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Punjab News: 2011

 

ARRANGE SAFE EVACUATION OF PUNJABIS FROM LIBYA AND NEW ZEALAN -SUKHBIR DEMANDS FROM PM

  • SEEKS IMMEDIATE JUDICIAL ENQUIRY IN HOND MASSACRE
  • dedicates Rs. 15 crores development works to the public

    Kotkapura, February 24: Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that the Punjab government has requested Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to ask Union External Affairs Ministry to arrange immediate safe evacuation of thousands of Punjabi struck in Libya due to civil war and New Zealand due to massive earthquake.

    Talking to Media persons after dedicating Rs. 15 crores development works including Rs. 3.5 crores underground Sewerage for Focal point, Rs. 7.5 crores Adarsh School at Pacca, Rs. 1.3 crores Jandwala Miner, Rs. 1.27 crores Dhurkot distributory and Rs. 1.21 crores water works at Dhurkot, Mr. Badal said that it was unfortunate that union government was not taking adequate measures for protection and evacuation of Punjabi in distress and Punjab government was taking every possible measure for their safety and wellbeing.

    Demanding a judicial inquiry by sitting Supreme Court Judge into massacre of 76 in Hond Chillar village in Rewari district in Haryana and suppression of facts by Congress Government for 26 years, Mr. Badal said that it was the worst chapter in the history of India that has exposed the real killer face of Congress Party. He said that 26 years long sufferings and quest for justice of thousands of victims of 84' carnage have made clear one thing that congress party would go to any length to scuttle the process of justice. He said that protection to Sajjan and Tytler despite Supreme Court strictures was the telling factor of whole mechanization of Congress party. He questioned the silence of Amarinder and Sarna's on this sensitive issue that has stirred the conscience of whole humanity.
    Addressing the mammoth gathering in the development rally organized here, Mr. Badal called upon SAD-BJP cadre to rise above petty factional feuds and work collectively to take the message of development to the masses at the grass root level and decimate congress from the electoral map of Punjab. He said that development coupled with governance reforms would ensure repeat mandate for SAD-BJP government and the party was committed to enjoy faith and trust of Punjab's electorate for next 25 years.

    Lashing at Amarinder for his regressive and vendetta propaganda, Mr. Badal said that damage done to the economy of Punjab during five year rule of Amarinder can not be undone for next 50 years. He said that Amarinder just to help one multinational company stalled the construction of Bathinda Refinery for five years of his rule and that resulted in employment loss to lacs of Punjabi youth. He said that now when that Refinery was near completion, Captain was threatening to close the Refinery, if he assumes power. He said that Captain's dream to return to power would remain unfulfilled as people of Punjab have decided to keep Congress out of power for next 25 years.
    Speaking about the development initiatives of the SAD-BJP government, Mr. Badal said that infrastructure based growth model of Punjab's economy has started showing result that has hastened the growth of Revenue in the state. The Deputy Chief Minister said that Rs. 1 lac crores investment in infrastructure sector with Rs. 80,000 crores in power sector has put the economy of Punjab on a higher pedestal. He said that Rs. 6669 crores have been spent on 4/6 lanning of all intercity state/national highways besides Rs. 700 crores on construction of 34 ROBs/RUBs.
    Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Gurdev Singh Badal, Mantar Singh Brar, Lakhbir Singh Rayan , Jathedar Makhan Singh Nangal, Raj Kumar Goyal .

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    SHAHEED-E-AZAM BHAGAT SINGH PUNJAB GAMES IN FOR GALA OPENING
  • PROF. BANSI DHAR OF CWG FAME TO CHOREOGRAPH OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONY
  • 20 DISTRICTS TO VIE FOR RECORD 2.31 CRORE PRIZE MONEY IN 11 SPORTS

    Ludhiana February 24: Shaheed - e -Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games are in for a gala opening as Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today reviewed the arrangements for the opening ceremony as well as conduct of the games from February 28 to March 6.
    Accompanied by officers of all concerned departments, NZCC and district officials, the Deputy Chief Minster reviewed the minutest details of each step. talking to media after reviewing arrangements, Mr. Badal said that these games would be mini Punjab olympic with each district competing as a separate nation. He said that North Zone Cultural Center has requisitioned the services of Prof. Bansi Dhar, who choreographed the opening and closing ceremony of Commonwealth Games for conduct of opening and closing ceremony of Punjab Games. He said that while harbhajan Mann, leading Punjabi Singer would regale the audience, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar would be the star attraction of the opening ceremony. He said that Bollywoods most adoring Punjabi Stars Dharminder, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol would renew their ties with their home land in the closing ceremony at Jalandhar on March 06.
    Reviewing the arrangements in Guru Nanak Stadium Mr. Badal said that all these games would be under flood lights and would be telecast live. He said that while Ludhian would host Basketball, Athletics, football, tug of war and Kabaddi, Patiala would host wrestling, boxing, weightlifting and Volleyball , Mohali would host Shooting Championships whereas hockey events would be organized in Jalandhar.
    Speaking about the initiatives of Punjab Government in the sports sector Mr. Badal said that this year budget would have a sizeable allocation for the sports sector that would be utilized in construction of Gymnasium, play grounds in the villages besides distribution of kits to the sportsmen. He said that prize money of World Cup Kabaddi has been doubled to Rs. 2 Crore. Mr. Badal said that 13 stadiums are being upgraded at the cost of Rs. 100 crore by 15th August this year and 7 nation hockey tournament would be organised in the month of October this year.
    Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. Hira Singh Gabria Jails Minister ; Mr. Harish Rai Dhanda Chief Parliamentary Secretary ; Mr. Darshan Singh Shivalik, Mr. Jagjeevan Singh Khirnian both MLAs.
    -----------------------------------------------------

    Atta-Dal Scheme launched

    CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 24:

    Atta-Dal Scheme launched by the State Government has crossed the figure of 15 lac beneficiary families.
    Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Shiromani Akali Dal had promised to provide fair Atta & Dal to the economically weaker families of the state in its manifesto. Keeping its promise after assuming office, the SAD-BJP Government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh had implemented the same for the welfare of the weaker section of the society and started providing atta @ Rs.4/- per kg. and Dal Rs.20/- per kg to the poor families.

    According to the spokesman, beneficiary families are increasing continuously and now it touched the figure of 15.7 lac State Government had spent Rs.1097 crore under this scheme and government was making all out efforts for the welfare of its people in the state.

    ----------------------------------------------------

    *SHIROMANI AKALI DAL*

    *SAD OBJECTS DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PUNJAB IN FIXING MNREGA WAGES*


    * *

    Chandigarh, February 24: The Shiromani Akali Dal today strongly objected to blatant discrimination against Punjab in fixing MNREGA wages much lower than neighbouring Haryana and Chandigarh.

    In a statement issued here today SAD Joint Secretary Mr. NK Sharma today said that by fixing Rs. 124/130 wages for Punjab against Rs. 179 for Haryana and Rs. 174 for UT Chandigarh, the Congress led UPA government has reflected its inherent bias against progressive state of Punjab. He said that it was ironical that in the state of Punjab known for highest per capita income, the MNREGA daily wages would be virtually lowest in the country.

    Demanding immediate end to this discrimination, Mr. Sharma said that MNREGA daily wages for Punjab be revised to minimum Rs. 250.Mr. Sharma said that due to lowest MNREGA wages card holders were refusing to work, thereby disrupting work on all MNREGA sites. He said that in this Central government scheme Punjab had always been discriminated against because MNREGA approved works were not according to the requirement of agro based economy of Punjab.

    He said that Punjab was nearly getting Rs. 124 crore allocation out of Rs.
    61000 crore allocation for the whole country whereas neighbouring Haryana has been allocated five times allocation of Punjab and the allocation of Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh under MNREGA was more than the total budget of Punjab.

    Demanding immediate revision of notification issued on January 14,
    2011 fixing MNREGA wages for different states Mr. Sharma said that discrimination against NDA ruled states in MNREGA scheme would not be tolerated.

    Lashing at Punjab Congress leadership for its criminal silence on such an important issue Mr. Sharma said that why Capt. Amarinder Singh was silent on open discrimination against Punjab in such an important issue.
    ----------------------------------------------------

    PUNJAB TO CONSTRUCT RS. 10 CRORE MEMORIAL DEDICATED TO SRI GURU RAVI DAS JI
  • SUKHBIR ANNOUNCES NEW DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE FOR KANDI AREAS
  • COMMODITY CENTER FOR PILGRIMS TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT CHARAN CHHO GANGA
  • SANCTIONS RS. 7 CRORE FOR SRI GURU AYURVEDIC UNIVERSITY
  • RS. 200 CRORE EARMARKED FOR DEEP TUBEWELLS IN KANDI AREAS

    Khuralgarh (Garhshankar) February 23 :

    Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister today announced a special development package for Kandi and bet areas of Punjab besides announcing the World Class Memorial to be constructed at the cost of Rs. 10 crore at village Khuralgarh where Sri Guru Ravi Das got the divine message of equality and justice, during his 4 year long meditation here.

    Paying tributes to Sri Guru Ravi Das at a state level function here today,Mr. Badal said that his message of universal brotherhood , casteless society was still a guiding force for whole humanity and Rs. 10 crore memorial would perpetuate his teachings and philosophy for our future generations. Mr. Badal said that a World Class Architect would be appointed to design this memorial in sync with eternal message of Sri Guru Ravi Das and this memorial would be completed within next 10 months. Announcing Rs. 50 Lakh for community center to be constructed at Charan Chho Ganga , the Deputy Chief Minister said that this will fulfill the long pending demand of pilgrims who come here to pay tributes to Sri Guru Ravi Das. Mr. Badal also announced Rs.15 Lakh for internal roads of the village.

    Announcing a special development package for the kandi and bet areas of Punjab Mr. Badal said that the SAD BJP Government has sanctioned Rs. 200 crore for digging deep tubewells in Kandi Areas beside Rs. 3500 crore for relining the channels to solve the chronic irrigation problem of these areas. He said that Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to get the miners de-silted before monsoon using NAREGA resources. Mr. Badal also announced Rs. 7 crore grant for Sri Guru Ravi Das Ayurvedic University coming up at Hoshiarpur.

    Expressing concern over vacant posts of teachers in kandi area Mr. Badal said that he has yesterday given approval for creation of special cadre of teachers ,only for kandi bet and border areas. He said that he has asked education department to explore the possibility of giving kandi area allowance to the teachers on the pattern of border area allowance.

    Outlining the welfare agenda of SAD BJP Government Mr. Badal said that it was because of pro poor policies of government that 14 lakh families were getting Atta and Dal at Rs.4 and Rs. 20 per kg . He said that the shagun scheme for giving shagun at the marriage of Schedule Caste families would be extended to all back ward classes from April 1 this year.

    Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. Tikshan Sud, Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike, Both Cabinet Ministers, Mr. S. S Thandal, Mr.Des Raj Singh Dhugga, Bibi MoHinder Kaur Josh, Mr. sarwan Singh Phillaur , all CPSs and Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema.

    ----------------------------------------------------
    SUKHBIR TO PRESS FOR JUDICIAL PROBE INTO HOND-CHILLAR MASSACRE
  • ALLIANCE WITH BJP EMOTIONAL NON-POLITICAL, NO TALKS YET ON SEAT SHARING
  • ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS MAJOR TOOL TO TACKLE CORRUPTION
  • LAYS FOUNDATION STONES OF SEWERAGE AND POWER PROJECTS OF WORTH RS. 57.23 CRORES

    Phagwara, February 23 : Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab and President Shiromani Akali Dal today supported the demand of Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) for immediate judicial enquiry by a sitting Supreme Court Judge into massacre of over 70 sikhs in village Hond Chillar in Rewari District of Haryana that was suppressed by Congress government of the state for 26 long years.

    Talking to the media after laying the foundation stone of Sewerage and power projects worth Rs. 57.23 crore for the Constituency here today, Mr. Badal said that the previous track record of Congress party in suppressing the evidences in 1984 anti sikh riot cases does not evoke any confidence amongst the masses and nothing less than judical probe would be acceptable to the Sikh community. He said that it was unfortunate the Punjab Congress was maintaining a criminal silence on this sensitive issue as they do not want to offend 10 Janpath by speaking on it. Mr. Badal said that any political party that does not have courage to speak against injustice has no right to seek votes from the public. Mr. Badal said that he was awaiting the report of 7 member fact finding committee and on receipt of report, the party would decide about the future course of action besides memorial at the site of massacre.
    When asked about BJP seeking more seats for coming Vidhan Sabha elections Mr. Badal said that there had been no talks on this issue. He said that ties with BJP were emotional and non political and such things would not come in between two parties. On being asked about possibility of alliance with any other party, Mr. Badal quipped that no political party has yet approached SAD in this regard.

    On a query regarding impact of floating of new political outfit by Manpreet, the Deputy Chief Minister said that any Bittu-tittu party is not going to have any impact on committed and resurgent SAD. When asked about steps being taken by SAD-BJP government to tackle corruption in public life Mr. Badal said that the basic purpose of initiating Governance Reforms in all the departments and sustained campaign to implement all 70 recommendations of the Reforms Commission was to usher in an era of transparency, public friendly citizen services in a time bound manner that would tackle corruption automatically. He said that public would witness a sea change in the working of administration by June 2011.

    Mr. Badal said that SAD-BJP government was moving with focussed agenda of all round development coupled with governance reforms and was not concerned about Vendetta politics of the Congress party. He said that Punjab government would soon convene a meeting with renowned IT companies to seek their investment for upcoming IT Park in Rajpura and Kapurthala.

    Later on addressing an impressive gathering,Mr Badal reiterated that the SAD-BJP government was fully committed to ensure the overall development of State and major initiatives taken in the fields of power, education, infrastructure, air as well as road connectivity and health services in rural areas fully explained the focussed approach of their government. He said that with setting up of five thermal plant with joint investment of Rs. 62000 crore, Rs. 19000 crore Bathinda refinery, Rs 6669 crore projects for connectivity of all major cities/towns with 4/6 lane roads, three international airports and three domestic airports, initiation of more than Rs. 3000 crore sewerage and Rs 700 crore Water supply projects in cities besides AC bus services in all corporation towns, provision of 70 citizen services through various Suvidha cetres being set up under unique governance reforms , Punjab was all set to enter in to higher orbit of growth. On this occasion, he also announced Rs. 80 lac grant for laying sewerage near Sukhchainana College locality.

    Earlier speaking on the occasion, Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Local Government and Industries Minister listed the various initiatives taken for providing quality civic amenities in urban areas and industrial sector. Lashing out at Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for trying to shift the responsibility of corruption on coalition compulsions, Mr Kalia pointed out that during NDA regime, there was not even a single scam. He described Congress as a combination of scams and inflation. On this occasion, Ch. Swarna Ram , Technical Education Minister, Punjab raised the various demands of the city and expressed gratitude for releasing liberal grants for the development of city.

    Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included; Mr Som Parkash, Jathedar Kuldip Singh Wadala Mr Jarnail Singh Wahid, Chairman, Markfed, Mr. Tejasawi Bhardwaj , Chairman , Improvement Trust and Mr Sarwan Singh Kular.

    ----------------------------------------------------

    PUNJAB POLICE SEEKS SUGGESTIONS FROM PUBLIC FOR FINALIZING RULES FOR PUNJAB POLICE ACT 2007


    Chandigarh, February 23:
    The Punjab Police today sought the suggestions from public groups of experts drawn from eminent ex-judicial officers, bureaucrats, police officers and academicians on the new set up of Punjab Police Rules framed for Punjab Police Act-2007
    .
    Mr. Rajinder Singh, Additional Director General of Police, Rules, Punjab, today said that Punjab Police has put up the draft of the new Punjab Police Rules and has uploaded the same on the official website of Punjab Police, i.e. www.punjabpoliceindia.org, for the information of all concerned. The draft has been referred to groups of experts drawn from eminent ex-judicial officers, bureaucrats, police officers and academicians, for their analytical examination and suggestions. He said that the same draft has also been sent to the Police Officers, who are Heads of different Wings and Units, for their perusal, comments and suggestions. He said that an open house meeting of representatives of all the Wings and Units, will take place in the first week of March, 2011, for a comprehensive discussion and after this the draft rules shall be finalized and submitted to the State Government, for its approval.
    Giving the salient features of the new draft Punjab Police Rules Mr. Rajinder Singh said that the draft of the new Punjab Police Rules covers all Wings and Units of the Police service which have emerged over a period of time. The new arrangements in Police like Armed Battalions, India Reserve Battalions, Commando Battalions, Information & Communications Technology Wing, Human Rights, Internal Vigilance, Community Policing, Security Wing and various Help lines and Special Cells have been covered. He said that the new draft Punjab Police Rules have been framed with an objective to ensure transparency and fair play in matters of appointments, promotions, deputation and various other establishment matters. He said that a scope has been provided for utilization of latest Information & Communications Technology for capacity building and efficient discharge of functions. Arrangements for online communication, information to Police and registration thereof have also been visualized and the principles settled through Case Law by the higher judiciary have also been incorporated.

    He said that any suggestion for improvement shall be appreciated. Such suggestions may be addressed to Sh. Rajinder Singh, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, Rules, Punjab (Telephone No.: 0172-2740063; Email: rsinghips@gmail.com).

    Giving the background in process of making draft rules Mr. Rajinder Singh said that before the preparation of draft, Additional Director General of Police, Rules, prepared Manuals of all the Wings codifying the practices and norms operative in the functioning of the Wings, revised compilation of the Standing Orders incorporating up-to-date Standing Orders and revised Manual of Instructions of the National Human Rights Commission. All these Manuals, Standing Orders and Instructions have formed the foundation for the proposed new set of Punjab Police Rules. In the process of framing the rules, various important policy documents, rules of other States like Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra and set of model rules issued by the Bureau of Police Research & Development, Government of India have been perused by him and relevant principles have been incorporated, where ever found relevant.

    ----------------------------------------------------

    PUNJAB CAUTIONS ABOUT UNFORTUNATED INCIDENTS IN OPEN ABANDONED BOREWELLS

    Chandigarh, February 23:
    Keeping in view the unfortunate incidents of deaths due to open abandoned borewells in the State, the Punjab Government has cautioned the people of the state in general and state machinery in particular to prevent these incidents.

    A spokesman of Punjab Government said here today that government had already issued directions to all the Deputy Commissioners through regulatory measures for digging out/constructing of borewells. As per the instructions, the owner of a land/premises before taking any steps for constructing borewell or tube well must inform in writing at least 15 days in advance to the authorities concerned in the areas: District Collector/Magistrate/Sarpanch of the Gram Panchayat/ department of Ground Water/Public Health or Municipal Corporation. He further said that the registration of all drilling agencies, whether government or private, had also been made mandatory with the district administration
    .
    It may be mentioned that there are at least 14 lakh borewells and tube wells open and uncovered in the rural areas of Punjab. Out of these, more than 95 per cent, both operational and abandoned, are on private property of individuals.
    ----------------------------------------------------

    Congress criticizes SAD-BJP govt’s excise policy, calls it contradictory to Akali Dal’s religions policy and Anandpur Sahib resolution that will further add to an already highly drugged state.

    The reported news that liquor flows in abundance with Punjabi’s guzzling down 32 cr. bottles this year is nothing but a matter of great shame for Akali Dal and its President claiming to be a religions party. As we are aware Shiromani Akali Dal in its Anandpur Sahib Resolution had committed to ban liquor in Punjab but unfortunately the President of the same party some 25 years down the line is daily proudly claiming increase in excise income in Punjab meaning thereby that Akali Dal is now happy with Punjabi’s drinking more whisky.

    Recent survey by world Health Organization (WHO) made starting revelations that sperm count of the youth of Punjab had gone down by 50% due to various types of drugs including liquor, similarly a survey conducted by Red Cross in Gurdaspur district alone indicated that 64% youth of the district were drug addicts. It is open secret that drugs of all types including Heroin, Cocaine, Poppy Husk, and Opium are available in abundance and all this is happening with the nexus and backing of political police mafia in Punjab.

    Therefore, instead of controlling drugs and urging and motivating people to shun liquor the Akali Govt. and its President the Junior Badal are making faulty excise policies to further increase its sale merely for revenue purposes. Even the current year’s excise policy adopted fews days ago in a cabinet meeting chaired by Sukhbir Badal the Govt. has given a target to sell atleast 38cr. bottles in the next financial year. The Govt. expresses to increase its excise revenue by Rs. 728 crores.

    Another contradiction is to allocate Rs. 25 crores of excise revenue to promote sports in Punjab, the congress party questions the junior Badal, is it possible to create sportsmen by first offering them liquor?
    Therefore, the congress party chides the junior Badal to stop claiming increase of excise income as its achievement, if he wants to generate more income in the state there are many other decent ways. If you the Junior Badal let go the trades of sand quarrying, cable network, bulk liquor and transport alone which have been hijacked by the political business mafia created by your family, Punjab can earn much more revenue than what you want to earn by drugging the people of Punjab.

    Sukhpal Singh Khaira,
    MLA, Bholath
    ----------------------------------------------------
    PUNJAB APPROVES NEW EXCISE POLICY FOR 2011-12

    · CABINET APPROVES SPECIAL CADRE OF TEACHER FOR BORDER /KANDI AND BET AREAS
    · 100s of POSTS IN SECRETARIAT AND VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS REVIVED
    · MAJOR AMENDMENTS IN REVENUE ACTS TO MAKE THEM PEOPLE FRIENDLY


    Chandigarh, February 22: The Punjab Council of Minister today took series of decisions including approval of new Excise policy for year 2011-12.

    The meeting of Council of Ministers was presided over by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal as Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal is away to USA. In a major decision the Council of Ministers today decided to revive 94 posts of Senior Assistant, 42 posts of Steno Typist, 14 post of Chowkidar for filling up the regular basis and 58 posts of Sewadar to be filled on contract basis in the establishment of Punjab Civil Secretariat.
    The Council of Ministers also approved new rates of motor vehicle tax personalized four wheeled motor vehicles in different slabs as per the cost of the vehicles. For personalized four wheeled motor vehicles costing up to Rs.5 lacs, the rate of motor vehicle tax would be 2% of the value of the motor vehicle in lump sum. For personalized four wheeled motor vehicles from Rs. 5 lacs to Rs.10 lacs, the rate of tax would be 4% and for personalized four wheeled motor vehicles from Rs. 10 lacs to Rs. 20 lacs the rate of motor vehicle tax would be 6%. It would be 8% for personalized four wheeled motor vehicles exceeding Rs. 20 lacs.

    The Council of Minister also approved the exclusion of contract carriage motor vehicle Cab (having six seats excluding driver) and Maxi Cab (having seven seats excluding driver) from the routes operated by State Transport Undertakings. Normally these routes would be granted for operation on link roads joining main roads and single length of the route would not exceed 16 Km.

    The Council of Ministers today gave its approval for creation of separate cadre of teachers to serve in the schools situated in the Border/Kandi and Bet areas to meet the chronic shortage of teachers in these areas. According to the decision option would be given to teachers presently working in these areas or elsewhere seeking their option to serve in these areas. All posts in the schools situated in these areas would be offered to the existing teachers serving in Punjab government in Education department anywhere and the vacancies if any, thereafter, would be filled by following due procedure. The existing rules governing ETT teachers, Master, lecturers, Headmasters and Principals in the department of school education would be applicable to employees opting for new cadre and for those who would be recruited to such cadre. The seniority of employees would be determined as per their seniority in the parent cadre. An inter/intra cadre promotion post would be divided in proportion to newly created Border/Kandi and Bet areas and remaining districts/state cadre.

    The Council of Ministers also approved revision of rates of Punjab Bhawan, New Delhi and all Circuit houses of Punjab state.
    In a major move to simplify Revenue Acts the Council of Ministers also approved the Bills for amendments in Section 9(A) and Section 18 (1)(i) of Punjab security of Land tenures Act, 1953 and another Bill for amendment of section 22(1) of Pepsu Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act, 1955.The Bills would be presented in the Budget session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

    The Council of Ministers also approved creation and selection criteria for 158 posts of teaching cadre, 16 posts of non teaching cadre (Ministerial) and 40 posts of non teaching cadre (Non- Ministerial) for the government college of Nursing at Patiala and Amritsar. Teaching and Non teaching staff would be filled on regular basis whereas Non- teaching (Non Ministerial) staff will be filled on contract basis/out sourcing. The Teaching cadre posts include posts of 10 Professors, 40 Readers, 40 Lecturers and 40 Tutor/Clinical instructors.
    The Council of Ministers also approved the amendment in Punjab Court Act 1918 to change the nomenclature Civil Judges. The Council of Minister also approved the amendment in the Regulation No. 3 of Punjab Public Service Commission (condition of service) Regulation 1958 for increasing the number of members of PPSC from 7 to 10 and to create posts of supporting staff. It also approved relaxation of qualification for certain players of World Cup Kabbadi Punjab 2010 team for their recruitment in Punjab Mandi Board.
    Streamlining the Old Age Pension Scheme the Council of Ministers decided that the age applicant for old age pension scheme would be decided on the basis of their age indicated in the Voter ID card/Voter list/Ration card, Matric Certificate or Birth Certificate issued by Registrar Birth and Deaths. The powers given to Medical Officers to establish the age of applicants have been withdrawn.

    The Council also sanctioned staff for recently constituted Punjab Gau Sewa Board and gave its approval for establishing Punjab Animal Welfare Board.

    The Council of Minister also approved the summoning of 11th Session (Budget Session) of 13th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from March 4, 2011 at 2:30 PM.

    As a tribute to Martyr Karnail Singh Issru, the Punjab Council of Ministers has decided to enhance the monthly pension of his widow Smt. Charanjit Kaur from Rs. 4250 to Rs. 5000 per month as a special case.
    The Council of Ministers also approved to give VAT exemption for goods being purchased by All India Pingalwara Charitable Society (Reg.) Amritsar.

    The Council also approved amended VAT form 23 and 24. As in these forms there would be no need to mention the stage of purchase and give bill wise detailed, giving relief to Karyana dealers.
    The council of Ministers also approved to reduce rate of vat from 12.5% to 5% plus surcharge on body fabrication.
    In order to encourage sports in the state of Punjab and especially to give more opportunities of employment to outstanding sports man who have won medals in Olympics , Asian and Commonwealth Games, the council of ministers today decided to recruit suitable medalists against 10 posts of group “A” in the grade of 10300 – 34800 + 5000 grade pay after excluding these posts from the preview of PPSC.

    ----------------------------------------------------


    Punjab’s Excise Policy 2011-12 approved with an increase of Rs.728 crores

    Chandigarh, February 22:

    In the cabinet meeting held today under the chairmanship of Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab, the Excise Policy of the State for the year 2011-12 was approved with an increase of Rs.728 crores over the last year. As a result of this, the excise revenues will touch Rs.3190.49 crores at the end of March, 2012 giving an increase of approx. 30% over 2010-11
    .
    The Deputy Chief Minister, while talking to mediapersons, said that the Cabinet has decided to continue with the existing system of allotment of liquor vends through draw of lots. He said that, as in the previous years, the draw of lots for allotment of vends will be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner in the presence of applicants, public and the Deputy Commissioners of the Districts. The Deputy Chief Minister further said that to boost the sports activities in the State, out the application money received for allotment of vends, Rs.25 crores will be given to the Sports Department exclusively for creation and strengthening of sports infrastructure in the State.

    Giving further details of the Excise Policy as approved by the Cabinet, Sh.S.S.Brar, Financial Commissioner, Taxation said that the license fee on PML and IMFL has been increased by Rs.10/- per bottle. The quota for the current year has been increased approx by 10% over the last year. For the year 2011-12, the total quota will be 1290 lakh proof litres, out of which 884 lakh proof litres will be of PML and 406 lakh proof litres will be of IMFL. This amounts to approx 60 lakh case of IMFL and 1.77 crore cases of PML. The ratio of open/fixed quota of PML will remain at 50:50 as fixed for the year 2010-11.

    The Deputy Chief Minister further stated that in order to curb the menace of smuggling of liquor into the State, the Cabinet has decided to introduce security labels from 1st April, 2011. All liquor bottles of Punjab Medium Liquor (PML) and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) to be sold in the State of Punjab during the year 2011-12 shall be affixed with the intaglio printed security labels with holograms. Similarly, stricter penalties will be imposed on retailers if they sell the liquor below the minimum retail price (MRP) prescribed by the Department. If any licensee sells the liquor below the MRP, for the first time, his licensing unit/zone/group will be closed for one week. If he repeats this for the second time, his license will be cancelled for one month and for the third time, his licensing unit/zone/group will be closed for the entire period of 2011-12.

    The Deputy Chief Minister further informed that to meet unforeseen demand of PML & IMFL as a result of the introduction of intaglio printed security labels on liquor bottles, the limit of the addl. quota to be given to licensees during the year 2011-12 has also been enhanced by 25% of their basic quota . The license fee on additional quota will be at a concessional levy of Rs. 8/- per PL.

    Under the administrative reforms initiatives of the Government, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the procedure for the grant and renewal of the Hard Bars and Beer Bars has been simplified for the convenience of the applicants. From the next financial year, the Hard Bar and Beer Bar licenses will be granted by the Collector-cum-Deputy Excise & Taxation Commissioners, Incharge of the Divisions with prior approval of the Excise & Taxation Commissioner. This step would bring in lot of relief to the applicants and improve efficiency by cutting delays in line with the present day policy of the Government which is aimed at improving service to the people.

    Sh.Brar told that to give relief to the users of denatured spirit, the Cabinet has decided to abolish wholesale license of denatured spirit namely L-17A license, which was only increasing the retail price of the spirit. However, keeping in view the demand of denatured spirit, new L-17 licenses, which were frozen some years back, would be granted in the district of Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar (three each) and two each in other districts of the State. While concluding, Shri A Venu Prasad, Excise and Taxation Commissioner stated that the department will be able to achieve this year’s target of Rs.2461.78 crores under the Excise head.
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MANPREET'S FLOATING NEW PARTY IN CONSEQUENTIAL FOR SAD SUKHBIR DEDICATES STATE OF ART RS 2.80 CRORES SIR SUNDER SINGH MAJITHA BUS STAND TO THE PUBLIC

Majitha (Amritsar), February 22:

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Punjab's sustained drive for accelerating development process in the state was showing encouraging results. Mr. Badal was addressing people from dozens of villages around Majitha after inaugurating state of art Sir Sunder Singh Majithia Bus Stand ( Rs. 2.80 crore), fulfilling the 40 year old demand of the people. Mr. Badal said that our government had adopted pro -people model of governance negating the anti people policies of previous congress government. He said that despite financial constraints, the state government has faced the situation, continued with subsidies besides accelerating the process of government. When asked about Manpreet floating new party, Mr. Badal replied that the people keep coming and going from the parties and political party like Shiromani Akali Dal standing on the firm footing of sacrifices of its leaders were not affected by such new outfits. He said that Shiromani Akali Dal was committed to fulfilling all promises made in the manifesto and people who run away at the time of fulfilling the promises were rejected by Punjabis. Mr. Badal said that infrastructure based growth model was showing positive result and with Rs. 1 lac crores investment infrastructure sector, lacs of jobs would be generated in service and tertiary sectors. He said that Punjab government has given employment to 70,000 youth, whereas Amarinder imposed total ban of recruitment. Describing Amarinder a visionless, directionless leader with no vision for development of the state, Mr. Badal said that he can not be blamed for lack of knowledge as he remained out of state for long years and was oblivious of ground level development. He said that Amarinder was perturbed over sure shot decimation of Congress in Vidhan Sabha Elections and was making baseless statements everyday. The Deputy Chief Minister informed that the state government has doubled the prize money to Rs. 2 crores for Second World Cup Kabbadi to be organized in November, 2011. He said that the state government has been constructing /renovating 13 stadiums at the cost of Rs. 100 crores and most of the stadiums would be made flood lit. He said that the state government was going to organize first ever Shaheed-e-Azam Punjab games in 11 sports with record prize money of Rs. 2.31 crores from 28th February to March 5. On this occasion he also launched the process of new recruitment in Youth Akali Dal. Earlier speaking on the occasion Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Patron Youth Akali Dal and MLA from Majitha constituency said that this ultra modern Bus stand would serve the local populace as well as adjoining villages, he said that frustration of Punjab Congress leaders especially State President Captain Amarinder Singh shows that the people of state have already made their mind to decimate congress in ensuing Vidhan Sabha Elections. He expressed his gratitude to Punjab Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal for ensuring liberal funds for the newly constructed Bus Stand besides naming it after Sir Sunder Singh Majithia's name. Speaking on the occasion Punjab Transport Minister Master Mohan Lal, described the alliance of Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP, a natural alliance and announced to start a new AC bus from Majitha to Chandigarh besides construction of a Bus stand at Chawinda Devi. Former Rajya Sabha Member Mr. Rajmohinder Singh Majithia also spoke on the occasion.

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HARCHARAN BAINS CALLS ON INFOSYS FOUNDER CHAIRPERSON NARAYANA MURTHY

Chandigarh, February 22:

Punjab Chief Minister's Media Advisor Harcharan Bains today called on Infosys Founder Chairperson Mr. N.R.Narayana Murthy at Delhi this morning to explore ways for effective application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for the farm sector in the state.

Mr. Bains and Mr. Narayana Murthy also discussed ways to introduce the use of latest trends in IT for effective and speedy implementation of Governance Reforms and promotion of health and educational services in Punjab. The Media Advisor told the IT giant that the Punjab was all set for a take off into new age technologies with the coming of IIT at Ropar and ISB in Mohali. Many major IT companies are looking to set up base around Ropar, which promises to be the next most happening place in the state after Mohali, especially for the knowledge industry.

Mr. Narayana Murhty accepted an invitation from the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to visit Punjab for further discussions. The IT icon had a word of praise for the process of governance reforms set in motion by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.

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TAX COLLECTION IN PUNJAB INCREASED BY 29% Chandigarh February 22:-


Punjab Government registered 29.3% increase in the revenue collection in first 9 months of current financial year against the previous year.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the Excise & Taxation Department of Punjab Government collected Rs. 9934.18 crore under different acts from 1st April 2010 to 31st December 2010 against Rs. 7684.54 crore from 1st April 2009 to 31 December 2009. The total Increase was registered for the first 9 months of the current financial year was 2249.64 crore i.e.29.3%.
The spokesman further said that under the Punjab Value Added Tax

(VAT) Excise and Taxation Department collected Rs. 7863.76 crore against Rs. 5959.20 crore last year increase by 32%. Likewise under the central sales tax the total collection increased Rs. 279.18 crore against Rs. 228.23 crore i.e. increased by 22.3%. in previous year.
The Spokesman further said that the entertainment tax collection reached to Rs. 7.06 crore from Rs. 0.29 crore increase by 2334.5 %, while luxury tax collection reached to Rs. 8.39 crore from Rs. 6.71 crore i.e. increase by 25%.
The State Exice Tax reached to1775.79 crore from Rs. 1490.11 crore thereby increase of 19.2%, the spokesman added.
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THOUSANDS PROTESTS AGAINST STALLING OF GHAGGAR PROJECT BY CONGRESS

SUKHBIR VOWS TO PROTECT WATER RIGHTS OF THE STATE
· LASHES PUNJAB CONGRESS FOR ITS CRIMINAL SILENCE
· Rally echoes the pain of flood hit people of three districts


Munak (Sangrur), February 21: The resurgent people of Punjab especially from Patiala, Sangrur and Mansa districts today raised a collective voice of protest under the leadership of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal against discriminatory tactics of Congress led UPA government and Congress government in Haryana for deliberately stalling the work on Rs. 432 crores Centre project for channelization of Ghaggar river.

A mammoth rally organized on the banks of Ghaggar river in this sleepy town of Sangrur district by the victims of fury of Ghaggar floods every year was the telling reminder to the Union government that people of Punjab would not take the delaying and arm twisting tactics of Union government by keeping this project in limbo, after completion of its first phase.

Speaking in an emotionally chocked voice Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that Congress party had always been discriminating against Punjab since its re-organization in 1966. He said that discriminatory bias of Congress against Punjab is evident from the fact that for this state only the international riparian principle was ignored and crushing the sentiments of Punjabis then Congress Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi started the work on SYL canal in Kapuri. He said that SAD since had been protesting against the Union government for its discriminatory attitude and organised different morchas. He said that SAD would utilize every available democratic forum to ensure that not a single drop of water of Punjab is given to other states.

Speaking about the Ghagghar Project Mr. Badal said that after much persuasion at every level the Union government in late 1990s approved this project because annual monsoon fury in the Ghaggar was causing damage on both banks. He said that after completion of first phase spanning over 25 km covering Khanouri to Makrour Sahib at the cost of Rs. 113 crore, the Centre government has stalled the work of channelisation as it was imposing an unwritten condition on Punjab not to oppose the remaining two phases of Hansi Butana Canal being constructed by Haryana. He said that Haryana without sanction of Union government and Central Water Commission had constructed Hansi Butana Canal which was against the natural flow of rain water from Punjab and was acting as an artificial dam that would cause floods every monsoon. He said that when this area was flooded this year, the team of CWC did the aerial survey of this region was convinced that Hansi-Butana canal was the sole reason of unprecedented floods this year. He said that Punjab government had submitted the total video proofs to the Union government and Central Water Commission against the construction of this canal even then Union government is arm twisting Punjab government to keep its eyes closed to this project. He said that SAD-BJP government would not mortgage the interest of Punjabis and would use every available democratic forum to oppose the construction of Hansi- Butana canal and expedite the channelisation of Ghaggar. Mr. Badal said that this area has suffered a lot due to annual floods and he was hopeful that this collective voice of people would shake Union government from its deep slumber.

Lashing at Amarinder Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal questioned his deliberate silence on this sensitive issue. He said that if Amarinder was so concerned about the welfare of Punjab why he is not getting other two phases of Ghaggar cleared from the Union government that is being run by his own party. He said that Amarinder loses no opportunity to project himself as guardian of Punjab waters but was keeping his eyes closed when this, his erstwhile ‘Patiala riyasat’ is facing annual floods due to stalling of work in Ghaggar and construction of Hansi- Butana canal. He said that if Congress leadership have some concern about Punjabis’ they should join us to get work on Ghaggar project completed at the earliest.
Speaking about the development initiatives Mr. Badal said that SAD BJP Government has put Punjab on strong footing by linking all cities by 4/6 lane roads, taking solid steps to make Punjab power surplus by 2013 by investing 80000 crores, putting the economy of Punjab on higher pedestal by getting completed Rs. 19000 crore Bathinda Refinery with 2 years and making civil servants accountable by series of governance reforms.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra gave an historical perspective that how he got this project sanctioned. He said that second phase of Ghaggar would cover area from Makrour to Jakhal while the third phase would take care of area from GT road to Khanouri.
Earlier the Deputy Chief Minister laid the foundation stones of Government College ( Rs. 15.4 crore ) , Tehsil Complex ( Rs. 4.78 crore ) at Moonak, Sport Stadium ( Rs. 30 lakh ) at Village Hamirgarh besides inaugurating two model schools costing Rs. 5.11 crore at Village Lehal Kalan and Mandvi respectively. Later on Mr. Badal inaugurated the newly constructed sub tehsil complex ( Rs. 34.57 lakh ) at Khanouri.
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EC APPROVES REGISTRATION OF NRIs AS VOTERS

Chandigarh February 21:

Election Commission of India has approved to register eligible NRIs as voters. Disclosing this here today Chief Electoral Officer Punjab Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu said that Under Section 20A of the Representation of the people Act, 1950 inserted vide Representation of the people (Amendment) Act, 2010, every overseas elector, i.e., Indian citizen who is absenting from his place of ordinary residence in India owing to employment, education or otherwise, and has not acquired citizenship of any other country and who is not included in the electoral roll, is entitled to have his/her name registered in the electoral roll of the constituency in which his/her place of residence in India as mentioned in his/her passport is located.
In terms of rule 8A of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, every overseas elector whose place of residence in India is located in the State of Punjab, who has completed 18 years of age as on 01.01.2011, and is desirous of registering his/her name in the electoral roll, is invited hereby to submit claim application in Form 6-A for registration in the electoral roll of the constituency in which his/her place of residence as shown in the passport is located. The claim application in Form-6A may be either submitted in person directly to the registration officer of the constituency concerned or sent to such registration officer by post alongwith the documents mentioned in Form-6A and the guidelines. When the claim application is sent by post, it should be accompanied by photocopies of the relevant pages of the passport duly attested by the competent official of the Indian mission in the country concerned.

She said that the Electoral Registration Officers of each of the 117 Assembly Constituencies in the State of Punjab and Form 6-A can be seen on the website www.ceopunjab.nic.in.
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BATH DIRECTS PFC TO SETTLE LOAN CASES OF EX-SERVICEMEN ON PRIORITYChandigarh February 21: Capt. Balbir Singh Bath, Minister for Welfare of Ex-Servicemen and NRI Affairs Punjab has directed the senior officers of the Punjab Financial Corporation to settle the cases of loans raised by the Ex-servicemen from the Punjab Financial Corporation on priority. Presiding over a meeting of the officers of the PFC and the department of Welfare of Ex- Servicemen Punjab, Capt Bath said that the process of remission of the loans raised by the ex-servicemen would be pursued further in the light of the decisions taken by the Punjab Council of Ministers in 2004 and 2009. An amount of Rs. 2 crore 7 lakh is due against the ex-servicemen. If settled in their favor it would give not only mental solace but also financial relief to the ex-servicemen, said Capt B