September 27, Punjab News Updated

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CM REVIEWS ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FOUNDATIONLAYING CEREMONIES OF HISTORIC WAR MEMORIALS APPEALS EVERYONE TO PARTICIPATE THESE MEGA

EVENTSChandigarh September 27

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the arrangements for the foundation laying ceremonies of three historic Sikh war memorials of Wada Ghalughara at Kup Rahiran in Sangrur District, Chhota Ghalughara in Chak Abdalwari near Kahnuwan in Gurdaspur District and Chhaparchiri in District S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) and appealed to one and all to participate with full vigour and enthusiasm to make these mega events a grand success.Presiding over three separate meetings of the MLAs, Ministers, eminent personalities, senior civil and police officers from Mohali, Ropar, Gurdaspur and Sangrur districts here at Punjab Bhawan this evening, Mr. Badal finalized the modalities of these functions to be held in connection with Chhaparchiri war memorial on October 9, Wada Ghalughara on October 18 and Chhota Ghalughara on October23 in the presence of Managing Editor the Ajit group of Newspapers Dr. Barjinder Singh Hamdard, who was a special invitee on the occasion. It may be recalled that on the pursuance of Chief Minister, the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the renowned Infrastructure company Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Mr. A.M. Naik had agreed in principal to execute the construction of these prestigious memorials to at a cost of Rs. 44 crore and deputed the senior vice president of L&T Mr. A.K. Chhatwani to represent him on these special events.Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary Tourism Ms Geetika Kalha apprised the Chief Minister that the construction work of these projects had already been allotted to L&T by PWD (B&R) department as per the approved design plans. She also informed that the project cost of Chhaparchiri was estimated Rs. 27 crore, Chhota Ghalughara was Rs. 8 crore and Wadda Ghalughara was Rs. 9 crore and all these projects would be competed by September 30, 2011.On this occasion, Ms. Renu Khanna, an eminent architect consultant made a power point presentation on the lay out design and pattern of these monuments in consonance with the historic background.

The Chief Minster impressed upon the MLAs, Ministers, Members of the SGPC to make all out efforts to celebrate these functions in a befitting manner to enable not only the people of Punjab but also in the country as well as across the globe, especially the younger generation to be informed about the paramount significance of these great legendary events in the Sikh History. He also approved the design and pattern of the invitation cards, posters and booklet depicting the brief history related to these monuments. Mr. Badal directed the Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University Patiala Dr. Jaspal Singh and Chairman Punjab State Backward Classes Commission Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar to coordinate with the prominent intellectuals and personalities from different walks of life to be invited on these functions. He also asked his adviser Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema to prepare a list of invitees among the renowned serving and retired senior Sikh defence officers in general and all the ranks of Sikh Regiment in particular. Prominent among other who attended the meeting included Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Tourism Minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Agriculture Minister Mr. Sucha Singh Langah, Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, PWD (B&R) Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Finance Mr. Raj Khurana, former Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, former Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, former Parliamentary Secretary and MLA Batala Mr. Jagdish Sahni, SAD General Secretary Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Chairman Milkfed Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babehali, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. D.S. Guru, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary PWD (B&R) Mr. Kulbir Singh and Director Tourism Mr.Hussan Lal, and Director Information & Public Reactions Mr. DS Mangat. Apart from these senior leadership and party workers of SAD-BJP and members of the SGPC were also present in these meetings.
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CHIEF MINISTER OFFICE PUNJAB MASTER PLAN OF AMRITSAR APPROVED HISTORIC RAMBAGH AND GOBINDGARH FORT INCLUDEDIN HERITAGE ZONE OF LPA DRY

PORT NEAR ATTARI MOOTED Chandigarh September 27:

The Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today approved the Master plan of Amritsar in the 20th meeting of Punjab Regional & Town Planning & Development Board here at Chief Minister's residence this morning. Presiding over the meeting of the Board, Mr. Badal was apprised by the Chief Town Planner that Ahemdabad based Company Sai Consulting Engineers was entrusted with the task of preparation of the Master Plan of Amritsar with the Local planning Area (LPA) of 1394.19 sq Km in view of the future requirements of population by 2031. The projected population for the Amritsar LPA was placed at nearly 30 lac in 2031 from 16.10 lac in 2010, whereas for the Amritsar Metropolis it has been worked out as 20 lac. The Master plan had covered the adjoining towns of Jandila, Rayya, Raja Sansi & Majitha, whereas it had already covered the Verka, Amritsar Cantt & Cheartta in addition to 310 rural settlements. It may be recalled that Sai Consulting Engineers had been given the responsibility of the preparation of the Master Plans of six cities namely Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Batala and Pathankot, of which Master Plan of Amritsar has been cleared and others are under the advanced stage of finalization. To boost industrialization and economic growth of the Amritsar region in a big way, the Master Plan had also incorporated three major industrial pockets over an area of 8000 acre to be developed along with the roads of Tarn Taran, Majitha & Mehta, besides the other industrial units forming clusters in and around Amritsar. Considering the proximity and importance of Taran Tarn & Amritsar, the growth & development of both cities have been integrated in the Master plan of Amritsar & Taran Taran.In view of the Heritage & Religio-cultural importance of Amritsar city, the master plan had given a special status to the walled city as a 'heritage zone' to be developed on special guidelines rules & regulations with a focus to decongest the walled city to undertake pedestrianization (Walk ways), conservation and preservation of heritage built environment, thereby creating more open space. Special emphasis had been laid develop spacious parking lots on the fringe of the 14 historic gates of the walled city, which would be given a new face lift as a part of the heritage conservation. Historic monuments of Rambagh and Gobindgarh fort had also been included in the 'heritage zone' out side the walled city of Amritsar.To rationalize the future growth and development in order to promote orderly and integrated planning, Development Control Regulation had been provided to regulate the height (FAR) and parking etc. Under the new master plan, international airport at Raja Sansi would be upgraded with ultramodern facilities both for passenger and cargo flights. Besides, efforts were afoot to develop Amritsar as a hub of international trade with the proposal to establish a dry port on G.T. road at Attari border. To streamline the smooth vehicular traffic in the LPA, southern bye-pass along with a network of outer ring road with 80 meters width, middle and inner ring roads of 60 and 40 meters wide had also been proposed in the master plan. These roads would also regulate the inter and intra-city transport. Battery operated vehicles and Personnel Rapid Transport (PRT) system was also being introduced in the walled city of Amritsar to considerably reduce the level of vehicular pollution.The Board also gave green signal for the numbering of the sectors under the already approved Mullanpur master plan. In another decision, the board also approved the merger of the different industrial zones marked in the Ludhiana Master Plan into a single industrial zone subject to the compliance of norms prescribed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board.Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Agriculture Minister Mr. Sucha Singh Langah, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Housing and Urban Development Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. D.S. Guru, Principal Secretary Industries Mr. S.S. Channy, Financial Development Rural Development and Panchayats Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Secretary Science,Technology and Environment Mr. Viswajeet Khanna, Secretary Local Government Mr. S.S. Rajput, Secretary Housing and Urban Development Mr. S.S. Sandhu, Director Local Government Mr. S.K. Sharma, Chief Administrator GAMADA Mr. Vivek Partap Singh,, Chief Administrator PUDA Mr. Sarvjit Singh, Chief Town Planner Mr. Kuldip Singh, Adviser Technical GAMADA/PUDA Mr. Rajinder Gupta and Member Secretary PPCB Mr. Babu Ram.
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FM TO APPROACH CENTRE TO INCREASE PUNJAB'S BORROWING LIMIT

Chandigarh September 27:

Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal Finance Minister Punjab said that the Punjab government would approach the Central Government in the first week of October to increase the borrowing limit of the state so that the arrears to the employees could be paid in installments/cash before Diwali this year.
This was stated here today by Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal at a meeting with the delegation of the Employees Welfare Board, Punjab under the Chairmanship of S. Surinder Singh Pehalwan in Chandigarh. The other members of the delegation included S.Karamjit Singh Bhagrawa, President Employees Front, Hardev Singh Jawanda, President Teachers Front, Harpal Singh Teja, General Secretary, Manjeet Singh Chahl Secretary General, B.S.Sekhon, Senior Vice President, Employees wing (SAD) and Gurcharn Singh Kohli, Senior Vice President.

The Minister while approving their demand of rural area allowance, said that keeping in view the resources position of the state, the enhanced amount of Rural Area allowance calculated @ 6% of revised basic pay would be payable from April 1, 2011. While accepting the ex-gratia payment demand of the deputation, the Minister said that the enhanced rate would be effective retrospectively from January 1, 2006.

Referring to the training allowance, the Minister said that the revised rate would be effective from October 1, 2010. The members of the delegation demanded that the arrears of DA from 1-1-2006 be paid at the earliest to which the Minister assured them that keeping in mind the financial health of the state, the arrears would be paid in two installments before Diwali. Regarding the conveyance allowance and miscellaneous allowances, the Minister said that the revised rates from 1-10-2010 would be effective immediately with the issue of the circular.

The Minister also assured them that the government was fully committed towards the welfare of the employees and all their genuine demands would be sympathetically reviewed and subsequently considered.
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CM GIVES NOD TO ALLOT CONSTRUCTION OF SIKH MONUMENTS TO L&T AT A COST OF RS. 42 CRORE

Chandigarh September 24:

In a significant decision, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave in principal approval for the construction of historic monuments of Wada Ghalughara at Kup Rahiran in Sangrur District, Chhota Ghalughara in Chak Abdalwari near Kahnuwan in Gurdaspur District and Chhaparchiri in District S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) to the renowned Infrastructure company Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at cost of Rs. 42 crore.

Presiding over a high level meeting to review the progress of these legendary monuments here at Chief Minister's residence this evening, Mr. Badal was apprised by the Chief Engineer PWD (B&R) that the work of these projects had been allotted to L&T as per the approved design plan prepared by the prominent architect Ms. Renu Khanna. The project cost of Chhaparchiri was Rs. 25 crore, Chhota Ghalughara was Rs. 8 crore and Wadda Ghalughara was Rs. 9 crore and all these projects would be competed by September 30, 2011.

The Chief Minster also decided to commemorate the foundation laying ceremonies of these monuments in a befitting manner so that the people across the globe could be informed about the importance of these events in the Sikh History.

The Chief Minister alongwith Mr. A.K. Chatwani, senior vice president of L&T, the chief guest would lay foundation stone of these monuments at Chhaparchiri on October 9, Wada Ghalughara on October 18 and Chhota Ghalughara on October 23.

The Chief Minister also constituted a committee comprising Information & Public Relations Minister, Tourism Minister, VC Punjabi University Patiala Mr. Jaspal Singh and his Advisor to finalize the details of these programmes.

Prominent among other who attended the meeting included Tourism Minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. D.S. Cheema, Chief Secretary Mr. S.C. Aggarwal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. D.S. Guru, Chairman Punjab State Backward Classes Commission Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, Secretary PWD (B&R) Mr. Kulbir Singh, Principal Secretary Tourism Mrs. Geetika Kalha and Director Tourism Mr. Hussan Lal.
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SUKHBIR FINALIZES CONCEPTUAL PLAN OF 14 SPORTS STADIUMS

• STADIUMS SET TO BE READY BY 15TH AUGUST 2011
• 8 MULTIPURPOSE AND 5 HOCKEY STADIUMS AND PUNJAB SCHOOL OF SPORTS TO BE OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
  
  
  Chandigarh, September 24:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today approved the conceptual plan of 14 flood lit sports stadiums of International standards including 8 multipurpose stadiums, 5 hockey stadiums, Punjab Institute of Sports and Punjab School of Sports to be constructed at the cost of Rs. 123 crores by 15th August, 2011.

Mr. Badal approved the designs of multipurpose stadium to be constructed at Sports Stadium Bathinda, War Hero Stadium, Sangrur, Outdoor stadium Hoshiarpur, Guru Nanak Stadium Amritsar, NM College Stadium Mansa, Government College Stadium Gurdaspur, Guru Gobind Singh Stadium Jalandhar and Guru Nanak Stadium Ludhiana. The floodlit Hockey Stadiums would be constructed at Govt. Barjindra College, Faridkot, PAU Ludhiana, GNDU Amritsar and Burlton Park, Jalandhar besides Rs. 25 crore Stadium at Sector 63 Mohali. It was a decided to provide flood light facilities in 10 stadiums at Faridkot, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Bathinda, Sangrur, Hoshiarpur, Guru Nanak Stadium Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Guru Gobind Singh Stadium Jalandhar and Guru Nanak Stadium Ludhiana to enable day and night matches, so that maximum public could enjoy these matches.
Mr. Badal approving the plans directed Secretary Sports to ensure that International level construction firms should be given the responsibility of constructing these stadiums. He informed that funds for the construction of these stadiums have already been tied up with various agencies and tenders for these stadiums would be floated by October 15, 2010. Mr. Badal said that he was determined to hold next World Cup Kabbadi and World Cup Hockey in the newly constructed floodlit stadiums and it should be ensure that these stadiums are ready fully by 15th August, 2011.

Besides these stadiums the meeting also approved Regional Sports Centre and World Class Hockey stadium in Sector 63, Mohali for which funds would be provided by PUDA. The meeting also approved Punjab Institute of Sports to be constructed at Bathinda with the facilities of Astroturf, Synthetic tracks, and separate residential hostels for boys and girls, school building with teaching facilities from class IV to class XII and a separate college for the students. The estimated cost of this project has been pegged at Rs. 40 crores.

To ensure the speedy completion of these projects different agencies including Bathinda Development Authority, Mandi Board, Punjab PWD, Improvement Trust Jalandhar, GLADA, PIDB, and Punjab Sports Council have been given responsibility to fund and construct stadiums in a time bound manner.

Mr. Badal directed that Secretary Sports would lay the strict quality control standards and Punjab State Sports Council would monitor the construction of these stadiums. The construction agencies of various departments would not charge any departmental charges for the execution of these projects.
Prominent amongst those who attend the meeting included Mr. Viswajeet Khanna, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. P.S.Aujla , Secretary Sports, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Additional Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Pargat Singh, Director Sports and Mr. S.L.Lotey, Assistant Director Sports.
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PSSS BOARD INVITES ON LINE APPLICATIONS

CHANDIGARH: 24 SEPTEMBER

Punjab Subordinate Service Selection Board has invited online applications for the posts of clerks, junior scale stenographers, steno typists and assistant superintendent jail/welfare officers/probation officers for different departments.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the government informed that the last date for applying these posts is October 5, 2010 till 5pm. Clarifying further he said that these selections would be made purely on merit together with a written test.
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The NJA Regional Judicial Conference on ‘Enhancing Quality of Adjudication’

Chandigarh September 24:-

The NJA Regional Judicial Conference on ‘Enhancing Quality of Adjudication’ was today inaugurated at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy. This regional conference has been organized by the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal and Punjab & Haryana High Court. Delegates numbering approximately 120 from the 7 neighboring states have assembled at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy to participate in the conference. Hon’ble Mr. Justice S.K. Mittal, Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court welcomed the delegates from the northern region of the country. The Hon’ble Judge emphasized that the objective of the conference is to provide forum that failitates the sharing of knowledge and promotes interaction among the participant judges from different states in the region on the vexed question of defining and enhancing quality of adjudication in our legal system.

In his inaugural address, Hon’ble the Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal, Punjab & Haryana High Court stressed the need to approach the dispensation of justice from the view point of the litigants especially those who belong to the disadvantaged, vulnerable and poorer sections of the society. While operating the judicial system it should be recognized that the goals and aspirations enshrined in the preamble to our constitution are not meant to inspire and guide only the highest echelons of our judicial edifice. These guiding principles must always be kept in view and followed by the judiciary at all levels from the lowest to the highest. While confronted with problems involving violation of human rights and infraction of constitutional values, the judiciary, irrespective of the level at which such problems crop up, must inculcate in itself a firm conviction that it must address the problems and find appropriate solutions keeping in mind the constitutional values. However, this must be done within the existing legal frame work established under the laws enacted for the purpose. The statutes and all other laws must be interpreted and applied in the light of goals and ideals that are enshrined in the preamble and other parts of the constitution. He emphasized that the disadvantaged, the poor and the weak who cannot arrange legal help themselves must be provided with legal aid through legal aid counsel and in emergent situations which do not brook any delay the courts must appoint amicus curiae from amongst competent and willing members of the bar.

This was followed by a vote of thanks by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hemant Gupta, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court. Thereafter Prof. Dr. G.Mohan Gopal, Director, NJA gave an introductory speech. He emphasized the importance of holding such conferences from time to time so that the quality of justice delivery system achieves its goals and enjoys complete public trust. The participants dispersed to reassemble in four break out groups to reflect on the following issues:-
i) How should the quality of adjudication be defined?

ii) What are the main impediments in the way of achieving the quality of adjudication?
iii) What are the solutions to these impediments?

The conference shall continue on 25th & 26th September, 2010 and endeavour to find answers to the aforementioned issues and the main themes being addressed in the conference i.e. defining quality of adjudication; measuring and monitoring quality; transparency and accountability of quality enhancement; conclusions and way forward. The conference, in the coming two days shall be chaired and addressed, among others, by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dalveer Bhandari, Judge, Supreme Court of India, Hon’ble Mr. Justice T.S. Thakur, Judge, Supreme Court of India, Justice S.B. Sinha, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, Hon’ble the Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal, Punjab & Haryana High Court, Hon’ble the Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Delhi High Court, Hon’ble the Chief Justice Kurian Joseph, Himachal Pradesh High Court, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court, Justice Hemant Gupta, Judge, Pb. & Hry. High Court, Justice Deepak Gupta, Judge, H.P. High Court, Justice Ranjit Singh, Judge, Pb. & Hry. High Court, Justice Dharamveer, Judge Uttarakhand High Court, Justice Sanjib Banerjee, Judge, Calcutta High Court, Justice Mohan Shantanagoudar, Judge, Karnataka High Court, Justice Sunil Ambwani, Judge, Allahabad High Court, Justice Badar Durrez Ahmed, Judge, Delhi High Court, Justice Jai Pal Singh, Judge, J & K High Court and Justice K. Kannan, Judge, Pb. & Hry. High Court.

DRAFT ELECTORAL ROLL FOR SGPC ELECTION AVAILABLE W.E.F. OCTOBER 1, 2010

Chandigarh September 23:-

On the basis of enrolment of voters for Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections, preliminary draft electoral rolls would be published on October 1, 2010.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Gurdwara Election Commission of India said that the claims and objections relating to the inclusion of exclusion of any names from the electoral rolls could be presented to the appropriate revising authority from 1.10.2010 to 28.10.2010.

No form has been prescribed for filling claims and objections which were to be made through a simple application. Whereas only one copy is to be filed in the case of a claim alongwith a declaration in form 1 duly signed by the claimant but an objection is to be lodged in triplicate giving all the particulars in the electoral roll. Applications for clams and objections shall be presented to the appropriate Revising Authority personally by the claimant or the objector or an agent duly authorized in writing or be sent by post so as reach in the Revising Authority within the specified period claims & objections received after the specified period would not be entertained, he added.
The Gurdwara Commission has appealed to all political religious and social organizations interested in the forthcoming election of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to come forward and assist the claimants and objections in filling their claims and objections before the Revising Authorities from 1.10.2010 to 28.10.2010.

ZILA PARISHAD CHAIRMEN TERMS ETT TEACHERS' AGITATION UNJUSTIFIED

APPEALS TO GOVT. NOT TO BOW BEFORE ILLOGICAL DEMANDS
OF ETT TEACHERS

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 23:

All the Chairmen of the Zila Parishads today called upon the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal that the demand of ETT teachers working under Zila Parishads to shift them from the panchayati raj to education department was absolutely non-acceptable as it was not only baseless but also unconstitutional.

A deputation of Chairmen of Zila Parishads met Mr. Badal here at his residence this morning.
The deputation apprised the Chief Minister that the ETT teachers were already enjoying all those facilities and benefits which had been provided to the teachers working in the education department. Declaring the ongoing agitation of ETT teachers as totally illegal and irrational, the deputation said that the sole objective of these teachers were get them transferred to cities and pointed out that they did not want to serve in the schools being directly supervised by the Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads. In order to get rid of superintendence of PRIs over them, these teachers just want to work according to their own will without making themselves accountable to the village panchayats. But in reality quality teaching, full attendance of the students and excellent results of these schools were only feasible due to direct control of Panchayati Raj Institutions over them.

The deputation also demanded that the PRIs which had been entrusted with the functioning of the departments of agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy poultry and fisheries, forests, khadi and village industries, primary and secondary education, health services, social security and public distribution system under the Section 30 of Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 should be given far more powers to strengthen the panchayati raj institutions and ensure smooth functioning of these departments under their control.

The deputation also informed the Chief Minister that the general public was fully satisfied with the functioning of village Panchayats, Block Samitis and Zila Parishads. They appealed to the government not to bow before the unconstitutional and irrational demand of the ETT teachers otherwise it would not only send a wrong signal in the public but also embroil the government in yet another controversy. Any attempt to disturb the existing framework would not only be detrimental to the empowerment of PRIs and also against the basic spirit of the Indian Constitution.

The deputation categorically told the Chief Minister that in case the state government relents to the unjustified demand of ETT teachers then the elected representatives of PRIs would also be compelled to adopt a path of agitation to safeguard their legitimate rights conferred upon them under the Constitution.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Rural Development & Panchayats Minister Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. DS Cheema, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar besides Principal Secretary Rural Development Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu and Director Rural Development Mr. Gurdev Singh Sidhu.
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CM condoles the sad demise of rupal's father

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 23:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Joginder Singh, the father of the Senior Journalist and General Secretary of Chandigarh Press Club Mr. Pritam Singh Rupal and Sub Editor of Ajit Mr. Balwant Singh Rupal who died after a brief illness at his native town Mansa on Wednesday. He was 80.
The Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to the members of the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.
Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr. Harcharn Bains also shared his heartfelt sympathies with the family members on the passing away of Mr. Rupal's father.
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DECIMATE CONGRESS AND ITS CRONIES IN SGPC AND VIDHAN SABHA ELECTIONS- SUKHBIR · CENTRE DISCRIMINATING AGAINST PUNJAB · STATES NOT GETTING THEIR RIGHTFUL SHARE IN THE CENTRAL TAXES · SEEKS IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF RS 3000 CRORE FOR REJUVENATING CANAL SYSTEM · NEW YOUTH AKALI DAL PRESIDENT SOON· CANNOT DEFY CONSTITUTION FOR MEETING ILLOGICAL DEMANDS OF ETT TEACHERS

Chandigarh September 23:Mr.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister and President Shiromani Akali Dal today gave a call to Punjabis to decimate Congress party and its sponsored parties from the electoral scene by drubbing them in ensuing SGPC elections and then in 2012 Vidhan Sabha Elections. It was a war cry here at Chhapar Mela as young & dynamic Sukhbir Singh Badal called upon rank and file of the party to rise above factional feuds, with the single aim of defeating Congress and its proxy parties teaching them a lesson for their misdeeds in 84 riots as well as for attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib. Mr. Badal said that no true Punjabi or true Sikh would vote for a party of butchers that had burnt alive thousands of innocent Sikhs on the streets of national capital. He said that it was shameful that even after 26 years after this unfortunate massacre, not a single accused Congress leader has been put in jail, due to protection given by Congress party to the butchers of Sikhs. Mr. Badal said that it is when our Members of Parliament shook the Parliament exposing role of Congress in providing protection to Sajjan and Tytler, the UPA was forced to book Sajjan Kumar. Mr. Badal said that SAD would go to the people to seek blessings and support for another term on the basis of its solid performance on fulfilling development agenda of Punjab. Mr. Badal said that right from five Thermal Plants being constructed at the cost of Rs 49000 crore, construction of 32 ROBs at the cost of Rs 806 crore and four/ six laining of all vital road at the cost of Rs 6669 crore, recruitment of 27000 teachers and proposed recruitment of 14000 more teachers, construction of 125 Adarsh School one in each block, Rs 1000 plan for sewerage network, Rs 1200 crore for water supply network and Rs 3000 crore for urban renewal, the SAD- BJP government has fulfilled the aspiration of the people on the development front. Mr. Badal charged Congress led UPA government for discriminating against Punjab by not giving its rightful share in the central taxes collected from the people of Punjab. Earlier speaking to the media persons, Mr. Badal rubbished the claim of the state Congress unit that SAD- BJP Government was surviving on central funds. He said that Congress party should first check the facts that Punjab was getting only 1.29% of central taxes collected by Union government from the people of Punjab and centre was detaining rest or 98.71% of taxes collected from the hard earned money of Punjabis. He said that Akali Dal had been seeking the review of age old Godbole’s formula that discriminates against low populated high growth oriented states like Punjab. He said that Punjab had been demanding the upward revision of its share from existing 1.29% to minimum 50%. “We are not dependent on Centre, but it is the Central government that is dependent upon us”, the Deputy Chief Minister quipped. Coming down heavily on mischievous propaganda of Congress party on Rs 800 crore, Mr. Badal said that we have acted just accorded to the dictate of Union Government that has directed us to transfer this money to Powercom to compensate it for free electricity given by it to the farmers during draught season, so that farmers could maintain the level of production for central pool. He clarified that Union Government had warned that in case of default, the whole money along with interest would be recovered along with interest from the state government. “We have just abided by the direction of Union Government on this issue”, Mr. Badal clarified. Answering a query regarding stand off with ETT teachers, Mr. Badal said that according to 73rd Amendment passed by the Parliament, responsibility of certain departments has to be handed over to Panchayats and Zila Parishads to strengthen the democracy at grass root level. He said that ETT teachers were recruited by Zila Parishads as per 73rd amendment and their apprehensions regarding job security, pay and allowances had already been clarified. “ We cannot defy Constitution of India to meet the illogical whims of a section of ETT teachers”, he said. Mr. Badal said that SAD was zeroing on the right person to handle the responsibility of its youth wing and name of the President would be announced by the Party soon. He said that rest of the party position has already been announced the party.

Describing the agenda of his government as development oriented, Mr. Badal said that each assembly constituency would be given Rs 10-15 crores each for development works in next few days. Besides this, Nagar Panchayats were also being given financial package to accelerate the development works. Mr. Badal said that Rs 3000 crore was set aside for urban development works, where as, similar amount would be spent on rural infrastructure during next six months. Rs 1000 crore would be spent for strengthening sewerage net work in urban areas and big villages of Punjab. Castigating Union Government for delaying release of Rs 3000 crore for rejuvenating the 150 years old canal network of the state, Mr. Badal said that it was their responsibility to maintain irrigation network in the ‘food bowl state’ of the country. Prominent among those who spoke on the occasion included Punjab Jails Minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Mr. Darshan Singh Shivalik and Mr. Iqbal Singh Jhoran, ( both MLAs), Mr. Charanajit Singh Atwal formerDeputy Speaker Lok Sabha, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon Chairman Punjab Agro, Mr. Gurcharan Singh Galib former MP, Mr. Manpreet Singh Ayali Chairman Zila Parishad and Mr. Santa Singh Umedpuri Chairman PSSS Board.
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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHRIF SEASON ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, September 23:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Khrif Season through Canal water from 24-09-2010 to 01-10-2010. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Patiala feeder, Abohar Branch, Bist Doab Canal, Bathinda Branch and Sidhwan Branch and 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. Main Branch Lower with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies water available would be utilised in Lahore Branch, Sabraon Branch, Kasur Branch Lower with their distributaries respectively.

PPCB contradicts the report regarding chromium levels in Budha Nala

Chandigarh, September 23: The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) today contradicted the report published in a section of press regarding chromium levels in Budha Nala of Ludhiana.
In a press note released here today, a spokesman of PPCB said that in the affidavit submitted to the Honor’ble Punjab & Haryana High Court, the chromium levels are three times more instead of 80 times as appeared in some newspapers. He said that the Chromium contents are 0.16 mg/lt as against permissible drinking water standards of 0.05 mg/lt.

. The spokesman further said that the data furnished in the affidavit indicate that there is a considerable reduction in the concentration of heavy metals since 2006 when the PPCB started making earnest efforts to clean Budha Nalah. These heavy metals are mainly contributed by the electroplating industries.The Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) was commissioned to treat the effluent of small scale electroplating industries and after treatment the treated water is used in the adjoining industry for dyeing purposes. As this CETP has achieved zero liquid discharge, the metal contents which were flowing to the Budha Nallah were curtailed these at CETP and the drastic fall in the concentration of metals is visible. Though the Board has yet to achieve the drinking water standards for Budha Nallah but Chromium contents are 0.16 mg/lt as against permissible drinking water standards of 0.05 mg/lt which is not 80 times. Rather the efforts of the Board are clearly reflected in the table that the contents of heavy metals are showing a drastic decreasing trend if the concentration is compared with those in 2006

The PPCB is doing its utmost efforts and will further intensify its campaign to control the pollution of Budha Nallah and to achieve the standards

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