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TRADE AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES GALORE IN ETHIOPIA: MULUGETA
Amritsar, 11 December 2010
Surjit Kaur, Asstt Director
PHD Chamber

Sharing that there is a lot of scope for trade and investment in Ethiopia, Mehreteab Mulugeta, Minister Councilor (II), Economic & Business Ethiopia, said that their participation in Punjab International Trade Expo PITEX 2010 has been fruitful to the extent that they have been able to fathom the possibilities and opportunities of enhancing the bilateral trade between the two countries especially, the northern India and particularly Punjab and Haryana to be precise. He was interacting with the media on the fourth day of the trade expo.

Punjab and Haryana being agrarian states, Ethiopia is looking forward to garner the expertise in agricultural techniques and the latest technology being used here for better output.
Ethiopia, he shared has lots of opportunities in agriculture. It has lot of surplus land available for agriculture and the Ethiopian government provides the Indian farmers going there with many facilities.
Mulugeta informed that under an Ethiopian Government policy, last year, the government has established a land bank under the ministry of agriculture. A total of 1.7 million hectares has been reserved under this policy for Foreign Direct Investment. This land is given on a lease for 25 to 45 years. Anybody investing in Ethiopia is facilitated with a seven year tax holiday. Moreover, he said that if an investor exports 75 percent of their produce, he is eligible for a loan from local banks to the tune of 70 percent of the total project.

Any investor can repatriate 100 percent equity to any country out of Ethiopia, he added.
An investment of one lakh US dollars is the minimum requirement for trade and investment in Ethiopia. Anybody investing here is given full support to reach out to relevant authorities and settle one’s trade in the country.

He shared that Ethiopia produces wheat, rice, oil seeds, vegetables in addition to tea, and coffee. Other areas where Ethiopia has lot of opportunities for investment are real estate, infrastructure, hotel management, hospitality, hospital management, mining (gold, coal potassium, iron ore, limestone).
Mulugeta said that the trade between the two countries stood at $500m though the trade balance stood in favour of India. The export from Ethiopia is less than $20m.

Mulugeta said that they were participating in Punjab International Trade Expo PITEX 2010 for the first time to promote investment opportunities in India, especially the northern India. He showed keen interest in Indian machinery, technology, auto components, agricultural implements, education sector, IT services apart from infrastructure, and manufacturing.

He assured that Ethiopia would participate with a larger delegation in the next trade expo.
Speaking about the education sector, he shared that each year 350 students are sponsored by Ethiopian government to undertake Masters and PHD programmes in India apart from more than 500 self sponsored students who study in India.

Dalip Sharma, Regional Director, PHD Chamber, shared that last month, a delegation from India had visited Ethiopia. He said that there are lots of trade opportunities in Ethiopia. Because of little population and lot of surplus land, there are many opportunities for investment in agriculture and food processing in Ethiopia. He said that both efforts by countries can lead to a larger synergy and boost in bilateral trade.
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BATHINDA REFINERY ALL SET TO CHAGE INDUSTRIAL PROFILE OF PUNJAB-SUKHBIR
SAD-BJP SCUTTLED CONGRESS DESIGN TO KEEP PUNJAB Industrially bacward
five thermal plants and refinery with combined investment of rs. 82000 crore set to transform punjab

Phulokhari (Bathinda), December 11 :

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that Rs. 20000 crore Guru Gobind Singh Refinery Project undertaken by HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) is all set to change the overall industrial profile of Punjab.

Speaking after showcasing the Bathinda refinery that is nearing completion to media from all over the Punjab and to elected representatives including Cabinet Ministers of Punjab, Mr. Badal said that it was Mr. Parkash Singh Badal who in previous term got this refinery approved despite fierce lobbying by multi national companies against it. He said that it was surprising that despite 20000 acre acquired and four walled by previous government, providing water drain access, the previous congress government deliberately kept this project in limbo, purposely to help private multi national companies supplying petro products to Punjab. He said that he was happy that in this tenure the SAD-BJP government has scuttled the design of previous congress government to keep Punjab industrially backward and dependent on other states.

Mr. Badal said that our government has moved with the focus approach to make Punjab not only power surplus but largest producer of power in country, besides putting industrial profile of Punjab at higher padestral. He said that due to intensive efforts of the government and hard selling the development vision of Punjab, 5 thermal plants and this refinery with combined investment of Rs. 82000 crore are in various stages of construction and within one year the impact of these would be visible on the economy of Punjab. Mr. Badal said that power purchase agreement has already been signed with NTPC today for Gidderbaha Thermal Plant. He said that with the setting up of Giddarbaha Thermal Plant by NTPC, the work on five Mega Thermal Plants at Talwandi Sabo, Goindwal, Rajpura, Mansa and Giddarbaha with combined generation capacity of 10,590 MW coming up with combined investment of Rs. 52,800 has been put on full throttle. He said that besides this Punjab would get 2272 MW share in investment made by the State in ultra mega thermal plants set up outside the State. Mr. Badal said that the Punjab Government has been able to secure from the central government 1966 MW from the central share in the new plants under construction out of which 200MW would be from Nuclear Plants. More over one 1000 MW Gas based power project was being setup at Ropar. The State Government was also proposing additional 500 MW from GNDTP Bathinda extension and another 500 from GHTP Lehra Mohabat extension stage-III. On the Hydro Power front state is all set to get 168 MW Shahpur Kandi Hydro, 75 MW from UPDC stage-III, Mukerian hydel Stage II in addition 500 MW power would be produced from 32 bio mass power plants, he added.
Speaking about the propelling effect of refinery on the economy of Punjab, Mr. Badal said that downstream industries to use the bio products of refinery have already started approaching it. He said that two companies have already signed MoU today and said that over 100 companies with combine investment of 8 to 10 thousand crores is all set to change the industrial profile of Punjab that was earlier known for small scale industries only.

He said that it was heartening to see that how the management of this company with more than 32000 engineers and workers have erected largest ever project on the soil of Punjab.The Deputy Chief Minister said that this refinery is all set to provide employment to thousand of Punjabi youth besides lakhs of jobs would be generated in the ancillary industry and service sector supporting the largest refinery of the country.

Speaking about the expansion programme of the refinery he said that the company is proposing to double the capacity of refinery after its 100 percent commissioning and Punjab government would fully support the refinery in every aspect.

Earlier giving the background of refinery Mr. Prabh Dass CEO of the refinery said that the nine million MTPA, Guru Gobind Singh Refinery is the single largest investment and first Oil and Gas industry to be set up in the state of Punjab, India. He said that the refinery is designed to process heavy / sour / acidic crudes. On commissioning, the refinery would produce MS, HSD, SKO, ATF, LPG, Naphtha, Pet Coke and Sulphur. The refinery will also produce food grade hexane, mineral turpentine oil and polypropylene. He said that to accelerate industrialization, particularly in new areas of petrochemicals, meet full LPG requirements, and to provide critical feedstock and building blocks for rapid development in Punjab over and above its original commitment this Refinary would play a catalytic role he said that Grass-root refinery of nine MMTPA comprises of Crude Distillation Unit/Vacuum Distillation Unit, Naphtha Hydro Treater, Diesel Hydro Treater, VGO- Hydro Treater, Fulidised Catalytic Cracking -Petro Chemical Unit, Poly Propylene Unit, Delayed Coker Unit, Hydrogen Generation Unit, Sulphur Recovery Unit, ATF Merox & Treater Units (FG / LPG), Utilities & Offsites in Bathinda, Punjab, India. Speaking about Crude receipt facilities , he said that it includes Single Point Mooring (SPM) buoy capable of handling Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) for crude import located at Mundra, Gujarat, India reducing transportation of crude to bare minimum. He said that 1009 km of Cross-country crude oil pipeline (approximately 1,014 km) from Mundra to Bathinda has already been completed. He informed thatCaptive Power Plant with gross capacity of about 165 MW for Refinery power and steam requirements was already completed.

Besides media and editors from all over the Punjab Seven Cabinet Ministers including Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Ajit Singh Kohar, Hira Singh Gabria, Bibi Upinderjit Kaur, Gulzar Singh Ranike and Mr. Sucha Singh Langah and all MLAs of SAD-BJP combine were mesmerized to see the refinery project.
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A SET CLOSER TO POWER SURPLUS STATE AS NTPC SIGNS PPA FOR
GIDDARBAHA THERMAL PLANT

PUBLIC SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUNJAB AFTER 40 YEARS


Patiala December 11 :

The dream of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal to make Punjab Power surplus came a step closer to fructification as National Thermal Power Corporation Limited( NTPC) a Public Sector Undertaking pioneer in Thermal Power Generation in India today signed power purchase agreement with Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd., for 2640MW Coal based Thermal Power Project at Gidderbaha being established by it at the cost of Rs.15,000 crores .

The agreement was signed by Mr. M.K.V.Rao, Executed Director ( Commercial) of NTPC and Mr. Er. Arun K. Verma, Director Distribution of Powercom ( PSPCL) in the presence of Chairman Powecom Mr. K.D.Chaudhary here today. It may be added that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister who had been making consistent efforts to get Central Sector investment in Punjab and it is after 40 years that Punjab has been able to get such a huge Public Sector investment in Punjab.

With the setting up of Giddarbaha Thermal Plant by NTPC, the work on five Mega Thermal Plants at Talwandi Sabo, Goindwal, Rajpura, Mansa and Giddarbaha with combined generation capacity of 10,590 MW coming up with combined investment of Rs. 52,800 has been put on full throttle. Besides this Punjab would get 2272 MW share in investment made by the State in ultra mega thermal plants set up outside the State. The Punjab Government has been able to secure from the central government 1966 MW from the central share in the new plants under construction out of which 200MW would be from Nuclear Plants. More over one 1000 MW Gas based power project was being setup at Ropar. The State Government was also proposing additional 500 MW from GNDTP Bathinda extension and another 500 from GHTP Lehra Mohabat extension stage-III. On the Hydro Power front state is all set to get 168 MW Shahpur Kandi Hydro, 75 MW from UPDC stage-III, Mukerian hydel Stage II in addition 500 MW power would be produced from 32 bio mass power plants.

It is noteworthy that this will be the biggest Thermal Power in Punjab which will help in developing ancillary industries and provide employment to thousands of Punjabis. National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is the premier power generating company in India having expertise and strength in areas such as setting up operation & maintenance of power projects and sale of power. NTPC has developed comprehensive in house expertise in various facets of power generation from concept to commissioning, efficient operation in accordance with Power Policies of Govt. of India.

Govt. of Punjab has agreed to facilitate acquisition of Land, Allocation of water and conveyed in-principle clearance for about 2316 acres of land and 125 cusecs of water. Govt. of Punjab has already issued notification under section 4 of Land Acquisition Act for 2316 Acres of the land for the Project. The plant consists of 4 units of 660MW each which would be entirely funded by NTPC. At least 50% of the power from the plant shall be allocated to Punjab. NTPC has sought long term coal linkage from Ministry of Coal. Govt. of Punjab shall extend co-operation in obtaining the coal linkage for the project.
Punjab State Power Corporation Limited shall provide to NTPC all the reports for the specific studies/investigations including EIA studies conducted at site for preparation of Feasibility report. The cost incurred on all such reports shall be reimbursed by NTPC. PSPCL shall enter into a Power Purchase Agreement with NTPC for purchase of power allocated from the proposed project. The Tariff for sale of power shall be as determined by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Er. G.S.Chabra, Director Distribution, Mr. S.C.Arora Director Finance, Mr. H.C.Seth Director HR and Mr. R.P. Bector Engg. in Chief, Mr. Manoj Saxsana Additional GM Commercial, Mr. Guryog Singh Additional GM Commercial and Mr. Rakesh Chopra Additional GM Commercial from NTPC.
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PUNJAB GOVT. SERVICES TO DELIVER FROM 2112 VILLAGE COMMON SERVICE CENTRES TRI-PARTITE AGREEMENTS SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF IT MINISTER

Chandigarh - December 10: Government of Punjab has decided to provide various citizen-centric services from Common Service Centres (CSCs) to be set up in villages in an equitable geographical spread with active participation of local rural youths for empowering the citizen through information dissemination and market linkages. The CSC scheme is being rolled-out on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model as part of National e-Governance Plan.

Tri-partite Master Service Agreements were signed today in the presence of Information Technology Minister Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon, with three Private Partners - All India Society for Electronics and Computer Technology (AISECT), Vakrangee Softwares Limited with its consortium partner M/s Callance Software Pvt. Limited and Bharatiya Samruddhi Finance Limited (BSFL). The Master Service Agreement was signed by Principal Secretary Information Technology Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal on behalf of the I.T. Department of Punjab Government, Mr. Dilip Kumar as Member Secretary on behalf of the Punjab State e-Governance Society (PSeGS), the State Designated Agency (SDA) for the CSC Scheme, with the Private partners referred as Service Centre Agencies (SCAs) under the CSC Scheme, who included Mr. Anurag Gupta, the Director AISECT, Mr. Nagendra Single, Vice President of Vakrangee Software, and Mr. Anoop Kaul, National Head, Bharatiya Samruddhi Finance Limited respectively.

CSCs are envisaged as the delivery points for integrated delivery of a wide range of public services which include not only Government services but also private and social sector services to rural citizens of State. The scheme is being rolled out under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, whereby the Government services such as Caste, Income and other certificates issuance, copies of land records and payment of utilities bills such as electricity and telephone will be made available through these rural kiosks. It is hoped that CSC Scheme will bring additional employment opportunities for the entrepreneurial local youth.

The common service centres or CSCs are also aimed at ensuring access to such services even for the under-privileged. The CSCs, which are rural internet kiosks, will be set up by the selected Private partners through local entrepreneurs who will assist all citizens to take advantage of the new services at a fixed cost.

In keeping with the objective of the Government to make public services available to the citizen closer to his home, each CSC will cover at least 6 census villages. The Government will soon enable in a gradual manner services which include land records, road transport, utility billing, passport, excise & taxation, education, agriculture, pensions, panchayat, police, UID, NREGA, NRHM and so on. With the establishment of Common service centres, the citizens can avail these services from their doorsteps without visiting the SUWIDHA centres in the district offices.

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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, December 10:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Rabi Season through Canal water from 13-12-10 to 20-12-2010. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala feeder, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch and Bist Doab Canal respectively.

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

The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and distributries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their ident. Balance water supplies available would be utilised in direct distributaries of Group 'A'.

The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. 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 with their distributaries respectively.

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RAHUL GANDHI A MAGICIAN THAT MADE CONGRESS DISAPPEAR FROM ELECTORAL MAP OF BIHAR -SUKHBIR PUNJAB CONGRESS SHOULD REMAIN PREPARED FOR 25 YEARS BANWAS · WOULD PREFER TO SACRIFICE MY HEAD RATHER THAN TO RETRACT FROM PROMISES MADE TO THE PEOPLE

· 8 VILLAGES OF LAMBI GET 2.5 CRORES GRANT FOR DEVELOPMENT WORKS
· TWO RS. 13.5 CRORES ROADS INAUGURATED

Dabwali Malkoke (Muktsar), December 9: MR. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today said that Punjab Congress should remain ready for 25 years 'Banwas' as SAD- BJP government was set to get mandate and love of the people on the basis of futuristic development initiatives of the government. He said that Congress that has erupted from the holes during election year after four year hibernation is all set to face oblivion at least for next 25 years as people of Punjab have already decided to SAD-BJP with a repeat mandate, keeping in view its development initiatives.

Taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi, the so called ‘star campaigner’ of Congress Party, Mr. Badal said that he was yet to see such a magician that has made Congress Party disappear from the electoral map of Bihar as the party could hardly get 4 out of 245 seats. He said that let the Rahul Gandhi come in Punjab and contribute in decimating congress from Punjab's electoral map also.

Referring to former Finance Minister’s duplicity on subsidy issue, Mr. Badal said that SAD-BJP government was committed to fulfill all the promises made to the people in the election manifesto and he would prefer to get his head chopped rather than to retract from the promises. He said that former Finance Minister's facade of pro-poor has been exposed as he himself after availing Rs. 19 lac subsidy, opposed subsidy for poor farmers and poor people who could not afford two squares meal.
Listing out the various development initiatives of the SAD BJP Government Mr. Badal said that right from Giddarbaha Goindwal Sahib , Rajpura , Mansa, Talwandi Sabo Thermal plants being setup in the State, two more proposed thermal plants in Amrtisar and Jalandhar region would meet the uninterrupted power requirements of state for three decades. He said that besides giving Atta Dal to 17 Lakh families, Shagun and Pension to the old people, the SAD BJP Government is fulfilling the promises from the veru beginning of its tenure. He revealed that their government has almost completed the gigantic task of putting the whole revenue record on internet to facilitate the people here and abroad also. Besides this, the setting up of Suwidha Kendras providing 27 civil services under one roof, Police out reach centres and e-gram kendras would be completed through out the State within next six months. He informed that Rs. 6669 crore road projects were in advanced stage of completion and would ensure four/six lane connectivity to all major cities and towns of the State.

8 Villages namely Mahni Khera, Rasulpur Kera, Bhai Ka Kera, Kangan Khera, Dabwali Malkon Ke, Phullo Khera, Arniwala Wazira and Fatehpur Mannian of Lambi Assembly constituency got the development bonanza as Deputy Chief Minister distributed cheques of Rs. 2.5 crores for different development works in these villages. The Deputy Chief Minister also laid foundation stones of two roads namely Malout to Abohar via Pucci Tibbi and from Dabwali Malkon Ke to Phullo Khera being strengthened and widened at the cost of Rs. 13.5 crores.

Earlier during Sangat Darshan Programme at Dabwali Malkon ke the Deputy Chief Minister visited the near by Primary School and interacted with children. He directed the Education Authorities to immediately provide required “Desks” as asked by the little kids.
Prominent amongst others who are present on the occasion included Mr. Dyal Singh Koliawali, Executive Member SGPC, Mr. Manjit Singh Barkandi President SAD Mukatsar, Chairman Harmeet Singh Bheetiwala, Chairman Tejinder Singh Middu Khera, Jathedar Iqbal Singh Tarmala, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Varun Rujam, DIG Border Range Mr. H.S.Chahal, SSP Mr. Inder Mohan Singh, Mr. Avtar Singh Wanwala, Sarpanch Gurpal Singh, Sarpanch Kulwinder Singh Kaka, Jaswant Singh Chaudhari, Ranjodh Singh Member Block Samati and Kuldeep Singh Ghamiara.
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POOR EXECUTION OF SOIL CONSERVATION WORKS -SUKHBIR ORDERS VIGILANCE
INQUIRY


Lambi (Muktsar), December 9:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister has ordered vigilance inquiry into the allegation of poor execution of Soil Conservation work in village Kangan Khera in District Muktsar. A delegation of villagers brought to the notice of Deputy Chief Minister during the Sangat Darshan that disposal pipes laid by the department were of very poor quality and were leaking at many places. Mr. Badal asked SSP Muktsar to ask SP Vigilance to immediately initiate vigilance inquiry into this and submit report to him within one week, so that action could be taken against guilty
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UPINDERJIT KAUR STRESSES ON EFFECTIVE PLANNING
FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH


Chandigarh December 9: To make District Planning Committees (DPCs) more effective and result oriented, the State Finance and Planning Minister Dr Upinderjit Kaur emphasised to study and review the composition of committees so that there should be a broad based and effective planning at the grass root level for inclusive growth. She was presiding over a meeting with representatives of Finance, Planning and Legal department and Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Planning and Administration (MGSIPA) officers here today.

The Finance Minister stressed that effective planning at the lower level in the districts would ensure proper convergence and utilizations of funds for the overall development of villages and towns as envisioned by the SAD-BJP Government. "There should be a participatory planning and involvement of community for successful implementation of various development plans based on specific endowments and needs of the area", she added.

Dr. Upinderjit Kaur asked the MGSIPA to study the utilization of various funds and grants used for development works by the various institutions or departments so that state government could devise the effective mechanism for proper use of funds in the state. The study should also include progress achieved by the society by using these funds, she said.
She asked the planning department and DPCs to harness the services of best experts available and formulate integrated District Development Plans with broader vision and perception for the upliftment of the society. "The Minister stressed that the effective planning and with monitoring arrangement at village/town level could unleash the era of inclusive growth and development", Upinederjit Kaur emphasised.

The Finance Minister said that a planning and pre-budget consultation meeting with representatives of DPCs would be held on 21st December, 2010 at MGSIPA to discuss successful utilization of central and state schemes in a transparent manner. Besides this, PRIs and local bodies institutions would be asked to generate more resources & revenues and reduce expenditure at various level.
Among others Mr. K.B.S. Sidhu, Principal Secretary Finance, Mr. B.K. Srivastva Director General MGSIPA, Mr. S.S. Khara Director Small Savings, Mr. Rajan Kashyap former Chief Secretary Punjab, Mr. B.S Sandhu Joint Director Prosecution and Mr. H.S. Dhillon Director Planning (Co-ordination) were also present in the meeting.
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ROAD SAFETY WEEK STARTS FROM JANUARY 1, 2011- MASTER MOHAN LAL

Chandigarh December 9

Road Safety Council meeting was held here today under the Chairmanship of Master Mohan Lal , Transport Minister Punjab, officials of the Home Department, Health Department, Police Department, Transport Department, Education Department and Finance Department attended the meeting.
The Minister stated that Road Safety weak will be celebrated from 1st January to 7th January 2011 in all the cities and towns of Punjab. Principal Secretary Transport issued directions to all the District Road Safety committees to arrange a meeting under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner in all the districts of Punjab, in which detailed programme of Road Safety week will be chalked out. Representatives of Truck Union, Taxi Union, Bus Union, Auto Union, Students , Principals & Teachers from schools & collages should involved & special training of Raod safety measures would given to them.

The Minister further stated that first session of Road Safety Council of India has been organised at Jalandhar on 24th December 2010, on the birthday of former Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Bihari Bajpai in which Transport Minister of various states of North India will be participated & road safety fortnightly would also be observe on that day.

Master Mohan Lal said that every year more than one lac twenty five thousand people has been died in India due to accidents. Similarly in Punjab more than four thousand people died in road accidents every year. So all the department should show deep concern and responsibility in saving human lives. He directed the concerned department to make proposal for the road safety measures. Mr. RP Singh ADGP Traffic would send a detailed report of safety measures to PWD department for the display on roadsides.
Prominent among who present in the meeting included Secretary Transport Mr. S.K Sandu, Mr. R. Venkatratnam State Transport Commissioner, Mr. Mandeep Singh Director Transport, Mr. R.P. Singh ADGP Traffic, Mr. Sameer Kumar Secretary Home, Mr. Dalip Kumar Secretary Finance, Mr. RP Singh Chief Engineer PWD, Dr. Ashok Nayyar Director Health Services, Dr. Maninder Dhillon DPI Colleges and Mr. Radesh Kalra AGM Local Government.
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Manoranjan Kalia inaugurates PITEX 2010

Surjit KaurAsstt Director, PHD Chamber

Acknowledging that the trade in the region has grown manifold, Manoranjan Kalia, Minister for Industry & Commerce, Punjab said that such expos generate healthy competition while inaugurating the PHD-Punjab International Trade Expo PITEX 2010, being organized by PHD Chamber at Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar.

The success of PITEX can be gauged from the fact that this year eight countries are participating in this expo. It shows that that industry and trade in the area are on a growth trajectory. We hope to see more countries participating in coming years, he said.Kalia told that an industrial hub on 1300 acres area was coming up at Rajpura and another one at Kapurthala in an area of 220 acres.Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Navjot Singh Sidhu, MP, Amritsar said, “If Punjab needs to develop leaps and bounds, Punjab has to develop its manufacturing and services sector.” He said that Punjab International Trade Expo should be made a regular annual feature.Rajiv Bali, Chairman, Punjab Committee, PHD Chamber said that Jalandhar and Ludhiana already were industrial hubs. Being a border area, trade and industry needs to be boosted here in Amritsar.

He reiterated that Punjab government’s help in this initiative of PHD Chamber is very encouraging.
He shared that this time delegations from five Chambers of commerce and industry including the Lahore Chamber, Rawalpindi Chamber, Sheikhupura Chamber, Islamabad Chamber and the Attock Chamber are participating in the Trade Expo.
Sharing that the event, over the years had grown in size, Ashok Kajaria, President, PHD Chamber, informed that this year the response in terms of booking the space has been more than 70% from last year.

With Punjab as the host State, this is Chamber’s fifth endeavour dedicated to the cause of boosting bilateral trade with the participating countries. It would also help to explore investment opportunities. Shawl Club, Textiles Manufacturers Association, National Small Industries Corporation, Punjab Technical University, Knitwear Club, Union Ministry of Food Processing and Union Ministry of Textiles are the other supporting partners, he informed.

Rajiv Bali, Chairman Punjab Committee, PHD Chamber, R S Sachdeva, Co- Chairman Punjab Committee, PHD Chamber, Susmita Shekhar, DSG, PHD Chamber, Er. Shwait Malik, Mayor, Amritsar, K S Pannu, DC, Amritsar, and other senior government officials were also present on the occasion. R S Sachdeva, Co-Chairman, Punjab Committee, PHD Chamber while thanking the Industry & Commerce Minister, said, that he hoped that people of Amritsar and surrounding areas shall visit the fair in huge number adding that “it’s the overwhelming response from the public that brings us here year after year”.Dalip Sharma, Regional Director, PHD Chamber said that with the help of Amritsar administration, foolproof security arrangements have been made. For the convenience of public, facilities like ATM machines, medical facilities and ambulance, fire safety systems, and public conveniences have been provided. PITEX has become synonymous with 5 day long extravaganza of fun, food, embedded with business, seminars, and cultural events.
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NO FALSE CASES, PEOPLE OF GIDDARBAHA WOULD GET JUSTICE – SUKHBIR
GIDDARBAHA PEOPLE THRONGED THE STREETS TO WELCOME SUKHBIR
GIDDARBAHA GETS NEW SUWIDHA KENDER, TWO ROADS AND 1.5 CRORE GRANT FOR 17 VILLAGES


Kot Bhai (Giddarbaha) December 8 :

People of Giddarbaha, the constituency of Ex - Finance Minister thronged streets to welcome Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal as he inaugurated a fully air conditioned Rs. 30 lakh Suwindha Kender and laid the foundation stone of two roads besides disbursing the grant of Rs. 1.5 crore for various development works of 17 villages of this district. The tumultuous welcome on all roads in Giddarbaha city and road leading to Kot Bhai, the venue of Sangat Darshan reflected the unprecedented enthusiasm of people and party cadre that was feeling disheartened due to unfortunate events of last two-three months. Youth Akali Dal workers over 1000 motorcycles and scooters made a convoy to welcome Deputy Chief Minister as he entered Giddarbaha.

The town Giddarbaha was proud to have state of art Rs. 30 Lakh Suvidha Center to provide 10 services under one roof. Mr. Badal also laid the foundation stone of Husnar Road and Bharu Road in Giddarbaha city.

Emotionally chocked Sukhbir removed all barriers to be amongst the people who gave political identity to his father S. Parkash Singh Badal. Addressing them Mr. Badal said that he was feeling overwhelmed with emotions as for the last fifteen years they were not allowed to enter this constituency. Recounting the events of last three months resulting in unfortunate expulsion of Manpreet, the Deputy Chief Minister said that people of Giddarbaha are like out family and they must know the chronology of event leading to this. For the first time Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal shared the events with the public as he said that “people of Giddarbaha must know the truth that who has ditched the people”.

Mr. Badal said that Badal family owes its political existence this sacred soil of Giddarbaha that has “ given them power and strength that has enabled S. Parkash Singh Badal to serve the people of Punjab for four terms”. He said that differences with my younger brother were not due to any property or business dispute but it was a fight for ideology. He said that Akali Dal always stood for the principle that whatever you promise you must deliver after winning election but my younger brother despite enjoying Rs. 19 Lakh subsidy for himself wanted to deny subsidy and welfare programmes to the poorest population of the State.

Recalling the unfortunate events Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that Chief Minister loved my younger brother more than me. He said that after his outburst against party leadership, PAC in a newspaper interview, the CM advised him to desist from denigrating party in the public and maintain party discipline. He said that despite all kinds of “clean chits” that his younger brother wanted, Chief Minister assured him that he was ready to sign on anything if he maintained party discipline. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the Chief Minister was greatly pained as despite clean chit as per Manpreet’s language, he went ahead and held a press conference showing disrespect to whole party leadership. He before holding press conference did not care that S. Badal has been injured in the morning and had fractured his ribs in this. He said that Mr. Badal who thinks thousands times before taking any decision had to take this harsh step as party discipline was much more important than family ties.
Assuring full protection to people of Giddarbaha the Deputy Chief Minister said that he was aware that people of this area had suffered false criminal cases during last four years and I assure you full justice. He said that crushing the party cadre with vendetta cases was not his policy and he believes in empowering works rather than handing over all powers to “PA and OSD coterie”. He gave direction to SSP Mukatsar to ensure that people of Giddarbaha should get justice and would not tolerate any fabricated cases just to harass the people. He also directed DC to ensure that people should get due respect and regard in the offices and administration was responsive to the grievances of people. Mr. Badal said that I am clear hearted man and whatever is in my mind I speak that. “ Whatever I promise, I ensure that is full filled.” I don’t know “Shero Shayari” and I am a simple person, he quipped. The Deputy Chief assured the people that people of Giddarbaha that he would not let the people of Giddarbaha feel orphaned and he would personally monitor the development programmes of this constituency.

Speaking about the development initiatives of the SAD BJP Government Mr. Badal said that right from Giddarbaha Goindwal Sahib , Rajpura , Mansa, Talwandi Sabo Thermal plants being setup in the State, two more proposed thermal plants in Amrtisar and Jalandhar region would meet the 24X7X365 power requirements of state for next 25 years. He said that besides giving Atta Dal to 17 Lakh families, Shagun and Pension to the old people, the SAD BJP Government is fulfilling the promises from the day one in the office.

Announcing the up-gradation of stadium in Kot Bhai Mr. Badal assured that district administration would start an door to door exercise to identify left out beneficiaries for Atta Dal , Pension and Shagun Scheme.
Announcing a enrollment drive for Akali Dal Mr. Badal said that 25 Lakh Akali workers and two lakh youth cadre would be enrolled within one month. He said that every Akali Worker, Youth Akali Cadre and Istari Akali Dal member would get photo identity card to give recognition to every grass root level worker of the party.

Prominent amongst those who were attendee the Sangat Darshan included Bibi Paramjit Kaur Gulshan Member Parliament, Mr. Jagjit Singh Nakai Chief Parliamentary Secretary, S.Gurpal Singh Gora Member SGPC, Navtej Singh Kauni Member SGPC , S. Hardeep Singh Dhillion , Mr. Surjit Singh Chairman , Mr.Gurpreet Singh , Mr. Darshan Singh Kotli, Mr. Tajinder Singh Midukhera Chairman. Deputy Commissioner Mr. Varun Rujam , DIG Border Range Mr. H.S.Chahal also attended the function.
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GOVERNOR CONFERS PRESIDENT’S POLICE MEDAL UPON 48 PUNJAB POLICE PERSONNELSHIVRAJ V. PATIL FOR SPECIALISED TRAINING OF POLICE PERSONNEL TO COUNTER FUTURE CHALLENGES

Chandigarh, December 8:

The Punjab Governor, Sh. Shivraj V. Patil today conferred President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service and Police Medals for Meritorious Service upon the 48 Punjab police personnel in an impressive investiture ceremony held first time here at Punjab Raj Bhawan.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor underlined the need to chalk out an immediate plan to counter the challenges of radiological, chemical and biological weapon usage in near future as per the intelligence gathered by the International agencies. He said that time has come to upgrade weaponry, training methodology and communication equipment of the state police forces to prepare the forces to meet the growing challenges of rapidly changing crime patterns especially white collared crimes and ever increasing usage of technology by criminals.

The Governor further asked for specialized training of Police officers and men so that there should be a specialized set up to deal with different type of crimes. He said that the State police must have its specialized units for effective traffic management, mob control, neutralizing terrorists and other hard core criminals, ensuring law and order situation and others responsibilities undertaken by the force.
The Governor pointed out that the Punjab Police had made a mark itself by crushing decade long terrorism in the State with most professional acumen and made innumerable sacrifices during this war against terrorism. Appreciating the Punjab Police for the exemplary efficiency and gallantry displayed by it while fighting sponsored terrorism in Punjab, the Governor cautioned the State police against any complacency as it has a long international border besides a hostile neighbour.

The Governor said that it becomes imperative to change the public perception of Police and it was only possible by instilling the sense of security amongst common masses and listening to their grievances in a sympathetic manner.

Congratulating the medal recipients, the Governor pointed out that their bravery and dedication to the service has been recognized by the nation and he was also feeling proud to honour such decorated officers with President's Police Medal for distinguished services and police medal for meritorious services.

Earlier, Punjab DGP Mr. P.S. Gill welcomed the Punjab Governor and congratulated medal recipients for their rare feat. He said that the Punjab police during its 150 years’ history have passed through many difficult times and always boldly withstood the challenges of time proved victorious and successful. He said that the Punjab police emerged as one of the bravest and competent police force of the country which effectively handled the most dreadful phase of terrorism. He said that to ensure better professional functioning it becomes imperative that appreciation and honour to be bestowed upon the thoroughly devoted and hard working police personnel in suitable ways. Mr. S.K. Sharma, ADGP/HRD & C.P. (TRG) proposed a vote of thanks on the occasion.

It may be mentioned here that President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service has been conferred upon Sh. Lok Nath Angra, IPS,SSP/Gurdaspur now DIG Bathinda Range, Sh. Pawan Kumar Uppal, PPS, SP, RTC, JRC, Sh. Braham Paul, PPS, AIG/CI, Punjab; Sh. Jagtar Singh, PPS, DSP 343/PAP/PPA/PHR and ASI Gurdev Singh 20/ Khanna, PS Sahnewal, Ludhiana City.

Similarly, Police Medal for Meritorious Service has been conferred upon Mr. B.K. Garg, IPS, IGP/Security, Punjab, Mr S.S. Chauhan, IPS, DIG, Jalandhar Range now IGP(Hqrs.), Mr. R.N.Dhoke, IPS, DIG/Int.-II, Punjab now Addl. Commissioner of Security, ( Civil Aviation), Bureau of Civil Aviation, Security, New Delhi, Mr. P.K. Sinha, IPS, SP, now Deputy Director, SVP, NPA, Hyderabad, Mr. Kamal Kumar, PPS, SP/Z, crime, Jalandhar, Mr. Makhan Singh, PPS, AIG, Counter Intelligence, Amritsar, Mr. Mandeep Singh, PPS,SP/ Excise & Taxation, Punjab, Mr. Gurdev Singh, PPS, SP PSHRC, Chandigarh, Mr. Inder Mohan Singh, PPS, SSP Mukatsar, Mr. Opinderjit Singh Ghuman,PPs, AIG, Counter-Intelligence, Jalandhar, Mr. Ashwani Kapoor, PPS, AIG/Personnel-II, Mr. Avtar Singh, PPS, DSP 298/PAP PRTC/JKN, Mr. Narinder Singh Rana, PPS, DSP, North Ludhiana City, Mr. Hardevinder Singh, PPS, DSP/Rural, Patiala, Mr. Dharm Singh Uppal, PPS, SP/Operation, SBS Nagar, Mr. Des Raj, PPS, DSP,Vigilance Bureau Unit, Bathinda, Mr. Balraj Singh Gill, PPS, ACP/Sahnewal, Ludhiana City, Mr. Lakhbir Singh, PPS, DSP, CID Unit, SAS Nagar, L/Inspr. Leela Devi, 1198/BTI Incharge Women Cell DPO, Jalandhar, Inspr. Mohinder Lal, 7/PPA, Phillaur, Inspr. Jagir Singh, 138/PAP CID Unit, Amritsar, Inspr. Ranjodh singh, 17/PR, Reader to DGP/Prison, Punjab, Inspr. Dilbagh Singh, 407/PAP, PPa, Phillaur, Inspr. Sukhjit Singh No. 388/PR, Incharge Training School, Fatehgarh Sahib, SI/ Inspr. Kabal Singh, 75/66, O/o AIG/CI/Amritsar, SI Sohan Lal, 800/PAP, RTC, PAP, JRC, SI Mohinder Pal, 217/PAP, PPA/PHR, SI Bahadur Singh, 837/PAP, RTC, Jalandhar, SI Amrik Singh, No. 472/W, O/o IGP Training Punjab, SI Deepak Rai, No. 771/PAP, Intelligence Hqrs., Punjab, SI Manjit Singh, 2012/Batala, PRTC, Jahan Khelan, SI Ashok Kumar, No. 884/PAP, 5th IRB, Amritsar, SI(Adhoc) Kulbir Singh, 16/RTC, PRTC/JKN, SI(LR) Kartar Singh, 262/LDH, Police Lines, Ludhiana City, Late ASI Hardev Singh, 380/ASR(R), ASI Harpal Singh, 2335/PAP, O/o ADGP/IVC-cum-HR, Punjab, ASI Sukhpal Singh, 57/PTL,PS city Rajpura, HC Satpal Singh, 249/JGN, LDH( R ), HC Balwant Rai, 7/PPA, PPA/PHR, HC Baldev Raj, 506/ GSP Police Control Room, Gurdaspur, HC Devinder Kumar, 988/LDH( R ), DPO, LDH ( R), HC Inder Mohan, 158/PTL, Accounts, Fatehgarh Sahib and HC Harjit Singh , 35/Moga, Police Lines, Moga.
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Majithia should eradicate drug addiction in his own constituency first: Bittu

YAD SHOULD NAME ITS CAMPAIGN “YOUTH AKALI DAL DA EHO NARA KHUSHAL HOVE BADAL PARIVAAR SARA” Youth akali dal is replicating the NAV INQUILAB YATRA owing to its success

DATED: 08-12-10
S. RAVNIT BITTU MP (ANANDPUR SAAHIB)

Bikram Singh Majithia instead of thinking about the youth of punjab, should think and concentrate on his own constituency and eradicate the drug addiction in his constituency majitha first. This would prove his claims about the upliftment of youth in the state. How can bikram claim for starting drug addiction awareness campaign when everybody knows that drug peddlers are working with the blessings of their political bosses and police. What has the government done in the last four years to address this problem? Reacting sharply on the remarks made by majthia about NAV INQUILAB YATRA, S Ravneet Bittu said that it is only because of the feed back which the government has got about the yatra now bikram also plans to mobilise the youth of the state. Where he was for four years of the rule when actually the youth of punjab needed a visionary leader? Bittu said that the proposed elevation of majithia as the president of youth akali dal clearly shows how badal family has captured the political arena of the state. From chief minister, then deputy chief minister, one member of parliament and now a first timer MLA that too close relative of badals is being made president of the youth akali dal. Will Mr majthia tell how many times he has toured punjab to know the problems of the people? What political background he carries except being related to badals ?

Bittu said that bikram should know merely talking in the media and issuing the press releases would not serve the purpose instead you have to walk to the voter and listen to their grievances. The focus of the campaign to be started by youth akali dal should be “YOUTH AKALI DAL DA EHO NARA KHUSHAL HOVE BADAL PARIVAAR SARA” instead of “youth akali dal da eho nara khushal hove Punjab sara”. Punjab is aware about the kind of massive interference bikram has in the government functioning. Before commenting on the yatra led by youth congress in Punjab bikram should just go and walk down across the state for just 500 km, not by just sitting in the monteros and talking about the upliftment of the youth. Everybody knows what fate did the last youth akali dal president got when he opposed the badal family. Now he is nowhere. What a democratic party where two or three of own selected leaders propose the name of bikram and that will be accepted by the president of the akali dal. Why doesn’t he go for democratic elections like the youth congress did in Punjab as first pilot state under the dynamic vision of Mr Rahul Gandhi.

Bittu said “I have travelled more than 1000 kms in Punjab listening to the every section of society, people are fed from this rule of shiromani akali dal – BJP”. After the success the NAV INQUILAB YATRA first manpreet badal decided to visit 117 constituencies and now youth akali dal decides to have meetings and mobilize the youth but none of them are ready to walk on foot and talk to those where the splendid SUV”s cant reach.
Calling for a social boycott of Chemists who along with quacks, drug peddlers and truck drivers have been identified as the main supply sources of drugs in Punjab Bittu said Chemists provide drugs to addicts without a prescription. Even many of the so-called de-addiction centres are actually proving to be addiction centres. These are, in fact, supplying drugs to the inmates. The number of chemist shops and de-addiction centres has increased at an unbelievable rate. Private de-addiction centres lack basic facilities but earn a quick buck.

Talking about the plight of farmers of punjab bittu said that the worse situation is with the farmer of punjab who once fed the whole country now is in the clucthes of money landers. Bittoo also demanded another Rs 100 bonus on the minimum support price of paddy from the union agriculture minister for the farmers of Punjab who were affected by bad weather and increase in cost of input prices so that they could be compensated. Bittoo also assured the farmers that he would personally take up the matter with Sh Rahul Gandhi so that needful is done for this.

Bittu said that the yatra is here not to ask for the votes from the electorate of Punjab, instead creating a mass movement in the state so that there is awareness among the masses. The yatra would cover more than 1300kms in 45 days traveling through every corner of the state and end up at Nanaksar in Moga district on 15 dec2010.
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PUNGRAIN AND PUNSUP TO DISBURSE 1st INSTALLMENT OF RS. 150 CRORE RELIEF BONUS TO THE FARMERS FROM DECEMBER 20

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 7:
In pursuance with its commitment, the Punjab Government has initiated the process of disbursement of first installment of relief bonus of Rs. 150 crore payable to the farmers on paddy for Kharif Marketing Season 2009-10.

Disclosing this here today the Secretary Food & Civil Supplies Mr. DS Grewal said that the State Government had already released 1st installment to the Procuring Agencies for onward distribution to the farmers. He further said that the Relief Bonus of Rs. 300 crore announced by the Punjab government was payable on Paddy- KMS 2009-10 @ Rs. 18.36 paise per quintal and being paid in two installments of Rs. 150 crore each.

Mr. Grewal also informed that the process of disbursement relief bonus had already been started by various procurement agencies and Punsup/Pungrain would commence distribution of cheques by 20th December 2010. He also pointed out that the Pungrain and Punsup have also decided to distribute this bonus through cheques in the name of farmers through Arthias.

The 2nd installment of the relief bonus amounting to Rs. 150 crore would be released by the Punjab Government during financial year 2011-12, added Mr. Grewal.
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Bonanza for Computer Teachers

COMPUTER TEACHERS TO BE REGULARIZED -SEKHWAN

Chandigarh, December 7:

The Punjab government has decided to regularize the services of Computer Teachers taken on contract by Punjab Information and Communication Technology Society (PICTS) constituted under Education department.

Punjab Education Minister Mr. Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan today gave this information to delegation of Computer Teachers that called on him at his office. He said that according to the notification issued by the Education Department eligible teachers would be regularized in PICTS with e.g. 1-7-2011. He said that only those computer teachers would be regularized who had completed two and half years service on 1-7-2011 and their work and performance was satisfactory. It would be also ensured that at the time of regularizing their services no departmental disciplinary proceedings were pending against the concerned teacher.

The Minister said that these computer teachers would be given basic scale of Rs. 10790/- equivalent to vocational masters and they would be covered under Punjab Civil Services Rules from 01-07-2011 and their appointing authority would be Director General School Education. The Minister categorically said that they would not be entitled to any benefit for their service during contract period.

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Punjab Government Nominates Dr. Jaspal Singh as Member of PLSA

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 7:

Punjab Government has nominated Dr. Jaspal Singh, Reader and Head, Law Department, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar as a Member of the Legal Services Authority for the State of Punjab in place of Dr. Harpal Kaur Khaira.

Revealing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Legal Services Authority said that a notification in this regard has already been issued

 

 


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