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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED
Chandigarh, November 25:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Rabi Season through Canal water from 27-11-2010 to 4-12-2010. 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 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. 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 Lower and Sabraon Branch, with their distributaries respectively.
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129.23LAKH TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB`

Chandigarh, November 25: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 12923485 tonnes of Paddy till last evening.

A spokesman of Punjab Govt. said here today that out of total procurement in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 12744054 tonnes (98.6%) whereas private traders procured 179431 tonnes (1.4%) of paddy. Till October 24, PUNGRAIN had procured 4002607 tonnes (31.4%) whereas MARKFED procured 2659281 tonnes (20.9%), PUNSUP procured 2986192 tonnes (23.4%), PSWC procured 1477834 tonnes (11.6%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 1107495 tonnes (8.7 %) of paddy.
The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 510645 tonnes (4.0%).
The spokesman added that District Ludhiana with 1504888 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Sangrur with 1447195 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Patiala 1202765 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.
The State Government has set up almost 1700 procurement centers and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added.
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SHIROMANI AKALI DAL
SUKHBIR’S OPEN CHALLENGE FOR DEBATE ON ECONOMIC AGENDA
• CASTIGATES CONGRESS PARTY FOR NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN
• AIR CONDITIONED MULTI STORIED INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE IN
MOHALI WITHIN SEVEN MONTHS
• INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FROM MOHALI AIRPORT NEXT YEAR
• SEEKS MANDATE ON DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

SAS Nagar Mohali, November 25 :

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal President Shiromani Akali Dal and Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today threw an open challenge to opposition parties for a debate on economic agenda and development initiatives of SAD-BJP government during last four years.

Speaking to the media persons Mr. Badal castigated the Congress leadership for their negative campaign and said that during last four years Congress could not point out a single development project initiated during their tenure. He said that perplexed by series of development initiatives in virtually every sector and governance reforms initiated by the government to make the lives of citizens easy, the Congress party was hell bent to scuttle positive development initiatives by launching negative campaign. He said that Congress specially after getting lifetime drubbing in Bihar elections, was facing the electoral extinction of the party, as vigilant electorate have understood the divide and rule game of congress party . He said that now electorates wants to give mandate to only those parties who have development oriented vision. He said that SAD-BJP government during last four years besides initiating work on thermal plants in Goindwal, Talwandi Sabo, Rajpura, Gidderbaha, Mansa and exploring to more thermal plants in Jalandhar and Amritsar, was moving with the focused approach to make Punjab No. 1 state in power generation that could sell surplus power to other states, subsidizing power for domestic sector on the basis of profit earned from selling power to other states.

Outlining the development initiatives Mr. Badal said that our government with the ambitious Rs.6669 crore plan to link all major cities with four/six lane roads has completed 32 ROBs, whereas in Congress regime hardly two ROBs were completed during five year tenure. He said that previous Congress regime remain dormant for first four years and in the election year they focused on Vikas Yatra road show and tried to lure farming community with free power lollypop. He said that SAD-BJP government on the other hand focused on development right from the first day and fulfilled pro farm and pro poor promises like free power, Atta –Dal and Shagu,n despite empty coffers left behind by Congress. He said that instead of penalizing the people the SAD-BJP government focused on plugging the loopholes in revenue collection and doubled the revenue growth within four years. He said that Congress could not digest 100 percent growth in revenue during SAD-BJP regime against average three percent growth registered during congress rule and was taking diversionary stand to justify extra ordinary growth in revenue during last four years. He said that while questioning revenue growth Congress has admitted itself that price rise of essential commodities and petrol and diesel was 100 percent during last four years and that shows the kind of governance Congress led UPA government was giving to the people. He said that Bihar verdict was a kind of punishment meted out by people to Congress led UPA government, for crushing them with unprecedented price hike.

Announcing a multi million International Trade Centre for Mohali Mr. Badal said that next month we will lay the foundation stone of multi storeyed Air Conditioned Convention Centre to be constructed on the pattern of International Expo Centre recently constructed at Greater Noida. He said that along with this convention centre with five star hotels and golf range in Mohali, all international conventions would be held in this fast upcoming city. He said that this convention centre would be completed within seven months and land has already been acquired for this ambitious project. Mr. Badal said that Mohali would be soon on International aviation network with the starting of international flights from Mohali early next year. He said that he met Union Civil Aviation Minister Mr. Praful Patel yesterday at Delhi who has allowed International flights from the existing terminal till the second terminal was completed.
Questioning the propaganda of poor financial health of the state Mr. Badal said that the Punjab government has started various developments in Mohali alone totaling Rs. 2200 crores whereas in Ludhiana was witnessing projects worthRs. 1100 crores. He said that this could be possible only with the prudent financial planning and extra ordinary revenue growth.

Earlier addressing mammoth party meeting Mr. Badal appealed to the people to not to get emotionally swayed by false propaganda and re-elect the SAD-BJP government on the basis of development initiatives during last four years.

Hitting out at Congress led UPA government for looting the treasury of the people Mr. Badal said that by cosmetic sacking of one minister, UPA cannot account for Rs. 1.72 lakh crores of tax money looted during last one year. He said that we would recover every single penny of this tax payer’s hard earned money when NDA assumes powers at Centre.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Mr. Hira Singh Gabria Cabinet Minister and Distt Observer of SAS Nagar, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema Secretary and Spokesman of SAD, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhuner and Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra both General Secretaries, Jathedar Ujagar Singh Badali and Jasjit Singh Bunny both MLAs, Mr. NK Sharma Chairman Distt Planning Committee and Incharge of Mohali constituency, Mr. Balraj Singh Shergill Patron, Mr. Jaswant Singh Bhullar President of urban unit of SAD, Surjit Singh Garhi and Nirmail Singh Jola both executive members of SGPC and Jathedar Amrik Singh Mohali member working committee SAD besides others.
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Sukhpal Singh Khaira,MLA, Bholath

Press Release 25.11.10Subject:

Congress welcomes grant of voting rights to NRIs. The people of Punjab and the congress party welcome the landmark and historic decision of the UPA govt. led by Dr. Manmohan Singh to grant voting rights to Non Resident Indians (NRIs). As we are aware millions of people of Indian origin reside in various countries and of those a large number are Punjabi’s. Therefore, by passing the Representation of People (Amendment) Bill 2010 during the mansoon session of Parliament and issuing a gazette notification to this effect, the govt. has brought cheers to all NRIs across the globe.

As far as the progressive Punjabi community is concerned, going by rough estimates approx. 5 million Punjabi’s are residing abroad which is nearly one fifth of Punjabi’s population. Granting voting rights to NRIs would mean including them in the policy and decision making process of our country.

It is particularly a welcome decision for my constituency of Bholath which alone has over 50,000 people abroad and that electoral rolls were shrinking in Bholath due to huge exodus of citizens to various countries. Now as per notification all those having Indian passports, who have not taken citizenship of another country are entitled to vote.

By according voting rights to NRIs the govt. of Indian has acceded to a long pending demand of the NRIs. I feel with this step the NRIs would become a part and parcel of our mainstream politics. All political parties and candidates would from henceforth accord top priority to the problems of the NRIs and mere lip service would not be sufficient.

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Press Release from Jassi Khangura MLA

Engaging contracted security protection in New York at Government cost is an insult to the common man.

The Punjab CM has every right to procure medical treatment for Mrs Badal overseas, but to engage contracted private security at state cost is not acceptable.

The Punjab CM is perhaps the only CM in India who needs contracted private security overseas.

Although the indicative charges are approximately Rs.20 lakhs the final bill may well be much higher, possibly more than Rs.1 crore.

When the ruling family has more than sufficient resources to meet this payment themselves why burden the state treasury?

Is the CM so afraid of the overseas relatives of the victims of his raj that he needs personal security in New York?

Well, why not use the same private security to thoroughly frisk these very people before they meet the CM?

The CM should make every effort to meet Punjabis in New York, even those that disagree with his policies.

It is certainly an acknowledgement by the ruling family that resentment caused by their intimidation, plunder and loot in Punjab has resulted in increased risk to them overseas.

Many therapists recommend the meeting of aggressors and victims. That is something the CM may wish to sample at this juncture in the crisp and cool New York climate.

One thing is certain: neither Capt Amrinder Singh nor Manpreet Badal would not need private contracted security personnel in New York.

Perhaps the full extent of the abuse of the state treasury by the ruling family will only be revealed after they have been removed from office.
Regards,

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SHIROMANI AKALI DAL CONGRESS TO MEET BIHAR FATE IN PUNJAB- SUKHBIR
· REJECTION OF TAMASHA, ROAD SHOW/YATRA POLITICS- APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

Chandigarh, November 24

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab and President Shiromani Akali Dal today said that Punjab Congress would meet Bihar fate in Punjab as electorate have rejected “Tamasha and Road Show politics” putting a stamp of approval on development agenda.

Congratulating Mr. Nitish Kumar, Bihar Chief Minister for historic electoral victory of Janata Dal – BJP combine in Bihar Vidhan Sabha Polls, Mr. Badal said that it was a firm endorsement of development initiatives of Nitish Kumar’s Government and total rejection of multibillion scam tainted Congress party that was responsible for unprecedented price hike of essential commodities during last three years.
Mr. Badal said that people of Punjab would also reject ‘road show and yatra politics’ of Punjab Congress and its new found allies and reelect SAD- BJP Government for its visionary development initiatives for the State. He said that by completing record 32 ROBs, connecting all cities with 4/6 lane roads, constructing three International and FOUR Domestic Airports, computerizing all land records, ushering in governance reforms, simplifying revenue laws and providing 100% water supply and sewerage coverage in all major mandies, the SAD BJP Government has moved with the focused development in all spheres. He said that Congress party during his tenure what to talk of development initiatives, could not provide government job a single Punjabi youth whereas SAD BJP Government besides recruiting 44000 teachers has provided employment to over 10000 youth in Police force.
He said that Bihar elections have also proved one thing that Congress party’s propaganda of Central funds has fallen flat as vigilant electorate was well aware that there was no central fund but it was share of states in the taxes collected from the particular state.

Mr. Badal said that SAD BJP Government was committed to development agenda and was sure of people’s repeat mandate for its progressive initiatives.
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Protest March by Ex-Servicemen Wing of SAD against non-acceptance of the demand of “One Rank-One Pension” by the Central Government. Chandigarh November 24: Eng. Gurjinder Singh Sidhu President Ex-Servicemen Wing of Shiromani Akali Dal has resented the decision of the Central Government to reject the genuine demand of One Rank-One Pension. He has described the announcement made in this regard in Lok Sabha by Defence Minister of India Sh. A. K. Antony has most unfortunate. Mr. Sidhu has stated that organization would continue its struggle till this demand is accepted by the Central Government.

In a press statement issued by President of Ex-Servicemen Wing, Shiromani Akali Dal from the Head office of Shiromani Akali Dal, the organization has declared a “Protest March” to express their anguish against the non-acceptance of this demand by the Central Government. The “Protest March” will commence w.e.f. 5th December from Barnala and would terminate at Amar Jawan Jyoti New Delhi after passing through Bathinda, Muktsar, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Moga, Tarn Taran, Shri Amritsar Sahib, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Ambala, Panipat and Karnal. This march would be received by the senior party leaders at various points in Punjab. The march would be completely peaceful and on reaching Amar Jawan Jyoti tributes would be paid to the martyrs Eng. Sidhu has appealed to all the organizations of Ex-Servicemen to participate and support this move to achieve the target of “One Rank-One Pension”. Capt. Jarnail Singh Jalajan, Capt. Gurmeet Singh Ropar, Subedar Sukhpal Singh Fatehgarh Sahib, Capt. Buta Singh Sahota, Subedar Major Hardeep Singh and Jagsir Singh Chauhan were also present in the press conference.

(Eng. Gurjinder Singh Sidhu)President, Ex-Servicemen WingShiromani Akali Dal.
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BEGINNING OF THE END FOR CONGRESS: BADAL PUNJAB SET TO REPEAT BIHAR OUTCOME ON DEVLEOPMENT AGENDA PEOPLE REJECT CONGRESS TIRADE AGAINST NITISH’S POLICY ON SUBSIDIES

Chandigarh November 24 - The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal said here today that the victory of the National Democratic Alliance in he Bihar assembly elections “reflects the national mood against the Congress and are the beginning of the end of that party’s politics of ‘confuse, divide and rule’ in the country. People of Bihar have at the same time delivered a forceful endorsement of the development agenda and a rejection of the cheap political theatricals indulged in by the ruling alliance at the center.

In a statement here released here, the Chief Minister, “The results also show that the people have punished the Congress party for its efforts to defame the Nitish government on the issue of subsidies and their impact on the state’s economy. The Congress is committing the same blunder in Punjab and will meet the same fate in the next assembly elections here,” said Mr. Badal.

The Chief Minister also said that the Bihar results were also the people’s verdict against unprecedented corruption rampant in the Congress-led UPA government at the center. He said that campaigning by central Congress leaders in these elections had actually boom-ranged on that party because of their association with corruption. Refusal to listen to the Opposition’s legitimate demand for a JPC probe into the 1.76 lakh crore 2-G Scam has also convinced the people that the Congress was trying to hide its corrupt deals. Lakhs of crores worth of money which has been siphoned away in corruption scams was enough to feed the country for decades to come.,” said Mr. Badal.

Mr. Badal said that the SAD-BJP alliance was all set to repeat the Bihar results on the development plank. “In fact, the results of the next assembly elections in Punjab would send an even more resounding message because the pace of development activity in the state during the past nearly four years is unprecedented anywhere in the country. Plus, our efforts to put the economy of the state back on track have already begun to produce results, as the nearly 100% increase in the growth rate of revenue collections showed..”

Meanwhile, SAD General Secretary and Spokesman Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal has said that the Bihar results have “conclusively showed that incumbency becomes an asset for governments that put development on the top of their agenda. He said that in Punjab, the SAD-BJP alliance has set a hectic pace of development with path-breaking initiatives in the power, civil aviation, infrastructure, education, health and social welfare sectors.
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PUNJAB CM CALLS ON MR.GHULAM NABI AZAD UNION HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE MINISTER

Chandigarh NOV 23: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in a meeting with Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad Union Health and Family Welfare Minister this evening at New Delhi strongly pleaded for speedy clearance of Rs.61 crore projects for up-gradation and strengthening of Patiala Medical College infrastructure. He told the Union Minister that the state government has already made commitment for 25% contribution for the project. He also requested for increasing the number of post graduate seats from the present strength of 120 to 197.

Similarly the Chief Minister also requested the union minister that Amritsar Medical College may also be upgraded under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna(PMSSY) and the project worth Rs125 crores has already been submitted to the Union Health Ministry. He also stressed for expediting the clearances for starting construction of Advanced Diagnostic Centre under PMSSY at a cost of Rs25 crores. He also sought the intervention of Union Minister for sanctioning funds amounting to Rs.52 crores for Low End Equipment for Medical College, Bebe Nanaki Centre and Advanced Diagnostic Centre, besides expediting purchase of” High End Equipment by Government of India at the cost of Rs.30 crore for the same.

Mr. Badal informed the Union Minister that the Punjab Government has already passed an act for setting up Guru Ravidas Ayurveda University, Hoshiarpur. A proposal for one time assistance of Rs10 crore has been sent to Government of India. He requested the Minister to expedite the approval.
Responding to the issues presented by the Chief Minister, The Union Health Minister Mr.Ghulam Nabi Azad told Mr.Badal that he will soon hold a meeting with Medical Council of India in which Secretary Medical Education of Punjab and Principal Medical College will also be invited to discuss the infrastructure development and other issues of the Institution. Referring to the Amritsar Medical College, Union Minister informed that he will call a meeting of the Senior Officers of his ministry to discuss and expedite the issues. On the subject of setting of Guru Ravi Das Ayurveda University, Mr.Azad informed the Chief Minister that more information already sought from the Punjab Government may be sent and necessary approval will be expedited.

Mr.D.S.Guru Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Mr.K.Siva Parsad Resident Commissioner Punjab accompanied the Chief Minister.
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BADAL CALLS UPON PEOPLE TO FOLLOW THE LEGACYOF SRI GURU TEG BAHADUR JI

CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 23: The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today exhorted the people to follow the high ideals of secularism, humanism, compassion, tolerance and the spirit of self-sacrifice as preached and practiced by 'Hind Di Chaadar' - the Ninth Guru Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji.
Paying glorious tributes to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji, on his 336th martyrdom day, the Chief Minister in a message said that this historic day is a solemn occasion to perpetuate ethos of peace, harmony and national integeration as propagated by Guru ji. Mr. Badal said: “Guru Teg Bahadur’s saga of supreme sacrifice is not only unique but also un-paralleled in the history of mankind that symbolized the crusade against tyranny and oppression”.

The Chief Minister appealed to the people to observe this day with fervor to rededicate ourselves to serve society especially the poor and downtrodden with dedication and missionary zeal rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion, which would be a real homage to Guru Teg Bahadur ji".
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GURU TEG BAHADURJI WAS AN EPITOME OF GREAT COURAGE AND CONVICTION-SUKHBIR

Chandigarh, November 23: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister today called upon people to follow high ideals of secularism, humanism and spirit of selfless sacrifice as preached and practiced by ‘Hind-Ki-Chhadar’ Guru Teg Bahadur ji. In a message on the eve of martyrdom day of ninth Guru, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Guru Teg Bahadur was an epitome of great courage and conviction. The supreme sacrifice made by the great Guru beckons us to uphold the truth and justice at any cost. His teachings of selfless service and brotherhood will continue to inspire generations to come, he added. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that this sacred day of the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur ji gives us an opportunity to resolve to prove ourselves worthy of his legacy. He said that the ideals of secularism and humanism which the Guru stood for would continue to guide our path always.

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EMBRACE THE VALUES OF TOLERANCE AND STRENGTHEN THE MOSAIC OF COMMUNAL HARMONY-UPINDERJIT KAUR

Chandigarh November 23-Finance Minister, Punjab Dr Upinderjit Kaur today called upon people to embrace the values of tolerance, spirit of selfless sacrifice and strengthen the mosaic of cultural and communal harmony in the country as preached and practiced by ninth guru, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.
In a message on the eve of the martyrdom day, Dr Upinderjit Kaur said: "The life, teachings and martyrdom of ‘Hind-Ki-Chhadar’ Guru Teg Bahadur Ji form a message of ever-lasting significance of oneness of all mankind, service and secularism. Guru Ji sacrificed his entire life for the welfare of the deprived and the needy. His teachings would continue to inspire generations to come." Adding further she said: “Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s supreme sacrifice is unique and un-paralleled in the history of mankind and symbolized the crusade against tyranny and oppression” .

The Finance Minister has said that Guru Teg Bahadur's Martyrdom Day is a solemn occasion to remember the teachings and greatness of the sacrifices of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. "On this day, let all of us resolve to re-dedicate ourselves to his message of love, ideals of equality and spirit of selfless sacrifice," she added.
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CRUSHING OF SUGERCANE STARTS FROM NOVEMBER 25- THANDAL

Chandigarh, November 23

Crushing of Sugarcane in Punjab Sugar mills will be started from November 25, 2010.
Disclosing this here today Chief Parliamentary Secretary Agriculture Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal said that all 17 sugar mills of Punjab would be functional for crushing from November 25.
He said that about 84000 hectare agriculture land was under sugarcane this year. As many as Nine cooperative and Eight private sugar mills would starts crushing from November 25.
He further said that instruction had been issued to administrative officers of all sugar mills for prompt payment to the farmers for their produce. Minimum Rs. 200 per quintal for sugarcane has been fixed for this year, he added.