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SUKHBIR FOR LAUNCHING SPECIAL DRIVE TO CLEAR THE BACKLOG OF SPORTS QUOTA • MEMBER OF SPORTS DEPARTMENT TO REPRESENT IN EVERY RECRUITMENT /PROMOTION COMMITTEE Chandigarh, June 20: Presiding over a meeting of Sports Department here today Mr. Badal said that the Punjab government had made massive recruitment exceeding one lakh in various departments, but these departments have failed to adhere to the quota of recruiting 3% sportsmen. He asked Chief Secretary to get lists from all departments and issue instructions that 3% quota for sportsperson was completed at the earliest. He said that various departments were having backlog of sports quota and Punjab government should launch a special drive to clear this backlog at the earliest. The Deputy Chief Minister also issued instructions to Chief Secretary to suitably amend the rules so that representative of Sports Department was given representation in every recruitment committee who would act as a watchdog to ensure compliance to 3% quota for Sports persons. Mr. Badal also issued instructions to Secretary Sports to work out a institutionalized arrangements for maintenance and up keeps of newly constructed stadiums in a self financing mode. Mr. Badal also reviewed the arrangements for Second World Cup Kabbadi and seven nations Hockey Tournament. Prominent amongst those who participated in he meeting included Mr.S .S. Dhindsa, Rajya Sabha Member and President Punjab Olympic Association, Mr. S.S. Maluka , President Punjab Kabaddi Association, Mr. Viswajeet Khanna, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Secretary Sports and representatives of various sports associations. ----- PUNJAB APPROVES RS. 62.5 CRORE OR BORDER AREA DEVELOPMENT CHANDIGARH The Punjab Government would spend Rs. 62.5 crore for the development of Border areas in the four border districts of Amritsar , Gurdaspur, Ferozepur and Tarn Taran this year. An approval to this effect was given by Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal at a high level meeting held under his chairmanship here late last evening. Disclosing this a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that Mr. Badal asked all the concerned authorities to chalk out a comprehensive plan immediately and submit details within a week to ensure early execution of these development works to facilitate the people. Giving the details of the plan the spokesperson said that under this scheme the up gradation and maintenance of the infrastructure in areas along the international border would be undertaken, which would cover up-gradation of power, road connectivity, health infrastructure, water supply and sanitation. The State Government has allocated Rs. 9.67 crore for the border blocks of Ajnala, Rajasansi & Attari assembly constituencies in Amritsar district, Rs. 7.15 crore for the border blokes of Khemkaran, Tarn Taran & Patti assembly constituencies in Tarn Taran district, Rs. 11.18 crore for the border bloks of Narot Mehra, Fatehgarh Churian, Quadian, Dinanagar, Gurdaspur & Dhariwal assembly constituencies in Gurdaspur district and Rs. 22 crores for the border blocks of Abohar, Fazilka, Balluana, Jalalabad, Guruharsahai, Ferozepur City & Cantt assembly constituencies in Ferozepur district. In addition to this the state government has also allocated Rs. 12.5 crore as a reserve fund to be utilized as per the requirement under this scheme, added the spokesperson. Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Member Parliament Dr. Rattan Singh Ajnala, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, Dairy Development Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Agriculture Minister Mr. Sucha Singh Langah, Mr. Sukhpal Singh Nannu, Mr. Gurtej Singh Ghuriana (both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries) MD Milkfed and MLA Gurdaspur Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babehali, MLA & Chairman District Planning Committee Tarn Taran Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha, MLA (Qadian) Mr. Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal, former MLA Mr. Vir Singh Lopoke, Secretary Planning Mr. Satish Chandra and Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar. CM CONDOLES DEMISE OF KANWAR SURINDER SINGH BEDI CHANDIGARH JUNE 20 Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today deeply mourned the death of retired IAS officer Kanwar Surinder Singh Bedi, who passed away here on Saturday. In a condolence message the Chief Minister described Mr Bedi as an 'able administrator, distinguished bureaucrat and a fine human being'. Besides an ardent lover of Urdu poetry, Mr Bedi played a pivotal role in the overall development of the state and his tireless services towards the welfare of mankind as a social worker would be ever remembered by one and all. Mr Badal expressed his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul. CM CONDOLES THE DEATH OF RAKSHA SHARMA CHANDIGARH JUNE 20: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mrs. Raksha Sharma mother of Joint Secretary SAD and Chairman District Planning Committee Zirakpur Mr. NK Sharma, who passed away early this morning during a pilgrimage at Joshi Math in Uttarrakhand. She was 60 and is survived by four sons and two daughters. In a condolence message, Mr. Badal expressed heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family in this hour of crisis and prayed to the Almighty to give courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul. … BADAL CAUTIONS GoI OF PROBLEMS IN DIRECT TRANSFER OF FERTILIZER SUBSIDY TO FARMERS CHANDIGARH Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Union Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers to implement its proposal to transfer fertilizer subsidy directly to the farmers on the pilot basis in order to resolve the issues and difficulties in the way of its implementation. In a letter to the Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers Mr. MK Azhagiri, the Chief Minister reacted to the concept paper prepared by the GoI in this behalf and made certain observations after a detailed study. He pointed out that in the current system the farmers has to pay only the subsidized price of the fertilizer, whereas in proposed system he/she would have to first pay the market price and then have the subsidy reimbursed in his/her bank account, which would cause unnecessary financial burden on the farmers, both in terms of the initial higher investment as well as the interest cost for the period it takes to get the subsidy reimbursed. Mr. Badal also mentioned that it has been the practice in Punjab to preposition fertilizers to ensure the availability of the material in the state at the time of need. The GoI has appreciated this initiative on various occasions. For this purpose, the state’s agencies make advance payment to the fertilizer companies to obtain the fertilizer. Henceforth, the payment of the market price rather than subsidized price would increase the financial burden on these agencies. Currently, the GoI give subsidy only to a limitied number of companies. In the new proposal, subsidy was proposed to be released to crore of individual farmers at different times in the year. This would involve a huge logistical and financial exercise, with correspondingly higher chance of leakage and harassment to the individual beneficiaries. Though technology can provide a solution in the ultimate analysis, yet difficulties during the intervening period could be quite daunting, added Mr. Badal. The Chief Minster also stated that the concept paper does raise the issue of tenant farmers who actually cultivate the land but do not have the revenue record in their names. However, no solution to this problem has been laid out therein. To conclude Mr. Badal pointed out that these issues could create serious problems of implementation and lead to hardship for the intended beneficiaries and therefore, urged the GoI to implement this proposal initially on the pilot basis to resolve the issues and difficulties that may come up in its implementation. ------ PUNJAB TO GIVE BIG PUSH TO AGRO-FORESTRY- TO DISTRIBUTE 18 LAC SEEDLINGS Chandigarh, June 20:- The Punjab Forest Department had decided to give a big push to agro-forestry in the state and 18 lac seedlings of fast-growing and economically important tree species such as Eucalyptus, Shisham and Drek, had been produced. Disclosing this here today Mr. Arunesh Shakar, Forest Minister said that Punjab Forest Department in order achieve the target of 15% forest cover in the state by the year 2020 had decided to adopt a new scientific clonal technology for mass production of seedlings required for the agro forestry operations in the state. To produce these seedlings the department has established high -tech mist chambers at Hoshairpur, Gurdaspur, Amrtisar, Ropar Moga, Phillour and Bathinda. He said that these seedlings would be distributed to the farmers for further plantation in their fields at subsidized rates. The Forest Minister said that the clonal technology had been adopted by the Punjab Forest Department as it increased productivity of seedlings fourfold as compared to traditional method. He said that the growing of clonal trees not only increase the income of the farmers under the agro-forestry systems, but would also help to diversify the land use. He said that agro forestry was becoming quite attractive for the farmers, who wanted to switch away from the wheat/paddy cropping pattern as that it was fast becoming unsustainable and unprofitable for them. He said that increased paddy cultivation was also exhausting the nutrients and water table of the state soil. ----- CHATTBIR ZOO ALL GEARED UP TO PROTECT NEW BORN GHARIALS Chandigarh, June 20: Chhatbir Zoo authorities have made elaborate arrangements to protect the 16 newly born offspring of Gharials in the Zoo and orders have been issued for their hourly counting. According to an official spokesman these newly born offspring were being kept under 24 hour observation and were being examined by veterinary doctors after every 2 hours. He said that Wild Life and Forest Department was committed to protect these endangered species of Gharials. The Spokesman added that offspring of Gharials had been placed separate from their parents by Zoo officials to ensure that parnts could not harm or kill them. The spokesman added that to protect new born Gharials from snakes, mangles, eagles the yard has been totally covered from all sides. 26ºC temperature is being maintained in the enclosure and 3 high voltage bulbs have been lit to maintain warmness for the newly born species. ----- TASK FORCE TO CHECK THE SALE OF FAKE FERTILIZERS AND PESTICIDES -- LANGAH • Associates of the offender would not be spared Chandigarh, June 20: The Punjab Government today constituted task forces to check the sale of fake fertilizers and pesticides. This task force would conduct surprise raids in all recognized centers/stores set up for the sale of fertilizers and pesticides. The aim for the constituting this task force was to protect the interests of the farmers and check their exploitation in the hands of miscreants. Disclosing this here today Agriculture Minister Mr. Sucha Singh Langah said that during the raids any one found guilty of selling fake fertilizers and pesticides would be liable for cancellation of his license. He said that the task force would be headed by a Joint Director. He said that at the state level these officers would lead raids to any center and store. He further said that at the district level District Agriculture officer of the respective districts would lead the raids. He said that these teams would work day and night under special program for paddy season. Mr. Langah appealed the farmers to get bills of the all purchases fertilizers and pesticides, so that appropriate action could be taken against the miscreants. He said that Punjab Government was fully committed to protect the interests of the farmers. He said that special plans have been chalked out by government to motivate the farmers, so that agriculture could be made profitable occupation for them. No. PR-11/338 -------- PUNJAB GOVERNMENT RELEASES Rs.45 CRORE FOR FLOOD PROTECTION NO LAXITY WOULD BE TOLERATED AT ANY LEVEL.-KOHAR CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20: Punjab Government has made fool proof arrangements to effectively combat any eventuality on account of floods during the ensuing monsoon season in the State and Rs.45 crore had already been released for this purpose. Revealing this here today Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Ajit Singh Kohar said that directions had been issued to the concerned authorities in the state to keep a strict vigil over the situation. He asked the field staff to personally supervise the flood protection works especially the cleaning of drains besides embankment of season rivulets. The Minister further said that the vulnerable areas should be earmarked for the flood protection works on the priority to save the life and property from the fury of floods. The Minister said that Rs.3.60 crore had already been released to meet any exigency from state Disaster Response Fund as well as Rs.40.00 lac had been released from the state budget fund for all the districts of Punjab (two lac each district).He said that with the release of Rs.27 crore by Finance Department and Rs.14 crore from Rural Development Fund, the work for the cleaning of drains was going on war footing. He further said that no laxity would be tolerated at any level. PUNJAB DIVIDED IN 8 ZONES FOR SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL: SUKHBIR · POWER TO BE PRODUCED FROM SOLID WASTE
JALALABAD, JUNE 19: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Punjab government has chalked out a massive program for scientific disposal of solid waste under which whole state has been divided into 8 zones. Talking to media persons after holding a ‘Sangat Darshan’ here the Deputy Chief Minister said that private companies were setting up solid waste processing plants under which power, manure and plastic would be manufactured after processing solid waste collected from the State. He said that besides solving the problem of pollution, this step would give a new look to the urban areas. He said that companies themselves would organize door-to-door collection of solid waste and this waste would be transported to centralized solid waste processing plants in which after processing the solid waste, power and manure would be produced. Mr. Badal said that this scientific processing of solid waste would make the cities free from open dumping ground besides making the them pollution free. Congratulating the POWERCOM for making arrangements for 24 hours power supply to urban and rural consumers and 8 hours power supply to the 11 lakh tube wells through out the state, Mr Badal said that thanks to their efforts that paddy transplantation was going on across the state without any glitch. Mr. Badal said that state government was offering huge subsidies to the farmers if they go for mechanised transplanters. When asked about efforts made by state government to make Punjab a power surplus state, the Deputy Chief Minister said that besides setting up thermal plants in Talwandi Sabo, Gidderbaha, Goindwal Sahib, Rajpura and Mansa with a combined cost of Rs 90,000 crores, Punjab government was spending Rs 3200 crores for strengthening power infrastructure in the State. He said that construction work on nine 132 KV sub-stations and twenty three 66 KV sub-stations was in full swing. He said that Punjab government was also planning 1000 MW gas based power station in Ropar and 1500 MW power would be generated through non-conventional sources. When asked about Captain’s questioning the claim’s of the state government on development front, Mr Badal said that he pities the ignorance of Captain that was because of his prolonged absence from the state. He said that during his own tenure Captain was away from the state for five years and during SAD-BJP government he remained away from the state for first four years and was now perplexed with resurgent economic profile of the state. Mr. Badal said that ‘Sangat Darshan’ programs initiated by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal were the proper tools to resolve the grievances of people at the grass root level. He said that “those who live in palaces can not understand the difficulties of people on ground level”. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal accompanied by Member Parliament Sher Singh Ghubaya gave a grant of Rs 2 crores to the 36 Panchayats of Jalalabad and Fazilka Assembly constituencies for development works. Prominent amongst other Deputy Commissioner K.K. Yadav, DIG Neeraj Arora, Chairman Market Committee Jalalabad Davinder Singh Babbal, OSD to Deputy Chief Minister Paramjit Singh Sidhwan were also present ------ CM APPROVES RS. 62.5 CRORE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR KANDI AREA IN THE STATE CHANDIGARH JUNE 19: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved a development plan of Rs. 62.5 crore for the entire Kandi area in the State covering 1408 villages. A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal at a high level meeting held under his chairmanship here late last evening. Disclosing this a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that the Chief Minister asked all the concerned MLAs and district administrations to submit comprehensive reports of various works under this scheme immediately for ensuring timely execution of these works in the current finical year. Giving the details of the plan the spokesperson said that the General Development of the Kandi area would mainly cover the infrastructure maintenance, soil conservation and water harvesting sectors, under which the facilities like repair work of government buildings & roads, construction of retaining walls etc. along with the installation of water pumps would be provided in 1408 Kandi area villages in five districts. The State Government has allocated Rs. 26.62 crores for 683 Kandi villages in Hoshiarpur districts, Rs. 12.49 crores for 317 villages in Roopnagar districts, Rs. 9.24 crores for 191 villages in SAS Nagar districts, Rs. 8.90 crores for 138 villages in Gurdaspur districts and Rs. 5.25 crores for villages 79 in Nawanshehar districts. Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Advisor to the Chief Minister Dr. DS Cheema, Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Chaudhary Nand Lal, Mr. Dinesh Singh (Sujanpur) (all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries), Ujagar Singh Wadali (Morinda), Mr. Jasjit Singh Bunny (Banur) (both MLAs), Mr. Master Mohan Lal, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Mrs. Satwant Kaur Sandhu & Balbir Singh Miani (all former Ministers), Secretary Planning Mr. Satish Chandra, Special Princioal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and OSD to the Chief Minister Mr. NS Sangha. HISTORIC AMENDMENTS IN ARCHAIC REVENUE ACTS PROVIDE BIG RELIEF TO FARMING COMMUNITY - SUKHBIR · REDUCTION IN APPEAL LEVELS, CURBING REMAND WOULD EXPEDITE DISPOSAL OF REVENUE CASES CHANDIGARH, JUNE 19: The series of amendments effected by in Punjab land Revenue Act 1887 and Punjab Security land tenure Act 1953 have freed the farmers from the web of prolonged litigation in land partition and revenue cases which usually lasted for decades. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister was instrumental in pushing amendments in the Revenue Acts to expedite the decision making in such cases. The amendments in 150 year old Punjab land Revenue Act 1887 could be termed as historic as it has reduced the level of appeals in partition and mutation cases and curbed the power of remand by appellate authority to lower offices resulting in prolonged litigation. According to the amended acts no authority accepts first appellant authority would remand the case to lower authority to decide the case afresh. According to new amendments, without affecting the powers of authorities under section 16, no appeal would lie against interim orders passed by the revenue officer under the act. It may be added that appeals against interim order resulted in stretching the litigation without any limits. This will provide to relief to litigants, as they will not have to shuttle between the different authorities. Now Commissioner has be empowered to call for a record of any case pending before or disposed off by, any revenue officer under his control and pass orders as he think fit. To expedite the service of summons if not possible under section (1) to (5) of section 20, now act has been amended to send the summons by post or authorized courier service / fax massage or by electronic mail or by any other mean authorized by the High Court or to the in charge of prison for service to the respondent. Presently the applicants in partition cases are not required to submit proposed plans of partition and the mode of partition was decided by the Assistant Collectors after hearing the parties and getting report from the field staff. This was a major irritant and was exploited by the party opposing the partition for prolonging litigation. After amendment applicants would have to submit proposed plan of partition, keeping in view the quality and the location of the land along with the reasons and a copy of the relevant jamabandi. The Revenue Officers would disallow the partition only when partition was in respect of land of common use, like common path, common water courses. A new clause has been added to allow Revenue Officers of refer the matter for mediation by elders and reaching settlement by private party. After such settlement, provision have been made to give recognization to such settlement by issuance of "Sanad". To avoid unwarranted litigation no appeal would lie against the order passed under Section 118 except as provided under section 13. The Punjab government has also amended Section 9(1) and Section 9(A), 17 and 18 of the Punjab security of Land tenures ACt 1953 to redress the grievance faced by land owners as per the recommendations of Punjab Governance Reforms Commission. The amendments ensured that tenancy would be for a fixed term and by a registered agreement entered into by the landowner. This would also ease the farmers to hand over their land on lease without any fear. With these amendments farmers can lease their land without any risk and it will ensure the land vacation after the due given period as per the agreement Another historic amendment in Section 8(B) has deleted the male from it. This section was found discriminatory against the women viz a viz their male counterparts as the un-amended section the women and this male counterparts gave no protection of tenancy to female descendents, the Punjab government amended section 8(B) deleting male word from it, giving equal right to male and female tenants. PUNJAB BRACES UP FOR BUMPER COTTON CROP · SETS UP 25 MODERN MANDIS FOR COTTON CROP
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 19: Bracing for record arrival of Cotton Crop this Cotton season, the Punjab government has set up 25 ‘Cotton mandis’ out of which 19 has provided world class infrastructure under ‘Technology Mission of Cotton’. According to official spokesman, the land under Cotton Crop this year has increased to 5.50 lakh hectare from 4.83 lakh hectare last year and production of cotton crop would touch 22.50 lakh bales of cotton registering a record increase of 4.38 bales from last year. He said that government has made adequate arrangements for the crop transportation and preservation besides construction of new roads inside the mandis leading to the place where crop would be kept. The spokesman said that Punjab government have established total 42 Cotton Mandis in Punjab out of which 25 mandis equipped with ultra modern facilities witnessed regular arrival of crop on large scale including Bathinda, Rampura Phool, Bhucho, Goniana, Maur, Rama Mandi, Sangat Mandi, Talwandi Sabo, Kotkapura, Jaito, Abohar, Fazilka, Mansa, Budhlada, Bareta, Sardoolgarh, Bhikhi, Mukatsar, Gidderbaha, Bariwala, Malout, Lehragaga, Sunam, Barnala and Tapa. He said that besides establishing Cotton Grading Laboratories for the first time, ultra modern weighing machines have also been installed, where crop would be weighed along with trolleys to save the precious time of farmer and labour. He said that the newly introduced ‘Cotton Grading Laboratories’ would take the samples, conduct grading of crop and display the grading of crop on the display board in the mandis. He said that in these mandis separate ‘Pucca farhs’ have also been constructed along with installation of public utilities for the convenience of farmers. The spokesman said that in previous cotton season 4.83 lakh hectare land was under cotton crop cultivation with the production of 18.22 lakh bales of cotton. Citing the reason of increasing area of cotton crop, he said that the price of cotton has increased in the international market, which prompted the farmers to cultivate cotton crop over much larger area. He said that in 2009-10 Kharif season 5.11 lakh hectare land was under cotton crop yielding 20.06 lakh bales of cotton. He said that Punjab government has chalked out a multipurpose strategy to fetch the best remunerative price of cotton crop for farmers in domestic circle. He said that under this multipurpose strategy to motivate the farmers towards cotton crop, Punjab government has approved a Textile Park in Bathinda and Handloom Industry Park at Kapurthala.
Countdown for Kabaddi Olympics begins SUKHBIR ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR 2ND WORLD CUP KABADDI, PRIZE MONEY DOUBLED TO RS. 2 CRORE
Chandigarh June 19: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today set in motion grand preparations for 2nd World Cup Kabaddi, announcing it's scheduled in last weak of October and 1st weak of November this year. Enthused by the massive public response to first World Cup Kabaddi, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal as decided to take this game to the hotbed of traditional Punjab style kabaddi game and it has been decided to hold the matches in the 12 venues mostly in the rural areas. 12 Nations including Pakistan , Canada and Afghanistan has already confirmed their participation in the 2nd World Cup Kabaddi more such countries were seeking queries from the organizers. The newly constructed flood lit stadium in Bathinda would witness glittering opening ceremony that is set to put opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games to a shade. Bathinda would also host both semifinals. The industrial city of Ludhiana would witness the culmination of 2nd World Cup Kabaddi as closing ceremony and final match would decide World Champion in the traditional game of Punjab. This year World Cup Kabaddi is getting more response as Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has doubled the prize money for winning team to Two Crore which was the highest prize any where in the World in any amateur tournament. All matches would be organised in the flood light and telecaste live through out the World fulfilling the long pending demand of Punjabis living in Canada USA , Europe, Australia and Gulf countries. This year four new venues at Dhudike (Moga), Mansa, SBS Nagar (Nawansheher) and TaranTarn have been included to take this game to the rural hotbed of the State and Patiala , Jalandhar , Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur are set to welcome players from all over the World for this keenly contested 2nd World Cup Kabaddi. This year 2nd prize would be 51 Lac , 3rd 25 Lac, 4th Prize 20 Lac and participating teams would get the double from last year that is 10 Lac. All teams would share a record 3.71 crore prize money. Construction work on 13 new stadiums being constructed at the cost of Rs. 111 crore was in full swing and all these flood lit stadiums would be ready to host World Cup Kabaddi by last weak of September. Giving a details about arrangements being made for World Cup Kabaddi Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka President Punjab Kabaddi Association said that all arrangements for conducting doping test on participating players and any player failing dope test would be shown door. He said that beside host India, the other teams including Canada , Pakistan , USA, Australia , Afganistan, UK, Iran, Italy , Norway , Spain and Irish army are set to clash in this high decibel tournament. PUNJAB DOUBLES RATE FOR LAND BEING PURCHASED FOR FORESTES CHANDIGARH, JUNE 19: The Punjab government today decided to make the compensation amount double for the land sold for expansion of forests in the state. Disclosing this here today, Forest and Wild Life Security Minister Mr. Arunesh Shakir said that accepting the demand of farmers, Punjab government has doubled the amount reserved for one acre to Rs 10 lakh, which was earlier Rs 5 lakh. He said that reduction in the area under forests due to urbanization and industrialization during last couple of years, state government has introduced a program to increase the area by acquiring land. Mr. Shakir said that State government has set a target to expand the area under forest cover to 15 % of the total land by the year 2020. He informed that the scheme got a tremendous response as the farmers had offered 2012 acres of land while the forest department purchased 29 acres in Taran Tarn district, which were being prepared for plantation of saplings in ensuing monsoon season. He expressed confidence that with major increase in price of land more and more farmers would come forward to offer their land for forest covers and tenders were being floated very soon for this purpose. He said that the state has set a target to purchase around 500 acres of land during current year for expansion of forests in the state. Mr Shakir said that minimum 25 acres of land limit was fixed for far-flung areas while there was no limit for areas adjoining forests. CM REVIEWS THE PUNJAB’S ONGOING PRESTIGIOUS RIVERS CLEANING PROJECT
Taking part in the deliberations, Chief Engineer Canals Mr. AS Dullat apprised the Chief Minister regarding the project of Rs. 335 crores for channel-network for the distribution of treated water from STPs in 7 big towns for irrigate. BADAL INAUGURATES MUSEUM CUM CONVENTION HALL IN MEMORY OF JATHEDAR TOHRA AMEND CONSTITUTION TO GRANT FISCAL AUTONOMY TO STATES - CM PANJOLI (FATEHGARH SAHIB) JUNE 18: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today inaugurated a museum cum convention hall with library in the memory of Panth Rattan late Jathedar S. Gurcharan Singh Tohra to perpetuate his legacy of value based politics, who never compromised with those principles that guided the destiny of Sikh Panth till his last breath. Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Mr. Badal called upon the people to follow the ideology of Jathedar Tohra, who spent his entire life tirelessly in the selfless service of the Sikh Panth. Describing Mr. Tohra's contribution in the Sikh politics and religion as unparalleled and unique, Mr. Badal said that he led a simple life for the sole cause of Sikh Panth that would act as a beacon for the younger generations to tread on the path of righteousness shown by him. Mr. Badal said that he was a multifaceted personality who ruled over the hearts of millions of people by his qualities of head and heart. He lauded Mr. Tohra's great initiative to spread education every nook and corner of the state by establishing several reputed engineering, medical and arts colleges besides many public schools. Mr. Badal highly appreciated the personal efforts of Executive Member SGPC Mr. Karnail Singh Panjoli to set up this unique memorial which would keep the memory of Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra alive in the hearts of millions of his admirers. Signing the visitor's book, Mr. Badal remarked; "I appreciate the initiative of Mr. Panjoli for the establishment of this museum in the memory of Jathedar S.Gurcharan Singh Tohra and asked others to follow him to construct such memorials to cherish the memories of our great leaders". Making a fervent appeal to make Punjab green and clean, Mr. Badal called upon the leaders and workers of SAD and members of SGPC to motivate the people to grow trees in the vicinity of their houses to ensure a pollution free environment in the state, as prosperity abounds in greenery. Mr. Badal announced a financial grant of Rs.7 lac for the construction of 20 low cost dwelling units for the poor, Rs.3 lac for the cremation ground and Rs.10 lac for the overall development of the village Panjoli. Earlier, the Chief Minister held a second round of sangat darshan program at Amloh and disbursed development grants nearly Rs. 3.50 crore to 38 village panchayats for the execution of various development works. He also laid a foundation stone of Bus stand at a cost of Rs. 2 crore. Addressing the media persons, the Chief Minister called for setting up of a genuinely federal structure in the country and demanded that the constitution be amended to grant fiscal autonomy to the states. He said that in the present context states were merely dignified municipalities which had virtually no powers to carry out its development plans rather they have to look upon the Centre for the petty issues like the construction of link roads and for the change in the name of village or town etc. To another question, Mr. Badal termed the UPA led Congress government as a 'slur on the fair name of democracy' and said that the UPA government was the 'mother of corruption' as it had been fully exposed for being neck deep in rampant corruption in scam after scam like 2G spectrum, Adarsh housing scam and common wealth games. He lamented that the Central government had miserably failed at all fronts in controlling inflation, illiteracy, unemployment and poverty in the country besides weeding out corruption and bringing back the black money stashed in the foreign banks to our country. Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included Mrs. Kuldip Kaur daughter of Jathedar Tohra, General Secretary SAD Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra and Executive Member SGPC Mr. Karnail Singh Panjoli. Senior Akali Leader Mr. Ranjit Singh Libra, MLA Sirhind Mr. Didar Singh Bhatti, Chairman PRTC Mr. Ranjit Singh Balian, Ex-Minister Mr. Randhir Singh Cheema, Chairman Commission for Backward Class Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, Member SC Commission Mr. Dalip Singh Pandhi, besides several senior leaders and works of SAD and members of the SGPC were also present on the occasion
CONGRESS PARTY HAS LOST MORAL RIGHT TO GOVERN – SUKHBIR · DENIGRATING POSITION OF INDIA IN COMITY OF NATIONS BY MULTI LAKH CRORE SCAMS · CAPTAIN CONFUSED – DUSTING CUPBOARDS TO LOCATE SINGLE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OF HIS TENURE · WINNABILITY AND LOYALTY TO BE TWIN CRITERIA FOR TICKET DISTRIBUTION · CONFIDENT ABOUT REPEAT MANDATE ON DEVELOPMENT AGENDA · DEDICATES RS. 28 CRORE PROJECTS TO BORDER TOWN Fazilka/Jalalabad June 18: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Congress led UPA Government has lost the moral right to govern the country after the exposure of multi-lakh crore scams by its Ministers and charged the Congress party for denigrating the image of the Country in comity of nations by such repeated scams. Talking to media persons after inaugurating Bibi Surinder Kaur Badal memorial colony for BPL population, ROB at Fazilka and newly constructed Government Model School at Chak Mochan Wala with combined cost of Rs. 28 crore, Mr. Badal lashed at Captain Amarinder Singh questioning the right of Shiromani Akali Dal to protest against the rampant corruption by Congress party. He said that Congress party has unleashed a campaign throughout the country to crush that voice who so ever raises accusing finger on Congress party for these scams. He said that they had unleashed a reign of terror on innocent sleeping followers of Baba Ramdev who were sitting on fast unto death, forcing Congress leaders bring back black money, stashed in Swiss Banks, reminding people the days of emergency. He said that now Congress party has launched a campaign against Anna Hazara Team that was demanding strict action against corrupt politicians.The Deputy Chief Minister said that neck deep in corruption, no Congress leader has any right to question the democratic right to protest against corruption and price rise. When asked about Captain offering to release a list of 51 projects initiated and completed in his tenure, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Captain Amarinder was totally confused man. He has deputed whole unit of Punjab Congress party to dust all cupboards to find at least a single project that he could claim to have completed in his tenure. He said that those who work for the state does not require a team to look for projects. He said that if Captain had accomplished some work during his tenure, it should have been on his finger tips. Replying to a query regarding criteria for selection of candidates for ensuing Vidhan Sabha Elections, Mr. Badal said that winnability and loyalty would be the twin criteria for ticket distribution and the final call has to be taken by the Party. Focusing on development agenda the Deputy Chief Minister expressed confidence that the electorate of Punjab would give a repeat mandate to SAD-BJP combine Government, honoring it for record development initiatives. He said that SAD -BJP Government has been working for development from day one in the office and not created a road show of development during last year. He said that Congress party was totally perplexed as all development projects initiated by us has fructifying. Mr. Badal said that this ROB could not be constructed by Congress party during there 40 year rule and he got this project cleared from Railway Ministry of Congress led UPA Government, allotted the work monitor it regularly and completed it and dedicated to the people of Fazilka. Similarly the Government model school would provide quality education to the students of border area even in the remote rural belt. Mr. Badal said that 70000 teachers selected by Punjab Government has filled all vacant posts in the rural schools and improved the pass percentage. Later on Mr. Badal held Sanagt Darshan for 30 villages at Sukhera Bodlan, Ghubaya, Chak Tahliwala , Fattuwala, Mohar Singh wala, Baghake Hithiar and Chak Shukar and disbursed grants to the tune of Rs. 4 crore for various development works. Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon Irrigation Minister ; Mr. Surjit Jyani, Transport Minister, Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya Member Parliament, Mr. Baldev Singh Mahmujoian Chairman BANKFINCO and Mr. Gurpal Singh Member SGPC.
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