANI

Chandigarh March 25: Punjab Health Minister, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jyani today said that raids on more than 1400 eateries & Pan/Cigarette Shops were conducted to check violations /Ban on chewable tobacco(Food Safety & Standard Act of India (FSSAI))/E-Cigarettes(Drugs & Cosmetics Act) /Hukkah Bars, in compliance to the directions of Hon'ble High Court COTPA/FSSAI which were being effectively implemented and monitored regularly at the state level.

As many as 800 violators were challaned during a special 3 day campaign which was conducted in all districts of Punjab to check use of Tobacco and Nicotine , Hukkah Bar and illegal sale of E-Cigarettes, Loose cigarettes and flavoured/scented chewable tobacco. First ever initiative in India, such campaigns would continue in future to protect the youth from abuse of tobacco/Nicotine, said Mr. Jayani.

The Minister has directed the Health officials to keep a strict vigil against sale of tobbaco for strict compliance of Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).

Ms.Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary Health said that compliance studies have been completed in all districts of Punjab by School of Public Health PGI Chandigarh.

Mr. Hussan Lal, Secretary Health cum Commissioner, FDA said that a State Level Sensitization workshop for all District Health Officers, Drug Inspectors, Food Inspectors & SSP & Deputy Commissioner representatives has been held prior to a special campaign . The officers concerned were directed to send the reports to State Headquarter of this campaign.

He reiterated that all kinds of chewable tobacco and sale of loose cigarettes is banned in Punjab and licence of a commercial establishment can be cancelled in case of violation of Tobacco Control Act as per latest notification of Punjab government. He appealed to common people to help Government in this endeavor.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT WITHDRAWS REGULATORY CLEARANCES GRANTED TO MEAT PLANT IN GHANAURI KALAN

DECISION TAKEN BY PBIP ON THE BASIS OF REPORT OF DC SANGRUR IN PUBLIC INTEREST

Chandigarh, March 24: Acceding to the request of local residents in the vicinity of Ghanauri Kalan, the Punjab government has immediately withdrawn the Letter of Regulatory Clearances II issued for setting up of a meat plant at Village Ghanauri Kalan in Tehsil Dhuri of Sangrur district in the larger public interest.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that the Letter of Regulatory Clearances II consisting the approval of Proposed Building Plans submitted by the industry under Factories Acts, 1948 and Punjab Factory Rules, 1952 granted to M/S Shanoor Foods Private Limited by the Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion (PBIP) on January 13, 2015 for setting up the Meat Plant at Village Ghanauri Kalan in Tehsil Dhuri of Sangrur district has been withdrawn forth with in the public interest. The PBIP has further directed the industry not to take any further development/construction activity regarding setting up of this Meat Plant.

It may be recalled that as per the report of Deputy Commissioner Office, Sangrur, M/S Shanoor Foods Private Limited had already started construction in October 2014. Whereas, as per the record of the Joint Director Factories, PBIP has approved Building Plan on December 12, 2014. Besides, Letter of Regulatory Clearances (LoRC II) was issued on January 13, 2015, thus, violating LoRC’s conditions. After consideration of the violation of the LoRC conditions and the report of the Deputy Commissioner, Sangrur about the possible law & order problem due to the ongoing public agitation, the PBIP has decided to reconsider the Regulatory Clearances.

The Deputy Commissioner, Sangrur has informed that the nearby residents of the area had been complaining against the setting up of this meat/slaughtering plant apprehending water & soil pollution, which may cause serious epidemic in the area. This agitation was also supported by various social & religious organizations of the area. The Deputy Commissioner Office, Sangrur has informed that the matter has been further investigated by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Dhuri & Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dhuri. Subsequently, the Deputy Commissioner, Sangrur on the basis of their report has recommended that the PBIP should reconsider the decision for installation of the meat plant at Village Ghanauri Kalan by M/S Shanoor Foods Private Limited in view of the apprehension in the minds of the Local Community regarding pollution and health effects, hurting of the religious sentiments and emerging law and order situation in the area due to proposed installation of the plant and requested the PBIP to take further necessary action in the matter.

The spokesperson further said that on based on the report submitted by Deputy Commissioner, Sangrur, the PBIP has decided to reconsider the above mentioned regulatory clearances granted to the industry and thus withdrawn the letter in the public interest.

Harsimrat Badal announces setting up of 17 mega food parks

(Punjab Agro and Sukhjit Starch to establish food parks in State)

Chandigarh March 24 -Union Food Processing Industries Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal today announced allocation of 17 mega food parks, entailing a total investment of Rs 2,100 crore, to various states and private ventures including two parks for Punjab.

Mrs Badal announced sanctioning of these 17 mega food parks for Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Bihar. These parks need to be set up within 30 months.

Punjab Agro Industries Corporation would set up a multi product mega food park on 100 acres of land at Ladhowal Farm, Ludhiana at a cost of Rs.140.5 core for which land has been allotted by State Government. Sukhjit starch would establish its park at Rehana Jattan, Phagwara costing Rs. 120 crore.

These projects are expected to attract an investment of over Rs. 6,000 crore and have the potential to provide employment to around 80,000 people. These projects are expected to benefit over 50,000 farmers. She added the ministry had sanctioned 42 projects out of which 25 parks have already been allocated.

She informed that the ministry has till date sanctioned 112 integrated cold chain projects with a grant of Rs. 935 crore and private investment of Rs 1800 crore. Out of these, 48 cold chain projects have already been completed.

Union Minister said in order to provide impetus to the food processing industries, excise duty on food processing and packaging machinery reduced from 10% to 6%. A special fund of Rs. 2000 crore has been set up in National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to provide affordable credit to the food processing units to be setup in designated food parks. Besides, a food map of India identifying surplus raw material has been prepared and uploaded on the Ministry website.

Mrs Badal said States have been asked to put forth proposals for sanctioning of new food parks. "It would be ensured that at least one mega food park is established in every state", she added.

Mrs Badal stressed that food processing units would augment income of farmers, generate employment, facilitate provisioning of clean and hygienic food at affordable rates besides plugging post harvest wastage.

The Mega Food Park Scheme, based on cluster approach, is aimed at facilitating the establishment of strong food processing industry backed by an efficient supply chain, which includes collection centres, central processing center (CPC) and cold chain infrastructure. These parks would provide various facilities to food processors, farmers, retailers and exporters, helping achieve faster growth of food processing industries.

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CM HOPES THAT NDA GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE CARE OF INTERESTS OF THE FARMERS

REITERATES FIRM COMMITMENT OF SAD TO SAFEGUARD THE RIGHTS OF ‘FOOD GROWERS’ OF NATION

TERMS PUNJAB MODEL OF LAND ACQUISITION AS ‘IDEAL’ FOR COUNTRY

HAILS UNION GOVERNMENT FOR ALLOCATING SEVERAL BIG TICKET PROJECTS TO THE STATE

ANNOUNCES TO SPEND RS 227 CRORE OF UPGRADATION AND RENOVATION OF GOVERNMENT COLLEGES

INAUGURATES STUDENT CENTRE AT GOVERNMENT COLLEGE DERA BASSI

Dera Bassi (SAS Nagar), March 24-

Reiterating the firm commitment of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to safeguard the interests of the farmers, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed hope that the NDA government at centre would watch the interests ‘food growers’ of the nation while amending the ‘Land Acquisition Bill’.

Interacting with the media persons after inaugurating newly built students centre at Government College Dera Bassi here today, the Chief Minister said that he had urged the Union government to ensure adequate compensation, consent and rehabilitation of the farmers before acquiring even an inch of their land. Mr. Badal said that even the NDA government would take care of the interests of the farmers, while amending the ‘Land Acquisition Bill’, in the larger interest of the nation. Citing the example of the state government, he said that in Punjab the farmers had been fully compensated whenever any land had been acquired for development. “Ever since assuming power in 2007 we have been pursuing a pro-farmer policy of land acquisition, which is a role model for the entire country” he added.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that in a short span of its rule the NDA government led by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has given several key projects to the state, which would be instrumental in putting the state further on high growth trajectory. He said that Sri Amritsar Sahib the holy city of the state has been chosen as heritage city under the HRIDAY scheme, which would ensure flow of central assistance worth hundred crores of Rupees for its development. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that Jallianwala Bagh has been included amongst Cultural World Heritage Site to receive special assistance for improving the infrastructure.

The Chief Minister also hailed the NDA government for allocating prestigious projects like All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and Post Graduate Horticulture Research and Educational Institute. He further said that this was for the first time ever since independence that a Union government has given such key projects to the state. “This demonstrates a special concern of the NDA government for the patriotic people of Punjab, which must be appreciated by one and all” added Mr. Badal.

Earlier addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister listed the path breaking initiatives taken by the state government for developing the education sector in the state. He said that the state government has accorded top priority to the education sector so that students could be imparted quality education in Punjab. Mr. Badal also announced that the state government would soon commence the batch of post graduate classes from the Government College, Dera Bassi. He also said that the state government was spending Rs 227 crore for the renovation and upgradation of the 41 government colleges across the state.

Later, the Chief Minister also felicitated the prominent dignitaries including eminent Punjabi singer Mr. Gurdas Mann.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. NK Sharma, Chairman District Planning Committee Patiala Mr. Deepinder Singh Dhillon, his Special Principal Secretary Dr. S Karunaraju and Deputy Commissioner Mr. TPS Sidhu.

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PUNJAB NOTIFIES ENHANCED DA FOR ITS STAFF

- TO BE PAYABLE WITH THE SALARY OF MARCH

Chandigarh, March 24: The Punjab Government today notified enhanced dearness allowance for its staff.

According to letter issued by Finance Department dearness allowance due to employees and pensioners w.e.f. 1-7-2014 would be paid to them from March 2015. With the enhancement of DA, employees would be eligible for DA @ 107% of basic pay/pension against 100% presently being paid to them.

The letter clarified that enhanced DA would be paid in cash with the salary/pension for the month of March 2015.

PAU Rolls Out Seeds List in Kisan Mela

Gurdaspur and Bathinda to host Agri Fest soon

Chandigarh, March 24:

Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, today announced the roll of seeds for upcoming Agriculture Fest in the state. The Punjab Government made sure about the quality and excellence of seeds for the farmers of the state.

While disclosing the spokesperson said that Gurdaspur and Bathinda districts would be hosting forthcoming Agricultural Fest. The theme of Kisan Mela would be ‘Adopt diversification, save nature’. He said that seeds of improved varieties of different Kharif crops and fruit plants recommended will be main attraction of the Mela. The seeds of new variety of rice PR 124 will also be distributed on this occasion.

He said that the list of upcoming quality tested seeds for farmers has been produced by the experts for the betterment of the crop results. The upgraded seeds for paddy named as PR 124, PR 123, PR 122, PR 121, PR 118, PR 114, and PR 111. The upgraded seeds of Basmati named as Punjab Basmati 3, PUSA Punjab Basmati 1509, and PUSA Basmati 1121. The fodder seeds like Maize J 1006, pearl millet F BC 16 were the specialized, tested and approved seeds. The new specialised cotton crop seeds of LD 327, FD K124, LH 2108 and LH 2076 were also proficiently tested.

While encouraging woman power of the state, he further said that the Farm-women will be provided technical know-how with respect to household activities. The farming handouts will be provided at the event of Kisan Mela.

PM ASSURES FULSOME SUPPORT AND COOPERATION FOR RESOLUTION OF ISSUES CONCERNING THE STATE

RECALLS HIS STRONG ‘BLOOD RELATIONS’ WITH PUNJAB

ANNOUNCES TO NAME THE UPCOMING POST GRADUATE INSTITUTE OF HORTICULTURE ON SHAHEED BHAGAT SINGH

CM BATS FOR OPENING OF TRADE THROUGH HUSSAINIWALA AND SADKI BORDER POSTS

URGES PM TO START SPECIAL SCHEME FOR DEVELOPMENT OF BORDER AREAS

URGES MODI TO GIVE FREE HAND TO STATES FOR LAND ACQUISITION

ADVOCATES REMUNERATIVE MSP FOR FARMERS

THANKS MODI FOR GIVIN IMPORTANT PROJECTS TO THE STATE

SEEKS UPWARD REVISION IN THE COMPENSATION FOR NATURAL DISASTER

Hussainiwala (Ferozepur), March 23-

Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi today assured the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal that the Government of India (GoI) would take every possible step for solving the issues concerning the state besides giving further fillip to the ongoing development of the state.

Addressing the massive gathering during a national level function to observe the Martyrdom day of Shaheed-e-Aazam Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru here today, the Prime Minister, while recalling his strong ‘blood relation’ with Punjab, said that every effort would be made to ensure the overall development of the state and prosperity of its people. Mr. Modi said that he would sit with the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and chalk out the strategy to sort out the issues raised by him. The Prime Minister said that he was highly indebted to Punjab for giving him wide political and social experience during his stay in the state for over two decades. Describing Mr. Badal as the senior most politician of the country, who was highly revered and loved by the people of Punjab, the Prime Minister said that he was honored to have been politically groomed by Mr. Badal, who was one of the most visionary politicians of the country, during his stay in the state.

Announcing a slew of incentives for the state, the Prime Minister announced that GoI has decided to enhance the allocation of state under the next five year plan to Rs 54000 crore instead of existing Rs 20000 crore. Likewise, he said that the allocation for development of the urban local bodies and Panchayat bodies has been enhanced to Rs 6000 crore annually from existing Rs 4000 crore. As a tribute to legendary martyr Shaheed-e-Aazam Bhagat Singh, Mr. Modi also announced to name the upcoming Horticulture research at Amritsar on the name of Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

Expressing concern over the depleting water table in the state, the Prime Minister, while coining the slogan of ‘per drop, more crop, exhorted the farmers to adopt scientific ways and means like use of Sprinkle irrigation for enhancing their yield. Likewise, he called upon the farmers to make minimum use of fertilizers for maintain the soil health of their farms. Mr. Modi also asked the farmers to make optimum utilization of soil health card scheme initiated by the Union Government for welfare of the farmers. The Prime Minister also assured the farmers that the Union government was sympathetically looking into the possibility of compensating the farmers affected by the recent hailstorm.

Earlier in his address, the Chief Minister batted for the opening of trade through Hussainiwala and Sadki borders in the state for promoting economic activity in the region. He said that the border towns of the state were the most prosperous towns of Punjab but the partition of the country had inflicted a serious blow to these towns. Citing the example of Ferozepur town, Mr. Badal said that once this city witnessed tremendous activity but now it almost gave a deserted look. “With the opening of these borders the economy of state will get a major boost thereby resulting in the prosperity of its people” he added.

Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister urged Mr. Modi to take up the issue of bringing the list of items traded through the Attari border at par with those exported through the Mumbai-Karachi sea route. He also impressed upon the Prime Minister evolve a special scheme for developing the border areas/ cities of the state so that the brave people of border areas could get their due. Mr. Badal also urged the Prime Minister to restart the special scheme for providing special relief to the farmers having land across the border.

The Chief Minister also said that ever since coming to power in 2007 their government has been following a pro-farmer policy of land acquisition, which should be replicated at the national level. He said that the state government had acquired every inch of land for the development projects with the express consent of the farmers. Mr. Badal also advocated that the GoI should give free hand to the states regarding the acquisition of land both for the state and union projects.

Batting for remunerative Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the farmers, the Chief Minister said that it was the need of the hour to combat the current agrarian crisis. He said that in order to promote the crop diversification in the state, the Union government should also provide MSP to the alternative crops. Mr. Badal also sought upward revision in the compensation for natural disaster to the farmers as the existing sum was meager and inadequate. “The hard working and resilient farmers of the state must be given their due in recognition to their immense contribution for making the country self reliant in food production” he added.

Earlier paying floral tributes to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, the Chief Minister said that these great sons of the soil had laid down their life for emancipating the country from the shackles of foreign imperialism. However, he said that dreams of these martyrs still remain unfulfilled as the country was confronting a number of social maladies. Mr. Badal said that it was a matter of great pride and satisfaction for him that the newly constituted NDA government at centre was giving due recognition to the immense contribution of these martyrs.

Listing the spectacular achievements of the NDA government in a short span of time, the Chief Minister said that the GoI under the visionary and dynamic leadership of Mr. Modi have taken path breaking initiatives for ensuring the progress and growth of the country. Mr. Badal lauded the Prime Minister for ushering in an era of cooperative federalism in the country aimed at giving more powers to the state. He said that due to the far sighted approach of Mr. Modi the states were getting more share in the devolution of central taxes.

The Chief Minister said that with the formation of NITI Aayog at the centre a new ray of hope has emerged for the all-round development of the states. “The time has come when the Chief Ministers of the states will have more say in the formulation of policies aimed at welfare of the people” added Mr. Badal.

The Chief Minister also lauded the Prime Minister for choosing Sri Amritsar Sahib as heritage city under the HRIDAY scheme. He said that under the scheme the city would get several hundred crores of Rupees for its development. Mr. Badal also thanked the Prime Minister for including Jallianwala Bagh among Cultural World Heritage Site to receive special assistance for improving the infrastructure. He also lauded the NDA government for allocating prestigious projects like All India Institute of Medical Science, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and Post Graduate Horticulture Research and Educational Institute. “This is the first time ever since independence that a Central government has demonstrated a special concern for the patriotic people of Punjab” he added.

While welcoming the Prime Minister, state BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma lauded him ensuring the overall development of the country. He said that Mr. Modi has made the entire country feel proud by taking unprecedented steps aimed the development of the country and prosperity of its people.

Earlier the Prime Minister and Mr. Badal paid homage at the samadhis of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, BK Dutt and Rajmata Vidyawati. Mr. Modi also felicitated the members of families of these martyrs.

Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Union Food Processing Minister Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Minister of state for Social Justice and Empowerment Mr. Vijay Sampla, Cabinet Ministers Jathedar Tota Singh, Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat and Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon and Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya.

CM CONDOLES DEATH OF FORMER MINISTER KARAM SINGH JAGIRDAR

DEPUTY CM AND MAJITHIA ALSO MOURNS DEATH OF FORMER MINISTER

Chandigarh, March 23-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of veteran Akali leader and former state Minister Mr. Karam Singh Jagirdar who passed away on Sunday evening at village Bolewal (near Batala) after a prolonged illness. He is survived by two daughters.

Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with members of the bereavedfamily, the Chief Minister recalled the selfless services rendered by Mr. Karam Singh as MLA, Minister and SGPC member for the welfare of people. It may be recalled that Mr. Karam Singh Jagirdar had served as the state Minister in Punjab government from 1969.

The Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family, relatives and friends to bear this irreplaceable loss.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also mourned the death of Mr. Karam Singh and shared their condolences with the members of the bereaved family.

Indian Railways and Punjab to form a joint company to fast track improvement in rail infrastructure

(Amritsar station to be developed as ultra modern commercial hub)

(Khatkar Kalan railway station to be upgraded)

(Train service between Jaijon Doaba-Amritsar to be restored)

Each constituency to be provided Rs 25 crore for repair of link roads-Sukhbir Badal

(100 percent water and sewerage facilities to be provided at cost of Rs 3,500 crore)

(Punjab to encourage Desi Kushti and martial art Gatka)

Khatkar Kalan (SBS Nagar), March 23: In a first of its kind project, the Indian Railways and the Punjab government have decided to form a joint company to fast track planned rail projects in the State as well as take up new projects, including creation of ultra modern railway stations and laying new railway tracks.

Announcing a first of its own kind joint development venture for the railways here along with Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal after attending a public rally Union Railways Minister Mr. Suresh Prabhu said the new venture would transform the Indian Railways and make it a truly modern entity.

Addressing the media after paying homage to the great martyrs Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev at the ancestral village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, the Railways minister said the initiative would result in connecting missing rail links in the State besides modernising important stations with modernising of the Amritsar station being the first initiative under this partnership.

Mr Sukhbir Badal disclosed that the new Amritsar railway station would have a shopping mall besides modern office spaces. He said with a decision on this already being taken in principle Punjab would be the first station to be taken up for modernisation under this scheme in the country.

Meanwhile speaking at the public rally, Mr Prabhu announced that the railway station here would be upgraded and the train service would be started between Jaijon Doaba and Amritsar via Nawan Shahr and Khatkar Kalan.

On the demand put forth by local MP Mr. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Mr. Prabhu assured survey of new railway track between Rahon and Samrala to connect Khatkar Kalan with rest of country. He said Union Government has also decided to connect all commercial towns near to the borders with railway tracks. He said necessary discussions in this regard have been held between Railway and Defence Ministries.

While paying homage to martyrs, Mr. Prabhu lauded the sacrifices made by the Punjabis during freedom struggle. He said Punjab had also made the country self reliant on food security front as well as protecting the borders of the countries.

In his address, Punjab Deputy CM recalled the immense contribution of Punjabis especially Sikhs in the freedom movement. He said he had got an opportunity to visit Andaman Island, where he read in a commemoration plaque that 80 per cent of those who gave their lives for freedom struggle were Punjabis. To create awareness among the young generation about freedom struggle, he said Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal had established Jang-e-Azadi memorial besides Virasat-e-Khalsa, and Ghallugara memorials to conserve and propogate our heritage and culture.

Mr. Badal also informed the people that the NDA government had approved various projects for Punjab just within 9 months of its formation. He said Railway Minister's go ahead for linking Anandpur Sahab with Amritsar and Rs. 20000 crore road projects by Surface Highways Minister Mr. Nitin Gadkari would give a new boost to the ongoing development in the state. He announced that in the next two years all major roads to be four lane and six lane.

The Deputy CM also said that he had challenged Mr. Sunil Jakhar in Vidhan Sabha to showcase a single important project which Capt Amarinder Singh government had achieved in its five year term. He said on the other hand SAD-BJP regime had promised and made Punjab a power surplus state. He said by July Punjab would witness 2174 Sewa Kendras in rural and urban areas to provide more than 200 citizen centric services at the doorsteps.

Mr. Badal also announced that in next one and half year 100 percent water and sewerage facilities would be provided in all towns and cities at a cost of Rs 3,500 crore. He said in rural areas Rs 20 to 25 crore would be provided in each constituency to ensure all essential services including repair of link roads.

Extending an emotional appeal to the young generation, Mr. Badal said youngsters should ensure not to get ensnared into drugs. He said Punjab government was encouraging its mother sport Kabaddi and now have decided to encourage Desi Kushti and traditional martial art Gatka in the state. He also disclosed that to promote sports, Punjab had setup Punjab Institute of Sports, where 6000 budding sportspersons would be imparted free coaching, training, diet and accommodation facilities.

While thanking the Railways Minister for introducing unique center-states joint company, Mr. Badal demanded that to link Malwa with state capital, a missing rail link between Rajpura and Mohali, should be undertaken on priority basis besides linking Punjab and Himachal Pradesh by laying track between Anandpur Sahib and Garhshankar.

Member Parliament Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal(all cabinet ministers), Chaudhary Nand Lal, Bibi Mohinder Kaur Josh, Mr. Som Parkash, Mr. Avinash Chander, Mr. Pawan Kumar Tinu (all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries), Bibi Jagir Kaur, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Mr. Gurpartap Singh Wadala and Mr. Pargat Singh and Thekedar Surinder Singh Bhulewal Rathan (all MLAs), Mr. Tikshan Sud, Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Arunesh Shakir former Minister, Dr. S.K. Sukhi, chairman District Planning Committee and Bibi Satinder Kaur Kariha also spoke on the occasion. EOM

Suresh Prabhu and Sukhbir Singh Badal flag off new express train to connect Sri Anandpur sahib and Amritsar

ü Railway Minister announces to construct 6 ROBs besides a model railway station at Sri Anandpur Sahib

ü Sri Anandpur Sahib to be developed as tourist hub

Shri Anandpur sahib, march 23

Punjab today witnessed a historic day as Union Minister for Railway Mr. Suresh Prabhu and Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal flagged off a express train to connect two Takhats of Sikh Panth, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Amritsar. The train will run on a daily basis from Vaisakhi between Nangal-Sri Anandpur Sahib and Amritsar via Samrala-Ludhiana and Jalandhar.

Today in a function at the Sri Anandpur Sahib railway station alongwith the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Union Minister said that “it is a matter of pride for me to flag of the train at the place where guru Gobind Singh Ji laid the foundation of khasla panth to counter the cruel Mughal empire and to serve the nation. He said the new train would connect two takhats of Sikh Panth, which was a long pending demand of Punjab.

On the demand of Punjab Government he also announced to construct 6 ROBs at Ropar, Garshankar, Kurali, Gharota, Bahlu and Morinda besides making Sri Anandpur Sahib a model railway station. He also sought cooperation from the Punjab Government for the cleanness campaign of railways, besides calling upon religious leaders like Giani Mall Singh , Jathedar of Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib, to take it as a “Kar Sewa”.

Congratulating the Punjabis ,the deputy chief minister announced that the State would develop Sri Anandpur Sahib as a tourist hub as after Virasat-E-Khalsa this train would give a big boost to the tourism sector in the state besides facilitating devotees. He said Punjab had already initiated the dialogue with international companies to provide laser show services here.

He said it was only the SAD-BJP government under the leadership of chief minister Mr. Prakash singh Badal which had initiated projects like Virasat -E-Khalsa in 1997 to showcase the rich legacy and culture of Sikhism and Punjab to next generation.

The Deputy Chief Minister also announced that a world class sports stadium would be constructed at Sri Anandpur Sahib where traditional Sikh art games and other sports would be held.

Later on talking to media persons the Railway Minister said that in this year new 3500 unmanned railway crossings would be covered besides constructing 900 ROBs across the nation. He also announced to set up a separate company for better coordination between Punjab Government and Union Ministry to implement the railway projects in Punjab.

The newly flagged off new express train between Nangal-Sri Anandpur sahib and Amritsar have air conditioned chair car , three tier AC and general class accommodation with luggage van coaches . The train would have a stoppage at Kurali , Samrala , Ludhiana and Jalandhar City .

Earlier railway minister Mr Suresh Prabhu and Deputy chief Minister paid obeisance at Takhat Sri kesgarh sahib where Jathedar Giani Mal singh presented "siropa" to them.

Jathedar Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Mall Singh, MP Prem Singh Chandumajra and Industry Minister Madan Mohal Mittal also addressed the gathering .

Prominent amongst present on the occasion included Education minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema and Rural Development Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka.

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FOUR FILE NOMINATION PAPERS ON 7TH DAY

Chandigarh March 23:

On the seventh day of filing nomination papers for the Dhuri by election to be held on April 11, as many as 4 candidates filed their papers.

According to a spokesperson of the Chief Electoral Office Punjab, Mr. Simarpratap Singh of Indian national Congress has filed his nomination papers. Three independent candidates, Mr. Ranjit Bhasin, Mr. Rattan Lal and Mr. Gurpreet Singh also filed their papers.

MAJOR RELIEF TO PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE STATE

CABINET DECIDES TO INTRODUCE A SCHEME FOR REGISTERING THEIR PROPERTIES AT THE RATES PREVALENT ON THE TIME OF ALLOTMENT BY GOVERNMENT AND SEMI GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES

NOD FOR ENHANCING SALARY AND PERKS OF SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER OF PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA

SALARY OF CHIEF MINISTER, DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER, MINISTERS, CHIEF PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES AND MLAs/ EX-MLAs HIKED

Chandigarh, March 19, 2015

In a major relief to the property holders who have been allotted plots by the government and semi government authorities, the Punjab Cabinet today gave approval for getting the conveyance deeds registered at the rates prevalent at the time of allotment.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Cabinet during its meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at Punjab Bhawan, this afternoon.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Cabinet has decided to give a period of two months to all those allottees who had paid all the installments of their properties but could not get the conveyance deeds registered. It is pertinent to mention that the allottees were permitted to get the conveyance deeds registered within a specific time at the allotment price. However, some of the allottees could not get the conveyance deeds registered within that allowed time period due to various reasons. They have been making representations to the Revenue Department that they might be given another chance to do so. Taking a considerate and sympathetic view the Cabinet decided to give a last chance to such allottees to get the conveyance deeds registered within a period of two months from the date of notification of this decision failing which such properties would be registered at the prevalent collector rates.

Likewise, the Cabinet also amended “The Punjab Legislative Assembly Speaker’s and Deputy Speaker’s Salary Act”, “East Punjab Ministers Salary Act 1947”, “The Punjab Ministers Travelling Allowance Rules, 1953” and the rules governing the travelling allowance of Chief Parliamentary Secretaries and Parliamentary Secretaries and others dated November 23, 2006 and January 31, 2011, “The Punjab Legislative (Salary and Allowances of Members) Act 1942” and “The Punjab State Legislature Members (Pension and Medical Facilities Regulation) Act 1977” to enhance the salary/ pension, allowances, ex-gratia grants and other perks of Chief Minister, Speaker and Deputy Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Ministers including Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries and MLAs/ ex-MLAs.

Based on the demands raised in the Legislative assembly, the General Purposes Committee of the house considered the existing salaries and perks of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, Ministers including Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition. The Cabinet considered the report of the General Purpose Committee of the house and also considered the salary and perks prevalent in the states of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. After due and deliberate consideration, the Cabinet accepted the report of the committee regarding enhancement in the salaries and perks of the Chief Minister, Speaker and Deputy Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Ministers including Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries and MLAs/ ex-MLAs.

As per this decision, the salary of Speaker and Deputy Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha would be enhanced from existing Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000. Likewise, he salary of Chief Minister has been hiked from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh and that of Ministers including Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 besides the salary of Chief Parliamentary Secretaries would be Rs 40,000 against the existing Rs 20,000. Similarly, the salary/ pension of MLAs/ ex-MLAs too have been revised from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000. The Cabinet also gave approval to revise certain allowances and perks admissible to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Chief Minister, Ministers including Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries and MLAs/ ex-MLAs.

It may be recalled that the last revision in the salaries and perks of Chief Minister, Speaker and Deputy Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Ministers including Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries and MLAs/ ex-MLAs was made in year 2010. Even after this revision the Chief Minister, Speaker and Deputy Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Ministers including Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries and MLAs/ ex-MLAs would still be paid less than what their respective counterparts in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh were drawing. The aforementioned bills to bring relevant amendments would be placed in the ongoing session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha for enactment.

RAKHRA DISBURSES CHEQUES WORTH RS. 1.50 CRORE TO THREE GOVERNMENT COLLEGES

CHANDIGARH, 19 MARCH:

Punjab Higher Education and Language Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra today handed over cheques worth Rs. 1.50 crore to three Government Colleges at Punjab Bhawan Chandigarh. This amount would be spent on providing state of the art ultra modern facilities to the colleges.

During this occasion Mr. Rakhra distributed the cheques of Rs. 50 lakh each to the Principals of Government College Mohali, Government College for Girls, Ludhiana and Government College Hoshiarpur. Mr. Rakhra said that under Rashtriya Uchh Sikhya Abhiyan (RUSA) an amount of Rs. 4 crore each college has been earmarked and out of this the first installment of 25 percent of the total amount has been today handed over to the colleges. He said that this amount has been given to the colleges for the upgradation of the existing infrastructure, constructions of new smart class rooms and procurement of lab equipments, etc.

Mr. Rakhra said that the government has decided to release Rs. 4 crore each to 3 government colleges and Rs 2 crore each to 37 colleges in order to provide quality and cost effective higher education. He said that 37 colleges have already received the amount of 25-25 lakhs as their first installment. Prominent among others who were present at the occasion included Principal Secretary, Higher Education Mr. Roshan Shunkaria and Director RUSA Mr. T.K.Goyal.

Punjab Right to Service Commission to hold Lok Adalats

Chandigarh, March 19:

Punjab Right to Service Commission has taken the initiative to hold Lok Adalats at the district headquarters where large numbers of cases are pending beyond time line.

While disclosing this spokesperson of the Commission said that the Commission had also recommended to the State Government to computerize the data.

He expanded that more than 42 officers/officials have also been penalized who have failed to deliver the notified services without sufficient cause during the year 2014-15. Two applicants have also been compensated out of this penalty amount.

INSPECTION OF NURSING COLLEGES AT PERIODIC ENDS TO ENSURE IMPLEMENT ALL INDIA NURSING COUNCIL’S GUIDELINES: JOSHI

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 19:

The Punjab Government has issued instructions to do the inspections in all the Nursing/Dental/Ayurvedic colleges regularly at periodic ends to take stock of the availability of proper infrastructure.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Anil Joshi, Medical Education and Research Minister said that it has been found that at some Nursing colleges the posts of principal and vice principal have been laying vacant and at some colleges under qualified and inexperienced faculty is at the helm of affairs.

He said such types of practices are against the guidelines of All India Nursing Council. Mr. Joshi said that instructions have been issued to do the inspection of all these colleges and redress the problems in time bound manner.

Punjab invites applications for allotment of liquor vends

(Entire process of draw of lots to be video graphed)

Chandigarh, March 19 - Punjab Government has invited applications for allotment of retail sale licenses of Punjab medium liquor (PML) and Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) in the State for the year 2015-16 till March 23. Draw of lots will be held on March 27 and entire process would be video graphed.

A spokesman of Punjab Government today said applications may be submitted in the offices of respective AETCs in the districts. In addition applications may also be submitted in HDFC bank, Axis bank and State Bank of Patiala branches as authorized by the department. He clarified that if applicant enters the concerned AETC office or authorized bank branch before 5:00 P.M. on last day March 23, all applications would be accepted by the staff.

"Application should be furnished separately for each licensing unit or group or zone as applicable. A person can make any number of applications for any licensing unit without any upper limit", he added.

He said it would be mandatory that no licensed vendor or his/her employee would sell or deliver any liquor to any person apparently under age of twenty-five years whether for consumption by such person or by another person and whether for consumption on or off the premises of such vendor.

The liquor vends (L2, L14A and L52) situated in enclosures and prefabricated structures would be at a reasonable distance from the metallic portion of the roads. These vends would be situated at such a place that it would not cause any traffic hazard to the general public.

He also said regarding the location of vends on national highway or state highways as per the orders of hon’ble High Court dated 18-03-2014 under writ petition No. 25777 of 2012, the department has filed a special leave petition in hon’ble Supreme Court. In this case the licensees would have to abide by the compliance of decisions of hon’ble Courts, whatsoever it might be.

Spokesman also said vends should be situated at a distance of 50 meters away from a religious place/educational institutions in urban areas and 100 meters away in rural areas. The licensee should have to display anti-drinking slogans prominently “Use of alcohol is injurious to health” in English, Hindi, Gurmukhi and Urdu.

He said if any applicant has any grievance that his application or particulars given in his application have not been properly recorded by the bank, he/she may submit objections via email at excise2O1516@gmail.com by March 25 up to 2.00 PM.

The allotment of vends would be made by draw of lots which would be conducted by a committee comprising of Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner in-charge of the district, Excise and Taxation Officer (Excise) and Excise and Taxation Inspector (Excise) of the respective district in the presence of observers, representatives of media and applicants who wish to be present at the venue fixed for draw of lots, he added. EOM

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT INSTRUCTS EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES TO FOLLOW RULES FOR SAFETY OF STUDENTS

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 19:

Punjab Government has introduced a Safe School Vehicle Scheme for the purpose of providing safe transport service to school students. Disclosing this here today Punjab Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar said that all the educational institutes have been instructed to follow the rules laid down under this scheme.

The Minister said that if any institute deviated from the instructions laid down under this scheme then it would be proceeded against as per the law. He said that firm instructions have been issued to all the educational institutes that apart from operating buses under this scheme, it is the duty of the administrator of the school to make sure that every school bus should follows the security parameters as enshrined in the Safe School Vehicle Scheme.

The Minister further said that Transport department officials have been firmly instructed that if any school bus was found flouting these instructions, strict action must be taken against them because Hon'ble High Court has taken serious note of the matter of transportation of students and review would be conducted at regular intervals. Keeping this in mind it is the joint responsibility of both the Transport department and School Authorities that no compromise should be made regarding the safety of school students because four schools in Ludhiana district (Sacred Heart Convent School, D.A.V Public School , G.S.T Public School, B.C.S Public School ) were found violating the rules of this scheme and therefore Hon'ble High Court has issued a notice according to the Writ petition no. 6907 of 2009 . If any school takes this matter lightly then it will be taken serious note of by the Hon,ble High Court and the concerned school would be responsible.

HEALTH OFFICIALS RAID M/S BALAJI MEDICAL HALL BATHINDA

CONFISCATE MORE THAN 100 TYPES OF DRUGS ILLEGALLY STORED

COLLECT SAMPLES FOR QUALITY CHECK

Chandigarh 18 March: Acting on the directions of the Health Minister, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jyani to check the sale of habit forming drugs, intoxicants and spurious drugs in the state, Food & Drug Administration, Punjab has tightened its noose around the nefarious elements indulging in such activities.

In this regard, acting on a tip-off, Mr. Hussan Lal, Secretary Health cum Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, Punjab constituted 3 teams of Drugs Inspectors of district SAS Nagar and Patiala under the supervision of 2 Assistant Drugs Controllers Mr. Bhag Singh and Mr. Pardeep Mattu to raid the business premises and residential premises of two chemists of district Bathinda, who were reportedly involved in unethical trade of suspected, spurious & sub-standard quality of drugs under the wrap of "Physician Samples Not for Sale".

These teams raided the business premises of M/s Balaji Medical Hall, Hazi Rattan Chowk, Bathinda and succeeded in seizing 18 types of drugs labeled as ‘Physician Samples Not for Sale’ and drawn two samples for their quality check. Subsequently, the team raided the residential premises of Prop. of M/s Balaji Medical Hall, who was found stocking & exhibiting huge quantity of 89 types of drugs at hidden places, labeled as "Physician Samples Not for Sale" of doubtful quality. The team seized 13 samples to assess the quality of these drugs. Simultaneously, another team raided the business & residential premises of M/s Mohit Medicos, Aggarwal Colony, Bathinda from where 13 types of objectionable drugs were seized which were labeled as "Physician Samples Not for Sale". The total approximate value of the seized drugs vary from Rupees 7-8 lakhs.

In this spate, recently, the team of Food & Drugs Administration also raided licenced and unlicenced premises of certain chemists of District Sangrur & Barnala and succeeded in seizing drugs worth Rs 28 lakhs, labeled as "Physician Samples Not for Sale". The samples drawn out of aforementioned seized drugs from District Sangrur, four samples were found Spurious and ‘Not of Standard Quality’.

Mr. Hussan Lal said that FDA was keeping a vigilant eye on the activity of chemists and unscrupulous persons, who were indulging in such malpractices and would trap such anti-social elements. He said the defaulters would be dealt with sternly. He also added that the department officials who were working hard to nail the offenders would be honoured.

He disclosed that the department has decided to issue appreciation letter to Mr.Vinay Jindal, Zonal Licensing Authority who gave the lead in the recent cases of Sangrur and Bathinda.

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Sukhbir Badal welcomes fiscal turn around and new thrust given to development in the budget

Chandigarh, March 18-

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today congratulated Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa for the fiscal turn around achieved by the State along with the new thrust given to development and social welfare.

In a statement the Deputy Chief Minister also lauded the FM for adopting fiscal measures that has resulted in an 10.16 percent growth in gross state domestic product (GSDP) at for fiscal year 2014-15.

The Deputy CM said the State had also achieved fiscal consolidation as fiscal deficit had came down from 3.45 percent of GSDP in 2006-07 to 2.77 percent of GSDP in 2013-14 and was estimated at 2.97% of GSDP in 2014-15. He said it was the Parkash Singh Badal led SAD-BJP government that he adopted innovative measures to achieve 16 percent growth in own revenue collection besides adopting diligent efforts to keep the debt within manageable limits. He said the outstanding debt to GSDP ratio was pegged at 32.27 percent for the year 2014- 15, well ahead of the target of 38.7 percent set by the Finance Commission.

Highlighting the emphasis laid by Punjab government on development, Mr. Badal said that for 2013-14, the percentage of developmental expenditure to the total expenditure of the State was 52.24 percent which substantially improved to 55.39 percent in 2014-15. He said Punjab would witness further increase in pace of growth in coming year as this budget has set aside Rs. 600 crore for "Mukh Mantri Pendu Vikas Yojna" besides initiating "Punjab Urban Development Mission" to ensure 100 percent water supply, sewerage, road and street lights in urban areas.

Deputy CM said that this budget also purposed for an Entrepreneurship Development Programme to alleviate the financing difficulties being faced by the micro and small entrepreneurs. He further added that Rs. 500 crore has been allocated in the budget to setup 2174 Sewa Kendras in the state to provide citizen centric services to its citizen at their door steps.

Highlighting the importance given to sports in the budget, Mr. Badal said that following the ‘Catch them Young’ rule Government has established Punjab Institute of Sports (PIS). He said that around 6000 budding players will be identified from all over the state and will be trained in these Centres of Excellence created in different parts of the State. He said that budget also has provision of dedicated fund of Rs. 50 Crore annually for PIS besides setting up of stadiums at block levels.

Describing Industry as backbone of any economy, Mr. Badal said that Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion (PBIP) has received 153 proposals with proposed investment of about Rs 9600 crore. He said that allocation of Rs 100 Crore for ‘Entrepreneurship Development Programme’ would encourage small scale industry in the state.

Talking about skill development, Mr. Badal said that the state has purposed to invest Rs. 200 Crore on "Empowered State Skill Development Mission". He said that under this programme 2000 skill training centres for girls and 500 centres for boys would be setup in the villages in the existing infrastructure of Government schools and other buildings at village level.

Declaring budget a gift for agricultural sector, Mr. Badal said that Rs 3512 crores has been allocated to strengthen the agriculture and allied sectors in the State besides keeping Rs. 1005 crore for developing irrigation facilities.

Enlisting the features of budget concerning social welfare, Mr. Badal said that keeping Welfare of SCs, BCs and minorities on the top priority Rs 1173 crore have been allocated for welfare of SC, BC’s and minorities. He further added that the increasing the plan outlay under this head from Rs 819 crore in the annual plan 2014-15 to Rs 984 crore in 2015-16 reflected the SAD-BJP government’s commitment of development for all.

Mr. Badal said that the way this budget gave importance to women empowerment by setting aside Rs 11 crore for `Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign’ besides focusing on basic sectors like education and health was appreciable.EOM

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WORLD GALUCOMA WEEK

MORE THAN 25000 PERSONS SCREENED IN PUNJAB FOR GLAUCOMA

Chandigarh March 19: More than 25000 persons were screened in Punjab for Glaucoma during the four day free eye camp organised across the state by the Punjab government from March 9 to March 13.

Disclosing this here today Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani said that the camps have been organised under National Programme for Control of Blindness free eye camps in all the district and sub-divisional hospitals. As per the reports received from districts more than 25000 patients were examined in these eye camps, out of which 600 were detected to be suffering from Glaucoma, they were treated with medication, laser or surgery.

The Minister has asked the government and Private eye surgeons to ensure that Guidelines regarding Eye camps are followed strictly during the camps so as to avoid any mishap. He said that the camps would be organised under strict supervision of the expert ophthalmologists and other trained medical and paramedical staff.

Giving further details Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Ms. Vini Mahajan said that adequate steps have been taken to control blindness in the state. Since, 60% of blindness is due to cataract, a major thrust in the year 2014-15 would be to bring down the level of blindness from 1.00% to 0.3% by 2020.Our aim is to perform 95% of Cataract surgeries with IOL implantation, she added. Emphasis has been laid on the latest technique of Stitch less Cataract Surgery. Phaco Machines that have been provided in District Hospitals. Besides this Flash Autoclaves have been installed in all DHs for improved and quick sterilisation of instruments. All district Hospitals have Yag Laser equipment, for treatment of post-operative opacification of posterior capsule and to treat Glaucoma. More than 1.5 lakh Cataract Operations have been performed and 9,488 patients of other eye diseases e.g. squint; Corneal Opacity, Diabetic Retinopathy etc. have been treated during the period of April 14 to Jan.15.

Elaborating further, Director Health Dr. Karanjeet Singh Said that ophthalmic refraction units have been installed in DHs and SDHs. Auto refractometers were made available in 20 DHs and more were being procured. Hydraulic OT Tables, Retinoscopes, Ophthalmoscopes, Slit lamps, Phaco machines would be procured in this financial year, he added. Recently a New eye wing having all the latest machinery in district hospital Ferozepur has been made operational. Besides this he said that regular IEC activities are being undertaken for awareness about prevention and treatment of eye diseases. World Glaucoma Week, World Sight day and Eye Donation fortnight is being observed where patients have been examined free of cost and further treatment, if required, is given to them. He also said that more than 37 thousand spectacles have been distributed to School Children under NPCB & School Health. As many as 678 Eye Balls have been procured by 13 Approved Eye Banks in Punjab for Corneal Transplantation while 2,286 patients of Posterior Capsular Opacification /Glaucoma have been treated with YAG Laser, said Dr. Singh.

Dr. Rakesh Gupta State Programme Officer Punjab elaborated that Persons over 40 years, suffering from life style diseases like diabetes ,hypertension, thyroid disorders, having family history of diabetes or Glaucoma/Kalamotia are at risk of GLAUCOMA. If you are having following symptoms. Gradual loss of peripheral vision severe eye pain, facial pain, nausea, vomiting and headaches, Inability to adjust the eyes to darkened rooms such as theatres. Seeing rainbow coloured halos around the light you must get your eyes checked up for Glaucoma/Kala Motia.

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NO NOMINATION FILED FOR DHURI BY-ELECTION ON SECOND DAY OF MAKING NOMINATIONS

ü BOOTH AWARENESS GROUPS TO BE FORMED

Chandigarh March 18: No nomination paper was filed by any candidate on the second day of the making nominations for the by-election of Dhuri assembly constituency .

Stating this here today a spokesperson of the office of Chief Electoral Officer Punjab said that the last date of making nominations is March 24 while the date of withdrawal of candidature is on March 27.

He also said that on the directions of the Election Commission of India Booth Awareness Groups consists of 8 to 10 people would be formed. The political parties have also been asked to appoint one representative each of their respective political parties. The other members of the group would be non-political, non official which would act as the ears and eyes of the Election Commission. They would be directly in touch with the election commission and would report the cases of code violation, he added. A detailed action plan would be chalked out by the CEO and sent to the Commission for necessary action, he added.

Referring to the model code of conduct enforced during Dhuri by-election, he said that the code is confined only to Dhuri constituency as far as development plans and other major announcements were concerned. However as far as transfers and postings of the officers posted in the home district and use of official machinery would be applicable in whole of district Sangrur, he added.

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CM COMMENDS STATE BUDGET AS BALANCED, GROWTH ORIENTED AND PRO-PEOPLE

BUDGET 2015-16 TO TAKE CARE OF EACH SECTION OF SOCIETY BESIDES PROPELLING THE TEMPO OF OVERALL GROWTH OF THE STATE

DESCRIBES THE BUDGET AS A PERFECT ROADMAP TO FURTHER PUT THE STATE IN THE ORBIT OF HIGH GROWTH TRAJECTORY

Chandigarh, March 18-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today hailed the state budget for the year 2015-16, presented by the Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, as a balanced, growth oriented and pro-people budget.

“In consonance with the state government’s endeavor to achieve a target of comprehensive development, the budget 2015-16 is all set to take care of each section of society besides propelling the tempo of overall growth of the state” added Mr. Badal.

In a statement, the Chief Minister described the budget as a perfect roadmap to further put the state in the orbit of high growth trajectory. He appreciated the Finance Minister’s vision not to burden people of Punjab with dose of any fresh taxes. Mr. Badal said that the balanced budget was evident from the fact that it strikes a perfect balance in agriculture and industry as the agrarian sector has been allocated Rs.3512 crore whereas industrial sector would get a major fillip with the new Entrepreneurship Development Program for micro and small enterprises.

The Chief Minister also commended Mr. Dhindsa’s approach to boost rural development for which major thrust has been laid by introducing Mukh Mantri Pendu Vikas Yojana or the Chief Minister Comprehensive Rural Development Scheme with an allocation of Rs 600 crore. He said that this budget has taken care of all the core sectors i.e. Health, education, Power, infra structure, social security, water supply and sanitation, Horticulture and others. Mr. Badal also mentioned that the budget for 2015-16 would be instrumental in ensuring far more financial discipline with economic prudence in narrowing down the fiscal deficit with a focus on the enhancement of revenue through resource mobilization.

The Chief Minister said that with the allocation of Rs 500 crore the budget has demonstrated the spirit of ‘Right to Service” by setting up 2174 Sewa Kendras or Unified Service Centres for providing 50 services to the citizens at their doorstep. He said that these services would be enhanced to 200 over the next two years.

The Chief Minister also expressed satisfaction over the proposed monetary relief to the hapless families of the debt ridden farmers who have committed suicide and hoped that it would go a long way in mitigating their woes.

The Chief Minister said that the decision to set up 2000 Skill Training Centres for women in rural areas was a right step in the direction of women empowerment as it would pave way for encouraging employability and self-employment among rural women. Likewise, he said that move to establish 500 such centers training boys with a combined outlay of Rs.200 crore would help in opening new vistas of employment for them.

The Chief Minister envisioned the current budget as a roadmap for the revival of industrial sector and imparting fresh lease of life to the stagnated agrarian economy of the state through the flagship program of crop diversification. He said that the current budget was a milestone which would go a long way in setting new parameters of growth and development to cherish aspirations of people of Punjab in near future.

· PRESS NOTE----BUDGET 2015-16

The Finance Minister of Punjab, S. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, has made a remarkable effort to balance development and commitments amidst reduced support for centrally assisted schemes from the Centre in his 2015-16 Budget presented today. Of the overall Budget of Rs.79314 crore, the effective Budget has been proposed at Rs.61813 crore, with a 5 percent increase in the annual plan allocation.

While the committed expenditures of the government show an upward trend of 10 percent and above, the FM has shown his commitment to the State’s development needs as well and yet, managed to fulfil the fiscal consolidation targets set by the State’s Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003. The revenue deficit is targeted at 1.6 percent of the GSDP as against 1.78 percent as per the revised estimates. The Fiscal Deficit is pegged to be 2.98 percent, well below the limit prescribed by the Act.

The total receipts for the year are projected to be Rs. 78085 crore of which, Rs.46299 would be revenue receipts and the rest capital receipts. The total expenditures are projected to be Rs.79313 crore inclusive of Rs.52623 crore of revenue expenditure and Rs. 4856 crore of capital expenditure.

The FM has attempted a makeover for the State by according due recognition to sectional interests and has tried to craft his Budget to meet the needs of each and every marginalized member in the group. Significantly, the following are the highlights of his new approach:

· Rural Development retains primary focus particularly with the introduction of the Mukh Mantri Pendu Vikas Yojana or the Chief Minister Comprehensive Rural Development Scheme with an allocation of Rs 600 crore.

· Rs.45 crore allocation has been made under the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana for integrated development of villages with more than 50 percent population belonging to the scheduled castes.

· Similarly, the urban sector is expected to show a significant leap in development initiatives and services with the launch of Punjab Urban Development Mission.

· The cities and towns may soon see a transformation with old manually pulled rickshaws and autos getting replaced by new swanky e-rickshaws under a new financing scheme proposed in the Budget.

· The balancing act is evident even in the provisions for agriculture and industry. While agrarian sector gets Rs.3512 crore annual allocation, industrial sector will get a boost with the new Entrepreneurship Development Programme for micro and small enterprises.

· Within the agriculture sector, the role of cooperative sector has been duly recognized by the FM. Rs.600 crore allocation for sugar cooperatives and Rs. 80 crore outlay for recapitalization of Cooperative Banks has been made.

· In a very sensitive and sympathetic move, the FM has proposed monetary relief to families of farmers who have committed suicide.

· The Budget 2015-16 has a special allocation for all sections of society along with focus on reforming governance systems. In keeping up with the spirit of ‘Right to Service” the Budget provides for setting up 2174 Sewa Kendras or Unified Service Centres for providing 50 services to the citizens at their doorstep. The Government has set itself an ambitious target of scaling these services to 200 over the next two years with an allocation of Rs 500 crore for the first year.

· Another new section the FM has tried to approach is adolescent girls by Strengthening Girls’ Schools in Punjab with an annual allocation of Rs.20 crore to upgrade basic facilities like toilets.

· Women also get 2000 Skill Training Centres in rural areas for encouraging employability and self-employment among rural women.

· 500 such centres are proposed for training boys with a combined outlay of Rs.200 crore.

· For implementing this pioneering programme, the State has set up an empowered ‘State Skill Development Mission’ with three tiers at State, District and Block level.

· Apart from these centres, the Mission will set up Multi Skill Development Centres at Ludhiana, Amritsar, Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar and Ropar to meet short-term skill development needs of the State. The Mission is also in the process of setting up three Skill Development Centres in the Health Sector at Medical Colleges, Amritsar, Patiala and Faridkot.

· The Students belonging to families of Blue card holders who secure admission in Institutes of National Importance shall be provided funding to support their education.

· As a breeding ground of prominent sports personalities, the State Budget has proposed to provide stadium facilities across all blocks in the next five years. The Budget provides to groom promising sportspersons for national/ international events by establishing the Punjab Institute of Sports at S.A.S. Nagar. The annual allocation for this is pegged at Rs.50 crore.

· Along with the AIIMS proposed to be set up in Punjab in the Union Budget, the State government is setting up Medicity near Mullanpur in Mohali, which will house many of the best known names in healthcare.

· Minority communities of Muslims and Christians also see a positive intervention for their longstanding demand of having earmarked burial grounds in rural areas with an allocation of Rs 20 crore for the same.

· The Animal Husbandry sector has been allocated Rs. 451 crore in the Budget in an attempt to boost the allied activities in the agriculture sector. Power tariff has been reduced from Rs 7.75 per unit to Rs 4.57 per unit for the allied farming sector.

· The Transport sector will receive a new fleet of 225 buses with an outlay of Rs.75 crore, along with safety and tracking measures like GPS devices in all buses along with computerization of all depots.

· Water supply and sanitation facilities are set to be universalized with World Bank support to a Rs 2200 crore project.

· The holy city of Amritsar is proposed to be developed with an allocation of Rs.500 crore for different development works.

· Irrigation sector has been allocated Rs 1005 crore in 2015-16 for various projects, as it is a major thrust area for the State.

· A new initiative at the district level to construct Gaushalas and dog pounds to ensure safety of crops and public will be taken up in the State.

· Along with the above, the Budget continues to reiterate its commitment to flagship programmes and other continuing state schemes:

· Rs 230 crore – for strengthening of agriculture and allied sectors under RKVY;

· Rs 63.50 crore – for National Horticulture Mission;

· Rs 50 crore – for National Food Security Mission

· Rs 233 crore – for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

· Rs 890 crore –Sarva Siksha Abhiyan programme.

· Rs 277 crore –Mid-Day Meal scheme.

· Rs 310 crore –ICT Project to impart computer education from class 6th to 12th.

· Rs 90 crore –Rashtriya Madhyamik Sikhsha Abhiyan (RMSA) programme.

· Rs 40 crore – District Institutes of Education & Training.

· Rs 20 crore – Strengthening of Senior Secondary Girls Schools.

· Rs 20 crore –Vocational education programme.

· Rs 563 crore - For providing affordable and accountable health care services to the community

· Rs 25 crore - For treatment of cancer patients under CM Cancer Relief Fund.

· Rs 50 crore - Medical Insurance for the poor people.

· Rs 100 crore - Creation of cancer and drug de-addiction treatment infrastructure.

· Rs 692 crore - for the disbursement of Old Age and other pensions to the 20 lac beneficiaries. Besides 2 lac beneficiaries belonging to BPL families would receive additional pensions under National Social Assistance Programme for which Rs 70 crore are provided.

· Rs 594 crore - for Integrated Child Development Services to provide supplementary nutrition to cover 15 lac children and pregnant mothers and construction of buildings of Anganwadi Centres in the State.

· Rs 40 crore - for Mai Bhago scheme to provide free bicycles to girls of 11th and 12th class of government schools.

· Rs 24 crore - for Integrated Child Protection Scheme for the protection of rights of children.

· Rs 16 crore - for the National Mission for Empowerment of Women including Indira Gandhi Matritve Sehyog Yojana

· Rs 11 crore - for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign.

· Rs 411 crore - for the development of Scheduled Castes including scholarships to SC’s students and hostels for Scheduled Castes boys & girls.

· Rs 298 crore - for Multi-Sectoral Development programmes for minorities including scholarships to minority students and infrastructure development of minority concentration blocks.

· Rs 93 crore - for development of Backward Classes including scholarships & hostels for BC’s students.

· Rs 98 crore - for Shagun @ Rs 15000 per beneficiary to SC/BC/Christian Girls/Widows/Divorcee and daughters of widows of any caste at the time of their marriage.

· Rs. 100 crore- for installation of RO System to provide minimum drinking water in heavy metal affected districts of Punjab.

· Rs 80 crore – for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

· Rs 700 crore – Strengthening of Rural Roads

· Rs 100 crore under Punjab State Road Sector project for strengthening of 150 km roads

· Rs 100 crore – NABARD Assisted Projects for construction of widening of Roads and construction of bridges

· Rs 150 crore – Special repair of Plan Roads.

· Rs 302 crore under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

The Government of Punjab remains committed to its goal of maximum development and the Budget 2015-16 strives to look after the welfare of all the sections of the State.

AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT PURCHASES PEAS HARVESTING NEW MACHINE OF RS. 3.50 CRORE

Chandigarh March 17: The Punjab Government has taken an initiative for peas farming by setting a right step in the track to bring 'Green Peas' harvesting technology. This is an effort for food processing industry to diversify agriculture in the state.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Agriculture Department said that Government has acquired a new hi-tec machine called a “Green Peas Harvesting Ploeger Machine” with a cost of Rs. 3.50 crore which facilitate cutting and harvesting of peas. It is the first machine of this type in South East Asia which would not only curtail the labour cost but also enhance the value addition as the peas plucked through this machine would be 100% utilized for processing. The “PLOEGER Machine” has the capacity of cutting and harvesting peas up to 15 acres of farming in a day and per acre yield of peas is around 17-18 quintals. The use of the machine would definitely benefit the farmers at the cost of harvesting peas would be paise 50 per kg only. It may be recalled that against 40 lakh Metric Ton of Peas produced in India only 10% were processed resulting in 1.25 lakh metric ton of frozen peas.

He stated that the machine has been imported from Holland especially for harvesting of peas and it works like combine harvester used in harvesting of wheat and paddy. The idea for introducing this harvester in the Punjab was to mechanize green peas harvesting technologies. This effort of the state government would help the farmers/processors to enhance area under peas and also result in diversification in agriculture. It has also decided to develop indigenous harvester and successful working of above Holland make machine. The indigenous machines would be developed at much lower cost once a prototype was available.

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PUNJAB GOVT POSTPONES e-AUCTION FOR CATTLE FAIRS

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 17:

The Punjab Government has decided to postpone e-auction for cattle fairs in the state which was earlier be conducted on March 18, 2015.

A spokesperson of the Rural Development and Panchayats department, Punjab said that the next schedule of e-auction will be released later on.

(SCO NO.29-30,Sector 17-E Chandigarh)

Phone :0172-2704701,2724037,2704779.Fax:0172-2707970Email:-ceo_punjab@ eci.gov. in, Jtceo_punjab@eci.gov. in

PRESS NOTE

Appeal for linking Aadhar Number with EPIC data

The Election Commission of India (ECI) with the prime objective of bringing a totally error free, and authenticated electoral roll, has decided to launch a comprehensive programme i.e. "National Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme (NERPAP).

During this programme the following activities will be done:

· Linking and authentication of EPIC data of electors with Aadhar data of UIDAI,

· Voluntary disclosure of multiple entries in electoral roll.

· Correction of errors in electoral roll or EPIC

· Improvement of image quality of an elector.

During the programme, the electors have been given facility to feed his/her Aadhar number Mobile Number and E-mail ID with the help of EPIC number through the following methods:-

· By using National Voters Service Portal (http://nvsp.in). Election Commission website i.e. http://eci.gov.in has a link for this portal.

· Sending SMS to 51969 in the format

ECILINK<space>EPIC_Number<space>AADHAAR Number

· By making a call to State call centres at toll free Number 1950 and dictate the details.

· By submitting the details of Aadhar number and EPIC number in a hard copy of duly filled up Form along with photocopy of both the documents, namely, EPIC and Aadhar letter/card to DEO, ERO, AERO, BLO, V.F.C., E- Service Centre & V.L.E. Centre.

· Door to Door Survey through Booth Level Officers for Collection of Aadhaar No., Mobile No., E-mail ID of electors and seeding in software at ERO level on day to day basis and Correction in electors Detail through Form 8 from 12.04.2015 to 31.05.2015

Special camps will be organized at the Polling Stations Level for the above mentioned activities on 12.04.2015, 10.5.2015, 14.6.2015 and 5.7.2015 for this purpose.

Caution: Registration as a voter in two places is an offence under R.P.Act 1950.

Bye-election schedule for 107-Dhuri Assembly Constituency

1.	Date of issue of notification	:	17.03.2015(Tuesday)
2.	Last date for making nominations	:	24.03.2015(Tuesday)
3.	Date of scrutiny of nominations	:	25.03.2015(Wednesday)
4.	Last date for withdrawal of candidature	:	27.03.2015(Friday)
5.	Date of poll	:	11.04.2015(Saturday)
6.	Date of counting of votes	:	15.04.2015(Wednesday)
7.	Date before which the election process shall be completed	:	18.04.2015(Saturday)

2. Hours of poll will be from 8.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M.

3. Nomination papers are to be filed with the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Dhuri between the hours of 11 O’clock in the forenoon and 3 O’clock in the afternoon on any day other than a public holiday from 17th March, 2015 to 24th March, 2015.

4. 21st March, 2015 being a Saturday is not a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881; therefore, nomination papers can be presented to the Returning Officer on that day.

5. 22nd March, 2015 being a Sunday is a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881; therefore, nomination papers cannot be presented to the Returning Officer on that day.

6. 23rd March, 2015 being a Martyrdom Day S. Bhagat Singh Ji is not a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881; therefore, nomination papers can be presented to the Returning Officer on that day.

Detail of Officers:-

1. Sh Arshdeep Singh Thind, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Sangrur, Mob. 97800-08595

2. Sh. Mandeep Singh Sidhu, PPS, SSP, Sangrur, Mob. 95929-00051

3. Sh. Rajesh Dhiman, R.O. (P.C.S) , SDM, Dhuri Mob. 98156-03737

4. Sh. Krishan Kumar, PPS, DSP, Dhuri, Mob. 80545-45006

Voter as on 05.01.2015:

Name of AC	Male	Female	Total	Urban Male	Urban Female	Total	Rural Male	Rural Female	Total
107-Dhuri	79772	71116	150888	20264	18136	38400	59508	52980	112488

No. of Polling Stations:

Name of AC	Urban	Rural	Total	Total No. of Polling Location
107-Dhuri	44	122	166	103

Voter Turn Out in Previous Elections:

No. and Name of AC	Total Voters			Votes polled			Poll %			Election Year
No. and Name of AC	Male	Female	Total	Male	Female	Total	Male	Female	Total	Election Year
107-Dhuri	73422	64109	137531	60720	52151	112871	82.70	81.35	82.07	Vidhan Sabha Election, 2012
107-Dhuri	79556	70897	150453	61695	54297	115992	77.55	76.59	77.10	Lok Sabha Election, 2014

Punjab introduces 9 new varieties of crops

· Calls state peasantry to focus on cultivation of new crops leaving wheat-paddy cycle

CHANDIGARH March 17:

Punjab Agriculture Department has released 9 new varieties of crops for the facilitation of farmers to give further acceleration to ongoing diversification campaign in the state besides giving a clarion call to state peasantry to adopt cultivation of new crops instead of focusing on vicious wheat and paddy cycle.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that these new varieties have been developed by experts of Punjab Agriculture University for the benefit of farmers. He said that these varieties include six crops of Rice, Sesame, Sorghum, Cotton, Sugarcane and Spring Maize. He said that the State Varietals Approval Committee’ headed by Director Agriculture Mr. Mangal Singh Sandhu had met recently and approved these new varieties of crops. He said in paddy a variety of PR-124 has been developed, which has an average paddy yield of 30.5 quintal per acre. He said the Committee also approved two varieties of cotton namely F-2383 and F-2228. The both varieties has a yield of 7.9 quintal per acre and 7.4 quintal per acre respectively.

The spokesman informed that in Sugarcane two new varieties have also been introduced namely Co 238 and Co 118 with a yield of 365 and 322 quintal per acre respectively. He said these both varieties were resistant to red rot disease. In Maize farming the committee has approved PMH-10 and DKC-9108. The PMH-10 was a hybrid variety with an average yield of 31.6 quintal per acre while DKC-9108 has 33.24 quintal per acre. He said under the name of Punjab Til No.2 of sesame was also approved with an average yield of 2.8 quintal per acre with maturity in 90 days. The Punjab Sudax Chari-4 of Sorghum a multi-cut forage hybrid was also approved which produces 445 quintal of green fodder per acre.

Giving details of the meeting the spokesman said Mr. Sandhu also emphasised the need to further carry research on cultivation of sugarcane and other crops in water logged districts of state.

CHILD COMMISSION DIRECTS TRANSPORT AUTHORITIES NOT TO IMPOUND SCHOOL BUSES DURING SCHOOL TIMINGS

· WRITES TO LABOUR COMMISSIONER TO GET CHILD LABOUR LAWS IMPLEMENTED STRICTLY IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh March 17: Chairman Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Punjab, Mr. Sukesh Kalia took strong exception to the undue harassment caused by the Transport Authorities while checking the school buses in the state. Addressing a meeting of the officers of the commission while taking up cases came for the consideration of the commission, he has specifically asked the District Transport Officers not to impound the school buses during the school timings especially when children are there in the buses. Instead the bus contractors along with the school authorities could be called and asked to ensure the compliance report of the school transport as per the Supreme Court guidelines. Making it clearer, Mr. Kalia said that the guidelines of the Supreme Court be followed truly and asked the transport authorities to make sure that the school children should not be harassed while checking the vehicles.

Taking suo motto notice of the news item published in the newspapers regarding the accident of the School bus of SRBS Public School occurred in district Faridkot, Mr. Kalia has summoned the Chairman Managing Committee of the school to personally come along with the true copies of the school bus records and driving licences of the drivers.

The chairman has also asked all the DTOs of state to send the schedule of checking the school buses to the schools under their jurisdiction so that a compliance report of the vehicles could be prepared in keeping with the directions of Supreme Court. He has also expressed concern that the drivers driving having licences of the “Goods Vehicles” were driving the school buses which was highly objectionable and illegal. Mr. Kalia has also asked the Transport officers to ensure complete security of the school children commuting in school buses and also check and verify the documents including the valid licence of the drivers. The school authorities be also given appropriate time to complete their records before sending to the commission failing which a strict action would be initiated against the school authorities, he said.

Referring to his recent Assam visit on the occasion of the Child Protection Day being observed by the commission, Mr. Kalia said that he has already written to the Labour Commissioner urging him to get the child labour laws implemented strictly in the state on the patterns of Meghalya government. He said that although child labour was banned in the country but due to the stringent steps taken by the Meghalya government the child labour has been decreased drastically over the years. Mr. Kalia also suggested that each and every eating joint, business establishments and other common places should have boards displayed against child labour. Child Welfare Committees have also been directed to ensure the strict implementation of the child labour laws in the state.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Secretary Punjab State Commission for protection of Child Rights Mr. Sumer Singh Gurjar and deputy director Rajwinder Singh Gill.

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Punjab introduces 9 new varieties of crops

· Calls state peasantry to focus on cultivation of new crops leaving wheat-paddy cycle

CHANDIGARH March 17:

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that these new varieties have been developed by experts of Punjab Agriculture University for the benefit of farmers. He said that these varieties include six crops of Rice, Sesame, Sorghum, Cotton, Sugarcane and Spring Maize. He said the State Varietals Approval Committee’ headed by Director Agriculture Mr. Mangal Singh Sandhu had met recently and approved these new varieties of crops. He said in paddy a variety of PR-124 has been developed, which has an average paddy yield of 30.5 quintal per acre. He said the Committee also approved two varieties of cotton namely F-2383 and F-2228. The both varieties has a yield of 7.9 quintal per acre and 7.4 quintal per acre respectively.

Giving details of the meeting the spokesman said Mr. Sandhu also emphasised the need to further carry research on cultivation of sugarcane and other crops in water logged districts of state.

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BADAL CALLS FOR FEDERAL STRUCTURE

TRANSFER CHANDIGARH TO PUNJAB

PUNJAB HAS NO DROP OF WATER TO SPARE

RIPARIAN PRINCIPLE THE SOLE ANSWER

Chandigarh, March 17-

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called for the setting up of a genuinely federal structure in the country to ensure that the centre and the states work in tandem for development of the country and progress and prosperity of its people.

Winding up the discussions on the motion of thanks of Governor’s address moved by MLA Bibi Jagir Kaur in Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister also made a vehement plea for “vacating injustice meted out to Punjab in economic, political, territorial and religious spheres. He called for the transfer to Punjab of Chandigarh and other Punjabi speaking areas left out of the state at the time of linguistic reorganization of the state in 1966.

Mr. Badal also demanded that injustice done to the state on river water issue be ended as per “the nationally and internationally accepted Riparian Principle”. He declared that Punjab has no drop of water to spare from its river waters. In fact, the state faces the alarming specter of falling water table “Experts are unanimous that if Punjab’s right on river water is not safeguarded as per the Riparian Principle, the State would turn into a desert in the next decade or so,” said Mr. Badal.

The Chief Minister said that a national consensus on the transfer of Chandigarh and the Punjabi speaking areas to Punjab and on resolution of river waters issue in accordance with the Riparian Principle already exists. As far back as 1985, the then Prime Minister late Mr. Rajiv Gandhi and the entire Union government announced an immediate acceptance of all the legitimate demands of Punjab within an agreed and declared dead line. Even both houses of the Parliament unanimously endorsed the decision and yet, this decision were never implemented as the Prime Minister and the Union government went back on what they had described as “Sacred commitments of the nation to Punjab”, said Mr. Badal.

The Chief Minister also said that Punjab had suffered incalculable losses because of the industrial concessions given to some neighboring states of Punjab. “Not only have fresh investments in the state dried up but there has been an alarming flight even of the existing capital from the state. This has severely hit the employment sector for our youth”.

The Chief Minister also decried “the brutal injustice and repression meted out to the tragic victims of the 1984 holocaust. The ghastly and inhuman massacre of thousands of innocent Sikh men, women, children and the aged alike remains a dark blot on the nation’s forehead. Instead of punishment, the guilty have shamelessly been given high honors and positions of power, including Cabinet berths, by successive Congress governments at the center. Similarly, innocent Sikh victims of this massacre were never given adequate relief and compensation.

The Chief Minister said that tragic events like 1984 massacre could never be forgotten. Should we forget about Chandigarh, river waters, 1984 Sikh carnage and other instances of brutal injustice to Punjab and Punjabis ?” he asked the opposition benches amidst thumping of desks.

The Chief Minister took potshots at the Congress and said, “You put the hangman’s noose around Punjab’s neck. Now you are accusing us of not saving your victims? Who organized the anti-Sikh carnage? Who killed thousands of innocent Sikhs? Who led the crowds? And now you want the victims of this tragedy to forget it.

The Chief Minister welcomed the setting up of Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the NDA government to probe into the brutal killings of innocent Sikhs during the 1984 anti Sikh riots with a sole objective to put the real perpetrators of this heinous crime behind the bars on one hand and to give justice to the victims of this grave tragedy on the other after a period over three decades. Mr. Badal also hailed, what he called “the noble gesture of the new NDA government headed by Mr. Narendra Modi” in raising the relief amount to Rs.5 lakh to the next of the kin of the victims.

The Chief Minister said that Peace and Communal harmony would continue to be the top priority of his government. “Peace and communal harmony are the most sacred goals and achievement of my life. We will never allow the sacred goals to be lost sight of. No one will ever be allowed to disturb peace and communal harmony in the state” he added.

The Chief Minister talked about dangers to peace from both external and internal sectors, “Efforts to disturb peace continue from across the border. At the same time the policy of divide and rule followed by the Congress has also posed a major threat to peace”.

The Chief Minister also lauded the Government of India’s (GoI) unique initiative for having chosen Sri Amritsar Sahib as heritage city under the HRIDAY scheme. He said that under the scheme Rs 69.31 crore have been received as first installment from GoI. Mr. Badal also mentioned that Jallianwala Bagh has been included among Cultural World Heritage Site to receive special assistance for improving the infrastructure.

The Chief Minister also lauded the NDA government for allocating prestigious projects like All India Institute of Medical Science, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and Post Graduate Horticulture Research and Educational Institute besides declaring Guru Gobind Singh Marg to link Sri Anandpur Sahib with Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded via Talwandi Sabo under National Highways project. He also recalled that the prestigious Bathinda Refinery was sanctioned by then NDA Govt. under Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “This is the first time ever since independence that a Central government has demonstrated a special concern for the patriotic people of Punjab” he added .

The Chief Minister said that federal structure was the only legitimate and viable answer to the problems of a country which is proud of its rich territorial, cultural, economic, political and linguistic diversity. “The top down approach in which centre applied the one-cap-fits-all” solutions to problems of vast multiplicity of shades.

The Chief Minister said that for the first time, the Center has undertaken a historic initiative to federalize of the Indian polity and empower the states.” The Planning Commission, which was a symbol of center’s autocratic and arbitrary unitarism has been abolished. It has been replaced by NITI Ayog in which Chief Ministers of states would have a significant say in defining development goals and determining national policies and programs. He also appreciated centre’s positive approach towards the welfare of state by enhancing state’s shares in central taxes from 32% to 42%.

Mr. Badal said that the SAD was the first party in the country to understand and advocate the need for a genuinely federal structure in the country. “But the Congress party painted not only SAD but every Sikh and every Punjabi as a separatists and a terrorist for demanding autonomy for states”.

Allying fears on the withdrawal of MSP on wheat and paddy by the Union Government in near future, the Chief Minister said that it could create unrest amongst the peasantry and appealed the GoI to take a considerate view on this sensitive issue. He also pleaded till some alternate arrangement was not made to compensate the farmers in lieu of scrapping the MSP regime the centre should continue with this mechanism. Mr. Badal also demanded MSP on other crops like Oilseeds and Maize to motivate the farmers for crop diversification in a big way.

Congratulating the people of Punjab for again reinforcing their faith in grass root democracy through the conduct of smooth, peaceful and free and fair elections in the state to the civic bodies, the Chief Minister said that the state Government received positive expression of people’s faith in its policies and programs. We have been overwhelmed by the superb victory in these civic polls, at the same time our responsibility towards the people’s welfare and prosperity have also enhanced manifolds.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the major achievements of the state government in the field of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development and Fisheries, Power, Industries and Commerce, Education, Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education and Research, Home Affairs, Jail and Justice, Local Government, Welfare of Schedule Castes and Backward Classes, Social Security, Women and Child Development, Finance, Irrigation and Drainage, Public Works (B&R), Water Supply and Sanitation, Rural Development and Panchyats, Revenue, Excise and Taxation, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Cooperation, Housing and Urban Development, Employment Generation and Training, Technical Education and Industrial Training, NRI Affairs, Renewable energy, Planning, Border and Kandi Areas, Sports and Youth Services, Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Governance Reforms, Food Processing besides initiatives on war against cancer and drugs.a

Punjab modifies Medicity and IT Policies for providing plots to business enterprises

Chandigarh, March 17: The Punjab Government has modified its Medicity Policy regarding allotment of land/plots for multi-speciality hospitals, medical university/college-cum-hospital and medical research centres in the Medicity in New Chandigarh. Besides, State has also amended its IT Policy to setup IT services, ITES bio-technology and research and development facilities in IT City SAS Nagar.

According to an official spokesman the detailed policy in this regard had been approved by Punjab cabinet to give a fillip to business ventures in Medicity and IT City under "Invest Punjab" initiatives. He said Medicity would be country’s one of the largest place of bio-technology and healthcare solutions.

He informed that more than 260 acres of land has been earmarked for this purpose in New Chandigarh where 100 acres would be utilised for setting up of world class multi-speciality hospitals, medical university/medical college cum hospital and medical research centre. He said world class infrastructure and commercial activities would be ensured on remaining area.

Spokesman further said the government has also modified its IT policy for allotment of land/plots to provide environment for IT services, bio-technology (non-polluting) and technology based non-polluting, research and development facilities in IT City SAS Nagar.

He said the ruling alliance is all set to make Punjab IT hub of the country like Bengaluru. He emphasised that for this purpose IT units on large scale were being setup in IT city by multinational companies. He said this would generate more skilled employment and would help to realise the dream of Punjab for evolving as IT hub.

CABINET AMENDS PUNJAB REGIONAL AND TOWN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT, 1955

MOVE AIMED AT SIMPLIFYING AND FACILITATING THE APPROVAL OF CLU

NOD FOR PLACING PUNJAB DEVELOPMENT OF TRADE, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES BILL, 2015 IN THE ONGOING SESSION OF THE STATE ASSEMBLY

OKAYS LAYING CAG REPORTS IN PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA

GIVES GREEN SIGNAL TO BUDGETARY PROPOSALS FOR 2015-16

Chandigarh, March 16-

The Punjab Cabinet today decided to amend the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act, 1955 with an aim at simplifying and facilitating the approval of Change of Land Use (CLU) being granted to developers in the state.

A decision to this effect was taken in the Cabinet meeting chaired by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at Punjab Bhawan this evening.

Disclosing this here a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said the Cabinet has given green signal to amend section 83 of the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act, 1955 to the extent that the condition of validity of two years has been removed to give boost to development process. From now onwards, the permission of CLU once granted would remain valid as per terms and conditions of the approval.

The Cabinet also gave approval to place the Punjab Development of Trade, Commerce and Industries Bill, 2015 in the ongoing session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha to create a fund of development of Trade, Commerce and Industry through the levy of non-discriminatory and compensatory tax on the goods imported into Punjab from other states. The fund would be administrated by the Punjab Development of Trade and Commerce and Industry Board constituted as prescribed in the Punjab Development of Trade, Commerce and Industries rules.

The board would be chaired by the Chief Minister with Minister of Industries and Commerce as Vice Chairman besides Excise and Taxation, Finance and Local Government Ministers, Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce and Principal Secretary Finance as its members and Director Industries and Commerce as Member Secretary. The fund would be utilized exclusively for development or facilitating trade, commerce and industry in the state and for other welfare measures for the general public in the local area, which would include; developing industrial estates, focal points and industrial clusters being developed by the government, providing financial aids, grants, incentives and subsidies to financial, industrial and commercial use; creating infra structure for supply of power and water to specify trades, marketing and other commercial complexes; creating, development and maintenance of other infra structure for the furtherance of specified trades; providing financial aids, grants and subsidies for creating, developing and maintaining pollution free environment in the local area; providing financial aids, grants and subsidies to local bodies and government agencies for the purposes specified in aforesaid clauses; providing amenities to the public in local area; implementing social welfare scheme for public in the local area and any other purpose connected with the development of trade, commerce and industry or for facilities relating thereto which the state government may specify by notification.

The Cabinet also gave approval to lay reports of Comptroller Auditor General of India (CAG) related to the Punjab government for the year 2013-14 on the table in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha during the ongoing Budget Session.

Likewise, the Cabinet also considered the budgetary proposals for 2015-16 and accorded its approval to the same.

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Nominations for Dhuri bypoll from today

Chandigarh March 16:

According to the election schedule for Dhuri by boll, the nomination process would begin from tomorrow till March 24.

A spokesperson of the CEO, Punjab today said that Nomination papers are to be filed with the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Dhuri who is the Returning Officer for 107-Dhuri Assembly Constituency, between the hours of 11 O’clock in the forenoon and 3 O’clock in the afternoon on any day other than a public holiday from 17th March, 2015 to 24th March, 2015.

He said that nominations papers are to be filed in form 2B Blank forms are available with the District Election Officer/Returning Officer. Typed nomination papers will also be accepted provided they are in the prescribed format.

He also said that In order to qualify for a Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) seat, a candidate should be registered as an elector for any Assembly Constituency in that State. To satisfy the concerned Returning Officer on this point, candidates should produce a certified copy of the relevant entry of the electoral roll in force.

He made it clear that 21st March, 2015 being a Saturday is not a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881; therefore, nomination papers can be presented to the Returning Officer on that day.

The spokesman has also said that 22nd March, 2015 being a Sunday is a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881; therefore, nomination papers cannot be presented to the Returning Officer on that day.

On 23rd March, 2015 being a Martyrdom Day S. Bhagat Singh Ji is not a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881; therefore, nomination papers can be presented to the Returning Officer on that day.

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PUNJAB ASSEMBLY UNANIMOUSLY THANKS PRESIDENT FOR CONFERRING PADMA VIBUSHAN ON CM

BADAL OWES THIS HONOR TO THE PEOPLE OF STATE

THANKS OPPOSITION FOR UNANIMOUSLY PASSING THE RESOLUTION

Chandigarh, March 16-

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha today unanimously passed a resolution for expressing gratitude to the President of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee for conferring the coveted Padma Vibushan award on the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.

In a resolution moved by the Punjab Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa on the floor of the house, the state assembly felicitated the Chief Minister and people of Punjab for this rare honor. The resolution read, “Conferment of prestigious Padma Vibushan award on the most respected Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, by the Hon’ble President of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee on the Republic Day January 26, 2015, in recognition with his continued services for the welfare of poor, dalits and farmers since long. This award is a sheer honor for Punjabiat and all the Punjabis across the globe”.

Later, the Chief Minister thanked the President and Union Government for bestowing this prestigious award on him adding he said, “I owe this honor to all the people of Punjab”. Mr. Badal also thanked the members of the house especially the opposition for unanimously passing this resolution.

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SPECIAL CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO KEEP A CHECK ON HUKKAH BARS

· STATE LEVEL TASK FORCE TO CHECK CASES OF VIOLATION OF TOBACCO CONTROL ACT/ E-Cigarettes/Chewable tobacco

Chandigarh March 16:

A State Level Sensitisation Workshop for members of district level Task Force for Tobacco/Nicotine Control was held today in the State Institute of Health & Family Welfare Mohali under Chairmanship of Mr. Hussan Lal Secretary Health cum Commissioner FDA.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that there are many poisonous chemicals in tobacco due to which on an average about 2200 people was dying every day in India. The state health department was taking stringent steps to curb this menace. He also said that all kinds of chewable tobacco and sale of loose cigarettes have already been banned in Punjab and licence of a commercial establishment could be cancelled in case of violation of Tobacco Control Act as per latest notification of Punjab Government. He appealed to common people to help Government in this endeavour.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Karanjit Singh Director Health and Family welfare said that COTPA was being effectively implemented and Monitored regularly at state level by Ms. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary Health.Addressing the workshop, he said that the objectives of State Level Sensitisation Workshop for members of district level Task Force was to sensitise the members of task force regarding latest notifications for Tobacco/Nicotine Control, prior to a special campaign to act against abuse of Tobacco and Nicotine in Hotels/Eateries etc and to detect any functional Hukkah Bar and illegal sale of E-Cigarettes, Loose cigarettes and flavoured/scented chewable tobacco.

Dr. Rakesh Gupta State Programme Officer State Tobacco Control Cell elaborated that compliance studies have been completed by School of Public Health PGI Chandigarh and compliance to Section 4 of COTPA has been found to be much more than the benchmark of 80% in all the districts. A formal declaration of Punjab as Tobacco Smoke Free State is, however, awaited, said Dr. Gupta. Good performing officials of Department of Health, Police, Civil Defence and Food and Drugs Administration were honoured on this occasion.

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· PUNBUS BAGS ASRTU AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE BEST PRACTICES

· VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM AND PASSENGER INFORMATION SYSTEM OF PUNBUS APPRECIATED

· TYRE MANAGEMENT, FUEL MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN THE PIPELINE-M.S JAGGI

Chandigarh: March 16

PUNBUS/Punjab Roadways has been given award for innovative best practice by Association of Road Transport Undertakings (ASRTU) , Government of India for implementation of Intelligent transport system in its buses. The award was given by Sh. Vijay Chibber (IAS) , Secretary , Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in an impressive function held at Ahmedabad . This award was received by S. Malwinder Singh Jaggi (IAS) Managing Director PUNBUS in a function of Association of State Road Transport Undertakings held today which was attended by Chief executives and senior officers of State Transport Undertakings of India. This award has been given for implementation of Vehicle tracking system and passenger information system by PUNBUS.

Disclosing this here today Director Transport Mr M.S Jaggi said that PUNBUS has installed vehicle tracking devices in 514 buses through which the speed of buses , unauthorised halt of buses and late/early running of buses, night halt of buses, kilometres operated by buses and stops at which buses do not halt can be monitored. All exceptions like buses going via bye pass, unauthorised halt, system not working and over speeding are reported via SMS to the concerned depot officers. Passengers can get information about arrival departure of buses through LCD screens at bus stands, through SMS on their phone and though android based application, said he. PUNBUS is planning to introduce GPS in 315 more buses in 2015-16, he added.

He said that the innovative ITS application implemented by PUNBUS is proving beneficial for PUNBUS management and for bus passengers. PUNBUS can monitor all its buses in real time as well as retrieve data from data base regarding working of its buses. Audit and enquiry capabilities have been strengthened as speed and location data of each bus every few seconds is available in the database for administrative/ replay purposes. Violations/ non-compliances can be replayed to understand cause of incident/ accident and to hold violators accountable. Passengers are getting information regarding bus timings at all bus stands and monitoring of speed of buses helps save passenger lives. He informed that PUNBUS is in the process of adding more modules like tyre management, fuel management and preventive management systems for which GPS mileage will be used. These modules will help in saving on tyre cost, fuel cost and improve reliability of buses by adhering to proper maintenance schedules.

Sukhbir Badal announces to rationalise collector rates from April 1

· Forms 19 member panel to submit detailed report of issues pertaining to developers

Chandigarh, March 13: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that state was contemplating to rationalise collector rates in the state and decision into this effect will be implemented in the first week of April.

In a detailed meeting with real estate developers gathered here from across the state, Mr. Badal accompanied by Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said the collectors rates will be rationalised in the state besides sorting out the pending issues of developers in a stipulated time frame. On the demand of office bearers of coloniser associations, Mr. Badal also formed a committee of 19 members including 13 from associations and 6 representatives of state to resolve issues pertaining to developers.

Mr. Badal said the committee included Financial Commissioner Revenue, Principal Secretary Housing and members of coloniser association will hold a joint meeting to discuss issues and prepare a detailed dossier. He said the dossier will be submitted to government in two weeks. He said needful action will be taken in time bound manner for the facilitation of colonisers.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. Sarup Chand Singla and Mr. N.K. Sharma, MLA Mr. Deep Malhotra, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Housing Mr. Vishwajit Khanna, Special Principal Secretary Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Mr. Ajay Mahajan and representatives of various coloniser associations of the state.

WORK ALLOTMENT TO CITY CONTRACTORS ONLY AFTER BUDGET EARMARKING: JOSHI

· INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED AS PER ORDERS OF COURTS

· A DISPLAY BOARD OF INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE PLACED FOR TRANSPARENCY IN WORK

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 13:

“Allotment of work to the city contractors would be made only after making outlay provisions in the Budget” said Mr. Anil Joshi, Local Bodies Minister in a press communiqué released here today.

Mr. Joshi said that written instructions in this regard have been issued to all the Local Bodies. He said that these instructions have been issued pursuing the directions of the Hon’ble courts. He said that this decision will help the department in resolving all the issues regarding delays in the payments to contractors. He said that based on the guidelines issued by the courts a committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Technical Advisor Major General Bhatt. He said that on the recommendations of the committee, Local Bodies have been instructed to launch new projects only after considering the priority of work.

Local Bodies Minister said that these new projects will be started in the areas where the provisions in the budget and funds are available. He also said that the allocation of funds should be done after keeping aside the expenses of annual pension, maintainence, street lights etc. He said that new tender would not be floated in any case if funds are not available.

Mr. Joshi further said that for the Municipal Corporations the nodal officers will be commissioner and for Municipal Council & Panchayat, Improvement trust nodal officers will be regional deputy director.

VIGILANCE NABS DISTRICT RURAL INDUSTRY ORGANISER IN GRAFT CASE

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 13:

The Vigilance Bureau, Punjab achieved major breakthrough in its anti corruption case when a District Rural Industry Organiser was nabbed red handed while accepting bribe of Rs. 7000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that Kishan Das, District Rural Industry Organiser of Punjab Khadi Board was nabbed on the complaint of Lakhbir Singh S/o Darshan Singh of village Sarawan, District Faridkot. The complainant has alleged that Kishan was demanding bribe of Rs. 10.000 for forwarding his case of loan for subsidy to the Punjab Khadi Board. In his detailed complaint he said that he has applied for Rs. 3, 00,000 loan for setting up Steel Suturing Business and the officer was demanding a bribe of Rs. 10,000 for forwarding his case to the Punjab Khadi Board for getting subsidy of Rs. 1, 29,000. He said that the matter was finally settled at Rs. 7,000.

On the tip off provided by the complainant a trap was laid by the team of Vigilance Bureau under the leadership of Mukhtiyar Singh, DSP and Kishan Das was nabbed red handed while accepting bribe.

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CABINET APPROVES EXCISE POLICY 2015-16

BASIC THRUST OF THE POLICY WAS TO PROVIDE GOOD QUALITY LIQUOR AT AFFORDABLE PRICES TO THE CONSUMERS

OKAYS SECOND PUNJAB RURAL WATER & SANITATION SECTOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WORTH RS.2200 CRORE

NOD FOR CONSTITUTING PUNJAB STATE CIVIL AVIATION COUNCIL

GREEN SIGNAL FOR AMENDING PUNJAB TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY ACT 1996

APPROVES AMENDMENT IN THE PUNJAB MINOR MINERAL RULES, 2013 TO GIVE CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS TO FARMERS AND GHUMIARS

NOD FOR AMENDING THE GUIDELINES FOR REGISTRATION AND WORKING OF STONE CRUSHERS

AMENDMENTS IN THE PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE MARKETS ACT 1961 APPROVED

GREEN SIGNAL FOR FRAMING THE PUNJAB STATE LOTTERIES RULES, 2015

PANEL UNDER CS TO RECOMMEND MEASURES TO COPE UP CRISIS BEING FACED BY THE SUGAR MILLS

Chandigarh, March 13

The Punjab Cabinet today approved consumer friendly Excise policy 2015-16 to fetch revenue of Rs.5040 crores during 2015-16, as against revenue of Rs.4680 crores during the current year, registering an increase of Rs.360 crores.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in its meeting held here at the CMO, this morning.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that though there was an increase in revenue, the minimum retail prices of Punjab Medium Liquor and Indian Made Foreign Liquor have been kept at same level as the current year. The basic thrust of the policy was to provide good quality liquor at affordable prices to the consumers. The prices of country liquor, which was consumed by common man, would be brought down from the current level. This would be ensured by a Price Control Cell in the Department. This time, the department was also introducing country liquor of 75 degree strength keeping in view the demand for this dispensation from the consumers. The quota of country liquor was pegged at 9.80 crore proof litres as against 9.50 crore proof litres during the current year. The quota of IMFL was retained at the existing level of 4.5 crore proof litres.

This year, canned beer (both light and strong) was going to be made available at the duty of light beer. This measure has been introduced with the intention of weaning away people from hard drinking.

Keeping in view the prevailing scenario, the maximum retail prices of liquor to be served in the marriage palaces for various functions, have been fixed and would be displayed conspicuously on the website of the Department and the same would be made available by the offices of the Department at the time of issuing permits.

The liquor served in the functions at marriage palaces would be made available at lesser prices. Now people could buy liquor from any vend in the relevant circle. There should not be any checking during the functions barring in exceptional circumstances.

This year, the number of vends have not been increased and have been kept at 6464 liquor vends.

The Cabinet also approved the Second Punjab Rural Water & Sanitation Sector Improvement Project of Rs.2200 Crore to be funded by the World Bank. The Project was aimed at ensuring higher service level of drinking water supply and sanitation, effective operation and maintenance of rural drinking water supply schemes and construction of toilets in all villages making Punjab free from open defecation. The project also envisages setting up water treatment facilities in villages where the water was found to be contaminated. There was also a proposal to shift source of drinking water supply from ground water to surface water in some select villages under this ambitious project. Special provision of Rs.171 crore has also been made for rejuvenation of water supply and sewerage schemes in water logged areas of States. The said project would be implemented in six years from 2015 to 2021.

In another significant step aimed at creating a pool of trained manpower in civil aviation sector, the Punjab Cabinet today decided to constitute Punjab State Civil Aviation Council (PSCAC). The newly constituted PSCAC would coordinate and expand civil aviation training with optimum utilisation of existing resources, augmenting infra structure and acquiring new equipment. This initiative would not only improve the standard of training in civil aviation related fields but would also help the youth from state to have an access to cost effective training.

In a move aimed at ensuring uniformity in the Board of Governors of the IK Gujral Punjab Technical University Jalandhar and Maharaja Ranjit Singh State Technical University, Bathinda, the Cabinet gave a go ahead for making amendments in the Punjab Technical University Act 1996. This amendment would give more powers to the state to give necessary directions to the PTU and the Chief Secretary would be the Chairman of the Board of Governors.

In order to facilitate the people by resolution of problems faced by them, the Cabinet also gave green signal for amending the Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013 thereby giving certain exemptions in the larger public interests. This decision would ensure easy availability of earth to the Ghumiars for carrying out their traditional work besides allowing the farmers to level their agricultural fields and sell the extra minor mineral coming out of such activity. Likewise, the land owners have been allowed to remove any minor mineral from their land for meeting personal land filling requirements or bonafide personal requirements including religious activities. This significant decision would help the state government in keeping the price of sand/ gravel at reasonable level to help the public in their traditional and economic activities.

Likewise, the Cabinet also gave its concurrence for another amendment in the Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013 that would help the Industries Department to operate the quarries through Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation for checking the prices of sand/ gravel in the state.

In compliance to the orders of Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court the Cabinet also gave nod for amending the Guidelines for Registration and Working of Stone Crushers in the state of Punjab 2012.

The Cabinet also approved amendment in the Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets Act 1961 which stipulates the enhancement of the period of supersession of the Market Committees to enable the administrators to perform the duties/ work of the Market Committees in an effective manner.

The Cabinet also approved the construction of new Jail at Sri Goindwal Sahib under the Optimum Utilisation of Vacant Government Land (OUVGL) Scheme and the entire expenditure on its construction would be met by PUDA under the OUVGL.

The Cabinet also gave approval to withdraw ‘The Prisons (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2011’ as the state government has already approved ‘The Prisons (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2013’ which has already been converted into Act with the approval of Vidhan Sabha.

The Cabinet also decided to amend the Sub Section ‘b’ of Section 7 of the Punjab Ancient, Historical Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Cultural Heritage Maintenance Board Act 2013, for the repayment of loans already taken or to be taken in future. The newly inserted Sub Clause (b) stipulates ‘for the construction/creation of the buildings of State/National importance and repayment of loans raised for construction/creation of the buildings of State/National importance’.

The Cabinet also approved the Punjab Horticulture (Group-A) Service Rules, 2015. The Punjab Horticulture (Class-1) Service was presently governed by 1990 and 1974 Rules and thereafter new posts have been created and designation of many posts has also changed. The new rules now provide for segregation of the cadres and provide for a clear line of promotion on the basis of seniority-cum-merit.

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

In a bid to make the lotteries in the state more effective to increase the Revenue of the state, the Cabinet also gave green signal for framing the Punjab State Lotteries Rules, 2015.

The Cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval for the creation of posts of fifth Punjab Finance Commission, which has been constituted to make specific recommendations for distribution of taxes, duties, Road tax and others amongst the Panchayats/ Municipalities and the state besides making further recommendations for the improvement of fiscal health of these civic bodies.

The Cabinet also discussed the crisis being faced by the sugar mills in the state due to steep fall in the wholesale prices of the sugar in the market. The Cabinet thus decided to set up a committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to recommend measures to cope up with this prevalent crisis.

Punjab launches digital revolution to expedite delivery of services

(Under capacity building program 1700 officers gets IT training, 7000 more to be trained in next 2 months)

(Offices to be equipped with 2500 new computers linked with broadband connections)

(Documents to be provided n a uniform format and facilitation charges)

Chandigarh, March 13 - Punjab Government has commenced digital revolution by installing maximum IT infrastructure in its offices and interlinking them with LAN and WAN besides imparting IT training to 9000 officers under e-district project. This e-revolution is focused on capacity building of employees to boost backend workflow for delivery of citizen centric services to citizens in a stipulated time as defined in Right to Service (RTS) act.

Divulging information regarding the e-revolution project, an official spokesman said governance reforms department had imparted IT training to 1700 officers and 7000 more to be trained in next two months. He said that more than 900 offices were connected with the LAN and all these offices would be further linked with Sewa Kendras being setup in rural as well as urban areas.

Spokesman said government offices were being provided with 2500 new computers, printers and scanners under e-district project that would be connected with broadband internet. He further added that 800 designated officers would use digital signatures for approval for online service requests.

Outlining the significance e-revolution he said this digital program would increase the accountability of public servants as Chief Secretary could check work pendency online of all offices in districts and Deputy Commissioners would also monitor the workflow of their respective districts at the click of mouse.

Describing the salient features of this digital revolution, spokesman said that after implementation of this system all services would be provided on a uniform defined format at similar facilitation charges in the state.

He said new system would also unburden the employees of manual file work besides updating their skills and efficiency. "It would not only fasten the response towards citizens’ requests for services delivery but also help in saving environment by reducing paper work", he added.

STRICT MONITORING BY THE MINISTER FOR RECOVERY OF

RS. 211 CRORE IN PROPERTY DEEDS

MAJITHIA DIRECTS REVENUE OFFICERS TO ENSURE TIME BOUND RECOVERY

· Reviews reconciliation process started in concerned Sub Registrar offices

Chandigarh, March 13: The novel idea of Punjab Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia to have counter audit of stamp fee payable on property registration has paid rich dividends as initial audit of over twelve Sub Registrar offices has discovered under recovery of whopping Rs. 211 crores.

International audit agencies including KPMG and PWC private limited today presented their preliminary report of 12 Sub Registrar offices to Revenue Minister in a high level meeting and the Minister said that his hunch of under recovery worth crores has proved right and asked the agencies to complete the pending task at the earliest. The agencies informed the Minister that they have completed the task of post assessment for one year in relation to documents registered or referred to u/s 47A by Sub Registrar offices of Amritsar 1, Amritsar 2, Jalandhar 1, Jalandhar 2, Patiala, Kharar, Ludhiana East , Ludhiana West , Ludhiana Central , Dera Bassi , Maajri, and Mohali for a period starting from 1st April, 2012 to 31st March, 2013 for Sale and Transfer Deeds Only.

The agencies representatives informed that in the process they have assessed a total 1,84, 185 deeds and found 51334 deficit cases and under recovery of more that Rs. 211 crores. Now, they have with the help of concerned revenue officials started reconciliation process and a letter was being sent to the concerned party giving it a right to make himself or authorized representative present at the designated office of the Department for the process. On the appointed day, the addressee of the Letter would be explained the amount and type of deficit and the rule under which the said deficit has been observed. He would also be explained the process of depositing the deficit revenue amount and getting the same endorsed for his personal records as well as the government record. In case the buyer agrees to pay the deficit amount, he would be asked to pay in 14 days. In case the buyer submits fresh supporting evidence of any kind to rebut the deficit, the Vasika would be reanalyzed and the buyer would be informed within 7 days if there is any residual deficit after considering the evidence submitted by him.

Directing Revenue officers to ensure time bound recovery of under recovered amount of stamp duty and other charges, Mr. Majithia said that Financial Commissioner Revenue would fix the schedule of recovery and monitor it strictly. He said that while effecting recovery the department should focus on big fishes to achieve the target of recovery at the earliest.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Arvinder Singh Bains, Special Secretary Revenue, concerned DROs and Tehsildars.

NRI pays courtesy call to speaker

Briefs about 'Canadian Scholarship Trust Plan'

Chandigarh, March 13:

The Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Charanjit Singh Atwal today met Prominent poet, NRI and literatteur Surjit Singh Madhopuri.

During this courtesy call Surjit Singh Madhopuri, decorated with one of the most prestigious 'Star of Courage' award by Government of Canada, said that though based in Canada , his heart yearns for the soil of Punjab. He also told the speaker about Canadian scholarship trust plan, of which he is the manager and said that this institution helps Punjabi students attain their goal of higher education and provides them expert guidance and financial help. He informed that the institution also provides every help possible to the students to find suitable avenues of employment.

The speaker presented a shawl to Surjit Singh Madhopuri and his wife.

ECI announces Dhuri by Poll on April 11

CLASS 4 EMPLOYEES DUTY BOUND TO WEAR UNIFORM; GOVERNMENT ISSUES INSTRUCTIONS

Chandigarh, March 12:

Cracking the whip on the lackadaisical approach of the class 4 employees, the Punjab government has instructed them to wear uniform while on duty. Disclosing this an official spokesperson of the Punjab government said that it has been found that class 4 employees did not wear uniform which ultimately amounts breach in official decorum and non compliance of the government orders.

He said that the Punjab government has been incurring huge amount on the uniforms of these employees. He said that the notification in this regard has been issued and all the divisional head have been instructed to ensure the compliance.

He said that if any class 4 employee would not wear uniform, the amount incurred by the government on his uniform would be deducted from his pocket.

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Punjab all set to emerge as new pharmaceutical hub-Sukhbir Badal

(Asks biosciences and healthcare business honchos to invest in Punjab)

Chandigarh March 12 – Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today said Punjab is all set to emerge as the pharmaceutical hub of the country, with foremost health sector players eying state for their major investment plans in the Medicity at New Chandigarh in the next two years. He stressed that Punjab will be a health tourism destination in the country in the coming years.

He was interacting here with a delegation of Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) during the course of which he discussed the state investment policy relevant to biosciences, pharmaceuticals and healthcare sectors. Mr Badal called upon the biosciences, pharmaceuticals and healthcare industrialists to invest in the state as Punjab had implemented an investor friendly investment policy and established an exclusive Medicity at New Chandigarh in the periphery of Chandigarh and SAS Nagar.

Focusing on healthcare, pharmaceuticals and biosciences sector, the Deputy CM affirmed that Punjab would soon attract big investments in these fastest growing knowledge based sectors with the availability of pharma and medical technology. Mr Badal said Punjab had put bio-sciences and healthcare sectors on priority. He said there was huge potential for including knowledge based eco-system at peripheral SAS Nagar with availability of pharma manufacturing around Baddi and availability of medical technology in the state.

He also informed the business honchos that State had established first of its kind Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion, a one stop clearance mechanism, for giving all approvals to setup new ventures or expansion of existing industrial units in a stipulated time. He said Invest Punjab had fetched investment of more than 10000 crore with approving total 145 projects.

Mr Badal revealed the initiatives undertaken by the State including ease of doing business, infrastructure and skills. He said Punjab led the country by implementing revolutionary governance reforms, e-district and abolished "inspector raj" by accepting self-attested documents and reports regarding setting up of industrial units.

Deputy CM also informed that Punjab had become the first state to have surplus power and cent percent rural electrification besides best air connectivity, 4/6 lane expressways, online citizen centric services, record agriculture production and achieved satisfactory growth in social sectors. He added that no other state in the country had implemented uniform overall development as compared to Punjab where all rural areas had entire basic facilities and infrastructure.

The OPPI executive members present in the meeting included Dr. Shailesh Ayyangar MD Sanofi India and President of OPPI, Sudarshan Jain MD Abbott Healthcare, Aijaz Tobaccowalla MD Pfizer, Angel-Michael Evangelista Country Head Bayer Pharmaceuticals, K. Shivkumar MD Eisai Pharmaceuticals, G. Sathya Narayanan MD Galderma India, Sanjiv Navangul MD Janssen India (Johnson & Johnson), Aman Bajaj MD Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Ramesh Panchagnula VP Nektar India. This prestigious organization, comprising of top pharmaceutical players in India, is holding its executive committee meeting for the first time outside of Mumbai and Delhi.

During their two day visit the OPPI delegation also interacted with senior officer of State government and knowledge institutes of the state including National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Panjab University, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), PGIMER and Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) which offers wide-ranging courses in disciplines relevant to the sectors.

Describing the parlays a result oriented Dr. Shailesh Ayyangar shared investors' viewpoints and state investment policy relevant to the sectors. Lauding the reformative initiatives launched by dynamic Deputy CM he said that keeping in view the development strides achieved by the State it had become impossible for the businesses to ignore Punjab. He assured that pharma industry would explore to exploit biotech and health care facilities available in Punjab.

The members during deliberations expressed satisfaction that Punjab especially SAS Nagar is emerging as a key hub for biosciences, pharmaceuticals and healthcare industry through a well-developed ecosystem of existing industry, excellent infrastructure and connectivity, quality of life and presence of research oriented institutes.

The OPPI delegation commended the initiatives undertaken by the Punjab and was impressed by the one-stop clearance system at Invest Punjab. They said that globally, India is one of the top suppliers of bulk drugs and formulations and India’s pharmaceutical exports stood at approximately USD 20 billion in 2013-14.

Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included Chief Parliamentary Secretary NK Sharma, Chief Secretary Servesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary Investment Promotion Karan Avatar Singh and CEO PBIP Anirudh Tewari.

DISTRICT LEVEL PUBLIC MEETINGS OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON 14 MARCH: DR.CHEEMA

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 12:

The district level public meetings of the Education Department would be held on March 14 to redress the grievance of the employees and general public on the spot at local level. In this meeting the grievances would be listened to by the senior officers of the department and the problems would be solved at the spot.

Disclosing this here today Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that with the motive to build a healthy relationships and good rapport with the public.

Dr. Cheema said that the public meeting would be held at every district head quarter in which DEOs would preside over the meeting along with other senior officers of the education department. He said that the state level officers would closely monitor the proceedings of these meetings. District head quarters would submit complete report of these meeting specially mentioning the number of grievances redressed at their end.

It’s pertinent to mention here that the public meetings of the education department have emerged as a useful medium to restore the faith of the public into the working of the government. He said that in the last public meeting 58 cases were redressed at the spot. He said that now onwards public meetings would be conducting on every second Saturday of the month at 10a.m to 2 p.m.

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SAANJH SERVER DATA BANK TO HELP IN TRACING CRIMES & CRIMINALS

DGP/CP FOR ADOPTING PRO-ACTIVE APPROACH IN UTILIZING RESOURCES OF SAANJH FOR EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF SERVICES

· ONE DAY SPECIAL WORKSHOP FOR ENGAGING POLICE LEADERSHIP IN MONITORING AND EVALUATING THE SAANJH PROJECT

Chandigarh, March 12: The Community Affairs Division of Punjab police has compiled a huge data bank including more than 4, 00,000 FIRs, 6, 50,000 complaints, 8, 00,000 missing mobile data, 3000 unclaimed dead bodies data and more than 5, 00,000 passports duly scanned and made available on Saanjh Server, with a purpose to effectively use it to trace different crimes/criminals.

This was informed by Mr. SK Sharma, DGP/Community Policing during a one day workshop of IGP/Zones, DIG/Ranges and Commissioners of police held here at the Institute for Development and Communication. Mr. Sharma apprised the officers about the Institutional and administrative framework of Saanjh and urged the officers to devote their energies to strengthen the 'Saanjh' between police and community by effective monitoring and evaluation from time to time which will not only ensure greater transparency and accountability and better citizen satisfaction but would also help in improving the image of police.

Presiding over the workshop Dr. Parmod Kumar, Chairman, PGRC and Director, IDC explained the basic theme behind setting up of unique Saanjh Kendras to ensure time bound and effective delivery of services in a corporate office like environment. The focus was on engaging the Senior Police leadership in monitoring and evaluating the Saanjh Project. The capabilities of the Saanjh Software that connects offices of Zonal IGs, Range DIGs, CP/SSsP, various Saanjh Kendras and the Community Policing Wing at Headquarters, as a tool for monitoring and evaluation were also highlighted. .

It was stressed upon all officers to adopt pro-active approach in utilizing the data and resources of Saanjh for effective delivery of services and resolution of disputes. Issue raised by Saanjh Committees and Advisory Boards were also highlighted before the Sr. Officers to find ways & means to improve upon the public perception of police and Government.

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AYURVEDIC CONGRESS GIVES CLARION CALL TO RESTORE SUPREMACY OF AYURVEDIC SYSTEM

· 1000 PATIENTS REGISTERED IN THE SPECIAL OPDs ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE MELA

· PADAM BHUSHAN VAIDYA DEVENDER TRIGUNA LAYS EMPHASIS ON STRENTHENING ACADEMIC FIELD OF AYURVED

Chandigarh, March 12: All India Ayurvedic Congress began here today with a clarion call to restore the supremacy of Ayurveda system and adopt holistic approach to improve the food cycle of humanity.

The Ayurvedic Congress being held in north India for the first time with 2992 delegates from all over the country, BRIC and SAARC nations assembling here for a brain storming session, to mark the beginning of four day Arogya Mela inaugurated by Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jyani, is being held with a sole purpose of evolving a broad based approach to make Ayurveda system a part of life.

Inaugurating the Arogya Mela, Mr. Jyani said it is unfortunate that human race is becoming victim of life style diseases being pleasurly adopted by us. He said that obesity, hypertension, diabetes were becoming epidemic in the country with people refusing to adopt preventive lifestyle. He said that it is matter of great concern that young population is becoming a slave and addict to modern life comforts, electronic gadgetry, stress prone lifestyle inviting all lifestyle diseases and looking its remedies in popping allopathic pills filling the coffers of multinational companies. He said that India, the land of Dhanvantri and Ayurveda has potential to become torchbearer in Ayurveda to provide healing touch to suffering humanity especially in the third world countries, which cannot afford costly medical care system.

Giving a call to Ayurveda doctors to evolve themselves according to the changing requirements of medical science, Mr. Jyani said with the new pesticides, weedicides in the food cycle it was imperative for Ayurveda to develop medicines to prevent the outbreak of new diseases afflicting humanity. He said that Ayurveda has to combine the ancient Ayurveda system of Dhanvantri besides strengthening research and development network to come out with preventive and curative medicines for new diseases like Ebola, swine flu, cancer and come out with cost effective system that could be adopted by masses living in the remote rural areas.

Advising Ayurveda specialists to take the message of Dhanvantri to the remote villages of country, the Punjab Health Minister said that time has come to launch a Ayurvedic movement all over the country and make population a stake holder in this countrywide and worldwide movement.

Speaking on the occasion Padam Bhushan Vaidya Devender Triguna President All India Ayurvedic Congress said that the coming sessions during the three day All India Ayurvedic Congress would work for the expansion and strengthening the academics in the field of Ayurved especially in the Northern part of India. He expressed concern over the inadequate infrastructure in the Government Ayurveda College and Hospital in Patiala. Vaidya Triguna urged the Health Minister to improve the plight of the Ayurvedic College situated in the prestigious town of Patiala known for the excellent academic institutions.

Pradhan Mantri All India Ayurvedic Congress Dr. Sanjeev Goyal speaking on the occasion said that the Arogya Mela inaugurated has 10 OPDs especially planned for the people where they could get free consultation and free treatment from the renowned vaidyas of the country for all the four days from10.30am to 8 pm. As many as 1000 patients registered in these OPDs on the very first day of the event.

Ceo-Shree Dhootapapeshwar and Chairman Reception committee, Mr. Ranjit Puranik in his welcome address emphasized on the need of imparting better network, coordination and collaboration amongst Ayurved Physicians, teachers, students, industry, medicinal plant collectors and cultivators with the government and semi government organizations working in the field of Ayurved. He also said that renowned Ayurved specialists from all over the country especially from Kerala and Western and Eastern India have come to participate in the academic sessions of the forthcoming Ayurvedic Congress in Chandigarh.

President All India Ayurvedic Congress Chandigarh Branch Vaidya Jagjit Singh proposed the vote of thanks.

Prominent amongst others who expressed their views on the occasion included, former Mayor, Mrs. Harjinder Kaur, Vaiya S.K.Mishra, Director Ayurveda Vaidya Rakesh Sharma and Director Medical Education and Research Dr. Manjeet Kaur Mohi.

Skill Development Program to get multilayered monitoring

Punjab Plans to upgrade the skill of 1`lakh youth next year

Chandigarh, March 12:

The Punjab today braced up to upgrade the skills of 1 lakh youth in this financial year to make them employable in upcoming new age industry and has evolved a multilayered monitoring system to ensure its time bound implementation.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that Punjab Government today notified the ‘Skill Development Mission’ will oversee and co-ordinate the implementation of various skill development schemes across all the departments.

The spokesperson said that a skill development fund has also been set up for creating infrastructure, capacity building and supporting various skill development initiatives. The expenses on registration, administration and management of the mission shall be met by the Punjab Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training. The department of technical education and industrial training will be the administrative authority for the mission.

According to the details divulged by the spokesperson the Governing Council would be the supreme body taking the decisions concerning implementation of skill development programs in state. The Chief Minister will be the Chairman of the council and various ministers, Chief Secretary, Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of various departments, Financial Commissioner Development, Representatives from industry and Skill development experts- both to be nominated by the govt.(for 3 years), MD and CEO of NSDC will be its members while Secretary, Technical Education and Industrial Training will be its member secretary.

The spokesperson further said that the next layer will be State Steering Committee which will lay down the policies for the mission under the guidance of Governing Council and shall take financial and administrative decisions concerning the mission. Its meetings will be held once in every 3 months. The Chief Secretary will be its Chairman. According to the spokesperson, next layer will be a State Program Management Unit whose head shall be mission director, State Skill Development Mission.

Then, there shall be a District Executive Committee for each District. The district level committee shall have Deputy Commissioner as the Chairman.

The spokesperson also informed that each district shall have a District Program Management Unit, which will be under the direct control of ADC (D) and general supervision of Deputy Commissioner.

Chandigarh, March 10

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for Dhuri By poll, where voting would take place on April 11.

A spokesman of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab today said that the notification would be issued on March 17 and last date of making nomination has been declared on 24 March. He further said that scrutiny of nominations would take place on March 25, whereas last date for withdrawal of candidatures would be March 27. Date of poll has been fixed on April 11 between 8 AM to 5 PM and counting of votes would be held on April 15. He said that the election process should be completed before April 18.

He further said that the electoral rolls of the assembly constituency have been revised with reference to 01.01.2015 as the qualifying date and have been finally published on 05.01.2015 in Punjab.

He also said that the commission has decided to use EVMs in the bye-election in all the polling stations. Adequate numbers of EVMs have been made available and all steps have been taken to ensure that the polls are conducted smoothly with the help of these machines.

The spokesperson further added that the model code of conduct has came in force with immediate effect in the district(S) in which or any part of the assembly constituency going for bye-election is included. The model code of conduct would be applicable to all candidates, political parties and the state government concerned. The model codes of conduct would also applicable to the union government for the state concerned.

PRTC all set to induct 250 new buses by next year

Initiates process of disbursing pending payments to retired employees

Chandigarh, March 10

PRTC has started the process of disbursing the retirement benefits to its pensioners which approximately amount to Rs 26 crore.

While expressing this Transport Minister S. Ajit Singh Kohar said that the cheques related to the GPF, Gratuity and CP Fund etc. of the retired employees have been delivered at the head office of PRTC. He said that all the payments shall be made by 31 March 2015.

The Minister said that the income of the department has witnessed increase of Rs. 10 lakh approximately during recent past. He said that PRTC will induct 250 new buses, 1200 electronic ticketing machines by March, 2016 and out of these 250 buses, 20 would be purchased by next month and then 30 new ones will be purchased every month. At present, PRTC has 586 buses. He further informed that 875 buses buses are operating kilometer and other schemes while out of 180 grounded buses, 100 have again started operating on their routes.

The Minister said that the grounded fleet of 60 buses have also started10 plying on their routes with rates reduced to the tune of 69 paise per kilometer. He further divulged the details that the Government is giving Rs. 4.50 crore per month in order to keep PRTC running and Rs. 47.47 crore have been additionally received as travelling facilities which would be used in clearing gratuity and G.P.F. dues of employees.

Divulging more details, he said that Amloh, RamaMandi and Faridkot bus stands shall be made operational by May, 2015 and also, PUDA is constructing bus stand at Sangrur on B.O.T. basis. He conveyed that Faridkot depot would be developed as a model depot.

COMMISSION DIRECTS TO LODGE SEDITION CASE AGAINST OFFENDERS

· SC COMMISSION TAKES SERIOUS NOTE OF THE MALICIOUS CAMPAIGN AGAINST SRI GURU RAVIDAS

Chandigarh, March 10:

Director Bureau of investigation Sh. V.K.Bhawra Punjab today deposed before Punjab State SC Commission with the action taken report on the issue of malicious campaign against Sri Guru Ravidas. The Punjab police in its reports has clarified that it was a case of personal animosity between the culprit and another group.

He said that the culprit has written derogatory letters with the fabricated posters of Sri Guru Ravidas. The culprit has posted this letters and posters to 14-15 households. The police have claimed that they had taken action at the right time against the culprit and maintained law and order situation.

Mr. Bagha after listening to clarification, he has directed the AGDP Crime to book the culprit under sedition charges. It was told that these kinds of anti-social elements are generally acting to derail the hard earned peace and harmony in the state. Mr. Bagha at the same time appreciated the timely intervention of the police force by registering a case against the culprit. Thus, to avoid any dint in the social fabric of the Punjab, the Commission Chairman directed AGDP to submit action taken report till March 13th after booking the culprit under sedition charges.

Legislative business should be directly sent to the Information secretary of Vidhan Sabha

Chandigarh: March 10

Punjab Government has instructed all the heads of departments to send the material regarding legislative business, ordinances and the papers/reports to be tabled in Vidhan sabha should be directly sent to the Information secretary , Vidhan Sabha. It may be mentioned here that 10th session of 14th legislative assembly is going to start from 12th of March, 2015.

Besides that a spokesperson of Punjab legislative assembly has informed answers of the assembly questions could be submitted to Anil Kumar, Senior Assistant, # 52, Sector 23 A, Chandigarh (Mobile: 9815657995) even after the closing of offices or during the holidays.

He also said that the information regarding coordination officers of the concerned departments to be sent to Vidhan Sabha to prepare the answers of questions putted in the Vidhan sabha.

REGIONAL MEETING FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF RE-INVEST 2015 OUTCOMES

MNRE INCLUDES PUNJAB IN GREEN CORRIDOR MISSION

Ø ANNOUNCES A MAJOR PILOT PROJECT OF ROOFTOP SOLAR PLANT IN PUNJAB

Ø MAJITHIA BATS FOR CLOSE COORDINATION BETWEEN CENTRE, STATES AND BANKS FOR SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS

Ø PUNJAB TO SOON WAIVE OFF WHEELING CHARGESFOR POWER FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES

Chandigarh, March 10:

The Union Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has agreed to include Punjab in the ambitious “Green Corridor Mission” project on the request of Punjab New and Renewable Energy minister Bikram Singh Majithia here today.

Punjab will now be in line to receive funds for further strengthening of its transmission and distribution infrastructure to ensure efficient evacuation of solar power to the central grid.

Besides this, the Union Ministry has also announced a major roof top solar power pilot project to demonstrate as well as encourage people to set their own solar power roof top projects to successfully implement the Net Metering policy of the state.

These decisions were conveyed here today by Mr. Upendra Tripathy, Secretary, MNRE at the first regional meet held at CII under the Chairmanship of Punjab New & Renewable Energy Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia for implementation of RE-INVEST Conclave-2015.

Addressing this regional meeting of states like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and UT Chandigarh, Mr. Majithia said the recently held RE-INVEST-2015 Summit has given a new dimension to the entire renewable energy mission as the Prime Minister had set the ball rolling by throwing a gigantic challenge of 270 GW power productions from renewable sources. He underlined the need for joining of hands by Union Government, State governments and banks to thrash whittle down impediments if any in achieving this goal.

He said Punjab being a land locked faced several challenges in providing land to prospective solar investors. He said the state had however risen to the challenge and taken an initiative to provide government approved land on lease policy to facilitate investors besides offering power purchase agreements (PPA) with the state utility.

He said after the successful implementation of 240 MW solar power projects in the state; Punjab has taken a major initiative by offering 65 MW rooftop solar power projects in a single bid. He said the state had the world’s biggest single rooftop project of 7.5 MW in Dera Beas and that it was being further upgraded to 31.5 MW in next few months.

Mr Majithia said Punjab had also started a unique net metering policy to encourage residents to install rooftop solar projects for domestic use selling power to the State grid. He said Punjab had also decided in principle to waive off wheeling charges for power produced from renewable resources and a cabinet nod would be taken soon for this purpose.

The Minister further said that for realization of 270 GW power from renewable sources we have to harness the potential of all sources like solar, biomass, wind and hydro. He also emphasized the need to focus on the key areas of biomass, bio ethanol and bio CNG as in an agrarian state like Punjab there was an annual agri residue availability of 21 million tonnes. He said that it had becomes imperative to harness the abundant potential of production of power from biomass to save the ecology as well as ensure additional income to the farmers.

Inviting the all major as well as small players of renewable energy sector, Mr. Majithia said that the state government was always open to their suggestions and won’t hesitate to walk extra mile to make the state a hub of clean and green energy.

Earlier, Mr. Upendra Tripathi, Secretary MNRE appreciated the Punjab government’s initiatives in solar, biomass, rooftop power sectors and expressed hope that it would also lead the nation in rooftop sector. He said that there was a paradigm shift in human thinking regarding renewable energy which was a welcome sign and hoped that the nation would achieve its target to enhance present 6% renewable energy production of total electricity production in the country to 20% by 2020. He said that the success of renewable energy projects depends on the credit support and the Union government was working with various financial institutions to more liberal availability of finances for such projects.

Earlier, Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, Secretary, Power and New and Renewable Energy while welcoming the investors said that renewable energy sector was a great opportunity for banks as these had assured resources as well as assured selling of power that to with state utilities. He also urged the neighboring states to pool in their resources for realizing the dream of clean and green energy. He also said that the success of renewable energy projects depends on the affordability of required equipments and our state has most attractive friendly policy for this purpose. Later Mr. Tiwari made a detailed presentation before investors.

Mr. Amarpal Singh, CEO, PEDA and Mr. Balour Singh, Director , PEDA was also present in the meeting.

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Punjab Technical University to organize athletic meet from 14th-16th March

Directives sent inviting entries from affiliated colleges

Chandigarh, March 10:

The Punjab Technical University (PTU) is organizing its athletic meet from 14th-16th March at Shaheed Udham Singh College Of Engineering and Technology, Tangori.

Stating this, a spokesperson of the university said that a directive has been sent to the affiliated colleges, interested in participating in the athletic meet, to fill the detailed entry proforma and eligibility proforma and send a copy of it to the host college and another copy to the sports department of PTU at ptusports@gmail.com and sainiprabhjot95@gmail.com.

The spokesperson also clarified that only 2 players from a college can compete in a event and also that one player can participate in 2 events and one relay. According to the spokesperson, for further clarification Sports Officer of Shaheed Udham Singh College Of Engineering and Technology, Tangori can be contacted at 9915588303.

Satish Kumar Dhanda appointed Vice Chairman of Medium Industries Development Board

Chandigarh, March 10:

The Punjab Government has appointed Satish Kumar Dhanda as member of the board of directors of Medium Industries Development Board, Punjab. He has also been appointed as Vice Chairman of the board.

This was disclosed by an official spokesperson.

PUNJAB GOVT. INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR OFFICIAL MEMBER (PPSC)

Chandigarh March 10:

The Punjab Government has invited the applications to fill up the one vacancy of Member (Official), Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), of eminent persons of impeccable intergrity, high calibre and administrative experience.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the punjab government said that the applicant while forwarding his/her own name or recommending another person's name with necessary details, must clearly elucidate the pendency of any civil, criminal, administrative or any other proceedings that may have bearing on his/her integrity and character, and should have held office for atleast 10 years either under the Government of India or under the State Government.

He said that the last date for submitting the applications to the office of Secretary to Punjab government , Department of Personnel, Chandigarh, last date would be April 1st,2015

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 9:

The Fourteenth Punjab Vidhan Sabha has been summoned by the Governor of Punjab to meet for its Tenth Session on Thursday, the 12th March, 2015 at 2:00 P.M., in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Hall, Vidhan Sabha Bhavan, and Chandigarh.

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BUS PASSEES TO BE MADE IN SCHOOLS/COLLEGES FROM 1 APRIL

Chandigarh, March 9:

The Punjab Transport Department today took a revolutionary decision to make bus passes of School and College students in their respective schools instead of students making beelines in Bus Stands for making Bus Passes. The new scheme would be operational from the commencement of new academic session starting from April 1

Disclosing this here today Managing Director, PRTC Mr. Manjit Singh Narang said that teams of PRTC would visit the schools/colleges and issue the passes to the students.

Hesaid that the orders have already been given to the general managers of Patiala, Sangrur, Kapurthala, Bathinda , Budhlada, Ludhiana, Faridkot and Chandigarh to do the needful in this regard.

He further said that now students need not to stand in queues at bus stands for three months to get their bus passes issued. This will help them to devote more time to academic pursuits.

He said that with this innovative step, PRTC wouldn’t feel the need to appoint more officers for this task. Now, only one inspector and two officers will be present at the concerned school or college and the passes will be issued without any delay. He said that one team from the department will go at different institutes at different days.

He said that the bus passes are issued for three months and this order will be implemented from the new session commencing on 1 April. Institutes have already started taken applications from the students regarding bus passes. An inspector from the department will go to the particular institute for processing these applications, collect the fees and stamp the form and issue the pass.

He said that this decision will be beneficial for the department as well as schools and colleges. He said that this will help in the prevention of bogus passes. He also said that bus passes will be renewed before their expiry. He said that a database will be created having information regarding bus passes issued to an institute and this list will be uploaded on corporation website.

Punjab notifies 206 services in the ambit of RTS act

(Nodal officers and appellate authorities designated)

Chandigarh, March 9 – With a view to ensure time-bound delivery of public services to citizens Punjab government has announced to bring 206 public services in the ambit of Right to Service Act (RTS), 2011.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson said that state government has issued amended notification in this regard and appointed designated officers to deliver services within stipulated time limit for the purpose of section 3 of RTS act. Besides, fixing time frame for delivery of all services state government has also nominated first appellate authorities and second appellate authorities to decide appeals against the delays in provisioning of service.

He said the endeavor of State government was to push reforms and accountability in its internal governance by bringing or introducing reforms in the present administrative system.

He informed that as per new notification out of 206 services listed under the preview of RTS act includes 32 services related to home department, 30 services of health, 28 of local government, 14 of power and electricity, 12 of revenue, 14 of agricultural and mandi board, 9 each of social security and transport, 8 of technical education, 7 related to welfare of SCs and BCs, 5 of town and country planning, 3 of industry, 2 of rural development and panchayats and 1 each belongs to personal, food, civil supply and consumer affairs, rural water supply and sanitation, dairy development and grievances & pensions departments.

Besides this, 3 services of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) and rectification of error occurred at the level of an official while delivering the services has been also included under RTS act.

Spokesman further added that with regard to implementation of RTS act at district level, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) would be the Nodal Officer for all departments in a district whereas Special Secretary/ Additional Secretary/ Joint Secretary of the concerned department, as the case may be, would be the Nodal Officer of respective department at the State headquarters. EOM

Schedule for RIMC Entrance Test for Jan 2016 Term announced

Last date for submission of applications 31st March,2015

Chandigarh, March 9:

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

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

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

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

State of art pack houses for fruit, vegetable products in Punjab set to boost exports

Chandigarh, March 9 : The Punjab government has commenced the construction of ultra modern pack house for fruit, vegetable products of the state to give a big boost to export of perishable commodities . These pack-houses would have facilities for grading, sorting, packaging agricultural and horticultural products in the state. These pack houses across the state namely at Jalandhar, Ferozpur, Batala, Moga, Sangrur, Bathinda, Hoshairpur, Phagwara, Abohar, Kapurthala, Patiala and Ludhiana have been put up to encourage farmers to go for diversification in agriculture sector.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Agriculture Department further added it would have mechanical grading and sorting line, pre-cooling chamber, cold storage, a reefer van and a pick up van.

He also said that the fruit and vegetable market in Punjab is likely to get a fillip as the Punjab Mandi Board is setting up at least 14 pack houses for grading, sorting and packaging of agricultural and horticultural produce in the state.

He said that in the past many years, production of fruits and vegetables in Punjab was increasing continuously and there was a dire need for setting up pack houses.

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PUNJAB INVITES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AWARDS TO BE CONFERRED ON INDEPENDENCE DAY 2015

Chandigarh, March 9: The Punjab Government has invited recommendations from Deputy Commissioners, Divisional Commissioner and Secretary Punjab Vidhan Sabha for the awards in various categories to be conferred on the occasion of state level function on Independence Day 2015.

Disclosing this, an official spokesperson of the general administration department said that in total 40 awards would be conferred to the persons who had done commendable work in social service, art a culture and literature science and technology. One award would be conferred to a person for bravery . He said that the awardees would be honoured with a gold plated silver medal, shawl and citation.

He said that a special bravery award would be conferred to a person who had shown exemplary courage to counter the menace of terrorism. He said that for this category Rs. 50000 would also be given to the awardees whereas for other kind of bravery RS.25000 would be given. He said that for the awardees of other category other than bravery cash price of Rs.11000 would be given .He said that the department have been asked to send recommendation duly supported by a brief note on the life of the person ,his bio-data and his achievement .Ten copies per recommendation are to submitted.

HODs directed to be present in vidhan sabha session

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 9:

The Punjab Government has issued instructions to all the Heads of Department in the state to ensure their attendance during the forthcoming Budget Session of 14th Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that the department heads are duty bound to provide the relevant material to the concerned minister in advance. The administrative secretaries have also been asked to ensure their presence in officers’ gallery of Vidhan Sabha during all the sittings. Their presence is expected especially during discussion on the bills of their departments, during Question Hours in which questions pertaining to their departments are raised, Call Attention Motions, Adjournment Motions etc.

The administrative secretaries could also depute their subordinate not below the rank of Under Secretary to take notes of the proceedings of the Vidhan Sabha. Further this information be submitted before the Minister and Principal Secretary concerned.

Instructions have also been issued to furnish the name of Coordination Officer, Name Address & telephone (Office & Residence) to the Secretary Punjab Vidhan Sabha, CM office and to Civil Control Room, Punjab Civil Secretariat so that Budget Session related information can directly sent to Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

CREDIT OF CONDUCTING LOCAL BODIES ELECTIONS PEACEFULLY GOES TO CM PUNJAB, SUKHBIR BADAL

ENQUIRY MARKED TO DGP PUNJAB IN CASE OF JAGDISH BHOLA’S ALLEGATIONS AGAINST JAIL AUTHORITIES

DY CM LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF RS 13.16 CR NEW ZILA PARISHAD COMPLEX, VISITS REGIONAL SARAS MELA

DY CM ADDS TO CHARM OF REGIONAL SARAS MELA

Bathinda, March 9

Enquiry has been marked to the DGP Punjab in case of drug peddler Jagdish Bhola’s allegations of Nabha jail authorities harassing him, said the Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal while interacting with the media persons after laying foundation stone of new Zila Parishad Complex, which would be constructed at a cost of Rs 13.16 cr here today. The Minister for rural development and panchayat Mr Sikandar Singh Maluka accompanied him.

Answering the media query on Bhola issue, he said that DGP Punjab was looking into the matter and would soon present his report. Responding to another media query on rape cases in state, the deputy CM said that Punjab government has zero tolerance policy towards such heinous crime against women and the DGP Punjab has been asked to deal with these cases very strictly.

Mr Badal said that the Punjab government has successfully conducted free and fair local bodies elections. “The SAD-BJP victory in these peacefully conducted elections reiterates the fact that people vote for development and the opposition has no issue to raise. The credit of conducting these elections harmoniously goes to the CM Punjab Mr Parkash Singh Badal,” he added.

Talking about the unseasonal rains wreaking havoc on the crops in state, he said that the Chief Minister Punjab Mr Parkash Singh Badal has sought Rs 3600 cr compensation from center government. He added that already NDA government has give projects worth hundred crores to Punjab such as the lining of canals. “In the months to come, we are getting more such funds to unleash unprecedented development in state,” he said. Answering a query on the widening of Bathinda-Chandigarh road project he said that the tendering of project has been done and the work would begin soon.

While laying the foundation stone of new Zila Parishad Complex, Mr Badal said that for development of Panchayati Raj Institutions the zila parishads played pivotal role. Strengthening this pillar of the government, the state government was committed it to provide the best of infrastructure.

Chairman zila parishad Mr Gurpreet Singh Maluka stated that during fiscal year 2013-14, Rs 1041.18 lacs were distributed to 297 villages for developmental works. He added that the new building would have semi basement parking, shopping complex and office wing of zila parishad with all modern facilities.

Later, the deputy CM Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal paid a visit at ongoing regional SARAS mela where he appreciated the efforts of Bathinda administration for conducting such a colorful event.

Addressing people at the event he said that the festivities like SARAS mela bring people from varied states closer, promoted the hard work of rural artisans and gave self help groups a platform to sell their products. Already more than 50000 people have visited this mela. He added that Punjab government was going to develop the holy city of Amritsar into a major throbbing tourist destination. He was presented with Kashmir’s pure Pashmina at the event. The deputy CM sipped Kashmir’s famous kesar kahwa. He also enjoyed Assam’s folk dance Bihu as well as show of bhand.

The CPS rural development and panchayat department Mr Mantar Singh Brar, CPS Mr Sarup Chand Singla, IG Dr Jitendra Jain, deputy commissioner Bathinda Dr Basant Garg, SSP Mr Inder Mohan Singh Bhatti, ADC (development) Mr Varinder Kumar Sharma, DDPO Mr Rajinder Batra, SAD press secretary Dr Om Prakash Sharma and others officers were also present.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT DECLARED THE RESERVATION LIST FOR MAYOR AND PRESIDENT POST

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 9:

The reservation list of municipal corporation mayors’ and municipal council and panchayat presidents’ has been declared. Punjab government has issued this list with regard to the recently held elections of Municipal Corporation and municipal council and panchayats.

An Official spokesperson of Punjab Government has told that the seat of Bathinda Municipal Corporation mayor has been reserved for SC candidate and that of SAS Nagar Mayor is reserved for woman candidate.

He further informed that president of Municipal council of Jagraon, Jandiala Guru, Fatehgarh Churian and Kartarpur has been reserved for SC candidate whereas the post in Kurali, Lehragagga, Gardhiwala and Kapurthala has been reserved for woman candidate. However, the constituencies of Maur and Hariana will have the Municipal Council president from backward class. Similarly, the nagar panchayat president of Joga and Khamano will be the candidate from SC category and that of Kotha Guru will be a women candidate.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TRANSFERRED 12 TEHSILDARS

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 9:

Punjab Government today issued transfer and posting orders for 12 Tehisldars with immediate effect.

According to an Official Spokesperson of the Punjab Government Mr. Harphool Singh has been posted at Patti, Mr. Satnam Singh at Mukeriyan, Mr. Virender Kumar Garg on Special Duty at Ferozpur, Mr. Gurmukh Singh at Boundary Cell, Chandigarh, Mr. Saraaj Ahmed at Nabha, Mr. Dalbir Bhaardwaj at Kapurthala, Mr. Harminder Singh at Jalandhar-1, Mr. Mandeep Singh Dhillon at Ludhiana (East), Mr. Jaswinder Singh Tiwana at Samrala, Ms. Pushpinder Kaur at Dhoori, Mr. Lakhveer Singh at Barnala and Mr. Jasbir Singh Mahi has been posted on Special Duty at Jalandhar.

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TABLE MARKING FOR Xth AND XIIthBOARD EXAMINATIONS: DR CHEEMA

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 9:

Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema announced table marking for the checking in Xth and XIIth board Examinations. In this new initiative, the total answer sheets of both classes 7,25,094 candidates will be evaluated in more accountable manner. This initiative will ensure more transparency in the assessment of the examinations.

Dr. Cheema further informed that this project is going to introduce for the first time. This system will enhance the performance of the existing system and the results will be declared within adequate time frame. Moreover, this will reduce the number of grievances and thus the improvement in the system will get a further fillip.

The minister said that table marking will be done at district level checking centres and more than one examiner will be there to evaluate the each and every answer sheet. This decision is taken to strengthen the existing education system by providing fair and efficient marking scheme.

Maluka for strengthening of Cooperatives, self-help groups for Rural development

· Visits Anneshwara, a progressive and modern village of Bengaluru

Bengaluru/Chandigarh, March 5: Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka today emphasised the need to strengthen cooperatives in villages as these can play a vital role in boosting the economy of states as well as country.

Mr. Maluka, who was on five day tour to Bengaluru to gauge the status of MNREGS , said cooperatives and self help groups should be more strengthened not only in context to give fillip to economy but too witness all round development of rural belts. He was ascertaining the unprecedented growth and development registered by villages with the efficiency of cooperatives and self-help groups over there. He said Panchayats Departments should actively come forward to educate the rural population about the immense potential of self-help groups.

Minister also informed that they were incorporating NGOs, social organisations besides innovative and talented youngsters for this purpose so that this mission could be taken carry forward to greater heights. He said Punjab has also formed ‘State Livelihood Mission’ to record numbers of BPL families so they could also involve in this exercise. He said Punjab has also initiated NRLM scheme to provide loans to self-help groups in 12 blocks of state as pilot project, which would be replicated in entire state soon.

Anneshwara is a village in the tehsil/mandal of Devanhalli in the Bangalore Rural district of Karnataka.

Mr. Maluka also lauded the exceptional venture being run by a Anneshwara village of Devanhali tehsil where 10 villages were running a single Panchayat with participation of their 17 members. He said it was appreciable this Panchayat has established waste management technology creating self employment for scores of rural residents with annual earning of Rs. 1 crore. He advocated the need to replicate such ventures in other villages of all states too.

Prominent amongst those accompanied the Minister included Mr. G.S. Ghuman, Joint Development Commissioner Rural Development and panchayat members of Anneshwara village and senior officers of Karnatka’s Rural Development and Panchayats Department.

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GOVT TO ACT TOUGH AGAINST MISLEADING & OBJECTIONABLE ADVERTISEMENT

Chandigarh March5:

Acting on the directions of Mr. Surjit Kumar Jyani, Health & Family Welfare Minister of Punjab Mr. Hussan Lal, Secretary-cum-Commissioner AYUSH, Punjab issued directions to prevent objectionable advertisements in print and electronic media by private Ayurvedic practitioners and Ayurveda Siddha and Unani (ASU) drug manufacturers, regarding cure of sexual diseases, for breast enlargement, to increase height and other diseases which falls under the provisions of Drug and Magic Remedies (objectionable advertisement) Act, 1954. The step has been taken to save the life of common public and also prevent harassment being faced by public due such misleading advertisements.

Giving information in this regard, Mr. Hussan Lal stated that in order to prevent the objectionable advertisements a meeting of all District Ayurvedic & Unani Officers-cum-Drug Inspectors was convened here on Thursday during which Director Ayurveda Punjab, Joint Director Ayurveda Punjab and Assistant Drug Controller of Punjab state were present. In this meeting provisions of Drug and Magic Remedies (objectionable advertisement) Act, 1954 were discussed in detail and action taken by the District Drug Inspectors for prevention of objectionable advertisement was also reviewed.

Commissioner AYUSH observed that some private practitioners and firms were openly violating the provisions of Act, which is punishable offence under this act. He said such persons are misguiding the public for their personal benefits. He directed the District Ayurvedic & Unani Officers-cum-Drug Inspectors to take strict action against such elements. He also dispatched DO letters to the Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police of all districts to prevent publication of any such advertisement which is objectionable under this act, in their respective areas of Jurisdiction. He also appealed to public to be aware of such objectionable and misguiding advertisement by private practitioner and manufacturers.

During the meeting, the District Ayurvedic & Unani Officers-cum-Drug Inspectors apprised Commissioner AYUSH that notice had been issued to 35 Private Ayurvedic Practitioners to immediately stop such objectionable advertisement and action has been pursued against them under Drug and Magic Remedies (objectionable advertisement) Act, 1954. Further the samples of 25 Ayurvedic Medicines were sent to Drug Testing Laboratory Patiala for testing. It was also told that license of One Ayurvedic Pharmacy has also been cancelled.

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HIKE IN THE SHARE OF CENTRAL TAXES TO THE STATES VINDICATES SAD’S STAND ON FEDERALISM- CM

DESCRIBES CONSTITUTION OF NITI AAYOG AS A WELCOME STEP

BUDGET INDICATES A GOOD START FOR ‘GOLDEN FUTURE’ OF STATE DURING NDA RULE

AAP HAS NO FUTURE IN THE STATE

PAYS HOMAGE AT SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB ON SACRED OCCASION OF ‘HOLA MOHALLA’

HIGHLIGHTS THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF SAD-BJP ALLIANCE GOVERNMENT

DEPUTY CM TERMS SERVICE OF THE HUMANITY AS THE PRIME MOTTO OF THEIR GOVERNMENT

RURAL SERVICE CENTERS TO BE OPERATIONAL SOON

LAUDS CM’S INITIATIVE TO SHOWCASE RICH ETHNO-CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE STATE THROUGH SEVERAL MEMORIALS AT A COST OF RS 1000 CRORE

Sri Anandpur Sahib, March 5-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today openly declared that the Shiromani Akali Dal’s (SAD) unequivocal stand on Federalism was vindicated with the BJP led NDA government at centre’s decision to give a major pie in the share of central taxes to the states from 32% to 42% besides scrapping the archaic Planning Commission of India (PCI) - the central agency to formulate and implement plans for the entire country and replacing it by progressive NITI aayog.

Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of a function to mark Hola Mohalla here today, the Chief Minister said that the SAD- a votary of true federalism had been waging a relentless battle for securing financial autonomy for the states since long to implement their programs and schemes intended for the overall development of the state and the welfare of their people. Mr. Badal recalled that for the first time in the history of Indian polity spanning over more than six decades, any government at helms of central affairs has conceded to the long pending demand of the party and now they were hopeful that the states would not be merely treated as beggars looking at centre for even their petty demands. Rather, he said that they would be the full fledged partners in the development process of the states viz-a-viz the country. Mr. Badal said that all the Chief Ministers in future would have equal say in the planning process adopted by the NITI aayog, which he termed as be a ‘paradigm shift’ from the centralized approach followed by the erstwhile PCI thereby now ushering an era of harmonious centre-state relations.

The Chief Minister further said that the centre’s benevolence showered upon the state was reflected from the recently announced general budget in which Punjab was allotted prestigious AIIMS, Horticulture Research Institute and above all world class heritage status to the Jallianwala Bagh memorial in holy city of Amritsar. Mr. Badal also disclosed that the Union Surface Transport Minister Mr. Nitin Gadkari had already accorded in principle approval to the Guru Gobind Singh Marg from Sri Anandpur Sahib to Takht Sri Hazur Sahib passing through six states including Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra under the national highway project. He said that a good start has been made by the NDA government and the day was not very far off when Punjab, which had been hitherto blatantly ignored by the previous Congress governments would be duly compensated with more such projects in the near future.

Asked to comment on the electoral prospects of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, the Chief Minister out rightly said that they have no future in the state as the massive mandate to the SAD-BJP alliance in recently concluded civic polls indicated that the wise people of the state were solidly behind the alliance government and its pro-people and result oriented policies.

The Chief Minister also announced that the state government would make budgetary provisions in the forthcoming budget to commemorate the concluding year long celebrations on June 19, 2015 to mark the 350th foundation anniversary of Sri Anandpur Sahib in a befitting manner. Mr. Badal said that he would also personally request the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to attend the function on this historic day.

Earlier addressing the massive gathering, the Chief Minister said that this historic day reminds all of us of rich legacy behind this sacred ‘Hola Mohalla’ festival, which symbolized the tenth Sikh Master Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s great ideology and endeavor to infuse the undying spirit of well being (Chardi Kala) amongst the Sikhs to fight against tyranny, oppression and injustice unleashed by the Mughal rulers. Paying rich tributes to the Sikh Gurus, Mr. Badal said that the SAD was deriving a sense of responsibility and spirit of service towards the mankind by following their footsteps and it was a matter of great pride and honor that Punjab was the only state in the country which was a perfect blend of ‘socialism and secularism’ on one hand and an epitome of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood on the other. Highlighting the landmark achievements in different sectors like Health, Education, social security and others, he said that the state government had pioneered several key projects and initiated a number of pro-people schemes aimed at ensuring the well being of all sections of society.

Earlier in his address, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the SAD was the second oldest political party after the Congress and a real political outfit which could feel the pulse of the people and satiate their needs accordingly. He said that the service of the humanity was the prime motto of their government. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also recalled the supreme sacrifices made by the stalwarts of SAD since its inception, which was a source of inspiration for the entire rank and file of the party to work zealously for the upliftment of the poor and weaker sections of the society besides ensuring overall development of the state and prosperity of its people.

The Deputy Chief Minister outlined many firsts to the credit of the SAD-BJP alliance government like Atta-Dal, Pension, Mai Bhago Vidya, Shagun, Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Beema and other social security schemes adding he said that few of such path breaking initiatives have been replicated at national level and by other states. Mentioning about an upcoming project to set up Rural Service Centers across the state as an integrated part of governance reforms, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the basic objective of this ambitious program was to ensure delivery of citizen centric services to rural populace in a hassle free manner, which was hitherto only accessible to the urban population. He reiterated that this project was the outcome of state government’s commitment towards zero tolerance towards corruption in public offices.

Likewise, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the state government has spend nearly Rs 1000 crore for perpetuating the rich legacy of state by creating a network of several magnificent memorials viz. Virasat-e-Khalsa, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur War Memorial, Chotta Ghallugara and Vadda Ghalugarra memorials. Apart from these several other state of the art memorials like Jang-e-Azaadi, War Heroes Memorial cum museum, Baba Jiwan Singh Memorial, Sri Guru Ravidass memorial and others were in pipeline. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that these memorials were the brainchild of Chief Minister, so as to keep our younger generations abreast with the glorious and rich cultural and historic legacy of the state.

Earlier the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister paid obeisance at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib and were offered a siropas by Jathedar Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib Giani Mal Singh.

The Chief Minister also visited Sri Dashmesh Academy and planted a sapling there to mark the ‘tree plantation drive’ in the precincts of the premier residential school. Mr. Badal also reviewed the progress of the school in a meeting with the management of the institution and was updated about the developments in the academic and sports field by the Principal.

Prominent amongst other who spoke on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and Madan Mohan Mittal, Lok Sabha MP Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra, Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, President Istri Akali Dal and MLA Bibi Jagir Kaur, SGPC Chief Jathedar Avtar Singh, President DSGMC Mr. Manjit Singh GK and former Union Minister Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia.

Advisor to Chief Minister on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, Cabinet Ministers Jathedar Tota Singh, Jathedar Ajit Singh Kohar and Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Chaudhary Nand Lal and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr S Karunaraju were also present on the occasion.

Apart from these several leaders and workers of SAD-BJP alliance and members of SGPC also graced the occasion.

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234 mines to be fully operational within two months-Sukhbir Badal

(35 quarries to be functional within 15 days)

(SDMs asked to submit daily report on mining)

Chandigarh, March 5 – In order to ensure further rationalisation in price of sand in Punjab, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today issued instructions to operationalise 35 more quarries within 15 days and announced that 234 quarries will be made fully functional within next two months in order to provide ample quantity of subsidized sand to the people.

Presiding over a meeting accompanied by Agricultural Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, Industry Minister Madan Mohan Mittal, Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal and Advocate General Ashok Aggarwal, Deputy CM while reviewing the provisioning of sand and gravel on subsidised rates, said Punjab had received environment clearances from Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) for 35 quarries out of which 19 were mechanical mines covering more than 100 acres area each. "These mechanical mines will cut the difference between demand and supply of sand and further lower sand prices in the state", he stressed.

It is mentioned here that 40 quarries out of total 371, had been commissioned earlier and rest would be made functional in coming months after getting environment clearances from MoEF.

Informing the Deputy CM on availability of sand and gravel, B. Purushartha secretary mining said environment clearances for 234 quarries were in pipeline with MoEF and were likely to get the green signal soon. He assured that these quarries would be made fully operational in next two months to provide sand and gravel on reasonable rates.

Mr Badal directed the department that quarrying of sand and bajri should be accelerated to increase supply in the market so that prices could come down considerably. Mr. Badal also asked Chief Secretary to issue instructions to all SDMs to submit daily reports on mining in their areas besides making sure that general public could get sand and gravel in hassle free manner at competitive rates.

Deputy CM said he would personally monitor the availability of mining material to the general public and review the position after two weeks.

Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included Principal Secretary Industries Mr D.P. Reddy, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM Mr. P.S. Aujla, Secretary Mandi Board Mr. Deepinder Singh, Secretary Mining Mr. B. Purushartha and Special Principal Secretary to Deputy CM Mr Manvesh Singh Sidhu.

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CM GREETS PEOPLE ON HOLI

DEPUTY CM AND MAJITHIA ALSO FELICITATES PEOPLE ON THE FESTIVAL OF COLOURS

Chandigarh March 5-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today extended his warm greetings to the people on Holi-the festival of colours.

In a message, the Chief Minister said that Holi had a special significance in our centuries-old cultural heritage that propagated the unity of mankind, tolerance and compassion. He said that such festivals not only promote the communal harmony in the country but also bring cheers amongst people and inculcate the fundamental and eternal values among them.

The Chief Minister exhorted the people to celebrate this joyous occasion in unison with religious fervor and gaiety rising above of the petty considerations of caste, creed, colour and religion.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and Revenue, Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also felicitated the people on this joyous occasion and prayed to Almighty to shower happiness, prosperity and peace in their lives.

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e-AUCTION FOR CATTLE FAIRS ON MARCH 18

CHANDIGARH,MARCH 5: The Punjab Government has decided to conduct e-auction for cattle fairs in the state on March 18,2015 during 10am to 1 pm with a view to fetch maximum revenue besides bringing transparency in the whole process.

A spokesperson of the Rural Development and Panchayats department ,Punjab said e-auction will be conducted here at Conference Hall of Punjab InfoTech in the premises of Udyog Bhawan.

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JAYANI EXTENDS HEARTY WISHES ON FESTIVAL OF COLOURS

· APPEALS PUBLIC TO PLAY SAFE HOLI: WOMEN SAFETY MUST BE ON PRIORITY

· DIRECTS CIVIL SURGEONS TO ENSURE ADEQUATE EMERGENCY SERVICES IN HOSPITALS

Chandigarh March 5: Health and Family Welfare Minister Surjit Kumar Jayani has extended hearty wishes to public on the festival of colours- 'Holi'. He appealed people to avoid cutting green trees for 'Holika Dehen' and also to avoid lighting of bonfire right under electricity poles and wires. He also urged people not to use harmful colors and avoid consuming intoxicants on this day.

In a message issued here, the Minister also requested people to celebrate the festivals of colors with unity and integrity and not to hurt the emotional and religious sentiments of anybody. Holi is also a festival of social harmony and integrity, he added. Adding further he said that the state government was already fighting a crucial war against drugs and urged the people especially the youth to stay away from social aberrations, drugs, nicotine and other intoxicants so as to ensure a cordial and friendly atmosphere all over the state. He has also asked them to ensure women's safety on priority while playing Holi and do not indulge anything which could disrespect the women.

Meanwhile he has asked the civil surgeons to ensure adequate emergency medical services in all the state government hospitals and dispensaries.

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HIGH COURT DIRECTS REGISTAR OF MARRIAGES TO IMMEDIATELY REGISTER MARRIAGE IF COUPLE IS MAJOR AT THE TIME OF SEEKING REGISTRATION

Chandigarh March 5: Giving a clear verdict in response to the CWP filed against the non issuance of marriage registration certificates to the major couples and taking strong exception of declining the marriage certificates by the Registrar of Marriages to the major couples, the Punjab and Haryana High court has issued detailed directions to the state.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed that the directions be issued to all Registrars of Marriages of Punjab not to raise any objections while registering the marriage of two adults who have completed 21 years at the time of getting their marriage registered even if they were minor at the time of marriage. The High court has directed them to register such marriage immediately without any delay.

The directions were issued in a case where petitioners filed writ petition on the ground that his application for the registration of marriage was declined on the grounds that he was less than 21 years of age at the time of marriage. On this the High court had already decided that in case at the time of seeking registration if he has completed 21 years then there should be no objection in registering the marriage.

The High Court also gave a general direction that Registrar of Marriages in the State of Punjab were refusing to register to marriage on the ground that at the time of marriage one of the partners was a minor and the parents of the bridegroom had not consented and were not present at the time of registration of marriage. It has been specifically observed by the Court that both these grounds cannot be invoked by the State authority to decline to register the marriage. The Court has observed that disobedience of these orders and refusal to register the marriage on these grounds would invite action of contempt against such officer and will be viewed strictly.

The detailed guidelines have been sent to the Registrar of Marriages of Punjab for strict compliance.

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GOVT. DECLARES PAID HOLIDAY ON MARCH 8 TO FACILITATE THE VOTERS

CHANDIGARH,March 5:

To enable the workers working in factories and shops & commercial establishments situated in Punjab to exercise their democratic right in the repoll of municipal councils of the booth No. 31,32 and 33 of ward No. 14 of Ferozepur and Booth No. 14 and 15 of ward No.7 of Samana (Patiala ) Labour Department Punjab has declared March 8, 2015 as weekly paid holiday in the state where Sunday is not observed as a weekly off..

Disclosing this here a spokesperson of the department said that it would be a paid holiday within the Municipal Councils of Ferozepur and Samana of district patiala.

According to a separate notification March 8, would also be the weekly paid holiday for all factories, shops and commercial establishments where Sunday is not observed as weekly off within the state in lieu of their normal weekly holiday

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INSTRUCTIONS TO FURNISH APPRAISAL REPORTS TILL MARCH 31

Chandigarh, March 5:

The Punjab Government today issued instructions for the private and other staff of Punjab Civil secretariat to furnish appraisal reports of 2014-15 till March 31, 2015. The reports must be submitted before personnel-2 branch of secretariat.

Disclosing this spokesperson of General Administration said that the evaluation of these appraisal reports would be initiated from April 1, 2015. He said that the private and other staff deputed at civil secretariat should fill up the appraisal reports on prescribed Performa and furnish that reports to personnel-2 branch till March 31, 2015. He said that that the officer failing to furnish the reports up till due date would be personally held responsible.

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ACID ATTACK VICTIM TO BE GIVEN SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR XII EXAMS: DR. CHEEMA

· EDUCATION MINISTER ORDERS DISTRICT AUTHORITY FOR STRICT ACTION

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 5:

Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema has decided to give the special opportunity to the acid attack victim the student of XII class by taking the case seriously. He has also ordered Deputy Commissioner Dr. Abhinav Trikha and SSP Mr. Gurpreet Singh Toor of the Gurudaspur to arrest the culprits as early as possible and take strict actions against them.

Disclosing this here today in a press note, Dr. Cheema said that it’s a very shameful act. He has ordered Punjab School Education Board that special exams of the victim should be conducted after her recovery. He has also said the result of the victim to be declared with the rest of the students of XII class.

Along this Dr. Cheema had conversation with the brother of the victim assuring him that Education Department and the state government will help them in every possible manner.

EMPLOYEES WOULD HAVE TO SHOW INCOME FROM AGRICULTURE IN THEIR INCOME TAX RETURNS

· EMPLOYEES NOT EXEMPTED FROM EXEMPTION ON AGRICULTURE INCOME

Chandigarh, March 5:

The Punjab Vigilance Department today cautioned all employees/ officers of government department to properly show the income being received by them from agriculture in their income tax returns.

According to spokesperson of Vigilance Department it has been noticed that employees/officers were not following instructions in these regards. He clarified that according to income tax act, income received by employee/officer was not exempted from income tax as these exemption available only to those who are in agriculture profession fully and were not in other vocation/ employment. He said that for the government servant income from agriculture has to be included in their salaries and would be classified as standard deduction. He said that for calculating tax income from agriculture has to be included in the gross salary. He said that this law is applicable to all who are in government or private service.

Clarifying further that in the case of disproportionate income offence under anti corruption act, section 13(1) (e) only that income is considered is legal income which is thorough legal sources and that has been declared in writing under law, rules by concerned employee/officer. Under this act only that income would be considered income from known sources which has been declared by government servant to his department and shown in income tax returns. Failure to do this would amount to concealment of income and legally it would not be liable to be included in the income.

The spokesperson that some government servant were not showing income from agriculture in their income tax returns citing a logic that this income was tax free. He said that it was imperative for all government servant to show all kind of returns in their property or income tax returns whether these income were eligible form exemption or not. He said that instruction have been issued to all heads of the department to inform their employees to include agriculture income in their gross income otherwise it would deem to be considered as concealed income.

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RAJESH BAGHA LAUDS JAITLEY’S INITIATIVE TO SETUP CORPUS FUND FOR SC COMMUNITY

· WITH 35% SC POPULATION PUNJAB WOULD BE THE BIGGEST BENEFICIARY

Chandigarh, March 5:

Chairman Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes Mr. Rajesh Bagha today written a letter to the Union Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley in which he has showered highest regard to the Union Government for instituting a 20000 crore SC/ST corpus fund. He said that the Punjab state with 35 percent SC population would be the biggest beneficiary.

Mr. Bagha said that the BJP government has lived up to its commitment to the economical weaker sections of the country by setting up a micro unit development refinance (MUDRA Bank), which would uplift the lifestyles of the downtrodden community in the community. He said that now a medium entrepreneur belongs to SC community could setup his own venture and sustain his family. Mr. Bagha said that the NDA government in its maiden budget has proved that it was committed for the all round welfare of the SC/ST community.

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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 05:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the rabi Season through Canal water from 06-03-2015 to 13-03-2015. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab, Abohar Branch and Patiala feeder respectively.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' being in the channels of first preference will run to their indent and balance water supplies available will be utilized in Ghaggar Branch and its off taking channels i.e Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B' respectively.

The spokesman further said that all the direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in group 'A' being in the First preference will run to their indent and balance water supplies available would be utilised in Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries/Minors in Group 'B'.

The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Lahore Branch, with its distributaries being in the channels of first preference would run to their indent and balance water supplies available would be utilized in Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch Lower, Sabraon Branch, with their distributaries respectively.

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MALUKA AND TOTA SINGH GREETS PEOPLE ON HOLI

CHANDIGARH, March 5:

Punjab Rural Development & Panchayat Minister,Punjab S. Sikander Singh Maluka and Agriculture & N.R.I.affairs Minister Jathedar Tota Singh send their warm greetings to the people of Punjab on the eve of HOLI.

In a press communiqué, they said the festival of Holi symbolizes the victory of good over evil. He said that this festival marks the advent of spring and also brings together all people, in its spirit of mutual love and harmony, forgetting all distinctions of caste, creed and religion.

They appealed to the people to celebrate this festival of Holi in a true spirit of amity, mutual love, good will and brotherhood.

CABINET ACCORDS CONSENT FOR SUMMONING BUDGET SESSION OF STATE ASSEMBLY FROM MARCH 12 TO 25

BUDGET TO BE PRESENTED ON MARCH 20

NOD FOR RECRUITING DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT (JAILS)/ DISTRICT PROBATION OFFICERS (GRADE- II) THROUGH PPSC

RAHAT SCHEME BROAD BASED FOR SAVING TRADERS FROM ‘INSPECTOR RAJ’

COMPOUNDING SCHEME INTRODUCED FOR RE-ROLLING MILLS

GREEN SIGNAL TO COMPOUNDING POLICY FOR ALL THE UNAUTHORIZED CONSTRUCTIONS OUTSIDE MUNICIPAL LIMITS IN THE STATE

IRON AND STEEL, YARN, SARSON (MUSTARD), COTTON, VEGETABLE OILS AND PAPER BOARD EXEMPTED FROM E-TRIP

PUNJAB SHOPS AND COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS ACT, 1958 AMENDED

CM AUTHORIZED TO AMEND THE NECESSARY CLAUSES IN FIIP 2013 AS REQUIRED IN FUTURE

VAT ON NATURAL GAS HIKED FROM EXISTING 5.5% + 10% SURCHARGE TO 13% + 10% SURCHARGE

RE-DESIGNATES ANANDPUR SAHIB TOWN AS ‘SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB’

CONDOLES DEATH OF FORMER CABINET MINISTER JASJIT SINGH RANDHAWA

Chandigarh, March 4-

The Punjab Cabinet today approved the summoning of tenth session of 14th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from March 12 for passing the annual budget for 2015-16.

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

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the budget session would commence on March 12 afternoon at 2 pm with Governor’s address and the budget for 2015-16 would be presented on March 20 by the Finance Minister. The session would be adjourned sine die on March 25.

The Cabinet also gave nod for amending Punjab State Civil Services (Appointment by combined Competitive Examination) Rules 2009 to recruit Deputy Superintendent (Jails)/ District Probation Officers (Grade- II) through the combined competitive exam to be conducted by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), Patiala.

Likewise keeping in view the administrative requirements, the Cabinet also gave a green signal for amending Punjab Civil Services (General and Common Condition of Services) Rules, 1994 for inserting rule 14 A and 15A to provide minimum educational and other qualifications for appointment to the post of senior assistant and senior scale stenographer respectively through direct and promotion quota.

In order to save the shopkeepers from ‘Inspector Raj’ and make the Rahat scheme more attractive, the Cabinet also decided to extend the ambit of Rahat scheme to the entire state including Corporations and class- I cities. Likewise, the lumpsum tax for dealers having annual turnover of less than Rs 10 lakh has been reduced and now the shopkeepers having turnover between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh would have to pay Rs 1000 as lumpsum tax instead of existing Rs 5000. The shopkeepers having turnover less than Rs 5 lakh have been given the option of getting a Nil Tax liability certificate at the payment of token fee of Rs 50. In the same manner it has been decided that there would be no hike in rates of lumpsum tax for a period of three years upto March 31, 2018 and thereafter, there would be an annual increase of 5% in it.

In another path breaking initiative, the Cabinet also gave nod for introducing a compounding scheme for Iron and Steel Re-rolling mills the state. The scheme stipulates that the tax liability of these industries would be linked with the units of electricity consumed for production of finished goods. The units opting for this scheme would discharge its output Tax liability by paying 50 paisa per unit of the electricity consumed and by way of 2 % advance tax on the import of scrap directly or through the traders.

With a view to bring all the unauthorized constructions outside Municipal limits in the state under the umbrella of planning framework for ensuring parking, public health and securities facilities in these buildings, the Cabinet also gave nod to a compounding policy under which the owners of the authorized buildings could apply to the Housing and Urban Development department for regularization of their buildings. This would help the owners to avail the facility of water supply, sewerage and power connections.

In another significant decision, the Cabinet also gave approval to exempt Iron and Steel, Yarn, Sarson (Mustard), Cotton, Vegetable Oils and Paper board from e-trip. Likewise, the Cabinet also decided to increase the rate of VAT in Iron and Steel from existing 2.50% + 10 % surcharge to 3.50% +10% surcharge besides enhancing Advance Tax on Cenvat paid scrap (Iron and Steel) from currently 2.50% to 3.50%. Keeping in view the demand of the Iron and Steel Industry, the stages of Input Tax credit has also been increased from presently two to three stages.

In a bid to prevent the loss to state exchequer, the Cabinet also gave nod to include Polyvinyl Chloride, Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), Low Density polyethylene (LDPE), High Density polyethylene (HDPE) and polymers of propylene mentioned in schedule B of Punjab VAT Act, which were similar to Plastic granules, plastic powder and master batches, in schedule E of the Punjab VAT Act. The rate of VAT on these items would now be charged at 8.5% +10% surcharge, which would enhance the revenue of state by Rs 20 crore annually.

The Cabinet also gave approval to amend Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 which stipulates that women workers would be allowed to work during night shifts in establishments covered under “Shops and commercial establishments Act”, subject to certain conditions to ensure their safety.

In a bid to prevent exploitation of teachers in Private educational institutions, the Cabinet also gave approval for amending section 2 (i) of the Minimum Wages Act vide which teachers and any category could be covered within the definition of employee under section 2 (i) of the Minimum Wages Act thereby allowing the government to fix minimum wages for them.

The Cabinet also gave green signal for amending the Fiscal Incentives for Industrial Promotion (FIIP) 2013 thereby stipulating that a sum equal to 0.25% of the verified Fixed Capital Investment (FCI) would be contributed in equal proportion i.e. 0.125% each, to the Punjab State Cancer and Drug Addiction Treatment Infrastructure Fund and Punjab Ancient Historical Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Cultural Heritage Maintenance Board Fund. Likewise, the clause 7.4.2 and 7.4.3 in the Chapter 7 of FIIP has been deleted and clause 5.1.6 (a) IN Chapter 5 of the FFIP-2013 has been amended. In the same manner the Chief Minister has been authorized to amend the necessary clauses in FIIP 2013 as required in future. Even those projects which do not avail loan from any financial institutions would also be eligible to take benefit of investment policy.

In another major decision, the Cabinet also decided to enhance the rate of VAT on Natural gas in the state from existing 5.5% + 10% surcharge to 13% + 10% surcharge. This would help the state in mopping up additional revenue of state by Rs 45 crore than the previous year.

The Cabinet also decided to re-designate Anandpur Sahib town as ‘Sri Anandpur Sahib’ in view of religious sentiments of the people besides the rich legacy of this historic and holy city where the tenth master of Sikhs Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the ‘Khalsa Panth’ in 1699.

At the very onset, the Cabinet observed two minutes silence to mourn the sad demise of former Punjab Cabinet Minister Mr. Jasjit Singh Randhawa, who passed away recently after a brief illness and expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family in this hour of crisis.

CM MOURNS DEATH OF SANT SURINDER SINGH

Chandigarh, March 4-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Sant Baba Surinder Singh, who passed away in a private hospital at Ludhiana this afternoon after a brief illness.

In a condolence message, the Chief Minister recalled the valuable services rendered by Sant Surinder Singh ji, as the head of Sant Baba Tarlok Singh Satsang Ghar Kahna Dhesian, for propagating the message of love, compassion and brotherhood not only in the state but across the country and world. Sant Baba Surinder Singh was a pious soul, who redeemed the mankind from the pangs of sorrow and agony by exhorting his followers to tread on the path of spirituality.

The Chief Minister further said that Sant Ji would be ever remembered by one and all for his unique qualities of humility and benevolence. The Chief Minister also prayed to the Almighty to give strength to the followers of Sant Baba Ji in this hour of crisis and grant eternal peace to the departed soul.

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Maluka for strengthening of Cooperatives, self-help groups for Rural development

· Visits Anneshwara, a progressive and modern village of Bengaluru

Anneshwara is a village in the tehsil/mandal of Devanhalli in the Bangalore Rural district of Karnataka.

SC COMMISSION TAKES SUE MOTTO NOTICE OF MALICIOUS CAMPAIGN AGAINST GURU RAVIDASS

 COMMISSION SUMMONS ADGP CRIME WITH ACTION TAKEN REPORT ONMARCH 10

Chandigarh, March 4:

The Punjab state SC Commission has taken a Sue Motto notice of the malicious campaign being carried over social networking site against most revered saint Shri Guru Ravidass . The SC Commission has considered this incident the heinous crime in a Democratic society. Considering the seriousness of the issue the Commission has summoned ADGP crime for personal hearing with an action taken report on March 10. It was disclosed by Mr. Rajesh Bagha, Chairman Punjab SC Commission. In a press note he said that such types of incidents are unbearable and urged the state Government to take prompt action against any such mischief.

Action to be initiated against Eye Surgeons holding Screening/Operative eye camps without permission of Civil Surgeon: Vini Mahajan

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