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Gadkari announces to declare 3080 kms long highway Guru Gobind Singh Marg as National Highway (Also gives green signal to widening of 6 laning of Chandigarh-Kharar-Ludhiana section within one month) (Sanctions 100 crore road projects besides 7 ROBs) Chandigarh, November 30: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Mr. Nitin Gadkari today gave green signal to 3080.47 kms long highway as national highway besides sanctioning of seven ROBs in Punjab during meeting eith Punjab Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal at here at New Delhi. In the presence of Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Deputy Chief Minister put forth demands of the state and stressed to declare Guru Gobind Singh Marg from Sri Anandpur Sahib to Sri Abchal Nagar Hazoor Sahib Nanded (Maharashtra) as national highways. Deputy CM pointed out that out of total length of 3080.47 kms, about 1469 kms have already been declared as national highway whereas the remaining 1611 kms is yet to be declared as such. Accepting this demand, Mr. Gadkari on the spot approved 880 kms length of GGS Marg as national highways and assured that balance would be taken up soon. S. Badal also sought the speedy approval of four and six laning of Chandigarh-Kharar-Ludhiana road project of NH-95 where land has been acquired and necessary clearances are in place. Heeding this demand, Union Minister asked the officers to grant approval within one month to the project. He also gave directions to the NHAI to get approval of Rupnagar-Phagwara road project at the earliest. Regarding the delay in 6 laning of Jalandhar-Dhillwan section of NH-1 length 20 Kms and 4 laning of Ludhiana-Talwandi Bhai section of NH-15 length 78 Kms, Mr Gadkari asked member finance NHAI Mr Satish Chandra to take speedy action against the defaulters as per rules of the contract. He also stressed upon the Union Minister for declaring Landran-Moonak road via Sirhind-Patiala-bye pass-Samana-Patran-Moonak connecting newly declared NH-148B and NH-205A, Banga-Garhshankar-Anandpur Sahib-Naina Devi raod, Gurdaspur-Dera Baba Nanak-Ajnala-Amritsar-Bhikhiwind-Khemkaran road, Zira Ferozepur-Muktsar Sahib-Malout road, Moga-Harike-Khalra, Patiala-Pihowa road upto Haryana border, Abohar Hanumangarh road upto Rajasthan border and Abohar-Sitogunnu-Dabwali as national highways in Punjab given their strategic, economic and religious importance. S. Badal also pushed forward the demand to Mr. Gadkari to issue instructions to the NHAI to grant approval to 4 laning (partial access controlled) Laddowal bypass (linking NH-95 with NH-1) via Laddowal seed farm at Ludhiana, elevated road project in Ludhiana city from Samrala Chowk to MC limit Ludhiana (NH-95) as the land is available and clearances are in place and up-gradation of Rupnagar-Phagwara Road. Giving the demand a serious thought, Mr. Gadkari promised to approve the elevated road project within one month and issued instructions to NHAI to get its approval soon. Deputy Chief Minister also sought the approval of pending estimates of ROBs at Bathinda, Faridkot, Amritsar and Maur in Bathinda district to which the Union Minister gave the green signal. Accepting another demand, Mr. Gadkari gave clearance to ROBs at Barnala, Muktsar and assured of approval to the one at Jalalabad after DPR Preparation. S. Badal also pressed for the need to immediately sanction the estimates submitted by the state PWD regarding widening of Rampura- Talwandi Sabo road upto refinery, widening of Nakodar-Moga-Barnala-Mansa- Jhunir-Sardulgarh road, Jalandhar-Kapurthala-Sultanpur Lodhi-Gidarpindi and Mudki-Rampura Phool roads. Considering the demand, Mr. Gadkari accorded approval to over Rs. 100 crore project of widening of Rampura- Talwandi Sabo upto refinery road, widening of Nakodar-Moga-Barnala—Mansa-Jhunir-Sardulgarh and widening of Jalandhar-Kapurthala-Sultanpur Lodhi-Gidarpindi road. S. Badal also demanded that the allocation of finances under NH (PR) for the year 2015-16 should be increased from Rs. 31.91 crore. Agreeing with this, Mr. Gadkari allocated Rs. 20 crore under which 100 new works have already been launched. the Union Minister patiently listened to the demands put forward by the Deputy Chief Minister and assured to look into them sympathetically within month. Among others present in the meeting included N.S. Kalsi additional Chief Secretary PWD, Satish Chandra member (Finance) NHAI, Rahul Bhandari Additional Resident Commissioner Punjab at Delhi and A.K. Singla Chief Engineer PWD. - Sensitization Workshop on Good Procurement Practices for Information Technology PUNJAB CS SARVESH KAUSHAL CALLS FOR ADOPTING FAIRNESS & TRANSPARENCY IN PROCUREMENT PROCESSES Chandigarh, November 30, 2015: Punjab Chief Secretary, Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal called for adopting standardized procedures, best practices and means of fairness & transparency in the process of public procurement of goods & services in Government and Semi-Government Organisations, particularly IT Services. He was delivering a Keynote Address at the “ Sensitization Workshop on Good Procurement Practices for Information Technology” at MGSIPA Complex, here today, jointly organised by the Department of Governance Reforms, Punjab Governance Reforms Commission and Manufacturer’s Association of Information Technology (MAIT), the apex body representing the interests of the ICT Sector in India. Mr. Kaushal said that uniform banchmarks should be established in the process of procurement at the Government level and every organisation must follow those norms for formulating strategies in their sphere of activities. He said that a core team of highly motivated officials of different ranks should be constituted in every Government and Semi-Government Departments for managing procurement processes as per standarized procedure and practices so that there is no scope of any unfair practice. Emphasizing the need for capacity building and optimal utilisation of manpower in every sector, the Chief Secretary said that human resource development should be the focus area in every Government Department to harness the potential of officers and officials for the benefit of society. He further stressed that participation of every Government functionary should be encouraged to strengthen the organisational structure. He said that the objective of the workshop organised today is to create an I.T. related environment and culture in all Government Departments and to encourage the officials of all ranks to use the modern technologies for delivering speedy services to the people. Citizen-certricity is the need of the hour, he added. Emphasizing the need of conducting comprehensive review of procurement systems and to identify the weaknesses or vulnerabilities in them, Mr. Kaushal impressed upon all the departments to monitor the programmes constantly and bring about changes in the systems keeping in view the pace of time. Dr. Pramod Kumar, Chairman, Punjab Governance Reforms Commission, in his theme address on the occasion, said that I.T. related programmes and latest management techniques should be integrated in the functioning of Government and Semi-Government offices. He said that Punjab should present a model of procurement procedures for the rest of the country. Mr. Anwar Shirpurwala, Executive Director, MAIT said that the Association has been working for the growth of ICT industry in India and addressing its Key concerns in a timebound manner. He said that it has contributed in a big way for benefitting all stake holders and transforming India into the next IT manufacturing hub. On the occasion two presentation sessions were held – one by M/s Accenture, Knowledge Partner of MAIT on “ Good Procurement Practices for e-Gov Projects” & “ Security Consideration in Procurement” by BSA (Software Alliance), support partner of MAIT. About 50 senior officers from 22 departments, dealing in procurement matters, attended the workshop and gained insight and knowledge from the best practices being followed in the IT industry. This workshop provided a platform to enhance the procurement capabilities, skills and standards and overcome the bottenecks/difficulties in implementing e-Gov or other similar projects in the State. Mrs. Raji P. Shrivastava, Secretary Personnel, Government of Punjab and Mr. Rakesh Kumar Verma, Secretary I.T. and Governance Reforms also spoke at the Workshop. Ms. Yolynd Lobo, Director, BSA flagged issues of cyber-security and the need for preparedness on this front. She thanked the Government of Punjab for providing this platform to share and exchange information on best practices in IT-procurement. ------- CHIEF SECRETARY FOR INCREASING INTERFACE BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND ACADEMIA TO IMPROVE DELIVERY OF SERVICES · INAUGURATES THE CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMME FOR RESEARCH AT CRRID Chandigarh, November 30: Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal Chief Secretary Punjab today underlined the need for increasing interface between government and academia to improve delivery of services in a democracy. Inaugurating a two week capacity building programme for Social Sciences Faculty Members of Universities/colleges/research institutes organized at Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID) Chandigarh today Chief Secretary quoted the American model where the close coordination between the bureaucracy and academia has resulted in perfect governance. He pointed out the need to organise the capacity building in social sciences as the tools and methods of research in social sciences that have undergone a tremendous change with the advent of technology.“Research by the specialists in social science can provide important inputs for the policy makers”, “The education institutes should not barely give thrust to the employability but also on the quality research in the relevant field. The success rate of the students should also be aligned with the excellence in research rather than the highest package offered to the students”, emphasized Kaushal. He further said that the research in social sciences can also help in creating a harmonious climate in multi-cultural society like India. The latest techniques in research that can engage the tools with a surgeon’s precision can help the policy makers in taking decisions for the welfare of the electorates saving a lot of time and energy. The Executive Chairman of CRRID Rashpal Malhotra, apprised the audience about the field research work done by the CRRID and its endorsement by the Government of India and State Governments in the past two decades. He said that an amount of Rs.9.40 lakh has been sanctioned by the ICSSR, New Delhi to conduct this programme. In this programme, the candidates will be given extensive and intensive training in capacity building in organizing and conducting quality research in different Social Sciences disciplines. The candidates will be imparted training in conducting field surveys, preparing research articles as well as research projects, for funding from National and International Agencies/Institutions. --------- PUNJAB DECIDES TO WAIVE USER CHARGES FOR HEALTH FACILITIES BY MOBILE MEDICAL UNITS Chandigarh, 30 November The Punjab Government has decided to waive-off the user charges for health facilities and services being provided by the Mobile Medical Units and Mini Mobile Medical Units in the state with immediate effect. This decision has been taken by Punjab Government in the interest of general public especially the under-served population living in difficult and far flung areas. This was stated here today by Ms. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare, Punjab. She said that Government is committed to provide better health care for the people of the State. With this initiative all the health facilities in Mobile Medical Units and Mini Mobile Medical Units will become free of cost. This includes OPD services, Lab tests, X-ray’s and ECG’s etc. Prior to this OPD slip fee, Lab test and other medicines etc ware chargeable on Govt. rates. Ms. Vini Mahajan said annually that around 4 Lakh people avail the health services benefits of Mobile Medical Units in Punjab. 24 Mobile Medical Units and 9 Mini Mobile Medical Units are functioning which cover 10,000 villages of the State. Annually 1 lakh lab tests are conducted in MMU’s, over 10 Lakh X-ray’s and ECG’s are also conducted in these MMU’s and Mini MMU’s. Principal Secretary further told that the purpose of MMU is to make available health care services to poor rural population and people living in urban slums, who do not have easy access to Govt. Health Institutions at their door step. These MMU’s are also a boom for people who are unable to visit hospitals, especially old age people, children, women etc. MMU’s provide such people with various health facilities at their door steps. In each MMU one Doctor, one Nurse, one Radiographer, one Lab Technician, Helper and Driver have been posted. - CM ASKS OPPOSITION TO REFRAIN FROM UNLEASHING MALICIOUS PROPAGANDA REGARDING DEBT ON STATE WORKS OF MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC WELFARE COULD NEVER BE UNDERTAKEN IN FINANCIAL CRUNCH TERMS CAPTAIN’S STATEMENT REGARDING SAD AS A ‘FIGMENT OF IMAGINATION’ SADBHAWNA RALLIES AIMED AT CARVING A ‘PROSPEROUS AND PEACEFUL’ PUNJAB SEEKS SUPPORT OF PEOPLE FOR FOILING THE ATTEMPTS BEING MADE TO PUSH THE STATE BACK INTO BLACK DAYS SANGAT DARSHAN AT KHADOOR SAHIB ASSEMBLY SEGMENT Sanghe (Tarn Taran), November 30- Citing a whopping amount of rupees being spent by the SAD-BJP alliance government for unprecedented development works and number of public welfare schemes in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the opposition to refrain from spreading canards regarding the poor fiscal condition of the state. Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan program of Khadoor Sahib assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that before issuing baseless statements regarding debt on the state, the opposition parties must verify the facts about massive development going on in every nook and corner of the state. He said that an era of unparalleled development has been heralded in the state during the alliance government and a complete facelift of villages and cities of Punjab was on cards, which could never have turned into reality in case of any paucity of funds. “So just get yourself acquainted with the ground realities rather than making vague statements for opposing the government for the sake of opposition” Mr. Badal advised the opposition leaders. Coming down heavily on state Congress Chief Captain Amarinder Singh for issuing statements regarding routing of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) from political scene of the state, the Chief Minister termed it as a mere ‘figment of imagination’ of the Congress leader. He said that before making such tall claims the state Congress President must recall that how the people of state have rejected him and his party time and again. Mr. Badal also said that Captain was issuing baseless statements on series of sacrilege incidents in the state, just to hog limelight. Asked to comment on the motive of holding Sadbhawna Rallies in the state, the Chief Minister said that its sole aim was to emerge Punjab as a ‘peaceful and prosperous’ state. He said that these rallies were being organized to promote the ethos of peace and amity besides cementing the age old bond of communal harmony and brotherhood in the state. “These rallies are aimed at giving a stern message to the divisive forces that no one will be allowed to disturb the hard earned peace of the state” added Mr. Badal. Earlier addressing the public gatherings during Sangat Darshan in village Daaleke, Bugga, Chutaala and Sanghe, the Chief Minister exhorted the people to spare their single day for attending the Sadbhawna Rallies, so as to spread message of peace and tranquility across the state. Mr. Badal said that another Sadbhwana Rally of Majha region would be held at Sri Goindwal Sahib on December 14 after tomorrow’s rally at Gurdaspur and that in Jalandhar on December 4. He said that the massive response to Sadbhawana rallies at Bathinda and Moga have proved that people of Punjab want peace and progress in the state and there was no space for divisive agenda in the state. “People of the state in general and that of Majha region in particular had suffered a lot during black days of militancy, so we need to unite for thwarting the attempts of some forces to bring those turbulent times back in the state” he added. On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Sangat Darshan was a flagship program of the state, whose sole motive was to give boost to development in the state by virtually bringing the government at the doorsteps of people. He said that there was no political agenda of this program as it was totally aimed at the welfare of the people. Mr. Badal said that no other state government in the country undertakes such a comprehensive exercise for welfare of the public. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Lok Sabha MP Jathedar Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Chairman District Planning Committee Mr. Ravinder Singh Brahmpura, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sharma, Deputy Inspector General of Police Kunwar Vijay Pratap and Deputy Commissioner Mr. BS Dhaliwal. ------------- PUNJAB ALLOWS REGISTRATION OF PROFESSIONAL AND EXECUTIVE APPLICANTS IN THEIR JURISDICTION CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 30: The Punjab Government has allowed the registration of professional and Executive Applicants at all Employment Generation and Training Offices (Employment Exchanges) in whose jurisdiction they normally reside. Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the Punjab Employment Generation and Training Department said that a notification has been issued in this regard. - DIRECTOR STATE TRANSPORT APPOINTED NODAL OFFICER FOR PROVIDING IDENTICAL UNIFORMS TO GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 30: The Punjab Government has appointed Director, State Transport, Punjab as Nodal Officer for providing identical uniforms to its employees. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Punjab Government would provide identical uniforms to Punjab Civil Secretariat Gate Keepers and Gate Messengers, State Government Employees including Operational Staff, Workshop Staff of Punjab Transport Department, Government Vehicle Drivers and Hospitality Staff. He further said that concerned departments should send their proposals to Director, State Transport-cum-Nodal Officer within one week. - IRRIGATION DEPARTMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE RE-CONSTITUTED CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 30: The Punjab Government has notified the reconstituted Irrigation Advisory Committee. The committee would advise in framing and executing policies of irrigation department for the Year 2015-16. A government spokesperson said Irrigation Minister Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon would be the Chairman of the Committee. The spokesperson said that committee would have 4 official members including Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Irrigation, Chief Secretary, Punjab, Secretary, Irrigation and Head of Irrigation department. The committee would have 10 non-official members, five from the Shiromani Akali Dal Mr. Joginder Singh Jindu, Mr. Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Mr. Gurtej Singh Ghuriana, Mrs. Harpreet Kaur Mukhmailpur and Mr. Gobind Singh Longowal, three from the Congress including Mr.Charanjit Singh Channi, Mr. Jagmohan Singh Kang and Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu, one from the Bhartiya Janta Party Mrs. Sukhjeet Kaur Shahi and one independent Mr. Rajneesh Kumar. - PUNJAB CONSTITUTE STATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR FOREST & WILD LIFE PRESERVATION AND LABOUR Chandigarh, November 30: The Punjab Government has notified constitution of State advisory Committee for Forest & Wild life Preservation and Labour. Disclosing this here an official spokesman of Punjab Government said that Minister for Forest & Wild life Preservation and Labour would be Chairman. Chief Parliamentary Secretary Of Department, Financial Commissioner Forest & Wild life Preservation and Labour, Principal Secretary Labour department Heads would be official member of this Committee. He added that the non official member of this committee includedMr. Gobind Singh Longowal , Bibi Jagir Kaur, Mrs.Harpreet Kaur Mukhmailpura, Mrs Vanider Kaur Loomba , Mr. Joginder Pal Jain all from from Sharomini Akali Dal and Mrs Karan Kaur, Mr.Joginder Singh , Mr, Ajaib Singh Bhatti all from Congress, Mr. Manoranjan Kalia from Bhartiya Janta Party and Simarjit Singh Bains independent Punjab extend last date of submission cashless health insurance scheme form for Punjab Civil Secretariat employees Chandigarh, November 30: The Punjab Government has extended last date, for the submission of forms regarding cashless health insurance scheme, for Punjab Civil secretariat employees. Disclosing this here an official spokesman of Punjab Government said that considering the demand of Punjab civil secretariat employees, the State government has extended the last date of submitting forms from November 30, 2015 to December 04, 2015. He further said that form must reach at the office of Superintendent Accounts -3 by 3:00 pm up till December 04, 2015. - CM MOURNS SAD DEMISE OF Dr. MAHIP SINGHChandigarh, November 25, 2015 Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of legendary hindi writer and activist Dr. Mahip Singh who passed away in Gurgaon on Tuesday morning. In a condolence message, the Chief Minister described Dr. Mahip Singh as a ‘great writer’ who made an outstanding contribution for the cementing the bond of communal harmony and brotherhood in the society through his pen. Recalling the literary services of the departed writer, Mr. Badal said that he was an imminent Hindi litterateur who would ever inspire the budding writers through his prolific writings. He said that besides contributing immensely in the literary world, Dr. Mahip Singh worked relentlessly for upholding the human rights in the country. “In the death of the Dr. Mahip Singh a void had been created in literary and social circles which is difficult to be filled in the near future” he added. Sharing his heart-felt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give them courage and strength to bear this irreparable loss and grant eternal peace to the departed soul. - RECRUITMENT PROCESS FOR FILLING 1.13 LAKH VACANCIES IN STATE GOVERNMENT TO BE COMPLETED SOON- CM COMPLETE TRANSPARENCY TO BE ENSURED IN RECRUITMENT DRIVE MERIT TO BE THE SOLE CRITERION TO FILL THESE VACANCIES SAD-BJP ALLIANCE TO FORM THE GOVERNMENT AGAIN AFTER 2017 ASSEMBLY POLLS NO TAKER FOR CAPTAIN’S POLITICS OF CONFRONTATION IN THE STATE MAJOR SCHEME INITIATED FOR GIVING FACELIFT TO THE STATE SANGAT DARSHAN PROGRAM- A BIG BOON FOR PEOPLE DELHI CM UNSUCCESSFULLY TRIED TO REPLICATE THIS PROGRAM SANGAT DARSHAN IN KHADOOR SAHIB ASSEMBLY SEGMENT Pakhoke (Tarn Taran), November 29- Terming that the state government has begun a massive drive to fill 1.13 lakh vacant posts in various departments with an aim to provide employment opportunities to the youth of state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the process to fill these posts would be completed very soon. Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan program in the Khadoor Sahib assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that the various departments have been asked to initiate the recruitment drive by advertising these posts in the newspapers. He said that the recruitment would be done in a fully transparent and fool proof manner so as to ensure that only the eligible and deserving candidates were selected for these posts, purely on merit. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the departments have been asked to ensure that the recruitment drive was completed shortly so that deserving youth could be enrolled in the state government. Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the people of Punjab have time and again reposed faith in the people friendly and development oriented policies of the SAD-BJP alliance. He said that owing to unprecedented development of the state and major initiatives for well being of all the sections of society, the alliance would come back to power after the assembly elections slated to be held in 2017. “There is hardly any doubt that people of state will elect the alliance government for third consecutive term after these polls” added Mr. Badal. Advising the state Congress Chief Captain Amarinder Singh to shun the politics of confrontation, the Chief Minister said that people of state have rejected the political approach of the Lok Sabha MP from Amritsar twice in 2007 and 2012. He said that the former Chief Minister must learn the lesson from his trounce in yesteryears and resort to politics of consensus both within his party and outside. “Captain was rejected because of ‘vendetta politics’ pursued by him whereas people like us because we do not believe in this type of politics” added Mr. Badal. On another query, the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance government has embarked upon a major scheme to give facelift to the state. He said that under the scheme Rs 25 crore has been earmarked for every assembly segment to carry on development works. Likewise, Mr. Badal further said that in a major step aimed at providing world class civic amenities to residents of the cities across the state, the Punjab government has initiated a major scheme for providing the facility of water supply, sewerage, Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs), Streetlights, Roads and parks in all the towns of the state. He said that the focus of the state government was to refurbish the cities with the state-of-the art facilities so that the residents could be benefitted from it on one hand and giving impetus to the overall development of the state on the other. Earlier addressing the gathering in village Pandori Gola Ki, Kadd Gill, Baagrian and Pakhoke, the Chief Minister said that Sangat Darshan was a flagship program of the SAD-BJP alliance, which was very helpful in ensuring on the spot redressal of the grievances of the people. He said that these programs were also helpful to the state government for judging the performance of the officers, officials of the state government. Mr. Badal said that the sole aim of organizing these programs was to give impetus to the development in the state and it didn’t have any political motive. Highlighting the significance of these programs, the Chief Minister said that Sangat Darshan was held only in Punjab and that too during alliance government’s rule. He said that no other Chief Minister of the country conducts such an extensive exercise of visiting each and every village to resolve the problems of people. Mr. Badal said that last year the Chief Minister of Delhi had unsuccessfully tried to replicate this program but was not able to continue it. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Lok Sabha MP Jathedar Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Chairman District Planning Committee Mr. Ravinder Singh Brahmpura, SGPC Member Jathedar Alwinderpal Singh Pakhoke, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sharma, Inspector General of Police Mr. Lok Nath Angra, Deputy Inspector General of Police Kunwar Vijay Pratap and Deputy Commissioner Mr. BS Dhaliwal. --------- Sukhbir Badal advocates to establish “world anti terrorism forum” (Seeks uniform policy to tackle narcotics across the nation) (Asks Congress to expel Sikki and others for supporting anti national acts) (2400 Sewa Kendras to be made functional in three months) Jalandhar, November 29 : Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today strongly advocated the formation of world anti terrorism forum to counter the biggest challenge of terrorist attacks and terrorism activities across the globe. Speaking in a function organized by a media group here today, he emphasized that terrorism cannot be related to any religion or community as the terrorists have no religion and to eliminate such activities all nations have to unite on the anti-terrorism forum like economic forums. He said the European countries have now realised the real threat of terrorism as their citizens were killed by the terrorists but in the past these nations never raised their voice against the threat. Making firm commitment to maintain peace and communal harmony in the state Mr. Badal suggested that United Nations should come forward in this regard and if any country provides any kind of support to any terrorist outfit than concerned nation should be singled out in respect of boycott from all other nations. Welcoming Captain Amrinder Singh as PPCC President, Deputy CM said those congress leaders must throw out congress as they had openly supported the anti-national Sarbat Khalsa”. He also added that coronation of captain Amrinder Singh would not change the bleak fortunes of Congress in Punjab as he is a spent force who had already been defeated by the SAD-BJP combine twice. Blaming the Punjab Congress for defaming Punjab on the drug issue, SAD president said there should be a uniform policy in the country to tackle this serious issue as some states like Rajasthan and MP are generating revenue from the cultivation of Opium at one hand but other states are suffering at the other. He maintained that Punjab is a transit route of drug suppliers across the border from Pakistan and Afghanistan to other parts of the country and Punjab is fighting a nation's war on the front. "It is a matter of satisfaction that Punjab made a service to the nation by breaking the drug supply line by arresting the drug lords and confiscated large quantities of narcotics. On the issue of corruption, Deputy Chief Minister said ‘this social disease could not wiped out by bringing Lokpal but only through eliminating the direct contact between common man and public servants that could be possible in implementing online services. He informed that in this regard 2400 'Sewa Kendras' in urban and rural areas would be made functional within 3 months fro provisioning of about 200 citizen centric services at their doorsteps. He also announced that to provide 100% sewage and water supply facilities in all 137 towns tenders have already been floated at an estimated cost of Rs. 4000 crore. -------- SCHOOL STUDENTS OF STATE TO VISIT PUSHPA GUJRAL SCIENCE CITY · PLAN DEVISED TO INCULCATE SCIENTIFIC TEMPER AMONG STUDENTS CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 29: The Education Department, Punjab, has devised a novel plan to inculcate scientific knowledge amongst the student community. Disclosing this, a spokesman of the department said that in accordance with the plan, the 10,200 students of 6th-8th Standard of all the schools in the state would embark on excursion-cum-knowledge trip to the Pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala. He said that the main purpose of these visits is to encourage scientific temper in the students and understand things from scientific point of view. The spokesman also divulged that the dates from 1st to 11th December have been fixed for these visits. On 1st December students from Sri Amritsar Sahib and Barnala, on 2nd December students from Bathinda and Faridkot, On 3rd December Students from Fatehgarh Sahib, Ferozepur, Fazilka, On 4th December students from Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur, On 5th December students from Jalandhar, On 7th December students from Kapurthala and Ludhiana, On 8th December students from Mansa and Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, On 9th December students from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and Pathankot, On 10th December students from Patiala and Roopnagar and On 11th December students from Sangrur, Mohali and Tarntaran would visit the Pushpa Gujral Science City.
-------- PUNJAB APPOINTS NON-OFFICIAL DIRECTOR OF THE BC ‘s LAND DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCE CORPORATION Chandigarh, November 25 : The Punjab Government has appointed Mr. Amanbir Singh Siali (Advocate ) s/o Late S. Harbahjan Singh Siali as non-official director of the Punjab Backward Classes Land Development And Finance Corporation . An official spokesman of the welfare department said that Mr. Amanbir Singh Siali also appointed as member board of director of the Punjab Backward classes land development and finance corporation for one year from the date he assumes the charge of office. He further said that appointment will be governed by the guidelines issued by the department of finance, directorate of disinvestment from time to time. - Sukhbir Badal asks Amarinder not to make empty boasts but announce date for Congress Bathinda rally (Asks him not to insult Punjabis by saying they had been forced to attend the Sadbhavana rally) (Says only one stone from the tax authorities of Switzerland was required to land in India to prove who was living in a glass wall) Chandigarh, November 25- Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal today asked Congress leader Amarinder Singh to come up with a date and time for his proposed Bathinda rally to counter the SAD’s Sadbhavana show instead of resorting to false bravado and empty boasts to wriggle out of a tight spot. In a statement here, the SAD president also warned the Congress leader not to try to humiliate the proud people of Punjab by claiming they had been forced to mark a reluctant attendance at the Sadbhavana rally. “You are free to take political pot-shots at the SAD but don’t try to strike at the dignity of Punjabis by claiming they can be forced to attend a public rally against their will”. The SAD president said the very fact that independent observers had put the five districts SAD Sadbhavana rally strength at over two lakh lakh was gnawing at Amarinder and he had now started taking out his frustration at the people for attending the rally. Urging Amarinder not to let the frustration of his repeated failures get to him, Mr Badal said “it is the people who make and break governments. Don’t try to insult them. They can hit back faster and harder than you can ever imagine”. Stating that he could only pity Amarinder for making a laughing stock of himself, the SAD president said he failed to understand the Congress leader’s claim that the proposed Congress rally would not import people from Rajasthan and Haryana. “First I thank Amarinder for acknowledging the SAD has a mass base in Rajasthan and Haryana. I also want to ask him if he will tomorrow accuse us of importing people from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. If I take Mr Amarinder Singh’s statement at face value by the end of the Sadbhavana rallies the SAD will become a national party and the Congress will be relegated to the status of a regional player”. Agreeing with Amarinder that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones at others, Mr Badal said in case of the Congress leader it required only one stone from the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) of Switzerland to reach India to for Amarinder’s entire edifice to crumble. “Your Swiss bank details will soon be shared with the Indian authorities and the entire country will be witness as to who is living in a glass house”, the SAD president said. Stating that wishes could not be horses, the SAD president said it was true the scion of the Patiala house was desperately craving for another chance at power in Punjab and this was the reason why he was coming out with statements bordering on fantasy. “Rest assured your ‘maharaja’ ways have been rejected by the people in two successive assembly elections. There is no chance of you making a comeback in State politics. Even debasing yourself by behaving like a lackey of Rahul Gandhi by grovelling at his feet and taking back previous insults hurled at him is not working. All this is happening because everyone has lost trust in you. Trust once lost can never be regained”, Mr Badal added. EOM - Sukhbir should self introspect and resign immediately due to failure in stopping sacrilege cases in Punjab :Bajwa Chandigarh, November 25: The Punjab Congress President, Mr Partap Singh Bajwa, today held the incompetence of Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, as he also hold the Home portfolio, for the continuing incidents of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib in the state over the last several months. He said hired crowds at rallies could not act as a cover for the total failure of the Akali Dal-BJP alliance government in the state on all fronts in general and law and order in particular with specific reference to the series of incidents of sacrilege that continue to be reported from various parts of the state. He asserted Mr Sukhbir Badal had no business to be in government as he was more interested in exploiting the office he holds to promote his own business interests. Mr Bajwa referred to the latest case of sacrilege that has been reported from Chahal village near Bhadson in Patiala district where the pages of Guru Granth Sahib were found to be torn. He said the effort of the police to keep the incident under wraps initially was shocking. He alleged that despite mass upsurge against such incidents and the killing of two innocent protesters in police firing at Behbal Kalan, the culprits had not been caught nor the deeper conspiracy to disturb peace and amity in the state had been exposed. He pointed out that the first case was that of the Bir of Guru Granth Sahib reported missing from village Burj Jawahar Singhwala on June 1 that was still to be traced thereby exposing the utter failure of Mr Sukhbir Badal himself. He said the Deputy Chief Minister could not pass the buck by blaming the unidentified foreign forces as it was his responsibility as the Home Minister to expose them. He said the real Saddbhavna would be when the police act against such elements as it is only the action was taken against the real culprits that confidence of the people would get restored. ------------------------------------------------------------- To, S. Parkash Singh Badal,Chief Minister,Punjab. :- Regarding voluntary surrendering of tubewell power subsidy.* Sir, As you are aware, the free electricity bill of subsidy being provided to approx. 15 lac tubewell consumers in Punjab has touched a whopping Rs. 5400 crore per annum. If calculated since 1997 the year when the subsidy was introduced, the state exchequer has suffered a colossal burden of more than Rs. 45,000 crore till now. This is not only wrecking the financial position of the state but is endangering the sub soil water table and the environment. According to a study conducted by NASA, there has been steep depletion in the water table of Punjab and if corrective measures are not taken timely, it could spell doom for the agrarian economy. At the same time, I am also of the firm opinion that since the farmers of the country are not getting remunerative prices for their crops, power subsidy is the need of the hour until some alternative economic breather is provided to them. It is also a matter of record, that the farmers of Punjab are under a colossal debt of over Rs. 51,000 crore, as per the latest NABARD report. This huge debt burden is forcing farmers and farm labourers to commit suicides in large numbers. Under these pitiable circumstances, I am of the view that all those farmers who can afford to forgo or surrender their power subsidy facility, will be doing a great service to the cause of agriculture, the economy of the state as well as help the water table improve. Therefore, I have decided to make the beginning of surrendering the facility of tubewell power subsidy being provided to me and my family (List of connections attached). I have taken this cue from the Prime Minister=E2= =80=99s appeal to economically well off citizens to give up their LPG subsidy, so that the poor and underprivileged can benefit. Here too, I feel that all those farmers who have viable land holding should give up the subsidy facility, so that small and marginal farmers can benefit from this aid. Because there are large number of small and marginal farmers, who own less than 2-3 acres of land and either have one tubewell connection or no connection at all and are dependent on diesel generators to grow their crops. I believe your family alone has 50 tubewell connections which are availing free power subsidy, besides the uninterrupted water that you use to irrigate hundreds of acres of vast orchards owned by your family. I am sure being the head of the state that is currently in dire straits, you would set an example by surrendering your power subsidy. In the same breath, I appeal all my party colleague farmers as well as all elected representatives from Sarpanches to MP=E2=80=99s, to shun the said subsidy s= o that we can set the ball rolling for this noble cause. I also urge you to begin a statewide drive to convince the entire creamy layer of agriculturists across Punjab, to surrender their respective power subsidy so that the poorest of poor can benefit from power subsidy. Thanking you, With regards, *Sukhpal Singh Khaira* *Ex-MLA* - ukhbir Badal condole demise of Alberta Legislator Manmeet Singh Bhullar Chandigarh, November 24 : Punjab Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal has expressed profound shock and grief over the tragic death of young Sikh legislator and former Minister of Alberta (Canada) Mr. Manmeet Singh Bhullar who expired in a fatal road accident in Canada. In his condolence message, S. Badal said in his short lifespan of 35 years, Mr. Bhullar made exceptional contribution for the welfare of Punjabi diaspora and gave ample proof of being a selfless politician while rendering services in the social sector. Deputy CM also reminisced the moments spent with Mr. Bhullar during NRI summit held at Jalandhar over 2 years ago. S. Badal said Mr. Bhullar became the legislator for the first time in 2008 and he was the youngest one at that time. Deputy Chief Minister further said that it was because of progressive thinking and upright virtues Mr. Bhullar was inducted as cabinet minister in Alberta provincial government. Remembering the yeoman’s service rendered by Mr. Bhullar, S. Badal said the death of Mr. Bhullar is a personal loss for him and it has deprived the Sikh community of an emerging political leader of the highest caliber. Expressing sympathy with the bereaved Bhullar family, S. Badal prayed before the almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul. ------- DEPUTY CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF PARKASH UTSAV OF SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI Chandigarh, November 24 Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today extended his warm greetings to the people on the eve of auspicious occasion of Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji. In his message, Deputy Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji taught us the message of one God who dwells in every one of His creations and constitutes the eternal Truth. He said that Guru ji spread the holy message of peace and compassion to all of mankind. Mr. Badal said that first Sikh Guru showed us the path to spiritual salvation and his teachings continue to inspire us to embrace equality, compassion and humanism. He said that this day gives us an opportunity to deeply introspect Guru Ji's message of meditation and remembering God, honestly earning through one's physical and mental effort while accepting God's gifts and blessings and to share within society. Deputy Chief Minister exhorted the people to imbibe the spirit of service and humility as preached by the Great Guru and strive hard for carving out a peaceful, prosperous and healthy society by following the precious legacy of Guru Nanak Dev ji and celebrate this auspicious occasion with utmost devotion and dedication rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion. ---------- DR. CHEEMA EXPRESSED SHOCK OVER THE UNTIMELY AND TRAGIC DEMISE OF MANMEET BHULLAR (CHEEMA TERMS IT A PERSONAL LOSS) ALSO MOURNS PASSING AWAY OF DR. MAHIP SINGH Chandigarh November 24: Education Minister Punjab Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema expressed shock over the tragic and untimely demise of 35 year old Member of Legislative Assembly Manmeet Bhullar. Sharing his grief with the bereaved Bhullar family, Dr. Cheema said that with the unfortunate passing away of Bhullar has created a vacuum not only for the people of Canada but also for the entire Sikh Community. “I have lost a personal friend”, said Dr. Cheema. Recalling Bhuular as a young, forward looking and above all a good human being, Dr. Cheema said that the efforts he had put in to establish the Punjabi Diaspora would be remembered till eternity. Meanwhile, Dr. Cheema also placed on record his heartfelt condolences on the passing away of the renowned Sikh theorist and Scholar Dr. Mahip Singh. He said that the books written by the great scholar would act as a guiding star to the young generations. Dr. Cheema prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and give enough strength to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable losses. ------- PUNJAB SCRIPTS UNIQUE SUCCESS STORY ON SOLAR ENERGY FRONT – MAJITHIA · Records 172 times growth in Solar Power Generation from 9 MW to 1550 MW · Investment growth in solar Rs. 70 crore to Rs. 12,000 crore in three years surpasses all national records · Punjab only state to have inclusive solar policy to cover small farmers to multinational groups Chandigarh, November 24 – The border state of Punjab today scripted a new success story on solar energy front by recording stupendous increase in green power generation registering an increase of 172 times from 9 MW to 1550 MW in just three years, setting a new national benchmark. Announcing this here today, New and Renewable Energy Minister, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said that no other state in the country has been able to achieve such a level of growth in such a short time and he was proud that border state of Punjab has recorded massive increase in investment from meagre Rs. 70 crore to Rs. 12,000 crore besides creating employment avenues for 10,000 youth that too in three years. He said that the most interesting part of solar power policy of Punjab was that right from farmer having land holding of 4 acre to multinational companies including Adanis, Wellspun, Essel, Azure etc. are equal partners in the Solar revolution being ushered in by tiny state having 2% geographical area of the country. He said that going by the mandate given by Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal to make policy all inclusive, rural based and to benefit farmers, the solar policy for farmers has been made which was welcomed by small farmers having land holdings on the borders or in the unproductive areas of Malwa besides marshy land of Mand besides water logged areas of Malwa and Majha. He said that farmers owning such land holdings were suffering due to its non productivity, meagre contract value and were happy to become partner in a scheme in which he was assured regular income for next 25 years with 5% annual increase besides assuring his majority partnership in the project. He said that such was the encouraging response to the farmer scheme that against the tendered capacity of 500MW they have got firm commitments of 629 MW. He said that he would soon hold an interactive seminar with all such budding farmer investors to guide them to opt right equipment and right technology and to sail them through teething troubles of project management. He said that he was happy that enterprising farmers of Punjab have opted a novel way of diversification that would be copied by farmers of other states. Congratulating the team led by Mr. Anirudh Tewari, Principal Secretary, NRE and CEO, PEDA Dr. Amarpal Singh for ensuring transparent and investor friendly bidding process, he said that from year 2013 to 2015, all four tenders got the stupendous response just because of credibility of total bidding process. He said that world over solar power was new sunshine area and Punjab has taken the early bud initiative to make most of it. Giving the details, he said that in the first tender they got bids for 269MW and 25 projects of 188MW have already commissioned with an investment of Rs. 1800 crore. Similarly for the second tender of 250MW in December’2014 in which they got bids for 389 MW out of which 24 projects of 228MW were set to be commissioned by 31st January’2016 with an investment of Rs. 1700 crore. He said that third tender of 500MW was floated in June’2015 and for which they got bids for 1650MW and these projects with Rs. 3000 crore investment could be commissioned on 31st Jan’2017. He said that Rooftop Gross Metering tender for 100MW received encouraging response and this project with Rs. 400 Crore investment would be operational by March’2016. He said that for canal top solar gross metering, 5MW project with Rs. 200 crore investments would be commissioned by March 2017 and farmer solar scheme gross metering tender got applications for 629 MW and these projects with Rs. 3000 crore investment would be operational by March’2017. Highlighting the keen interest of NRIs in solar energy projects, he said that NRIs have made Rs. 655 crore investment for 91MW whereas foreign investors have invested Rs. 562 crore for 79MW projects. Similarly investment of Rs. 687 crore was made in border districts area 97MW solar power plants. Highlighting the incentives under the state policy he said that policy includes no registration fee stamp duty on purchase / lease of land, exemption from CLU pollution clearance, state entry tax, Vat and property tax besides having 25 years bankable PPA with PSPCL having A+ rating. ------------ MAJITHIA CONDOLES THE TRAGIC DEMISE OF YOUNG ALBERTA PC MLA MANMEET SINGH BHULLAR Chandigarh, November 24: Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today expressed shock over the untimely demise of Alberta PC MLA Manmeet Singh Bhullar, who died in a tragic road accident today. Describing Mr. Bhullar a powerful community advocate from a young age, Mr. Majithia said that he would ever be remembered for his relentless efforts for ensuring fairness and justice. He said with his death a budding political career has been cut short. He said that the popularity of Mr. Bhullar could be gauged from the fact that he was elected as MLA at the age of just 28 years. Mr. Majithia further said that Mr. Bhullar’s contributions both the political and Social Service sectors made Punjabi diaspora in general and Sikhs in particular proud and he was being looked upon as the shining star on the political landscape of Canada.
Describing Mr. Bhullar’s death an irreparable loss, Mr. Majithia said that his glorious achievements would act as an inspiration to the youth all around the globe. The Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and give courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. ------- PUNJAB GOVERNMENT OFFERS 50 PERCENT SUBSIDY TO ENCOURAGE DAIRY FARMING · DAIRY FARMING TO GET RECOGNITION AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS · MILK PRODUCTION TO BE ENHANCED Chandigarh, November 24: The Punjab government has taken great initiative to develop dairy farming and get national and international recognition in this field by introducing novel ideas. Disclosing this here today Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike Dairy Development Minister Punjab said that to encourage farmers to adopt dairy farming as a lucrative business, Punjab Dairy Development Board has also offered 50 percent of subsidy on equipments of dairy farming. Offering 50 percent subsidy to promote dairy farming, he said that maximum subsidy of Rs. 20,000 on milking machine ( Double bucket ), subsidy of Rs. 72,500 on harvester ( tractor operated), Subsidy of Rs. 1,00,000 on forage cutter ( self propelled), subsidy of Rs.30,000 on Indian breed of cattle, Subsidy of Rs.4,00,000 on T.M.R. wagon is being provided to the beneficiaries. He said that this exclusive offer of subsidy has been introduced to persuade farmers towards the business of dairy farming and it would also be contributing to the state’s exchequer. The government was also preparing a blue print to further reinforce the dairy farming so that the dairy products could be marketed at the international level. He said that dairy farming would get a boost by producing quality milk though magnificent strategies . He said that the state government has offered large number of incentives to the dairy farmers. He further said that in a major move to create job opportunities and to strengthen the state’s economy, dairy farming would strengthen the white revolution in the State. ------- BADAL GREETS PEOPLE ON PARKASH UTSAV OF SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI Chandigarh, November 24- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the Punjabis living in country and abroad on the auspicious occasion of Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. In his message on the eve of Gurpurab, the Chief Minister said that Guru Nanak Dev ji was a great spiritual ambassador who guided the humanity to attain salvation by spreading the cult of devotion to God and the eternal message of love, compassion and spirituality amongst the mankind. He said that Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji envisioned a casteless society free from rituals, thereby redeeming the suffering humanity from the pangs of agony. Mr. Badal said that Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji motivated the humanity with new ideas, aims, aspirations and called upon it to dispense with the maladies of hypocrisy, falsehood, pretensions and caste-prejudices. "Guru ji's teachings are still relevant today especially in the present complex and materialistic society", said Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister appealed the people to imbibe the spirit of service and humility as preached by the Great Guru and strive hard for carving out a peaceful, prosperous and healthy society by following the precious legacy of Guru Nanak Dev ji and celebrate this sacred occasion with utmost devotion and dedication rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion. --------
CM REITERATES COMMITMENT TO DEDICATE PUNJAB STATE WAR -CUM-MUSEUM AT AMRITSAR TO THE NATION ON AUGUST 15, 2016 THIS NOVEL PROJECT WOULD SHOWCASE THE ENORMOUS CONTRIBUTION OF BRAVE PUNJABI WARRIORS AND SOLDIERS IN SAFEGUARDING THE INTEGRITY OF OUR MOTHERLAND HOLDS MEETING TO REVIEW THE ONGOING PROGRESS OF THIS PRESTIGIOUS PROJECT Chandigarh, November 24- Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to dedicate the upcoming prestigious Punjab State War -cum-Museum at Amritsar to the nation on August 15, 2016, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that this novel project coming up in the holy city Amritsar would showcase the enormous contribution of brave Punjabis warriors and soldiers in safeguarding the unity and integrity of our motherland. Presiding over a high level meeting to review the progress of the project with the senior officers of the state government at his residence this morning, the Chief Minister enquired about the progress of the project and problems if any to be resolved at his level. Mr. Badal also asked the executing agency to complete the work within the prescribed time limit so that the state-of-the-art memorial could be inaugurated on the historic day of 69th Independence day. He also had detailed deliberations with the with the Research Team which was carrying out in depth research of all Wars fought in India during pre and post independence, also as research on, Sikh Missals, World War-I & II and Freedom struggle. The Chief Minister was informed in the meeting that the memorial would be equipped with the rare artifacts, war equipments and memorabilia etc. to be exhibited in the upcoming Museum inside the War Memorial which would not only imbibe the spirit of nationalism and patriotism amongst our future generations but also showcase the splendid and gallantry deeds of our distinguished personnel of Armed forces. It was also decided that Sainik Welfare Department would tie-up with the Department of Advertising & Visual Publicity (DAVP) of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, GoI to procure the documentary films on the Indo-China war in 1962 and Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971 besides Kargil operation in 1999 to be screened in the auditorium. On the occasion Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheem and Director Defence Services Welfare, Punjab Brig JS Arora, briefed the Chief Minister on progress of War Memorial. Prominent amongst other present in the meeting included Deputy Director Defence Services Welfare Lieutenant Col. (Retd.) HS Gill. --------- CM MOURNS DEATH OF ALBERTA SIKH LEADER MANMEET SINGH BHULLAR Chandigarh November 24 - The Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Parkash Singh Badal expresses " shock and grief over the tragic demise of Alberta Sikh leader and minister Sardar Manmeet Singh Bhullar. Bhullar who died in a car crash this morning . In his condolence message to Bhullar's wife Namrita, the Chief Minister Mr. Badal prayed to the Akal Purakh to grant peace to the departed soul -------- MAJITHIA GREETS PEOPLE ON PARKASH PURAB OF GURU NANAK DEV JI CHANDIGARH, November 24: Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today greeted the people of state on the eve of Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev. In a message, Mr. Majithia said Guru ji gives the message of humanity and brotherhood and inspires us to embrace equality and compassion. Guru Nanak's teachings for an honest, truthful and virtuous life would continue to guide humanity. Majithia appealed the people to follow the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji for the betterment of society. ----------- PUNJAB CHALKS OUT A NOVEL PLAN TO CONSTRUCT 15 NEW DAMS UNDER KANDI CANAL PROJECT · TO COME UP AT A COST OF RS. 750 CRORE · COMPLETION TARGET AIMED AT 5 YEARS · WATER CHANNELS TO UPGRADED AT A COST OF RS. 4 CRORE CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 24: The Punjab Government has chalked out a novel plan to provide the facility of irrigation from canal water to the farmers of the state under the Kandi Canal Project. A total of 15 dams would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 750 Crore and the completion target has been set at 5 years. The Punjab Irrigation Minister, S. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon while disclosing this said that the state government is fully committed to provide the facility of irrigation from canal water to the farmers of the state. He further said that as per the plan, Hoshiarpur would see the construction of 7 dams while 4 dams would be constructed in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, 2 in Pathankot and 1 in S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali)and each dam would cost Rs.50 crore to the state exchequer. He expressed hope that the potential threat to the kandi area from floods would get reduced to a great extent with the coming up of these dams.
Laying stress on channelizing the canal water, the Minister said that earlier the area under irrigation on kandi area was only 13000 hectare whereas after the completion of the projects, the concerned areas under irrigation would increase to 24000 hectares. On the occasion, Mr. Sahajpreet Singh Mangat O.S.D. Irrigation Department and all the Chief Engineers of the department and officers were also present.
------------ MASIH, JAIN & MANGAT APPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE PUNJAB STATE COMMISSION FOR MINORITIES CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 24: The Punjab Government has appointed 3 members to the Punjab State Commission for Minorities. The Minorities Cell of the Ministry of Home Affairs & Justice has issued a notification in this regard. Disclosing this, an official spokesman said that Mr. Yaqub Masih from Christian, Mr. Sanjeev Jain from Jain and Mr. Abdul Shakur Mangat from the Muslim community have been appointed as members. According to the spokesperson, as per the Punjab State Commission for Minorities Act, 2012, the tenure of appointees would be of 3 years or until the member attains the age of 70 years. The spokesman also divulged that the including the Chairman Mr. Munawar Masih, the number of office bearers of the commission has now come to four. ------------ PUNJAB SC COMMISSION THANKS PUNJAB GOVERNMENT FOR GIVING NOD TO CELEBRATE 26 NOVEMBER AS CONSTITUTION DAY
· COMMISSION ISSUES DIRECTIONS TO SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES FOR CONDUCTING CELEBRATIONS CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 24: The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has thanked Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal & the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for giving nod to celebrate 26 November as constitution day in all the Schools, Colleges and Universities of the State and dwell upon the contribution of Baba Sahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the making of the constitution. Welcoming the decision of the Punjab government, the Chairman of the Commission Mr. Rajesh Bagha said that the Punjab SC Commission had written to the state government to celebrate the occasion of Dr. Ambedkar’s prominent role in the making of the constitution of the country and the passing of the constitution, acting upon which the Government of Punjab gave its nod. Mr. Bagha said that Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, known as the father of the constitution, was a great scholar and would always be remembered for playing a yeoman’s role in framing the constitution. Mr. Bagha said that the Commission has asked the state government to hold seminars, debates, quiz contests and other competitions on this day besides honouring the winners by the eminent personalities in every district. He said that this step should be undertaken to ensure that the students have knowledge about the making of the Constitution of the country. Divulging more, Mr. Bagha said that numerous people of India belonging to the SC category are deeply connected with the ideology of Dr. Ambedkar. He said that Dr. Ambedkar ensured the welfare of all the sections of society while framing the constitution which resulted in the uncountable number of people belonging to the SC category and weaker sections joining the national mainstream. He added that Dr. Ambedkar provided political, social and economic stability to the country besides uplifting the life standard of people hailing from SC and weaker sections and orphans. ------------ PUNJAB GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO APPOINT RESOURCE PERSONS IN MISSION SWACHH AND SAWASATH CHANDIGARH, November 24: The Punjab Government has decided to appoint resource persons in mission Swachh and Sawasth. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that state government has embarked upon organising camps at village level to make people aware regarding construction of latrines in houses and to get water connections. During the camps, many people expressed desire to join this movement voluntarily. According to the spokesperson, the Punjab Government has decided that it’s working or retired employees having good Communication skills and wanted to work voluntarily can apply on prescribed Performa and submit it at dspunjab@yahoo.com before November 30.2015 .
----------- EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DIRECTS SCHOOLS TO CELEBRATE FIRST CONSTITUTION DAY ON 26THNOVEMBER CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 24: The Education Department, Punjab, has directed all the schools in the state to celebrate first constitution day on 26th November. Disclosing this, a spokesman of the department said that all the schools have been instructed to guide the students about the preamble of the constitution during the morning prayers. Besides this, one period on 26th November must be devoted to making students aware about the various aspects of the constitution with the help from experts. The spokesman also said that on this day, quiz and essay writing competitions should also be held focusing on the constitution of the country. According to the spokesman, the Education Department has also directed all the schools and District Education Officers (DEOs) to ensure the maximum participation of students and teachers in this Endeavour and send the report to the headquarters. --------- ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHARIF SEASON ANNOUNCED CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 24: The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Kharif Season through Canal water November 25, 2015 to December 12, 2015. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Patiala feeder, Abohar Branch, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab Canal and Sidhwan Branch respectively. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that the channels off taking from Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in group 'B' being in the first preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available will be utilized in direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in Group A' respectively. The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and distributaries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available will be utilized in direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder and distributaries in Group "A" respectively. The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from Upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Lahore Branch with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent. Balance water supplies water available would be utilised in Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch Lowe and Sabraon Branch with their distributaries respectively.
BY RESORTING TO ITS AGE OLD POLICY OF ‘DIVIDE AND RULE’ CONGRESS HAS PROVED THAT ‘LEOPARD CAN’T CHANGE ITS SPOTS’- CM CAUTIONS PEOPLE AGAINST THE DIVISIVE POLICIES OF CONGRESS PLEDGES NOT TO ALLOW THE DISRUPTIVE FORCES TO RAISE THEIR UGLY HEAD TERMS SAD-BJP ALLIANCE AS EVERLASTING PAYS TRIBUTE TO BAPU KARTAR SINGH DHALIWAL Rakhra (Patiala), November 21- Cautioning the people about the divisive policies of the Congress party, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that said that Congress has proved that ‘Leopard can’t change its spot’ by resorting to its age old policy of ‘divide and rule’ by creating wedge between Hindus and Sikhs in the state. Interacting with the media persons here after paying tributes to Subedar Bapu Kartar Singh Dhaliwal, the father of Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, on his 19th death anniversary, the Chief Minister said that this policy of the Congress had ruined the prosperous state of Punjab in the past but ever since assuming to power the SAD-BJP alliance government has worked relentlessly to put the state back on high growth trajectory. However, he bemoaned that the success of alliance in ushering an era of development and peace was an eyesore for Congress due to which it was hatching conspiracies to disturb its hard earned peace and harmony. Mr. Badal said that massive efforts were being made to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere of the state with a sole objective of weakening the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Warning the people, the Chief Minister said that those forces which had pushed Punjab back into black days for almost two decades were once again active to repeat those troublesome days in the state. He, however assured the people of the state that these disruptive forces would not be allowed to raise their ugly head again because communal harmony and peace were the basic factors for progress and prosperity in the state. Expressing concern over the unfortunate incidents of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji in the state, the Chief Minister said that these incidents have tormented the psyche of every human being. He said that the state Cabinet has recently ensured to amend the existing provision of law for stringent punishment to the perpetrators of this heinous crime as a deterrent to prevent recurrence of such dastardly act in future. Describing the SAD-BJP alliance as everlasting, the Chief Minister said that he would ever preserve this pious relationship between both the parties. Asked to comment on the agrarian crisis faced by the farmers, the Chief Minister said that he had exhorted the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to take bold initiatives at the level of Government of India (GoI) to safeguard the interests of the farmers. He said that Punjab government has been providing free power to the farmers worth Rs 5000 crore to bail them out from current agrarian crisis. Mr. Badal said that in order to help the farmers affected by crop loss in cotton belt of the state, the Punjab government has given them compensation worth Rs 640 crore besides paying Rs 64 crore to farm labourers. Commenting on the recent decisions of the state Cabinet, the Chief Minister said that the Council of Ministers has decided to offer nearly 1.14 lakh jobs to youth in 2016. Likewise, he said that besides doubling social security pensions the honorarium of the Nambardars has also been hiked. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that a committee has been constituted to resolve the problems faced by the industrialists to their satisfaction. Paying rich tributes to Subedaar Bapu Kartar Singh Dhaliwal, the Chief Minister recalled the outstanding services rendered by him towards nation as serving in Army. He said that immense contribution of Bapu Kartar Singh Dhaliwal would go a long way in inspiring our younger generations to inculcate a sense of patriotism and selfless service amongst them. Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Speaker Punjab Assembly Dr. Charanjeet Singh Atwal, Cabinet Minister Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, former SGPC Chief Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, Mr. Darshan Singh Dhaliwal,Vice President SAD Mr Bhagwan Dass Juneja, President Shiromani Akali Dal Patiala City Mr Indermohan Singh Bajaj, President Patiala (Rural) Mr. Deepinder Singh Dhillon, President Youth Akali Dal Malwa Zone Mr. Harpal Juneja and Chairman Punjab Tourism Corporation Mr. Surjit Singh Ablowal. -------- CM VISITS FAMILY OF MARTYR CAPTAIN ASHWANI KUMAR PAYS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY ANNOUNCES FINANCIAL HELP OF RS 10 LAKH FOR FAMILY Patiala, November 21- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today visited the bereaved family of Captain Ashwani Kumar to share his condolences with the family of the young officer, who had attained martyrdom after being hit by an avalanche in the southern ridge of the Siachen Glacier. Mourning the sad demise of this brave heart, the Chief Minister said that the state government would ever be at family’s beck and call and leave no stone unturned to help them in this hour of grief. He said that the countrymen would ever remain indebted to unparalleled sacrifice made by Captain Ashwani Kumar, who attained martyrdom while safeguarding the security and sovereignty of the country. Mr. Badal said that all countrymen were with the family of this national hero, who had laid down his life at the altar of his motherland to protect its sovereignty and honour. The Chief Minister assured the grieved family members that the state government was duty bound to help them in this hour of crisis and every step would be taken to extend a helping hand to the family. On the occasion Mr. Badal also announced a financial help of Rs 10 lakh for the family and gave a cheuqe of Rs 5 lakh to father of martyr on the occasion. He also announced that state government would bear the entire expenditure of study of younger brother of the martyr. The Chief Minister was accompanied by vice president of SAD Mr. Bhagwan Das Juneja, district President Rural of Shiromani Akali Dal Mr. Deepinder Singh Dhillon, former Chairman of Punjab State Subordinate Service Selection Board Mr. Tejinderpal Singh Sandhu, Vice Chairman Market Committee Mr Nardev Singh Aakri and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Varun Roojam. - Rahul Gandhi fomenting trouble in Punjab by encouraging secessionist forces – Sukhbir Badal (Produces photographs and other material to prove Congress involvement in extremist show of November 10) (Brings to notice of centre the Congress role in promoting extremism as well as those involved in secessionist activities) Chandigarh/New Delhi, November 21 – Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal today accused Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi of fomenting trouble in Punjab and encouraging secessionist forces against the wishes of the patriotic Sikh community which did not want the State to go back to the dark days of terror. Addressing a press conference at the Press Club here, Mr Badal also laid bare the Congress conspiracy to destabilize peace in Punjab by providing overt and covert support to the organizers of the November 10 function of politically discarded, frustrated and desperate elements who were totally alienated from Punjabis in general and Sikhs in particular. He said these elements tried to mislead the patriotic Sikh masses who had been deeply hurt by the series of incidents of sacrilege of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. He said the Congress helped to plan the gathering, provided logistic support and also part of the team which drafted the secessionist resolutions which were read out on the occasion. “All this happened at the behest of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi”, he said adding the Congress leaders’ recent visit to Punjab had led to the chain of events which witnessed the Congress playing dangerous games in the sensitive border State. “We are bringing this to the notice of Home minister Rajnath Singh ji”, he added. The SAD president also produced photographs and other material to prove the Congress involvement in the extremist show. This included pictures of senior Congress leaders including Ramanjit Singh Sikki and Inderjit Singh Zira. He said similarly there were audio clips of senior Congress leaders talking with the organizers of the radical conference and proffering advice on the resolutions which should be adopted on the occasion. The SAD president said the Punjab Congress had tried to deny its involvement in the extremist show but the cat was let out of the bag by SAD (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann who said the Congress party leaders present on the occasion knew they were sharing a Khalistani stage. He said the demand for Khalistan was openly made from the stage including presence of “Khalistan” flags. He said besides these messages of terrorists including banned organization- were also read out from the stage. “What is the Congress trying to do? Does it want to push Punjab back into an era of darkness? What other reason can there be for a national party to take actions which amount to destabilizing the unity and integrity of the country?” Stating that there was a reason behind the recent acts of sacrilege as well as the congregation called by radical elements, the SAD president said the truth was that the Congress had taken this desperate step as it knew that its graph was at an all time low and that the SAD-BJP government was set to unleash a massive development agenda. “The Congress formed a mahagathbandhan with extremist forces with the sole aim of derailing the development agenda as well as petty concerns of reviving itself politically through hook or by crook”. The SAD president also detailed the Congress role in Punjab during the eighties when it unleashed extremist forces in the State in order to fight the SAD. He said this strategy between competing leaders played havoc with the loss of 50,000 lives. “Unfortunately the same card is being played now”, he said adding such a tactic would not only destabilize Punjab but also derail the economic growth of the country. Mr Badal said Pakistan’s ISI was always on the look out to damage Punjab and through it target other parts of the country. “I am shocked that a leader like Rahul Gandhi has also played into the hands of extremist forces hell bent on destroying Punjab and India. The Congress should stop aligning with extremist organizations just for political gains”, the SAD president said. The akali leader also made it clear that the SAD-BJP government would stand like a rock to maintain the unity and integrity of the country. “We brought Punjab back from the brink and will not allow anyone to disturb its hard won peace and communal harmony”, he added. EOM - SAD tells President Congress is trying to destabilise peace in Punjab. Chandigarh/New Delhi, November 21 - The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today informed President Pranab Mukherjee that the Congress was trying to destabilise peace and communal harmony in Punjab by extending support to extremist elements. In a memorandum submitted to the President by a delegation led by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, the SAD said efforts should be taken to ensure peace was not disturbed in a sensitive border State like Punjab. The delegation informed the president that Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi had also played a very dangerous role during his visit to Punjab province had given the encouragement to divisive forces. It said post Rahul Gandhi's visit to Punjab the entire Punjab Congress had teamed up with separatist organisations to organise the November 10 gathering in Tarn Taran. It said the role of the Congress could also be gauged from the fact that it's party leaders also helped in drafting the resolutions of the separatists who organised the gathering. Mr Sukhbir Badal urged the President to ensure that the Congress party was stopped from stoking communal sentiments and using these to help anti national forces who were keen to disturb the peace in Punjab and take it back to the dark era of turmoil. The delegation included MPs Naresh Gujral, Prem Singh Chandumajra, Balwinder Singh Bhundur and Sher Singh Ghubaya besides DSGMC president Manjit Singh GK and Manjinder Singh Sirsa. EOM - BY RESORTING TO ITS AGE OLD POLICY OF ‘DIVIDE AND RULE’ CONGRESS HAS PROVED THAT ‘LEOPARD CAN’T CHANGE ITS SPOTS’- CM CAUTIONS PEOPLE AGAINST THE DIVISIVE POLICIES OF CONGRESS PLEDGES NOT TO ALLOW THE DISRUPTIVE FORCES TO RAISE THEIR UGLY HEAD TERMS SAD-BJP ALLIANCE AS EVERLASTING PAYS TRIBUTE TO BAPU KARTAR SINGH DHALIWAL Rakhra (Patiala), November 21- Cautioning the people about the divisive policies of the Congress party, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that said that Congress has proved that ‘Leopard can’t change its spot’ by resorting to its age old policy of ‘divide and rule’ by creating wedge between Hindus and Sikhs in the state. Interacting with the media persons here after paying tributes to Subedar Bapu Kartar Singh Dhaliwal, the father of Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, on his 19th death anniversary, the Chief Minister said that this policy of the Congress had ruined the prosperous state of Punjab in the past but ever since assuming to power the SAD-BJP alliance government has worked relentlessly to put the state back on high growth trajectory. However, he bemoaned that the success of alliance in ushering an era of development and peace was an eyesore for Congress due to which it was hatching conspiracies to disturb its hard earned peace and harmony. Mr. Badal said that massive efforts were being made to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere of the state with a sole objective of weakening the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Warning the people, the Chief Minister said that those forces which had pushed Punjab back into black days for almost two decades were once again active to repeat those troublesome days in the state. He, however assured the people of the state that these disruptive forces would not be allowed to raise their ugly head again because communal harmony and peace were the basic factors for progress and prosperity in the state. Expressing concern over the unfortunate incidents of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji in the state, the Chief Minister said that these incidents have tormented the psyche of every human being. He said that the state Cabinet has recently ensured to amend the existing provision of law for stringent punishment to the perpetrators of this heinous crime as a deterrent to prevent recurrence of such dastardly act in future. Describing the SAD-BJP alliance as everlasting, the Chief Minister said that he would ever preserve this pious relationship between both the parties. Asked to comment on the agrarian crisis faced by the farmers, the Chief Minister said that he had exhorted the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to take bold initiatives at the level of Government of India (GoI) to safeguard the interests of the farmers. He said that Punjab government has been providing free power to the farmers worth Rs 5000 crore to bail them out from current agrarian crisis. Mr. Badal said that in order to help the farmers affected by crop loss in cotton belt of the state, the Punjab government has given them compensation worth Rs 640 crore besides paying Rs 64 crore to farm labourers. Commenting on the recent decisions of the state Cabinet, the Chief Minister said that the Council of Ministers has decided to offer nearly 1.14 lakh jobs to youth in 2016. Likewise, he said that besides doubling social security pensions the honorarium of the Nambardars has also been hiked. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that a committee has been constituted to resolve the problems faced by the industrialists to their satisfaction. Paying rich tributes to Subedaar Bapu Kartar Singh Dhaliwal, the Chief Minister recalled the outstanding services rendered by him towards nation as serving in Army. He said that immense contribution of Bapu Kartar Singh Dhaliwal would go a long way in inspiring our younger generations to inculcate a sense of patriotism and selfless service amongst them. Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Speaker Punjab Assembly Dr. Charanjeet Singh Atwal, Cabinet Minister Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, former SGPC Chief Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, President Shiromani Akali Dal Patiala (Rural) Mr. Deepinder Singh Dhillon, President Youth Akali Dal Malwa Zone Mr. Harpal Juneja and Chairman Punjab Tourism Corporation Mr. Surjit Singh Ablowal.
- CM’s address to Punjabis on DD and AIR BADAL SEEKS WHOLE HEARTED COOPERATION FROM PEOPLE OF PUNJAB TO MAINTAIN PEACE AND COMMUNAL HARMONY FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY OF STATE UNWARRANTED CONFRONTATION HAD NEVER BEEN A PART OF MY NATURE- BADAL PUNJABIS ARE PROUD OF THEIR RICH LEGACY OF BEING PATRIOTS AND COUNTRY’S SWORD ARM COOPERATION AND RESPECT TO ALL FOR THE BETTERMENT OF PUNJAB IS A SIGNIFICANT ASPECT OF OUR POLICY Chandigarh, November 18: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today appealed all the Punjabis for seeking their whole hearted cooperation to maintain peace, amity, communal harmony and brotherhood besides further propelling the state on the path of growth, development and prosperity. In a message addressed to all Punjabis on Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR), the Chief Minister said that it had ever been his sacred duty to preserve peace and communal harmony in the state as he firmly believed that the process of development, progress and prosperity was not at all feasible without it, to ensure overall welfare and growth of Punjabis. Mr. Badal said that he always opposed to any sort of conflict or confrontation from the core of his heart. Adding he said, “We have always followed the policy to cooperate and respect everyone and would follow the same in future too.” He further said that unwarranted confrontation was never had been a part of his nature and stated, “Punjab belongs to all of us and we all belong to Punjab.” The Chief Minister further said that to usher in a congenial atmosphere of peace, amity, love, unity and communal harmony was their priority, aspiration and policy as preached by the Great Gurus, Saints, Seers and Prophets on this sacred land. Mr. Badal further reminded that all Punjabis had faced a traumatic period for long time when our traditional atmosphere of harmony and brotherhood was exploited to the hilt. Several conspiracies were hatched in those times to divide the people living like brothers from centuries on sectarian lines. The Chief Minister said that we made stupendous efforts to take Punjab to the new heights of glory. Mr. Badal added that in fact the Punjab has become a leading state in the country in different sectors namely viz Agriculture, Power Generation, Health, Education and Infrastructure development. The congenial atmosphere of the state and industrial friendly attitude has forced not only Indian but International Business Tycoons also to invest in the state. This was evident from the recently concluded Global Progressive Punjab Investment Summit. Mr. Badal further pointed out that however some anti-Punjab elements could not digest all this and they were hell bent upon to de-track the ongoing process of development and growth in Punjab. These elements were busy enough since long to create rift between different sections of societies and communities besides hatching conspiracies with a view to disturb Punjab's peace and harmony as they had been getting support and patronization from various sides. The Chief Minister revealed that the second major aspect of this conspiracy was to give bad name to the Valiant Sikh Community- known as Country’s ‘Sword Arm’ by showing disrespect to their great history, legacy, traditions and code of conduct (Maryada). He said the Sikh Community and all Punjabis have a glorious past of patriotism and bravery. The Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance government elected with the mandate of people was not only committed to maintain peace, communal harmony, brotherhood, development and prosperity in the state vis-à-vis law and order but also firmed to expose the nefarious designs and conspiracy to mislead the people to again push them in to those black days. Making a firm resolve to maintain peace and communal harmony in the state, Mr. Badal assured the people that he being the Chief Minister of Punjab would never allow anyone to take law into their hands. --------- EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CALLS 563 SELECTED TEACHERS FOR AWARDIN CHOICE STATIONS · ENGLISH & PUNJABI TEACHERS CALLED ON 20TH NOVEMBER, SOCIAL SCIENCE TEACHERS ON 21ST NOVEMBER Chandigarh, November 18: The Education Department, Punjab, has called 563 teachers selected against the vacant posts of Punjabi, English and Social Science teachers as part of the ongoing recruitment of ‘5178 posts’, for the award of choice stations. The teachers have been called at the Punjab School Education Board complex, Mohali on 20th and 21st November. The names of the candidates and other information have been uploaded on www.ssapunjab.org where the candidates can see the complete schedule. Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the Education Department said that the selected 50 candidates of Punjabi have been called on 20th November from 11 AM till 1 PM while the 101 selected candidates of English have been called from 1 PM till 5 PM in the evening. Similarly, the selected 402 candidates of Social Science have been called on 21st November from 9 AM till 5 PM in the evening. The spokesman also added that all the candidates would get the appointment letters of their choice stations after viewing the list of vacant stations as per their merit. The spokesman made it clear that if any candidate doesn’t appear on the scheduled date and time then such candidates won’t be given the chance of opting for choice stations and the department would allot stations to such candidates at its own level. --------- CPS SOM PARKASH URGES CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO RELEASE 245 CRORE FOR POST MATRIC SCHOLARSHIPS Chandigarh November 18: The Chief Parliamentary Secretary Local Government Mr. Som Parkash, through the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister today urged the union government to immediately release an amount of Rs. 245 Crore to be disbursed as the post matric scholarships to the students belonging to the scheduled castes. In a communiqué to the union government Mr. Som Parkash especially mentioned that Rs. 245 crore was still pending which was to be given during the last financial year. He urged the government of India to release the last year’s as well as this year’s amount due so that it could be given to the beneficiaries without any further delay. Quoting the directions of the High Court, the CPS said that although the private colleges could not be compelled to admit scheduled castes students without charging any fee but the same fee could be deposited from the funds allocated for the Post Matric Scholarships and the rising unrest amongst the students could be checked at the same time. He further suggested that on similar lines as the private Sugar Mills have been supported by the Punjab government for procuring loans to be paid to the farmers, the Punjab government should also facilitate the students belonging to scheduled castes to get monetary help in the form of soft loans from the banks. Meanwhile, Mr. Som Parkash also made a fervent appeal to the parents and students of the Scheduled castes families not to get carried away with any provocative propaganda of divisive forces as the government was already in the process of getting the funds released by the government of India. ----------- PUNJAB CLEARS TOTAL BACKLOG OF OLD AGE PENSIONS: JAYANI FINANCE DEPARTMENT RELEASES RS. 90 CRORE TO BENEFIT 16.40 LAKH BENEFICIARIES Chandigarh November 18: The Punjab government today cleared total backlog of Old Age Pensions by releasing the pending pensions for the month of September and October. Stating this here today Social Security Minister Surjit Kumar Jayani said that the Punjab Finance department today released an amount of Rs. 90 crore to be disbursed among 16.40 lakh beneficiaries of the state. The Minister has directed the officers at the district levels to ensure timely disbursement of the financial assistance to the pensioners. He said that state Social Welfare Department has linked the bank accounts of the pensioners with Aadhar cards to weed out fake claimants. --------- Punjab to hire the professional services of leading detective agencies for catching hold of the violators of Pr-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique Act (PC-PNDT Act). Chandigarh, 18th November, 2015. The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab shall soon be hiring the professional services of leading detective agencies for catching hold of the violators of Pr-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique Act (PC-PNDT Act). This was revealed here today by Ms. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Punjab. She told that this innovative step has been adopted by the department to keep a strict vigil on certain nefarious and anti-social elements in the society who indulge in malpractice of sex-determination and female foeticide. The move also holds significance in view of the fast changing technology that is reportedly being misused by such elements, to earn a fast buck. The idea was conceived in the meeting of the State Supervisory Board of PC-PNDT chaired by Health and Family Welfare Minister, Punjab. Ms. Mahajan further stated that it was felt that the violators, at times make misuse of fast developing latest technology for sex-determination of foetus. Thus, it was felt that taking help of professional detectives to track such offenders would be fruitful in curbing the menace of female foeticide. She said that the department has already issued public notice in the newspapers inviting 'Expression of Interest' from reputed detective agencies for empanelment with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab on or before 27th November, 2015. Once these detective agencies are finalized, they shall conduct sting operations on Centers, Professional or Individuals suspected to be indulging in unfair practice of sex-determination and violating the provision of PC-PNDT Act. These empanelled detectives shall provide authentic proofs and evidences to the department of Health and Family Welfare after which the department shall pursue further legal action against the violators. Ms. Vini Mahajan stated that Punjab government is committed for the cause of girl child and has taken numerous initiatives to improve the skewed sex-ratio in the state. She said the sex-ratio has fairly improved in the past few years, however still more is required to be done. Ms. Mahajan informed that awards to the informers under PC-PNDT Act has also been raised to Rs. 1 Lakh from the previous Rs. 20,000/-. The same funds would now also be utilized for the hiring services of successful detective agencies and informers. She added that the Sex-ratio of the State has improved from 876 in year 2001 to 893 in year 2011, according to the census data. ------------ BIST DOAB CANAL TO BE MODERNISED AT A COST OF 270 CRORE: SHARANJIT SINGH DHILLON · FARMERS OF 847 VILLAGES TO DERIVE BENEFITS · INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED FOR COMPLETION OF WORK BY 30TH JUNE, 2016 CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 18: The Punjab Government today in a significant decision gave its nod to the modernization of Bist-Doab canal which emanates from the Rupnagar headworks. The work on this project would commence on 8th December, 2015. Disclosing this here today, the Irrigation Minister, Punjab, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon said that the State Government has decided to modernize the Bist-Doab canal as part of a plan to modify the old system of Sirhind canal. He informed that this project would cost Rs. 270 crore to the state exchequer. He also said that the fructification of this project would bring immense benefits, in the form of irrigation through canal water, to the farmers of 847 villages falling in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawan shahar), Kapurthala, Jalandhar. The Minister further added that instructions have been issued to complete the project by 30thJune, 2016 so as to provide irrigation facilities to the farmers in shortest possible time. The Minister also divulged that the Bist-Doab canal system was not working to its optimum capacity due to it being very old which necessitated the need for speedy completion of the project after approval. He said that with the completion of the modernization work, the capacity of Bist-Doab canal would increase and the irrigation percentage of Punjab would increase from 28-30 percent to 40 percent. The Irrigation Minister further said that now the area under irrigation under Bist-Doab canal is 35000 acre which after the completion of the modernization project would increase to 2 Lakh Acre area. Divulging more, he said that for the other irrigation projects of the state, the Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal has already sent the case for approving the release special funds to the tune of Rs. 918 crore to the Central Government which would get the nod soon. On this occasion, the Secretary, Irrigation, Kahan Singh Pannu said that in Punjab 28 % area gets irrigated by the canal water and with the modernization of Bist Doab Canal would increase the capacity of canal water on one hand and also provide more facilities to the farmers. He said that apart from this project of Rs. 270 crores another project of Rs. 50 crore would see the Distributaries of Bist Doab Canal being modernization. On this occasion Mr. Sehaj Preet Singh Mangat, OSD, Chief Engineer & all the Officers were also present. ------------------ RS.17.55 CRORE DISBURSED TO 47 GOVERNMENT COLLEGES OF STATE: RAKHRA · GRANT OF 14.25 CRORE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IN 37 COLLEGES · 2 COLLEGES TO BE UPGRADED AS MODEL DEGREE COLLEGES AT A COST OF 1.50 CRORE · VOCATIONAL EDUCATION TO GET A BOOST IN 13 COLLEGES WITH GRANT OF 92.62 LAKH CHANDIGARH, 18 NOVEMBER: The Punjab Government has released the financial grant of Rs. 17.55 crore to all the 47 Government colleges of the state to ensure the strengthening of infrastructure regarding Higher Education and providing quality and subsidized education to the youth. Disclosing this, the Higher Education and Languages Minister, Punjab, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra said that this grant would go a long way in the strengthening of infrastructural facilities in the colleges as well as upgradation of 2 colleges as model colleges. He said that the equity grants issued to thye colleges would play a major role in the upliftment of girls education as also that of the students belonging to the weaker sections. Besides this, vocational education would also get the required attention and help in monetary terms. Giving details of the grants issued to all the 47 government colleges of the state, the Minister said that the 37 government colleges had been given Rs. 14.25 crore for strengthening the infrastructure. Each college would get Rs. 37.50 lakh and would be equipped with latest facilities. He said that 2 government colleges at Hoshiarpur and Ludhiana would be developed as model colleges at a cost of Rs. 75 lakh each. He said that 13 colleges situated at Ajnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Tanda Urmur, SCD Government college Ludhiana, Government college Ludhiana, Mansa, Dhudike, Mohindra college Patial, Sunam and Tarntaran would get Rs. 92.62 Lakh for the vocational education. Each college would get 7.125 lakh grant. Disclosing further, the Minister said that all the 47 colleges have been given Rs. 88.125 lakh as equity grant under which each college would get Rs. 1.875 lakh. He said that equity grant is only for the students of weaker sections and girls. ------------ SPECIAL MONITORING CELL TEAMS RAIDS 619 SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATE · 65 TEACHERS WERE ABSENT, 131 LATE COMERS AND 23 TEACHERS FOUND LONG TIME ABSENTEE CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 18: On the directions of Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister Punjab, Special teams of the Education Department conducted surprise checks in 619 Schools of the State with the aim of ensuring punctuality and discipline in the Schools. All districts were visited by the special teams of other districts at the same time. Divulging the details a spokesperson of the department said that during the special checking total 65 teachers were found absent while 131 teachers were late whereas 23 teachers were found long time absentees. He said that immediately after opening the schools special teams visited 619 schools across the state. He said that the teachers who were found absent from long time have been charge sheeted where as absentee and late comers teachers have been served show cause notice. 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. ----------- ANIMAL HUSBANDRY MINISTER ANNOUNCES REVISED DISTRICT LEVEL SCHEDULE FOR CATTLE FAIRS Chandigarh, October 18: Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike today announced the revised schedule for district level livestock and milking championship 2015. Divulging the details, Mr. Ranike said that livestock and milking competition at Hoshiarpur and Roop Nagar would be held on November 20 & 21 similarly District Level Livestock Championship would be held in Fathegarh Sahib (November 22-23), SBS Nagar (November 24-25), Gurdaspur and Jalandhar (November 26-27), Kapurthala and Tarn Taran (November 28-29), Ludhiana and Ferozpur (November 30 and December-1),Barnala and Patiala (December 2-3), Fazilka and SAS Nagar (December 4 & 5), Sangrur and Bathinda (December 9 & 10), Mansa, Moga and Amritsar (December 11 & 12) and in Faridkot and Sri Mukatsar sahib these competition would be held on December 13 & 14 respectively. - JOSHI ASKS CANDIDATES NOT TO GET MISGUIDED ON ANY FAKE PLACEMENT ASSURANCES · ASSURES COMPLETE TRANSPARENCY IN THE PROCESS OF EXAMINATION · NO INTERVIEW TO BE CONDUCTED AS PER POLICY RECOMMENDED BY PRIME MINISTER Chandigarh, November 18: Punjab Local Government Minister Mr. Anil Joshi asked the prospective candidates appearing for tests for various departmental posts not to be carried away with fake assurances in the name of placement assurances. In a statement issued here today he said that an outsourcing agency has taken the written exam for the posts of executive officer, junior engineer, auditor, etc. for the department of local Government. He clarified that the department has not played any role in the process of examination. He appealed to the candidates, they should be aware from any kind of fraud being played in the name of getting them jobs. Giving technical details of examination he said that after the test, answer key was uploaded on the website within 48 hours and candidate could calculate their marks by themselves. He said that for further information candidate could contact online to the outsourcing agency. This agency has completed the process of examination and result will be uploaded on the website within 15 days. He further said that to ensure complete transparency the entire examination process was being monitored and all posts would be filled on the merit and no interview would be conducted as per policy recommended By Prime Minister, he added. ---------- DECKS CLEARED FOR PROMOTIONS OF JBT/ETT/C&V CADRE · EDUCATION MINISTER ACCEPTS RECOMMENDATIONS OF 4 MEMBER COMMITTEE Chandigarh, 18 November: The Education Department, Punjab, has cleared the decks for the promotion of teachers belonging to the JBT/ETT/C&V cadre whose promotions were long overdue. The promotions of the above cadres were on the backburner after the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) came into force. A committee formed to look into the issue had made some recommendations which were accepted by the Education Minister, Punjab, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema giving a major relief to the teachers. Stating this, an official spokesman said that as per the recommendations given green light by the Education Minister, the every teacher of this cadre recruited before 3rd September, 2001 is eligible for promotion. Similarly, the teachers of the cadre recruited in between 3rdSeptember 2001 to 23rd August, 2010 in accordance with the rules of National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) are also eligible for promotion. He said that the teachers of the cadre recruited after 23rd August 2010 have to pass TET mandatorily to be considered for promotion. The spokesman further said that after the TET came into force, the promotions of the teachers of these cadres were on hold though many teachers from amongst these had completed the 8 year service period fixed for promotion before TET was implemented. The spokesman also said that Dr. Cheema had constituted a 4 member committee in June 2015 under D.G.S.E. Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, keeping in view the demands raised by these teachers. The committee members included D.P.I. (Secondary Education) Mr. Balbir Singh Dhol, D.P.I. (Elementary Education) Mr. Harbans Singh Sandhu and O.S.D. (Litigation). ------- INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJABPUNJAB ISSUES INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING PROSECUTION AGAINST GOVERNMENT OFFICERS · DIRECTS HoDs TO STRICTLY COMPLY APEX COURT ORDERS WHILE GRANTING SANCTION TOINVESTIGATING AGENCY CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 18: In pursuance of the Judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court and instruction from Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, GoI, the Punjab government has directed all the financial commissioners, Principal Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries to maintain utmost care and conscientiousness while giving sanction to any investigating agency for the prosecution of any government officers. Disclosing this here an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Department of the Punjab Government said that written instructions to all the Head Of Departments have been issued referring to the Hon’ble Supreme Court Judgement in which court has observed that there is obligation on the sanctioning authority to discharge its duty to give or withhold sanction only after having full knowledge of the material facts of the case. Grant of sanction is not mere formality so before granting sanction public interest and the protection available to the accused against whom sanction is sought must be kept in mind. The Spokesperson said that Supreme Court has explicitly laid down guidelines for grant of sanction for prosecution which need to be complied upon. Court has observed that sanction lifts the bar for prosecution therefore it is not an acrimonious exercise but a solemn and sacrosanct act which affords protection to the government servant against frivolous prosecution. Spokesperson said that instruction issued to the HoDs also supplemented with the relevant part of the Supreme Court judgement. The HoDs have been asked to adhere to these guidelines before granting sanction for prosecution. The prosecution must send the entire relevant record to the sanctioning authority including the FIR, Disclosure Statement, Statement of witness, Recovery Memos, Draft Charge Sheets and all other relevant material. The record so sent should also contain the material/document if any which may tilt the balance in favour of the accused and on the basis of which, competent authority may refuse sanction. The authority itself has to do complete and conscious scrutiny of the whole record so produced by the prosecution independently applying its mind and taking into consideration all the relevant facts before grant of sanction while discharging its duty to give or withhold the sanction. The power to grant sanction is to be exercise strictly keeping in mind the public interest and the protections available to the accused against whom the sanction is sought. The order of sanction should make it evident that the authority had been aware of all relevant facts/materials and had applied its mind to all the relevant material. In every individual case, the prosecutions has to establish and satisfy the court by leading evidence that the entire relevant facts had been placed before the sanctioning authority and the authority had applied its mind on the same and that the sanction had been granted in accordance with law.
· REJUVENATION OF STREETS AND DRAINS IS ON PRIORITY LIST Chandigarh November 18: In an earnest endeavour towards rural rejuvenation Panchayati Raj Institution are being involved by the government in asset formation, management and in entire process of planning for all development works and activities carried out in villages. An official spokesperson of the Punjab rural Development and Panchayat Department said that the state government has decided to re-construct village streets and drains with the active involvement of Panchayats and initially the work will be undertaken in those villages where estimated cost of construction of streets and drains would be Rs. 10 lac approximately. He said that the construction work of streets and drains will be started by giving priority to colonies inhabited by Scheduled Caste and Backward Classes and in these villages where streets and drainage system has never been constructed. He further said that in other villages where streets and drains have become so old and unusable and have to be re-constructed, the village panchayat would pass a resolution accordingly and approach the Rural Development and Panchayat Officers for the requisite reconstruction. The Villages for construction of streets and drains will be selected by a committee comprising the concerned Deputy Commissioner as Chairman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) and District Development and panchayat Officer, Executive Engineer and concerned Block Development and panchayat Officer as members. He said that the construction work would be completed within three months of receipt of the grant and utilization Certification would be sent on completion of a respective work. ------ AGRICULTURE OFFICERS WITHOUT HOLDING P.H.D- DEBARRED TO USE THE WORD DOCTOR Chandigarh November 18: The Punjab Government has taken strong notice of some officers prefixing the word ‘Doctor’ with their names without possessing the appropriate Qualification or Degree. This practice was prevalent mostly in the department of Agriculture and Horticulture. Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Agriculture Department, Punjab said that a person holding a P.H.D degree or a degree in medicine is authorised to use the word Doctor. He said that the department has issued the strict instructions to the Heads of the Agriculture, Horticulture and Water & Soil Conservation departments to stop this illegal practice immediately. The spokesperson also disclosed that instructions have been issued which stipulate that disciplinary action would be initiated against the erring officers using the word Doctor without holding the appropriate degree. ---------- PUNJAB NOTIFIES ‘ALLOCATION OF BUSINESS RULES’ TO 48 DEPARTMENTS CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 18: The Punjab Government has notified the “Allocation of Business Rules" for the 48 government departments. This is reallocation of business rules to the department as the rules were last updated in 2007. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that since 2007 when the Business Rules were last updated, there have been as many as 13 amendments including creation of 6 departments which necessitated the reallocation of the Business Rules to the departments. The Spokesperson said that the business of the Government of the State of Punjab shall be transacted in the Departments specified in the rules and shall be classified and distributed among those Departments as laid down therein. He said that the Governor shall, on the advice of the Chief Minister, allot among the Ministers the business of the Government by assigning one or more Departments to the charge of a Minister. - BADAL LAUNCHES NEW RANGE OF MARKED PRODUCTS TO FIT IN CURRENT LIFESTYLE · INSTANT KESAR DALIA, HONEY GRITS AND CANNED MUSHROOMS NOW TO BE AVAILABLE IN LOCAL MARKETS Chandigarh, November 13 Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today launched the new range of Markfed products viz. Instant Kesar Dalia, Honey Grits and Canned Mushrooms here at his residence this evening. On the occasion, Mr. Badal highly appreciated the contribution of Markfed in the field of food processing sector and also for pioneering and introducing the innovative products at regular intervals for the consumers as well as for the Indian Diaspora settled abroad. Divulging the details about the newly launched products, the Financial Commissioner Cooperation Mr. S.K. Sandhu said that owing to hectic lifestyle these days, a need had arisen to introduce a healthy, nutritious and enriched breakfast cereal as a balanced diet catering to the needs of kids as well as adults. In order to provide a product which could fill up and satisfy the needs, Markfed had planned and introduced breakfast cereals like Instant Kesar Dalia and Honey Grits which was not only wholesome meal but was enriched with minerals, protein and vitamins too. Both the products are an instant feast and can be readied for consumption in a minute. According to MD Markfed Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Mushroom cultivators from across the state had been urging the Chief Minister to impart directions to Markfed for canning of the Mushrooms which had great scope in the domestic as well as in the international markets. Subsequently, the Markfed had thus initiated packing button mushrooms in-brine to cater to the huge market. With the canning of mushrooms through vacuum packing technology, mushrooms will be available to the consumers throughout the year and the availability of the mushrooms would also be unaffected with the fluctuations in price. The canned mushrooms are one of the richest sources of natural vitamin ‘D’. - BADAL CONGRATULATES PUNJABI FARMERS FOR BUMPER PRODUCTION OF PADDY · LAUDS STATE PROCUREMENT AGENCIES FOR HASSLE FREE PROCUREMENT OPERATIONS OF PADDY · APPRECIATES KAIRON FOR PRO-ACTIVE ROLE FOR SMOOTH LIFTING AND TIMELY PAYMENT · EXPECTS PROCUREMENT TO SURPASS MARK OF 135 LAC MT Chandigarh, November 13- The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the Punjabi farmers for the bumper production of Paddy and also appreciated the state procurement agencies for nearly accomplishing the gigantic task of smooth, prompt and hassle-free procurement of paddy with utmost dedication, sincerity and commitment. In a congratulatory message, Mr. Badal also lauded the leading and pro-active role of the State Food & Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon to ensure smooth lifting of paddy and timely payment of their produce to the farmers in an efficacious manner. The Chief Minister also placed on record full appreciation to the farmers for this rare feat to make every Punjabi and Punjab proud for their stellar contribution for emerging our Country self reliant in the food production, for which our state was aptly known as the food bowl of India. Mr. Badal further said it was a matter of great honour and satisfaction for all of us especially the Punjabi farmers who by their grit and stamina produced record paddy this time, which was evident from the fact that as on today 130 lac MT of paddy had already been procured in the state as compared to 118 lac MT procured during last year. He hoped that the current procurement trend suggests that it might even surpass the 135 lac MT. - DIG NILABH KISHORE TRANSFERRED TO INTELLIGENCE WING Chandigarh, November 13: The Punjab Government today transferred Mr. Nilabh Kishore, Deputy Inspector General of Police/Vigilance Bureau to the post of Deputy Inspector General of Police/ FIU, Intelligence Wing, Punjab, Chandigarh. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that Mr. Nilabh Kishore has also been assigned the additional charge of vacant post of Deputy Inspector General of Police/ Intelligence-1, Punjab, Chandigarh on administrative grounds with immediate effect. - PUNJAB TO CONSTRUCT 8 LAC LATRINES IN ALL VILLAGES AT A COST OF Rs. 1200 CRORE WITHIN NEXT TWO YEARS · BADAL REVIEWS STATUS OF WATER SUPPLY & SANITATION SCHEMES · 2,68,700 LATRINES TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN 4000 VILLAGES BY THE 31ST MARCH, 2016 UNDER FIRST PHASE Chandigarh, November 13 In a bid to ensure total sanitation in the rural sector, the Punjab Government would construct 8 lac latrines at a cost of Rs.1200 crore during next two years in all the villages of the state. This was disclosed in a high level meeting presided over by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to review the status of various Sanitation and Water supply works here at CMO this morning. The Chief Minister was apprised that 2,68,700 latrines would be constructed in 4000 villages by the 31st March, 2016 during the first phase. He was also informed that 24,285 latrines had already been constructed in 749 villages across the state. Likewise, to ensure 100% water connections, an ambitious program to provide potable drinking water through 1725 water supply schemes in 2795 habitations were being taken up at a cost of Rs. 83 crore at the level of the Gram Panchayat Water Supply Committees (GPWSCs) to provide over three Lac water connections and this project was expected to take off positively by December 15, 2016. Apart from this, another project of new water works envisaging 209 schemes in 216 habitations involving an expenditure of Rs.161 crore was underway as the works on 101 such schemes had already been awarded and the remaining works would also be allotted shortly. It was also informed in the meeting that a sum of Rs.175 cr would be spent on funding additional new water works including 226 schemes in 247 habitations to be taken up in April, 2016. Besides, as many as 116 water works schemes were also being taken up in the water logged areas of southern districts in the state at a cost of Rs. 300 cr. All the Detailed Scheme Reports (DSRs) in this regard would be prepared by 31st December, 2015 and the work would begin in April, 2016. To ensure far better coordination and rapport with the local MLAs for the implementation of the water supply and sanitation works in the rural areas of the state in an effective manner, Mr. Badal directed the Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers to at least hold a weekly meeting with them in the presence of village panchayats so as to ensure timely implementation of these works according to the felt needs of the local residents. The Chief Minister asked the Principal Secretary Finance to ensure regular flow of funds for the execution of these schemes in view of their paramount significance from an angle of personal health and hygiene adding he said “There can be a cut in funds on the projects of physical infrastructure like roads and bridges, but such schemes that directly affects the health of mankind can’t be allowed to hamper merely due to paucity of funds.” The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary Water Supply & Sanitation Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. DP Reddy, Secretary Expenditure Mr. Jaspal Singh, Secretary Water Supply & Sanitation Mr. Ajoy Sharma and Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar besides the senior officers of the Water Supply & Sanitation. ----- . · DIRECTS PROCUREMENT AGENCIES TO INTENSIFY EFFORTS IN MANDIS WHERE LIFTING WAS TARDY · 130 Lac MT OF PADDY PROCURED TILL LAST EVENING AGAINST 118 Lac MT IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR · PAYMENT OF Rs. 14643 CRORES HAS BEEN MADE TO THE FARMERS TILL NOVEMBER 12 · 118 LAC MT OF PADDY LIFTED SO FAR Chandigarh November 13: The Punjab Chief Minister today reviewed the ongoing operations of paddy procurement, lifting and status of payment to the farmers at a meeting held with the senior officers of the state government here at CMO this morning. Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal expressed satisfaction over the smooth, hassle free paddy procurement as till date 130 Lac MT of Paddy had been procured in the state against the total 118 Lac MT of paddy procured during the previous year. Reiterating his firm commitment over the swift paddy procurement, Mr. Badal said that every single grain of the crop would be lifted during the current procurement operations across the state and wherever there was tardy movement of lifting in few mandis, the Chief Minister directed the procurement agencies to pull up their socks to complete the entire operations positively by the end of this month. He also assured the farmers that the payment of their crop would be made to them within 48 hours. It was informed that so far the state has made payment of Rs. 14643 crores to the farmers for the procured paddy crop against due payment of Rs. 17000 crore. Regarding the position of lifting, the Chief Minister was apprised against 126 Lac MT, 118 Lac MT has been lifted so far. Meanwhile, the Food & Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon was personally overseeing the entire procurement operations and was in constant touch with all the heads of the procurement agencies to ensure prompt lifting and timely payment to the farmers. Giving the details, the Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu informed the Chief Minister that 130 Lac MT of paddy has been procured till date. Out of the total paddy procured, 120.50 Lac MT (95.1%), was procured by the state government agencies and 3.20 Lac MT (2.7%) was procured by the private agencies. The Central government agency FCI procured 6.22 Lac MT (5%) of paddy till date. Meanwhile, Sangrur has emerged as the front runner district topping amongst all other districts in paddy procurement and Ludhiana was at second slot. IQBAL SINGH SIDHU RELIVED FROM HIS DUTIES CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 13: The Punjab Government today issued an order to relieve Mr. Iqbal Singh Sidhu, IAS (Retd.), Commissioner, Right to Service Commission, Punjab from his duties. Disclosing this, an official spokesperson said that Mr. Iqbal Singh Sidhu, Commissioner, Right to Service Commission, Punjab has been relieved from his duties w.e.f. November 6, 2015, on attaining the age of 65 years as per the terms of Section 15(1) of the Right to Service Act, 2011. - CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 13: The Punjab Government has instructed all the Heads of Department and Administrative Secretaries to immediately submit complete information regarding the Promotions. Disclosing this, an official spokesperson said that it had come to the notice of the State Government that various departments were not holding the meetings of Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) to decide the promotional cases of the officials and officers whenever they become due for promotion. According to the spokesperson said that the delay in timely promotion to official/officers creates many administrative and legal problems for the Government. He also said that due to this reason many deserving officials/officers are devoid of promotions. The spokesperson further said that all the departments have been told to give information regarding pending DPC meetings, reasons for pendency of DPC meetings and the Date on which the last DPC meeting was held. ----------- PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS BANGA'S RESIGNATION CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 13: ` The Punjab Government has accepted the resignation of Sh. Mohan Lal Banga, Member, Punjab Public Service Commission, Patiala with effect from 20th October, 2015. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab Government said that orders has already been issued in this regard. - PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO ORGANIZE TRAINING PROGRAMME ON SOCIAL CONFLICTS ANALYSIS AND RESOLUTION APPROACHES Chandigarh, November 13: Indian Institute of Public Administration in association with the Punjab Government is organizing a training programme on “ Social Conflicts Analysis and Resolution Approaches ” for senior and middle level civil servants of Central and State Government aimed at improving the day to day functioning and in the offices. Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the government said that all state government departments have been directed to send the duly filled nomination forms by January 8, 2016. The five day long training programme would start on February 1, 2016 at Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi. Adding further the spokesman said that it has been often observed that civil servants while taking policy decisions and further course of implementing these decisions are confronted with situations where for various reasons the decisional actions suffer a conflict. He said that inaction may also have similar or worse effect and may impede the process of social justice. He said that this multi-dimensional analysis of conflict situations and resolution strategies would create bridges and facilitate appropriate decision making and implementation efforts. He further said that this workshop would enable the participants to evolve a comprehensive understanding of social conflicts and approaches to conflict resolution with social justice. He said that experience sharing and analysis of actual conflict situations and resolution strategies by the participants would be encouraged. He said that those with some exposure to conflict situations or experience of having resolved it successfully would also present brief cases studies, raising points for further discussion by the group. RAKHRA DIRECTS OFFICIALS TO FORM REGULATORY AUTHORITY FOR PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES · HIGHER EDUCATION MINISTER REVIEWS THE PROGRESS OF NEW 11 GOVERNMENT COLLEGES UNDER CONSTRUCTION · DPC TO BE HELD IN JANUARY FOR PROMOTION OF PRINCIPALS CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 13: The Higher Education & Languages Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra has instructed the officials of the department to take steps in the direction of constituting a regulatory authority to monitor the working of private universities. Presiding over a high level meeting of the higher education department officials Mr. Rakhra said that a meeting should be convened immediate to prepare the draft of the regulatory authority and discuss each and every aspect minutely. He reiterated that Punjab government is committed to the welfare of the students and their exploitation if any, by the private universities would not be tolerated. Mr. Rakhra also reviewed the 11 new Government Colleges under construction. He said that financial arrangements have been made in adequate measure regarding these colleges and studies must begin in these colleges from next academic session. He also reviewed the skill development projects being under taken in 13 colleges of the state. The Minister also instructed the officers of the department to hold meeting of Department Promotion Committee (DPC) next January so as to promote senior professors to the post of Principals. Regarding the recruitment of direct quota Principal, Mr. Rakhra instructed the officers to tie up with Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) and do the needful in this regard. Prominent among others who were present in the meeting Mr. A Venu Parshad, Secretary, Mr. T K Goel, DPI (Colleges), Mr. Gurdarshan Singh Brar, Additional Project Director (RUSA) and Additional Director Mr. Ashok Lohgari. ---------- Punjab Govt. Declares Holiday To Pay Respects To Great Martyr Kartar Singh Sarabha CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 13: The Punjab Government today declared holiday on November 16, 2015 (Monday) in all its Offices, Educational Institutions, Corporations and boards throughout the State as a mark of respect to the Great Martyr Kartar Singh Sarbha. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that a notification has been issued in this regard.
PUNJAB CM EXPRESSES BEST WISHES TO THE PEOPLE ON THE PARKASH UTSAV OF LORD VISHWAKARMA CHANDIGARH: NOVEMBER 10 - 2 OFFICERS CAUGHT RED HANDED IN GRAFT CASES DURING OCTOBER CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 10: PUNJAB ISSUES DIRECTIONS TO NOT PLY TRANSPORT VEHICLES WITHOUT ASSURANCE PERMIT - PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ISSUES NOTIFICATION CONCERNING PROMOTION OF 6 IPS OFFICERS CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 9: The Punjab Government has issued notification regarding the promotion of six IPS officers whose promotion case has already been by the department promotion committee (DPC). Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesman of the Punjab Government said that among the IPS officers who have been promoted to the rank of DGP included Mr. Anil Kumar Sharma and Mr. Samant Kumar Goel. Likewise IPS Mr. Naunihal Singh, Mr. Arun Pal Singh, Mr. Rakesh Kumar Jaiswal and Mr. Pawan Kumar Rai have been promoted to the rank of IG. ---------- STATE MOOTS BRINGING INDUSTRIES RELATED APPROVALS UNDER THE AMBIT OF RIGHT TO SERVICE ACT · CHIEF SECRETARY CHAIRS A MEETING TO UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES OF VARIOUS INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATIONS OF THE STATE · ASSURES INDUSTRIES THAT ISSUES WILL BE RESOLVED IN A STRUCTURED MANNER Chandigarh: November 9: To give a big relief to the existing Industrial Units of the State to provide various day to day approvals from various departments and offices, it was agreed in principle to bring the important approvals under the ambit of the Right to Service Act. Time-bound approvals and simplification of various industrial procedures were discussed in detail during a session chaired by Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Chief Secretary Punjab with various Industrial Associations of the State. Various State Industrial Association raised the issues being faced by the existing Industrial units and also gave suggestions to improve the industrial environment of the State. On the issue of building a mechanism to provide time-bound departmental approvals to the existing and new industry, Chief Secretary asked the Department of Industries to bring a proposal to bring the approval related services under the Right to Service Act, Punjab on the lines of 12 services brought under RTS Act by Department of Excise & Taxation and 206 services of various other departments. The RTS Act Punjab was enacted with the sole objective of providing an effective frame work for time bound delivery of services being provided by various government departments in order to promote transparency and accountability. Any official who does not deliver the services as per stipulated timelines will be penalized as per the provisions of the Act. “Industries in Punjab deserve time-bound Government services and it is surprising as to why RTS provisions have not been extended to them so far” said the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, Mr. R S Sachdeva, Co-Chairman PHD Chamber of Commerce raised the issues like higher FAR for vertical expansion, reduction in collector rates for the industries to raise better liquidity and reduction of Railway charges. Various VAT related issues raised by Industrial Associations included process simplification, abolition of fourth stage verification, simplification of VAT refund procedure. Chief Secretary asked all the representatives to finalize a list of industrial procedures/ approvals along with details of procedures being followed by the best Industrial States of the Country. Chief Secretary assured the invitees that State is committed to simplify various industrial procedures for hassle free operations of Industrialists. Mr. B S Anand, Director Mohali Hi-Tech Metal cluster highlighted the issues/suggestions of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) like MSME registration, sales tax refund, sales tax slabs etc. Mr. Rajesh Agarwal representative, Derabassi Industrial Association suggested digitization of CLU process, rationalization of power tariff and simplification of PPCB procedures. Suggestion related to Department of Power included tariff concessions, Night Load rebate, reduction of wheeling charges, abolition of octroi and roll back of 5% cess. Industrial Associations also made suggestions related to PPCB procedures like self-certification for some industries, acceptance of tests made by private approved labs, adoption of modern techniques for pollution control, exemption of consent fees for some industries, change of category etc. Mr. Naresh, representative Punjab Processor Industries raised issues related to purchase tax, removal of Tax anomalies in existing structure and more incentives to processing industries for more investments in this sector. CS assured the processing industries representatives that State will provide very congenial industrial environment for investors to invest in the State under the theme “Make in Punjab” especially in Food Processing sector and all issues of existing industries will also be resolved on priority. The representative of Garment Industries Association raised issues related to labour shortage, obsolete skill development infrastructure, absence of women working hostels, exhibition centers etc. Chief Secretary assured “Government at doorsteps” to the invitees and assured that all the facilities shall be provided to the investors for ease of entrepreneurship to the Youth. Chief Secretary asked the Principal Secretary Industries to prepare a compendium of issues raised by various associations and start working on all issues. CS also assured that DCs will hold regular review meetings with Industry representatives at local level on regular basis to understand and resolve their issues. He said a report will be presented in this regard to Deputy Chief Minister and Industry and Commerce Minister. From Industries side, the meeting was attended by Mr. R S Sachdeva, Co-chairman, PHD Chamber of Commerce, Mr. B S Anand, Director Mohali Hi-Tech Metal cluster, Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal, Derabassi Industries Association, Mr. Dinesh, Laghu Udyog Bharti, All India Ludhiana, Mr. Ashok Makkar, Ludhiana dying industries,Mr. Naresh Punjab Processing Industries , Mr. Badish Jindal, Federation of Punjab Small Industries Association and other prominent industrialists and representatives of State Industrial associations. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Anirudh Tewari, Principal Secretary Industries, Mr. Viswajit Khanna, Principal Secretary Housing & Urban Development, Mr. Anurag Aggarwal, Financial Commissioner Taxation, Mr. Anurag Verma, Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Mr. S R Ladhar, Secretary Industries and also other officials from concerned departments. FINANCE DEPARTMENT ORDERS STRICT COMPLIANCE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF HIGH POWERED COMMITTEE HEADED BY MR. S.L. SAKHDHAR Chandigarh, November 09: The Finance Pension Policy and Co-ordination Branch of the Finance Department Punjab has issued orders for strict compliance of the recommendations of High Powered Committee headed by Mr. S.L. Sakhdhar, former Secretary General of Lok Sabha. Directing all the Financial Commissioners and the Principal Secretaries as well as the Administrative Secretaries of the departments concerned, it has been stated that they should ensure the implementation of the recommendations and thereafter send the proceedings of the same to Principal Accountant General (Audit), Punjab as well as the Finance Pension Policy and Co-ordination Branch of the Finance Department. -------------------- MONEY WITHDRAWN BY DEPARTMENTS FROM TREASURY CAN NOT BE DEPOSITED IN BANK Chandigarh, November 09: The Finance Budget Branch-II of the Finance Department Punjab has issued orders to all the Heads of the Departments, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, District and Sessions Judges as well as Registrar, Punjab and Haryana High Court to immediately deposit the government money lying in their respective bank accounts into the State Account. Orders state that it has been observed that in many offices the government money is withdrawn from the treasury and is thereafter deposited in bank accounts, which is a gross breach of Financial Rules. They have been directed to immediately ensure the deposition of the amount into the departmental receipt head and the interest credited by bank on the same into the ‘0049- Interest Received’ account of the government at the earliest and intimate the action taken to the Finance Department Punjab. ------------------------ Transport department appointed as nodal agency CHANDIGARH, November 9: The Punjab Government has decided to provide uniform to government drivers, staff of hospitality department and gate keepers of Punjab Civil Secretariat and gate messengers. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that notification in this regard has been issued. He said that only those categories of employees would be entitled to get the uniforms who have been availing this facility in the past. He said that these employees would get uniform for winter and summers costing Rs. 2833. In the uniform they will get Turban, Shirt, Trouser and shoes. He said the Transport Department has been made the nodal agency for this purpose - PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO HAVE NATIONAL VOTERS’ SERVICE PORTAL IN ALL ITS OFFICIAL WEBSITES Chandigarh November 9: The Punjab government has issued directions to all the administrative secretaries, heads of the departments and the deputy commissioners to ensure that National Voters’ Service Portal was made available on all the official websites of the government. According to an official spokesman of the government, the ECI has launched the National Voters’ Service Portal to facilitate people in registering themselves on the electoral rolls. The Portal is available at www.nvsp.in which provides all services that may be required by an individual related to electoral registration i.e. online registration, correcting entries of change in the address, linking Aadhar No. to the data, searching name on electoral roll besides printing of voter information slip ahead of the poll day. On the directions of the ECI this portal would be made available on all the Punjab government websites including the districts and the directorates, the spokesman added. -------- IN THE CURRENT FISCAL RS. 34.76 CRORES provided UNDER INDIRA AWAAS YOJNA
· 2511 BENEFICIARIES GET RS.70, 000 EACH FOR CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES Chandigarh November 9: The Punjab Government is implementing the Indira Awaas Yojna in the State on 50:50 basis with the Centre Government for the year 2015-16. In the current financial year amount to the tune of Rs. 34.76 crores has been provided or the same. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Government of Punjab said that during this financial year 2511 houses have been constructed under this scheme, out of which 2034 houses (81%) are for the beneficiaries belonging to the Scheduled Castes. He said that under this scheme people belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Below Poverty Line families living in Kaccha Houses, are provided Rs. 70,000 grant for construction of house and Rs. 15000/- for the repair of house. - INDIAN ARMY RECRUITMENT GOES ONLINE CHANDIGARH: 9 NOVEMBER The Indian Army has made online registration of aspiring candidates mandatory and all candidates have been told to apply online atleast 60 days before the commencement of recruitment. According to spokesman of the Defence Service Welfare Punjab the online Registration process on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in for aspiring candidates is a mandatory requirement for all candidates to be able to fill their Online application form. He said that this Online Registration can be done by aspiring candidates at any point of time, but it has to be done 60 days prior to commencement of recruitment Rally for which the candidate is eligible. He said that all aspiring candidates are requested to Register themselves online at the earliest, so as to facilitate them to fill their Online application form which will only be opened 60 days prior to recruitment rally and it can be filled until 15 days before the commencement day of the scheduled rally. He said that Rally schedule will be notified on the website. - KOHAR CALLS FOR THE COLLECTIVE EFFORTS TO REDUCE ROAD ACCIDENTS Chandigarh November 09: Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Transport Minister, Punjab, has issued directions to various departments to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of commuters and avoid traffic accidents caused by foggy weather this winter season. Stating this here today the Minister said that during winters, when the visibility is low due to weather conditions, the number of road accidents increases which can be prevented by taking simple measures. Mr. Kohar has directed all district transport officers to ensure that vehicles such as tractor-trolleys, rickshaws, cycles etc. that have no lights must be made to have reflectors so that they may be visible to others on the road. Such commuters are at a very high risk of fatality and incidents involving vehicles with no lights are very high during this time of the year. Such accidents could be prevented with the help of enforcing mandatory reflectors on these vehicles. Mr. Kohar has further instructed the Public Works Department to put up signage, informational hoardings and milestones for the safety of the public. He has asked the officers concerned to ensure that wherever there is any road repair/construction going on, warning sign ages must be placed. Also, for bridges that do not have any railings, especially in rural areas and along canal banks, an iron or concrete fencing must be built on priority. All traffic and police officers have been asked to ensure that traffic rules are followed and are enforced strictly. They have been instructed to take serious action against violators, especially those drunken driving, over-speeding or that park/stop on flyovers and elevated roads. Offences like overloading of merchandise in transport vehicles or people in buses or autos will not be spared and will be challaned heavily or worse. In addition, he informed that measures will be taken to educate people of traffic rules, especially the youth and children in schools through seminars and programs. He has also proposed that such information be included in the syllabus for students. - INDORA ASKS GOVERNMENT TO CELEBRATE 26 NOVEMBER CELEBRATE AS ‘NATIONAL CONSTITUTION DAY’ CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 09: Mr. Karanveer Singh Indora, Member, Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has asked the Punjab Government to celebrate 26 November, 2015 as ‘National Constitution Day’ so that the students across the state should be made aware about the Constitution of India and the immense contribution of its maker Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar. Mr. Indora said that the Commission has asked the state government to hold seminars, debates, quiz contests and other competitions on this day besides honouring the winners by the eminent personalities in every district. He said that this step should be undertaken to ensure that the students have knowledge about the making of the Constitution of the country. He said said that 26 November is a special day for the people of the country because it was on this day that the Constitution was completed and came into force on 26th January 1950. He also elaborated that this day should act as an occasion to guide people about their fundamental rights and duties as citizens. . - Verka Introduces new variety of sweets on the auspicious occasion of Diwali CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 9: Milkfed Punjab is a leading Dairy Brand in Cooperative Sector of Northern India providing Milk and Milk Products to its esteemed customers under its brand name VERKA. M.D.Milkfed said that this year during Diwali Festival, Milkfed is manufacturing different types of relishing sweets like Kaju Pinni, Kaju Burfi, Dhodha, Corporate Mix, Panjiri, Maah Dal Pinni, Soan Papri, Peda etc. in very attractive packing at reasonable rates.Further, from this year, Milkfed is going to introduce delicious Desi Ghee Ladoo in prominent 800gm. packing. For diet conscious consumers, sugar free sweets like Peda and Milk Cake has also been introduced. It is significant to point out that these sweets have been prepared from own Khoya and Pure Desi Ghee under most hygienic conditions. Ingredients like Almonds, Cashews, Raisins and other raw material used for manufacturing of sweets are of best quality. The variety/packingwise detail of Verka Sweets alongwith MRP are as under :-
General public of Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and other parts of Punjab, Haryana as well as Himachal Pradesh who awaits eagerly for mouth watering and fresh Verka Sweets during festive season can relish, enjoy and feel the aroma of the same.
- MSP hike welcomed but more needs to be done-Badal bats for linking MSP Either with overall price index or implement swaminathan formula Chandigarh, November 8: The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today described the increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Wheat by Rs 75 per quintal as a welcome step but added that this needed to be further enhanced commensurate with steep increase in the cost of agriculture inputs. In a statement, Mr. Badal said that although this increase in the MSP is a much needed relief to the farmers but it was inadequate and insufficient to absorb the huge burden imposed on the farmers by the vagaries of natural and market forces. The Chief Minister therefore demanded either the MSP of farm products be linked to overall price index or Swaminathan formula of 50 per cent profit over and above the cost of production be adopted. -------- CONSUL GENERAL of India in Canada calls on Badal Moots proposal to further intensify bilateral ties between Canada & Punjab through exchange of various DELEGATIONS Chandigarh, November 8: Consul General of India in Canada (Toronto) Mr. Akhilesh Mishra today called on the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at the latter’s residence here this morning. According to Mr. Harcharan Bains, Advisor to Chief Minister on National Affairs and Media, the meeting lasted nearly for 40 minutes during which Mr. Mishra briefed the Chief Minister on the issues of interest of Punjabi diaspora settled in Canada. Mr. Badal and Mr. Mishra also discussed ways to ensure greater interaction and exchange at the Government to Government and people to people level between Canada and the state of Punjab through renewed initiatives at the level of the federal governments of both the countries. Mr. Mishra also assured the Chief Minister of greater efforts and initiatives by the Consulate General of India in Toronto. He suggested exchange of various delegations including business & trade, students, media besides cultural troops to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries in general and especially with Punjab. Mr. Badal hugely appreciated the role being played by the Indian diplomats in Canada in helping the members of the Punjabi community settled there. He also welcomed the proposal mooted by Mr. Mishra for stepping up the exchange of delegations and hoped this step would go long way in further fostering a sense of goodwill, friendship and bonhomie between the people of Canada and the state of Punjab through people to people contact on one hand and to boost the trade and commerce activity on the other. The Chief Minister was assisted at the meeting by his Advisor on National Affairs and Media. ---------- Banks release Rs 71 Crore for clearing cane arrears of farmers due towards private sugar mills · Badal directs cane commissioner to ensure prompt payment of remaining cane dues Chandigarh, November 8: On the direction of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, a sum of Rs 71 Crore has been released through banks for making immediate payment of outstanding sugar cane arrears to the farmers due towards the owners of six private sugar mills in the state. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister office said that out of Rs. 206 Crore due towards these private Sugar mills, the balance amount of Rs. 135 Crore would also be released shortly through the banks by furnishing state guarantee. It may be recalled that the state government had already approved a soft loan of Rs. 200 Crore on the government guarantee and requisite order had also been issued in this regard. The Chief Minister has directed the state cane commissioner to hold a joint meeting with the owners of the private sugar mills and the representative of the banks shortly to ensure that the remaining payment was also released to the cane growers without any delay. ---------- Punjab govt. tells Simranjit Maan to make formal complaint if he is facing any problem in hiring buses Chandigarh, November 8 – The Punjab government today asked SAD (Mann) president Simranjit Singh Maan to make a formal complaint if he was facing any problem in hiring private buses to ferry people for the congregation called by him on November 10. An official spokesman here said there was no question of any District Transport Officer (DTO) trying to influence private bus operators from ferrying any people to the November 10 congregation. The spokesman said if need be Mr Mann could even contact any Deputy Commission if he has any grievance in this regard. -------- ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHARIF SEASON ANNOUNCED CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 8: The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Kharif Season through Canal water from 09-11-2015 to 16-11-2015. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala feeder, Bist Doab Canal, Sidhwan Branch and Bathinda Branch respectively. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that the channels off taking from Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B' being in the first preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available will be utilized in direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' respectively. The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and distributaries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available will be utilized in direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder and distributaries in Group "A" respectively. The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from Upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Sabraon Branch with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent. Balance water supplies water available would be utilised in Kasur Branch Lower, Main Branch Lower, Lahore Branch, and with their distributaries respectively. - BADAL FINALIZES DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS OF NEARLY Rs. 943 CRORE FOR BATHINDA AND MANSA DISTRICTS · HOLD MEETINGS WITH MLAs AND OTHER SENIOR LEADERS Chandigarh, November 6- In a move aimed at giving further fillip to the holistic development of Bathinda and Mansa districts of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod to initiate development projects of nearly Rs. 943 crore for these two districts. The Chief Minister, who held detailed deliberations with the MLAs of SAD-BJP alliance from these districts here at Punjab Bhawan this morning, underscored the need to provide ultra modern civic amenities to the populace residing in the villages and urban areas of these districts. He said that a major thrust would be given to the development of all these districts by ensuring the best civic amenities to the residents. Mr. Badal said that the focus would be to refurbish the cities and rural areas with the state-of-the art facilities so that the residents could be benefitted from it on one hand and giving impetus to the overall development of the state on the other. The Chief Minister said that the state government has already sets the wheel in motion for ensuring the target of conclusive development of the state. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to provide best civic amenities to the residents of the state, Mr. Badal said that no stone would be left unturned for achieving this target. He said that the funds for this major project aimed at giving facelift to these districts have already been arranged and the work would be completed in a time bound manner adding that major thrust would be given on the quality of work so the state could be benefitted from it. Out of Rs. 270.94 Crore, the Chief Minister sanctioned Rs.72.70 Cr for the execution of development works in the Mansa constituency, Rs.134.33 Cr for Budhlada and Rs.63.91 for Sardulgarh. Likewise of Rs.671.98 Cr, Mr. Badal also gave a nod to sanction Rs.70.99 Cr. for Bathinda Rural, Rs.226.50 Cr for Bathinda, Rs. 58.05 crore for Bhucho, Rs.137.19 Cr. for Maur, Rs.74.61 Cr for Rampura Phull and Rs.104.64 Cr. for Talwandi Sabo. The Chief Minister reiterated that his top priority was water supply, roads and street lights and thus asked the Additional Deputy Commissioners of these districts to get these development projects executed under their direct supervision. Prominent amongst others who attended the meetings included Rajya Sabha Member Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Cabinet Ministers Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Sarup Chand Singla, MLAs Mr. Prem Mittal, Mr. Chetan Singh Samao, Mr. Jeet Mohnider Singh Sidhu and Mr. Darshan Singh Kotfatta, Ex- MP Mrs. Parmjeet Kaur Gulshan, Additional Chief Secretary Mr. NS Kalsi, Secretary Local Government Mr. Vikas Partap, Secretary Mandi Board Mr. Deepinder Singh, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. Ajoy Sharma. -------------------
PUNJAB 3RD STATE IN THE COUNTRY WHICH COVERED ALL REMAINING HOUSEHOLDS UNDER PMJDY: DHINDSA · PUNJAB FINANCE MINISTER PARTICIPATED IN THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE ECONOMIC CONCLAVE AT NEW DELHI CHANDIGARH/NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 6: The Punjab Government has opened record 29, 17,334 accounts under Pardhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY) for which different banks organised 23412 camps to cover the all uncovered household and to ensure 100 percent financial inclusion. With this extraordinary and unprecedented effort of the Punjab Government, the Punjab State has become 3rd state in the country which has completed the task of opening up of accounts of all the uncovered households under PMJDY. It was disclosed by Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister Punjab while speaking at International Conference of the Economic Conclave held at Vigyan Bhawan Delhi. Mr. Dhindsa said that one of the major thrusts of the Union Budget 2015-16 is 'Jan Dhan Yojna-Aadhar-Mobile Numbers' which is geared towards improving the quality of life of Indian. He said that ' Pardhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna' initiated on August 28 2014 was a comprehensive banking scheme to ensure bank accounts and several related benefits for all Indian households. By connecting with the Aadhar Numbers and Mobile Numbers of individuals, the governments aims at 'wiping every tear from every eye' by ensuring that all the benefits are passed directly to the common person's bank accounts and through other authenticated sources, thereby eliminating all intermediaries. He said that money transfers are planned to be executed in cashless mode. People living in hard to reach areas too have access to mobile phones due to growing penetration of technology. He said that leveraging this to communicate benefits directly to the common person is only going to integrate the economically disadvantaged into mainstream. The Finance Minister Mr. Dhindsa further said that the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna was launched in the state on August 28 2014 by Chief Minister Punjab. He said this scheme envisages accidental insurance of Rs. 1 lack, life insurance cover of Rs. 30 thousand, insurance of RuPay Debit Card to every account holder. He said that in order to cover 54,76,724 households in the state, a door to door was conducted by the banks with the help of state government in wards/sub service areas allocated to them, weekly video conferences with all Deputy Commissioners and Lead District Manager were held under the chairmanship of Mission Director, PMJDY to monitor the survey as well as opening of accounts. Mr. Dhindsa said that an amount of Rs. 2.16 crore has also been released to be provided as incentive to the BPL families who make their Aadhar Cards during the campaign and get their Aadhar Cards seeded in the Bank Account. He said that in the survey it was found that 45,73,463 households were already having bank accounts and 8,63,524 households were to be covered. He said all these uncovered households have now been covered and with this Punjab has become third state of the country which has covered all the remaining households under PMJDY. - Strengthening infrastructure and inclusive progress of people only agenda: Sukhbir Badal · Inspects project at Sakkanwali to convert swamp into scenic lake · State government to advertise one lakh jobs soon · Terms ‘Investor Summit' a grand success · Grants to be released for development of rural and urban areas · Biomass power houses being set up to make Punjab paddy stubble burning free state Sri Muktsar Sahib/Chandigarh, November 2 : Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal emphasised that in the coming months State will witness inclusive development on a massive scale as the State Government has chalked out its agenda to develop the state socially and economically. Deputy Chief Minister Mr Badal was speaking at nearest village Sakkanwali after inspecting the novel project of converting the village pond into a scenic lake and recreation facility for the residents. While interacting with media persons on this occasion, Mr Badal said that funds would be released constituency wise to carry out developmental works like - roads, clean drinking water, lights, sewerage in the rural and urban areas. He also informed that state government is going to advertise soon a total of 1 lakh jobs in keeping with its policy of providing employment to youth of the state. Terming the ‘Progressive Punjab Investor Summit-2015’ held recently at ISB Mohali as a grand success, Deputy CM informed that investors from across the globe had shown tremendous interest in making investments in the state which would result in strengthening infrastructure as well as ensuring job avenues for 2.5 lakh youth. He added that State government has announced a slew of tax exemptions for the food processing sector and investments made in this sector would benefit the state’s farmers too. Inviting the farmers to generate power from non-conventional energy resources, Deputy Chief Minister said that the state government is encouraging to generate power from residue of crops besides devoting special attention to commissioning new biomass based plants. He also divulged that the state government is providing subsidy on bailers to make bundles of paddy stubble. Announcing grants worth Rs. 2.5 crores for development works in village Sakkanwali, Mr Badal lauded the initiative of village Panchayat for launching this unique project and assured developmental grants for Panchayats undertaking such tasks in the villages. He said that the legislators would also be asked to take tour of this village so as to emulate the model of village Sakkanwali in other villages too. Inviting the people to be partners in development works, Deputy CM said this would lead to the development works being completed at a rapid pace thereby fastening the pace of development. He also launched 2 boats in the newly created village lake. Addressing the gathering Deputy Chief Minister said the Punjab Government is successfully taking forward the project of ending water logging problem in the south western districts of the state and focusing on broadening the road network from 4 to 6 lane. Coming down heavily on Congress and AAP, Mr Badal said that both parties have ignored the problems being faced by the farmers and labour class. He alleged that the people now become well aware of the true face of these anti-farmer and anti-poor parties. On this occasion Deputy Commissioner Jaskiran Singh, S.S.P. Kuldeep Singh Chahal, Kanwarjit Singh Rozy Barkandi, OSD to Deputy CM Moneesh Kumar were also present. EOM -------- BADAL FOR VIABLE MECHANISM TO INDENTIFY FARM LABOURERS FOR COMPENSATION REVIEWS PROGRESS ON THE PENDING FARMERS’ ISSUES WITH TOP BRASS IMPRESSES UPON THE CENTRE TO IMMEDIATELY PROVIDE RELIEF OF RS 20,000 PER ACRE TO THE FARMERS AFFECTED BY ‘WHITEFLY ATTACK’ ASKS REVENUE DEPARTMENT TO EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY FOR THE ENACTMENT OF A LAW TO PAY COMPENSATION BATS FOR ECONOMICALLY VIABLE POLICY FOR LOAN WAIVER ORDERS WITHDRAWAL OF CASES AGAINST AGITATING FARMERS WHERE NO VIOLENCE OR ANY SORT OF DAMAGE WAS REPORTED RS 5.50 LAKH SENT FROM CM’S RELIEF FUND TO PERSONS INJURED DURING A FARMERS’ AGITATION IN BATHINDA ASKS REVENUE DEPARTMENT TO PREPARE DRAFT LEGISLATION OF DEBT RELIEF Chandigarh, November 2- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today underscored the need to put in place a mechanism for identification of farm labourers engaged in picking of Cotton to enable them to get 10% of the compensation amount as already decided by the government. While reviewing the progress on the pending farmers’ issues with the senior officers of the state government in a meeting here at CMO this afternoon, Mr. Badal asked the Revenue department to come out with a viable policy for the disbursement of relief to the farm labours in case of such natural calamities in future to offset their financial stringencies. According to the Advisor to Chief Minister on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, the Chief Minister has also impressed upon the Centre to immediately provide a relief of Rs 20,000 per acre to the farmers who have suffered substantial loss to their crops from attack of ‘whitefly’ in the state. Mr. Badal said that he would pursue this matter vigorously both with the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance for its quick resolution. It may be recalled that the state government has already sent a comprehensive proposal in this regard for the consideration of Union Government. Taking part in deliberations Additional Chief Secretary Development told the Chief Minister that the Deputy Commissioners in the state have been asked ensure that the genuine cultivators get the compensation as per the special girdwari report. The Revenue department has already issued instructions to extend the same quantum of relief to the farmers who have suffered damage to other crops like Guar, ground nut, Moongi, Basmati and others. It was also informed in the meeting that the state Agriculture department had already initiated disciplinary proceedings against the errant officials who were involved in the purchase of spurious pesticides thereby deliberately tweaking the set procedure and regulations. Likewise, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Crime have already booked the unscrupulous dealers involved in the supply of sub standard pesticides and insecticides as revealed in their investigation. The Chief Minister directed the Additional Chief Secretary Revenue to explore the feasibility for the enactment of a Law to pay compensation to the farmers for damaged crops. On the issue of procurement of Basmati, the Chief Minister was apprised that 1509 variety was being procured at Minimum Support Price (MSP). Mr. Badal was also informed that from the next marketing season the farmers would get input subsidy credited to their bank accounts directly through Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme. This step would not only ensure transparency in the disbursement of subsidy but also check undue exploitation and harassment of the farmers. On the issue of payment of sugarcane arrears due towards private sugarcane mills, the Chief Minister asked the Secretary Expenditure to hold a meeting with the bankers for expediting the process of giving state guarantee of Rs 135 crore, so that this payment could be made to the cane growers at the earliest without any further delay. It was noted that requisite orders of government in this regard, have already been issued. Apart from this, the state government would ensure a timely payment of Rs.295 per quintal against Rs.230 fixed by the Centre to the cane growers during the crushing season of 2015-16. Responding to the issue of waiving off the outstanding institutional/ non-institutional loans advanced to the farmers, the Chief Minister said that he would take up the matter with the Union Ministers of Finance and Agriculture to formulate an economically viable policy in this regard. To ensure prompt payment of compensation to the next of kin of farmers committing suicides under distress, the Chief Minister asked the Deputy Commissioners to hold regular monthly meetings to dispose of such cases on priority. Additional Chief Secretary Revenue reported that cases of Bathinda districts involving payment of Rs 74 lakhs have already been approved/ cleared by the state level committee. The Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioners to clear all such cases in other districts also expeditiously. Referring to the cancellation of Police cases against the agitating farmers and farm labourers, the Chief Minister said that all such cases where no violence or any sort of damage to the public property was reported should be withdrawn forthwith. Likewise, Mr. Badal also asked the Deputy Commissioner Bathinda to immediately disburse compensation amount of Rs 5.50 lakh sent from to Chief Minister’s relief fund to those 22 persons who were injured during a farmers’ agitation in the city. Regarding the issue of immediately transferring the ownership rights to the tenants occupying the evacuee land, village common land and government land who had been in occupation since long, the Chief Minister was informed that the Advocate General (AG) has been sent a draft notification in this regard for its legal examination. With regard to Debt Relief Legislation, the Chief Minister reiterated that the Revenue Department should prepare appropriate draft legislation in this regard for the consideration of Punjab Vidhan Sabha. The Chief Minister also directed the PSPCL authorities to ensure uninterrupted eight hour power supply to the farmers. Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Advisor to Chief Minister on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, Additional Chief Secretary Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Revenue Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Home Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Secretary Expenditure Mr. Jaspal Singh and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Dr. Kuldeep Kumar. - PUNJAB GOVERNMENT SEEKS INFO ON POSTS FILLED ON INTERVIEW BASIS · INFO TO BE SENT BY 4 NOVEMBER Chandigarh, November 2: The Punjab Government has instructed all the departments and sought information regarding recruitment made to Group-B, Group-C and D on the basis of interview and also the methodology adopted for the interview. This step has been contemplated by the Government to ensure putting a stop to the practice of interview during junior level recruitments and take effective steps in this regard. Disclosing this, an official spokesperson said that the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had suggested the cessation of interview system with regard to those posts of junior level where personality evaluation is not of prime importance. According to the spokesperson, the Prime Minister had expressed a desire that recruitments be carried out in fair and transparent manner through online mode on the basis of merit only. The spokesman said that the government was collecting the details from all the departments before taking a informed decision. The spokesperson further said that the Government had instructed all the departments to furnish the sought information by 4thNovember. ------------- CM ASKS CHIEF SECRETARY TO HOLD MONTHLY REVIEW MEETINGS FOR SMOOTH EXECUTION OF PROJECTS UNDER NABARD MOVE AIMED AT ENSURING TIMELY EXECUTION OF THESE PROJECTS ASKS ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARIES TO KEEP DIRECT LIAISON WITH THE OFFICERS OF THE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY Chandigarh, November 2- In a bid to ensure the timely completion of projects being executed by the state government under the NABARD, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the state Chief Secretary to hold monthly review meeting of such projects with every department. Presiding over a high level meeting with the team of senior officers of the NABARD led by its Chief General Manager (CGM) Mr. PM Gohle here at his office this morning, the Chief Minister expressed his concern over the undue delay in the implementation of projects worth Rs 700 crore in the state. He asked the Chief Secretary to regularly monitor the progress of the ongoing projects every month so as to streamline their execution in a time bound manner. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that every department should also be in constant touch the NABARD officers individually so as to overcome any sort of problem or impediment in the way of implementing these projects. The Chief Minister asked the officers to submit the Utilisation Certificates of all the projects completed by them to the NABARD officers for updating them regarding the pace of ongoing work. He also said that the concerned administrative Secretaries of the department should also keep direct liaison with the officers of the development agency so as to keep a close tab over the progress of the funds received for these projects. Mr. Badal also impressed upon the officers of NABARD to sanction loans liberally for funding the various development projects across the state especially in the rural sector. Summing up the discussion, the NABARD CGM assured Mr. Badal of fulsome support and impressed upon the state government to reap maximum benefits by availing loans from the agency, which was the cheapest source of financing development projects in rural sector. The Chief Minister was also updated on the status of projects for 2015-16 and he asked the implementing agencies to ensure timely completion. Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Revenue Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Animal Husbandry Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Additional Chief Secretary Home Mr. Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sharma, Secretary Expenditure Mr. Jaspal Singh, Special Secretary Health Mr. Vikas Garg, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Dr. Kuldeep Kumar, Conservator of Soils Dr. Balwinder Singh Sidhu besides Deputy General Manager NABARD Mr. Pardeep Mehnu and Assistant General Manager NABARD Mr. RR Badgil. --------- GLOBAL TOURISM COMPANIES TO MEET ON 5-6TH DECEMBER AT SITE LOCATION TO FINALIZE THE PARNTERSHIP PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL TOURIST DESTINATION AROUND RANJIT SAGAR LAKE · CHIEF SECRETARY CHAIRS 2ND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF SHIVALIK ( DHAULADHAR) TOURISM DEVELOPMENT BOARD Chandigarh: November 2: A team from Federation of Association in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) comprising top Adventure Tour Operators, Luxury Hotel Groups and other premium hospitality/tourism companies shall meet during a workshop to be held on 5-6th December 2015 on the actual site location to deliberate upon the partnership plans for development of International Tourism destination around Ranjit Sagar Lake. Various aspects of development plans of this tourist location werediscussed in detail during the 2nd Executive Committee Meeting of Shivalik (Dhauladhar) Tourism Development Board (SDTDB) chaired by Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Chief Secretary Punjab. During the meeting, Chief Secretary was informed that SDTDB has been established by the Government of Punjab to develop tourist/theme destination project in an area around Ranjit Sagar Dam along approximately 87 sq km of Ranjit Sagar Lake. The project site is ideally suited for water sports activities and eco-tourism, due to the abundance availability of water cover in Shivalik hills. The progress of the project was discussed in detail and CS was informed that M/s Ernst & Young LLP have been appointed as the Transaction Advisor for technical consultant appointment, project marketing, project report preparation and also for signing concession agreements with the key potential developers. BDP (UK) has been appointed as the Technical Consultant for Master Planning, GIS surveys, Environmental Impact Assessment and other technical matters. Transaction Advisor has already submitted a pre-feasibility report regarding the project and expected footfall in the location as per the report is 3.5 lakhs tourists. Further as per pre-feasibility report, the possible activities at various locations of the project site includes Star Category Hotels/ Eco Resorts, Ropeways, Convention centers, High Street, Tree houses, Water based activities, adventure activities etc. CS was further informed that SDTDB along with Transaction advisor has already completed first round of interaction with key potential partner groups namely The Taj Group, ITC Hotels, The Lalit Group, DLF, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Essel Group and other large group hospitality companies. All the companies have shown very keen interest in development of this tourist destination and have asked for better connectivity, security, concessions etc for development of this site into a global tourism destination. During the proposed workshop on 5-6th December, various project promotion activities will be discussed with potential partners. MoU with M/s DLF has already been signed during Invest Punjab summit last week with proposed investment of Rs. 1000 crore in setting up water front villas and Smart Township along with other tourism activities. Chief Secretary asked the Transaction Advisor to effectively coordinate with Technical Consultant to strictly adhere to the timelines of May 2016 for signing of concession agreements after finalization of Request for Proposal (RFP) by March 2016 and detailed project report by January 2016. Chief Secretary further asked the Department of Irrigation & DC Pathankot to resolve land transfer issue and other issues in next 2 weeks. The meeting was attended by Mr. Viswajit Khanna, IAS Principal Secretary Housing & Urban Development, Mr. Anirudh Tewari, IAS, Principal Secretary Industries, Mr. A Venu Prasad, MD PIDB, Mr. P S Aujla, CEO SDTDB and other officials from concerned departments. --------- NAVJOT SIDHU TO ORGANIZE GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL CAMP IN HEALTH DEPARTMENT Ø WARNS STAFF FOR TIMELY DISPOSAL OF FILES Ø WOULD MONITOR DISPOSAL OF FILES REGULARLY Ø ASKS DHS TO WORK OUT ONLINE MONITORING SYSTEM OF FILE DISPOSAL Ø PUNJAB TO RECRUIT 1400 MALE HEALTH WORKERS Chandigarh November 2: Chief Parliamentary Secretary Health Dr. Navjot Kaur Sidhu today conducted a surprise check in the Health Directorate to take stock of the disposal of the routine files in the Health department. Dr. Sidhu paid a surprise visit to the health directorate after receiving complaints of the tardy way of disposing files in all the sections and branches of the Health department. After visiting each and every section/branch of the department meeting the director health and other officers of the Health department, Dr. Sidhu said that a special camp would be organized next week in the Health directorate where on the spot disposal of files would be ensured. She said she would be personally present during the file disposal camp. Expressing concern over the deliberate delay of clearing the time bound files; Dr. Sidhu warned the officers concerned to immediately dispose off the files and also asked the Director Health Dr. Bhagmal to fix the responsibility of the erring officers so that departmental action could be initiated against them. She said that she would be personally monitoring the movement and disposal of the files regularly. Dr. Sidhu also asked the director Health to expedite the pending cases of the ANMs where orders have been issued to give full salary to the ANMs recruited on contractual posts. Dr. Sidhu has also asked the Director Health to work out the online disposal of the files so that the file work could be disposed off within fixed time frame. Meanwhile, Dr. Sidhu said that the Punjab government has completed all the formalities to recruit 1400 male health workers so that the health facilities could be strengthened at Village levels and it could reach maximum number of people of the state. -------- UNJAB BANS VULGAR SONGS IN BUSES CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 02: Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Transport Minister Punjab has banned the use of vulgar and provocative music in the state run transport buses with immediate effect. While giving formal directions to the department to stop airing the vulgar songs, Mr. Kohar said that any bus driver violating government’s directive would have to face strict departmental action. The Minister reiterated that the Punjab government was committed to provide best transport services to its people and it was imperative for the officers concerned to ensure the proper and forceful implementation of the instructions in larger public interest. Random surprise checks would be conducted by a specially constituted committee to check the use of provocative music in the buses, said the minister. He also said that the frequent use of vulgar and loud music in the buses not only generates mental pollution amongst the passengers but instrumental in fatal accidents occurred due to distraction of the drivers. This type of music goes contrary to both the rich cultural heritage of the state and also the dictate of the independent state level censor board which was especially constituted to check vulgarity in the Punjabi songs. The minister also urged the general public to contact him personally if they come across anything erroneous with regard to the transport facilities extended to them by the Punjab Government. --------- SCREENING COMMITTEE CLEARS NAME OF 2 IPS OFFICERS OF 1984 PUNJAB BATCH FOR PROMOTION TO RANK OF DGPs · 4 IPS officers of 1997 batch recommended for promotion as IGPs · 3 IPS officers of 2002 batch recommended for grant of selection grade Chandigarh November 2: The Screening Committee comprising Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Mr. Karan A Singh, Financial Commissioner Revenue, Mr. Suresh Arora, DGP, Punjab and headed by Chief Secretary Punjab, Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal today recommended the names of Mr. Samant Kumar Goel, IPS, ADGP and Mr. Anil Kumar Sharma, IPS, ADGP for promotion in the rank of DGP. Screening committee further recommended the names of 4 officers of 1997 batch IPS officers for promotion as Inspector General of Police. The names included Mr. Pawan Kumar Rai, IPS, Mr. Nonihal Singh, IPS, Mr. Arun Pal Singh, IPS, Mr. Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal,IPS . For the IPS officers of 2002 batch, the Screening Committee recommended the names of Mr. Pradeep Kumar, IPS, Mr. Gursharan Singh, IPS, Mr. Kanwar Bahadur Singh, IPS for grant of selection grade. The annual confidential reports and other records/details of these officers were reviewed in detail by the committee before recommendations of the names for empanelment. -
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