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Punjab News: 2011

 

Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Game

Ludhiana, March 2, 2011-

Mandeep Kaur of Jalandhar bagged gold by proving herself the flying girl of the state as she completed 100m race in 12.37sec. in the 1st Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games, at Guru Nanak Stadium, in progress. Navjot Kaur of Ludhiana won silver clocking 12.69sec. where asDipti Rani of Sangrur got bronze in 12.89sec.



Spinder Kaur added one more feather on the cap of sports city by winning gold in400m clocking 1:02.28sec., Kanwaljeet Kaur of Tarn Taran won Silver with 1:04.04sec. and Bhupinder Kaur also from Jalandhar got bronze in 1:04.05sec.

In Shot-put Manjeet Kaur of Mohali annexed gold by throwing the iron ball to a distance of 13.14m, Patwant Kaur of Tarn Taran and Narinder Kaur of Kapurthala won silver and bronze with 12.63m and 12.20m respectively.

Kulwinder Kaur of Gurdaspur won gold in Triple Jump by jumping 12.67m, Bhumika Thakur also from Gurdaspur won silver with 11.59 and Kulwinder Kaur of Sangrur has to satisfy with bronze who covered 11.34m distance.
Ludhiana dominated in the men’s section of Athletics as Maninder Singh brought laurel to his camp by winning gold in 100m clocking 10.91sec., Amandeep Singh of Sangrur won silver timing 11.00sec. and Ajay Tandon also from the host side got bronze in 11.12sec.
Ludhiana Lad Satinder Singh clinched gold for the host in 400m timing 52.64sec., Sandeep Lawrance of Jalandhar won silver in 53.42sec where as Sanjiv Kumar of Gurdaspur got bronze in 54.09sec.
Lakhwinder Singh of Ferozepur won gold in Javelin Throw with 69.33m, Jatinder Singh of Tarn Taran and Gurmeet Singh of Gurdaspur got bronze with 66.18m and 65.65m respectively.
Jagdeep singh of Amritsar grabbed gold in High Jump who jumped 2.06m, Malkit Singh of Gurdaspur won silver with 1.95m and Ajaypal Singh also from Gurdaspur got bronze with 1.90m.
In the final of Women’s Tug Of War in the category of 480 Kg Tarn Taran bagged gold by pulling Amritsar by 2-1 pulls. Jalandhar won bronze by defeating Mohali with 2-0 pulls.
In the quarter finals of women’s Kabaddi Amritsar crushed Bathinda by 50-20, Ropar Outplayed Faridkot by 46-15, Jalandhar outclassed Mansa by 24-7 and Nawan Shehar defeated Tarn taran by 26-3 ponts.
In Men’s Kabaddi Pre Quarter Finals Tarn Taran defeated Gurdaspur 33-27, Hoshiarpur beat Moga 36-32, Ferozepur defeated Faridkot 34-31 where as Patiala defeated Amritsar by 38-36 poins.
Gurdaspur defeated Mukatsar 3-0 in the first round of Men’s Football, Hoshiarpur outplayed Amritsar by 4-0 goals.
In Women’s Football first round Amritsar in tie breaker 4-3.
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PUNJAB GOVT. CONSTITUTES REHABILITATION CELL FOR IMMIGRANTS FROM LIBYA

ALSO OPENS HELP DESK AT INDIRA GANDHI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NEW DELHI


CHANDIGARH MARCH 02:

To facilitate the rehabilitation of immigrants of Punjab origin from Libya after political turmoil there, the Punjab government has constituted a ‘Rehabilitation Cell’ (0172-2740173) under the chair of Director Disaster Management Mrs. Bhawna Garg here in the Punjab Civil Secretariat.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here in a meeting at Chief Minister’s Residence this morning.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that an Apex Committee comprising Financial Commissioner revenue Mr. AR Talwar, Principal Secretary Home Mr. DS Bains and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru has been constituted under the chair of Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal to look into the policy issues involved in the rehabilitation process. The state government has also set up a ‘help desk’ at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi under the supervision of Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan, New Delhi Mr. K. Siva Parsad for extending all possible assistance to the immigrants from Libya to enable them to reach their home places comfortably.

Joint Entrance Test (JET) for admission to Polytechnic Engineering colleges to be held on 15 MAY 2011
Chandigarh, March 3:
Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Chandigarh shall be conducting Joint Entrance Test (JET) for the year 2011 on 15.05.2011 for admission to 24, three-year engineering diploma courses.
While disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training said that various diploma courses like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Communication, Computer Science, Fashion Designing, Architecture Assistantship etc. are available in 109 polytechnic colleges in Punjab state and more than 53000 seats are available for the students. The JET will be conducted in about 200 examination centres and Punjab and Chandigarh.
The spokesman further said that the Prospectus for entrance test will be available from 28th February 2011in the designated branches of Punjab National Bank, Suvidha Centres at District Head Quarters and polytechnic colleges in Punjab.
He said that Completed application forms will be accepted in the designated branches of Punjab National Bank on or before 09.04.2011. The Joint Entrance Test is based on the syllabus of 9th and 10th standard in the subject of English, Science, Mathematics, Aptitude and General awareness. There will be 200 questions each carrying four marks and to be attempted in three hours time on OMR response sheets. There will be not negative marking in the Joint Entrance Test 2011. For detailed information of JET 2011 you may please visit the website of the Board www.punjabteched.com and www.punjabteched.net, he added.
Here it is mentioned that in order to make the candidates aware of the type of questions to be attempted in JET, a refresher cum sample paper is also being published by the Board. The students who successfully complete the three-year diploma can seek employment in the public and private sector and can also get direct admission into 2nd year of B.Tech courses through LEET.
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TRANSPARENT AND EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE COUPLED BY ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS ARE THE ENGINES OF STATE’S GROWTH-SUKHBIR

Chandigarh/New Delhi, March 1:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that transparent and effective governance coupled by administrative reforms can lay a roadmap for accelerated growth of state’s economy.
Addressing Chief Minister’s session in 83rd Conference of FICCI here today on a topic “Governance for Growth and Empowerment-How States Will Play a Critical Role in Addressing These Challenges”, Mr. Badal said that in an era of open economy where industry was no longer dependent upon the centre or states for licenses, the states can attract investment only by strengthening infrastructure and streamlining the process of governance. Mr. Badal said that Punjab government understanding the handicaps that it was landlocked border state, surrounded by states offering concessions to the industry, could attract investment only strengthening infrastructure, offering surplus power and ensuring world class road and air connectivity. He said that four years ago he along with his father Punjab Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal drew a roadmap to address the problems of power scarcity, focussing on strengthening road and air connectivity besides doing away with bureaucratic red tape with series of governance reforms. He said that when we started with this mission, we were laughed at as ‘daydreamer, thinking aloud’ but four years down the lane, even our detractors were fearing to talk about this subject as they are witnessing fast culmination of our dream projects.

Mr. Badal said that without hoping any help from Congress led UPA government he sold an idea of making Punjab power surplus to the investment community, offering them single window service besides facilitating the tedious of land acquisition. He said that with constant perusal at various ministries he personally got them clearance for environment, pollution besides ensuring rail and coal linkages. The Deputy Chief Minister said that his efforts have shown results with five thermal plants with the combined investment of 82000 crores are in various stages of completion and by year 2013 Punjab would be the first state that would not only by power surplus but would be able to export power to other power deficient states.

Talking about the prestigious project of Bathinda refinery Mr. Badal narrated that how that refinery was kept in limbo by previous Congress government and how during last three years this Rs. 20,000 crore project has started its trial run that is set to change the socio economic profile of total north India. He said that his basic concern was to change the dependence of Punjab’s economy on agriculture sector and give a boost to industrialization in the state. Giving a call to the Industry Captains to become equal partner in the state’s progress Mr. Badal said that Punjab has now emerged a land of opportunities where entrepreneurs can invest in power, renewable power, infrastructure and industrial growth sector and state government would provide single window service to process their investment proposals. He said that Punjabis by their entrepreneurial nature have wrote the new chapters of success wherever they have immigrated and after the economic recession in Europe and other Western countries Punjab was the right spot for entrepreneurs for multiplying their wealth. He said the state was not after their money but seeking investment was to strengthen the emotional bonding with them.

Giving the details of development initiatives, Mr. Badal said that Punjab was focussing on power generation, infrastructure development and human resource development to provide backup to the up coming industry. He said that besides linking all cities with 4/6 lane roads, making Punjab power surplus in next two years, establishing three international and three domestic airports, Punjab was the right investment destination of future. He said that with the establishment of ISB, IIT and Central University, Punjab would provide the right human resource back up to the upcoming industry. He said that the setting up of Knowledge Park with research facilities in bio technology, nanotechnology, Punjab was focussing on future industrial growth. He assured total cooperation from the state government to the industrialists.

Earlier Mr. Rajan Bharti Mittal spoke about the initiative taken by FICCI in promoting industrial growth in the country.

SHAHEED-E-AZAM BHAGAT SINGH PUNJAB GAMES CAPTIVATES MILLIONS ON OPENING DAY
SUKHBIR PROMISES IT TO BE AN ANNUAL SHOW
20 DISTRICTS VIE FOR A GOLDEN POT OF RS. 2.31 CRORE
AKSHAY KUMAR MESMERIZES AUDIENCE OF HIS HOME LAND

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Chandigarh/Ludhiana, February 28: Punjab today scripted a new chapter in the history of sports by organizing the highest ever prize money inter district tournament, a move to wean away youth from intoxicants and encouraging them to adopt sports as a career.

As Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal declared the biggest ever sports extravaganza, the sky of the Manchester of Asia, Ludhiana lit with sparkling fire works. The glitter of the show became blinding as bollywood star Akshay Kumar, who has agreed to become Ambassador of Shaheed – e – Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games, mesmerized the jam packed audience in Guru Nanak Dev Stadium with his athletic dance work. As 20 district proudly descended in the ground holding proudly the flag of their district in an impressive march past, the gala and glitter of opening ceremony of Punjab Games could put the opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games to a shade. It may be added that the opening ceremonies of Punjab Games were choreographed by Prof. Bansi Kaul who had choreographed the ceremony of CWG.
As 4300 sportsmen and officials from every nook and corner of the State took the oath of sportsmen ship, they rewrote a chapter in the sports history of Punjab where budding talent would be nurtured, trained and equipped to compete in International tournaments, realizing the dreams of young and dynamic S. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Badal said that these games were my passion and I have institutionalized the arrangement that these games become an Annual Feature in the Sports Calendar of the State. He said that the one of the main objectives of these games is to wean away the youth from drugs as well as a sedentary way of life by encouraging them to join sports as a movement. He hoped that over the years, these prestigious State Level Games would attract more and more youth of the State into sports, curbing the menace of drugs among them. He said that the tournament would prepare the youth to compete with confidence even at the national and international levels besides helping the State Sports Authorities to select scientifically sports persons having higher potential and prepare them for advanced training for competing at national and international level. He announced that the state government has finalized a policy in the last Cabinet meeting that more talented among sportsmen would get an opportunity to secure employment in Government / Semi Government Organizations.As Harbhajan Mann World renowned Punjab Folk Singer enthralled audience, a strong troupe of 2900 artists of North Zone Cultural Center presented a spectra of dances from different states amalgamating into one conveying the underlined message unity and diversity. The riot of colors synchronized with laser lights moved the audience to a fantasy as most of the audience remain glued to their seats even after the show, refusing to believe that it was a live show.
It may be added that Punjab Games covering 11 sports disciplines namely Athletics, Basket Ball, Boxing, Football, Hockey, Kabaddi, Shooting, Volleyball, Weight Lifting , Wrestling and Tug of War, would continue upto 6th March, 2011 at four centers including Ludhiana, Mohali, Patiala and Jalandhar. The closing ceremony of the games would be held at Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, Burlton Park Jalandhar.
The games have been bifurcated into three groups. The first group consists of Hockey and Shooting, whereas the Hockey event would be conducted at Jalandhar and Shooting at Mohali. The second group would be organized at Patiala which includes the games of Boxing, Weight Lifting, Wrestling and Volleyball. In the third group the games are Athletics, Basketball, Football, Kabaddi and Tug of War which will be conducted at Ludhiana. The Matches would be played under flood lights and telecast live. The players of 11 sports disciplines would get a golden opportunity to win 21 Lakh in each sports discipline. The first three position holder teams in each discipline shall take home a Cash Prize of Rs. 9.00 lac, Rs. 7.00 lac & Rs. 5.00 lac, respectively.

Mr. Pargat Singh Director Sports speaking on the occasion said that the district teams for these prestigious games have been selected through open trials in most transparent manner. The selection committees included the District Sports Officers, concerned District Sports Associations and some prominent sports persons of the district belonging to the relevant sports discipline. Every district team including officials has been provided a sports kit of specific colour and design that was unique for each district at the cost of Rs. 1 crore.
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CM ASSAILS UNION BUDGET 2011-12 AS ANTI-FARMER, ANTI-POOR AND SANS GROWTH

A BIG BLOW TO THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE PEOPLE - BADAL


CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 28:

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today described the Union Budget 2011-12 as totally directionless and disappointing without giving relief to any section of the society.

In a statement here, Mr. Badal said that the budgetary proposals were completely lack luster as these did not specify bold initiatives required to tackle the problems of inflation, unemployment, poverty being faced by the poor in the country besides addressing the issues of farmers. He said that the proposals contained in the Finance Minister's speech would further unleash inflationary trends and take the prices to unprecedented heights, as the price rise had already broken the back of the poor.

Mr. Badal further said that the Union Budget was devoid of rationale and commitment for having claimed to achieve the goal of inclusive growth, which was a misnomer. The Union Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee failed to stipulate any concrete measure to tackle the high rate of inflation in his budget speech, which spoke volumes of government’s inept handling of fiscal management and insensitivity on its part in controlling the spiraling prices of essential commodities. The Congress government which claimed to be votary of ‘Aam Aadmi’ had completely dashed his hopes of getting some relief from inflation in today’s budget, which now seems to be a distant reality. “Merely assurances to tackle the inflation in near future would not amuse the common man anymore”, said Mr. Badal.

The Chief Minister said that Union budget was nothing short of stabbing in back of common man’, and added the budget would dampen the growth and cut deep into the pockets of the employees, the working and middle classes. He also described Budget as anti-farmer and said it will dampen the growth and demoralize enterprise. Mr. Badal regretted that no scheme to promote agriculture, health sector have been included in the budget proposals, rather the health care services in the private sector hospitals would cost more due to the introduction of service tax. He said that the nominal hike in the Income tax had also totally disenchanted the salaried and middle classes. Urban and rural development had also been totally neglected due to the myopic approach of the congress led UPA government. The proposed budgetary allocations in the health and education sector are just a peanut for the states as these were insufficient to meet the growing needs of people in these social sectors.
Summing up Mr. Badal said that it was another onslaught on Punjab after the recent railway budget which had completely excluded the state in conceding the long pending demands of the state. …
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SUKHBIR DESCRIBES UNION BUDGET DIRECTIONLESS, INFLATIONARY AND ANTI POOR

AAM AADMI BETRAYED BY THE CONGRESS LED UPA

5 POINT PROGRAMME TO CHECK BLACK MONEY, AN EFFORT TO MAKE SCAM TAINTED MONEY WHITE

DEDICATES RS. 38 CRORE PROJECTS TO SAMANA RESIDENTS


Samana( Patiala ) February 28:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today described the Union Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee as directionless and anti-poor that would have cascading effect on already double digit inflation, stunting the growth of total economy.

Talking to media persons after laying the foundation stones of development projects of worth Rs. 38 crore here today, Mr. Badal said that the budget has proved that this Congress led UPA Government was least concerned about the problems being faced by the common masses due to unprecedented price rise and has not addressed the basic issues causing inflation. Mr. Badal said that whole budget was tilted towards multinational companies lobby giving no relief to middle class population and farmers’ community feeding the whole nation.

Mr. Badal said that no package has been announced for the farm sector and no incentive has been announced to boost farm production which has reached a plateau. He said that it was unfortunate that Congress led UPA government has not announced any program to fight inflation and on the contrary has given forecast in the economic survey that inflation was likely to remain high due to growth projections.
The SAD President asked that what kind of growth Congress led UPA Government was offering to the people who were already getting crushed under double digit inflation. Describing Rs. 20,000 tax relief to the income tax payers and no relief to the women tax payers as a big joke, Mr. Badal said that middle class families already reeling under 20% annual inflation have been offered a ‘lollypop’ of 10% increase in exemption while on other hand budget has opened the way for deregulating the price of LPG and Kerosene. He said that this budget was only a trailer as Congress led UPA Government was ready to double the price of LPG, Kerosene and diesel immediately after the approval of finance bill. Mr. Badal said that budget by not waiving the agricultural debt, not agreeing to provide loans to farmers at 4% simple interest and by not announcing any funds for second green revolution push has betrayed the farmers, who were already neck deep in the debt. He said that by not linking MSP with wholesale price index, Congress led UPA Government has exposed its anti-farmer face. He also objected for providing lowest MNREGA wages at the rate of Rs. 124 to card holders of Punjab where as in Haryana and Chandigarh it was Rs. 179 and Rs. 174 respectively, despite the fact that Punjab under MNREGA scheme was giving employment to maximum scheduled caste people in the country.

When asked about Congress led UPA Government , Mr. Badal said that it was sad state of affairs as Prime Minister was not in control of his Government with each Minister running his ministry as his personal fiefdom. He said that this was sending wrong message to the international investors’ community, who have started disinvesting from India fearing outbreak of more financial scams.

When asked about impact of Manpreet floating a new party, Mr. Badal quipped “Zero”. On a question regarding talks with BJP on seat sharing or swapping of seats due to delimitation, Mr. Badal said that we have not yet talked on this issue and said that alliance with BJP is not a political but emotional one. On being asked Amarinder questioning the development initiatives of the SAD BJP Government, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Amarinder was a ‘short term tourist’ to the state who visits only during election season. He said that due to long absence from the state and with no grass root interaction with the masses, he was oblivious of the development in the state and was living in self created illusions.

Earlier addressing an impressive gathering at local grain market, Mr Badal said that the SAD-BJP government was fully committed to ensure the overall development of State in a time bound manner and major initiatives taken in the fields of power, education, infrastructure, air as well as road connectivity and health services in rural areas were the live examples of the focussed approach of their government. He said that with setting up of five thermal plant having joint investment of Rs. 62000 crore, Rs. 19000 crore Bathinda refinery, Rs 6669 crore projects for connectivity of all major cities/towns with 4/6 lane roads, three international airports and three domestic airports, initiation of more than Rs. 3000 crore sewerage and Rs 700 crore Water supply projects in cities besides AC bus services in all corporation towns, provision of 70 citizen services through various Suvidha cetres being set up under unique governance reforms initiated in the Punjab , the state was all set to accelerate the ongoing growth. Mr. Badal called upon SAD-BJP cadre to rise above petty personal issues and work collectively to disseminate the message of development to the masses at the grass root level to send congress in political hibernation. He said that all round development coupled with governance reforms would ensure repeat mandate for SAD-BJP government and the party was committed to enjoy faith and trust of Punjab's electorate for next 25 years. Earlier, Mr. Badal dedicated various development projects of worth Rs. 38 crore dedicated to the residents of Samana. He laid the foundation stones of two 66 KV Grids at Villlage Chonth( Rs. 5 crore) and Village Fatehmajri (Rs. 4 crore), two bridges at Village Gheora ( Rs. 3.07 crore) and Village Bamna( Rs. 2.63 crore ), an ITI ( Rs. 2.52 crore ) at Samana besides Sewerage systems at Samana, Kheri Gujran and Village Sular at the cost of Rs. 6 crore, Rs. 3.55 crore and Rs. 2.37 crore respectively. He also inaugurated an ultra modern sewage treatment plant of worth Rs. 8.5 crore at Samana.

Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included Mr. Raj Khurana , Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Surjeet Singh Rakhra Chairman District Planning Committee and In-charge Samana constituency, Mr. Kirpal Singh Badungar, Chairman Punjab State Backward Classes Commission, Mr. Gurpeet Singh Raju Khanna Chairman Youth Development Board, Mr. Surjeet Singh Ablowal Chairman PUNSEED, and Mr.Kapur Chand Bansal President Municipal Council.


ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, March 1:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Rabi Season through Canal water from 03-03-2011 to 10-3-2011. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Patiala feeder, Abohar Branch, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab and Sidhwan Branch Canal 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. Lahore Branch with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies water available would be utilised in Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch Lower, Sabraon Branch with their distributaries respectively.

SHIROMANI AKALI DAL DESCRIBES UNION BUDGET DIRECTIONLESS, INFLATIONARY, ANTI POOR , ANTI FARMER

• AAM AADMI BETRAYED BY THE CONGRESS LED UPA
• LOW SHARE OF STATES IN CENTRAL TAX NOT ADDRESSED


Chandigarh,February 28:

Shiromani Akali Dal today described the Union Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee as directionless, anti-poor and anti farmer that would have cascading effect on already double digit inflation, stunting the growth of total economy. It has regretted that Budget has failed to address the crucial issue of low share of states in central taxes collected from the states In a statement issued here today Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, President, Shiromani Akali Dal and Deputy Chief Minister said that the budget has proved that this Congress led UPA Government was least concerned about the problems being faced by the common masses due to unprecedented price rise and has not addressed the basic issues causing inflation.
Mr. Badal said that whole budget was tilted towards multinational companies lobby, giving no relief to middle class population and farmers’ community feeding the whole nation.

Mr. Badal said that no package has been announced for the farm sector and no incentive has been announced to boost farm production which has reached a plateau. He said that it was unfortunate that Congress led UPA government has not announced any program to fight inflation and on the contrary has given forecast in the economic survey that inflation was likely to remain high due to growth projections.
The SAD President asked that what kind of growth Congress led UPA Government was offering to the people who were already getting crushed under double digit inflation. Describing Rs. 20,000 tax relief to the income tax payers and no relief to the women tax payers as a big joke, Mr. Badal said that middle class families already reeling under 20% annual inflation have been offered a ‘lollypop’ of 10% increase in exemption while on other hand budget has opened the way for deregulating the price of LPG and Kerosene. He said that this budget was only a trailer as Congress led UPA Government was ready to double the price of LPG, Kerosene and diesel immediately after the approval of finance bill.
Mr. Badal said that budget by not waiving the agricultural debt, not agreeing to provide loans to farmers at 4% simple interest and by not announcing any funds for second green revolution push has betrayed the farmers, who were already neck deep in the debt. He said that by not linking MSP with wholesale price index, Congress led UPA Government has exposed its anti-farmer face. He also objected for providing lowest MNREGA wages at the rate of Rs. 124 to card holders of Punjab where as in Haryana and Chandigarh it was Rs. 179 and Rs. 174 respectively, despite the fact that Punjab under MNREGA scheme was giving employment to maximum scheduled caste people in the country.
He said that NDA would steadfastly oppose the anti poor, anti farmers measures outlined in Budget during discussions in the parliament and expose the real face of the government
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PUNJAB SET FOR BIGGEST SPORTS EXTRAVAGANZA!
SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL TO PERFORM GALA OPENING OF SHAHEED-E-AZAM BHAGAT SINGH PUNJAB GAMES AT LUDHIANA ON FEB 28 4300 SPORTSMEN TO VIE FOR RECORD 2.31 CRORE PRIZE MONEY IN 11 SPORTS PROF. BANSI DHAR OF CWG FAME TO CHOREOGRAPH OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONY


CHANDIGARH, FEB 26: Punjab is set for the biggest sports extravaganza the state has ever seen. The Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal will inaugurate the week-long Shaheed - e -Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games at Ludhiana on February 28 in which nearly 4, 300 sportsmen and sports officials from every nook and corner of the state will participate.

The games represent another passionate dimension of S. Sukhbir Singh Badal’s multi-faceted, dynamic personality. Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games would now become an Annual Feature in the Sports Calendar of the State. According to S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, one of the main objectives of these games is to wean away the youth from drugs as well as a sedentary way of life by encouraging them to join sports as a movement. Over the years, these prestigious State Level Games would attract more and more youth of the State into sports, curbing the menace of drugs among them. The tournament would prepare the youth to compete with confidence even at the national and international levels besides helping the State Sports Authorities to select scientifically sports persons having higher potential and prepare them for advanced training for competing at national and international level. The more talented among sportsmen will get an opportunity secure employment in Government/Semi Government Organizations .
Covering 11 sports disciplines namely Athletics, Basket Ball Boxing, Football, Hockey, Kabaddi, Shooting, Volleyball, Weight Lifting , Wrestling and Tug of War, these would be held from 28 February to 6 March, 2011 at Ludhiana, Mohali, Patiala and Jalandhar. The opening ceremony will be held at Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana on 28 February, 2011 at 6.00 PM and the closing ceremony has been scheduled for 6th March, 2011 at the same time at Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, Burlton Park, Jalandhar.

The games have been bifurcated into three groups. The first group consists of Hockey and Shooting, whereas the Hockey event would be conducted at Jalandhar and Shooting at Mohali. The second group would be organized at Patiala which includes the games of Boxing, Weight Lifting, Wrestling and Volleyball. In the third group the games are Athletics, Basketball, Football, Kabaddi and Tug of War which will be conducted at Ludhiana. The Matches would be played under flood lights and telecast live.

Apart from this the State Government is going to provide its sportsmen / women practicing these 11 sports disciplines, a golden opportunity to compete at the State Level by introduction of Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games for these 11 sports disciplines having prize money of Rs. 21.00 lacs for each sports discipline. The first three position holder teams in each discipline shall take home a Cash Prize of Rs.
9.00 lac, Rs. 7.00 lac & Rs. 5.00 lac, respectively.

The district teams for these prestigious games have been selected through open trials in most transparent manner. The selection committees include the District Sports Officers, concerned District Sports Associations and some prominent sports persons of the district belonging to the relevant sports discipline. Every district team including officials would be provided a sports kit of specific colour and design which shall be unique to the each district, which would cost the Deptt. around Rs. 1.00 crore. Sports persons who are domiciles of Punjab would be free to opt to play from any district side. This is being done to provide a balance in various district teams and also to enhance the goodwill and respect for sports persons.
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PUNJAB FIRST STATE IN THE COUNTRY TO ADOPT PROFESSIONAL MODEL TO PRESERVE ITS CULTURAL HERITAGE-SUKHBIR

· MoU between UNESCO and Punjab Tourism signed for Rs. 100 crore plan

New Delhi, February 26:
The Punjab Government today giant leap to put Rs. 100 crore culture preservation plan on fast track as Mrs. Geetika Kalha, Principal Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs and Mr. Armoogum Parsuramen, Director, UNESCO singed an MoU in the presence of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, to prepare a proper and professional policy for preservation of heritage and culture of Punjab.

Appreciating the noble initiative, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister said that Punjab was the first state in the country that has chosen professional model to preserve oldest cultural heritage of Punjab. He said that the State of Punjab was rich in tangible and intangible cultural heritage ranging from archaeological remains of the 5,000 year old Indus civilization right up to the planning and construction of the modernist capital of its Capital city- Chandigarh. He said that this heritage of the state displayed rich evidence of being a thriving and much sought about gateway to the subcontinent and key stop along important trade routes such as the linkages to the Silk road and later the Grand Trunk Road; encompassed not only tangible assets of archaeology and architecture, but a rich philosophy, poetry, spirituality, crafts, artistry, music, cuisine and multifold traditions.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that Government of Punjab through its Department of Culture, Archaeology and Museum had taken a unique and visionary initiative to develop a State Cultural Heritage Policy in order to guide the use of Rs. 100 crore funds in all fields with relevance to the cultural heritage and helping to improve institutional, legal and other frameworks to better preserve, manage and sustainably use its cultural heritage. He said that the Punjab Government had sought the assistance of UNESCO, New Delhi whose mandate is to protect and promote natural and cultural heritage, tangible and intangible, moveable and immoveable while enhancing international mutual understanding among nations and people.
Mr. Badal said that this project would be completed with in 18 months and Government has already earmarked Rs. 100 crore for this. He said that in the first phase focus would be on preservation of Monuments/Museums identified by UNESCO .

Mr. Badal said that the Archival heritage had been identified as a major strength of the State Government and efforts were also being made to preserve and conserve these by adopting modern and scientific techniques. Presently, the State Government Archives Departments has in its possession total archival record measuring 10 kilometers.

Speaking on the occasion Mrs. Geetika Kalha said that the plan would focus on a the built heritage including ancient monuments, urban and rural heritage settlements, structures, gardens, archaeological and physical heritage sites; and Artifacts, moveable assets of heritage value, museums, archives and other collections; and the wide field of crafts where related to the above sectors. It shall outline concrete programs and projects aimed at implementing the strategic framework. She said that UNESCO would provide technical assistance for the process of project design and identification, selection and hiring of lead consultants for this project. The Government of Punjab on the basis of the recommendations made by UNESCO (concerning experts, funds and terms of References), will engage the Lead Consultant Team, consisting of one very senior, international expert in heritage policies (A Lead Consultant), also being a subject specialist, with proven expertise and experience, a Team Leader and a support structure capable of delivering all elements of the project and managing funds, quality and people. It will also create a competent Panel of experts to monitor the quality and output of the Project. The recommendations of the Lead Consultant team will be periodically reviewed by a peer group of UNESCO, to iron out any flaws before the final project is delivered by UNESCO.
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Joint Entrance Test (JET) for admission to Polytechnic Engineering colleges to be held on 15 MAY 2011

Chandigarh, February 26:
Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Chandigarh shall be conducting Joint Entrance Test (JET) for the year 2011 on 15.05.2011 for admission to 24, three-year engineering diploma courses.

While disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training said that various diploma courses like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Communication, Computer Science, Fashion Designing, Architecture Assistantship etc. are available in 109 polytechnic colleges in Punjab state and more than 53000 seats are available for the students. The JET will be conducted in about 200 examination centres and Punjab and Chandigarh.

The spokesman further said that the Prospectus for entrance test will be available from 28th February 2011in the designated branches of Punjab National Bank, Suvidha Centres at District Head Quarters and polytechnic colleges in Punjab.

He said that Completed application forms will be accepted in the designated branches of Punjab National Bank on or before 09.04.2011. The Joint Entrance Test is based on the syllabus of 9th and 10th standard in the subject of English, Science, Mathematics, Aptitude and General awareness. There will be 200 questions each carrying four marks and to be attempted in three hours time on OMR response sheets. There will be not negative marking in the Joint Entrance Test 2011. For detailed information of JET 2011 you may please visit the website of the Board www.punjabteched.com and www.punjabteched.net, he added.
Here it is mentioned that in order to make the candidates aware of the type of questions to be attempted in JET, a refresher cum sample paper is also being published by the Board. The students who successfully complete the three-year diploma can seek employment in the public and private sector and can also get direct admission into 2nd year of B.Tech courses through LEET.

CM ASSAILS UNION RAILWAY BUDGET FOR IGNORING PUNJAB AND SHOWING COMPLETE INSENSITIVITY BY SKIPPING MAJOR PROJECTS

CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 25:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today assailed the Union Railway Budget- 2011-12 presented by Railway Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee for deliberately ignoring the interests of the border state of Punjab and disappointing the people of Punjab at the large. In a frontal attack on Ms. Banerjee, the Chief Minister described the Railway Budget as totally lopsided and unrealistic as the state of West Bengal has been unduly favoured by Ms. Banerjee being her native state. Mr. Badal said that the Union Railway Minister should have realized that she was not only representing West Bengal rather the entire country being at the helm of affairs in the Ministry of Railways as Union Minister. Mr. Badal termed the budget as lackluster as Punjab did not find any mention about major railway projects and allotment of new railway lines in its proposal. He said that our people felt cheated for this step motherly treatment and injustice meted out to Punjab which had hurt the sentiments of Punjabis who had made enormous contribution in national development process especially in making country self reliant in food production. He said that numerous requests made by the state government at different forums for installation of new railway lines and other related projects goes unheard which shows the complete insensitivity on the part of Railway Ministry and unending saga of excesses by the Congress led UPA government against this border state. The Chief Minister further said that the railway budget proposals also did not reflected the aspirations of the common man in any way as there were no specific relief measures for the poor people in the promises and commitments made in the budget proposals. …

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SUKHBIR PROTESTS AT TOTALLY IGNORING PUNJAB IN RAILWAY BUDGET
· NO MID TERM ELECTIONS IN PUNJAB
· SAD TO PRESS FOR JUDICIAL INQUIRY IN CHILLAR HOND MASSACRE
· DEDICATES RS. 75 CRORES PROJECTS TO THE PUBLIC


Mansa, February 25: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today lashed at Congress led UPA government for totally ignoring Punjab in the railway budget presented by Ms. Mamata Benerjee in the Parliament.

Talking to media persons after Sangat Darshan here today Mr. Badal said that Ms. Mamata Benerjee while presenting the railway budget should have known that she is representing the whole country not only West Bengal or Rae Bareli. He said that if we go by the proposals of railway budget today, it seems that Punjab does not exist on the map of India, as she has not allocated the single penny, single train, a single kilometer railway track for the granary of the country that was feeding the whole nation. Mr. Badal said that what to call of sanctioning the new rail for Punjab, Ms. Mamata Benerjee has failed to start Rails announced by her during last year Railway Budget.

Lashing at Punjab Congress MPs for their failure to protect the interest of Punjab in the Rail Budget, Mr. Badal said that these Congress MPs instead of Yatra or road show dramas should have staged the dharna at Railway Ministry to get new rail links and new rail project sanctioned for Punjab. He said that Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu had written numerous letters to Union Railway Minister for introducing Shatabadi between Bathinda-Mansa- New Delhi, Chandigarh-Amritsar Express train, up-gradation of Amritsar- Ludhiana and Bathinda Railway stations , extension of Rail freight corridor upto Amritsar allocation of additional bogeys to Punjab to clear the stock of wheat and rice rotting in Punjab godowns and taking it to other states, additional bogeys for transportation of fertilizers from Kandla port to Punjab but Punjab has been fully ignored, confirming the charge of discrimination against NDA ruled states including Punjab.
Mr. Badal said that he along with Chief Minister would soon call on Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to lodge a strong protest over step motherly treatment to Punjab in the Railway Budget.
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Punjab Government has spent Rs.547 core on the up-gradation of existing and construction of new Grain Markets in the state


CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 25:

With a view to facilitate the farmers to sell their produce comfortable, the Punjab Government has spent Rs.547 core on the up-gradation of existing and construction of new Grain Markets in the state. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that 900 Agriculture Machinery service centers were also established for providing latest Agriculture Machinery on custom hiring basis to reduce the cost of production.
The spokesman said that 10 new pack houses were being set up to facilitate marketing infrastructure for fruits and vegetables. About 750 Net-Houses were also being established for cultivation of Vegetables. He further said that 4000 dairy farms had also been established to give big boost to commercial dairy farming. Nine new Veterinary Polyclinics were also set up besides completion of 19 new buildings for Veterinary Hospitals to provide better animal health facilities to the dairy farmers of the state.

 

 

 

 

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