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SUKHBIR PAYS BHAI JIWAN SINGH RANGRETTA
AMARINDER PUSHED PUNJAB IN DEBT TRAP -- SUKHBIR

CONGRESS DELIBERATELY FUELING PRICE RISE TO HELP MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES
AMRITSAR WITNESSES LARGEST EVER CONGREGATION OF BHAI JAITA'S DEVOTEES


Amritsar, January 20:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh was responsible for pushing Punjab deeper in the debt trap as out of total Rs. 65000 crores state debt, only Amarinder government took debt more than Rs. 19620 crores.

Addressing media persons after speaking to the largest ever gathering of devotees of Bhai Jaita mostly consisting of schedule caste and backward classes ever witnessed in the history of Amritsar at a state level function to pay tributes to Bhai Jiwan Singh Rangretta here today Mr. Badal commenting on Amarinder's criticism of Punjab's economy said that Amarinder was a frustrated man, as he was facing confirmed defeat in the impending Vidhan Sabha elections. He said that it was better to ignore the remarks of Amarinder as he never had and would never have any development oriented vision for Punjab. He said that why can't Amarinder come out with facts and figures that what he did for Punjab during his tenure and what he intended to do. Mr.Badal said that Captain Singh was trying to stifle the economy of Punjab by asking Prime Minister to direct nationalize banks to stop financing development projects of Punjab. The people of Punjab did not need an obstructionist leader but a government that can take the state forward.He said that Punjab government would soon organize a detailed press conference giving details of economic growth of Punjab besides development initiatives of the state.

To an other questions Mr. Badal said that nobody can help Amarinder, if he starts questioning the data of growth released by Central Statistical Organizations that says that growth of Punjab was 8.8%, much higher than National average of 7.4%. To a query regarding PM's appeals to the states to lower taxes to check inflation Mr. Badal said that PM has no right to asks states to curb its revenue till it raises the share of Punjab in Central Taxes from 1.3% to 50%. Mr. Badal said that he has already asked intelligence wing to keep an eye on hoarders and DCs have been asked to conduct raids. He said that Punjab government would soon install jammers in the jails to check the misuse of mobiles by jail inmates and jails staff would be held responsible for any drug recovery in the jail.

Earlier paying tributes to Bhai Jaita Ji here today Mr. Badal lashed at Congress party for ignoring the interest of schedule castes and oppressed classes deliberately and using them only as vote banks. He said that it was the Shiromani Akali Dal that took lead in giving land to the landless schedule caste families. He said that it was SAD that started Shagun Scheme for the daughters of schedule caste families and it was the same government that enhanced the Shagun amount from 5100 to 15000. He said that it was Mr. Badal that took care of poor families in the era of price rise by providing them Atta at Rs. 4 and Dal at Rs. 20 per kg that too to 17 lakh families without any break during last four years. He said that on other hand Congress led UPA was playing in the hands of multinational companies and was deliberately fueling price hike to crush Aam Aadmi.

Mr. Badal acceding to the demand raised by the organizers Mr.Badal said that State Level function in the memory of Bhai Jaita would be organized every year and SGPC would name one of the four inns ( Sarai) in the name of Bhai Jaita. He said that he would ask CM to start one state award in the name of Bhai Jaita and a committee under the Chairmanship of S. Gulzar Singh Ranike would decide a permanent venue for the commemoration of State Level Function.

Earlier Mr.Gulzar Singh Ranike Animal Husbandry Minister Punjab gave glowing tributes to Bhai Jaita and said that every Sikh was indebted to his unparalleled sacrifice.
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BATH ASSUMES CHARGE OF OFFICE

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 20:

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that Punjab Government would open a new NRI Suwidha Kender at Jalandhar to provide single window service to the NRIs for all Government related works.

Speaking on the occasion of taking over the charge by newly appointed Defence Services, Legal and Legislative Affairs, Pensions and Grievances Minister S. Balbir Singh Bath, Mr. Badal also appealed to the NRIs to invest liberally in the state for the prosperity of Punjab as well as welfare of Punjabis.
S. Badal said that the SAD-BJP Government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister, Punjab S. Parkash Singh Badal was committed to provide congenial atmosphere to NRIs to invest in educational, health, infrastructure, industry and other priority sectors.

He further said that NRI police stations have also been set up in six districts of the state for the prompt redresses of their grievances/complaints. The government has already been announced new investment friendly industrial policy for NRIs.
Speaking on the occasion, S. Balbir Singh Bath thanked Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Shiromani Akali Dal President and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for handing over him the responsibility of these departments and said that he would try to give best services to the people of Punjab.

On this occasion S. Nirmal Singh Kahlon Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Sewa Singh Sekhwan Education Minister, S. Adesh Partap Singh Karion Food & Supply Minister, Smt. Laxmi Kanta Chawla Health Minister, S. Parminder Singh Dhindsa PWD (B & R) Minister, S. Gurbachan Singh Babehali, Chairman Milkfed, S. Ravikaran Kalon Chairman PSTC, Senior Officers of the concerned departments besides political leaders, supporters, family members and relatives of the newly appointed minister were present.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT APPEALS TO CO-OPERATE CENSUS STAFF FOR
2ND PHASE OF CENSUS-2011


CHANDIGARH: JANUARY 20:

Punjab Government has appealed to all the people of the state to take part actively in the 2nd phase of census-2011 i.e. population enumeration which would be conducted w.e.f. February 9 to February 28, 2011 with a revisional round from March 1 to March 5, 2011
.
Stating this here today, a spokesman of the State Government said that each citizen of the state should honestly provide the relevant data to the census officials as it would help the government to chalk out its various future programmes and policies for the welfare of the state as well as the country.
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PRESS NOTE

Chandigarh January 20:

The Election Commission of India is celebrating 25.01.2011 as National Voters Day. On this occasion all the newly registered voters will be given their Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) at the respective Polling Booths.

Giving the information Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu Chief Electoral Officer Punjab said here today that the Election Commission had conducted a special revision and campaign to enroll all eligible voters especially those who have just attained the age of 18 years. The Election Department Punjab will be holding small functions at polling stations to distribute the Elector Photo Identity Cards. The Deputy Commissioners will be the Nodal Officers for the purpose and will be arranging functions for the convenience of the new voters.

On the occasion of National Voters Day 25.1.2011 the State level function will be held at Shivalik Public School, S.B.S. Nagar (Nawan Shahr) in the afternoon at 3.00 PM. H.E. the Governor of Punjab Shri Shiv Raj Patil will be the Chief Guest and Shri S.C.Agrawal, Chief Secretary, Punjab will be the Guest of Honour.

The Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab made an appeal to all those citizens who have not yet registered themselves as voters to contact their local Booth Level Officers and to apply for registration as voters.
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PUNJAB'S GROWTH RATE FIGURES FALSIFY AMARINDER'S CLAIMS - SUKHBIR

AMARINDER DOES NOT KNOW ECONOMICS

SUKHBIR ANNOUNCES DEGREE COLLEGE AND ONE CRORE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THIKRIWALA VILLAGE

10000 TEACHERS TO BE RECRUITED SOON

THIKRIWALA WAS FIRST PROPONENT OF DEMOCRACY

NEW CELL TO TIGHTEN NOOSE ON DESERTER NRI GROOMS AND FRAUDULENT TRAVEL AGENTS


Thikriwala (Barnala) January 19:

S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that 8.8% growth of Punjab against the national average of 7.4% as calculated by Central Statistical Organization (CSO) has falsified the questions raised by former Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh regarding tempo of development in Punjab.

Mr. Badal was speaking to the media persons before paying tributes to Shaheed Sewa Singh Thikriwala, a proponent of Prajamandal movement who died due to torture in the prison of Maharaja Patiala, 77 years ago while demanding democratic rights for the citizens. Mr. Badal said that after the release of growth figures by CSO, a central government organization, Amarinder must apologize to the Punjabis for deliberately misleading them. He said that it was noteworthy that Punjab has registered 17.9% growth rate in industrial sector, despite being surrounded by hill states enjoying tax holidays and sops. When asked about Amarinder's comment regarding "government running on debt" , Mr. Badal said that Amarinder does not know economics and he was trying to distract public attention from record revenue growth of SAD BJP Government that is about to clock Rs. 14000 crore mark by March 2012 against Rs.5100 crore meager collection left by Amarinder. Describing Amarinder and Congress leaders as poll season leaders Mr.Badal said that these leaders show their face only during election year and go into four year hibernation immediately after elections. Asked about NRI summit, Mr. Badal said that the basic purpose of meeting NRIs was to solve their problems besides to educate them regarding new governance reforms, about to change the working of administration of Punjab. He said that State Government through a new cell was about to tighten the noose around the neck of those NRI bridegrooms who have deserted their wives besides also against those travel agents who were fleecing the Punjabi youths by sending them abroad without any proper documents.

Addressing the people on this occasion Mr. Badal said that Sewa Singh Thikriwala was the first proponent of democracy who raised the voice against the dictatorial practices of Maharaja of Patiala who got terrified from the Prajamandal movement and jailed him on petty theft charge. He said that Maharaja of Patiala was so afraid of Thikriwala's influence that he tortured him to death in the prison. Mr. Badal said that flame of democracy lit by Sewa Singh Thikriwala became into full fledged revolution and India got independence 12 years later and 'Royal Kingdom of Patiala' was consigned to the pages of history only. He said that Sewa Singh Thikriwala fought for the rights of common man and Shiromani Akali Dal was moving on his footsteps whereas Congress party in collaboration with multinational companies was all set to crush common man. He said that it was Akali Dal that had started all pro poor schemes including Shagun Scheme, Free Power to farmers, and Free 200 unit's power to poor, besides setting up of focal points. Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government would soon recruit 10000 teachers after getting clearance from High Court.

Paying rich tributes to Sewa Singh Thikriwala Mr. Badal said that nation that forgets its martyrs does not survive. He said that Mr. Thikriwala was the member of executive of SGPC and fought for freeing country from the clutches of British and their stooges Maharaja's.
Lashing at Congress led UPA, Mr. Badal said that people of this country would not forgive Congress party for looting the treasury of nation with record 1.76 Lakh crore 2G scam. He expressed concern over deliberate criticism of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and described it a deliberate ploy to browbeat him to submission so that he does not depose before PAC and to be constituted JPC. He said that days were not far off when in the Congress led regime, ordinary people would have to seek bank loans to purchase onions and tomato's.

Announcing a slew of projects for village Thikriwala Mr. Badal said that cheque of Rs. 1 crore announced by Chief Minister would reach Deputy Commissioner within 10 days for the development of this village. He also announced setting up of a Degree College in village Thikriwala and said that Government would try that this College should start functioning from this academic year.
Others who spoke on the occasion included PWD Minister Mr.Parminder Singh Dhindsa, MLA Mr. Balbir Singh Ghunas, Mr. Gobind Singh Kanjhla, Mr. Gobind Singh Longowal , Mr. Ajmer Singh Lakhowal and Mr. Malkiat Singh Keetu.
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Press note
Chandigarh, January 19:

A spokesman of Home Affairs and Justice, Government of Punjab inform here today that in pursuance to the provision made in Rule 6(8) (iv) of the IPS (pay) Rules, 2007 Sh. Anil Kumar Sharma, IPS ( 1984 batch) who is on Central Deputation is hereby granted Performa promotion as Additional Director General of Police in the Pay Scale of H.A.G 67,000/-- 79,000/- ( annual increment @ 3%) from the date his junior Sh. Mohd. Mustafa, IPS has been granted promotion as such w.e.f 07.10.2010.
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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, January 19:
The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Rabi Season through Canal water from 22-01-2011 to 29-01-2011. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab, Sidhwan Branch, Abohar Branch and Patiala feeder respectively.

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

The spokesman further said that all the direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in group 'A' being in the First preference will run to their indent and balance water supplies available would be utilised in Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries/Minors in Group 'B'.
The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Kasur Branch Lower with its distributaries being in the channels of first Preference would run to their indent and balance water would be supplies would be utilized in Sabraon Branch, Lahore Branch, Main Branch Lower with their distributaries respectively.
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PUNJAB GOVT WINS THE HEARTS OF NRI'S - RAKHRA

Chandigarh 19 January:
The Punjab government has won over the hearts of the millions of NRIs settled across the globe through its unique initiatives to redress their grievances especially the long pending civil and criminal cases which would not only boost their confidence but also motivate them to invest in their home state in a big way.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of NRI wing of the Shiromani Akali Dal Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra said here today the entire land record had been put on website after its computerization to bring transparency and accountability in the system of land revenue besides enabling the NRI`s to access to their land record in a hassle free manner. This historic step would save them from inordinate delay and rampant corruption involved in furnishing relevant documents to them by the revenue officials. Mr. Rakhra further stated that the setting up of a NRI Suvidha Kendra at Jalandhar to provide single window service for all government affairs under one roof and NRIs cell at Chief Minster's Office besides opening up of NRIs Thanas and NRI courts were rendering great services to the NRIs in resolving their revenue and other cases.

The Chairman of the NRI wing further said the SAD-BJP government was fully alive to the problems of the NRIs and now anyone found instigating or encouraging illegal possession of NRI properties would be dealt with severally. He also commended the laudable step taken by the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for the formation of a high powered cell under the Inspector General of Police to provide aid to the hapless brides deserted by their NRI husbands after marriage and another cell constituted to bail out the beleaguered youth trapped in other countries who had been sent fraudulently by the travel agents.Mr. Rakhra reiterated SAD-BJPs firm commitment to involve NRIs in the overall development and prosperity of the state.
He said Punjab had now emerged as the world's the most preferred investment destination with tremendous opportunities where the NRIs could invest in power, renewable energy, infrastructure and industrial growth sector and state government would provide single window service to process their investment proposals. Mr. Rakhra categorically said all the pro-NRI initiatives announced at the recently held NRI Summit-2011 at Jalandhar by the Deputy Chief Minister would be implemented in the right earnest.
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PUNJAB COMES TO THE AID OF BRIDES DESERTED BY NRIs · SPECIAL CELL CONSTITUTED TO PROVIDE AID TO YOUTH TRAPPED BY TRAVEL AGENTS · SUKHBIR CALLS UPON NRIs TO BECOME EQUAL PARTNER IN STATE’s PROGRESS · LAW TO CHECK THE ACTIVITIES OF TRAVEL AGENTS AWAITS PRESIDENT’S NOD

Jalandhar, January 18Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister today announced the constitution of a high powered cell under the Inspector General of Police to provide aid to the unfortunate brides deserted by their NRI husbands after marriage. The cell would also provide aid to the youth trapped in other countries, sent fraudulently by travel agents.Announcing this decision amidst a thunderous applause in Punjab NRI Summit-2011 held here today, the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister said that state government has taken seriously the growing practice of NRIs fleeing after marrying Punjabi girls, leaving them in lurch.

He said that this cell besides providing legal aid to the affected women, would also pursue the criminal case in the country where the NRI bridegroom has fled. Expressing concern over growing practice of local travel agents fraudulently sending Punjabi youth through illegal routes, without any valid work visas, Mr. Badal said that this cell would also provide help to the youth trapped in other countries without any valid travel documents. The cell would also initiate criminal proceeding against the erring travel agents. He said the law enacted by the state government to check the activities of travel agents was awaiting President’s accent. Stressing upon the need for effective coordination with NRIs Mr.

Badal suggested newly appointed NRI Affair Minister Capt. Balbir Singh Bath along with high power delegation should frequently visit the countries where the Punjabis usually immigrate to solve their problems on the spot in coordination with local embassy. Mr. Badal also announced setting up of a NRI Suvidha Kendra at Jalandhar to provide single window service for all government affairs under one roof. He said that newly opened NRIs Thanas and NRI courts were doing commendable job in solving the revenue and other cases of NRIs. He said that state government was fully committed to protect the interest of NRIs and any one found encouraging illegal possession of NRI properties would be severely dealt with.
Giving a call to the NRIs to become equal partner in the state’s progress Mr. Badal said that Punjab has now emerged a land of opportunities where NRIs can invest in power, renewable power, infrastructure and industrial growth sector and state government would provide single window service to process their investment proposals. He said that Punjabis by their entrepreneurial nature have wrote the new chapters of success wherever they have immigrated and after the economic recession in Europe and other Western countries Punjab was the right spot for NRIs for multiplying their wealth. He said the state was not after their money but seeking investment was to strengthen the emotional bonding with them. Giving the details of development initiatives, Mr. Badal said that Punjab was focussing on power generation, infrastructure development and human resource development to provide backup to the up coming industry.

He said that besides linking all cities with 4/6 lane roads, making Punjab power surplus in next two years, establishing three international and three domestic airports, Punjab was the right investment destination of future. He said that with the establishment of ISB, IIT and Central University, Punjab would provide the right human resource back up to the upcoming industry. He said that the setting up of Knowledge Park with research facilities in bio technology, nanotechnology, Punjab was focussing on future industrial growth. Assuring total cooperation from the state government, Mr. Badal said that it was the duty of NRIs to nurture the state from where they have immigrated. Emphasizing on the need of educating our future generation regarding our rich cultural and religious heritage, Mr. Badal said that every NRI family must bring their children to upcoming Khalsa Heritage Centre being established in Sri Anandpur Sahib that would educate the children about their cultural identity.

He also spoke about the three memorials being set up at Chapparchiri, Khanuwan and Kup Rahira to perpetuate the martyrdom of thousands of Sikhs who laid down their lives protecting the frontiers of their country. Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Capt. Balbir Singh Bath welcomed the NRIs and Mr. Surjit Sing Rakhra, President NRI Wing, SAD, gave a brief outline of initiatives taken by the SAD-BJP government to strengthen the bonds with NRIs from the state. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Varinder Sharma, MP from UK appreciated the development vision of Mr.Badal and urged to set up a State Information Bureau in UK to explain the investment opportunities in Punjab. He also demanded to take up the issue for granting visas liberally to the Punjabis settled abroad with Union External Affairs Ministry.

He also advocated for some executive powers to the NRI Sabha. Prominent amongst others present on the occasion includes Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa and Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, all cabinet ministers, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, MP, besides a number of Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs and top brass of civil and police administration.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Social Security & Women and Child Development Minister Punjab Ch.
Swarna Ram emphasized to ensure the supply of pre-school kits and medicine kits to the beneficiaries through Panchyati Raj Institutions under Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS).
Presiding over the State Advisory Committee meeting on social security women and child development here today, the minister said that these kits should be purchased and supplied in time and no laps would be tolerated. He also impressed on Aganwadi centers monitoring pensions/other financial assistance being given to the beneficiaries under various schemes with the recommendations of panchayts has been decided to fix the time frame.
It was also decided in the meeting the age shown in voter card would be considered final for pension form.
The Minister said that a person would himself responsible for furnishing false details.
Under administrative reforms the Punjab Government has banned the affidavits from the applicant and the applicant would be responsible for the information given by him in the forms.
Prominent amongst Sant Balbir Singh Ghuns, Mr. Jagdish Raj Sahwaney (both MLAs), Mr. T.R. Sarangal Principal Secretary Social Security Women and Child Development, Mr. Gurkirpal Singh Director Social Security Women and Child Development and other officers of the department were present.


 


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