PHOTOS--

13 COUNTRIES TO VIE FOR WORLD CUP KABADDI – SUKHBIR

• PUNJAB TO HOST KABADDI LEAGUE ALSO
• HOCKEY IPL ALSO IN OFFING
• RECORD 100 CRORE ALLOCATION FOR SPORTS DEPARTMENT
• 13 WORLD CLASS STADIUMS TO BE READY BY AUGUST 15, 2011
  
  
  Jalandhar 27 January :
  Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that 13 countries have given their consent for World Cup Kabaddi to be held in Punjab soon.
  Addressing the audience after laying the foundation stone of upgradation of Guru Gobind Singh Stadium to World Class Stadium, Mr. Badal said that SAD BJP Government has brought Kabaddi on the World scene by organizing World Cup Kabaddi last year. Mr. Badal said that beside World Cup, Kabaddi League also organized in Punjab soon.
  
  Speaking of about traditional games ofPunjab Mr. Badal said that new Sports Policy was focused on providing sufficient number of Astroturf surfaceas all over the state so that budding talent of Hockey could get practice on Astroturf. He said that government was committed to restore preeminence of Punjab Hockey players in Indian Hockey team.
  
  Focusing on nurturing traditional games at grass root level Mr. Badal said that for the first time Punjab Government is organizing Shaheed – e- Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games from February 28 in which players of ten disciplines of the games would vie for Rs. 25 Lakh price in each game.
  
  Mr. Badal said that for the first time after independence Rs. 100 crore have been year marked for sports department. He said that 13 World Class Stadiums including stadium in Jalandhar would be ready by 15 August 2011.
  
  Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Local Government Minister, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillour ,Ch. Nand Lal , Mr. Desh Raj Dhugga ( All Chief Parliamentary Secretaries) , Mr. Sarbjit Singh Makkar MLA and Mr. Baljit Singh Nillamahal Chairman Improvement trust.

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WHY CONGRESS SHYING AWAY FROM REVEALING 28 NAMES OF SWISS ACCOUNT HOLDERS DESPITE SUPREME COURT ORDER, ASKS SUKHBIR

• 2G SCAM AND BOFORS SCAM MONEY STASHED IN SWISS ACCOUNTS
• CONGRESS CANNOT TAKE SHELTER BEHIND DOUBLE TAXATION TREATY
• DEDICATE PROJECTS WORTH RS. 117 CRORES TO THE PEOPLE OF HOSHIARPUR
  
  Hoshiarpur 27 January :
  
  Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today asked that why Congress led UPA Government was shying away in revealing the identity of Swiss Bank Account Holders despite repeated directions by Supreme Court. .
  Talking to the media persons Mr. Badal said that Congress Party was dragging its feet on this issue because all these accounts belong to Congress Leaders and the fact is that all ill-gotten money worth lakhs of crores in various scams including 2G Scam , Bofors scam and rice scam has been stashed in Swiss Bank Accounts. Mr. Badal said that Congress party was party of scams and was fountainhead of black money and corruption in the country. He said that any law to give amnesty to black money holders or Swiss Bank Account holders as proposed by Union Finance Minister was not acceptable as it amounted to legalizing crime.
  
  Asked about Amarinder raising question mark on growth rate figure, Mr. Badal commented “It is not fault of Amarinder. Actually he has remained out of Punjab was four long years and it would take time for him to comprehend a development at grassroots level leading to 8.8 % growth of Punjab.”
  
  Earlier addressing the mammoth rally at Roshan Ground after dedicating projects worth Rs. 117 crore to people of Hoshiarpur including Rs. 102 crore underground sewerage projects, Multi purpose outdoor stadium and 25 deep tubewells in adjoining villages, Mr. Badal said that Punjab under the SAD BJP Government has made unprecedented development in all areas that has made Congress party jittery and their hue and cry on non issues reflect their frustration. Mr. Badal said that right from Rs.82000 crore projects including Rs. 20000 croe Bathinda refinery, Five Thermal Plants, set to generate 9000 MW power, Punjab was on path of development. Mr. Badal said that all national and International surveys have rated Punjab No.1 State in the country as far as infrastructural development during last four year was concerned. He said that Punjab has already achieved substantial progress in linking all cities with 4/6 lane roads at the cost of Rs. 6669 crores. He said that during last four years 33 ROBs / RUBs have been constrtucted at the cost of Rs. 702 crore and work on 24 more ROBs was in advanced stage of construction that would be completed within this year.
  
  Lashing at Amarinder, Mr. Badal said that Amarinder during his 5 years tenure could not recruit a single employee where as SAD BJP Government recruited 48000 teachers, 11000 constables in Police and has made thousands of recruitment in food and supply , Excise and Taxation , Revenue and all other departments. He said that it is matter of record that all these recruitments have been done in most transparent manner and every candidate has been selected on pure merit. He said that he was happy that son of cobbler and Safai Karamchari could be recruited as Food and Supply Inspector because these recruitments were purely on merit. He regretted that Amarinder in the very first cabinet meeting imposed ban on recruitment and left schools in shambles with 45000 vacancies. He said that due to no recruitment in the government department most of the candidates waiting for government jobs got overage and their frustration was just because of wrong policies of Amarinder led Congress Government.
  Mr. Badal said that it was SAD BJP Government that was providing Atta at Rs. 4 and Dal at Rs. 20 to 17 Lakh families where as Congress party was hand in gloves with multinational companies who were raising the prices of essential commodities to a prohibitive level. He said that NDA when elected would break this nexus of multinational companies.
  Addressing the people Mr. Manoranjan Kalia Local Government Minister said that it was matter of record that SAD BJP Government has spent more than Rs. 17000 crore on Urban Infrastructure and civic amenities. He said that target was to provide underground sewerage in all cities and mandies of Punjab. Mr. Kalia said that despite Amarinder’s mechanizations, Punjab would provide Rs. 1100 crore for the development of Urban Areas this year.
  Thanking Mr. Sukhbir Badal Mr. Tikshan Sud Medical Education Minister said that Hoshiarpur got record projects during SAD BJP Government. Besides providing bridges on all choes, Hoshiarpur was proud to have first city in the State to have modern bus stand.
  Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh , Mr. Desh Raj Singh Dhugga , Mr. Arunesh Shakar, Mr. Sohan Singh Dhandal ( All Chief Parliamentary Secretaries) Mr. Amarjit Singh Sahi MLA, Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema Advisor to CM and Mr. Baldev Raj Chawla Chairman Sewerage Board.
  
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MRS JOGINDER KAUR TOHRA CREMATED WITH FULL STATE HONORS
SUKHBIR, DHINDSA ATTEND THE CREMATION

ANTIM ARDAS ON FEB 4

Tohra (Patiala), January 27 : Mrs. Joginder Kaur Tohra (83) wife of Panth Ratan late Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra former SGPC President and iconic Panthic leader was today cremated with full state honours. It may be added that Mrs Joginder Kaur Tohra expired yesterday at Patiala. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Member Parliament and Secretary General and hundreds of leaders from all parties paid their last respect to Bibi Tohra on this occasion.

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal offered shawl on the mortal remains of Mrs. Joginder Kaur Tohra and shared condolences with the bereaved family. As the funeral procession moved towards cremation ground, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal lent his shoulder to mortal remains of Mrs. Tohra for over 2 kilometres. As Mr. Harinderpal Singh Tohra grandson and Harmail Singh Tohra son-in-law lit the pyre, a full contigent of Punjab Police fired in the air and reversed the arms to give a last salute to Mrs. Joginder Kaur Tohra.
Earlier the Antim Ardas was performed by Giani Tirlochan Singh Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
Senior leaders who attended the cremation included Mr. Jagdev Singh Talwandi, Local government minister Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Speaker Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra General Secretary Member Parliament Parmjit Kaur Gulshan, Tourism Minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Former Deputy Speaker lok Sabha Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Raj Khurana, SGPC President Mr. Avtar Singh Makkar, Former Minister and MLA Mr Bikram Singh Majithia, SAD Secretary and Advisor to CM Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Media Advisor to CM Mr. Harcharan Bains, Chairman Punjab State Backward Class Commission Mr. Kirpal Singh Badungar, Youth Development Chairman Mr. Gurpreet Singh Rajukhanna and Chairman Punjab Foodgrain Corporation Mr. Randhir Singh Rakhra and hundreds of dignitaries from all parties paid their last respect to departed soul.

According to family sources, the Antim Ardas and Shardhanjali Sammroh would be held on February 4th at Village Tohra from 12.00 noon to 2.00 pm.

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VAHLA APPOINTED AS THE CHAIRMAN OF SUGARFED

Chandigarh, Janurary 27:
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved the appointment of Mr. Sukhbir Singh Vahla as the Chairman of the Sugarfed, according to a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office.

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Punjab CM Condoles sad demise of Sardarni Joginder Kaur Tohra

Chandigarh, January 26:

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Sardarni Joginder Kaur Tohra, the wife of Panth Rattan Late Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra former President of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee. Sardarni Joginder Kaur Tohra breathed her last at the residence of her son-in-law and former Minister Mr. Harmail Singh Tohra in Patiala this morning after a brief illness. She was 80 and is survived by her only daughter Sardarni Kuldeep Kaur.

In a condolence message, Mr. Badal described Sardarni Joginder Kaur as an 'icon of Sikh way of life ' who dedicated her entire life for the well being of the Sikh Panth. The Chief Minister said, "She was a devout Sikh committed to the ideals of Sikhism and in her death a void has been created in Sikh Panth which is difficult to be filled." Mr. Badal lauded Sardarni Joginder Kaur Tohra's enormous contribution in the unparalleled struggle of Late Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra for the welfare of the Sikh Community.

According to the family sources the cremation of Sardarni Joginder Kaur Tohra would be held at village Tohra at 11.00 am tomorrow on January 27.
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SUKHBIR CONDOLES THE DEATH OF MRS. JOGINDER KAUR TOHRA
DESCRIBES THE DEATH HAS GREAT LOSS TO PANTH
CREMATION WITH FULL STATE HONOUR AT TOHRA ON 27TH AT 11.00 AM

Chandigarh, January 26

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister and President Shiromani Akali Dal today expressed deep shock at the demise of Mrs. Joginder Kaur Tohra, wife of Panth Ratan Late Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra, who died at Patiala today.

In a condolence message, the Deputy Chief Minister described the death of Mrs. Tohra as irreparable loss to Sikh Panth. He said that she stood like rock behind Panth Rattan late Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra throughout his more than four decade service to the Panth.

Later Mr. Badal had a telephonic conversation her daughter Kuldip Kaur Tohra and son –in- law Former Minister S. Harmail Singh Tohra to express his personal condolences in this hour of grief. He expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty to give peace to departed soul and strength to them to bear this irreparable loss.

Later Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal asked state authorities to make arrangements for cremation of Mrs Joginder Kaur Tohra with Full State Honors. It may be added that cremation of Mrs. Joginder Kaur Tohra would be held at Village Tohra in District Patiala on January 27th, at 11.00 am.
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PUNJABSUKHBIR REITERATES PUNJAB GOVERNMENT’s COMMITMENT FOR WELFARE OF COMMON MASSES

· Unfurls National Flag at Ferozepur
· Pays tributes to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev at Hussainiwala memorial

Ferozepur, January 26: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today exhorted the people to become an active partner in the rapid progress of State to take it at the pinnacle of glory again and reiterated the SAD-BJP government’s commitment to ensure welfare of common masses fulfilling the dreams of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, who laid their lives for the freedom of country.

Addressing an impressive gathering here at Shaheed Bhagat Singh stadium after unfurling the National flag on the occasion of 62nd Republic Day, the Deputy Chief Minister said that our freedom fighters laid down their lives so that common persons could enjoy the fruits of freedom including development, availability of essential commodities at lower prices besides enjoying dignity in the government offices. He said that unfortunately that during last 63 years the common man suffered most with prices of essential commodities piercing the roofs and also petty government officials harassing him in the government offices. He said that the congress party despite claiming itself proponent of Aam Aadmi connived with multinational companies to crush common man. He said that it was SAD BJP Government who held the hand of common man by providing it Atta at Rs.4 and Dal at Rs. 20. He said that governance reforms and Right to Service Act are set to empower common man, giving him basic dignity and ensuring his works in the government offices without any corruption and in a time bound manner. He said that common man will get the fruits of independence 64 years after independence. Mr. Badal said that the year 2011 was very significant year for the SAD-BJP Government as this would herald fructification of ambitious infrastructure and other projects launched by it putting Punjab on the higher orbit of accelerated development. The year 2011 would witness the completion of Rs. 20000 crore Bathinda Refinery besides dedication of Five Thermal Plants with combined cost of Rs. 62000 crore that would open new vistas of employment for Punjabi youth. This year would also witness linking of every important city with 4/6 lane roads besides completion of 33 ROBs/RUBs initiated at the cost of Rs. 7073 crore, he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that our Government has accelerated the process of development by doubling revenue collection as VAT collection that was Rs. 5000 crore when our government assumed charge was set to touch Rs. 11000 crore in current year and further cross the Rs.14000 crore mark in coming financial year.

He said that the previous Government left the education system in shambles with over 35000 vacancies of teachers. The SAD BJP Government has put the system on back on track by recruiting 32000 teachers with total transparent and objective recruitment process. Besides this, 118 Adarsh Schools were being set up at the cost of Rs 800 crores in the state to provide quality education to more than 3 lac poor and meritorious students free of cost.

He said that keeping in view the fact that investment in land locked Punjab surrounded by tax concession enjoying hill states was possible only by improving infrastructure and connectivity in the State, the SAD BJP Government initiated the process of setting up/ upgrading three international Airports in the State and all set to get the distinction of having 3 International airports out of the total 13 in the country. The setting up of new International Civil Air Terminal at Mohali, the up-gradation of Sri Guru Ram Dass ji International Airport Amritsar, and initiation of another Rs.17000 crore Greenfield International Airport near Ludhiana in collaboration with world class Chandigarh International Airport Singapore is set to put Punjab on global air map. Meanwhile, Domestic Civil Airport at Bathinda would be made operational next month and domestic flights have started operating to Sahnewal airport near Ludhiana, he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister informed that the Punjab Government has launched a massive programme for up gradation of civic infrastructure in all urban areas and 515 crore has already been released to Municipal Corporations besides Rs. 1100 crore more were being released for the urban areas upgradation. Rs.2033.92 crore has been sanctioned for development works including water supply, sewerage, solid waste management, roads and street lights in corporation towns of Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Bathinda and Patiala, he added.

Mr. Badal said that our government had recently announced its new Sports Policy aimed at achieving excellence in the sports and giving incentives to sportspersons, who win laurels for the state at national as well as international level. He said that under the new policy, 13 flood lit World Class Stadiums would be completed by August 2011 and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Punjab Games with record prize money of Rs. 2.5 crore are being organized in last week of February. Earlier, Mr Badal unfurled the National Flag and inspected the parade before taking salute from an impressive march past led by DSP Jasbir Singh. A captivating cultural programme mesmerized the audience. Tableaus of different departments showcased the overall development besides giving social message. Mr Badal also honoured freedom fighters and family members of Kargil martyrs on the occasion. Physically challenged persons got gift of tri-cycles. Various contingents and troupes that excelled in the march past and cultural programme got prizes from Mr Badal. The Deputy Chief Minister also distributed commendation certificates to sportsmen, social workers and talented children.Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, MP, DGP Mr. Rajan Gupta, Commissioner Ferozepur division Mr. Raminder Singh , IG Zonal Mr N.S Dhillon, DIG Range Mr H.S Chahal, Deputy Commissioner Mr Kamal Kishore Yadav and SSP Mr. Kaustabh Sharma.
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PUNJAB GOVERNOR UNFURLS NATIONAL FLAG ON REPUBLIC DAY AT JALANDHAR

Jalandhar, JANUARY 26: The Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Mr. Shivraj V. Patil strongly advocated the need for a focused attention on inclusive growth and social equality and developing Punjab as a model of progress and prosperity for the rest of the country. He called for a collective and committed endeavour to move ahead with faith and confidence to fulfill the dream of the stalwarts of our freedom movement.

Addressing a largely attended impressive State Level Republic Day function held at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium, Jalandhar, Mr. Patil recalled the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and martyrs and paid them rich tributes with an appeal to the people to emulate their high ideals and love for the motherland. He also expressed his solidarity and gratitude to the Jawans of the defence and para-military forces who are continually protecting the unity, integrity, sovereignty and the borders of our country.
Mr. Patil further said that India has achieved a unique position in different fields of endeavour in the comity of nations and the people of Punjab made a significant contribution in this endeavour. He said that today there is a complete peace, harmony and prosperity in the Punjab and the Punjabis will continue to play a pivotal role in national reconstruction work and furthering the process of social change through their commitment and dedicated endeavor.

Lauding the contribution of Punjab Farming community in meeting the food requirements of the country, the Governor called for effective steps for giving a new push to agriculture sector.
Describing Punjab as a peaceful state in the country, Mr. Patil assured that law and order situation in the State will be maintained at all costs and government is sincerely committed to it and efforts are being made for modernizing the policing infrastructure.

Mr. Patil further said that Jalandhar, Chandigarh and various other cities have been equipped with educational, healthcare and IT network which will further give a fillip to the development process in the State. He emphasized the need of giving the top most priority to health and education sector which play a significant role in shaping the destiny of the Nation.

Appreciating the steps being taken by the Punjab Government in generating more powers for different sectors of economy, Mr. Patil called for more effective strategies to make Punjab a power surplus State in the Country. He appeals to the citizens to preserve and promote the beautification of cities and towns of the State. He said that efforts are being made to bring metro project at Chandigarh and its satellite towns.
The Governor further mentioned that there is a need for giving special attention to women, children and senior citizens to bring cohesion in the society. He said that senior citizens must be given special respect in every field and we can be benefited with their guidance and rich experience of their lives.
Earlier, Mr. Patil unfurled the National flag and took the salute at an impressive march past by contingents of the police, para-military forces, NCC, Home Guards and college and school children. He also distributed cycle rickshaws to poor, tri-cycle to handicap and sewing machine to widows which are given by the Red Cross society, Jalandhar.

Besides folk dance performance given by deaf and dumb students of Red Cross School, Jalandhar, Dare devil stunts on motor cycle were also performed by the Jawans of Punjab Police.
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. S. C. Agrawal, Chief Secretary, Punjab, Mr. P.S. Gill, DGP, Punjab, Mr. S.R. Ladhar, Commissioner, Jalandhar Division, Sh.Gaurav Yadav Commissioner of Police Jalandhar,Mr. Prayank Bharti, Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar.
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Chandigarh, January 26 :

Shiromani Akali Dal Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema today express deep sorrow at the untimely demise of Mrs. Joginder Kaur Tohra wife of Panth rattan Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra who dies today at Patiala.

In a message Dr. Cheema said that Mrs Tohra illumination force in the life of Late Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra who served Panth in SGPC and Shiromani Akali Dal for more than four decade. He said that with the demise of Mrs Tohra was a huge loss to Panth and Punjab.

He expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty to give peace to departed soul and strength to them to bear this irreparable loss.


( Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema)
Secretary & Spokesman