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Punjab News: 2011

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RIGHT TO SERVICE ACT TO COVER POLICE FUNCTIONING ALSO – SUKHBIR

v Police outreach centre would be the touch stone of new act
v Police told to put all cases of NRIs on website
v Interactive website launched for online registration of complaints
v SSPs and all field officers told to answer each call on mobile
v Field officers are told to put corrupt cops under scanner

Chandigarh May 05:


Punjab Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Right to Service Act being adopted by the Cabinet next week would include the civil services provided by Punjab Police and upcoming police outreach centres at all 437 Police Thanas would prove to be the touch stone of new pro-public initiative.

Reviewing the working of district police units in a monthly meeting of SSPs here today, Mr. Badal said that his endeavour was to make police people friendly and answerable to civil society. He said that with the implementation of governance reforms included Right to Service Act, we would be able to bridge the gap between general public and police. He said that for this purpose new outreach centres have been given corporate look and people serving there would also don civil dress.
Calling upon Zonal IGs and Range DIGs to act as watchdogs on field units, Mr. Badal issued direction on finding any corrupt SHO cop red handed they should not feel reluctant to put such rogue elements behind bars and dismissing them from the services. He said that we need to send a strong message to check this menace.

Taking up the issue of harassment of general public in framed cases, Mr. Badal said that it was duty of the investigating officers to register a case only after establishing prima facie involvement. He took exception to harassment of general public especially in false dowry cases.

Expressing concern over harassment of NRIs who have been declared POs on technical grounds, Mr. Badal asked DGP to setup a cell to legally review each and every case. He said that only those NRIs involved in serious crimes should remain on the list of proclaimed offenders and in others cases respected courts be approached with fresh facts to review the case. He said that name of , all NRI proclaimed offenders be put on Punjab Police website with details of the cases so that they can take a legal recourse. He asked police to deal with cases of NRIs on priority and take special measure to ensure that their properties in Punjab were not encroached upon or alienated.
Calling upon SSPs to change the normal perception of police amongst civil population, Mr. Badal asked the DGP to launch a multimedia campaign to correct the perception and also to educate the public regarding new civil services available at police outreach centres.

Taking up the issue of field officers including SSPs not taking up calls on their mobiles accept those contacts they have saved in the phone book, Mr. Badal reminded that they are civil servants accountable to the society. He said that all field officer be directed to take each and every call of public on their phone and attend to the problems of the public on priority. He said that he would seek a feedback from the general public weather their calls were being picked up the field officers or not and take strict action against erring officials.
He also appreciated the tracking of fake weapon case by Mansa Police and asked DGP to work out an incentive policy to motivate such policemen.
Later, Mr. Badal also launched interactive website of Punjab Police on which general public can lodge their complaints online besides giving their feedback regarding the working of Police.
On this occasion a detailed presentation was made on state police’s new IT initiatives.
Besides DGP Mr. P.S.Gill, all ADGPs , Zonal IGs and range DIGs attended the meeting.
Earlier, in the preliminary meeting presided over by the DGP Mr. P.S. Gill, a two minute silence was observed to condole the death of Mr. S.K.Sinha, Chairman, PPSC.
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PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF PARSHURAM JAYANTI
CHANDIGARH MAY 05:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today greeted the people of Punjab on the eve of ‘Parshuram Jayanti’.In a message, Mr. Badal exhorted the people to imbibe the ideals propagated Bhagwan Parshuram ji, so that justice and equality is ensured in the society. Bhagwan Parshuram ji stood for protecting the basic tenets of religion, truth, universal love, compassion and righteousness. Mr. Badal said “The life and philosophy of Parshuram ji teach us that irrespective of our caste, religion and profession,

we should fight injustice with all our might”. The Chief Minister also appealed to the people to celebrate this auspicious occasion collectively by rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.
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SUKHBIR GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF BHAGWAN PARSHURAM JAYANTI

Chandigarh, May 5: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today extended his heartiest greetings to the people of Punjab on the eve of Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti.

In a message on the eve of Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti the Deputy Chief Minister said that Bhagwan Parshuram ji was 6th Avtar of Vishnu, who took birth on this earth to fight the wrongs of high and mighty. Mr. Badal said that Bhagwan Parshuram amalgamated Bhakti and Shakti to protect oppressed and under privileged on this earth.

Calling upon people to follow the teaching of Bhagwan Parshuram, Mr. Badal said that this day gives us an opportunity to move on the righteous path to achieve our goals in life.
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PB. TECH. BOARD SIGNS MOU WITH CHEEMA BOILERS TO IMPART SKILL TRAINING
IN FABRICATION SECTOR TO THE STUDENTS OF GOVERNMENT INDUSTRIAL
TRAINING INSTITUTES

Chandigarh, 5 May

Directorate of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Punjab today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cheema Boilers Limited (CBL) to impart skill training in Fabrication (Welding and Fitting) sector to the students of Government Industrial Training Institutes. The MoU signed by Director of Technical Education and
Industrial Training Board Mr. Vivek Pratap Singh and Managing Director of the CBL Mr. A.S.Cheema in the presence of Principal Secretary of the Department Mr. Suresh Kumar.

Revealing the MoU details, a spokesperson of the department told that under this agreement trainee students of fabrication sector would get specialized training at Cheema Boilers for six months. This programme, which is designed to inculcate highly professional skill among the students, would make the trainees able to compete at the
international arena.

Spokesperson revealed that after the completion this program the Technical Education and Industrial Training department and CBL jointly issues certificates to the students which would be counter signed by DGE & T, Government of India. He also said that Punjab Government with the help of DGE & T, Centre government and World Bank had already established Centres of Excellence for various sectors in the 33 Government ITIs. Secretary of Board Dr. Amarpal Singh and Joint Director of industrial training wing Mr. Jagjit Singh were present on this occasion.

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CHANDIGARH MAY 05:

The Punjab Government today issued detailed guidelines for the general postings and transfers of its employees during the year 2011-12.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that the general postings and transfers of the employees serving in the state government including the public sector undertakings would be done from 1-6-2011 to 30-6-2011.


CM CONDOLES DEMISE OF CHAIRMAN PPSC

CHANDIGARH MAY 05:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today mourned the sad demise of Chairman Punjab Public Service Commission Mr. SK Sinha who passed away in a private hospital at Mohali after a brief illness late last night.
In a condolence message, the Chief Minister expressed 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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PRESS NOTE

Chandigarh May 4:-

The services of Mr. Arun Goel IAS Principal Secretary Power Punjab has been placed at the disposal of Government of India for the appointment as Joint Secretary-cum-Mission Director for the Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission in the Ministry of Urban Development, New Delhi.

While Mr. S.K. Sandhu, IAS Secretary PWD (B&R) Punjab and in addition Commissioner Roopnagar Division will also hold the charge of post of Secretary Power Punjab Chandigarh in addition to his own duties. Orders in this regard have been issued here today.
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BADAL HAILS VICTORY OF 8 PUNJABI MPS IN CANADACHANDIGARH

MAY 04:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the victory of eight candidates from Punjabi community in the recently held elections for the Canadian Parliament.In a congratulatory message, Mr. Badal said that the victory of these MPs in Canada has once again proved that the Punjabis could achieve success in any field due to their rare qualities of hard work and honesty. He congratulated all these leaders who have emerged victorious in the elections and asserted that these Punjabi MPs would play a significant role in the overall development of their native state along with that of Canada.

Mr. Badal also hoped that these newly elected MPs would efficiently raise the issues concerning the people of Punjab at an appropriate forum to attract the global attention, if needed. Meanwhile, Mr. Badal also congratulated the Punjabis settled in Canada for reposing overwhelming response in the democratic process by taking part in recently concluded federal elections.Pertinently in the recently held elections the representatives of Punjabi community including Param Gill, Deepak Obhrai, Davinder Shory, Nina Grewal, Jasbir Sandhu, Tim Uppal, Jinny Sims and Bal Gosal have emerged victorious.
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96.54 LAKH TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, May 04: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 96.54 lakh tonnes of Wheat till last evening whereas 99.63 lakh Tonnes wheat procured last year.

Out of total procurement of 9654859 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centres of Punjab, Government agencies procured 96.36 lakh tonnes of wheat (99.8%) till date whereas private traders procured 18759 tonnes (0.2%) of wheat. Till May 03, PUNGRAIN had procured 15.12 lakh tonnes (15.7%) whereas MARKFED procured 23.06 lakh tonnes (23.9%). PUNSUP procured 21.82 lakh tonnes (22.6%), PSWC procured 11.36 lakh tonnes (11.8%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 10.78 lakh tonnes (11.2 %) of wheat.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 14.20 lakh tonnes of wheat which was the 14.7% of the total procurement of wheat in the state.

The spokesman added that Ferozepur with 11.19 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Sangrur with 9.58 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Patiala with 8.19 lakh tonnes of procurement ranked at third position

The State Government has set up 1734 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.
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PUNJAB TO SETUP IT PARK NEAR MOHALI – SUKHBIR·

Talks on with TCS, Wipro, Infosys & other IT majors
· Punjab to focus on skill development
· First Government after independence to provide one lakh jobs
· Urges students to sharpen soft skills to compete in international market

Mandi Gobindgarh May 3:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today announced setting up of an IT park near upcoming international Airport Mohali.

Addressing the students of RIMT Group of Institutes after handing over to them job placement letters, Mr. Badal said that Punjab which could not reap the fruits of first IT revolution, is all set to emerge as champion in the second phase. He said that besides IT Park in Rajpura an other IT park has been planned in Mohali and Punjab Government was already in touch with IT majors just like TCS , Wipro and Infosys who have evinced keen interest to join hands with Punjab to make it a great success. He said that besides these two IT parks Punjab has planned a hand tool park in Kapurthala, Sugar Park in Border Area and Textile Park in Bathinda. He said that all these industrial initiatives are set to improve employment generation as Textile Park would provide jobs to one lakh girls in the spinning industry.

Mr. Badal said that SAD BJP Government since last 4 years has focused upon on sharpening vocational skills of the youth to make them employable in the upcoming industry. He said that Punjab Government has already provided employment to more than one lakh youth here in last 4 years out of which 70000 alone were given employment in education sector. He said that SAD BJP Government has created a record of sort as no Government since independence had provided one lakh jobs in Government sector.

Calling upon the students to learn new skills to survive in the competitive job sector, Mr. Badal said that days of white collared jobs were over. He congratulated the RIMT for introducing job oriented courses and ensuring proper placement of students in the renowned companies.
Earlier he handed over job placement order to 130 students from different streams of engineering, MBA and MCA.
Earlier Dr. Hukam Chand Bansal, Chairman of RIMT welcomed Deputy Chief Minister and gave brief outline about the RIMT Group of Institutes.
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INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB
SUKHBIR DEMANDS SECURITY PACKAGE FOR BORDER STATE PUNJAB TO MEET CHALLENGE INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM


Recovered stolen properties worth Rs. 3.73 crores handed over to owners

Fatehgarh Sahib, May 3:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that Punjab has urged the Union Home Ministry to sanction special security package for border State Punjab to enable it to meet the new challenge of international terrorism besides checking narcotic inflow from across the border.

Presiding over a function to hand over stolen/robbed property of worth Rs. 3.73 crore recovered by Fatehgarh Sahib Police during last year to their real owners, Mr. Badal said that the State was demanding a security package including a special modernization package due to serious challenges being faced by it being a front line state on the western border that always remained vulnerable to the attempts for revival of terrorism and narcotic smuggling. He said that this security package has become imperative due to developments in the neighboring country during last few days, necessitating the fresh look on the anti terrorism security apparatus.

The Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that the State Government has upgraded the police infrastructure from its own limited sources as most of the police stations and field officers have already been provided new vehicles besides modern weaponry was also provided at cutting edge level to respond any emergent situation but keeping in view the ever increasing challenges to this border state it becomes imperative for the Union Home Ministry to sanction funds liberally to further upgrade the police infrastructure. He informed that the State Police has already setup its special security group on the pattern of NSG with specialized training for countering anti terrorism activities.

He said that being in-charge Minister of Home Department his top most priority was to change the perception about State police and a unique initiative has already been near completion under which even at police out reach centers were being setup to provide various facilities under one roof and in a time bound manner to make the interaction of common man with police more pleasant. He said that more than 7000 youngsters have already been recruited in the State Police and process for induction of few more thousands police personnel was going on.

Earlier, handing over the stolen/robbed property to their real owners, Mr. Badal said that he had asked the DGP to ensure that each victim should get his stolen/robbed property back at the earliest and such properties of crores of rupees have already been handed over and the purpose of organizing such functions was to strengthen the police public ties.

Expressing satisfaction over the capability as well as preparation of Punjab Police to fail the nefarious designs for destabilizing the law and order situation in the State, Mr. Badal said that Punjab Police was fully determined to check the terrorist activities and would not allow terrorism to raise its ugly head again. Answering a query of media regarding the conviction of Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal Mr. Badal said that we have full faith in the judiciary and law will take its own course.

Earlier Mr. Badal alongwith Punjab DGP Mr. P.S.Gill handed over rupees 1 crore 3 lakh and 88 thousand cash, jewelery worth Rs. 4.13 lakh, Heavy Duty Trucks 2, Trucks 14, Cranes 2 , tractor trolleys 5, SUVs 6 , Cars 8, Motor Cycles / Scooters 2, Electricity Transformers, LCDs 6 , Laptop 19 , ACs 10, washing machines 2, micro waves 2, DVD 5, Mobile Phones 32 and 98 tonnes of iron to their rightful owners.
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. Didar Singh Bhatti, MLA ; Mr. R.P.Mittal IG Zonal; Mr. Yashvir Mahajan Deputy Commissioner ; Mr. Gurpreet Singh Raju Khanna, Chairman Youth Development Board and Mr. R.S.Khattra SSP.
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94.42 LAKH TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, May 03: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 94.42 lakh tonnes of Wheat till last evening whereas 98.92 lakh Tonnes wheat procured last year.

Out of total procurement of 9442041 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centres of Punjab, Government agencies procured 94.23 lakh tonnes of wheat (99.08%) till date whereas private traders procured 18397 tonnes (0.2%) of wheat. Till May 02, PUNGRAIN had procured 14.74 lakh tonnes (15.6%) whereas MARKFED procured 22.53 lakh tonnes (23.9%). PUNSUP procured 21.39 lakh tonnes (22.7%), PSWC procured 11.14 lakh tonnes (11.8%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 10.56 lakh tonnes (11.2 %) of wheat.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 13.83 lakh tonnes of wheat which was the 14.7% of the total procurement of wheat in the state.
The spokesman added that Ferozepur with 10.91 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Sangrur with 9.47 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Patiala with 8.17 lakh tonnes of procurement ranked at third position

The State Government has set up 1734 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.
PR-11/211

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PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS AN INTERSTATE GANG INDULGED IN SELLING FAKE ARMS AND SUPPLYING AMMUNITION TO MAOISTS

• 270 Revolvers/Pistols and more than 6000 cartridges recovered
• 15 persons including a woman arrested
• 14 more yet to be nabbed

Chandigarh, May 2: The Punjab police busted an interstate gang indulged in selling illegal weapons being made in illegal factories in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh by stamping them with the emblems of renowned armament factories and passing them as genuine arms. They were the main suppliers to the Maoists and their connection with other terror groups was being investigated.

Disclosing this here today in a Press conference, Mr. P.S. Gill, Director General of Police, Punjab said that this whole operation was carried out by the District Mansa police led by Mr. H.S.Mann, Senior Superintendent of Police and so for recovered 270 Revolvers/Pistols and more than 6000 cartridges. He informed that 15 persons including a woman had already been arrested and police parties were conducting raids to nab remaining 14 persons. A case no. 64 dated 15-04-2011 u/s 420/465/467/468/471 of Cr.PC and 25/54/59 of Arms Act had already been registered at Mansa City police station.

The Police Chief informed that Mahesh Kumar owner of India Gun House , Mansa along with Arvinder Singh Pappu r/o Ludhiana, Anil Middha@ Ruby owner of Hindustan Gun House, Sirsa and Nand Kishore owner of Tammana Armoury, and few other persons have set up a gang. The modus operandi of the gang was to buy revolvers/pistols at the cost of Rs. 35,000 which were then sold up to Rs. One lac, after their forged documentation and they got the fake billing of said weapons done through Chiranji Lal & Sons Arms and Ammunition Dealer Thanesar, Harkamaljit Singh of M/S Avtar Gun House, Amritsar and Nand Kishore and his wife Neelam Rani of Tammana Armoury, Moga.


He revealed that the gang has till date sold around three-four thousand illegal weapons in Punjab and other states. The Kingpin of the gang Anil Middha had close links with sympathizers of Maoists in Bihar through Mahesh Kumar, who has an illegal arms factory in Firozabad, which was unearthed and recovered by the Mansa police. He said that Anil Middha had six specially designed vehicles, which were being used in supplying cartridges and bringing weapons and once his vehicle was intercepted by Patna police and a case was registered against him and his accomplish Mintu Sharma, his driver Dhananjay Singh and some area commanders of Maoists and he was declared PO in that case. He bought cartridges from Harmit Lal Jalalabad, Ashwani Kumar owner of Alishan Gun House, Moga KVS Gun House, Muktsar, Amar Gun House, Abohar and another person known as Mor of Abohar and supplied to sympathizers of Maoists.

The DGP pointed out that one accused Harkamaljit Singh Bindra owner of Avtar singh Bindra Gun House, Amritsar was also arrested in year 2010 by Mansa police for selling three arms by preparing fake license of a hardcore terrorist of KZF outfit Tarlochan Singh @ Locha under the fictitious address of Ravisher Singh S/o Baba Puran Singh and a case no. 65 dated 15-05-2010 u/s 420/465/467/471 was registered at police station Bhikhi and again found guilty of forging a jamabandi fard for securing his bail.

The Police Chief said that number of illegal arms recovered have been found from various police stations in different districts as these were used in crimes and now part of case properties. He said that after the thorough verification of Arms and Ammunition Dealers’ records huge quantity of illegal arms expected to be recovered in coming days. He said that there were some inputs regarding some police personnel connivance with arms dealers, which was being investigated.

He complimented the whole team of Mansa Police led by SSP Mr. H.S. Mann and comprised of SP (D) Mr. Raghbir Singh Sandhu, DSP (City) Mr. Tarsem Singh, SHO City-1 Inspector Sulakhan Singh, SHO City-2 SI Pritpal Singh, CIA Incharge Insp. Paramjit Singh, SI Harpal Singh, SHO Mansa Sadar, SI Gurdarshan Singh, SHO Joga, SI Dalbir Singh, SHO Jhunir, SI Karamjit Singh, SHO Jaurkian and SI Devinder Singh, SHO Sardulgarh for this rare achievement.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the press conference included; Mr. Suresh Arora, ADGP, Intelligence, Mr. Nirmal Singh Dhillon, IG Zonal, Bathinda and Mr. Paramjit Singh Grewal, DIG Range Bathinda.

91.02 LAKH TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJABChandigarh, May 02: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 91.02 lakh tonnes of Wheat till last evening whereas 98.59 lakh Tonnes wheat procured last year.

Out of total procurement of 9102309 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centres of Punjab, Government agencies procured 90.86 lakh tonnes of wheat (99.08%) till date whereas private traders procured 15797 tonnes (0.2%) of wheat. Till May 01, PUNGRAIN had procured 14.21 lakh tonnes (15.6%) whereas MARKFED procured 21.72 lakh tonnes (23.9%). PUNSUP procured 20.64 lakh tonnes (22.7%), PSWC procured 10.76 lakh tonnes (11.8%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 10.25 lakh tonnes (11.3 %) of wheat.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 13.27 lakh tonnes of wheat which was the 14.6% of the total procurement of wheat in the state.
The spokesman added that Ferozepur with 10.40 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Sangrur with 9.28 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Patiala with 8.10 lakh tonnes of procurement ranked at third position
The State Government has set up 1734 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.
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Hunger strike by Punjab youth congress enters day 2

Ludhiana 02-05-11--- The ongoing hunger strike by Punjab youth congress in Ludhiana today entered day 2 with next group of 50 youth activists from Ludhiana rural sitting on the hunger strike for next 24 hours. However, S Ravnit Singh Bittu, president Punjab youth congress and Member of Parliament ( Sri Anandpur Saahib) continued his hunger strike for the 2nd day( more than 28 hours) today. His condition is normal and he complained of little headache in the day time but after taking rest it was fine. Many political and social leaders joined the hunger strike and supported the cause of making Punjab drug free state.

Talking to the media persons, S Ravnit Singh Bittu said that till now nobody from the government or the administration has approached us. The chief minister should atleast acknowledge the cause for which we are on this hunger strike. He again reiterated that we should not politicise the issue but take this movement to a conclusion. Our demands for setting up drug prevention board and a house committee should be accepted by the chief minister.

Bittu added that for the first time Punjab youth congress has used hi tech ways for this ongoing hunger strike. We have introduced a new website www.drugfreepunjab.com, which has registered around 350 hits since yesterday with comments coming in from youngsters residing in India and abroad also. Anyone who goes to this website, will get a link to the my (S Ravnit Singh Bittu) face book account also which has around 3300 friends who are constantly in touch with me. We have also given a Delhi telephone line number which has recorded around 500 messages from different corners of the country on this issue. For the first time we have introduced signature campaign on the strike site where in more than 3000 signatures have been done by various visiting guests from every corner of the state.

Prominent among the guests who visited S Ravnit Singh Bittu today were S Amarjit Singh Samra (MLA), S Darshan Singh Brar(MLA), Sh Surinder Davar (ex MLA), S Sukhdev Singh libra(MP), S Avtar Brar(MLA), Harminder Jassi(MLA), Sukhpal Khaira( MLA), Harmohinder Singh(MLA), Sh Charanjit Singh Channi (ex MP), S Tej Parkash Singh (MLA), famous Punjabi singer Kamal Heer and Baba Kashmira Singh (social worker from Jalandhar).
S Ravnit Singh Bittu (MP & pres PYC)
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BADAL ASKS THE FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO STUDY
THE HARYANA PATTERN

ONLINE PAYMENT OF BONUS ON WHEAT TO BE MADE TO FARMERS
SHORTLY


Chandigarh April 30

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the Food and Civil Supplies Department to study the Haryana pattern being followed for the payment of commission as well as labour charges to the commission agents before taking a final decision in this regard.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting with a delegation of Aarhtia Associations Punjab led by it President Mr. Ravinder Singh Cheema here at Chief Minister's residence this evening.

Meanwhile, the Secretary Food and Civil Supplies informed in the meeting that 90% of the payment for the procured wheat had been released and the pending payment would also be released by May 2.

The Chief Minister also constituted a committee under the Chairmanship of the Financial Commissioner Development to study the policy regarding allotment of shops to the Aarhtias in the various grain markets across the state and suggests any improvements required in the policy.
Responding to another demand, Director Food and Civil Supplies apprised the Chief Minister that the online payment of the current bonus of Rs. 50/- per quintal on wheat would be made to the farmers alongwith the payment of wheat immediately. However, the payment of bonus on the wheat procured before April 25 would be released directly to the farmers by the concerned procurement agencies shortly.

Prominent among other who were present in the meeting Secretary Food and Civil Supplies Mr.D.S. Grewal, Director Food and Civil Supplies Mrs. Alaka Nanda Dyal, MD PUNSUP MR. Vikas Partap, Secretary Mandi Board Dr. Karmajit Singh Sra, MD Punjab Agro Food Grains Corporation and Punjab Agri Export Corporation Mr. Vikas Garg, Additional Principal Secretary to CM Punjab Gaggandeep Singh Brar
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BADAL GREETS LABOUR & WORKING CLASS ON MAY DAY

CHANDIGARH APRIL 30: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the labour and working class on the occasion of May Day that symbolizes the historic struggle of labour class globally.

In a message on the eve of May Day, the Chief Minister called upon the working and labour class to join hands to usher in an era of overall development, peace and prosperity in the State. Realizing the significance of this historic day, Mr. Badal exhorted the workers to observe May Day not merely from its historical perspective but should take a solemn pledge to safeguard the rights of the labour and working class.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister paid rich tributes to all those who had sacrificed their lives for the struggle to secure genuine service conditions at Chicago in 1886.
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SUKHBIR GREETS THE WORKING CLASS ON THE EVE OF LABOUR DAY

Chandigarh, April 30: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today extended his heartiest greetings to labour and working class of the state on the eve of May Day observed to mark with historic struggle of labour class throughout the world.
In a message the Deputy Chief Minister recalled the contribution of labour and working class in building up the world class infrastructure in the state to meet the challenges of future. Mr. Badal said that Punjab has a history of smooth labour relationship and the state government always preferred to come out with labour welfare oriented policies in the state.
Paying rich tributes to all those who laid down their lives for ensuring proper service conditions at Chicago in 1886, Mr. Badal said that striving to maintain congenial atmosphere for the working class would be the best tribute to them.
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83.29 LAKH TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, April 30: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 83.29 lakh tonnes of Wheat till last evening whereas 97.12 lakh Tonnes wheat procured last year.

Out of total procurement of 8329641 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centres of Punjab, Government agencies procured 8315225 tonnes of wheat (99.08%) till date whereas private traders procured 14416 tonnes (0.2%) of wheat. Till April 29, PUNGRAIN had procured 12.93 lakh tonnes (15.5%) whereas MARKFED procured 19.94 lakh tonnes (23.9%). PUNSUP procured 18.92 lakh tonnes (22.7%), PSWC procured 9.94 lakh tonnes (11.9%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 9.50 lakh tonnes (11.4 %) of wheat.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 11.89 lakh tonnes of wheat which was the 14.3% of the total procurement of wheat in the state.
The spokesman added that Ferozepur with 9.44 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Sangrur a 9.07 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Patiala with 8.08 lakh tonnes of procurement ranked at third position

The State Government has set up 1734 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.