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2ND PEARLS WORLD CUP KABADDI-2011
INDIAN KABADDI TEAM WELL BALANCED TO RETAIN ITS TITLE
·      SUKHBIR SARAWAN TO LEAD INDIAN TEAM  
·       PERFECT COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCED AND TALENTED YOUNGSTERS
·       MAIN FOCUS ON PLAYERS FITNESS DURING TRAINING CAMP 

Chandigarh, OCTOBER 31:  Indian Kabaddi team is fully balanced with perfect combination of experienced as well as talented youngsters to defend its title during 2nd Pearls World Cup Kabaddi slated to start from November 1, 2011. Meanwhile Sukhbir Singh Sarawan has been named Captain of Indian team while  Hardavinder Singh Dulla Surakhpuria would be his deputy.  

Five key players of last years champion Indian Kabaddi team namely Sukhbir Singh Sarawan, Hardavinder Singh Dulla Surakhpuria, Gulzar Singh Moonak, Mangat Singh Mangi Bagga and Narinder Kumar Bittu Dugaal have been retained while 9 new players including Gurlal Ghanaur would represent India first time World Cup Kabaddi.   

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sikander Singh Malooka President Punjab Kabaddi Association, said that 14 member Indian Kabaddi team was comprising of seven each raiders and defenders while 4 more players have been retained as standbys. The coaching staff of Indian Kabaddi team includes Harpreet Singh Baba, Dalbir Singh Bittu and Harbans Singh while Gurdeep Singh Malhi has been made manager of the team. The members of Indian Kabaddi team were as under: Sukhbir Singh Sarawan, Hardavinder Singh Dulla Surakhpuria, Gulzar Singh Moonak, Gurlal Ghanaur, Sandeep Dirba, Gagandeep Singh Gaggi Khiranwal and Talwinder Singh Sonu Jump (all raiders), Mangat Singh Mangi, Narinder Kumar Bittu Dugaal, Sikander Singh Kanjhli, Ekam Hathoor, Narinder Nindi Benra, Jagdeep Singh Kaka Ghaniwal and Gurwinder Singh Kahlwan (all defenders). Besides this, Vicky Ghanaur, Talwinder Singh Tinda, Yaadwinder Singh Kotli and Gurpreet Singh Maheru were the standby players.  

          Meanwhile, Indian Kabaddi team coach Mr. Harpreet Singh Baba today said that the main focus was on the fitness of the players during three week long training camp organized at Bathinda. He said that raiders Sukhbir Singh Sarawan, Dulla Surakhpuria and Gulzar Moonak besides defenders Bittu Dugaal and Nindi Benra were in great form and he was fully confident that the Indian team will defend its title. He further said that besides India and Pakistan teams from Canada, England, Australia, Spain and Italy were also in good form.

WORLD KABBADI CUP
SUKHBIR SINGH SARAWAN TO LEAD INDIAN TEAM

Chandigarh, October 31 : Sukhbir Singh Sarawan will lead Indian Kabbadi team in the World Kabbadi Cup being  organised by Punjab government from Novermber 1. This was disclosed by Secretary General of the organising Committee Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka. He also disclosed that Hardavinder Singh Dulla will be Vice Captain of the team. Team had already been announced earlier.

CABINET WILL TAKE A FINAL DECISION ON EMPLOYEES’ DEMANDS
ON NOVEMBER 2 - BADAL

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 31:

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced that the report submitted by the Cabinet-Sub-Committee on the employees’ demands would be thoroughly discussed in the next Cabinet meeting slated to be held on November 2 before taking a final decision in this regard.    

 An assurance to this effect was given by Mr. Badal to a deputation of Punjab Mulazim Sangarash Committee led by its convener Mr. Ranbir Dhillon here at Punjab Bhawan this morning. 

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal also asked the Chief Secretary to bring a proposal for the regularization of remaining eligible work charged employees working in Punjab Health System Corporation, C-PYTE and Irrigation department as per the stipulated guidelines. 

The Chief Minister also assured the deputation that the advice relating to the accident claims involving the drivers of all the government vehicles to be borne by the state government in future, would be issued within a day.  This significant step would provide a major relief to the drivers across the state especially of Punjab Roadways, PRTC and other government departments as it would not be a personal liability of the drivers any more as it had been till now.   He also apprised the deputation that the demands raised by the Sangarsh committee relating to the Asha workers would also be implemented shortly.  Mr. Badal also conceded the demand of the deputation to abolish the system of outsourcing in Punjab Roadways and PRTC in future and informed that the process for the fresh recruitment in the PRTC had already begun and would be completed by the end of this November.   Meanwhile, the Secretary Transport also told the Chief Minister that the process to recruit drivers had also been initiated and would be completed at the earliest. 

Mr. Badal also asked the Chief Secretary to examine the demand to grant maternity leave to the women employees’ working on contract basis besides formulating uniform guidelines to allow leave to all the contractual employees working in different government departments, boards and corporations. 

Prominent amongst other who were present in the meeting included Finance Minister Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. KBS Sidhu, Secretary Transport Mr. Anurag Aggarwal and Director Health & Family Welfare Dr. JP Singh.
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Badal must explain his double standards on promoting and shielding anti-sikh officers like Azhar Alam ex IPS and Sumedh Saini IPS, Chief Director Vigilance.

Sukhpal Singh Khaira
MLA Bholath,
October 28, 2011

            When it is poll time in Punjab the SAD headed by the Badal duo leave no stone unturned to whip up sikh sentiments on sensitive issues of Operation Blue Star or Anti-sikh riots. Once in the saddle, Mr. Badal conveniently toes the RSS-BJP line and begins to promote and shield anti-sikh officers responsible for the genocide of sikh youth during the troubled times.
            Not only did Sh. Badal give a clean chit to the oppressive officer Sh. Azhar Alam infamously known for promoting black cats or ‘Alam Sena’, responsible for eliminating sikh youth in fake encounters but has gone a step further, by announcing him SAD candidate from Malerkotla. In his usual style Sh. Badal feigned ignorance about Sh. Alam’s cruelty although even foreign media had reported the saga of fake encounters of Sh. Alam in a US cable leakage in 2005.
            Similarly, the double facetted approach of Sh. Badal was recently exposed in the clemency matter of Prof. Davinderpal Bhullar case. On one hand during SGPC elections Sh. Badal raised the clemency issue and promised to bring a resolution in Vidhan Sabha and on the other hand he has not only promoted out of turn Sh. Sumedh Saini IPS, as Chief Director Vigilance but also filed an affidavit in Supreme Court of India in 2008, terming Prof. Bhullar a hardcore terrorist with international links. True to his self, Sh. Badal does a double by “running with the hare and hunting with the hound”. The whole world knows that Sh. Saini is responsible for eliminating the father and uncle of Prof. Bhullar in a fake encounter but yet Sh. Badal under RSS-BJP influence not only shields murderer like Saini but also promotes him out of turn.
            On the other hand the Junior Badal SAD President in his new found love for his politicized ‘Kabbadi’ forgot that 1st November is observed a black day by the Sikhs across the globe due to the anti-sikh riots of 1984. But Sukhbir Badal has chosen to indulge himself in the extravaganza of ‘Kabbadi’ by inviting bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif by spending crores on them.
            Therefore, I urge both the Badals to publically clarify their position on my charges of promoting and shielding anti-sikh officers besides indulging in fun and frolic on 1st November. In case they fail to respond it would be presumed that both the Badals wear ‘Khakhi’ shorts of RSS instead of ‘Kachiara’ of the Sikhs.

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CM GIVES NOD FOR ONE TIME GRANT OF RS.20 CRORE TO PRTC
CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 31:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved to sanction one time grant of Rs.20 crore to the cash strapped Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) to bail out from its staggering liability on account of pension benefits accrued to its employees’.

            A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting with PRTC Workers’ Action Committee led by its Convener Mr. Nirmal Singh Dhaliwal held here at Punjab Bhawan this afternoon.
            The Chief Minister asked the PRTC to utilize these funds to set off their mounting pension arrears due to its pensioners in order to ensure smooth functioning in an efficient and result-oriented manner.  He also called upon the Managing Director of the PRTC to evolve an action plan in such a manner that the existing resources could be optimally utilized to enhance its profitability with a sharpened focus on its economic viability.  Mr. Badal also gave in principle approval to the proposal to transfer the land under the control of the state government departments to PRTC on lease basis to generate additional funds to make the functioning of PRTC far more efficient besides achieving financial sustainability.
            The meeting was also attended by the Transport Minister Mr. Surjeet Kumar Jiyani, Chairman PRTC Mr. Ranjit Singh Ballian, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. KBS Sidhu, Secretary Transport Mr. Anurag Aggarwal and Managing Director Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu.   
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97.51  LAKH TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, October 31:
More than 97.51 lakh tonnes of Paddy   was procured by the Government agencies and private millers in Punjab till last evening against 91.85 lakh tonnes procurement of previous year.
                   An Official Spokesman here today said that out of total procurement of 97,51,065 tonnes of paddy, Government agencies procured 93.97 lakh tonnes (96.4%) and private traders procured 3,53,070 tonnes (3.6%) of paddy till date.
                   He said that PUNGRAIN had procured 26.97 lakh tonnes (28.7%), followed by PUNSUP with 23.58 lakh tonnes (25.1%), MARKFED with 21.34 lakh tonnes (22.7%), PSWC with 11.05 lakh tonnes (11.8%) and  PAIC with 09.45 lakh tonnes (10.1 %) of paddy. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1,56,453 (1.7%) tonnes.
          Ludhiana District with 10.75 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas Patiala District with 10.03 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and Sangrur District with 09.36 lakh  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position, he added.   
The State Government has set up 1745 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added.

 
GS CHEEMA GETS ADDITIONAL CHARGE
Chandigarh October 31:-

              Mr. G.S.Cheema, Senior Deputy Advocate General, Punjab has been given the additional charge of the post of Administrator General and Official Trustee, Punjab in addition to his own duties of Senior Deputy Advocate General, Punjab with immediate effect in place of Smt. Charu Tuli Senior Deputy Advocate General, Punjab(retd.)
            This was disclosed by a spokesman of the Punjab Government.
No.PR-11/
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TWO IAS AND ONE PCS OFFICER TRANSFERED
Chandigarh October 31:- The Punjab government today issued the posting and transfer orders of two IAS and one PCS officer with immediate effect.
                Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Mr. Satish Chandra IAS Secretary to the Government of Punjab Department of planning and Special Economic Package and in addition Ex-officio Member Secretary of the Social Dev. And Governance Reforms Commission and in addition he will also assist  the Chief Secretary in the implementation of Right to Service Act would also hold the additional charge of Principal Secretary to the government of Punjab, Department of Local Government against vacant post.
              Mr. Satwant Singh IAS, Deputy Commissioner has been transferred and posted as Commissioner for persons with Disabilities relieving Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh IAS of this additional charge and in addition Deputy Commissioner Tarn Taran.
             Likewise the services of Mr. Rajiv Kumar Gupta PCS Assistant Commissioner (General) Patiala are placed at the disposal of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for appointment as Estate Officer, GMADA, SAS Nagar in place of Mr. J.C. Sabbarwal.

FIXTURES FOR 2ND WORLD CUP KABADDI MATCHES PROMISE NAIL-BITING MATCHES BETWEEN 14 COUNTRIES

 CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 30: The contours of nail-biting competitions between 14 countries in 2nd World Cup Kabaddi crystallized today to some extent with the finalization of pool formation and fixtures of the teams for the tournament.

            According to Mr. Pargat Singh, Director Sports and Organising Secretary, in pool-A countries India, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Germany and Nepal have been included whereas 7 teams constituting Pool B were Pakistan, USA, Italy, Argentina, Norway, Spain and Sri Lanka. For Women Kabaddi 4 countries including India, USA, UK and Turkmenistan are set to clash for first ever World Cup Kabaddi in the Women section.

            According to the fixtures finalized today the 2nd World Cup Kabaddi would witness grand gala opening in Bathinda on 1st November evening in which all the teams carrying their countries flag would participate in the march past and take up a vow  to adhere to spirit of sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

            Mr. Pargat Singh said that matches would start on 2nd November in Faridkot in which in Pool-A Australia would clash with Nepal, India with Germany and Canada with Afghanistan, in matches scheduled from 1pm to 5:30pm.

            On November 3rd November in Gurdaspur in Group-B Norway would clash with Spain, Italy with Argentina and Pakistan with USA in Day and Night matches scheduled from 5:30pm to 10pm. On 4th November in Dhudike (Moga) Group-A teams including India would clash with Nepal, UK with Afghanistan and Canada with Australia in matches scheduled from 1pm to 5:30pm.

            Mr. Singh said that on 5th November Roop Nagar would witness Group B clashes in which Argentina would take on Norway, Pakistan with Sri Lanka and USA with Italy in the matches scheduled during day time from 1pm to 5:30pm. On 6th November in Sangrur Group A teams including Germany would clash with Nepal, India with Australia, Canada with UK from 1pm to 5:30pm.

            According to the fixtures, on 7th November in Chohla Sahib (Taran Tarn) Group B teams Spain would clash with Sri Lanka, USA with Argentina and Pakistan with Italy in day time matches from 1pm to 5:30pm. On 8th November in Patiala Group A teams Afghanistan would clash with Nepal, India with UK and Australia with Germany in day and night matches scheduled from 5:30pm to 10pm. On 9th November in Kapurthala Group B teams Norway would take on Sri Lanka, Pakistan with Argentina and Italy with Spain in matches scheduled during day time. On 10th November in Doda (Mukatsar) Group A teams UK would take on Nepal, India with Afghanistan and Canada with Germany in matches scheduled during day time.

            On 11th November in Amritsar, women section would witness first match in which India women team would take on Turkmenistan and Group B teams in Men section Argentina would clash with Sri Lanka, Pakistan with Norway and USA with Spain in day and night matches scheduled from 5:30 pm to 10:30pm. On 12th November in women section UK would take on India and in men section Group A teams Canada would clash with Nepal, Australia with Afghanistan and UK with Germany in matches scheduled from 12:30noon to 5:15pm.

            Mr. Singh said that 13th November being a rest day on November 14th in Hoshiarpur in women section USA would clash with Turkmenistan and in Men section Group B teams including USA would clash with Sri Lanka, Italy with Norway and Argentina with Spain in matches scheduled from 12:30 pm to 5:30pm. On 15th November in Mansa in women section USA would clash with UK and in men section Australia would clash with UK, Afghanistan with Germany and India with Canada from 12:30 noon to 5:30pm. On 16th November in Jalandhar, in women section UK would clash with Turkmenistan and in men section Group B teams Italy would clash with Sri Lanka, USA with Norway and Pakistan with Spain during day and night matches from 5:30 pm to 10:30pm. With 17th November being a rest day on 18th November, in Bathinda in women section India would clash with USA whereas in men section in first match winner of Pool A would clash with runners up of Pool B and in second match winner of Pool B would clash with runners up of Pool A from 5:30pm to 10:00pm.  November 19th would be a rest day. On 20th November Guru Nanak Stadium Ludhiana would witness matches for third and fourth positions in men section from 4:30 pm to 5:30pm whereas finals of women and men sections would be held from 6pm to 10:30pm followed by a glittering closing ceremony.

            With many new countries jumping in the fray, the lovers of traditional game Kabaddi are keeping their fingers crossed.

Men Section

Women Section (Stationed at Ludhiana)

  FIXTURES

-2-

Organizing Secretary
2nd World Cup Kabaddi,
Punjab-2011

2nd World Cup Kabaddi, Punjab-2011
1-20 November, 2011

Detail of Programme/ Matches

SHIROMANI AKALI DAL
AMARINDER TRYING TO COVER UP FAILURES OF CONGRESS LED UPA GOVT---SAD

Chandigarh, October 30: Shiromani Akali Dal on Sunday ridiculed the statement of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Chief Capt. Amarinder Singh asking Akal Dal to hold morchas in Paris outside the residence of French President to get the turban issue resolved and said that the former CM was trying to cover up the failures of the Congress led UPA government.
            Reacting to the statement of Capt. Singh on turban issue party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that it is a cruel joke with the sikh community. While saying so, Capt. Amarinder Singh has rubbed salt on the wounds of sikh community. Dr. Cheema said that Congress must apologize to the sikh community for its failure to get the issue resolved at a time when the Prime Minister of the Country as well as Minister of state for External affairs, both are from the sikh community.
            Dr. Cheema said that it was surprising that the same UPA government has convinced French government for signing contracts worth millions of dollars for purchase of aircrafts and nuclear deals but has failed to resolve the issue concerning the sikh community.
            Lashingh out at the Capt. Singh on his suggestion to the Akalis to set up a Morcha outside the residence of French President in Paris,  the SAD leader asked  the Congress to quit the government and make way for establishment of  NDA government which would take up and get the issue resolved within a stipulated time.

DOCTORS ADVERTISING ASSURED TREATMENT OF SEXUAL AILMENTS TO FACE ACTION
Chandigarh, OCTOBER 30: Registered Medical Practitioners of   Homoeopathy, Ayurveda and Allopathic issuing advertisements and promising assured treatment of various ailments including sexual ailments are in for trouble, as Punjab Government has decided to tighten noose on them.   
          Medical Education & Research Minister Mr. Arunesh Shakir today issued directions to initiate action against all those doctors who are advertising through various media including print, broadcast and outdoor media. Mr. Shakir took a meeting of various Heads of Councils and Boards working under the department and directed them to start a campaign to stop advertisements by Registered Medical Practitioners (RMP), as it was violation of guidelines of Medical Council of India and other affiliating bodies.
Mr. Shakir said that it was unfortunate that some of the leading medical practitioners dealing in Homoeopathy, Ayurveda and Allopathic are giving advertisements and putting hoardings in different part of the State claiming total rejuvenation especially in matter of sexual problems, assuring the birth of male child etc. He said that these advertisements were against provisions of various acts.
He said that it was unethical as well as illegal for a doctor to advertise and any doctor issuing advertisements would be issued show cause notice by the affiliating body and proceedings would be launched for cancellation of his license.
 Mr. Shakir said that it was the duty of the government to ensure that medical professional does not fall in the hands of profiteers. He warned that if effective steps are not taken by the RMPs themselves then Govt. would be forced to book the erring practitioners.
No.PR.11/

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Congress condemns denial of cash awards to sports champions of National Games 2002(Hyderabad) and 2007(Guwahati).

Sukhpal Singh Khaira
MLA Bholath,
October 28, 2011

It is a matter of great shame that those sportspersons who brought laurels to Punjab in the national games of Hyderabad 2002 and Guwahati 2007, are being denied their cash awards as champions even after years. While the financially starved public exchequer has been thrown open to award a contract of Rs. 5.64 crores to a private company Witchcraft for the opening and closing ceremonies of much politicized Kabbadi games.

            Congress terms the paradoxical approach of the junior Badal as ‘penny wise and pound foolish” for ignoring the rightful and legitimate hard earned share of these sports champs of yesteryears. If the financially wrecked SAD-BJP govt. can afford to spend Rs. 5.64 crores on extravagance by inviting Shahrukh Khan and Katrina Kaif for Kabbadi events, why can’t the govt. dole out a few lacs for these deserving sports champions of National Games?

            Although promoting Kabbadi is a welcome step but spending crores of people’s money on bollywood stars is nothing but making mockery of the sport and rubbing salt on the wounds of ignored sports persons denied cash awards. Spending so lavishly through private companies also indicates the wrong priorities of the Junior Badal.

            Only the other day while holding a press conference for Kabbadi in Bathinda the Junior Badal feigned complete ignorance about spread of ‘Dengue’ disease in the state. On the contrary he ridiculed the SSP Bathinda by directing him to arrest ‘Dengue’ if seen anywhere. It is unfortunate that more than 3000 people particularly of the Malwa belt of Bathinda and Mukatsar have been affected by ‘Dengue’ but the Dy. CM makes fun of such serious menace affecting Punjab.
            Therefore, the congress advises Sh. Sukhbir Badal to set his priorities right and suggests cutting down of extravagant spending of public money. The congress urges the Dy. CM to give champions of National Games their dues and to focus on control of ‘Dengue’ in Punjab, before embarking on politically motivated sports like Kabbadi.

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CONGRESS LEADERS SHOULD NOT DISSUADE PRIME MINISTER FROM COMING TO THE STATE- CM
CM LAYS DOWN THE FOUNDATION STONE OF ADVANCE CANCER DIAGNOSTIC, TREATMENT AND RESEARCH CENTER
DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER TERMS IT AS A HISTORIC DAY
BAFFLED BY THE UNPARALLELED DEVELOPMENTAL WORKS IN PUNJAB, CONGRESS LEADERS ARE HINDERING DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS IN THE STATE- DEPUTY CM
 
Bathinda, October 28- Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that senior state Congress leadership should refrain from dissuading Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to visit Punjab.  He however, said that Dr. Singh was at the helm of affairs as Prime Minister of the country and therefore, his jurisdiction was not merely restricted to any political party but was much beyond that encompassing the entire nation in his official capacity. 
Talking to the media person after laying down the foundation stone of Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Center here today, Mr Badal said that it was very unfortunate that the Congress leaders of state led by PPCC President Captain Amarinder Singh were resorting to cheap tactics to prevent the Prime Minister for coming to state for inaugurating the ambitious projects like Khalsa Heritage Complex at Anandpur Sahib and laying the foundation stone of terminal at Mohali International Airport.  Flanked by Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal and Lok Sabha MP from Bathinda Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the Chief Minister said that these leaders were virtually bamboozled by the spectacular development in the state during SAD-BJP regime therefore, they were indulging in such cheap tactics to mount pressure on Dr. Singh to abandon his proposed visit to Punjab.  He further said that it was ironical that the SAD was extending red carpet welcome to the Prime Minister in the state whereas his own party leaders were opposing it tooth and nail, which clearly reflected the brewing frustration amongst the Congress leadership in the wake of coming assembly elections as it was bereft of any political agenda. 
Mr. Badal further said that he had personally invited Dr. Singh to honour him as the Prime Minister on these prestigious events and there was no political motive behind it.  He however said that it was disappointing that the Congress leaders were unnecessarily extracting political mileage out of this issue but expressed hope that the Prime Minister would not be swayed away by such moves of the state Congress leaders and he would certainly visit Punjab to inaugurate these projects.
The Chief Minister said the Congress leadership of the state was creating hindrances in the development of the state for which the people of state would never forgive them. Mr Badal said that the state Congress President Captain Amarinder Singh had already got a loan of Rs 700 crore meant for developing the urban areas stopped, by writing a letter to the HUDCO for opposing it. “We were not seeking any favour from the agency but it was their duty to sanction loas for the development of the urban sector.  But now it is crystal clear that HUDCO is functioning under the pressure of Congress Leaders” he added.
 Making a scathing attack on the Congress led UPA at the center for adopting a policy of discrimination against the state, Mr Badal said that the Union government was deliberately enacting such policies through which the agriculture, industry and the infra structure of the state is ruined. “In a planned manner such policies are framed by the Union government in which Punjab remains exempted from its benefits” he added.
Earlier addressing the gathering at the venue the Chief Minister said that today was a Golden day in the history of state as it was making a leap forward for tackling one of the major menace faced by it in the form of Cancer. He said that the institute that would be having “state of art” facilities would be constructed at the cost of Rs 70 crore and would be the only of its kind in whole of the Northern India. Mr Badal said that the institute would provide a big relief to the people from this fatal disease, which has already taken a huge toll of life in the state. “We felt ashamed when deaths used to take place due to cancer but it is unfortunate that none of the other previous government had bothered about it” he added. 
Likewise in his address the Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal also said that it was a historic day as foundation stone for saving the precious lives of the people had been laid. He said that the irony of the fate was that this fatal disease had spread in almost whole of the Malwa region so much so that even a train was named by people as Cancer express, because the patients used to travel to Bikaner from here to get treated in absence of proper medical health care. However the Deputy Chief Minister said that after forming the government in the state they had vowed to eradicate this ailment from the state due to which only they had focused their attention towards setting up the institute for treatment of the cancer. He also said that they have ensured that RO water is supplied in the houses of the area so that the spreading of this disease could be checked and the precious lives of the people is saved. “We are aware of the agony faced by the common people of the area so we are determined to provide them quality health care with such endeavors’ he added.    
Training his guns against the Congress, the Deputy Chief Minister said that baffled by the unparalleled developmental works in Punjab, the entire leadership of the state Congress led by Captain Amarinder Singh are now resorting to cheap tactics of hindering the developmental process in the state. He said that infact the state Congress has already conceded their defeat in the coming assembly elections due to which now they are running away from the electoral in one way or other. “The Congress leaders are ungrateful not only to the people of Punjab but to their own leaders also due to which only instead of thanking the Prime Minister for giving grants to state they are opposing his entry into it” he added. 
  
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mr Karan Avtar Singh, Secretary Medical Education Mrs Anjali Bhanwra, Former Punjab Minister Mr Sikander Singh Malooka, Akali Leader Mr Sarup Chand Singla and Mr. Amarjit Singh Sidhu, Vice Chancellor Baba Farid Medical University of Health and Sciences Dr SS Gill and Director Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences Dr KD Singh. 
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SHIROMANI AKALI DAL
OPPOSITION OF KABBADI CUP HAS PROVED FRUSTRATION OF CONGRESS-SAD

Chandigarh, October 28 :
Shiromani Akali Dal on Friday  slammed the anti Kabbadi stance of Punjab Pradesh Congress Chief Capt. Amarinder Singh and said that it has proved that the Congress party is frustrated lot because it has realized that it  was all set to receive a humiliating defeat in the coming assembly polls.
            Reacting to a statement of Capt. Amarinder Singh opposing the hosting of  Kabbadi world Cup by Punjab government, the SAD Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that  Congress’s stance of opposition the mother game of Punjabis has proved that Punjab Congress is the biggest enemy of the state as the leaders of the Congress party had earlier opposed the development projects initiated by the SAD-BJP government by threatening the industrialist and opposing the thermal plants and now it has resorted to opposing the promotion of games and sports culture in the state.
            Dr. Cheema said that when Capt. Amarinder Singh and other leaders of the Congress party failed in their efforts to stop the grants for projects of Punjab by writing letters to Election Commission of India, meeting Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other Central ministers, they have now started opposing every event which is an achievement for the state as they had opposed Prime Minister’s visit to the state for inauguration of Khalsa Heritage Project and Mohali International Airport.
He said that when every Punjabi sitting in every nook and corner of the world was feeling proud with promotion of sports culture especially mother game Kabbadi, Capt. Singh has started opposing the promotion of this sports culture because  he wants to promote “Casino Culture” in the state which the SAD-BJP had vehemently opposed during his tenure as Chief Minister.
            Dr. Cheema said that even if  the Congress opposes  every development project  and sports in the state, SAD-BJP is committed to develop the state and encourage sports for the welfare of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat.
 

MLA Kewal Singh Dhillon bereaved :

Sardar Sajjan Singh Dhillon aged 85 years, born in Barnala, Punjab, passed away today after a brief illness. He's survived by three sons and a daughter.  Three of his children are well settled aboard, but he was residing in India with his son, Sardar Kewal Singh Dhillon (MLA - Barnala). Sardar Sajjan Singh Dhillon was a well rounded personality who achieved great heights not only in his business career spanning over four decades in multiple countries, but also in social service and sports. He undertook his primary education from Bhadaur and further finished his college education from Barnala. He was a great visionary who started his business career from Hong Kong and his business pursuits took him to places  ranging from Africa, North America and Asia. He was a pillar of strength for the entire Dhillon Family, a void now that will always be missed. The cremation will be taking place on Saturday, 29th October at Sector 25 Cremation Ground at 1:00 pm.

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SAD-BJP GOVERNMENT COMMITTED FOR ERADICATING THE MENACE OF CANCER FROM THE STATE- CM

Badal (Sri Muktsar Sahib)- Oct 28.

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reiterated that the SAD-BJP government was committed for eradicating the menace of cancer from the state.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the state level camp for free diagnostic of the fatal disease here, Mr. Badal said that the state government had been endeavoring the check the spread of cancer in the state and now the tests for detection of cancer were available free to the patients at all the government hospitals across the state. Expressing concern over the spread of cancer the Chief Minister said that the disease was spreading rapidly across the globe but the most unfortunate thing was permanent cure for the disease is yet to be invented adding that even research being conducted to find the root cause of the disease has also not yielded the desired results. However the Chief Minister said that these camps could provide the necessary impetus for checking the spread of disease as the early detection of it could very efficiently help in controlling it, thus saving the precious life of the people.
He said that in order to make the people aware about the cancer the SAD-BJP government of the state has taken a unique initiative of organizing the camps across the state under which 300 camps are being organized by the Health department. Mr. Badal said that apart from it in order to provide free medical checkup at the door steps of the people special mobile vans equipped with latest machinery to conduct the cancer detection tests have been deputed in the villages. Apart from it the Chief Minister said that they have set up a corpus fund of Rs 20 crore for giving financial assistance to the people suffering from cancer adding that Rs 1.5 lakh is given by the state government to every cancer patient which is recommended by a Committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner.
Mr Badal also said that with the efforts of the state government two Super Specialty Cancer Hospitals have been set up Bathinda and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) for providing cancer treatment to the patients. The Chief Minister also said that the alliance government in the state has laid special focus on providing quality Health services to the residents of the state for which Rs 340 crore have been spent in an unprecedented manner for overhauling the infrastructure for such services. 
            Prominent among the others who were present on the occasion Mr. Karn A Singh Principal Secretary Health, Dr. SS Gill Vice chancellor Baba Frid University of Health Sciences, Dr. JP Singh Director Health, Mr Arshdeep Singh Thind DC, Dr. GS Bhullar Civil Surgeon.    

86.65 LAKH TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, October 28: More than 86.65 lakh tonnes of Paddy   was procured by the Government agencies and private millers in Punjab till last evening against 79.23 lakh tonnes procurement of previous year.

                   An Official Spokesman here today said that out of total procurement of 86,65,038 tonnes of paddy, Government agencies procured 83.24 lakh tonnes (96.1%) and private traders procured 3,40,582 tonnes (3.9%) of paddy till date.
                   He said that PUNGRAIN had procured 23.66 lakh tonnes (28.4), followed by PUNSUP with 20.85 lakh tonnes (25.1%), MARKFED with 18.78 lakh tonnes (22.6%), PSWC with 10.05 lakh tonnes (12.1%) and  PAIC with 08.44 lakh tonnes (10.1 %) of paddy. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1,44,386 (1.7%) tonnes.
          Ludhiana District with 08.92 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas Patiala District with 08.91 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and Sangrur District with 07.28 lakh  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position, he added.   
The State Government has set up 1745 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added.
 
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COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR 20 DAY LONG SPORTS EXTRAVAGANZA AS SUKHBIR UNVEILS SCHEDULE FOR 2ND WORLD CUP KABADDI: SUKHBIR
SHAHRUKH KHAN TO DAZZLE THE AUDIENCE IN THE SPECTACULAR OPENING CEREMONY IN BATHINDA
CWG EVENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY TO HANDLE OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONY FUNCTIONS
SIX-A-SIDE LASER SHOW, FIRST OF ITS OWN KIND, BY  WIZCRAFT TO BE THE STAR ATTRACTION
13 COUNTRIES FOR MEN’S KABADDI AND 4  FOR WOMEN KABADDI TO VIE FOR Rs 4.11 CRORE PRIZE MONEY
AIM TO TAKE KABADDI TO 2016 BRAZIL OLYMPICS

Chandigarh October 27:

Countdown has begun for the most spectacular 20 day long sports extravaganza as Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today unveiled schedule for 2nd World Cup Kabaddi starting from November 1, 2011. The spectacular opening ceremony would be held at Bathinda whereas final match and closing ceremony would be organized at Ludhiana.

            Addressing the media persons Mr. Badal said that his aim to give international recognition to Punjab’s traditional game Kabaddi has been partially achieved as more than 13 countries are participating in second edition of World Cup Kabaddi and four countries would participate for women world cup kabaddi. Mr. Badal said that 13 countries including Argentina, Pakistan, USA, Canada, UK, Italy, Norway, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, Germany, Spain and hosts India would be in the Men Section. He said that for the first time Women World Cup Kabaddi was being organized and four countries including  UK, USA, Turkmenistan and India in Women Section were in the fray for the fabulous prize money.

            Mr. Badal said that efforts have been made to organize these matches in the rural heartland of Punjab. He said that 6 venues were floodlit and these venues, matches would be organized during night time after 6 PM whereas another venues matches would be organized during day time. The Kabaddi matches would be organized at Bathinda, Faridkot, Gurdaspur, Dhudike (Moga), Roopnagar, Sangrur, Chohla Sahib (Tarntaran), YPS Patiala, Kapurthala, Doda (Mukatsar), Amritsar, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Mansa, Jalandhar, Bathinda and Ludhiana.

            The Deputy Chief Minister said that to motivate the players the prize money has been doubled to Rs 2 Crore for the winner, whereas runners-up would get Rs 1 crore, third place holders would be getting Rs 51.00 lacs. He said that  all participating teams would be given Rs. 10 lacs. In the women Kabaddi first position holder Women Team gets 25.00 lac. Second, Third and Forth get Rs 15.00 lac, 10.00 lac and 10.00 lac respectively. It has also been decided to give Tractors one each to Best Raider and Best Catcher of the Final Match for Men.

            Mr. Badal said that strict compliance for WADA stipulations were being adhered to make the 2ndWCKP-2011 will be a drug free mega international event. Anti-Doping Committee under WADA has already started functioning. He said that 20 out of 51 probable, who tested positive in the dope test have already been disqualified for two years
.
Mr. Badal said that to promote sports in a big way and properly chanalize the youth power. In this direction, a new result-oriented Sports Policy has been implemented in the state. He said that the State Government has provided state-of-the-art-sports infrastructure in the state. 7 Multipurpose Stadia, 5 Synthetic Hockey Stadiums, One International Hostel and a Sports School at Village Ghudda District Bathinda have been developed at a cost of about 200.00 crore. All the sports projects are in the final stage of completion.
Explaining that the rural masses are passionate about kabaddi and acknowledging the popularity of the game, Mr. Badal said that the state Government has included this game in the Sports Gradation Policy, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award Policy and Cash Award Policy.
He said that the colourful Opening and Closing Ceremonies have been planned and this task of cultural programme has been entrusted to an acclaimed event management company named Wizcraft, which had the honour to perform Cultural Programme in the Commonwealth Games, New Delhi-2010.
Sh. S.K. Sandhu, IAS, Principle Secretary Sports and Executive Member Organizing Committee said that all efforts have been made to make this event drug free. An Anti Dope Committee have been formed which will be responsible to manage Pre and Post World Cup Kabaddi Anti Doping Affairs and submit a report to Organizing Committee on conclusion of the programme. All the players found positive during 1st WCKP-2010 have been debarred from participating in this event. He further informed that to facilitate the public, the matches of the event have been scattered to be conducted over 16 places through out the state. The semi-finals, finals, Opening and Closing Ceremonies and matches at Gurdaspur, Patiala, Amritsar, Jalandhar would be conducted under flood lights and telecast live by PTC. The matches at other venues would also be telecast live by this channel.
Organizing Secretary Pargat Singh disclosed that to look after the comfort and convenience of all participating teams, the Punjab Sports Department has appointed 2 liaison officers with the each team. He further added that eminent punjabi folk singers, comedians and artists would regale the audience at all the venues of this grand event. A jury of appeal has been formed to look into any dispute, if arises. Rules and regulations of the tournament have been sent to each participating team.
“We will set high standards in conducting the mega event. Efforts have been made to provide all comforts to the participating teams and officials accompanying” said Pargat Singh.
Regarding the formation of Indian teams, Mr. Pargat Singh said that a Selection Committee, under the Chairmanship of International Kabaddi player Sh. Shiv Dev Singh has been formed which has selected 31 Men and 30 Women probables for the coaching camps going on at Bathinda and Ludhiana, respectively. Prior to this, the Selection Committee conducted Selection Trails for Men and Women at Ludhiana in the Month of October, 2011.
Regarding India’s chances of winning the tournament once again, Pargat Singh said, “let the best team win.”
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MSP: "SHOCKER OF A DIWALI GIFT FROM THE CENTER TO FARMERS: BADAL SEEKS IMMEDIATE UPWARD REVISION

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 25- The Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today  rejected "the pathetic hike" in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Wheat announced by the Center today, terming it as "shocker of a Diwali gift to the beleaguered peasantry. What a wave to salute the guardian of the country's granary in the festival season!"
          He said that the decision would not only deal a crushing blow to the farm sector but also seriously endanger the country's food security." The Chief Minister asked the center to view its decision in the light of the prevailing  market ground realities at this time " else the country could once again be plunged into an era of food shortages, forcing it into expensive and untenable food imports ."Is the center working towards the resumption of PL 480?" the Chief Minister asked.

Mr. Badal asked the center to immediately review the decision and announce an upward revision in the MSP.

           "The decision shows how insensitive policy makers at the center are to the agony of the farmers already reeling under the impact of back breaking hikes in the prices of farm inputs.
          The Chief Minister reiterated that although a minimum support price of Rs 2200 per quintal was necessary to give a boost to agriculture and secure food security in the country, the center could at least have gone by the report of farm experts that quoted Rs 1800 as the Barest  Minimum.
           He once again pleaded for the   fixation of the MSP either by linking to the overall price index or by providing a margin of 50% over the cost of production to the farmers as suggested by renowned agricultural economist Dr.MS Swaminathan. The Centre should have taken into account the enormous contribution of Punjabi farmers to make ourcountry self sufficient in food production to ensure national food security before announcing this unreasonable hike in MSP of Wheat.  

          The Chief Minister said that the non-remunerative MSP coupled with anti-farmer policies of Center was primarily responsible for the slow down of the agricultural growth.The Chief Minister said that though his government had been constantly pleading the case of Punjab's beleaguered peasantry that was in shambles.  Mr. Badal lamented that it was a paradoxical situation that the MSP demanded by farming community was far below the price at which the country had been importing wheat from Australia and there was no justification whatsoever for   depriving the local producers of the same price. 
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Congress demands an unconditional apology from Sh. Sukhbir Badal Dy. CM for making derogatory and insulting remarks for dengue affected in Punjab and his failure to tackle the disease.

Sukhpal Singh Khaira
MLA, Bholath

Instead of showing solidarity and coming to the rescue of dengue affected people in the state, the Dy. CM Sukhbir Badal ridiculed and feigned ignorance about spread of dengue disease in Punjab.

In a press conference to promote Kabbadi couple of days back, the Dy. CM when quizzed about what measures the State Govt. had taken to tackle the menace of dengue, the DY CM asked the SSP Bathinda seated besides him if he had seen dengue and that he should arrest dengue at the earliest.  Similarly, he chided the Deputy Commissioner by publically asking him whether he has been affected by dengue. Besides being irresponsible the Dy. CM in a manner also derogated these officers.

Needless to mention, that dengue is a fast spreading menace killing many people due to lack of medical facilities. Over 3000 persons have been identified with dengue during the current season and majority of these are from Badal represented Bathinda.

Earlier the present SAD-BJP Govt. had miserably failed to check the spread of cancer in Punjab.  It is a shame for the Badal duo that while they have been making lofty claims of development in the state, their home districts are the worst affected by dengue and cancer. Hundreds of cancer patients travel daily to Bikaner by a train from Bathinda, which has got the name of a cancer train – what a shame for these feudal rulers.

The congress advises the junior Badal to focus on control of dengue by pulling up the Health department.  Presently private hospitals such as DMC of Ludhiana are full of dengue affected and if the Dy. CM is unaware of dengue he must take time to visit DMC Ludhiana to see the seriousness of the disease.

The congress also urges the Dy CM to tender an unconditional apology for humiliating dengue patients by his obnoxious remarks.  Congress urges the junior Badal to take time off from his busy politicized kabbadi campaign, to visit dengue affected and offer govt. aid without any further delay.

BADAL GIVES NOD FOR BUDGETARY PROVSION FOR
SATGURU RAM SINGH CHAIR AT GNDU

Chandigarh, October 25-

          The Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal gave approval for budgetary allocation of funds to the already existing Chair in the name of Satguru Ram Singh Ji in the Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar to perpetuate his teachings and philosophy across the globe.

          A decision to this effect was taken by Mr Badal while presiding over a meeting of Kuka Martyrs Memorial Trust led by its President Baba Surinder Singh Namdhari at his official residence here late last evening.

          Mr Badal reviewed the progress of various programmes initiated by the state government to commemorate the 150 years of martyrdom of thegreat Kuka martyrs during the freedom struggle. The Chief Minister asked the Finance Department to release a grant of Rs 20 lakh for the existing chair at GNDU during the current financial year and also asked it to make regular budgetary provision from next fiscal year to ensure smooth functioning of the chair. Likewise, Mr Badal also asked the Vice Chancellors of the various University present in the meeting to ensure that the syllabus regarding the role of Kukas in the freedom struggle of country to be included in the curriculum.
The Chief Minister also approved the setting up of the name of various schools, dispensaries and roads on the name of the Kuka Martyrs across the state. The CM also agreed top the proposal put forth by the Trust for the transfer of 260 square yards of land belonging to Nursing School near the Namdhari Martyrs Memorial at Amritsar and the matter was referred to the OUVGL committee to take appropriate action in this regard matter.
          It was also decided in the meeting that the road from Martyr Memorial at Raikot to village Jalaldiwala would also be strengthened and widened by the Punjab Mandi Board. Similarly, Mr Badal also acceded to the request of Trust to name the Indoor Stadium being constructed at the Pakhowal Road in Ludhiana after Satguru Ram Singh. The Chief
Minister also directed the Transport department to enhance the frequency of bus service from Bhaini Sahib to Ludhiana, Chandigarh and Jiwan Nagar (Sirsa, Haryana) to and fro.
          Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr DS Guru, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mr Karan Avtar Singh, Secretary School Education Mr Hussan Lal, Chief Administrator PUDA Mr AS Miglani, Director Local Bodies Mr Ramninder Singh and Additional Director Mr Gurwaryam Singh also attended the meeting

CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF DIWALI

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 25:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today extended his warm greetings to the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Diwali- the festival of lights. 
In a message on this auspicious occasion, Mr. Badal said that Diwali was one of the most colorful and captivating festivals of India that provided us an occasion for rejoicing and merriment. Mr. Badal said: “This festival is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and hope over despair”. 
‘May Diwali bring peace and prosperity besides enormous happiness to our people’, added Mr. Badal. 
The Chief Minister also appealed to the people to celebrate Diwali with traditional fervour and gaiety rising above the parochial considerations of caste, color, creed and religion thereby cementing the bonds of harmony, amity and goodwill. 
…

PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE PARKASH UTSAV OF
LORD VISHWAKARMA

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 25:
          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today greeted the people of Punjab on the occasion of Vishwakarma day. 
In his message, the Chief Minister said that Lord Vishwakarama - presiding deity of all craftsmen and architects and the divine architect of the entire universe is believed to be the architect and the master of all machinery and equipments of Gods.  The creations of Lord Vishwakarma not only inspired the Indian craftsmen, artisans & workers but also propagated a feeling of dignity of labour amongst them. 
Mr. Badal called upon the workers and craftsmen to make concerted efforts through their utmost dedication and commitment to further strengthen the infrastructure of our state as a befitting tribute to great deity Lord Vishwakarma. 
…

SUKHBIR CONGRATULATES PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF
 VISHAVKARMA DAY


CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 25: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh
Badal today greeted the people of Punjab on the eve of Vishwakarma day.
In a felicitation message issued on the eve of Vishwakarma day, Mr. Badal said that Lord Vishwakarma is known as the God of carpenters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, masons and all those skilled people. The Deputy Chief Minister said that people, who were engaged in technical profession, must adhere to the principles of Vishwakarma and contribute maximum for making the country stronger and prosperous. Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government was committed to welfare of labour class. The true homage to this great architect of ancient times is to follow his teachings in true spirits, Mr Badal added.
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SUKHBIR FELICITATES PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF DIWALI

Chandigarh, October 25:

        Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today extended
his warm felicitations to the people of Punjab on the eve of Diwali the festival of lights.
       In his message, Mr. Badal said that Diwali, one of the most colorful and captivating festivals of India, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety by every section of the society. He said that Diwali marked the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after victory in the battle with Ravana and it symbolized the ultimate victory of virtue over vice and triumph of good over evil. Sikh Sangat celebrates Diwali to mark the safe return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib along with 52 other kings from Mogul detention from Gwalior Fort in the year 1619.

       Mr. Badal said that people traditionally celebrate this festival by illuminating their homes to dispel darkness and to venerate the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for peace and prosperity. The illumination of Golden Temple on Diwali every year makes it a rare
spectacle.
       Joining the people of Punjab in the celebration of the festival, the Deputy Chief Minister hoped that it would herald a new era of peace, harmony and prosperity in the State.

*****

Congress betrayed Punjab on the eve of Diwali : SAD
Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Secretary & Spokesman

Chandigarh, October 25, 2011

                             The issues raised at the recent meeting between Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi with the leaders of Punjab Pardesh Congress Committee has exposed the ill-will, evil design and anti-Punjab attitude of the Congress party. It has become clear that Congress party has no positive agenda for the coming assembly polls and wants to subvert  the pace of development in the state. This was stated by SAD Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema in his statement released to the press from the party head office in Chandigarh today.

                   Dr. Cheema said that when Capt. Amrinder Singh, Mrs. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and other senior leaders of the state Congress meet their National President, one expects that they will request her to direct the Prime Minister to give some good Diwali gift for Punjab. But it is surprising that instead of this they have protested against whatever has been give to Punjab earlier as its bonafide right. They have choosen to oppose the visit of P.M. to inaugurate Khalsa Heritage Complex, Anandpur Sahib and International Airport at Mohali. He said that it is a betrayal of the state on the eve of Diwali.

                   Dr. Cheema further said that earlier, Amrinder  had persuaded union Ministers, Kumari Shelja not to release a grant to Punjab, making the centre to play second fiddle to the State Congress leaders. This is a very unhealthy democratic exercise and gives an impression that UPA Govt. is only for the Congress ruled states. Dr. Cheema also reminded  that the State Congress has also written to the Election Commission of India to stop developmental activity in the state.

                   “The Shiromani Akali Dal will expose all these negative anti-Punjab and anti-people policies of the Congress leaders in the coming assembly polls and as happened in Hissar the Congress nominees will also loose their security deposits in Punjab also”,  concluded Dr. Cheema.

EMPLOYEES ORGANISATIONS TOLD TO SUBMIT THEIR REPRESENTATION TO PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT ONLY

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 25: The Punjab Council of Ministers in its meeting on October 20 had constituted a Cabinet Sub-Committee to consider the various demands of employees.

A spokesman of Punjab Government today advised various employees' organisations not to submit their representations to individual ministers but only to Personnel Department of Punjab Government so that it could be considered by a cabinet sub-committee.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES 7% DA FOR PUNJAB GOVT. EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONERS-NOTIFICATION ISSUED

Chandigarh October 25:
 Punjab Government  has announced  to enhance the rate of dearness allowance (DA) payable to the State Government Employees and  Pensioners from 51% to 58 % w.e.f. 1.7.2011 on the  Central Govt. pattern.    
An official spokesman said that 7% DA would  be given cash from November 1, 2011 and arrear of DA from 1-7-2011 to 31-10-2011 would be deposited in employees GPF.

 77.13 LAKH TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, October 25: More than 77.13 lakh tonnes of Paddy   was procured by the Government agencies and private millers in Punjab till last evening against 65.76 lakh tonnes procurement of previous year.
                   An Official Spokesman here today said that out of total procurement of 77,13,056 tonnes of paddy, Government agencies procured 73.83 lakh tonnes (95.7%) and private traders procured 3,29,498 tonnes (4.3%) of paddy till date.
                   He said that PUNGRAIN had procured 20.77 lakh tonnes (28.1), followed by PUNSUP with 18.59 lakh tonnes (25.2%), MARKFED with 16.51 lakh tonnes (22.4%), PSWC with 09.02 lakh tonnes (12.2%) and  PAIC with 07.59 lakh tonnes (10.3 %) of paddy. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1,33,321 (1.8%) tonnes.
          Patiala District with 07.96 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas Ludhiana District with 07.28 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and Jalandhar District with 06.42 lakh  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position, he added.   
The State Government has set up 1745 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added
.
 
ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON    ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, October 25:

          The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Rabi Season through Canal water from 29-10-2011 to 05-11-2011. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala feeder, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab Canal and Sidhwan Branch  respectively.
          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that Ghaggar link and its off taking channels i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B'  being in the first preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available will be utilized in direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A'  respectively.

          The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and distributries  in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their ident. Balance water supplies available would be utilised in direct distributaries of Group 'A'.
            The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Main Branch Lower with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies  available would be utilised in, Lahore Branch, Sabraon Branch and Kasur Branch Lower with their distributaries respectively.

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BADAL ASSURES EMPLOYEES’ UNIONS OF ACCEPTANCE OF THEIR GENUINE DEMANDS

CABINET SUB COMMITTEE TO SUBMIT  REPORT ON EMPLOYEES DEMANDS ON OCTOBER 31

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 24:

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced that all the genuine demands of various employees’ associations would be examined sympathetically by the three member cabinet sub-committee in consultation with representatives of employees’ unions.

An assurance to this effect was given by Mr. Badal to a deputation of  Punjab Mulazam Front Punjab led by its President and Chairman of Punjab Mulazam Bhalai Board Mr. Surinder Singh Pehalwan here at Chief Minister's Residence late this evening.
Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal asked the Chief Secretary to expedite the process to resolve various issues concerning employees like the grant of promotional increment of 4-9-14 and regularization of the work-charged and daily wagers at officers’ level committee headed by him so that a final view could be taken at the level of cabinet sub-committee in a holistic manner.  He apprised the deputation that the cabinet sub-committee had been asked to submit its report to the government by October 31.
Mr. Badal also directed the Chief Secretary to hasten the procedure for the regularization of the work charged employees’ with a service of 16 years.  He also agreed to the proposal to grant administrative allowance to the incharge of the Govt. Middle Schools on the pattern of headmasters.    He also informed that the process for the recruitment of 5000 B.Ed teachers had been initiated and would be completed by November 28.   He asked the Principal Secretary Finance to take adequate steps to ensure autonomy to the Punjab School Education Board with in the prescribed parameters.  Mr. Badal also directed the finance department to release the arrears of the employees of the cooperative sugar mills on account of voluntary retirement scheme within a week.   He also accepted the demand to enhance the pay of pharmacists working in the rural veterinary dispensaries from Rs.6250 to Rs.7000 per month. 

The Chief Minister also asked the Chief Secretary to look into the demand of the employees to enhance the rate of increment from three to five percent.  He also directed him to get all the decisions implemented taken in different meetings so far under his chairmanship with various employees’ organizations immediately.

Prominent amongst other who were present in the meeting included Media Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Harcharan Bains, Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. AR Talwar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. KBS Sidhu, Principal Secretary Rural Development Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Secretary Personnel Mr. B S Sudan, Secretary Education Mr. Husan Lal, Director General School Education Mr. B Purshartha and CMD PPSL Mr. KD Chaudhary.
…. . . ...........

   SAD-BJP Govt. fails to reign in sand mining mafia despite its so called new mining policy, prices of minor minerals including sand and gravel continue to soar high.

Sukhpal Singh Khaira
MLA Bholath

Despite its much flaunted new sand mining policy, the SAD-BJP govt. has utterly failed to get the trade out of the clutches of political mafia controlled by Bikram Majithia.  Inability to check this mafia has resulted in soaring of prices of sand and gravel beyond the reach of ordinary people.  For example in Ludhiana as per new guidelines of the Govt. the mining policy lays down that sand cannot be sold for more than Rs. 750 per 100 cubic feet and gravel at Rs. 2000 per 100 cubic feet but the market rate is Rs. 1030 per 100 cubic feet and Rs. 2500 per 100 cubic feet for sand and gravel respectively.  Even otherwise in the country side a trolley of sand that was available for Rs. 1000 an couple of years ago has touched a new high of Rs. 3000 per trolley.

As we are aware, the trades of transport, cable network and bulk liquor already stand hijacked and controlled by the Badal family in the state. Similarly the political mafia headed by Bikram Majithia has infiltrated the new sand mining policy in connivance with the ‘Babu’s’ by pooling to pick up auction at meager rates.  A comparative figure of previous year’s revenue generated and that of this year’s revenue tells the story of hijack of sand trade even under the new policy.  The state earned a meager Rs. 8.23 crores from auction of its 246 quarries while it fetched Rs. 38.50 crores through mining on lease. This clearly indicates that ON-LINE tendering policy of the govt. has failed to deliver results, as the sand mafia in connivance with political bosses has forced small and weak operators out of the trade.  The mafia plan and pool and subsequently divide quarries amongst themselves making huge profits at the cost of the state exchequer.

Congress demands a high level inquiry preferably by a sitting judge of the High Court to look into capture of this profitable trade by politically backed mafia causing immense damage to the public exchequer.

CM REVIEWS RESTORATION WORK OF BASSIAN KOTHI
TO DEVELOP MAHARAJA DALIP SINGH MEMORIAL

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 24;

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the progress of the restoration work of Bassian Kothi near Ludhiana to develop it as the first memorial in the fond remembrance of Late Maharaja Dalip Singh, where he was kept in captivity arrested by the British in 1849 prior to his exile in Uttar Pradesh.

Disclosing this here a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that while presiding over a meeting in this regard, Mr. Badal asked Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) the executing agency to develop this memorial keeping in view the historic values and architectural designs of this momentous building. He further asked the representatives of INTACH to introduce a section dedicated to the Kuka Martyrs in the museum.
On the occasion, the Chief Architect of INTACH Mr. Divya Gupta, informed the Chief Minister that their one team had already started restoration work over the Heritage Zone comprising Main Building of the Monument, which would be completed within next three months. Explaining the complete restoration work of Entrance & Parking-Zone and Visitor Facilities-Zone which included Interpretation Centre, Audio Visual room, out house and Cafeteria, Mr. Gupta assured the Chief Minister that INTACH would try to revive the original architectural spirit at Bassian Kothi. He further said that to accelerate the pace of the work at the site, INTACH would soon depute two additional teams.
It was also informed in the meeting that the total cost of the project was above Rs. five crore, the state Government had already provided Rs. 80 lac to INTACH as initial money to initiate the work and next installment of Rs. one crore was being provided shortly. A statue of Maharaja Dalip Singh would also be installed at  Bassian Kothi.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Director Tourism & Cultural Affairs Dr. Karamjit Singh Sra and Governing Council Member of INTACH  Dr. Sukhdev Singh.
--------------------

BADAL DEMANDS RS.1800 AS MSP ON WHEAT  
FLAYS CENTRE FOR BACK TRACKING ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF CACP

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 24:

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today demanded that the minimum support price of Wheat be fixed at Rs.1800 per quintal for 2012-13 to account for the massive increase in the cost of agricultural inputs which had put a burden of Rs.800 crore on the already beleaguered peasantry. 

In a statement, the Chief Minister said that his demand was based on a study on the impact of recent hike in prices of farm inputs conducted by the experts of the Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana. 
Mr. Badal described as “cold-blooded and inhuman” the Centre’s opposition to the already inadequate recommendations by the Commission on Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP) which had asked the Union Ministry of Agriculture to raise the MSP by a meager 10%.  “Have the costs of agricultural inputs gone up by just 10%?  Also has the increase in the prices of essential commodities risen only by that margin?  If not, what is the basis for a highly discriminatory MSP of Wheat”, asserted Mr. Badal. 
Mr. Badal also lashed out against the Congress party and the UPA for its anti farmer bias.  The Chief Minister said that one hand the prices of major agricultural inputs like Diesel and fertilizers have already increased manifold in the recent past but on the other hand by making such reckless proposals and subsequently back tracking on them the Union government was trying to rub salt into the wounds of the distressed farming community which was already reeling under the mounting debt.  Mr. Badal said that such a negligible hike in the MSP of Wheat at a time when the prices of the agricultural inputs, especially the DAP and Urea had touched the sky would break the back of peasantry as the agriculture profession already not a profitable proposition now due to its anti-farmer policies. 
The Chief Minister cautioned if the Centre does not desist from implementing such anti-farming policies then Union government would be solely responsible for the decay of agriculture thereby leaving the nation’s entire peasantry in quandary especially of the Punjab. 
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT REGULARISES THE SERVICES OF 114 CONTRACTUAL EMPLOYEES OF ENGINEERING COLLEGES
·       JIYANI HANDS OVER REGULAR APPOINTMENT LETTERS

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 24: The Punjab Government today provided the regular status to 114 employees of teaching and non-teaching staff of its five engineering colleges, who were working on contractual and daily basis. 

          Technical Education Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani handed over the regular appointment letters to employees in  Technical Education and Industrial Training Department’s headquarter here. The employees getting the regular status in the department were from Baba Hira Singh Bhatthal Institute of Engineering and Technology Lehragaga, Giani Jail Singh College of Engineering and Technology Lehragaga, Giani Jail Singh College of Engineering and Technology Bathinda, Malaout Institute of Management and Technology (MIMT) Malaout, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College of Engineering and Technology Ferozepur and Beant College of Engineering and Technology Gurdaspur. 

          Appreciating the services of employees working on contractual and daily basis, Mr. Jiyani said that the Punjab Government has come with a strategy that no employee would be recruited on contract and daily basis. He said that the contractual and daily basis employees, who have completed the services of three years, would also get the regular status. He said that to uplift the standard of education and provide quality education in ITIs and Polytechnic Colleges, the Government would soon initiate the recruitment drive to resolve the shortage of staff problem.

          Prominent amongst others, who were present on the occasion included Commissioner of Technical Education Department Dr. Usha Sharma, Deputy Director Mr. Mohanbir Singh, Deputy Director Navneet Singh Walia along with principals of five engineering colleges Dr. Shabina Bansal, Dr. Jasbir Singh Hundal, Dr. Dyal Chand, Dr Nirmal Singh and Dr. T.S. Sidhu.

TWO IAS OFFICERS PROMOTED

Chandigarh October 24:

The Punjab government today promoted two IAS officers of 1981 batch Mrs. Anjuly Chib Duggal and Mr. Dhanbir Singh Bains to the Chief Secretary scale i.e. in the pay scale of Rs. 80000/- (fixed) with immediate effect.
          Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that Mrs. Anjuly Chib Duggal who is on central Deputation has been given proforma promotion. She would get the benefit of above promotion to this scale on actual basis i.e. from the date of her joining in the state cadre on repatriation after the completion of Central deputation tenure.
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(D.S. Bains and Anjali Chib Duggal get C.S. grade)

   The State Government has promoted Sh. D.S. Bains and Mrs. Anjali Chib Duggal to the Chief Secretary Scale (Rs.80,000/- (fixed) with immediate effect.

              Shri D.S. Bains is1981 batch officer and is presently working as Principal Secretary to Govt. of Punjab, Department of Home Affairs and Justice since 9th of February 2011 with additional charge of Financial Commissioner Forests & Wildlife Preservation, Punjab.
               Other major assignments he has held are: Principal Secretary to Government Punjab Department of Employment Generation & Training and Printing and Stationery.Principal Secretary to Government Punjab, Department of Local Government. Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development & Fishery Departments from May 2003 to 2ndApril 2007. He was the founder Vice Chancellor of the Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University. He was also Managing Director of Punjab Markfed and Private Secretary to the Minister of State for Industries, Govt. of India, when he successfully negotiated a US $ 100 million (Rs.430 Cr) loan from the World Bank. He was also worked as Deputy Commissioner, Sangrur and Deputy Commissioner, Ropar.

Sh. D.S. Bains has a Masters degree from Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Cambridge, MA, USA. He also studied at the Harvard Business School. During his stay at Boston, USA he was awarded the Eric Yankah Book Award    by John Kenneth Galbriath (former US Ambassador in India). He was the only Indian elected to the Student Body of the JFK School of Government. Sh. D.S. Bains was also the President of Chandigarh Golf Club in 2008-2009.
Mrs. Anjali Chib Duggal who is on Central Deputation has been given proforma promotion. She will get the benefit of the above promotion to this scale on actual basis ie from the date of joining in the State Cadre on repatriation on the completion of  Central deputation tenure.

CM OKAYS RECRUITMENT FOR 2251 VACANCIES IN POWER CORPORATIONS
CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 24:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod to fill 2251 vacant posts lying in Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (POWERCOM) and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL), on the regular basis.
            A decision to this effect was taken in a high level meeting presided over by the Chief Minister here at his official residence, this morning. Mr. Badal was apprised by the Secretary Power Mr. Anirudh Tiwari that of 2251, as many as 293 new posts would be created while 1958 posts be revived, which had been abolished earlier. He also informed Mr. Badal that recruitment would be carried out in various categories viz. AE's (Electrical and civil), AAEs (Electrical, Testing and civil), JEs (Civil), UDC, Account Officers, Law Officers, Revenue Accountant, Division Accountant, Assistant Manager HR and IT, Safety Officer, SSA (Additional SSO), Draftsman and Electrical Grade-II employees and officers.

            Mr. Tiwari also assured the Chief Minister that the entire process of recruitment would be done in a transparent manner. The Chief Minister directed the officers present in the meeting to complete the requisite recruitment modalities of these posts at the earliest so that residential, industrial and agricultural consumers could be provided quality, uninterrupted power supply at affordable rates. .
            Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. KBS Sidhu, Secretary Power Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, Special Secretary Power Mr. MR. Aggarwal, CMD PSTCL Mr. Anurag Aggarwal and Chairman POWERCOM Mr. KD Chaudhary.
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Upinderjit Kaur extends greetings on diwali
HSGrewa

Chandigarh October 24: The Finance Minister Punjab Dr. Upinderjit Kaur today greeted the people on the occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights.

In a message, the Minister said Deepawali, the festival of lights, inspires us to fight against darkness in all spheres of life. "May this Diwali usher in prosperity and happiness to all and illuminate the path of progress and well being," Upinderjit Kaur said.
Stressing that "the spirit of Diwali encompasses one and all", she urged "let us resolve to share our joy with the least one, the underprivileged poor who cannot celebrate the festival as it is a festival of all the young and the old, rural and urban, rich and poor". Highlighting the universality of the festival, Upinderjit Kaur said "Diwali brings a new ray of hope for millions across the world and I extend my heartiest greetings to all".

SUD GREETS PEOPLE ON OCCASION OF DIWALI

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 24: Local Government and Industries Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud today greeted the people of Punjab on the occasions of Diwali and Bandi Chod Diwas.

                 In a message Mr. Sud said that this day is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and release of Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji with 52 kings from the Gwalior Fort. He said that while celebrating Diwali we should  keep in mind the teachings of Lord Rama and Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.
             He called upon people say big no to Fireworks to save our fragile environment. He said that Diwali brings a new ray of hope for people and  he prayed to God for the peace and prosperity in the state.

SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER FELICITATE PEOPLE ON DIWALI

CHANDIGARH, 24 OCTOBER:

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon and Deputy Speaker Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat to felicitated the people on the eve of Diwali and Bandi Chod Diwas.
              They said that the Festivals of Lights inspire us to fight against darkness in all aspects of life. They said that we should work to eliminate the social evils and not spend money on fireworks. They said that on Diwali we should do self introspection and follow the teachings of Lord Rama and Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.
           They said that may this Diwali bring happiness and prosperity for the people of the entire state and Punjab should touch the new heights in the area of development. 

BATH AND KOHAR GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF DIWALI
CHANDIGARH October 24:

Punjab NRI Minister S. Balbir Singh Bath today extended his greetings to the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Diwali- the festival of lights. 
In a message on this auspicious occasion, Mr. Bath said that Diwali was one of the most colorful and captivating festivals of India that provided us an occasion for rejoicing and merriment. The Minister said that sparkling lights of Diwali symbolized ushering in an era of peace, prosperity and bounty.   “May this Diwali also further strengthen our resolve to serve our people with selfless commitment and a missionary zeal”, said Mr. Bath.
Meanwhile Revenue Minister S. Ajit Singh Kohar also appealed to the people to celebrate this festival with traditional fervour and gaiety rising above the petty considerations of caste, creed and colour thereby cementing the bonds of communal harmony, national integration and universal brotherhood.
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71.87 LAKH TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, October 24: More than 71.87 lakh tonnes of Paddy   was procured by the Government agencies and private millers in Punjab till last evening against 62.72 lakh tonnes procurement of previous year.

                   An Official Spokesman here today said that out of total procurement of 71,87,780 tonnes of paddy, Government agencies procured 68.65 lakh tonnes (95.5%) and private traders procured 3,22,487 tonnes (4.5%) of paddy till date.
                   He said that PUNGRAIN had procured 19.29 lakh tonnes (28.1), followed by PUNSUP with 17.24 lakh tonnes (25.1%), MARKFED with 15.30 lakh tonnes (22.3%), PSWC with 08.42 lakh tonnes (12.3%) and  PAIC with 07.16 lakh tonnes (10.4 %) of paddy. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1,22,591 (1.8%) tonnes.
          Patiala District with 07.34 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas Ludhiana District with 06.47 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and Jalandhar District with 06.22 lakh  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position, he added.   
The State Government has set up 1745 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added.
 

Prof. Laxmi Kanta Chawla Greets people on the Eve of Deepawali
Chandigarh, October 24:-
          Punjab Social Security, Women & Child Development Minister Prof. Laxmi kanta Chawla today extended her warm greetings to the people of Punjab on the eve of Diwali. In her message, Prof Chawla urged people to celebrated Diwali with great fervor and simplicity. On the occasion, she urged people to shun away evils like gambling and alcohol and further exhorted them not to burn crackers as it result in pollution of environment and also gives rise to health problems and mishaps. While appealing the entire nation to celebrate Diwali with zeal, she stated that all of us must work together in the direction to bring back Ram Rajya in the country.
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PUNJAB APPROVES 1320 MW THERMAL PLANT IN STATE SECTOR

CM OKAYS PSPCL PROPOSAL TO RECRUIT 500 SDOs 

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 23;

          In a significant decision, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal gave in principal approval for the setting up of 1320 MW Thermal Plant in State Sector.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting with eight-member delegation of PSEB Engineers’ Association led by its president Er. HS Bedi, here at the Chief Minister’s residence late last evening.
Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal asked Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to complete various formalities like selection of site and plan of the plant, so that the construction work could be started at the earliest. Giving approval to another proposal of PSPCL for the direct recruitment of 500 SDOs, Mr. Badal directed PSPCL to conduct recruitment in a transparent manner.

While giving a patent hearing to various demands of the delegation relating to revision of scales, allowances and other incentives, Mr. Badal assured that their all demands would sorted out soon.
On this occasion, President of PSEB Engineers’ Association, Er. HS Bedi thanked the Chief Minister for showing concern over their various issues. Managing Director & Chairman Power Com Mr. KD Chaudhary also assured the Chief Minister for the availability of regular and quality Power supply through out the state. He further added that in view of the Power sector reforms undertaken by the state government there would be no shortage of power in the future.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and MD & Chairman Power Com Mr. KD Chaudhary.

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DIWALI BONANZA FOR URBAN REPRESENATIVES AS THEIR ALLOWANCES AND HONORARIUM SUBSTANTIALLY ENHANCED- TIKSHAN SUD

·       NOW MAYORS ALSO TO GET CONSTITUENCY AND MEETING ALLOWANCE

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 23: The Punjab Government today substantially enhanced the various allowances and honorarium to Mayors, Senior Deputy Mayors, and Deputy Mayors of Corporations, Chairmen and Trustees of Improvement Trusts besides those of Councilors. They would be eligible for enhanced honorarium and allowances with effect from 1st October 2011.

          Disclosing this here today Mr. Tikshan Sud, Local Govrnment Minister said that honorarium of Mayors has been enhanced from Rs 15000 to Rs 20000 per month, of Senior Deputy Mayors from Rs 12000 to Rs 16000 per month and Deputy Mayors from 10000 to 12500 per month.

          He said that the telephone allowance of Senior Deputy Mayors and Deputy Mayors has been enhanced from Rs 1200 to Rs 2000 per month. He said that now Mayors would be entitled for constituency allowance of Rs 10,000 per month besides meeting allowance of Rs 500 per day subject to maximum of Rs 5000 per month. The constituency allowance of Senior Deputy Mayors and Deputy Mayors has been enhanced from Rs 9000 to Rs 10000 per month. Similarly, the meeting allowance of Senior Deputy Mayors and Deputy Mayors has been enhanced from Rs 300 from Rs 500 per day subject to maximum limit of Rs 5,000 per month.

          Mr. Sud said that the daily allowance of Municipal Councilors has also been enhanced from Rs 300 to Rs 500 per day subject to maximum of Rs 5000. The Constituency allowance of elected councilors has been enhanced from Rs 7000 to Rs 10000 month and their telephone allowance has been enhanced from Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 per month.
          Announcing the bonanza for Improvement Trusts in the state, Mr. Sud said that Honorarium for Chairmen of class one Improvement Trusts has been enhanced from Rs 10,000 to Rs 12500 per month and honorarium of Class II trusts has been raised from Rs 7500 to Rs 10000 per month. The Chairmen of Class III trusts would now get Rs 7500 per month against earlier Rs 5000 per month. The trustees of all these trusts would now get Rs 500 per meeting against Rs 300 being provided to them.
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NAMES INVITED FOR CHAIRMAN
PUNJAB PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION AND 4 VACANT POSTS OF MEMBERS
CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 23: Two committees constituted by Punjab chief Minister for selection of Chairman Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) and its four members have invited the names of eminent persons of impeccable integrity, caliber and administrative experience from all walks of life, to be considered for the post of Chairman PPCS and three official and one non-official member of the commission.

          According to an official spokesman any person can either forward his name or recommend any other person’s name, who besides this fulfils the constitutional eligibility and age criteria for these constitutional posts. He said that while preparing the panel of such persons it would be specifically elicited from the candidates about the pungency of any court litigation, civil or criminal, conviction or otherwise in criminal court or civil court decree or any other proceedings that may have bearing on the integrity and character of the candidate.

          The spokesman said that to widen the scope for search from all quarters, this press note has been issued for the information of general public so that eminent persons of impeccable integrity, caliber and administrative experience could be considered for appointment.
          The spokesman said that the names with the   bio-data and complete details could be sent to the committees for consideration that should reach Secretary Personnel, Government of Punjab, Room No 6, 6th Floor, Punjab Civil Secretariat, and Chandigarh latest by 4th of November, 2011.
          It may be added that these committees were constituted in view of directions and procedure laid down by Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court, dated 17, August 2011 passed in CWP 11846 of 2001 as well as directions and guidelines laid down by Hon’ble Supreme Court in case titled Centre for PIL versus Union of India (2011) 4 SCC1 and decided that Committees would consider all names that come to its notice or are forwarded by any person(s) or sent by aspirants himself. The Committees would prepare panel of suitable candidates equal to three times of number of vacancies.
          The spokesman said that the Punjab Chief Minister had constituted the committee consisting of Chief Secretary Mr. S.C. Aggarwal as Chairman and with Lt. Gen B.S. Dhaliwal (Retd), Technical Advisor to CM and Mr. A.R. Talwar, Financial Commissioner Revenue for selection of candidates for appointment as Chairman PPSC. Another Three member committee including Mr. S.C. Aggarwal, Chief Secretary, Mr. D.S. Bains, Principal Secretary Home and Lt. Gen B.S. Dhaliwal (Retd), Technical Advisor to CM was constituted for selection of candidates as members of PPSC.
         

It may be added that besides the vacant post of Chairman PPSC, the commission has authorized strength ten members of PPSC of which six vacancies were already filled up. Out of four vacancies of members at least three have to be filled from officials and at the most one from non-official.

          The Punjab Government has circulated the communiqué to all department of state government, universities of state, to Director General Resettlement, Army Headquarters and also to Rajya Sainik Board besides uploading the communiqué on the websites of Punjab Government and PPSC.
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PUNJAB ANNOUNCES SERIES OF CONCESSIONS FOR IT SECTOR
· CLEARANCE FROM PPCB WAIVED FOR IT
· ANNOUNCED POWER POLICY INCLUDING EXEMPTION FROM STATUTORY POWER CUTS, ZERO DUTY ON ELECTRICITY FOR 5 YEAR

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 23: The Punjab Government has announced a series of concession to the Information Technology (IT) sector to attract investments in this sector.
          The Industries Minister Punjab, Mr. Tikshan Sud today said that Punjab Government is setting up new IT parks at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawan Shahr) and Kapurthala after Mohali and these concessions would give a boost to the IT sector in the state. He said that these concessions included waiver of clearance from Punjab Pollution Control Board besides Punjab Apartment and Regulation Act for units to be set up in IT parks. He said that Punjab Government has also launched power policy for investors, which exempts these units from statutory power cuts along with exemption from electricity duty for five years
He said that policy provides for Electricity Duty Exemption to captive power units installed by IT units and Electricity Duty exemption to IT / knowledge units for five years. Besides that IT companies would also get exemption from stamp duty and registration fees for land transfer/allotted by PICTCL and 100% stamp duty exemption (first scale transaction ) on purchase / lease of built up office space within constructed IT park. Mr. Sud said that no change of Land Use (CLU) charges and EDC to be levied on any component of integrated IT park.

He said that Punjab Government has create a fund of Rs. 20 crore to help the small and medium entrepreneurs in the IT sector and provision for grant of subsidy and financial support to the IT companies for obtaining quality certification. He said that capital subsidy 20% of fixed capital investment in a project subject to ceiling of Rs. 20 Lac to be given to first 10 SME units in the IT parks notified by PICTC.

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SECURITY AGENCIES INCLUDED IN ‘EMPLOYMENT SCHEDULE’
· GOVERNMENT ALSO FIXES MINIMUM WAGES TO CHECK EXPLOITATION OF GUARDS
CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 23: The Punjab Government today decided to include ‘Security Agencies’ in the employment schedule besides widening the scope of Minimum Wages Act including 7 other professions in it. Issuing a notification in this regard, the State Government has also fixed minimum wages for this employment.

               Labour Minister of Punjab Mr. Arunesh Shakir said that the Punjab government has included the  security agencies into the Employment Schedule besides fixing Rs 4421 for a security guard while Rs 4867 has been fixed for security supervisors. The security supervisors would get Rs 4867 if he have got the technical education and industrial training. Mr. Shakir said that government has also included the sweeping and cleaning professions in it while the minimum wages of this category was under consideration of Government.

               Mr. Shakir said that apart from these jobs, 7 another professions would be included in this category  including toll plazas, establishment employments, malls and shopping complexes establishment, wine and liquor  shops, ornament making polishing, shops and commercial establishments, Zoo and Palaces, building and other construction  and shops.

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SHAKIR EXHORTS PEOPLE TO GO WITH 'GREEN DIWALI'

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 23:

Forest and Wild Life Protection Minister, Mr. Arunesh Shakir exhorted the people of Punjab to celebrate ‘Green and Clean’ Diwali free from fire crackers to curtail the level of pollution.
           Mr. Shakir said that it is call of the hour to celebrate an environment-friendly Diwali this time and we should set a new trend of celebrating Diwali by exchanging saplings with our nears and dears. He said that varieties of saplings are the best gifts on Diwali celebrations, which not only clean environment but also save our unnecessary spending. Mr. Shakir said that we should avoid unnecessary purchase of crackers and these payments could be use for the protection of environment in the state.
          In view of upcoming Diwali festival, Mr. Shakir said that it is moral duty of all Punjabis to give clean environment for next generations so we should pledge to celebrate noise and cracker free and Green Diwali this time.
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Information and Public Relation Department, Punjab
HEALTH DEPARTMENT PUT ON HIGH ALERT
·       Appeal to celebrate Diwali, Pollution Free.
·       Health Teams to intensify raids on sweetshops to check the sale of adulterated sweets.
·       Doctors put on 24 hour duty to handle cracker hazard cases

Chandigarh, October 23
Punjab Health Department has been intensified raids to check the sale of adulterated sweets in the wake of festive occasion of Diwali. Orders have been issued to keep the emergency services in the hospital operational for 24 hours to handle cracker burn cases.
 Health Minister Mr. Satpal Gosain today issued instruction to the health department in this regard. He also made a clarion call for the public to celebrate Diwali in ‘Pollution Free’ manner.
The Health Minister today asked the officials at the health department to conduct surprise raids over the sweetshops to check the sale of adulterated sweets. He said those eye departments of the hospitals have been asked to remain vigilant to provide timely medical aid to the eye patients. He ordered the doctors to be on duty round the clock. Mr Gosain appealed the public to dial 108 in case of emergency and to contact the nearby hospital/community health center to avail the medical facility.
Mr. Gosain also urged the public to shun away from firecrackers and celebrate Diwali in such a way so as to save our environment from Pollution. He said that lavish expenditure on the firecrackers disturbs the budget of the house on one hand and become the cause of pollution and accident on the other.
Mr. Gosain warned the firecracker factory owners and the shopkeepers not to sell the firecrackers in the vicinity of the residential area. He said that if any person found selling the firecrackers in the residential area or selling the adulterated sweets police action would be taken against him.

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PM TO INAUGURATE KHC BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15 TO 25 - BADAL
TARGETS MANPREET AND BARNALA AS OPPORTUNISTS

NURPUR BEDI (RUPNAGAR) OCTOBER 22:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced that the prestigious Khalsa Heritage Complex (KHC) at Sri Anandpur Sahib would be formally inaugurated any day from November 15 to 25 by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Addressing the media persons during a sangat darshan program here, Mr. Badal said that he had personally called on Prime Minister in his office at New Delhi recently urging him to give an appropriate date and time as per his convenience to dedicate this state-of-the-art Sikh monument to the nation.  Mr. Badal also mentioned that he had also requested Dr. Singh to inaugurate the Mohali International Airport during his itinerary.
Asked to comment on the statement of President PPCC Amrinder Singh that KHC had already been inaugurated by him during his tenure as Chief Minister, Mr. Badal said he was habitual of beating about the bush and dared to ask him whether anyone could ever think of inaugurating an incomplete project.  He said that he had requested the Prime Minister to inaugurate the world class memorial KHC only when it has been fully completed, which was left midway during the previous Congress regime. 
Slamming his nephew and the President PPP Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal for betraying the Shiromani Akali Dal for his ulterior motive and vested interests, Mr. Badal said that Manpreet had committed a Himalayan blunder by deserting the Party for which he would have to repent for his entire life.  He said that none had ever survived by ditching his or her mother like party, adding Mr. Badal said that former Governor of Tamil Naidu Mr. Surjeet Singh Barnala who had recently joined the 'Sanjha Morcha' had also been conferred with several coveted posts which he adored as Governors of other states also like Andhra Pradesh and Uttrakhand besides the Chief Minister of Punjab and twice the Union Minister as Agriculture and Chemical & Fertilizers.  Had Mr. Barnala not in the Shiromani Akali Dal, how could have he achieved these titles? asked Mr. Badal.   The Chief Minister asserted that Party was always above any individual and "leaving the Party treating oneself wise than the organization is ingratitude", said Mr. Badal.
Referring to the issue of Blacklist, Mr. Badal said that he had personally taken up this matter several times with the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister for permanent solution.  He said that the state government could only pursue the case with the Centre, but the ultimate decision had to be taken at the level of GoI. 
Asked to comment on the rationale behind the sangat darshan in view of the notice issued to the State government by the Punjab & Haryana High Court, Mr. Badal said that sangat darshan was a platform to redress the grievances of the common man on the spot in consultation with the local administration.  He said: "I am the elected Chief Minister having the mandate of the people of Punjab and therefore, it was obligatory on my part to go at their doorsteps to solve their day to day problems to ensure them a quality life".  He categorically said to disburse development grants was his right as Chief Minister because these grants were disbursed out of a dedicated rural development fund meant for the sole objective of rural development. 
To another query about the school teachers working in this region, the Chief Minister said that the government had already made a separate cadre of teachers working in the kandi and border areas to advantage of the local teachers besides to check the growing rate of drops outs amongst the  school children in the region. 
Earlier, addressing the sangat darshan, the Chief Minister called upon the people to beware of the anti-party activities by our party men and asked them to be united to give a debacle to the Congress in the forthcoming elections.  He said that the selection of the candidates would be decided at the level of party keeping in view the popularity, loyalty and performance of the candidates.  He reiterated that special emphasis were made on the overall development of the kandi and bet area.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister disbursed development grants worth Rs.3.07 crore to 62 village panchayats in Nurpur Bedi block besides 10 sport kits, 10 gymnasium kits and 80 bicycles.  He also disbursed grant of Rs.50 lac for the construction of rural toilets and Rs.5 lac under PYKA. He also announced to distribute utensils to all the Mahila Mandals across the state.  
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included MLA Sri Anandpur Sahib Sant Baba Ajit Sahib, MLA Morinda Mr. Ujjagar Singh Badali, Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, OSD to Chief Minister Mr. Sukhjitpal Singh, DIG Mr. NK Arora, DC Mr. GK Singh, SSP Mr. Jatinder Singh Aulakh, Dr RS Parmar, Bibi Daljit Kaur Kang, SGPC members Mr Amarjit Singh Chawla, Principal Surinder Singh, Ajmer Singh Khera and Parmjit Singh Lakhewal. Several leaders and party workers of SAD-BJP besides Panches-Sarpanches also attended the sangat darshan. 
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SUKHBIR RUES UPA GOVERNMENT INACTION IN FORCING FRANCE TO LIFT BAN ON TURBAN
·        UPA SHOULD EXERT INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE ON TURBAN ISSUE
·        FRAMING OF CHARGES BY CBI COURT IN 1.76 LAKH CRORE 2G SCAM AGAINST RAJA AND 16 OTHERS, A SLAP ON THE FACE OF CONGRESS LED UPA GOVERNMENT
·        TALKS ON WITH BJP ON SEATS ISSUES, BJP TO FIGHT SAME NUMBERS OF SEATS AS DONE IN LAST ELECTIONS
·        CONGRESS LED UPA FLEECED 1613 CRORE FROM PUNJAB FARMERS BY DOUBLING THE PRICE OF DAP AND RAISING THE PRICE OF DIESEL
·        DISTRIBUTES 5.50 CRORE TO 48 PANCHAYATS IN JALALABAD

JALALABAD (FAZILKA), OCTOBER 22:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief MInister Punjab, today rued the deliberate non-interest of Congress led UPA government in pressurizing French Government in lifting ban on Turban for Sikhs.

            Talking to media persons, Mr. Badal said that the recent statement of French External Affairs Minister after talking to his Indian counterpart, was reflection of arrogant and stubborn attitude of France ,ignoring sentiments of Sikh community and taking a shelter behind the plea of religious symbols. He said that Turban was not a religious symbol but a part of Sikh psyche without which no Sikh was a complete Sikh. He said that every religion and faith has a freedom to practice his religion according to its religious norms in a democratic country and French government should not create undue hurdles in this issue. He said that when USA, the oldest democracy and the UK has no problem with the Turban when why France Government was targeting the Sikhs on this issue.
Lashing at Congress led UPA government for not properly taking up the issue of Turban with France government, Mr. Badal said that if France government was not agreeing into reasonable pleas of Indian Government, it should exert international diplomatic pressure on France to fall inline.
            When asked about framing of charges by CBI court on A. Raja and 16 others in Rs 1.76 lakh crore 2G scam, Mr. Badal said that Shiromani Akali Dal had been saying since long that this Congress led UPA government was creating record by emerging as a most corrupt government in the Planet but Congress leadership had been denying this scam. He said that now court after framing charges has accepted the fact that Rs 1.76 lakh crore tax payer money had been looted by this Congress led UPA government, this government has no moral right to continue in power. He said that he was expecting involvement of more Congress ministers in this ‘mother of all scams’ as Supreme Court tomorrow would give its judgment on complicity of Congress Ministers in this scam.

            Mr. Badal rejected the proposed hike of Rs 135 in the MSP of wheat by CCAP and said that nothing less than RS 2200 MSP of wheat was acceptable to Shiromani Akali Dal as prices of DAP has doubled during last three months besides substantial increase in the price of diesel. He said that Punjab farmers have paid over Rs 800 crores more for fertilizers this year whereas hike in the price of diesel has put an additional burden of Rs 813 crore on them. He said that Congress led UPA government has silently fleeced Rs 1613 crore from the pockets of Punjab farmers.
On being asked about talks with BJP on seat sharing issue, Mr. Badal said that talks were continuous phenomena and BJP would fight same number of seats that it had contested in last elections.
Earlier in the first day of Sangat Darshan, Mr. Badal held Sangat Darshan of 24 panchayats in villages including Dhani Kehar Singh, Arani Wala Sheikh Subhan, Ghantian Wali Jattan, Tahli Wala Baddla, Jourhki Kankar Wali, Chakk Pakhi, Hans Khas, Nukerian and Jand Wala Bhimeshah and distributed Rs 5.50 crore to 48 panchayats for development works. Mr. Badal asked Deputy Commissioner Fazilka to personally monitor development works and ensure quality control in all works being executed by various agencies. Mr. Badal also distributed 48 sports kits, 48 gyms for Panchayat Bhawans besides laying foundation stone of one gymnasium hall and one RO Plant.
As a part of Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme, 360 bicyles were distributed to class XI and class XII girl students. Besides Member of Parliament Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, prominent leaders of Shiromani Akali Dal, Senior Civil and Police Officials were also present on the occasion.
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PUNJAB GOVT. RELEASES 7% DA TO ITS STAFF AND PENSIONERS
 AS DIWALI GIFT

DA TO BE PAID IN CASH FROM NOVEMBER 1

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 22:

As a Diwali Bonanza to its employees and pensioners, the Punjab government today announced to release another installment of dearness allowance (DA) of 7% thereby enhancing it from 51 percent to 58 percent w.e.f. July 1, 2011 on the pattern of Central Government Employees.
            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file in this regard late last evening.  The enhanced DA of 7 percent would put an additional burden of Rs.445 crore on the state exchequer for the remaining period of current financial year.
Adding further the spokesperson said that the arrears of the DA till 31st October 2011 would be deposited in the GPF of the employees and would be paid in cash from November 1, 2011.

DR. UPINDERJIT KAUR DEMANDS COMPLETE WAIVER OF RS. 23,146 CRORE AT NDC MEETING
DEMANDS IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF SECRETARY FINANCE COMMITTEE TO BAIL OUT THREE DEBT STRESSED STATES OF PUNJAB, KERALA AND WEST BENGAL
New Delhi October 22:

Punjab Finance Minister Dr. Upinderjit Kaur today strongly pleaded for the complete waiver of the entire loan of Rs. 23,146 crore outstanding at the end of 2010-11 and sought the immediate implementation of the recommendations of Secretary Finance committee which was constituted to explore the ways to assist the three debt stressed states of Kerala, Punjab and West Bengal in getting out of current fiscal stress.

Taking part in the deliberations during the National Development Council at Vigyan Bhawan New Delhi, Dr. Kaur vehemently advocated for one time complete debt waiver as the Punjab was passing through a phase of fiscal stress due to huge debt and the total accumulated debt was of Rs.64,924 crore mainly due to decade long militancy and Pay Commission recommendations.

The Finance Minister said that the policy planners were well aware of the facts that state continued to endure the effects of the long period of militancy. "The land locked geographical location coupled with an active border are certain disincentives for which the Punjab deserves to be adequately compensated", she asserted. Dr. Kaur pointed out that country witnessed an average growth rate of 8.2% against the target of 9% during the 11th plan on the other hand the Punjab state’s average growth was 7.85% against the target of 5.9%.

Dr.Upinderjit Kaur stated that the approach paper envisages 9% rate of growth during the 12th plan and it was not difficult to achieve. "However, it would require a massive effort at improving infrastructure, stepping up rate of savings, investment and improvement in human capital and its productivity", she remarked.
Highlighting the paucity of resources and inadequate support from GoI had compelled the state government to resort to heavy borrowings, Dr. Kaur lamented that the state share from the central taxes has come down from 2.45% as recommended by the 5th Finance Commission to 1.39% subsequently recommended by 13th Finance Commission.  Demanding to enhance the borrowing limit, she urged to work out this limit by taking into account full repayment of principal amount.
            Emphasizing that animal husbandry has a lot of potential for boosting the income of farmers the Minister urged that Union Government must treat animal husbandry at par with cropping sector for accessing credit at a lower rate of interest and exemption from income tax.  She urged to provide one time grant of Rs. 100 crore to the newly set up Punjab Veterinary University of Animal Sciences for boosting research and dissemination of technologies.
Raising an issue of diminishing returns to the farmers, Dr. Kaur pointed out that the decline in real farm incomes has led to rising rural debts which were estimated to 35000 crore in the state and urged the GoI to fix minimum support price (MSP) realistically by providing a margin of 50% over the cost of production as suggested by the National Commission on Farmers. She impressed upon to waive all agricultural loans as a one time measure in the state as Punjab farmers did not benefited much from the debt waiver scheme announced by GoI two years back because there were few defaulters in the state.
The Finance Minister further briefed that farmers in 6 border districts were earlier getting compensation at Rs 2000 per acre for their cultivable land measuring approximately 18,500 acres situated across the barbed fence but it was stopped in the year 2000 causing lot of resentment among the peasantry. Upinderjit Kaur stressed upon to restore and enhance compensation to Rs 10,000 per acre to these farmers as it was being given on account of various restrictions on cultivation of land.
Dr Upinderjit Kaur revealed that Gadgil/Mukerjee Formula of 1991 does not take into account SC population in the state and performance in terms of contribution of food grains to national pool as these two parameters are extremely important. She demanded that the weightage of 60% of population should be split up into two parts–weightage of 40% to total population and 20% to SC population. Similarly, the weightage for per capita income should be reduced from 25% to 15% and this 10% weightage be given to contribution of food grains to the national pool.
Ridiculing the present central road fund (CRF) scheme she emphasised that the Punjab contributes about Rs. 600 crore every year in terms of levy of cess of Rs. 1.5 per litre on diesel and petrol to CRF but GoI has altered the formula of allocation of funds under the scheme to the disadvantage of the state. The Finance Minister demanded that the earlier ratio of weightage to area of the state and fuel consumption which has been changed from 40:60 to 70:30 should be restored to 40:60.
Emphasizing the need to alter the criteria for allocation of funds under flagship schemes Finance Minister demanded that the Punjab needs to be compensated by making provision for maintenance and up-gradation of infrastructure under the centrally sponsored schemes that were not favourable for the states like Punjab which have developed the requisite infrastructure in relevant areas from their own resources.
She impressed upon the GoI to reconsider recent State Disaster Relief Fund/CRF policy and demanded that balance amount at the end of five year plan period should be made available to the states as a resource for funding the next year. 
Conceding the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the country, the Finance Minister cautioned that the purchase tax on food grains should not be subsumed in the proposed goods and services tax and it should be kept out of the purview of GST.
Dr. Kaur said that the Punjab is a major contributor of food grains to the national pool. However, it had been at a huge cost in terms of depleted water table and degradation of soils in the state. "Punjab needs to break out from the rice wheat cropping cycle.  Besides increase of growth in agriculture sector can only come through by diversifying into production of fruits, vegetables and cultivation of pulses, oilseeds, maize etc., she said. Adding further the Finance Minister said the though Minimum Support Price is announced for as many as 25 agriculture commodities yet there is no effective procurement mechanism for the purchase of crops other than wheat and paddy. She underlined that GoI should assist state in creation of the long term, modern and scientific storage capacity in order to mitigate the problem of food storage.
Highlighting the farm crisis in Punjab the Minister demanded that Minimum Support Price should be fixed realistically by providing a margin of 50% over the cost of production as suggested by the National Commission on Farmers. The decline in real farm incomes has led to rising rural debts which are estimated to 35000 crore in the state. The state did not benefit much from the debt waiver scheme announced by GoI two years back because there were few defaulters in the state. We urge GoI to waive all agricultural loans as a one time measure.
She also sought special category status under AIBP (Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme), the Minister impressed upon the Centre to include Punjab under this category being major contributor of food grains to central pool, as the special category states were entitled to 90% grant against 25% for no-special category.
            Dr. Kaur said that Punjab state would spend Rs. 498 crore for construction of toilet in rural areas. However, still there would be a gap of 7 lac toilet for which Rs. 700 crore is required. Urging the GoI she demanded to give top priority to sanitation in the 12th Five Year Plan and assist the states in construction of toilet for all houses.
Outlining the power scenario she said that the state government would add 4000 MW power capacity by 2014 and it would be a power surplus state. However there are two power projects which have been held up for want of coal linkages. Coal supply to the existing power plants should be ensured and coal linkages for the proposed two power plants of 4800 MW capacity at Gidderbaha and Hazipur be provided. The work on laying of gas pipe line from Dadri in U.P. to Nangal in Punjab should be started and gas should be supplied to the state at administered price for the proposed 1000 MW gas based thermal power plan. 
She also informed that Power utilities in Punjab were facing difficulties in raising loans from almost all the nationalized/commercial banks and asked the GoI to intervene in the matter and issue necessary directions to Reserve Bank of India to allow banks to continue their financial support to the power utilities in the state.
Referring to the industrial scenario, Dr. Kaur remarked that abolition of freight equalisation policy for iron and coal, problem of militancy and tax concessions to neighbouring states have rendered the manufacturing sector in the state uncompetitive and urged the GoI to help state in reviving its industries by linking the Delhi – Mumbai Industrial Corridor with Western Freight Corridor and extending it up to Amrtisar;  Central Sector Investment in Punjab was limited and there had been no major investments in the state during the last many years except Refinery Project in Bathinda. Government of India should facilitate location of a major project and allocation of one of National Manufacturing Investment Zone in the state, she asserted.
On the education front, she said that the state government has made available 544 acre of land for Central University in Bathinda. However the construction work is yet to begin. Similarly for World Class University near Amritsar, the state government has offered 3 sites and GoI is requested to convey its approval from one of the site and start construction work.
            Referring to the progress made in the Health & Family Welfare sector, she demanded the much awaited National Urban Health Mission should be launched for urban areas. GoI should assist the states in up-gradation of district hospitals in a phased manner to Indian Public Health Standards. Similarly all the government medical colleges should be upgraded to address the problem of shortage of doctors and especially the medical specialists. The norm of 5000 population for a sub centre was fixed long back and due to increase in population there is need to set up 700 more sub centres in the state. We welcome the suggestion of Planning Commission to provide sub centre in every village panchayat in the 12th Five year Plan. She also revealed that Punjab has recorded an impressive performance in improvement of child sex ratio from 798 in 2001 to 846 in 2011. It spends about Rs. 75 crore for girl child. The child sex ratio is declining in the majority of the states and GoI should assist them through various schemes for the girl child.  Most of the anganwadi centres in the state are running from rented buildings. Government of India is urged to provide financial assistance to the state for the construction of new buildings for the anganwadi centres.
The Finance Minister was accompanied by the Chief Secretary SC Aggrawal, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. KBS Sidhu and Secretary Planning Mr. Satish Chandra.

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62.69 LAKH TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB
Chandigarh, October 22:

More than 62.69 lakh tonnes of Paddy   was procured by the Government agencies and private millers in Punjab till last evening against 57.96 lakh tonnes procurement of previous year.

An Official Spokesman here today said that out of total procurement of 6,26,9613 tonnes of paddy, Government agencies procured 59.58 lakh tonnes (95.0%) and private traders procured 3,10,891 tonnes (5.0%) of paddy till date.
        He said that PUNGRAIN had procured 16.41 lakh tonnes (27.5%), followed by PUNSUP with 14.99 lakh tonnes (25.2%), MARKFED with 13.26 lakh tonnes (22.3%), PSWC with 07.44 lakh tonnes (12.5%) and  PAIC with 06.35 lakh tonnes (10.7 %) of paddy. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1,10,752 (1.9%) tonnes.
        Patiala District with 05.94 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas Jalandhar District with 05.77 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and Ferozepur District with 05.76 lakh tonnes of procurement ranked at third position, he added.   

BADAL SLAMS UPA GOVERNMENT FOR DELIBERATELY DELAYING THE PROCESS OF ELECTION OF NEW EXECUTIVE OF SGPC

SEPARATE CADRE OF TEACHERS FOR BORDER AND KANDI REGIONS TO PROVIDE IMPETUS TO EDUCATION IN THESE AREAS-CM

CM INAUGURATES UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT CHUNG, LAYS THE FOUNDATION STONE OF STATE INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PARAMEDICAL SCIENCES AT SRI GOINDWAL SAHIB

CHUNG (TARN TARAN), OCTOBER 21

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today lashed out at Congress led UPA government at the centre for hurting the sentiments of Sikhs by deliberately delaying the permission for holding co-opted session of newly elected Shiromani Gurudwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC).

          Talking to the media persons after inaugurating the building of newly constructed University College at the cost of Rs. 10.47 Crore here, Mr. Badal said that the Congress was again doing undue interference in the religious matters of the Sikhs which was not at all tolerable. He said that earlier the Congress had delayed the process of election of SGPC by around two years and now it is not co-opting the newly elected members of SGPC which is ultimately resulting into the delay in election of new executive of the ‘Parliament of the Sikhs’. “We vehemently oppose these cheap tactics of the Congress and will not allow them to interfere in the religious matters of the Sikhs” he added.

          Slamming the Sanjha Morcha formed by former finance minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal and former Chief Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala along with the left parties, the Chief Minister said that the Morcha has no standing amongst the people of Punjab and it would be routed out from the state in coming assembly elections by the people. Mr. Badal said that the fate of Congress and its entire leadership of the state which is supporting this morcha in covert manner would also be the same. “The Sanjha Morcha is infact a pack of power starved opportunists and I have full faith that the wise voters of Punjab would teach these people a lesson similar to the one taught to Panthic Morcha in recently concluded SGPC general election”  he added.
          Commenting on the probability of alliance of SAD with some other party along with that of BJP, the chief minister reiterated that SAD would welcome any such alliance which aims to defeat the Congress. However he asserted that SAD-BJP alliance was firm and would contest the elections jointly to form the first ever second consecutive government in the state. “During the regime of SAD-BJP government unprecedented development has taken place in the state due to which the voters will vote for bringing us back in power” he added.

          Listing the revolutionary steps taken by the SAD-BJP government in over hauling the education system of state, the Chief Minister said that they were committed to emerge Punjab as front runner state in the field of education. He said that for this special emphasis has been laid to impart quality education to the students in the far flung areas of Border and Kandi regions of the state.  Mr. Badal said that for the first time in the history of state the SAD-BJP government has constituted a separate cadre of teachers for both the regions so that the meritious students of these areas could contribute in the spreading of quality education.

He said that when the SAD-BJP alliance assumed the office after coming to power in the state, Punjab was ranked on 14th slot which was now at third position exclusively due to path breaking initiatives taken by them in all field of education be it school, college and university.  Mr Badal said that as Punjab was already number one in terms of the recruitment in Defence services and in the food production too, so the state government was committed to make it number one in education also. 
          The Chief Minister also laid down th foundation stone of Baba Farid University Regional Centre at Sri Goindwal Sahib. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Badal said that in order to widen the scope of medical education in border region this regional centre which would be known as state institute of public health and paramedical sciences is being constructed at the cost of Rs. 16.50 crore on 19.28 acres of land. Earlier the Chief Minister also inaugurated a Government Adarsh Secondary School at village Baler Khurd and a Model School at Valtoha.He also inaugurated a Power Station at village Algon which has been upgraded from 66 KW to 220 KW.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included MLA Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha, Vice Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University Mr. Ajaib Singh Brar and Registrar of Guru Nanak Dev University Mr. Inderjit Singh.

11 M.E & 10 E.O. TRANSFERRED in Local bodies deparmtment

Chandigarh, October 21: The Punjab Government today issued the transfer/posting orders of 11 Municipal Engineer & Assistant Municipal Engineer and 10 Executive Officer in Local Bodies Department with immediate effect. 

      Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab government said that M.Es Mr. Kuldeep Verma had been transferred from Khana to Zirakpur,  Mr. Rajinder Rai from Zirakpur to Khanna, Mr. Sunil Khosla from Kharar to Mandi Gobindghar, Mr. Purshotam Kumar from Mandi Gobindgarh to Malout, Mr. Rajeev Kumar from Malout to Khanna and A.M.Es Mr. Satpal kaler from Nabha to Jagraon, Mr. Amarjit singh from Nakodar to Doraha, Mr. Sandeep Singh from Moga to Jalalabad, Mr. Satish Kumar from Jalalabad to Moga and Mr Sawraj Inder Singh from Sirhand to Phagwara.  Likewise A.M.E. of Raikot Mr. Mukesh Kumar had been given an additional charge of Derabassi.

         He further said that 10 E.Os had also been transferred, includes Mr. Jit Singh from Bassi Pathana to Sunam, Mr. Ravneet Singh from Sunam to Nabha, Mr. Hardeep Singh from Nabha to Machiwara, Mr. K.S Brar from Moga to Firozpur, Mr. Rajpal Singh Makkar from Giddarbha to Talwandi Sabho, Mr. Gurdas Singh from Gonyana to Jaito, Mr. Hardev Singh from Banga to Dasuya, Mr. Surinder Kumar from Sardulgarh to Giddarbaha, Mr. Jagjit Singh Sahi from Banur to Mohali.

    He said that Mr. Daljit Singh Sandhu Law officer had been given an additional charge as E.O. of Nagar Council Banur and Mr. Gurdas Singh EO had been given an additional charge of Nagar council Gonyana.

ORDER ISSUED TO DISPLAY THE UNITED NATIONS FLAG ON THE UNITED NATIONS DAY

Chandigarh October 21: 

The Punjab Government has issued directions to display United Nations flag along with the Indian flag on the United Nations day.

The spokesperson said that every year October 24 is observed as United Nations Day. On this day United Nations flag is not flown along with the Indian National Flag on all buildings on which the national flag is regularly flown such as in the Raj Bhawan, Ran Niwas, Legislative Assemblies and High Courts. He said that there was no objection to the flying of the United Nations Flag along with Indian National Flag on buildings of District Head Quarters.
He further said that in terms of para 3.36 of the flag code of Indian, 2002, "when the United Nations Flag is flown along with the National Flag it can be displayed on either side of the National Flag. The general practice is to fly the National Flag on the extreme right with reference to the direction which it is facing. 

CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER PUNJAB

Chandigarh October 21:
Deletion of votes during the summery revision shall not be done on suo-moto basis by the Electoral Registration Officer in Punjab. Disclosing this while interacting to Reporters, Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, clarified that being an election year no votes shall be deleted without issuance of notice to the affected persons. These instructions shall remain in force till the Elections to the Punjab Legislative Assembly are held. Instruction in this regard have already been issued to all the Electoral Registration Officers. The only exception is in the case of death of a Voter wherein the lists supplied by the Registrar Births and Deaths can be taken as conclusive proof for deletion of the Votes. In case of shifted voters a notice shall mandatorily be issued.

                   Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu further said that the process of enrollment of new voters and updation of electoral roll is progressing smoothly across the State. She reiterated that any person desirous of making his vote or deletion of Vote or correction in voter details may do so in Form-6, Form-7 and Form-8 respectively which are available with All Booth Level Officers (BLO) and Electoral Registration Officer in the State. These can also be downloaded from the website http://ceopunjab.nic.in. A search facility for the Voters is also available on this website and Voters can check their Voter details online also.
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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON    ANNOUNCED

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 21:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Rabi Season through Canal water from 21-10-11 to 28-10-2011. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bist Doab, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch, Patiala feeder and Abohar Branch  respectively.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' being in the channels of first preference will run to their indent and  balance water supplies available will be utilized in Ghaggar Branch and its off taking channels i.e Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B'  respectively.
The spokesman further said that all the direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in group 'A'  being in the First preference will run to their indent and balance water supplies available would be utilised in Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries/Minors in  Group 'B'.

The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Lahore Branch with its distributaries being in the channels of first Preference would run to their indent and balance water supplies available would be utilized in Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch Lower, Sabraon Branch with their distributaries respectively.

57.64 LAKH TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, October 21: More than 57.64 lakh tonnes of Paddy   was procured by the Government agencies and private millers in Punjab till last evening against 54.58 lakh tonnes procurement of previous year.
                An Official Spokesman here today said that out of total procurement of 57,64,485 tonnes of paddy, Government agencies procured 54.91 lakh tonnes (95.3%) and private traders procured 2,73,408 tonnes (4.7%) of paddy till date.
                He said that PUNGRAIN had procured 15.01 lakh tonnes (27.3), followed by PUNSUP with 13.82 lakh tonnes (25.2%), MARKFED with 12.19 lakh tonnes (22.2%), PSWC with 06.92 lakh tonnes (12.6%) and  PAIC with 05.88 lakh tonnes (10.7 %) of paddy. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1,07,625 (2.0%) tonnes.
        Ferozepur District with 05.54 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas Jalandhar District with 05.51 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and Patiala District with 05.35 lakh  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position, he added.   
The State Government has set up 1745 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added.
 

COUNCIL OF MINISTER APPROVE CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE THE DEMANDS OF VARIOUS EMPLOYEES ORGANIZATIONS
APPROVES TO REDUCE TIMINGS OF LIQUOR VENDS UNDER EXCISE POLICY 2012-13

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 20:
The Punjab Cabinet today approved to constitute a Cabinet Sub Committee to look into the pending demands and issues related to various employees’ organizations. 

A decision to this effect was taken here at a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal this evening. 
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab government said that the sub-committee had been asked to submit its report by the 30 October so that the final decision for the implementation of employees’ demands on the basis of the recommendations of the sub-committee could be taken by the Cabinet.
Under the new excise policy for 2012-13, the Cabinet in a significant step to discourage drinking has decided not to open liquor vends across the state  before 9.00 am instead of 7.00 am and will close at 10.00 pm instead of 11.00 pm.
The Cabinet also gave approval to revive the prescribed cadre of 2369 posts in 48 categories aimed at the restructuring and re-constitution of Forests & Wild Life Preservation department, of which 603 posts would be filled in a phased manner during two years.  As many as 242 posts would be filled during the current fiscal and the remaining 361 posts in 2012-13.          
  The Cabinet also approved to release a sum of Rs.1 crore for the extension of Langar Hall building in Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar under the scheme PM-10 “State Level Initiatives (Punjab Nirman Program) during 2011-12.  
The Cabinet also approved to exempt the entry tax imposed on the construction material and food items for devotees, procured from outside Punjab in the Dera Radha Soami Satsang Beas. 

          The Cabinet also approved new rates of the motor vehicle tax for four wheeled personalized vehicles in different slabs as per the actual price of the vehicle.  For personalized four wheeled motor vehicles costing up to Rs.5 lac, the rate of motor vehicle tax would be 2% of the actual price of the motor vehicle (excluding taxes if any) in lump sum.  Likewise, the rate of motor vehicle tax would be 4%, 6% and 8% of the actual price of the motor vehicle (excluding taxes if any) in lump sum having actual price of the four wheeled personalized vehicle exceeding Rs. 5 lac and up to Rs.10 lac, exceeding Rs. 10 lac and up to Rs. 20 lac and exceeding Rs. 20 lac respectively.The Cabinet also gave approval to levy lump sum tax on the bakery goods on the basis of the annual turnover according to the prescribed slabs.  There would be no tax liability in case of the bakery having turnover up to Rs.10 lac, Rs.25,000, Rs.50,000, Rs.75,000 and Rs. 1 lac would be levied as lump sum tax on the bakery goods with turnover above Rs.10 lac but less then Rs.25 lac, above Rs.25 lac but less then Rs.50 lac, above Rs.50 lac but less then Rs.75 lac and above Rs.75 lac but less then Rs.1 crore respectively.  Bakery goods having turnover of above Rs.1 crore would be liable to pay tax on the actual basis.   The decision to impose lump sum tax on the bakery units having turnover less then Rs.1 crore would benefit nearly 3500 dealers in the state.
            The Cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval to all the Registrar of Private Universities and Principals of the Private Colleges or Institutes affiliated to the Universities duly approved by the University Grants Commission as the Licensing Authority for the purpose of issuing of learners’ licenses to the students of their respective colleges or institutes.   It may be recalled that the state government had already notified all the principals of the colleges or institutes affiliated to the universities duly approved by the University Grants Commission as the Licensing Authority for the purpose of issuing learner’s license to the students of their respective colleges or institutes. 
          The Cabinet also approved to upgrade the towns of Kot Isse Khan and Goniana Mandi in Moga and Bathinda district as the new sub tehsils besides giving nod for the creation of requisite staff in the newly created sub-tehsils.
            The Cabinet also gave approval for the revival of two posts of Deputy Director Dairy and three posts of Dairy Development Officers in the department of Dairy Development which had been abolished earlier to ensure far better and efficient functioning of the department. 
            The Cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval to levy tax @ Rs.15 lac per draw on the fortnightly lottery of the state lotteries department. 
            The Cabinet also gave nod to restore the payment of royalty on the ordinary earth which had been stopped earlier under the Punjab Minor Mineral Concession Rules 1964.
            The Cabinet also approved to create 19 new posts including 9 of Professors, 6 Associate Professors and 4 Assistant professors in the Govt. Medical College Patiala under the scheme ‘strengthening and upgradation of state Government Medical Colleges for starting new Post Graduate disciplines and increasing PG seats by central funding during the 11th Plan period’.
            The Cabinet also approved to allot 500 acres of available land at Ladowal farm in district Ludhiana to the department of Agriculture, Research & Education Ministry, GoI for the establishment of Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA). 

PUNJAB INFOTECH SETS RS 20 CRORE VENTURE FUND

• SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISERS TO GET BENEFIT

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 20: 

The Punjab government has setup a Punjab Infotech Venture Fund to attract investment in Information technology and software sector and to help the small and medium entrepreneurs to set up their units in the State.
        Disclosing this here today Punjab Industries Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud said that this fund has been set up by Punjab government through its bodies like Punjab Infotech, Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation Limited and Punjab Financial Corporation in association with the Small Industries Bank of India.
         He said that primarily this fund had Rs 20 crore and within next two years it will increased to Rs 100 crore. Talking about the  main objective of the fund Mr Sud said that Punjab is doing very well in the I.T and Software sector and  Punjab export in the IT software has crossed Rs 1000 crores  . He said that from this fund financial assistance would provided to small and medium entrepreneurs through soft loans.
 He said that besides that Punjab Infotech also signed a MoU with Mumbai based Subhkam Ventures to help out in the fund management.  He said that I.T. sector was providing largest employment in India and after Mohali, Punjab is all set to develop I.T. parks in Kapurthala and Railmajra in S.B.S.Nagar. He said that this  fund was mainly meant to create large scale investment as well as to widen the sectoral coverage from present I.T. and software sector to other knowledge based sectors.

52.55 LAKH TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB
Chandigarh, October 20: More than 52.55 lakh tonnes of Paddy   was procured by the Government agencies and private millers in Punjab till last evening against 51.23 lakh tonnes procurement of previous year.
                   An Official Spokesman here today said that out of total procurement of 52,55,241 tonnes of paddy, Government agencies procured 49.96 lakh tonnes (95.1%) and private traders procured 2,58,608 tonnes (4.9%) of paddy till date.
                   He said that PUNGRAIN had procured 13.52 lakh tonnes (27.1), followed by PUNSUP with 12.67 lakh tonnes (25.4%), MARKFED with 11.06 lakh tonnes (22.1%), PSWC with 06.36 lakh tonnes (12.7%) and  PAIC with 05.42 lakh tonnes (10.9 %) of paddy. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 90376 (1.8`%) tonnes.
          Ferozepur District with 05.33 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas Jalandhar District with 05.21 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and Patiala District with 04.73 lakh  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position, he added.   
The State Government has set up 1745 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added.