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Punjab News: 2011

 


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BADAL CALLS FOR GENUINE FEDERAL STRUCTURE TO MAKE INDIA A POWERFUL COUNTRY IN WORLD

STEP MOTHERLY TREATMENT METED OUT BY UPA TO BJP RULED STATES WOULD NOT BE TOLERATED ANY MORE – NITIN GADKARI

CHANDIGARH JULY 30:
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today "called for the setting up of a genuinely federal structure in the country 'to make India the most advanced and powerful country in the world. I don't understand the logic behind a unitary form of government in a country which is so strongly federal in character compositions."

Mr. Badal said that the Congress-led UPA rulers in Delhi and the earlier Congress governments at the Center had been consistently usurping the powers of the state governments who have to actually address the problems of the people and take development projects forward."

       "They have reduced the states to the plight of beggars at their doors, and the price for this arrogant political attitude has to be paid by the country, especially the common man who can have no access to the central government," said Mr. Badal while addressing the “Regional Conference on Policies of UPA - A Threat to Indian Federalism” organized here by the Legal and Legislative cell of Bhartiya Janta Party.

Mr. Badal rubbished the unitary model adopted in the constitution and said "The constitution makers went seriously wrong and ignored even the advice given by Mahatma Gandhi earlier that concentration of powers in one central authority in a multi-layered society like India will be a recipe for failure, pull the country back on development issues and might lead even to violence. But the Congress leaders ignored this advice. As a result, we are struggling about forty to fifty years behind schedule on development."

            Mr. Badal said that the massive poverty, illiteracy and unemployment around us was a direct consequence of absence of the genuine 'political and fiscal federalism in the country. "We should learn from the examples set by the USA and Canada who have thrived on federalism as its best role models and have become the most advanced countries in the world," said the Chief Minister.
            The Akali stalwart further said that the process of usurping the rights of the states was still on, with subjects from State List being shifted to the Concurrent List, rendering states completely powerless, or through issuance of norms and directives by the center which makes it impossible for the state governments to address problems specific to the needs of their people."
       The Chief Minster lamented that although all states had to suffer because of excessive powers with the Centre, "Punjab had been singled out by the Congress governments for injustice and discrimination of the worst kind imaginable, despite the fact that it is the sword arm and the granary of the nation.  We are the only state which was denied its right on linguistic reorganization and had to make unprecedented sacrifices to get it: we are the only one among parent states in reorganized units to be denied its Capital, Chandigarh. He said that in addition to the glaring discrimination on devolution  of funds,  all the formulae for central schemes are tailored in a manner that Punjab government is not able to use even the meager funds allotted to it by the Centre from our truncated share," Mr. Badal said, quoting extensively from the government of India records.
          The Chief Minister spoke in a voice choked with deep anguish when he touched upon the tragedy of 1984, the army assault on Sri Harmandar Sahib and the brutal massacre of thousands of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other Congress ruled states. "Did the people of Punjab and the Sikhs in particular who take pride in being the most patriotic of all deserve this? "   
Mr. Badal mentioned that over a period of time, subjects like Education, Family Welfare and Forests which were in the State list have been included in the concurrent list and as such Union Govt. has encroached upon the exclusive domain of the States.   He referred to the Right to Education Act which has been enacted by the Centre, but no provision for adequate funds has been made for its implementation thereby putting enormous financial burden on the States.
The Chief Minister also blamed the Centre for undue favour given by the former Railway Ministers from Bihar and West Bengal who have just concentrated in their states by allocating majority of projects.. 

            Citing the examples how Punjab has been discriminated in the Central flagship schemes, Mr. Badal said that the criterion fixed for devolution of funds to states were loaded against the Punjab.  He pointed out that Punjab was denied substantial allocation under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna and Rural electrification since Punjab had already developed a well connected road network and extended electric supply to all its villages long back.  Likewise under NREGA, daily wage rate fixed for Punjab was Rs. 123 whereas GoI has approved Rs. 179 for Haryana.  Punjab has also been deprived of substantial allocation under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) as it has hardly any un-irrigated area.

            Mr. Badal also revealed that Punjab had been consistently discriminated against the devolution of Central funds as well as allocation of funds under GoI’s different flagship programs because of its relative prosperity and early economic development.    68% of taxes collected by the Centre were retained by Union and 32% devolved upon the states.  Out of 32% as a whole, Punjab gets only 1.38%, which used to be 2.450% in 1972, and has been gradually decreased. 
            Mr. Badal reiterated his firm commitment to extend full support and cooperation on behalf of the Shiromani Akali Dal to the crusade launched by BJP to bring in the concept of economic or fiscal federalism to strengthen the states, which have been completely destroyed by the UPA led Congress government. 

            In his address National President of BJP Mr. Nitin Gadkari accused the Centre of misusing investigative agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to attack states, as well as usurping powers of the state.  He said that non Congress states were also put to financial and other discrimination affecting their good governance giving examples of BJP ruled states like Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh besides Punjab where BJP had alliance with SAD.   He said that today’s regional conference was a right step in the direction to mobilize public opinion against the anti-people & arbitrary policies of the UPA government to set up a federal structure in the right earnest. 
Slamming the role of Governors, Mr. Gadkari said that governors were acting like political agents of the UPA government.   He pointed out deliberate attempts were made to negate the plans and programs of the BJP governments.  Citing examples, he insisted that several legislations passed by the state Assembly have not been given assent by the governors in non Congress states.   He said that governors were neither rejecting nor accepting these legislations thereby diluting the federal structure of the constitution at the behest of UPA.

            Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included Chief Minister Himachal Pradesh Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, National Secretary, BJP Mr.Bhupinder Yadav, General Secretary BJP Mr. Jagat Parkash Nadda, Mr.Satya Pal Jain and Mr. Raghvender Singh (both Ex-MP).  Besides BJP President Punjab unit Mr. Ashwani Sharma and Local Government Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud were also present on the occasion. 

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(Sukhpal Singh Khaira)
MLA, Bholath

To                                                                                                            28.07.2011

Smt. Kusumjit Kaur, IAS
Chief Electoral Officer,
Punjab.

Subject :       Request to seek status report of various types of drugs and liquor seized by Punjab Police under the NDPS Act and the Punjab Excise Act across all Police Stations of the State.

Madam,

As stated above, large quantities of various types of drugs such as poppy husk, opium, smack, cocaine and illicit liquor are seized by the Punjab Police in order to curb such illegal activities in the State.  Importantly two types of law govern these illegitimate activities of violations of law.  While NDPS Act covers unlawful and illegal smuggling and sale of drugs such as cocaine, heroine, opium, poppy husk, smack etc., the Punjab Excise Act is used to prevent any illegal trade of liquor in the state.  We have been often reading about large quantities of such drugs seized by the police at times worth crores of rupees.

These unlawful and illegal drugs and liquor seized by the police are taken into custody at the police stations.  During the course of trial such drugs are kept as case properties, but in those cases where the trial has been completed, these illegitimate and dangerous drugs are supposed to be destroyed in accordance with the law.

It has often been noticed that despite the law clearly stating that drugs and liquor where trial has been completed be destroyed, the police in connivance with various types of mafia including politicians don’t destroy these drugs for ulterior motives.

I, as elected representative would request you to seek a detailed report from DGP Punjab Police, about the quantum of such types of drugs and liquor in custody of the police in the state.  I have an apprehension that seized drugs and liquor in custody of the police are likely to be misused by police-politician mafia and the ruling party to influence voters during the ensuing Vidhan Sabha elections.

Therefore, in order to ensure free and fair elections it is highly imperative that such drugs and liquor do not fall into wrong hands.  I would request you to intervene in the matter at the earliest.

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BADAL ENQUIRES WELL BEING OF DR. AHLUWALIA
CHANDIGARH AUGUST 2:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today enquired the well being of Vice Chancellor of Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University Dr. Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia here at PGI, who was under treatment there after being shot at by an unidentified person in the varsity campus at Sri Fatehgarh Sahib on Monday.

 Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister Office said that Mr. Badal accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. DS Guru visited the ICU in the PGI.  The Chief Minister expressed sympathies with the family members of Dr. Ahluwalia and wished him a speedy recovery and good health. He remained in PGI for about twenty minutes and also interacted with the team of doctors attending on Dr. Ahluwalia, about his health. 
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CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, PUNJAB
POLLING STATIONS RATIONALISED IN PUNJAB
NUMBER OF POLLING STATIONS RISEN TO 19724

CHANDIGARH, August 2: The Election Commission of India has accepted the recommendations of Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab for rationalization of Polling Stations in the State for ensuing Vidhan Sabha polls.
According to Ms Kusumjit Sidhu, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab after rationalization, the number of polling stations has risen to 19724 from the earlier no of 18817. She said that each political party is advised to contact concerned District Electoral Officer for details of Polling Stations in each district.
Dr Manjit Singh Appointed as Director TBRL

Chandigarh august 01:
Dr Manjit Singh today took over the charge as Director of Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), a DRDO laboratory here in Sector 30 from Dr Satish Kumar who has been given higher responsibilities in DRDO Hqr, New Delhi.
 Alumni of Department of Physics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Dr. Manjit Singh joined TBRL in December 1984 and since then he is working in the field of ‘Detonics of High Explosives and Shock Dynamics’ which remained his core competence and area of specialization. He played an instrumental role in development of explosive wave shapers and technologies for dynamic shock compression of materials under Mbar pressure region. With the blend of ultra fast diagnostics and modeling & simulation techniques he made his division a centre of excellence for performance evaluation and design optimization of various explosive systems needed for making the country self reliant in strategic technologies.
He played a lead role in creating state of art experimental facilities consisting of Two Stage Light Gas Gun and Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar facilities which has made TBRL a unique laboratory for characterization of materials under different loading conditions.

      Dr. Manjit Singh has the expertise of establishing Quality Management System in R & D environment and as MR of TBRL he successfully designed, documented and implemented Quality Management System (QMS) in the establishment as per ISO 9001:2008 International Standard.

BADAL PAYS RICH TRIBUTES TO SHAHEED UDHAM SINGH

SUNAM UDHAM SINGHWALA (SANGRUR) JULY 31:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today lauded the role of Punjabis for making more than 80% sacrifices in the national freedom struggle despite the fact they merely constituted two-and-a-half percent of country’s population.
Addressing a massive gathering on the occasion of 72nd martyrdom day of   Shaheed Udham Singh at a State level Function held here at local grain market after paying floral tributes, Mr. Badal said that Punjab had played a unique and unparalleled role in the freedom movement.  He said the sacrifice of Shaheed Udham Singh who avenged the Jallianwala massacre by killing General O'dwyer after 21 years would be ever remembered in the annals of the Indian history of freedom movement.

He said: "Punjabis have a prominent place and we are proud of their
brave and unique contributions.    On this historic day, I bow my head
in reverence to the great martyrs and other patriots of India's freedom struggle, who displayed heroism and valour thereby making supreme sacrifices to for attaining freedom for the country.
Mr. Badal said that the rich legacy of unprecedented sacrifices made by martyrs would act as a light house to guide the destiny of our future generations.  He lamented our freedom fighters laid down their lives to make our country free from the shackles of British as they dreamt of an independent nation free from the maladies of poverty, illiteracy and unemployment.  He however said their aspirations have not been cherished even after 65 years of independence as the majority of people in our country were bereft of the basic civic amenities.
The Chief Minister further said that it was also a matter of great pride and honour for us that the great martyrs like Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai and Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha were Punjabis and even all the prominent movements associated with the country’s freedom struggle like Kuka, Gaddar, Kamagata Maru and Babbar Akali were also spear headed by the brave Punjabis.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that the valiant Punjabis had inherited the spirit of self sacrifice, patriotism from Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji,  Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, Sri Guru Teg Bahadar ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, who waged a relentless battle against the atrocities and terror unleashed by the mughal emperors to safeguard the human rights in order to protect the innocent and hapless people from their tyranny.  Likewise, numerous martyrs since time and immemorial have also proved to be a source of inspiration for Punjabis who inherited the spirit of self sacrifice from them.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister honoured the descendents of Shaheed Udham Singh, freedom fighters and activists of Punjabi Morcha.

 Earlier, the Chief Minister also paid homage at the Udham Singh Samark in the local stadium.
Paying homage to the great martyr Shaheed Udham Singh, Secretary General SAD and Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said that the people of Sunam-  the birth place of Udham Singh would remain ever indebted to his supreme sacrifice which have made every Indian especially the Punjabis proud for this rare act of patriotism.
            In his address, PWD Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa also paid rich tributes to Shaheed Udham Singh and appealed the youth to imbibe the spirit of self sacrifice, patriotism and nationalism amongst themselves.
Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included Director Administration Punjab State Power Corporation Mr. Gurbachan Singh Bachi, Chairman PRTC Mr. Ranjit Singh Ballian, MLA Dhuri Mr. Iqbal Singh Jhunda, President District BJP Sangrur Mr. Prem Guglani, District SAD President Sangrur Mr. Raghbir Singh Jakhepal, former Minister Mr. Gobind Singh Logowal and Vice Chairman Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Ravinder Singh Cheema.  Director PEDA Mr. Vinarjit Singh Goldy, Ex-Minister Mr. Gobind Singh Kanjla besides senior leadership, party workers of SAD-BJP and members of the SGPC were also present on the occasion.
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Cong support for agitating farmers to continue: Dhillon

Chandigarh:
Reacting to the Punjab government’s attitude towards the ongoing agitation opposing forcible taking over of land for a private power plant in Mansa district, Congress state vice-president and Barnala MLA Kewal Singh Dhillon, who has been leading the Congress front on the issue, today said that the Punjab government was no different than the Uttar Pradesh government while dealing with poor farmers being forced to hand over their agricultural land to profit-makers.

Stating that all over India a trend has emerged making it clear that regional parties like the Akali Dal and the Bahujan Samaj Party have been working against the interests of the farmers, whereas the Congress is the only national party that has stood up for their cause. Dhillon said that with the Union government today already having released the draft Land Acquisition Bill, that speaks for sweeping changes in the existing laws to protest farmers' interests, the SAD-BJP government has now no right to go ahead with land acquisition.

He threatened that if the government continues with the acquisition process, the Congress party will launch a state-wide agitation against the move. Dhillon also reiterated the demand for action against officials responsible for brutality against agitating farmers. Dhillon said that as the Congress party has already pointed out clear irregularities in finalization of the project, the government should clarify its stand on objections being raised regarding land acquisition, instead threatening the farmers.

From the political office
Kewal SIngh Dhillon
MLA, Barnala, and vice-president, PPCC
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sukhpal Singh Khaira                                                                                     Dated:- 30-07-2011
MLA Bholath

Subject: - Congress urges govt. to denotify acquisition of Gobindpura land (Mansa) in view of the Draft Land Acquisition Bill 2011 proposed to be brought in Parliament shortly.

Congress urges the SAD-BJP govt. to shelve its plan to acquire 880 acres of fertile agricultural land in Mansa to hand it over to a private company for a thermal plant.

As we are aware the UPA govt. is bringing a comprehensive land acquisition policy during the current monsoon session of the Parliament. A draft Land Acquisition Bill 2011 has already been circulated in public domain for a debate. According to the proposed bill multi cropped, irrigated land cannot be acquired for public purposes. The land in question at Mansa is definitely multi cropped and irrigated, therefore acquiring it for a private company makes no sense. Let the company buy land from farmers at market price directly, demands Congress party.

The acquisition of Gobindpura land in Mansa also fails the criteria that 80 percent people should consent and only then the land can be acquired. In Mansa more than 350 farmers have been arrested, which clearly indicates that majority of farmers are unwilling to give their land and lose their means of livelihood.
As per the new proposed draft bill the compensation in rural areas cannot be less than 6 times of the market value, while the farmers are protesting being given compensation less than the market value.

It is a matter of shame that the Akali Dal which claims itself to be the sole champion of farmers is not only snatching their means of livelihood by forcible acquisition of their land, but is also using undemocratic methods to intimidate them. Congress also condemns the illegal, undemocratic arrest of seven congress MLA’s proceeding peacefully to meet farmers yesterday. It is a black day for democracy in Punjab, where elected representatives can’t meet their own people.
Therefore, keeping in view the impending Land Acquisition policy that is going to become a law during this session of the Lok Sabha, the SAD-BJP govt. must denotify the Mansa land and hand it over back to the farmers. In case the govt. proposes to acquire land it must be done in accordance with the new legislation to be adopted shortly.

 

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CM ASKS KUMARI SHAILJA TO SEND A TEAM OF EXPERTS FROM ASI TO VISIT PROTECTED MONUMENT AT RUPNAGAR
CHANDIGARH JULY 29:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Culture Kumari Shailja to send a high level team of experts from the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to visit the protected site of Nalagarh Mound Area in Rupnagar (Ropar) to redress the genuine grievances of local residents, who have been prohibited for carrying out any sort of repair, alternations or new construction within its periphery. 
            In a letter to Kumari Shailja, the Chief Minister mentioned the Nalagarh Kothi (Mound) popularly known as “Tibbi” situated in the heart of Rupnagar town has been declared as monument of national importance in 1954 by the government and is under the control of Archeological Survey of India. 

            It may be recalled that the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 as amended by introducing Ancient Monuments & Archeological Sites & Remains (Validation & Amendment) Act, 2010 provides that no construction could be raised within the prohibited areas of 100 meters from the limit of monuments/sites of National importance in all directions.  In addition the permission of competent authority on the recommendations of National Monuments Authority is required for any construction work in the regulated area which is 200 meters beyond the limit of the prohibited area in all directions.

            The Chief Minister pointed out that no construction could be raised with in a periphery of 100 meters of this monument and permission of the National Monument Authority would be required for any construction work within the periphery of 200 meters of this site as per the guidelines of ASI.  Indiscriminate and arbitrary application of this Act does not seem to be in public interest for all monuments.  Local conditions’ surrounding a particular monument needs to be kept in view while enforcing the provision of this act.  The operation of this law is causing a lot of hardships to the residents of this locality as they have been barred from carrying any type of repair, alteration or new construction work in their existing residential buildings. The procedure to seek permission from National Monument Authority for any construction work in the prohibited area is so cumbersome that an individual can’t avail of such permission. The construction work within one’s own residential building is not likely to have any adverse environmental effect on the protected Monument.  The denial of permission for the construction work amounts to depriving the individuals from using his personal property for his bonafide use. 
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GURUDWARA ELECTION COMMISSION RESERVES ELECTION SYMBOLS FOR VARIOUS PARTIES

Chandigarh, July 29:
          Gurudwara Election Commission today notified 40 election symbols for various parties. Notification fixing dates for various stages of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee elections would be issued on 4th August, 2011 when the process of nominations will start. The Central Government has already fixed the date of poll as 18th September, 2011. The following symbols have been included in the list.
1.     Ink-pot
2.     Box
3.     Band Baja
4.     Buffalo
5.     Belcha
6.     Camel
7.     Deer
8.     Fridge
9.     Fan Pedestal
10. Hammer
11.  Hut
12. Lock
13. Loud Speaker
14. Thali and Katori
15. Ox (Bullock)
16. Pedestal Lamp
17. Postman
18. Rickshaw
19. Scooter
20. Tub
21. Tempo
22. Thrashing Machine
23. Tree Mango
24. Tanker
25. Trolley
26.  Tube-well
27. Torch
28. Wall-Clock
29. Washer-man
30. Lota
31. Rehra
32. Gharyal
33. Truck
34. Tractor
35. Horse
36. Peacock
37. Railway Train
38. Sun-flower
39. Toka Machine
40. Shield
Out of the list of symbols, the following have been reserved for:
1. Shiromani Akali Dal ( Panch Pardhani)               Railway Train
2. Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar)                          Horse
3. Shiromani Akali Dal                                          Tractor
4. Shiromani Akali Dal (Sant Longowal)                 Postman
5. Shiromani Rangreta Dal Punjab                          Torch
6. Shiromani Akali Dal (1920)                                Truck
7. Haryana Sikh Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee Sun-Flower
8. Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi)                               Thali and Katori
9. Shiromani Gurmat Parchar Sanstha                    Tanker
10. Khalsa Action Committee                                Shield
11 All India Sikh Student Federation                      Deer
12. All India Shiromani Akali Dal                           Hut
          Any other party or individual desirous of contesting the ensuing SGPC elections may choose any symbol out of the remaining notified symbols. A notification in this regard has already been issued.

          (Avtar Singh Narula)
Secretary
Gurdwara Election Commission
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Protesting Congmen led By Kewal Singh Dhillon arrested on way to Gobindpura

Mansa:
The Congress party today strongly condemned the highhandedness of Punjab government in dealing with Congressmen who were moving towards Gobindpura village in Mansa district to support farmers protesting forcible acquisition of their land for a private power plant. Lending full-fledged support for the ongoing agitation, a large number of Congressmen, led by state vice-president and Barnala MLA Kewal Singh Dhillon, and accompanied by vice-president Rana KP Singh, MLAs Harminder Jassi, Mangat Rai Bansal, Ajitinder Singh Moffer, Sher Singh Gagowal, and general secretaries Rana Gurjeet Singh, Sukh Sarkaria, moved toward the village today morning to stage a peaceful protest but were arrested midway.

Leading the protest rally, Dhillon said their support for the farmers would continue till the time farmers were not paid their dues to their satisfaction, and condemned police action preventing Congress workers from reaching the place. The Congressmen were stopped from proceeding to Gobindpura at Bareta, and taken to Mansa Mandi Board rest house. Dhillon also stated that hundreds of farmers arrested during last one week were being tortured by the police to make them agree to the meager compensation being offered to them.

Dhillon put forward three demands before the government - that the compensation amount should be increased from Rs 23 lakh to 50 lakh; the 166 acres of land for which the government had reissued a notification for acquisition should not be acquired, and that action should be taken against officials who misbehaved with protesting women and minor girls while they were rounded up last night.

"The government is in a hurry to complete the land acquisition to claim the power project as its major achievement, but the real agenda is to benefit the private company before its term ends. There is no point pushing up a project of this scale at a time the whole country is re-thinking existing policies for land acquisition and the Union government is itself keen on bringing about a comprehensive law on the matter," Dhillon said. Stating that a private venture cannot be pushed in the garb of public interest, he said the government cannot hoodwink the public by claiming that handsome compensation to the affected parties.

Though state government had taken possession of about 700 of the acquired 880 acre for setting up a 1,320 MW power plant at villages Gobindpura, Sirsiwala and Jalbehra falling in Budhlada block of district Mansa late June, owners of land of 171 acre area had been vehemently declined to part with their landholding.


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From the political office
Kewal SIngh Dhillon
MLA, Barnala, and vice-president, PPCC
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AMRINDER BENT ON IMPEDING THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE STATE-HARSIMRAT

Chandigarh, July 29

The Member Parliament from Bathinda Constituency Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal today said that Captain Amrinder Singh has been bent on impeding the pace of development in the state for his prejudiced attitude and narrow political interests.
Making a frontal attack at Punjab State Congress President for politicizing the Gobindpura Thermal Plant issue, Mrs. Badal said that t­he agi­t­at­i­o­n­ i­n­ Man­sa o­ver­ acqui­r­i­n­g agr­i­cult­ur­al lan­d­ fo­r­ t­he t­her­mal plan­t was po­li­t­i­cally mo­t­i­vat­ed­. She said that out O­­f t­he 880 acr­es acquir­ed­ b­y t­he g­o­­ver­nment­, t­he d­isput­e was o­­ver­ 170 acr­es w­her­e o­­nly t­w­o­­ t­o­­ t­hr­ee families who had earlier gave their consent in written, wer­e no­­t­ r­ead­y t­o­­ sell t­heir­ land­ t­o­­ t­he g­o­­ver­nment under the influence of Congress men­. She said that­ 97 percent o­­f t­he peo­­ple w­ho­­se land­ t­he g­o­­ver­nment­ had­ acquir­ed­ held­ no­­ g­r­o­­use. Moreover, it would catalyse the economic development of the area besides creating new employment opportunities, she added. 
Coming down heavily on the double face attitude of Captain Amrinder Singh, Mrs. Badal said that it was Captain’s regime that introduced a clause pertaining to the forcible acquisition of land up to 20 percent of projects set by private companies, and that too without the payment of market price. Mrs. Badal said that even in his remaining days in office, the former Chief Minister was keen to act not only as a franchise and facilitator for the big business houses, but was going out of his way to provide retrospective justification for the ‘loot’ to which he had already subjected the precious Punjab real estate resources.

Referring to the SAD-BJP government’s pro farmers land acquisition policy, Mrs. Badal said that it was the their government, which had notified a new land acquisition policy. "Under the policy, private land would be acquired, only if the land was needed for a defined public purpose, at the actual market rate in addition to 30 per cent solatium and 10 per cent as non-litigation charges, to fully compensate the farmers," she added.

Reiterating the Commitment of SAD-BJP combine to make Punjab power surplus, Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur badal said that cheap power would be available as compared to expensive power being purchased from outside the state, with the installation of these new thermal plants in the state. She said that it was really miserable that congress party which had never contributed even a single unit in state’s power production, was busy in playing politics rather than praising such development initiatives of SAD-BJP government.