Central Vigilance Team Inspected gross malpractices....Grewal

Chandigarh: 09-06-2011
Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal
National Secretary BJP Kisan morcha
Incharge, Jammu and Kashmir
Vice Chairman, PSIEC, Ltd.

Central Vigilance Team Inspected gross malpractices in the Construction of Road from G.T. Road to Tajpur to Dhanansu District Ludhiana, Punjab constructed under Rural Infrastructure Development Project.

For Inspection of road work, National BJP Leader and Vice Chairman Punjab small Industries and Export Corporation Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal write a letter to Shri C K Gopalakrishna Incharge, The Central Vigilance Cell, Rural Infrastructure Development Project Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East Mumbai, Shri . S T Raghuraman,Chief Gen. Manager, 3rd Floor, 'D' Wing, C-24, 'G' Block Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, Shri S Akbar, Chief General Manager,2nd Floor, 'D' Wing,C-24, 'G' Block Bandra- Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, Shri B.S. Shekhawat,Chief General Manager, 8th Floor, 'C' Wing,C-24, 'G' Block Bandra-Kurla Complex,Bandra East, Mumbai, Dr. P Renganathan,Chief General Manager,3rd Floor, 'C' Wing,C-24, 'G' Block Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, Shri S C Kaushik, Chief General Manager, Punjab Regional Office, Plot. No. 3, Sector 34-A Post Box No. 7, Chandigarh, Shri Rakesh Singh, Chairman, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Mumbai , Shri . Shashi R. Rajagopalan,Plot No. 10, Saket Phase II,Kapra, ECIL Post, Hyderabad, Shri J.C.Mohanty, Commissioner Agriculture Principal Secretary, Government of Rajasthan,Pant Krishi Bhavan, Janpath, Jaipur, Shri Lakshmi Chand,C-12, Sector -14,Noida,Uttar Pradesh, Shri A. K. Sinha,Agricultural Production Commissioner Government of Bihar Vikas Bhawan, New Secretariat, Patna, Shri Prabeer Kumar Basu,Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture,Department of Agriculture and Cooperation,Govt. of India, New Delhi, Shri Mohd. Iqbal Khandey,Principal Secretary,Agricultural Production Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar, Shri B. K. Sinha,Secretary,Ministry of Rural Development,Government of India, New Delhi., Shri K. Jayakumar, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary Home & Vigilance Government of Kerala,Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. K. C. Chakrabarty, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India,Central Office, Mumbai, Shri Alok Nigam, Joint Secretary (BO),Ministry of Finance,Department of Financial Services,Government of India,New Delhi. to bring their kind attention gross malpractices in the Construction of Road from G.T. Road to Tajpur to Dhanansu District Ludhiana, Punjab constructed under Rural Infrastructure Development Project sanctioned on 28.06.2010.

In this Complaint Grewal mentioned that the road had not been constructed as per the specifications laid down by the organization Rural Infrastructure Development Project. Grewal told that construction work is characterized by poor quality and quantity of construction material and bad workmanship. Grewal requested to direct inspection of the above Road by a team of senior officers to bring the guilty contractor to the book.

• ALL EWS FAMILIES ELIGIBLE FOR SHAGUN
• ADVANCED RELEASE OF RS. 27 CRORE FOR NEXT THREE MONTHS

Chandigarh June 12:
The Punjab government today earmarked a record sum of Rs. 130 crore for payment of Shagun to the Economic Weaker Sections (EWS) girls of families having annual income less than Rs 30000 on their marriage. It has released Rs. 27 crore for next three months for the benefit of the beneficiaries of the Shagun Scheme in the state.

Disclosing this here today S. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Welfare of Scheduled Casts and Backward Classes Minister Punjab, said that SAD-BJP government fulfilling its promises in the manifesto has extended the scope of scheme to cover girls from all EWS families. He said that for the first time it has been decided that Rs 15000 Shagun would be credited in the bank accounts of beneficiaries before the marriage through online banking. BPL families and blue card holders would not have to submit income certificate and other candidates would have to attach income certificate attested by competent authority. He said that this benefit of Shagun was available only for two girls in a family.

The Minister said that every month Rs. 9 crore would be released for all the districts in the state. Earlier this scheme was meant only for the people belonging to the scheduled casts, but now the scheme is also extended to economically poor girls of backward class upper class, Christian community who has an annual income less than Rs. 30,000/-.
The Minister added that eligible girls would have to apply for the shagun before the marriage or on the date of marriage and no form would be accepted after the marriage. The form should give the bank account number of the beneficiary so that shagun amount could be credited directly in their account. After the receipt of form district Welfare Officer would check the eligibility of the applicant and send the form to the head quarter for release of shagun amount. The applicant parents/guardians should be the domicile resident of Punjab.
The Minister added that economically poor widows or divorcee girls would be also eligible for shagun at the time of re-marriage. The Minister said that family would have to give a certificate to the district welfare officer that marriage has been solemnized on the said that after receiving the benefit of Shagun.
It may be added that Shagun Scheme was the brainchild of Mr. Parkash Singh Badal that started this scheme in previous term with amount of Rs. 5000 for the daughters of SC families. The amount of Shagun was enhanced four years ago to Rs. 15000. The enlargement of ambit of this scheme was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal at Amritsar last year to include daughters of all EWS families and decien was taken for online credit of Shagun amount in beneficiaries’ bank account.


10 ROBs/RUBs, THREE HLBs TO BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC BY END OF THIS YEAR: DHINDSA

Chandigarh, June 12: Ten strategic Railway Over Bridges / Under Bridges and three High Level Bridges are set to be opened to the public by December this year.

Disclosing this here today Punjab PWD (B&R) Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa said that the ROBs that would be completed this year include ROB at Bathinda, RUB at Bathinda on Bathinda-Talwandi Sabo Road, ROB at Beas, ROB at Budhlada, RUB at Sunam near Grain Market, ROB at Morinda Bypass, ROB at Fatehgarh Sahib, ROB at Chawa-Payal on Samrala-Bija road, ROB Barnala near SD College and ROB at Shambhu in Patiala district.

The Minister said that High Level Bridges over river Sutlej at Gidderpindi, widening of existing high level bridge over Kasur Nullah and construction of HLB over Muradpura drain besides construction of multi-lane High Level Bridge including three lane flyover, approaches and junction on canal UBDC crossing Amritsar-Jalandhar road would be dedicated to the public by December this year.
`The Minister said that 16 more ROBs approved by the government include ROB at Gidderbaha, ROB at Khanna, ROB near Jakhal (Gurney-Jakhal Road), ROB at Chhajli (Sunam-Lehra Road), ROB in Amritsar City on Amritsar-Attari railway line crossing Khazana Gate, ROB on Amritsar-Sahnewal railway line at Wallah, ROB at Tarn Taran City on Amritsar Khemkaran line, ROB at Mukerian (Mukerian-Gurdaspur Road), ROB Amritsar (Amritsra-Bhikhiwind Road), ROB Suranassi (Bidhipur Crossing at Jalandhar), ROB at Gobindgarh on Gobindgarh-Kheri Naud Singh Road, ROB Malerkotla on Malerkotla-Raikot Road, ROB at Kapurthala near Science City, ROB at Kotkapura-Fazilka railway line and ROB on Northern Byepass Patiala. He said that these 16 projects with combined project cost of RS 254.70 crores are being put on fast track.


PUNJAB AUTHORIZES PRIVATE ARCHITECT'S TO APPROVE BUILDING PLANS- TIKSHAN SUD
• A MAJOR GOVERNANCE REFORMS INITIATIVE TO CUT RED TAPISM

Chandigarh, June 12:

The Punjab Government today took a bold initiative to help the common man, authorizing private architects to approve and sanction building plan according to PUDA Building Rules.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Tikshan Sud, Local Government and Industries Minister said that anybody constructing building on a residential plot measuring upto 500 Sq. yards could get his building plan approved from authorized architects of PUDA/GMADA or concerned urban authority.

The Minister said that by making building plan approval decentralized, the State Government has taken major Governance reform step to help common man who was to go from pillar to post to get his building plan approved. He said fearing harassment people tended to construct buildings without getting the plan approved. He said that this decision will save the time and money of common man as well as reduce the burden of government departments.
Talking about the condition to get authorization for approval Mr. Sud said that any Architect registered with Indian Council of Architects and having ten years of experience could apply for the authorization. He said that after getting authorization from the government of Punjab an architect can approve building plans up to five hundred sqare yards area. He said that nominal refundable fee would be charged at the time of submission of building plan.
He said that to stop the violation of laws a person would have to submit the copy of the duly approved plan to the concerned Estate Officer before starting construction at the site, Mr. Sud said. He said that Estate officer would visit the construction site from time to time and would ensure that the construction was being carried out according to the set norms. The law stated that during construction if any found violating the norms the license of the respective architecture would be cancelled.

Mr. Sud had issued instructions to the all Municipal Corporation, Urban development authorities, to adhere to the law and implement it in its true spirits. In the very binging GMADA had invited applications from the interested architectures for their registration.

PUNJAB TO RECRUIT 133 AYURVEDIC DOCTORS

Chandigarh, June 12:
Punjab Ayurvedic Department would soon recruit 133 medical officers in order to strengthen the department .
Stating this a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that the recruitment process had already been started. He said that written test had been taken. The interview of the successful candidates would be taken at the office of Health System Corporation. The spokesman said that Baba Farid University of Heath Sciences had taken written test for the recruitment of Ayurvedic Medical Officer on April 3, 2011 and the result is available on Universities website www. pbnhrm.org.

The spokesman further said that the interview would be conducted from 21 June to 5 July, 2011. He disclosed that on 21st and 22nd June interview would be conducted for General Category, on June 23 for Scheduled Caste (R & O) . On June 24 Scheduled (R &O) and (M & B), on June 27 for Scheduled Caste ( M & B ) on June 28 for freedom fighters and Handicapped on June 29 and 30 for Backward Caste on July 01 for ex-servicemen ( General) on July 4 for ex-servicemen ( General, BC and SC), on July 5 for sportsmen ( General and SC ).

To meet the ever rising demand of Ayurvedic treatment among the population, special initiative had been taken by the department in this regard. The recruitment of the medical officers was one such part of this initiative.


PUNJAB TRAINS 24 TOURIST GUIDES PROFESSIONALLY

Chandigarh June 12:
The Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board in association with Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism Management organised the first ever State level guide training program successfully training first batch of 24 tourist guides.

According to Mrs. Geetika Kalha, Principal Secretary Tourism, in a first of its own kind initiative total of 24 candidates were trained by different experts over a span of 4 weeks covering all major subjects related to the tourism sector. She said that the training looked into imparting the subject knowledge in addition to guiding practices followed internationally to ensure that ethics and code of conduct are not compromised with.

Mrs. Kalha said that Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board also invited an international consultant with the help of United Nations World Tourism Organisation to train the guides. Ms Mary Kemp Clarke representing the World Guide Training Federation Association and had over 10 years of experience in guide training and over 30 years of experience as a guide herself. She shared with the participants important tips and other guiding practices to better equip them for their future. She accompanied the participants on a tour of Punjab and carried out practical training of conducting guided tours.
She said that on successful completion of their training the participants have been awarded with a certificate from IITTM and after they complete their tests conducted by IITTM successfully, they would be awarded with a license to officially serve as guides in the state. Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board would market the licensed guide information on their website, at all Tourist Information Centres to enable visitors have an easy access to them.
This was the first such program organised. Seeing the success of this, PHTPB plans on organising more such workshops to help citizens acquire a skill helping them get employed on their own, she added.

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DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNAL HARMONY & PEACE TO BE THE POLL PLANK OF SAD-BJP ALLIANCE - BADALASKS CENTRE TO ACCEDE TO THE DEMANDS OF BABA RAMDEVPATRAN (PATIALA)

JUNE 11: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today declared that the SAD-BJP alliance would contest the next assembly elections solely on the plank of development, communal harmony and peace.
Addressing the media persons during the sangat darshan program here, Mr. Badal said that the state Congress leadership could not have even dreamt of the unprecedented development in the state during just four-and-a-half-years during our regime as compared to their tenure of more than 25 years in Punjab. He asked the people not to be swayed by the false propaganda of the congress rather they should conscientiously compare the development and prosperity during our regime with the Congress.

Mr. Badal asked the Centre to immediately concede the demands of yoga Guru Baba Ramdev who was on fast-unto-death against the rampant corruption and the black money in the country. He also warned the Centre to be ready to face the consequences in the future, if anything untoward happened to the life of Baba Ramdev and consequently the law and order situation. He said that the entire onus would be on the GoI in such circumstances. He said the Centre should have realized the significance of these social causes led by Baba Ramdev which had the mandate of every Indian who wanted to weed out the corruption from the political system and bring back the black money from the foreign banks to the country. He reiterated that the Shiromani Akali Dal was already a votary to end the corruption and bring back black money to India so that it could be utilized on the development and welfare schemes especially for the amelioration of poverty. He said; “To retrieve black money is not at all a big issue but only strong political will is needed for which the Centre must come forth”. He asked the Centre to act swiftly in this regard to win over the confidence and trust of millions of hapless people who were looking forward for an early solution to these issues which have already hampered our democratic system.

On the issue of erection of wall along with the Hansi Buttan canal by Haryana, the Chief Minister said that the state government was fully seized of the matter and petition against Haryana had already been filled by us. A battery of eminent lawyers and legal experts has been engaged to defend the case in the Supreme Court. He pointed out that Centre had often done grave injustice to Punjab on the inter-state issues. To corroborate his statement, Mr. Badal said: “After the re-organization of Punjab and Haryana, our state was denied to have its own capital and similarly the contentious issue of river waters which was ought to be settled as per the world over established riparian principles has been deliberately lingered on due to the apathetic attitude of centre towards Punjab”.
Replying to another query to check the menace of cancer in the Punjab, the Chief minister said that the state government had already created a corpus fund of Rs.20 crore and a district level committees comprising the Deputy Commissioner and the Civil Medical Officer have been constituted across the state to recommend the cases of the patients afflicted with cancer for the financial assistance to the tune of Rs.1.5 lac. He also mentioned that two super specialty cancer diagnostic and treatment hospitals have been set up in PPP mode at Bathinda and Mohali besides 3 ultra-modern diagnostic and treatment centers for cancer had been set up in the Government Medical Colleges at Patiala, Faridkot and Amritsar.
Earlier, the Chief Minister laid down the foundation stone of Tehsil Complex at a cost of Rs.6.71 crore besides a bus stand at a cost of Rs.75 lac.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister disbursed development grants nearly Rs.4.50 crore to 80 village panchayats for the execution of various ongoing development programs and welfare schemes in the region.
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included former Minister Mr. Hamir Singh Ghagha Chairman Zila Parishad Mr. Mohinder Singh Lalwa, SAD General Secretary Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, District Planning Committee Chairman Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, SAD District Rural President Mr. Ajaib Singh Mukhmailpur, Chairman Market Committee Patrana Mr. Nirmal Singh Haryoo, former Member Rajya Sabha Mrs. Amarjit Kaur, Chairman PUNSEED Mr. Surjit Singh Ablowal, Chairman Punjab Agro Mr. Randhir Singh Rakhra, former MLA Mr. Gurdev Singh, Vice Chairman Commission for Backward Classes Mr. Harjit Singh Adaltiwala and BJP leader Mr. Ramesh Kumar Kuku. Senior Officers of Civil and Police administration also attended the sangat darshan program.
…
CM MOURNS PASSING AWAY OF DR. HARNAM SINGH SHAN

CHANDIGARH JUNE 10: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Professor Emeritus of religion and literature Dr. Harnam Singh Shan who passed away here at PGI on Thursday.

In a condolence message, the Chief Minister described Dr. Shan as ‘an eminent Sikh scholar, academician and intellectual whose outstanding contribution towards the Sikh studies would be ever remembered by one and all. Dr. Shan as an illustrious litterateur with the qualities of head and heart propagated the concept of Sikhism through his prolific writings across the globe'. “In the passing away of Dr. Shan, Punjab has lost a luminary and a void has been created in the literary circles which was difficult to be filled, said Mr. Badal.

Mr. Badal shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.
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BADAL ASSAILS CENTRE FOR IGNORING STATE’S PLEA FOR MSP OF PADDY AND COTTON DESCRIBED HIKE IN MSP AS ‘CRUEL JOKE’ WITH FARMERS

PATIALA JUNE 10: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today slammed the Government of India for making mockery of the peasantry by announcing a hike of Rs.80 per quintal in the MSP of Paddy and Rs.300 per quintal in the MSP of Cotton for the Kharif 2011-12.

Addressing the media persons here at during the sangat darshan program of Patiala rural assembly constituency, Mr. Badal described the hike as totally unrealistic and non-remunerative especially in the context of ever rising prices of agricultural inputs i.e. diesel, fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides. Mr. Badal remarked “Had Centre shown scant concern for farmers they would have at least consulted the agrarian states like Punjab and others before finalizing the MSP”. He pointed out that we had been constantly pleading with Centre at different quarters to fix the MSP of Paddy at Rs.1500 per quintal and Cotton at Rs.3500 per quintal but it was really shocking that they have not bothered to pay any heed to our genuine demand. He said; “It was not the first instance when the Centre had discriminated against Punjab but rather it was un-ending saga of injustice”.

The Chief Minister rued that Centre had not yet accepted our plea to implement the recommendations of the National Commission on Farmers headed by the noted farm economist, Dr. MS Swaminathan, that MSP should be equal to the cost of production plus 50% as profit. He also underlined the need to re-examine the existing methodology of fixation of MSP by the Commission for Agriculture Cost and Prices (CACP). “The MSP should account for the cost of production and it must be linked to the consumer price index”, asserted Mr. Badal. To support his argument of continued injustice done to Punjab by the UPA led Congress government, Mr. Badal cited a case of Central Road Fund (CRF). He said that as per earlier formula for allocating funds under Central Road Fund (CRF), the weightage was given to the states for area and fuel consumption in the ratio of 40:60. Now this ratio has been changed to 70:30. With this arbitrary change, the Punjab was the worst affected state with highest consumption of diesel as agrarian state which had to now bear loss upto 35% of the annual accrual. Despite our numerous requests made to the Centre it had not yet restored the earlier formula for allocation of funds under CRF.Asked to comment on the Punjab government’s stand on giving approval to the national project of Ghaggar, Mr. Badal said that we had already made commitment to Centre for this but the centre had not yet given its clearance to the state government for the execution of second phase of the Ghaggar project. To another question on allotment of party tickets by SAD, Mr. Badal said that it was the prerogative of the Party President and would be decided at the party level. He however, said that win ability besides the credibility and goodwill of the aspirant for party ticket would be the sole criterion. Replying to another query, Mr. Badal said that SAD was firm on it stand for allowing mercy to Prof. Davinderpal Singh Bhullar but he preferred to make no comments on the BJP’s stand rather said; “It was party’s internal matter”. Earlier, addressing the village panchayats, the Chief Minister said that sangat darshan program was aimed at bridging the gap between the people and administration besides offering a platform to the masses especially the common man to redress their grievances to their satisfaction on the spot. He said that all the village panchayats would be provided with the gymnasiums besides youth clubs would be given sports kits to promote sports amongst the youth in order to wean them away from the menace of drug addiction.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister disbursed development grants worth Rs.6.21 crore to 54 village panchayats for the execution of various ongoing development programs and welfare schemes in the region.
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included former Minister Mr. Harmel Singh Tohra, Member Zila Parishad Mr. Harinderpal Singh Tohra, SAD General Secretary Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, District Planning Committee Chairman Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, SAD District Rural President Mr. Ajaib Singh Mukhmailpur, Chairman District Youth Development Board Mr. Gurpreet Singh Raju Khanna, Chairman Zila Parishad Mr. Mohinder Singh Lalwa, former Member Rajya Sabha Mrs. Amarjit Kaur, Mayor Ajit Pal Singh Kohli, former Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Kohli and President BJP Urban Mr. Arun Gupta. Senior Officers of Civil and Police administration were also attended the sangat darshan.

PUNJAB STARTS A CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHILD LABOUR - SHAKIR· RAIDS TO BE CONDUCTED ON BRICK KILNS AND DHABBAS · PEOPLE'S COOPERATION SOUGHT TO MAKE THIS CAMPAIGN SUCCESSFUL

Chandigarh June 10:
Punjab Government has decided to intensify its campaign to check child labour in the State.
Disclosing this here today Labour Minister Mr. Arunesh Shakir that instructions have been issue to all district labour officers to conduct surprise raids on brick kilns , Dhabbas and Shops to check menace and free the child labour from their clutches. He said that Punjab Government was committed to ensure that there was no exploitation of children and under this campaign they would motivate the parents of such children to put their children in the schools so that they could study and enjoy their childhood.

The labour Minister said that he has sought information from every district regarding previous rates conducted to check child labour. He said that labour department would soon organize seminars exhibitions and educative campaigns to educate the public regarding the menace of child labour.
Seeking the active public support to make this campaign successful Mr. Shakir said that Punjab Government is observing child labour elimination week from June 12 to June 18, 2011. The Minister clarified that child labour was an offence under section 3 of Child Labour Act 1986, Section 67 of Punjab Factories Act 1948 and section 29 of Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishment Act 1958 under which engaging any person as labour who is below 14 year was an offence. He said that any body committing this offence could be convicted for 6 months and fined for Rs. 20000/-. This imprisonment could be extended upto 2 years. Mr. Shakir said that Punjab Labour Department has setup a help line on telephone No. 0172-2702846 on which normal public can report any case of child labour witnessed by them in their vicinity. He assured that anonymity of the complainant would be ensured by the department.

Punjab's new campaign to enable inclusion of name in Birth Certificates· Citizen of any age can get name included in birth certificate

Chandigarh June 10:

The Punjab Government today started a new campaign to motivate the citizens to get their name included in their birth certificates, that too free of cost.
According to an official spokesman this campaign has been launched in public interest so that citizens should not face any legal hassles in future due to absence of name. Any domicile citizen of the state of what so ever age can get his name included in the birth certificate free of cost.
The spokesman said that it had come to the notice of the State that there were innumerable instances that citizens were having birth certificates but their name was not included in that. There was a public demand for relaxation of upper age for including name in the certificate which was earlier 15 years.
The spokesman said that this campaign would continue upto 31st December 2012 and any body facing difficulty in getting the certificate should contact Registrar Births and Deaths or Civil Surgeon of the concerned district.

CHAWLA SLAMS CENTER FOR STEP MOTHERLY TREATMENT TO AANGANWARI CENTERS

SEEKS EARLY RELEASE OF INCREASED HONORARIUM TO AANGANWARI CENTERS
Chandigarh June 10:-

Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Punjab Prof. Lakshmi Kanta Chawla slammed Union Government for meeting out step motherly treatment to Punjab. She said that despite making provisions in the budget to increase the honorarium of Aanganwari workers from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000, not a single penny has been released to Punjab till date.
While presiding over a high level meeting of department, in which Principal Secretary Mr. T.R. Sarangal, Director Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and the all the Deputy Directors of the department were present, Prof Chawla disclosed that the department had chalked out a comprehensive plan to give free treatment to all the children studying in Aanganwari centers in the state. She said that children would be treated free of cost for the ailments of cancer, Thalesimia and heart related problems. She said that a letter in this regard had already been written to the Health Department.
Prof. Chawla assured the Aanganwari workers that their all genuine demands would be considered sympathetically.

EIGHT POLICE OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh June10:-

The Punjab Government today transferred Eight Police officers in the state with immediate effect.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Home Department said that Mr. Manjit Singh transferred and posted as SP/Chief Minister's Security, Punjab, Chandigarh, Mr. Barjinder Singh posted as SP/Chief Minister's Security, Punjab, Chandigarh, Mr. Raminder Singh posted as SP/Chief Minister's Security, Punjab, Chandigarh, Mr. Lakhbir Singh posted as SP/Intelligence Bureau Punjab, Chandigarh, Mr. Parmpal Singh posted as SP/Intelligence Bureau Punjab, Chandigarh, Mr. Jasdeep Singh posted as Assistant Inspector General of Police/ Information Technology Punjab Chandigarh, Mr. Simrat Pal Singh posted as SP/ Information Technology Punjab Chandigarh and Mr. Manohar Lal posted as Chief Minister's Security.


PUNJAB BRACES UP FOR PADDY TRANSPLANTATION

ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR MINIMUM 8 HOURS POWER SUPPLY TO TUBE WELLS

27.50 LAC HECTARES EXPECTED TO GO UNDER PADDY THIS SEASON

PUNJAB EXPECTS 162.93 LACS METRIC TONNES PADDY PRODUCTION

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 9: The Punjab government has made all arrangements to ensure smooth transplantation of Paddy with transplantation of saplings slated to start on June 10.

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today reviewing the arrangements for paddy transplantation called upon all concerned departments to work out a collective strategy to ensure smooth paddy transplantation so that state could meet the production target of 162.93 lac metric tonnes of paddy this year.

Asking the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited to ensure minimum eight hours power supply to the tube wells, the Deputy Chief Minister said that it was imperative for us to ensure this promise to the farmers. Powercom Chairman Mr. K. D. Chaudhary informed in the meeting that Corporation has already entered into MoU with five states including Tripura, Chattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, J&K and Andhra Pradesh to purchase 1000 MW power to meet the peak load requirement of power for paddy and summer season.
He said that from tomorrow Punjab would start getting 925 MW power from these states. He said that due to intensive bargaining, Punjab was getting power at average Rs 4 per unit, which was Rs 2-2.50 less than last year. He said that from 11 July to meet the increasing domestic power demand, Punjab would get 1076 MW and would continue to purchase power up to October as per the fluctuating demands. He said that to ensure continuous 8 hour three phase power supply to 11 lac tube wells, state has been divided into three groups.
The Deputy Chief Minister asked the Chairman to strengthen the power distribution system so that there was no disruption in the supply. He said that Punjab was the only state in the country that was standing with the farmers, supplying them free power so that they should not suffer loses due to meager increase in MSP by Union Government. Mr Badal asked Chairman to ensure that there should not be any power cut in the cities and to the domestic consumer.

Agriculture Minister Mr Sucha Singh Langah said that Punjab agriculture department was motivating farmers to opt for mechanized transplanters, keeping in view acute shortage of migrant labour especially during paddy season. He said that 449 paddy transplanters were already in operation and government was all set to sanction 28 more during this season. He said that Punjab government was giving Rs 70000 subsidy on walk behind paddy transplanter costing around Rs 2.5 lac whereas it was offering Rs 3 lac subsidy on four wheel drive transplanters worth Rs 10 lac.

Director Agriculture Dr Balwinder Singh Sandhu informed the meeting that this year Punjab was expecting paddy transplantation on an area 27.50 lac hectares against the 28.31 lac hectares of last season. He said that decreasing paddy acreage could be due to farmers opting for cotton crop this year due to hike in market price. He said that last year paddy yield was 5732 Kg per hectare that was expected to go up to 5925 Kg per hectare. He said that last year paddy production in Punjab was 162.55 lac metric tonnes that is expected to touch 162.93 lac metric tonnes this season. He said that agriculture extension network of the department was working day and night to educate the farmers regarding new agri techniques. He said that farmers sowing paddy on sandy soil have been advised to spray 1 percent iron twice or thrice to save paddy saplings from pre-mature yellowing and foot rot.

BADAL GIVES APPROVAL TO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS FOR INSTALLATION OF TUBEWELLS
REVIEWS DEVELOPMENT WORKS OF MOHALI, ROPAR & JALANDHAR DISTRICTS

CHANDIGARH JUNE 09:
In a significant decision, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod to all the municipal councils to get the tubewells installed at their own level to ensure supply of drinking water to the people in the urban areas.
Presiding over separate meetings with the local MLAs and officers of the district administration of Mohali, Ropar and Jalandhar to review the various on-going development projects, Mr. Badal took this decision primarily to overcome the inordinate delay in giving approval to the municipal councils for the installation of tubewells.

The Chief Minister directed the local MLAs and the district administration to ensure quality control of these works especially of sewerage, water supply and sewer treatment plants to ensure basic civic amenities to the people in a result-oriented manner. He also asked the deputy commissioners to ensure the construction of roads immediately after the completion of water supply and sewerage projects to avoid inconvenience to the people. Mr. Badal also asked the implementing agencies of these projects to get the estimates of development works thoroughly checked and verified from the Lt. Gen. (Retd.) BS Dhaliwal.
The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the execution of water supply and sewerage projects in Ropar, Chamkaur Sahib, Nangal and Zirakpur at a cost of Rs.54 crore, Rs.14 crore, Rs.21 crore and Rs.52 crore respectively. Likewise, Rs.19 crore and Rs.45 crore was being spent for the provision of water supply and sewerage in Banur and Kharar. Mr. Badal also asked the municipal council to locate a suitable site for the construction of STP near Zirakpur at cost of Rs.10 crore. He also constituted a committee for the overall development of district Mohali comprising Deputy Commissioner, Mayor Municipal Corporation, CA GMADA and Chairman District Planning Board Mohali and asked the committee to submit its report within 15 days. Mr. Badal reiterated his government's resolve to develop Mohali as a world class city equipped with the ultra-modern infrastructure. He also directed the Principal Secretary Technical Education to immediately finalized the modalities to set up an ITI at Morinda.
The Chief Minister also asked the CA GMADA to speed up the work of water supply and sewerage in Kurali, Derabassi and Lalru for which the funds to the tune of Rs.16 crore had been tied up.
It was informed in the meeting by the Managing Director Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board Mr. Satpal Angrula that the sewerage project in Jalandhar city was being executed in three phases of which first phase of Rs.52 crore was near completion and the second of Rs.62 crore would be completed by November 30, 2011 and the third phase of Rs.237 crore was yet to be approved by the national river conservation directorate of GoI. The work of water supply and sewerage in Shahkot at a cost of Rs.20 crore, Goraya at Rs.27 crore and Phillaur Rs.11 crore was likely to be completed by November 30, as the work in these towns was being executed in fully swing.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Secretary Local Government Mr. SS Rajput, Secretary Housing & Urban Development Mr. SS Sandhu, Director Local Government Mr. SK Sharma besides local MLAs including Mr. Ujjagar Singh Badali, Sant Baba Ajit Singh, Mr. Jasjit Singh Bunny, Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Bhagat Chuni Lal, S. Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr. KD Bhandari, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur and Mr. Sarbjit Singh Makkar and Chairman District Planning Committee Mr. N.K. Sharma.
…

PUNJAB TO CONTINUE ‘BALRI RAKHYA YOJANA’ TO IMPROVE FEMALE
SEX RATIO

• GIRL CHILD TO GET RS 500 PER MONTH UP TO THE AGE OF 18 YEARS

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 9: The Punjab government has decided to continue ‘Balri Rakhya Yojana’ keeping in view its positive impact on improving female sex ratio in the state.

Disclosing this here today, Punjab Health Minister Mr Satpal Gosain said that state had witnessed a massive response to ‘Balri Rakhya Yojana’ under which couple having only girl child would get Rs 500 per month in the name of the child till she attained the age of 18 years. He clarified that this benefit was available only up to two girl child
per family. He said that ASHA workers were being motivated to spread the message of this scheme in the rural belts of the state so that tendency of people going for male child could be checked. He said that ASHA workers motivating families having only girl child would be given a motivational allowance of Rs 500 per case.

The Health Minister said that state government was committed to check the decline in male and female sex ration and strict action was being taken against erring ultrasound diagnostic centers besides criminal action was being initiated against doctors performing sex determination test. The Health Minister said that strict instructions has been issued to all civil surgeons to conduct raids on ultrasound diagnostic centers immediately on getting secrete information regarding illegal tests being performed there. The minister said that state government was strengthening its vigilance network to detect such activities so that action preemptive action could be taken in this regard.

GOSAIN DISMISSES 3 DOCTORS FOR PROLONGED ABSENCE

• SMO LUDHIANA SUSPENDED FOR UNHYGIENIC CONDITIONS IN
HOSPITAL

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 9: The Punjab Health Minister Mr Satpal Gosain today ordered immediate dismissal of three medical officers including Dr Ranjana Gupta, Dr Anil Sethi and Dr Satinder Singh for their deliberate prolonged absence from the duty. The Minister also placed Ugar Singh Sooch, Senior Medical Officer Ludhiana, under suspension finding unhygienic conditions in the premises of Civil Hospital.

The Health Minister said that he would not tolerate inefficiency and corruption in the health department and take strict action against the erring doctors.

PUNJAB ISSUES DIRECTIONS TO STOP HONOUR KILLINGS

Chandigarh, June 9:

The Punjab Government has issued strict directions to stop honour killings in the state.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that the fresh directions and guidelines have been sent to all Deputy Commissioners, Magistrates and Senior Superintendents of Police and Commissioners of Police for strict compliance.

According to the spokesman the threatening attitude of the parents/relatives in the wake inter-caste marriages by their wards and subsequently disrupting the law and order situation would be dealt with firmly. The security would be extended to such couples till they feel safe.
He said that the Protection Centers have been set up to facilitate the young married couples with boarding and lodging for a period of six weeks after their marriage. Such couples would be given protection after submission of an application in the Court of district Registrar. The SSP concerned would ensure adequate security to the couples concerned.
As per the fresh guidelines, the mediation/counseling cells would be set up in the offices of Commissioners/SSPs. Gram Panchayats in villages and special cells in the cities would counsel them to prevail upon the parents/relatives to reconcile to the married couples and not to take their step of marrying out of caste as a threat to their or family's honour.
The spokesman further said that the respect of their decision of marrying out of caste and region to life and liberty of such couples would be ensured failing which could give rise to create turmoil in the society. Directions have been issued that false cases should not be registered at the behalf of the parents/ relatives u/s 363/366/376 of IPC against such couples who are adults and can take their own independent decisions. However, the police should strictly handle the cases where involved couples were minors, he added.
It was also directed that the cases of threats given to such couples prompting them to separate would be strictly curbed and action would be taken against the guilty.
He said that though the liberty of citizens is to be respected but at the same time virtues like morality, law, justice and common good would not be overlooked for the orderly progress and social stability.
The issue of compulsory registration of all marriages is also under active consideration of the government.
It is worth mentioning that the fresh guidelines in this regard had been given after the directions of the Hon'ble Punjab and Haryana High Court in the CWP Asha v/s State of Haryana and others regarding honour killing.

PUNJAB SMALL TRADERS BOARD SEEKS EXEMPTION IN VAT REGISTRATION LIMIT UPTO Rs 10 LAC

Chandigarh, June 9: The Punjab Small Traders Board today sought Rs 10 lac Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption for both manufacturers and retailers under Punjab VAT Act.

Holding a meeting with Financial Commissioner S. S. Brar and Excise and Taxation Commissioner Mr A. Venu Prasad, delegation of Small Traders Board, Punjab led by Chairman Baba Ajit Singh raised the issue of exemption up to Rs 10 lac on VAT Registration for both manufacturers and retailers.
Board members also passed a resolution seeking proper sitting arrangements in the officers of Excise and Taxation for traders, to authorise more banks for the purpose of e-payment, relaxation from quarterly tax to dealers paying lump sum tax, ensuring minimum three year deployment for officers of Excise and Taxation department at one place besides appropriate arrangements of drinking water for traders in all Excise and Taxation offices.
Speaking on the occasion Baba Ajit Singh said that the Board will ensure more effective tax collection mechanism with proper respect to tax payers. Mr. A.Venu Prasad assured traders to extended possible cooperation to ensure smooth functioning of the department.
At the onset of the meeting a two minute silence was observed to pay tributes Bibi Surinder Kaur Badal, wife of Punjab Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal. The meeting was attended by Mr. S.S. Brar, Financial Commissioner Taxation, Mr. D.P. Chandan, vice Chairman, Mr. Dev Raj, Mr. Rajinder Singh Josh, Mr. Jagdish Bhateja, Mr. Pardeep Dhingra, Mr. Bablesh Goyal, Mr. Prem Chand, Mr. Sunil Kumar , Mr. Swaran Singh, Mr. Rakesh Mahajan and Mr. Vinod Jain.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Worried govt taking back anti-people decisions: Dhillon

Chandigarh:

Political Office of S. Kewal Singh Dhillon
Vice-President - PPCC
MLA, Barnala

Taking a dig at Punjab government for executing many anti-people decisions during its tenure, Barnala MLA and state Congress vice-president Kewal Sing Dhillon today said that the government was now reverting its own decisions as a damage-control measure just before the polls.

“With law making new government recruits to work on basic salary without any other benefits for first three years of their service being withdrawn just two months after it was cleared, the state government has admitted its mistake and is now trying to woo back employees,” he said. Reiterating the Congress stand that the legislation was pushed through the ‘backdoor’ with some ulterior motive, Dhillon said the government cannot blame the bureaucracy, as reported in the media, for having drafted such a Bill.

He also accused the government of having put major developmental projects in cold storage or altogether scrapping them, not wanting to put itself in trouble over issues like land acquisition. Referring to scrapping of the IT Park in Rajpura, he said it was the fourth such project to be scrapped, despite the state government claiming to have framed the best possible land acquisition policy.

Referring to a media report stating that a state government’s report has blamed its own minister for regularizing illegal admissions by private ETT colleges, he said that the misdeeds of the ministers are so glaring that it has become impossible for the government to hide these. “Despite this, the government is not doing anything to take action against ministers against whom serious allegations have been made,” he said.


BADAL MONITORS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN URBAN SEGMENT OF SHAHEED BHAGAT SINGH NAGAR DISTRICT

CHANIDGARH JUNE 08:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the progress of ongoing development works relating to the water supply, sewerage, street lights besides construction of roads and sewerage treatment plant in the towns of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahar) , Banga and Balachaur and directed all the implementing agencies to complete these works on priority by the stipulated time frame.

Presiding over a meeting in this regard here at Chief Minister's residence this morning, Mr. Badal asked the Director Local Government and the MD Water Supply & Sewerage Board to look into the new demands of development works raised by the MLAs of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Banga and Balachaur. He however, said that new projects should be taken up only after the completion of the projects already sanctioned.
Meanwhile, the MD Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board Mr. Satpal Angrula apprised the Chief Minister that water and sewerage supply projects would be completed positively by September 30, 2011 and sewerage treatment plants by December 31 in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. He said that an amount of Rs.17.93 crore and Rs.2.71 crore was being spent on the sewerage and water supply respectively besides Rs.1.13 crore on the construction/repairs of internal roads and street lighting in the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. Likewise, Rs.13.34 crore and Rs.1.43 crore had been earmarked for sewerage and water supply projects in Banga town and the work was going in full swing.
The Chief Minister asked the deputy commissioner Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar to send a detailed project for the construction of main sewer, main pumping station and sewerage treatment plant for Balachaur to the local government department so that the requisite funds could be got sanctioned from the finance department. It was also informed in the meeting that an amount of Rs.25.25 crore was required to accomplish this entire project. Mr. Badal also gave nod to start work of sewerage at a cost of Rs.13.63 crore and water supply Rs.87 lac in Rahon town. He also asked the local MLAs to monitor the progress of these on going projects to ensure the quality as per the standard norms. The Chief Minister also asked the Local Government department to get all the estimates of the development projects checked and verified from the Technical Advisor Lt. Gen.(Retd.) BS Dhaliwal.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included MLA Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar Mr. Jatinder Singh Kariha, MLA Banga Mr. Mohan Lal and MLA Balachaur Ch. Nand Lal besides Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Director Local Government Mr. SK Sharma, CA GLADA Mr. AK Sinha, DC Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar Ms.Shruti Singh and Mr.NS Sangha and Mr. Sukhjit Pal Singh (both OSDs to Chief Minister).
…

BADAL CONSTITUTES A WORKING GROUP TO RESOLVE ISSUES OF JALANDHAR INDUSTRY

CHANDIGARH JUNE 08:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave approval to constitute a working group comprising the government officials and the representatives of Jalandhar based industrialists under the chairmanship of Industry Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud to sort out various issues related to the local industry.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister during a meeting with a deputation of Jalandhar Chamber of Industry & Commerce led by its President Mr. Narinder Sehgal here at Punjab Bhawan.
Expressing deep concern over the issu

PUNJAB TAKES LEAD TO ESTABLISH SOLAR CANAL COVER IN THE WORLD

CHANDIGARH JUNE 8:

In a significant decision, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave approval to set up solar power canal cover project to generate solar power by utilizing the space over the canals in the state. 

A decision to this effect was taken in a high level meeting held under the chairmanship of Mr. Badal here at Chief Minister’s residence.  The P4P Private Ltd. would establish a 1 MW solar canal cover as a pilot project over the space allocated to them by the state government for this project which would also save canal water up to 5 million gallons a year by reducing evaporation, in addition to utilize the space over the canals thereby saving land space. 

It was informed in the meeting that by establishing these solar canal cover power generation systems, Punjab would become the first state not in the country but even in the world after US.

The founder of P4P Private Ltd. Mr. Steven Congar along with the owner Mr. Jessie Singh and Expert Mr. Robin Mathews assured the Chief Minister that this pilot project would be commissioned within next six months. 

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Irrigation Mr.G Vajralingam, Secretary Science & Technology Mr. Viswajeet Khanna, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Chief Executive PEDA Mr. TPS Sidhu, Director PEDA Mr. Balour Singh and Chief Engineer Canals Mr. AS Dullat. 

…

GUILTY OF KILLING THOUSANDS OF SIKHS YET DECORATED BY PARTY POSTS-THAT IS THE TRUE CHARACTER OF CONGRESS PARTY - SUKHBIR

·       CONGRESS DELAYING SGPC ELECTIONS FEARING DECIMATION

·       MIDNIGHT SWOOP ON BABA RAMDEV FOLLOWERS REPEATS THE EMERGENCY CHARACTER OF CONGRESS PARTY

Amritsar, June 8: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that admission of guilt by Congress Party regarding involvement of its Party and its leaders in killing thousands of unarmed innocent Sikhs in 84' anti Sikh carnage in their book 'Centenary History of Indian National Congress' and yet decorating the killers of Sikhs with party posts reflects the true character of Congress Party that had been crushing the Sikh sentiment since last 64 years.

          Speaking to the media persons after attending Bhog function of Sant Baba Sant Singh at village Guruwali  5 km from here today, the Deputy Chief Minister said that if thousands of Sikhs have not got justice 26 years after carnage, it is just because that Congress Party was leaving no stone unturned to save the skin of accused Congress leaders. He said that despite Court's directions Sajjan Kumar was not taken into custody as Congress feared that his custodial interrogation would reveal the hidden hand behind the worst carnage of Sikhs. He said that Sikhs can not get justice till Congress was in position to control the strings of power. Mr. Badal said that he would ask the legal luminaries to examine whether admission of guilt by Congress Party in its publication could be used as evidence against accused in the various cases.

          When asked about repeated delays in holding SGPC elections Congress led Union government, Mr. Badal said that the Congress was getting these polls delayed fearing decimation. He said that Congress does not want to face trailer of ensuing Vidhan Sabha polls in SGPC elections and does not want to see writing on the wall.  He said that Congress would not be allowed to interfere in the internal affairs of Sikhs. He said that earlier they tried to create a parallel SGPC in Haryana and now were trying to delay elections.

          When asked about midnight swoop on Baba Ramdev followers Mr. Badal said that Congress Party never believed in democratic traditions. He said that brutalities of lacs of sleeping followers by armed Police force has reminded people about the excesses Congress party in emergency era. Mr. Badal said that people of this country were itching to shunt out dictatorial Congress party from the power.

          Earlier Mr. Badal participated in the prayers organized on the occasion of Bhog of Sant Baba Sant Singh.

45 DAYS DAIRY TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA STARTS FROM JUNE 27

Chandigarh June 8:-

                   With a view to providing update knowledge of commercial diary farming to the youth, the Punjab Government has decided to start from June 27, 2011 (45 days) new dairy technology course at seven centers in Punjab.

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Punjab said that this training would be provided at Chattamali (Ropar), Bijja (Ludhiana), Tarn Taran, Phagwara (Kapurthala), Abdul Khurana  (Mukatsar), Gill Kalan (Moga) and  Verka (Amrtisar).

                   The State Diary Development department would provide new techniques for dairy farming, better shed design and cattle feed to the milk producers to increase the milk production in the state.            

                   The Minister further said that anybody above the age of 18 to 45  undertake this training at their nearest training centre. All matriculate or above qualified persons are eligible for this training. Walk in interview-cum-selection will be held for this training at diary training center in Bija in  district Ludhiana, Gill in Moga District and Verka in Amritsar on June 10, 2011 at 10:00AM. Candidates should bring four passport size photographs along with requisite certificates at the time of walk of interview.

                   The Minister further said that the candidates who would successfully complete this training would be honoured with certificates besides financial help at very low rate of interest would be provided to them. The state government would give 25% subsidy on the construction of sheds, purchase of machinery for cooling of milk. For more information in this regard can be had from telephone no. 0172-2700228.

HEAVY METAL CONTENT SHOW DECLINED IN BUDDAH  NULLAH  AFTER PPCB CAMPAIGN

Chandigarh, June 8:  Heavy metal content in Buddah Nullah has shown a steep decline after strict measures taken by Punjab Pollution Control Board to check the discharge of effluents by the various industrial units.

            According to an official spokesman the recent study have shown that heavy metal like Cadmium, Lead and Copper content in the water of Buddah  Nullah  was just negligible. It may be added that the Buddah Nullah was getting polluted as electroplating units were discharging harmful contents including Zink, Nickel, Copper, Lead, Iron and Cadmium in it. Resultantly the water of Buddah Nullah was getting polluting beyond safe limits.

            The Punjab pollution Control Board conducted this study in village Walipur, District Ludhiana where Buddah Nullah merges with Satluj river. The board recent campaign has stopped the discharge of effluents of eight big  units in the Buddah Nullah and now these Units instead of discharging effluents were recycling the water and uses it again in their units. For 270 SSI dying units effluent treatment plant has been set up that was discharging the effluents the Buddah Nullah after cleaning it. The following chart shows the steep declined of harmful metal content in Buddah Nullah water from 2006 to 2011:-

No.PR-11/294

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO CHECK ILLEGAL FELLING  OF TREES IN FOREST AREAS -BISHAMBER DAS

Chandigarh, June 8:  Punjab government is fully committed to check the illegal felling of trees in forest areas and was strengthening security apparatus for this.

          Reviewing the working of Forest Department here today the Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Bishamber Das today said that Forest department has already requested the Police department to coordinate with district forest ranges so that illegal felling of tress could be checked.

          Mr. Das asked the Forest department officials to make full arrangements for planting saplings in the Forest areas in the ensuing monsoon season.

          Prominent amongst those who present in the meeting Mr. B.C.Bala, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Mr. Gurbaz Singh 

PUNJAB TO LAUNCH MULTI-MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO CREATE AWARENESS REGARDING LATEST AGRI PRACTICES

 Chandigarh June 8 :

Punjab Agricultural Department is all set to launch a multi media campaign to create awareness amongst farmers regarding latest agricultural practices.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Secretary Agriculture said that in the rapidly changing agri scenario, it becomes imperative that the farming community should be timely informed about the latest trends as well as practices to be adopted for making agriculture more sustainable. He said that with ever increasing expenditure on inputs the need of hour was to teach latest agri techniques to the farmers and media can play an important role in this direction. He also underlines the need to organize seminars and camps on regular basis in rural areas to facilitate the farmers to equip themselves with latest knowledge.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Daljit Singh, Director Doordarshan Kendra, Jalandhar informed in the meeting that it was decided to increase the coverage of agricultural activities during news bulletins besides starting scrolls regarding important information on agriculture. He said that it was also decided to telecast live in phone programme specially designed for farmers twice in a month. Mr. Sohan Kumar, Representative of AIR Jalandhar also advocated for more coverage of agricultural activities.

Prominent amongst other who were present in the meeting included Mr. Gursewak Singh Sandhu, Joint Director Agriculture, Dr. Lajwinder Singh Brar , Director Horticulture , Dr. Harinderjit Singh Sandha, Director Dairy Development, Mr. B.K.Sud ,Director Fisheries and Dr. Paramjit Singh Sandhu CAO Bathinda. 

DELEGATION OF SAD EX-SERVICEMEN WING CALLS ON DSW MINISTER

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 8: A delegation of SAD Ex-Servicemen Wing of Shiromani Akali Dal (B) led by its National President Er. Gurjinder Singh Sidhu today called on Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister Capt. Balbir Singh Bath regarding their demands.

On this occasion, Er Sidhu raised demands regarding filling up of all B,C and D categories posts reserved for ex-servicemen, problems being faced by the ‘Dharmi Fauji’, waiver of loans pending against some ex-servicemen taken during time of terrorism, tube well connections on priority basis besides complete exemption from toll taxes.

The Minister after giving them a patient hearing assured them to consider their demands sympathetically. He said that the SAD-BJP government was fully committed for the welfare of ex-servicemen. 

PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA SUMMONED

ON 13TH JUNE 2011

Chandigarh June 8:

The Punjab Governor has summoned the 13th Punjab Vidhan Sabha to meet for its Twelfth Session on Monday , the 13th June, 2011 at 11:00 AM in the Punjab Vidhan Sahba Hall, Vidhan Bhavan, Chandigarh.

        This was disclosed by Mr. Ved Parkash Secretary, Punjab Vidhan Sabha. 

CABINET OKAYS RIGHT TO SERVICE ORDINANCE 2011

RICH TRIBUTES PAID TO MRS. SURINDER KAUR BADAL

CHANDIGARH JUNE 07:

The Punjab Cabinet today approved the Right to Service Ordinance 2011 to ensure the delivery of citizen centric services like driving license, arms license, revenue record (fard) and copy of FIR etc. to the people with in the stipulated time limit.

A decision to this effect was taken here at a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal this morning. 

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab government said that in a landmark decision this Ordinance was aimed at empowering the citizens with the right to get the services from the government within a deadline on one hand and to ensure 100% accountability of the officers of implementing agencies on the other.  It may be recalled that the GoI is still mulling a proposal in this regard with tremendous pressure from the civil society.  A provision of penalty clause has been introduced in the Ordinance to charge a lumpsum penalty of minimum Rs.500 up to maximum of Rs. 5000 from the authorized designated officers who failed to provide the services to the persons in a time bound manner without any sufficient and reasonable cause.  In case the designated officer has caused undue delay in providing the services, then he would be liable to pay a penalty at a rate of Rs.250 per day for such delay and it would not be more than Rs.5000. 

The Cabinet also gave approval to convene a special session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha on June 13, 2011 for the election of Deputy Speaker, the post which had fallen vacant on the elevation of former Deputy Speaker Mr. Satpal Gosian as Cabinet Minster.

The Cabinet also gave go ahead to the scheme of Assured Career Progression Scheme in consonance with the recommendations of the Fifth Punjab Pay Commission.

The Cabinet also gave approval for the creation of 100 posts of Excise & Taxation Inspectors to be filled through Punjab Subordinate Service Selections Board in the Excise & Taxation department.

The Cabinet also gave nod to regularize the services of Education Service Providers (PTIs) which would entail an additional expenditure of Rs.5 crore annually on the state exchequer.  

The Cabinet also approved to transfer 86 acre and 6 marla land of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences to Punjab Urban Development Authority on the cash basis under Optimum Utilization of Vacant Government Lands (OUVGL) scheme. 

The Cabinet also gave approval to notify the Punjab State Medical Tourism Policy-2011 for encouraging the establishment of new or expanding existing medical facilities in the state to create centre of excellence for health care and promoting medical tourism in pursuance of para 7.9 of chapter 7 of Industrial Policy, 2009.

The Cabinet also approved to amend the Rules 30(2)(ii) and Rule 31 of Punjab Minor Mineral Concessions Rules 1964 and Clause 3 and Clause 9 of Form L to regulate the rates of sand in the market besides streamlining the procedure of awarding contract for extraction of minor minerals.  Further to effectively check the mal practices and irregularities in the process of mining, the system of awarding contracts through e-Auction had been introduced and the amount of contract so awarded would be per annum.  Misbehavior of any bidder during the course of e-Auction would be punished by rejecting his bid and the earnest money would be forfeited and if the Director of Industries is of the opinion he may debar him for a period of five years from participating in future auctions. 

The Cabinet also gave extension to the fast track courts along with its staff for another term of five years up to March 31, 2016 as its tenure was slated to expire on June 30, 2011. 

The Cabinet also approved to amend Section 10, 11 and 22 of Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 for the delimitation of wards in panchayats in the light of the article 243-C (2) of Constitution of India.  These amendments would be come into force from the forthcoming gram panchayat elections due in 2013.   

            The Cabinet also gave approval to carve out Mehatpur as new block in the Jalandhar district which would now have 63 village panchayats, of which 58 had been the part of erstwhile Nakodar and 5 of Shahkot blocks. 

            The Cabinet also approved to provide budgetary support to the PUNGRAIN through the Food & Civil Supplies department for the development of modern steel silos on scientific lines to solve the storage problem of foodgrain. 

            The Cabinet also approved to amend the land purchase policy of the state government to acquire land for public purposes. 

On the onset of the meeting, the Council of Ministers in a condolence resolution expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of  Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal the wife of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and the mother of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal.  They recalled her outstanding services in the political, social and religious spheres and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul.   A two-minute silence was also observed in the memory of Mrs. Badal.

…

PUNJAB BECOMES FIRST STATE TO

ENACT  RIGHT TO SERVICE ACT -SUKHBIR

·        CITIZEN EMPOWERED TO GET 67 CITIZEN SERVICES IN TIME BOUND MANNER

·        A MAJOR  ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS TO CHECK CORRUPTION

Chandigarh, June 7: Punjab today created a history by becoming first state in the country to enact a comprehensive Right to Service Act, empowering the citizen of the state to get 67 citizen services in a stipulated time, as a matter of right.

              Announcing this here today Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that with a single stroke, citizen has emerged as king. He said that it was a major stride for the state as far as implementation of Administrative Reforms was concerned in the state.  He congratulated the Civil Officers for working collectively day and night to give practical shape to this act and ensure its enactment with stipulated time. He said that act would ensure timely delivery of services to the citizen otherwise person responsible for delay could face the penalty for Rs. 500  and not more than Rs. 5000.

              With the RTI Act, citizens were empowered to find out where their file was struck. The law made it mandatory for civil servants and public authorities to give information promptly on the common man's query. But this knowledge did not help much because the aggrieved person could only either write to higher authorities or move court seeking redressal of his grievance. Since the courts are already deluged with cases, there is little chance of him getting early relief in matters pertaining to digging a tube well in a village or constructing a school. The Right to Service Act is designed to fill this important gap and make life easier for the common man.

Here is a list of services covered under the proposed Right to Service Act :

Note:    First Appellate Authority –  District Head of the concerned Department or SDM of the concerned sub-division where service is to be provided

            Second Appellate Authority – Deputy Commissioner

* The stipulated time period would be in number of working days and not calendar days.

Draft Bill

LIST OF POLICE SERVICES

Designated Officer: Station House Officer of the concerned Police Station

First appellate Authority: DSP or Incharge of Community Policing Suwidha Centre at the concerned police sub division

Second Appellate Authority: SSP or Officer Incharge of Community Policing Resource Centre of the concerned police district

CHAWLA FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF CHILD PROTECTION

PROGRAMMES IN TRUE SPIRIT

Chandigarh, June 7:-

       Social Security and women and child Development Minister Punjab Prof.Laxmi Kanta Chawla has directed the officers of the department to the implement the child protection programmes in true spirit.
       Presiding over a review meeting of the ongoing development schemes, Prof. Chawla said that all the programmes should be implemented in the time bound manner.

       Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab Government
said that Ministry of women and Child Development New Delhi has launched centreraly sponsored integrated child protection scheme last year and this scheme bring several exisiting child protection programme under one umbrella.

       The State government has signed memorandum of understanding with the Government of India, Ministry of Women and Child Development New Delhi after the approval of council of Ministers to implement this scheme in the state.

ALL SET FOR PMET 2011

·        9000 STUDENTS TO APPEAR IN 44 CENTRES

·        THUMB IMPRESSIONS OF STUDENTS TO BE TAKEN TO CHECK IMPERSONATION 

Chandigarh, June 7:  All preparations have been made by Baba Farid University of Health Sciences  Faridkot to conduct Punjab Medical Entrance Test -2011 on June 8, 2011.

          According to an official spokesman this year over 9000 students are appearing in examination in 44 centres. He said that  4 centre has been set up in Ferozepur, 10 in Kotkapura and 30 in Faridkot. He said that students clearing PMET would be eligible for admission in various government and private colleges in MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS and others courses.

          Vice Chancellor Baba Farid University of Health Sciences  Faridkot Dr. Shavinder Singh assured that strict arrangements have been made to check any malpractice or leakage of question paper. He said that security arrangements of these centres were being over look by DGP Vigilance. He said that to check impersonation, all candidates would have to give their thumb impressions that would be tallied at the time of counseling and admission.  He said that arrangements have been made for total video recording of examination in all centres.

PUNJAB PULLS UP ITS SOCKS ON FLOOD PROTECTION MEASURES

• SUKHBIR SANCTIONS RS 122 CRORES
• SEKHON ORDERS COMPLETION BEFORE ONSET OF MONSOON

Chandigarh, June 6: The Punjab government today pulled up its socks to expedite Flood Protection Measures in a time bound manner, with monsoon reaching Mumbai region.

Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, today sanctioned Rs. 122 crores for drainage department  from various heads so that irrigation department could complete its momentous task of flood protection measures before the onset of Monsoon in the Punjab. Out of Rs 122 crores, Rs 101.75 crores has been sanctioned from NABARD.

Issuing strict instructions for completion of Flood Protection measures on schedule Irrigation Minister Mr Janmeja Singh Sekhon said that every department officials have to work day and night to complete the construction of 1198.05 Km long Flood Protection embankments, 3800 River Training Works and de-silting 7232.13 Km long drainage system to save life and property of people of the state. He said that state government has already sanctioned 19 projects under Rural Infrastructure and Development Fund of NABARD to save the south-western districts of Punjab from the fury of flood. He said that work on 14 projects have already been completed and remaining 5 were in advance stage of completion. 

The Irrigation Minister said that the state government has already approved 118.05 crores for canalization of Saki-Nullah and Rs 21 crore has been released under which two bridges have been completed. He said that work was going on round the clock to de-silt the drain in Ferozepur, Faridkot, Mukatsar and other districts and de-silting would be completed before the onset of Monsoon.

The minister said that 5 different schemes pertain to flood protection measures on River Ravi, Satluj, Beas and Ujh have been cleared by the government and measures were being taken to provide safety to abadis of village Ballan, Tarfmajri, Sawara and Samowal by providing flood protection work on left and right side of Swan Nadi.

The Minister warned that there would be no compromise on the quality of work and strict action would be taken against those who would flouts norms while executing these works.

PUNJAB TO REGULARISE THE SERVICES OF CONTRACTUAL STAFF IN HEALTH DEPARTMENT WITH THREE YEARS OF SERVICE: SATPAL GOSAIN

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 6:

            The Punjab government has decided to regularize the services of all staff working on contract in health department, who have completed three years of uninterrupted services and fulfilled all other norms.

            This was announced by Punjab Health Minister Mr. Satpal Gosain after meeting the delegation of contractual employees, who called on him demanding their regularization.

            Giving assurance to employees, Minister said that he has already issued orders for their regularization and this would be completed by end of this month positively.
The Health minister said that SAD-BJP government was committed for the welfare of employees and by fulfilling this promise, a major demand of contractual employees working on various posts have been fulfilled by the government. Seeking their cooperation in fulfilling the agenda of government to provide basic health services to the citizens of Punjab especially in the remote areas Mr. Gosain said that employees of Health Department should works collectively to realize this dream of the government. He said that he would not tolerate any absenteeism in the department and would deal any report of corruption with strong hands.

            Prominent among those were present in the meeting included Mr Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare, Dr Ashok Nayyar, Director Health and Family Welfare.

SCINDIA CALLS ON CM TO OFFER CONDOLENCES ON PASSING AWAY OF MRS SURINDER KAUR BADAL

CHANDIGARH JUNE: 6

            Senior BJP leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Mrs Vasundhara Raje Scindia today called on the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal to share condolences on the sad demise of his wife Mrs Surinder Kaur Badal here at Chief Minister's residence. 

            Mrs Scindia, who was accompanied by Local Government Minister Tikshan Sud recalled her significant contribution in the political, social and religious fields. Describing Mrs Badal as a multi-faced personality Mrs Scindia said that her concerted efforts towards the empowerment of women, especially in rural sector, would be ever remembered by one and all. She also attributed Mrs Surinder Kaur Badal's unique role on the domestic front as a home maker to enable Mr Badal to reach at zenith of his chequered political career.

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CHAWLA TOOK  SERIOUS NOTE ABOUT THE SHORT COMINGS IN AANGANWARI CENTERS

Chandigarh June 6:

            Social Security and Women & Child Development, Minister Punjab, Prof. Laxmi Kanta Chawla today took the serious note about the short comings in Aanganwari centers and directed the officers that age limit of the Anganwari Worker and Anganwari helper be fixed.
           According to an official spokesman of the state government Prof. Chawla visited 3 Anganwari  Centres in Village Sampli and Pamour of Chunni Circle in District Fatehgarh Shaib alongwith officers of the Department. It has been found during the inspection that children were
sitted on the ground without any Darri in the Anganwari Centre.  If Darri and Tat was available in any centre they were not in a good position.  Anganwari Worker of the Centre has been stated that Halwa and Milk has provided to the Children during morning.  On the other hand Anganwari helper stated that children were asked to take hot milk from their home. So statement of Anganwari Worker and Anganwari helper contradicted with each other but in fact children had nothing been provided.  There is no arrangement of education in the Centre. Spokesman further said that Anganwari Worker working in the Anganwari Centre Village Sampli is deaf. She has not stated any correct answer at the time of inspection. Anganwari helper of the same Anganwari centre seems to be 70 years old. The Minister has directed the officers that age limit of the Anganwari Worker and Anganwari helper be fixed.

            Prof. Chawla  took  a serious notice that always nutrition provided to the pregnant mothers like Kheer and Dalia is not satisfactory. She has been directed Officers of the Department that a higher level committee will be constituted to consider the pattern of Haryana Government regarding Nutrition provided to the Anganwari beneficiaries.

PUNJAB POLICE TO STRENGTHEN INTELLIGENCE WING – TO RECRUIT

50 ASSISTANT INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS

Chandigarh, June 6: Punjab Police has taken an initiative to strengthen its Intelligence Wing and has decided to recruit 50 Assistant Intelligence Officers (Male & female) in ASI Rank.

          According to an official spokesman the Punjab Police has initiated the recruitment process through Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and online applications have been invited from eligible candidates between June 8 to 29, 2011. He said that minimum qualification for this post was graduation with knowledge of Punjabi up to  Matric level.

          The spokesman added that the male & female applicants should fulfill physical standards including height of or more than 5' 7" and 5’3” feet respectively. The minimum age for applicants should be 21 and maximum would be 25 years. In the case of SC/ST and BC candidates, there would be relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit as per instructions. After physical test, there would be a written test of 100 marks followed by an interview having 15 marks.

          Applicants have been advised to apply on line on link “Recruitment of Assistant Intelligence Officers in the rank of ASI in Intelligence wing of Punjab Police at http:// recruitment.cdacmohali.in.

CAPT BATH INAUGURATES ADVANCED DENTAL AND MEDICAL CARE CENTRE 

Chandigarh 6 June :   

      Capt Balbir Singh Bath, NRIs Minister Punjab today inaugurated the Advanced Dental and Medical Centre at Sector 37 Chandigarh. This centre, equipped with highly advanced techniques is headed by Dr. Vinod Chandel MDS (AIIMS, New Delhi) and Diploma in Laser Dentistry Aachen University Germany.

       Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the setting up of the advanced centre was a step forward to strengthen health care infrastructure in southern sectors of Chandigarh.  Capt. Bath went around the clinic, inspected the equipment and appreciated that the public would get the expertise in the form of qualified and experienced doctors. There would be a Physician, Skin specialist, Pediatric dentist, Orthodontist besides the best facilities of dental care. The Minister told the team of doctors under Dr. Chandel to monitor and evaluate the system and expand its reach to the maximum extent. Laser Dentistry in India was emerging as a precise and effective way to perform a number of dental procedures. This technology was also made available monitored by qualified doctors. He also discussed surgical procedures and dental implant strategies with the doctors and asked them to ensure best quality services through this Centre.

       Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vinod Chandel, said that Chandigarh needed a specialized dental clinic which would provide all dental modalities as well as medical care under one roof. This Advanced dental care center was an effort to provide all such facilities under one roof.

PUNJAB CAUTIONS FARMERS AGAINST PLANTING OF PAU – 201 AND OTHER NON APPROVED HYBRID PADDY VARIETIES

Chandigarh, June 6:

The Punjab Government has cautioned the farming community against planting of PAU-201 variety of paddy and other non approved hybrid varieties of paddy in ensuing paddy plantation season.

Disclosing this here today Dr. Balwinder Singh Sidhu, Director Agriculture, Punjab pointed out that the purchasing agencies were complaining regularly against the lower quality of rice being received after shelling of these varieties.  He said that the procurement agencies were responsible for providing rice in central pool after purchasing and shelling of paddy. The Director pointed out that the rice of these varieties was found far below from the fixed specifications of Union Government and resultantly the State Government has to suffer losses on this account.

Appealing the farming community against sowing of these varieties the Agriculture Director categorically said that the procurement agencies have already made it clear that they would not purchase a single grain of these varieties. 

GOSAIN ORDERS INQUIRY INTO OUTBREAK OF CHOLERA IN SHAHKOT AREA

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 6:

            The Punjab Health Minister Mr. Satpal Gosain asked today Civil Surgeon Jalandhar Dr R.L Bassan to conduct an enquiry into outbreak of cholera in village Kasupur of Shahkot Sub Division and submit report to the minister within three days.

            Taking up the issue of outbreak of cholera seriously, the Health Minister today asked the civil surgeon to visit the area immediately and identified the reasons for the outbreak of the disease. He said that the report should also point out lapse if any of health department in preventing outbreak of Cholera in the region.

            Meanwhile, people of the area have been advised to take boiled water and sale of cut fruits in the region has been banned. The Civil dispensaries and hospitals adjoining the village have been put on alert to admit cholera patients and provide speedy treatment to them. The minister has also asked the Civil Surgeon Sri Mukatsar Sahib to submit a report on outbreak of Dengue in the region. The Minister has asked the health department to coordinate with municipal committee to intensify fogging in the region and check all sources of mosquitoes breeding.

BONANZA FOR LACS OF PUDA/GOVERNMENT BODIES ALLOTEES AS GOVERNMENT ALLOWS   EXECUTION OF CONVEYANCE DEED AT THE ALLOTMENT RATE  

• ALLOTEES TOLD TO GET THE PROPERTY REGISTERED BY SEPTEMBER 30 OR WITHIN ONE YEAR OF COMPLETION OF PAYMENT SCHEDULE

CHANDIGARH JUNE 6:

          The Punjab government today decided to allow the holders of immovable property re-allotted through transfer by the government/semi government organizations for the execution of conveyance deed at the at the original allotment rate, benefiting lacs of allottees  of PUDA/GMADA or other government bodies, who were earlier required pay stamp duty as per existing collector rates of property.

According to an official spokesman, the Punjab government has issued notification amending   Punjab Stamp (Dealing of Under Valued instruments) Rules, 1983, for rule 3-B.

            The spokesman said that as per the new amendment,                          "Notwithstanding anything contained in rule 3-A, the rate fixed for allotment at the fixed price or at the price accepted after public auction of an immovable property by the Government or a public sector undertaking or a local body, shall be deemed to be the Collector's rate as fixed under rule 3-A of such property, and the stamp duty shall be changed for registration of instrument of such property at the rate so fixed, at the time of execution of first conveyance deed of such property; provided the conveyance deed is got registered upto the 30th day of September, 2011, after making full amount of the said price, or within a period of one year from the date, the last installment of such price had fallen due as per the Schedule fixed for payment in respect of such property, as the case may be."

According to the notification all those eligible allottees, who want to get conveyance deed for their properties, would be able to do it by paying stamp duty as per the original allotment rate of the property by September 30th 2011 or within one year from the date of last installment of such price that had fallen due as per schedule of payment. 

The government also decided that the legal heirs of the deceased original allottees of immovable property allotted by government/semi government would also be entitled to the benefits allowed to original allottees.  The government also decided to extend the same benefit for the transfer of the immovable property by the original allottees to their legal heirs.