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CM EXPRESSES SHOCK OVER THE TRAGIC BUS ACCIDENT
- ANNOUNCES EX GRATIA GRANT OF RS 1 LAKH EACH FOR THE NEXT OF KIN OF DECEASED
CHANDIGARH JUNE 30:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic bus accident near village Kauli (Patiala) in which four passengers were killed and about 21 injured, 5 seriously. This ill-fated bus of PRTC coming from Chandigarh for Patiala, when it collided with a road side tree after loosing balance.
Expressing profound grief and sorrow over this accident, Mr Badal shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved families and prayed to the Almighty to give them courage to bear this irreparable loss in the hour of crisis and grant peace to the departed souls. Meanwhile the Chief Minister also announced an Ex-Gratia grant Rs 1 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs. 25000/- to each seriously injured and free treatment to passengers of minor injury and seriously injured.
. Mr. Badal also directed the District Administration to provide free treatment to all the injured.
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40 CRORE NEW SAPLINGS TO BE PLANTED IN NEXT 8 YEARS- CM
BADAL ASKS DCs TO PLAY A PROACTIVE ROLE IN MAKING “GREENING PUNJAB CAMPAIGN” A PUBLIC MOVEMENT
TAKE STERN ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL MINERS: CM TOLD DCs
BADAL TAKES MEETING OF ALL THE DCs
Chandigarh, June 30-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that in order to make the state clean, green and pollution free, the SAD-BJP alliance government has set up a target of planting 40 crore new saplings across the state in next eight years.
Presiding over a high level meeting of the top brass of the state government and all the Deputy Commissioners (DCs), the Chief Minister said that the state government would be formally launching the “Greening Punjab Campaign’ on Sunday from Fazilka for enhancing the forests cover in the state. He said that they have set a target of planting five crore saplings every year for which the DCs are required to play a proactive role for transforming this campaign into a public movement. Mr Badal asked the DCs to identify the vacant government land in their respective districts for ensuring massive plantation on it.
Likewise the Chief Minister asked the Financial Commissioner Forests Mr DS Bains to personally visit all the districts of the state to monitor the plantation drive at ground root level. He said that there was no dearth of fund and keeping in view the importance of greenery in the state, the Punjab Government had already constituted a dedicated “Greening Punjab Fund” specifically for this purpose. Mr Badal also said that he would be regularly monitoring this campaign and asked the DCs to submit weekly reports in his office regarding it. He also asked the DCs to constitute district level monitoring committees apart from appointing the Nodal officers for this campaign so that it could be carried out in an effective manner.
Taking part in the deliberations the Chief Minister further said that the state government was fully committed to check the illegal mining in the state for which a new Mining policy would be announced by the state government in coming days. He said that the Cabinet Sub Committee constituted on the matter has already submitted its recommendations to the state government which would be incorporated into the policy. Mr Badal categorically directed the DCs to take strictest possible action against the illegal miners in their respective districts, regardless of their political affiliations, so that it could be checked effectively. Mr Badal further said that any sort of leniency in checking this unlawful trade would not be tolerated at any cost.
Discussing the measures being taken by the state government for controlling floods in Punjab, the Chief Minister also directed the DCs to personally supervise the ongoing flood protection works in their districts to tackle with any sort of eventuality rising out of ensuing monsoon. He said that the required funds for flood protection have been already released by the state government and the DCs must ensure that all the flood control works were completed by July 7. Mr Badal also approved to release Rs 5 lakh for each district to enable the DCs to pay compensation promptly for any loss of property or cattle of the people during the monsoon season.
Reiterating the commitment of the state government to provide uninterrupted power supply of eight hours to the farmers during the ongoing paddy season, the Chief Minister asked the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that any sort of power failure due to local power break down was addressed promptly so that the inconvenience caused to the farmers on this count could be avoided.
Likewise the Chief Minister also said that in the month of September the procurement of paddy crop would start for which the DCs should ensure adequate storage capacity for paddy, well in advance. He asked the officers to remain well prepared by earmarking the required storage capacity of food grains in their districts so that the crop could be properly stored.
During the meeting the Chief Minister also directed the DCs to ensure installation of proper fire Fighting systems in the government offices. He said that the state government has already conducted a survey regarding the requirement of up gradation of fire fighting in the big cities of the state, so that Fire fighting staff could be made capable of coping up with any sort of mishap.
Likewise the Chief Minister also asked the DCs to collaborate with the Gaushalas in their respective districts for tackling the menace of stray cattle. He said that it was the need of the hour to take effective steps to tackle this grave problem, which was causing a lot of inconvenience to the people. In the same manner Mr Badal also said that serious efforts need to be made for tackling the problem of stray dogs both in the cities and villages of the state because it was posing a serious threat to human life.
The Chief Minister also asked the DCs to ensure that Shaguns under Shagun Scheme must be disbursed to the beneficiaries’ in-time so that poor people could be benefited. He also asked the officers to ensure that all the pending cases, if any, related to the scheme must be disposed off at the earliest. In the same manner Mr Badal also asked the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that the pending dues of the old and widow pensions is also cleared at the earliest so that people could be benefited from it. The Chief Minister directed the DCs to personally monitor the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Scheme of the Pension disbursal by having regular meetings with the concerned banks so that beneficiaries could get the pension at their doorsteps besides checking the malpractice of fraudulent pension cases.
Mr Badal told the officers that the state government was committed for supply of potable drinking water in all the villages of the state by December 2013 for which the DCs must ensure that the state government’s scheme in collaboration with the World Bank and Government of India (GoI) was properly implemented.
The Chief Minister reiterated that in order to facilitate the people for getting their routine administrative works done the DCs must attend their offices regularly and ensure their presence for three days viz. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Apart from this, Mr Badal asked the officers to regularly tour the villages under their jurisdiction to make themselves apprised with the problems of their areas to ensure its timely resolution.
Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Cabinet Ministers Mr Chunni Lal Bhagat and Mr Sikander Singh Maluka, Chief Secretary Mr Rakesh Singh, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr NS Kang, Financial Commissioner Forest Mr DS Bains, Principal Secretary Local Government Mr Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary Irrigation Mr KBS Sidhu, Principal Secretary Finance Mr Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary Rural Development Mr Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema and Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary Social Security Mr R Venkatratnam, Secretary Transport Mr Mandeep Singh, Secretary Personnel and Co-ordination Mr Ashok Gupta besides all the Deputy Commissioners and their representatives.
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Capt Amarinder asks Dasuya voters to remind Akali-BJP of betrayal, failed promises
DASUYA (JALLANDHAR), June 30:
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today asked the voters of Dasuya to remind the Akali-BJP alliance of the failed promises and the betrayal with people of Punjab.
Addressing a public meeting in support of the party candidate for the byelection, Arun Mickey Dogra here today, Capt Amarinder dispelled the notion that the byelections were inconsequential. "The outcome may not have any bearing on the survival of the government, but you can convey a firm message to the government that it has failed and betrayed you", he told the voters.
The PCC President pointed out, the alliance had promised round the clock electricity to people, but has not been providing even for 8 hours. He asked, "what happened to that promise". Moreover, he added, the power projects they were claiming to be setting up in Punjab had no commitment towards the state. He said, the state government was facilitating land acquisition for them without any benefit to the state.
He also referred to the problem of water in the kandi belt. He said, people were not getting drinking water even in this area.
Asserting that this government had miserably failed, Capt Amarinder asked, what happened to the promise of unemployment allowance to the 47 lakh unemployed youth? He pointed out, in the recent budget they had gone back all the promises they had made in the manifesto before the elections.
Referring to the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal's claims in the assembly that there were no vendetta cases he remarked,"it is so easy to deny it in the house, but the matter of the fact is that they have been and they continue to resort to vendetta by registering false cases and victimising the Congress workers".
He pointed out, only recently an Akali worker shot dead a youth while injuring 2 others after grabbing their land near Mukerian.
Making a fervent appeal to the people to vote for the Congress, he said, "make them (the Akali-BJP alliance) realise that you are really not happy with the government as not only has it failed on its promises, but also failed to maintain law and order". He said, what happened in Punjab after election results or during the Municipal Corporation elections was for everybody to see.
Speaking on the occasion, the Congress Legislative Party leader said, the Akali-BJP alliance was trapped in its own contradictions and the two alliance partners were keen to run down each other. He said, this was going to help the Congress.
Jakhar said, this government was neck deep in corruption with two of its ministers already removed on corruption charges while third one Gulzar Singh Ranike waiting to go after his PA was found to had embezzled Rs 1.5 crores meant for shagun of the poor girls.
He expressed confidence that the Congress was certain to win this election and announced that all the party MLAs will camp and campaign here till the election day.
Expressing his gratitude to the party for reposing trust in him, Arun Dogra promised to work hard and win the election for the party.
Among others present on the occasion included local MP Santosh Chaudhry, senior leaders Kewal Dhillon, Rana KP, Rana Gurjeet, OP Soni, Sukhjinder Randhawa, Sangat Singh Giljian, Love Kumar Goldy, shyam Sunder Arora, Harminder Gill, Amarjit Singh Samra, Satnam Singh Kainth, Ramesh Chander Dogra, Chaudhry Santokh and others.
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Joshan, Majithia, Puri rejoin Congress
DASUYA (JALLANDHAR), June 30: Hansraj Jossan, Lali Majithia and Naresh Puri today joined the Congress in presence of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh, Congress Legislative Party Leader Sunil Jakhar and other senior leaders of the party at a public rally here today.
Welcoming them into the party fold, PCC President said, their homecoming will strengthen the party as they hold lot of influence in their respective areas. He said, these leaders had contested the elections independently as they felt that they deserved the party nomination. He said, taking into consideration the public support the party decided to induct them back.
Giving details, Capt Amarinder said, Jossan who contested against Sukhbir Badal from Jalalabad constituency got over 31,000 votes while Lali Majithia and Naresh Puri got 27,000 each. Lali Majithia contested againt Bikram Singh Majithia from Majithia assembly segment.
Talking to reporters about their rejoining the party, they said, they had contested independently to register their protest and make a point that they had been unjustifiedly denied the tickets. They said, they were feeling relieved after their homecoming.
Earlier, independent MLA from Mukerian Rajneesh Bubby also joined the Congress. Capt Amarinder announced that some more leaders will be rejoining the party in coming days.
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ONE IAS OFFICER TRANSFERRED, TWO DCs GET ADDITIONAL CHARGE
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 30:
The Punjab Government today issued the transfer orders of Mrs. Tanu Kashyap, Additional Secretary, Cooperation as Deputy Commissioner, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar in place of Mrs. Shruti Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, who is going on training with effect from 2nd July, 2012.
Disclosing further, an official spokesman of the Punjab Government said that on account of proceeding on Training of Mr. K.K. Yadav, Deputy Commissioner, Bathinda, Mr. Ravi Bhagat, Deputy Commissioner, Faridkot would hold the charge of the post of Deputy Commissioner, Bathinda in addition to his present assignment for the period from 2.7.2012 to 24.8.2012.
Likewise, on account of proceeding on training of Mr. Rajat Agarwal, Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar, Mr. Priyank Bharti, Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar would hold the charge of the post of Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar, in addition to his present assignment during the period from 2.7.2012 to 24.8.2012.
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HEALTH MINISTER DIRECT CIVIL SURGEONS TO REMAIN VIGILANT TO PREVENT DISEASE OUTBREAKS
Chandigarh, 30 June:
Sh Madan Mohan Mittal, Health & Family Welfare Minister, Punjab here today said that July month would be celebrated as Anti-Dengue month across the state and asked the Health Department officers to step up awareness activities to educate people regarding the preventive measures to protect themselves from these diseases. He informed that the number of cases of Malaria during the year 2012 (till May) has been less than the number of cases of Malaria (upto May) 2011, whereas only 9 cases of dengue had been reported till June 2012 as compared to 51 cases of dengue last year till June. Neither any cases of other vector borne disease viz. Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, Kala Azar and Lymphatic Filariasis have been reported. He was here to chair a high level conference of Civil Surgeons of the state at Chandigarh on Saturday. The Health Minister also discussed various outbreaks of Water borne diseases reported from Ghanaur, Madanpur (Patiala District), Chamkaur Sahib (Ropar), Hoshiarpur, Fatehpur Sialwa, Barauli, Tiwana (Ajitgarh District) recently. He appreciated the prompt response by the district officials in identifying and controlling these outbreaks. He prodded that proper contact with the district administration as well stakeholder departments like Panchayat and Rural Development, Water Supply & Sanitation, Local Bodies, Municipal Committees etc to make sure rectification of underline factors and ensuring supply of potable water through these departments for prevention of such outbreaks. Mittal was apprised by officers that though no new cases of H1N1 (Swine Flu) were being reported in the state at the moment; however the department was fully prepared to meet any adverse situation.
Ms Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Health; Sh Raj Kamal Chowdhry, Secretary, Health, Smt. Raji P. Shrivastava, MD, Punjab Health Systems Corporation, Sh S.K. Sharma, Mission Director, NRHM, Punjab, Dr J.P. Singh, Director Health & Family Welfare, Punjab and Dr Karanjit Singh, Director Family Welfare, Punjab were present during the conference.
The Health Minister directed the senior officers of Health Department to hold frequent meetings with heads of other concerned departments for better coordination of control of Dengue and Malaria. He asked the health department to remain vigilant and geared up to tackle any possible outbreaks of the water-borne and vector borne diseases like Diarrhoea, Malaria, Dengue etc especially in view of the oncoming monsoon season. He asked the officers of the health department to issue fresh communications to Deputy Commissioners of all the districts of Punjab asking them to take appropriate measures at their level in coordination with all the concerned departments and ensure that meetings of the District level monitoring committees are conducted at regular intervals under their chairpersonship. He made an appeal to the various sections of the society including the social and religious heads of the state urging them to sensitize people to follow the preventive measures and other instructions and guidelines issued by the state health department to guard themselves against these diseases. He said that there was no need to panic, during any such outbreak as all Government hospitals in the state were fully equipped to tackle such an eventuality. The department has specially provided Blood component Separators in all 20 district level hospitals and 6 Aphresis machines at Civil Hospital Amritsar, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Sangrur and Mohali for effective management of such cases.
Ms. Vini Mahajan while reviewing the overall performance of the department and progress under other important National programmes like National Rural Health Mission, AIDS Control, Revised National TB Control Programme, PNDT (Sex-Ratio), Immunization etc, asked the Civil Surgeons to play a proactive role in providing better health care services to the people of the state. Dr J.P. Singh discussed and reviewed various performance indicators of different districts and individual achievements of benchmarks by the doctors.
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BADAL ASKS GOI TO ALLOT WHEAT EXPORT SHARE TO THE STATES AS PER THEIR STOCK
CHANDIGARH JUNE 29, 2012
As the Government of India (GoI) is likely to get the permission to export four million tones of wheat from India, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal demanded from the Central Government that the wheat should be exported from the states on the proportion on which wheat stock was lying with the respective states.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of Chief Minister’s office said that Mr. Badal had demanded that larger export share must be allotted to those states where the stored quantity of wheat was more.
Expressing his apprehension, Mr. Badal categorically said that it would be unjust if wheat from the states with low holding be lifted first for export. In the larger interest of the beleaguered farming community in the state, priority must be given to Punjab with had large stock of surplus wheat, added Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister also reminded the centre that the state had not only exhausted its natural resources like ground water and soil but also beared the expanse of costly diesel, fertilizers and other agro inputs to produce record crops for the nation. Mr. Badal asked the centre to consider all these facts before deciding to allot export share of wheat to the states.
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PUNJAB TO SET UP FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT LADHOWAL
FRI DEHRADUN TO PROVIDE FULL TECHNICAL SUPPORT
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 29-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave in principle approval to establish a Forest Research Institute in the state in order to boost agro-forestry besides, undertaking a massive plantation drive effectively across the state to make Punjab clean, green and pollution free.
Decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal during a meeting with the Director, Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun Dr. P.P. Bhoj Vaid held here today at Chief Minister’s residence.
Taking part in the deliberations Mr. Badal asked the FRI Director to prepare a comprehensive plan of this proposed institution at the earliest. He further assigned the job of monitoring and evaluation of the work being carried out by the Punjab Forest Department under all schemes including Greening Punjab Mission.
On the occasion Dr. Vaid emphasised the need to produce good quality genetic seeds of different verities for the production of high quality plants especially clonal sapling in the state and assured to provide full technical support to the Forest department in this regard besides, arranging adequate seeds through other institutions in the country. He also presented a detailed concept and scope of agro-forestry in the state, besides the proposed plantation drive ‘Greening Punjab Campaign’.
Appreciating the concern expressed by the Director FRI on the issue, Mr. Badal said that their government had already initiated numerous steps to increase the forest area in the state. He further said that with the concerted efforts of the forest department Punjab had achieved India’s first-state status by increasing 100 square kilometer of new forest area in its green cover during year 2010-11. He said that keeping in view the developments and needs for the next 20 years the department had identified vacant and shrub covered land in different institutions even across the national and state highways for aforestation and a massive plantation drive would be launched at Fazilka on July 1, 2012.
Mr. Badal asked FRI Dehradun to adopt practical approach in developing clonal nurseries, presently there were 210 general and about seven clonal nurseries in the state. It was observed that the plants produced in the clonal nurseries have a better survival rate than the normal plants and Government was planning to double these nurseries soon, added Mr. Badal.
The Chief Minister said that government would also chalk out a comprehensive plan in accordance with the FRI to further boost agro-forestry for providing an additional economic support for the farmers of the state.
Forest Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jyani, Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Financial Commissioner Forest Mr. DS Bains, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr, Gaggandip Singh Brar, Principal Chief Conservator Mr HS Gujral and Vice Chancellor PAU Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon were also present in the meeting.
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AMBASSADOR OF IRAN CALLS ON CM
CHANDIGARH JUNE 29:
The Ambassador of Iran Mr. Saiyad Mehdi Nabi Zadeh today called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.
Taking part in the deliberations during a meeting with Mr. Badal at Chief Minister’s residence this evening, Mr. Mahdi appreciated the hardworking and adventurous character for which Punjabis are renowned across the globe.
Mr. Badal apprised the visiting envoy that Punjab’s economy was mostly an agrarian and one could easily judge the perseverance Punjabis through the fact that Punjab state even having less than 2% of the entire land of the country was a major contributor of food grains to the national kitty with its 42% share of rice and 50% that of wheat.
Mr. Badal said that their SAD-BJP government had successfully created a congenial atmosphere for the growth of Industrial sector, besides giving good governance and effectively achieved higher economic growth, thus improved the fiscal situation of the state. It had also initiated the process to establish new Power generation plants to over come the acute shortage of Power in the state and these efforts would make Punjab a Power surplus state by next two year. He said that there was a major scope to further expand economic & business ties in wide range of fields like information technology, marketing of petroleum products, agriculture produce, sharing of educational tools, engineering technologies, which could be of immense mutual benefit for the people on both sides.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister honoured the Mr. Mehdi by presenting him a Sword, and a Plaque as a token of love and affection on behalf of the Punjabis.
Secretary PWD (B&R) Mr. PS Aujla and Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar were also present in the meeting.
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ISSUES LESS CONGRESS HAS REDUCED VIDHAN SABHA TO A SINGING STAGE -MAJITHIA
· CONGRESS HAS LOWERED THE SANCTITY OF ‘ZERO HOUR’
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 29:
Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue, Public Relations Minister and President Youth Akali Dal today lambasted Congress Party for reducing the sanctity of zero hour in the Vidhan Sabha by raising the issues not of public interest and treating the sacred floor of Punjab Vidhan Sabha as Recording studio.
Referring to the unfortunate ‘Singing Bout’ of Congress MLA during zero hour, Mr. Majithia said instead of using zero hour for public interest, Congress Party has stooped so low that its MLAs supported by his party MLAs, has started singing to seek few headlines. He said that every Congress worker has realized that ground was slipping below their feet and the ship of Congress Party was sinking too fast, to be comprehended by them. He said that first total decimation in Vidhan Sabha polls and ‘Zero Peformance’ in the civic elections, considered the fiefdom of Congress Party as demoralized the Congress Party to an extent that they have started abnormal exercises just to attract media attention. He said that Congress workers were so demoralized that they were mentally prepared for total wash out in Parliamentary Election of 2014. He said that Congress legislator should not be blamed for not raising issue of Public interest and singing song instead as total party was issueless and they were using the practice of ‘zero hour’ to settle their internal contradictions in the party instead of focusing on interest of people, who have elected them for this sacred duty. He said that people of Punjab during last five and half year have witnessed the fact that Congress Party was devoid of any issues and was concentrating on issues of ‘personal interests and personal business ventures’.
He said that the members of Constituent Assembly of our Constitution had had allowed the practice of ‘Zero Hour’, so that representatives of people could be allowed to rake up issues of utmost public importance which were otherwise not covered under Vidhan Sabha Rules for a specific motion. He said that it was unfortunate that Congress Party has used the practice of zero hour for slanging match instead of focusing on public interest.
Referring to the honest admission made by Mr. Mohammad Sadique before his singing exposition in the ‘Zero Hour’, Mr. Majithia said that even Congress rank and file has admitted the fact that Punjab was safe only in the hands of Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal. He said that the views of Mr. Sadique were reflection of public mood that has given thumbs up to SAD-BJP government. He said that it was for the first time that Congress MLA has admitted the fact Mr. Parkash Singh Badal was loved by every citizen of Punjab and he was the messiah of poor people of the state. He said that he has stated on the record that whosoever has gone to house of Chief Minister has not come back empty handed. He said that this assertion by Congress MLA has nailed the repeated lies of vendetta politics being alleged by their leadership.
Mr. Majithia said that SAD-BJP Government under the leadership of Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal by focusing on all issues concerning the welfare of public have left Congress Party to dangle their favourite ‘Khoonda’. He said that people of Punjab have reposed their faith in SAD-BJP Government as they felt that Shiromani Akali Dal has a vision and ability to take Punjab on the pinnacle of glory. Mr. Majithia said that Congress Party instead of reading the pulse of people of Punjab and work constructively with the government has reduced sacred floor of Vidhan Sabha as ‘recording studio’, in frustration. He said that day is not far off, when they would start dancing in the house as they have no issue to raise.
Calling upon Congress leadership to introspect for their failure and connect with people to understand their problems instead of raising frivolous issues, Mr. Majithia said that if the performance of Congress Party in the Vidhan Sabha was any indicator, it was suggesting total decimation of Congress Party in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.
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Vigilance Bureau Punjab
VB TO INVESTIGATE SCAM IN SALE OF STAMP PAPERS AT DERA BASSI
VIGILANCE REGISTERS CASE AGAINST PANCHAYAT SECRETARY, EO & OTHERS
Chandigarh July 29-Vigilance Bureau Punjab has registered three FIRs against the accused in three different vigilance cases in the state. Disclosing this Mr Suresh Arora, DGP-cum-Chief Director Vigilance Bureau Punjab said that on a letter of Finance Department to investigate a scam in sale of stamp papers, the VB has enquired into matter against the suspect officers and officials of Sub-Treasury Dera Bassi District Ajitgarh. After finding the allegations as true, the VB has registered a FIR u/s 409, 120-B, 467, 468, 471 IPC and 13(1) (d) r/w 13 (2) Prevention of Corruption Act at Police Station VB, FS-I at Ajitgarh and further investigation was under progress.
The VB chief added that on the basis of a source report generated by Vigilance Bureau it was detected that Avtar Singh Azad Executive Officer Improvement Trust Jalandhar, Ashok Nahar Suprintendent, Pawan Kumar Clerk and Udhey Singh Stamp Vendor, Manjit Singh Sethi property dealer and Amarjit Kaur w/o Manjit Singh property dealer by preparing bogus papers in connivance with each other had succeeded in getting transferred the property (flat) of one Sh. Prem Kumar Arora (already expired) in the name of accused Amarjit Kaur. Therefore, a case u/s 420, 120-B, 467, 468, 471 IPC and 13(1) (d) r/w 13 (2) 88 PC Act at FIR No. 2/2012, Police Station VB, Jalandhar has been registered and was under investigation.
He further said that the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats has intimated the Bureau that the alleged accused Gurdev Singh Sarpanch Timowal, Block Jandiala Guru in District Amritsar and Niranjan Singh Panchayat Secretary (Presently Panchayat Officer, Khadoor Sahib) have withdrawn a sum of Rs. 18,96,061 from the bank account of Gram Panchayat Timowal fraudently. On the recommendation of Panchayats department the vigilance bureau has registered a case under u/s 409, 420, 467, 468, 471 IPC and 13(1) (d) r/w 13 (2) 1988 Prevention of Corruption Act at Police Station VB, Amritsar and case was under investigation.
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PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA ADOPTS UNANIMOUS RESOLUTION URGING GoI FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF SARABJEET SINGH
BADAL ANNOUNCES ALL POSSIBLE HELP FOR REHABILITATION OF SURJEET SINGH
Chandigarh, June 29-
Punjab Vidhan Sabha today unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Government of India (GoI) to again take up the matter of the release of Indian convict Mr Sarabjeet Singh, who was on death row with the Pakistan Government.
A resolution to this effect was moved by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal in the legislative assembly, which also requested the GoI to take necessary steps for the release of several Prisoners of War (PoW) and other Indians who were languishing in jails of Pakistan due to legal impediments.
Expressing happiness over the recent release of Mr Surjeet Singh, who had spent almost 30 years of his life in Pakistan jail, the Chief Minister felicitated him, his family members, all the Punjabis and countrymen on behalf of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and SAD-BJP alliance government. He also announced that Punjab Government would seriously contemplate to extend appropriate help for the rehabilitation of Mr Surjeet Singh within the legal frame work, as per the wishes of his family.
The Chief Minister in the resolution further said that he along with the entire countrymen welcomed the decision for release of Mr Surjeet Singh and felt the need to create an atmosphere of harmony between both the countries, which would be beneficial for people across the border, by releasing Mr Sarabjeet Singh, who was on death row since long. Mr Badal also mentioned that the immediate release of Mr Sarabjeet Singh would further boost the ties between both the nations in the present cordial scenario, especially created after the opening of Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari. The Chief Minister said that he had already taken up the issue for seeking release of Mr Sarabjeet Singh with the Union Government several times personally and through correspondence also. The resolution also specifically pointed out that even some organizations in Pakistan have also raised the issue of Sarabjeet’s innocence.
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SUMMER VACATION IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF PUNJAB EXTENDS FOR ONE WEEK
Chandigarh, June 28
The Punjab Government has extended the summer vacations in primary schools of Punjab for another one week.
Disclosing this here today Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka that the Punjab Government considering the blazing hot condition decided to extend the summer vacations in primary schools.
He said that primary schools would reopen on 9th July whereas middle, high and secondary would open as per the schedule i.e. on 2nd July.
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CONGRESS RAKES UP ISSUES JUST FOR THE SAKE OF BOYCOTTS: MAJITHIA
- EXCISE COLLECTION INCREASED FROM Rs. 7326 CRORE TO Rs. 10870.90 CRORE i.e. 48 %
- RECORD INCREASE IN VAT COLLECTION FROM Rs. 19975 CRORES TO Rs. 44203 CRORES i.e. 121%
- ENTERTAINMENT AND LUXURY TAX UP BY 97%
- TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTION INCREASED BY 101.72%
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 28:
Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue and Information and Public Relations Minister today lashed out at the Congress Party for deliberately raking up certain baseless issues in the Vidhan Sabha for the last five years just for the sake of boycotting the ensuing session. Mr. Majithia said that the Congress Party has yet to come out of the shock after the defeat in both Vidhan Sabha and recently held civic bodies' elections in the state. He also said that the SAD-BJP combine would also win all the 13 Parliamentary seats in the coming 2014 Parliament Elections. Congress would be irrelevant from the political scene of Punjab.
In a statement issued here, Mr. Majithia said that the leaders of the Congress were trying to demonstrate their concern over public issues in and outside Vidhan Sabha where as in reality they were involved in frivolities. Terming the leaders of the congress party with having double standards, Mr. Majithia said that there has been a well defined "pecuniary agreement" between top congressmen and some individuals aiming at their personal gains in general and ruining the state in particular. He also said that during 2002-07 state under Congress’ regime was in terribly bad fiscal health because of the autocratic and self centered approach of its leaders.
Divulging the revenue collection details during congress regime, Mr. Majithia said that total revenue collected from VAT, Excise during Congress regime from 2002-07 was only 27339.66 crore which was increased to 55148.89 crore during 2007-12. He said that this increase of 101.72% in revenue collection was done merely by checking the tax evasion and not by imposing fresh taxes on people.
Mr. Majithia said that the number of quarries has been reduced to 241 in 2011-12 from a total 527 in 2007-08. This reduction was due to the environmental clearances norms fixed by Government of India, which are mandatory and there was no role of state government in this. He said that the revenue collection from these quarries has also increased from Rs. 52 crores during Congress regime to Rs. 172 crores by the ruling SAD-BJP combine. He asked the Congress Party to explain about the loss in revenue collection during their regime and it was the Congress Party, who was solely responsible for this huge loss to the state exchequer.
He said that the Government had shut down the sand mining due to reports of alleged illegal mining reported in a section of media and it was moral duty of Government to take cognizance of such reports and to initiate an inquiry. He said that now the Congress is being very unfair and hypocrite while criticizing the Government’s action which was earlier demanded by them.
Appreciating Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal's concern for the welfare of state, Mr. Majithia said that the SAD-BJP government is committed to provide clean and transparent administration.
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Cm’s reply on vendetta politics
CONFRONTATION POLITICS AND VENDETTA FINDS NO MENTION IN SAD-BJP ALLIANCE GOVERNMENT
OUR GOVERNMENT’S STANCE ON NO POLITICAL VENDETTA STANDS VINDICATED – BADAL
CHANDIGARH JUNE 28, 2012
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reiterated that cult of confrontation politics and vendetta had no place in the policies and programs of the SAD-BJP alliance government.
Mr. Badal was making a statement here on the floor of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in reply to the wild accusations made by the leader of the opposition Mr. Sunil Jakhar against the SAD-BJP government on the reign of alleged political vendetta unleashed on the thousands of Congress party workers and leaders. The Chief Minister said that as against 20,000 cases of vendetta alleged by the former Chief Minister and President PPCC Capt. Amarinder Singh over the past five years, he and his party had been able to bring to our notice just four cases against the Congress workers, that too on frivolous grounds like elopement, family property disputes etc.
Mr. Badal further said that in addition to this Capt. Amarinder Singh and the leader of opposition Mr. Sunil Jakhar had pointed out “thousands of other cases of vendetta against congress men” since January this year. Of these also, they have been able to pin point just 35 cases, out of which also 26 were filled during the period when the administration was directly under the supervision of Election Commission because of the model code of election conduct.
Mr. Badal said it was his bounden duty to get these cases enquired into by not at the lower level of SHO, DSP or SP but he had entrusted this task to the DGP to get them investigated at the level of a senior police officer not below the rank of DIG under direct supervision of IG Crime.
The Chief Minister placed before the house the full details of the cases alleged by the congress as well as the action taken by the present government. He emphasized that not a single cases involved any eminent political person. Mr. Badal categorically said that all these cases had been investigated in a fair and transparent manner. Mr. Badal asserted “If the leader of opposition or any other member is still not satisfied with the investigations then Mr. Jakhar was most welcome to personally enquire into the facts”.
Mr. Badal assured the house that SAD-BJP regime was the perfect example of “Ram Rajya” where only the rule of law would prevail and if any complaint was brought to their notice it would be looked into with full sincerity and the same would be addressed, in case found to be genuine. Mr. Badal in his all humility urged the members of the House to refrain from the politics of leveling allegations recklessly against each other. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi on the significance of dispensation of justice to the people, Mr. Badal referred “We win justice quickest by rendering justice to the other party”. He also quoted a famous Shalok of Baba Sheikh Farid from Gurbani “Farida Bure Da Bhala Kar, Gussa Man Na Handaye, Dehi Rog Na Lagye, Palle Sabh Kich Paye”.
Mr. Badal lamented that Mr. Jakhar and Capt. Amarinder Singh had been blaming the SAD-BJP government at every platform for registering fake cases against Congress workers. He had been repeatedly asking both of them to hand over the list of fake cases registered out of political vendetta against 20,000 Congress workers to get them thoroughly investigated but Mr. Jakhar came out with the list of just 39 cases. “All this has vindicated the stand of our government that we never believed in politics of vendetta as claimed by opposition”.
Mr. Badal however, reminded the opposition that Capt. Amarinder Singh blatantly misused vendetta in the state politics thus laying its foundation for the first time during his regime from 2002-07 which had unfortunately vitiated the political atmosphere in the state. Mr. Badal said he being the votary of consensus politics throughout his political career always enjoyed cordial ties with the former Congress Chief Ministers in the state viz. Giani Zail Singh, Darbara Singh, Beant Singh and Harcharan Singh Brar, on the contrary Capt. Amarinder Singh indulged in systematic repression, suppression, injustice besides unleashing bouts of political vendetta on him, his family members, party leaders and workers just to settle personal score.
Mr. Badal dared the leader of opposition Mr. Jakhar why he and his party leaders maintained stoic silence when Capt. Amarinder Singh was bent upon to register fake cases against him, his wife, senior party colleagues including Ajit Singh Kohar & his daughter in law, Jagdish Singh Garcha & his three brothers, Nirmal Singh Kahlon & his daughter in law, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Gurdev Singh Badal and his son, Rattan Singh Ajnala, Jagdeep Singh Nakai, Sohan Singh Thandal, Sucha Singh Langah, Chairman Tejinder Pal Singh Sandhu along with 8 members and Secretary of SSS Board, Jarnail Singh Wahid, Parkash Singh Gardiwala, Virsa Singh Valtoha and Tota Singh. Mr. Badal asked the Congress men “where were you at that time when we were made target of political vendetta”.
Mr. Badal said his government has started a new chapter of amity, goodwill, mutual trust and friendship where the opposition was always held in high esteem as the politics of bitterness, hatred and confrontation was not a part of his nature. Since day one, Mr. Badal said: “When there was vendetta against us, we faced it bravely here and never took in to Centre or Governor but on the other hand Congress leaders had been making hue and cry and indulging in false propaganda about thousands of fake cases at every forum including the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Governor”. He appealed to the members of the house to bring an end to the era of vendetta politics and confrontation to ensure overall development and prosperity of the state and its people.
…
List of cases
- Out of these 39:
- Registered Cases : 34
- Complaints : 5
- Out of alleged falsely registered 39 cases
- Cases registered during five years upto - 4
declaration of election i.e. 23.12.2011
- Cases registered during election code period-21
- Cases registered after the swearing-in - 14
of present Govt.
6. After thorough verification of all these 34 cases and 5 complaints by atleast a DIG level officer under the supervision of IG Crime:-
i) Number of cases found rightly registered - 24
(This includes 5 complaints which were fairly
disposed off)
ii) Cases which were found rightly registered - 12
but all named people were not involved in
the actual crime
- After proper and fair investigation, names of persons not at fault were dropped.
(3 cases have been ordered for cancellation)
- Cases registered, but allegations found - 3
wrong in investigation
- Cases cancelled -1
- Ordered for cancellation -2
- All the three cases were due to personal ill will of the complainant against the accused and not due to any political reasons.
- Cases rightly registered but having Political - 4
Background
1. Village Dialpura Bhai Ka, PS Dialpura, Distt. Bathinda dated 11.1.12
(Rampura Constituency)
- Case registered during Election Code of Conduct
- Case registered by Sukhdev Singh Sarpanch against 47 persons.
- Complainant alongwith Gurpreet Singh Maluka (Son of SAD Candidate) were leaving the village after a function.
- Supporters of Gurpreet Singh Kangar, Congress Candidate came in several vehicles and surrounded complainant, Gurpreet Maluka and his supporters.
- Gurpreet Singh Kangar alongwith his gunmen and armed supporters also reached there and attacked them with lathis and swords and also damaged 3 cars (Photographs available).
- 8 empty cartridges were also recovered (.12 bore & .315 bore)
- It was a planned conspiracy of the Congress Candidate.
- It was alleged that Gurpreet Singh Maluka was distributing money in the villages.
- 2 Flying Squads of Election Commission of India reached the spot.
- The Returning Officer, SDM Rampura also reached and searched the vehicles of Gurpreet Singh Maluka but nothing objectionable was found.
- DC & SSP also reached the spot.
- Even after such violence by the accused no arrests were made because the law and order was under the control of the Election Commission of India.
- 29 persons got bail from Session Court on 15-3-12.
- Sessions Court rejected the bail of 11 persons including the Congress candidate Gurpreet Singh Kangar.
- 11 persons including Gurpreet Singh Kangar were granted interim bail by High Court on 17-4-12.
- No body has been arrested.
- Investigation is being carried out.
- The case was registered during the Election Code of Conduct clearly showing there was no injustice done to the Congress candidate and his supporters.
- Rather injustice was done to the complainant party who happened to be Akalis as no action was taken against the aggressor party
- The Congress candidate and 10 others whose bail was rejected by the Sessions Court on 15-3-12 should feel favoured as none of them was arrested and they got their interim bail from the Hon'ble High Court after a month on 17-4-12.
2. Village Gajniwala PS Lakhoke Behram Dist
Ferozpur dated 27.01.12
(Constituency Guru Har Sahai)
- Case registered during Code of Conduct
- Cross case by Congress and Akali Workers against Congress & Akali candidates.
- Special Investigation Team under DIG Ferozepur Range constituted.
- After thorough investigation, both sides were found to have exaggerated the situation.
- Case cancelled on 12.05.12
- DGP telephoned the sitting MLA Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi on 9.6.12 to understand the grievances of the Hon’ble MLA regarding the cases he had given.
- Hon’ble MLA was not aware that the cases concerning him had already been ordered to be cancelled on 12.5.12 during the present regime.
3. Village Joke Mohre PS Lakhoke Behram, Dist, Ferozepur Dated 30-01-2012.
(Constituency Guru Har Sahai)
- Case registered during code of conduct
- Complaint by Iqbal Singh Sarpanch of Village Jhoke Mohre.
- He was going to check the arrangement for the polling staff.
- Complainant alleged that he was attacked by Hira Singh Sodhi & others with weapons.
- Case registered against Hira Singh Sodhi (son of Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi) and 4 others
- 4 persons were arrested since their role was clear.
- During code of conduct Hira Singh Sodhi not arrested.
- No representation ever received by police from the MLA or his son.
- Hira Singh Sodhi's name was dropped on 28-05-12 in our present regime, as his involvement was not established in the investigation.
- Village Attari, PS Sadar Ferozepur Dist Ferozpur on 7.3.12
(Constituency Ferozepur City.)
- Case registered during code of conduct
- Complainant Sharma reported that the accused Pipal Singh and 8 others were taking out a victory procession after the declaration of result on 6.3.12 and had heated arguement with Balbir Singh and party.
- Balbir Singh went to the house of his relative who is complainant.
- Later same day complainant Sharma, his wife and Balbir Singh were attacked by the accused person with lathis and property damaged.
- Case registered against 9 persons.
- SP (Hqrs) conducted enquiry.
- Case against 6 persons was found to be
rightly registered.
- 3 persons were found innocent and their name dropped on 28-03-2012 during our government.
- These names were dropped before Sh. Jakhar gave the list.
- Cases registered before Code of Conduct - 4
- Capt. Amarinder Singh has often mentioned 20,000 false cases being registered against Congress Workers.
- But only 4 cases of that period find a mention in list submitted.
IV. Rail Coach Factory Colony, PS Sultanpur Lodhi, Distt. Kapurthala DDR dated 8.11.11
(Sultanpur Lodhi Constituency)
- Complainant Sh. Palwinder Singh stated that his 2 major daughters had gone to the beauty parlour and never came back.
- Some body had abducted them.
- Accused – unidentified.
- On investigation it was found that the major
girls had gone off on their own.
- One of the girl Mandeep Kaur recorded her statement before the Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrate, Sultanpur Lodhi.
- Stated that also her sister had gone with one Deepa on her own account.
II. Distt. Administrative Complex, P.S. Sadar Muktsar, Distt. Muktsar Dated 28.3.2011.
(Muktsar Constituency)
- Complainant Tehsildar–Muktsar stated that unemployed linemen were demonstrating in the Distt. Administration Complex.
- The accused Surjit Kaur Bhinder joined the demonstration and obstructed a Govt. servant from discharging his official duty.
- She also instigated the crowd to damage the car of ADC (Development).
- The accused also damaged the official car of the Govt. servant.
- Arrested on 28.3.11.
- Case rightly registered.
- Duly verified by Range DIG.
III. Goniana Road, Muktsar P.S. City Muktsar Distt. Muktsar Dated 8.6.2011.
(Muktsar Constituency)
- The Complainant Sunder Devi had a dispute with Surinder Kumar, her son.
- Her son dispossessed her from the house.
- Sunder Devi got the possession of the room on the first floor of the house by Court orders under police protection.
- The Complainant - Sunder Devi stated that accused Surjit Kaur Bhinder, Surinder Kumar (son) and one more had forcibly occupied the room on the first floor of the house.
- They also beat her up and threatened to kill
her.
- Accused tried to illegally dispossess the complainant from her property despite the Court orders.
- They have been arrested and challaned.
- Case of dispute between mother and son.
- No political interference.
- Case verified by Range DIG.
Smt. Surjit Kaur Bhinder - accused in 2 cases
- It is worthwhile mention that the accused in the 2 cases, Smt. Surjit Kaur Bhinder is known to take part in any dispute when approached.
- On 5.3.11 in the Lok Adalat being held in the Court of Sh. Kamaljit Singh, Addl. Civil Judge (Civil Division), she entered the Court Room alongwith 5-6 peoples though she was not party to the case under discussion
- She used unparliamentarily and derogatory language in the Court.
- The Judge marked the application to the Session Judge to move for contempt of Court proceedings against Smt. Surjit Kaur Bhinder.
- The Session Judge forwarded the same to the High Court on 11.3.2011.
IV. Village Sangrana, P.S. Bariwala Distt. Muktsar Dated 12.7.09.
(Muktsar Constituency)
- Complainant Ajmer Singh of village Sangrana reported in the Police Station that his G{nk Punjab Kaur and Gulab Kaur alongwith Jugraj Singh (son of G{nk), Balwinder Singh (Sarpanch) r/o Vill. Jammuana and others were forcibly trying to take possession of their land.
- During investigation Section 307 IPC and 25/27/54/59 Arms Act were deleted.
- One of the accused Gurmeet Singh was found to be innocent and his name was dropped.
- The case was fairly investigated and only those people who were found to be actually involved were challaned in this case.
- Case is of land dispute.
- Duly verified by Range DIG.
D. Cases dropped after fair investigation – 3
i) PS Khalra Dist Taran Taran dated 21.3.12
(Khemkaran Constituency)
- Gurjinder Singh of village Narli reported in the Police Station that the accused Inderjeet Singh of village Valtoha promised him US Visa for Rs 10 lac and took Rs. 5.5 lac in 3 installments.
- Complained that accused is neither sending him abroad nor returning the money.
- Investigation by SP Traffic Tarn Taran under supervision of then DIG Border Range.
- Case found false
- Cancellation report has been filed.
ii) PS City-II Abohar Dist Ferozpur on 8.5.12
Case U/S - SC/ST Act (Abohar Constituency)
- Complainant Kanta Rani reported that a month ago there was a quarrel with accused Banwari Lal.
- She recorded that, now, the accused Banwari Lal and Mukesh Kumar used derogatory remarks against the caste of the complainant.
- Case found false.
- Cancellation report has been recommended.
- DIG has verified the truth.
iii) Case PS City I Abohar Dist Ferozpur dt May 2012
(Abohar Constituency)
- Complainant Kharaiti Lal and accused Surinder Kumar real brothers
- Dispute regarding property
- G{nk had given Power Of Attorney to one brother (accused Surinder Kumar)
- Complainant Kharaiti Lal recorded that accused Surinder Kumar came armed with pistol and lathis & beat the complainant.
- DSP Balluana conducted enquiry.
- Complaint found false.
- No political interference.
- After verification DIG has ordered for cancellation of case
NORMAL CRIME CASES
I. V. Guru Harsahai, PS Guru Harsahai, District. Ferozepur
(Guru Harsahai Constituency)
(After Elections)
1. Allegations –General Law and order problem. Complainant – Munish Kumar
Accused - Four unidentified persons.
2. Facts -
i) The complainant Munish Kumar stated that 4 youth forcibly entered their house and were challenged by him and his father.
(ii) They fired three rounds and fled in a Swift car.
- 5 accused arrested in a separate case of attempted dacoity in PS Kotbhai, District Muktsar.
- They also accused in 7 other cases of snatching, robbery in different police stations and one case of burning of judicial record in District Ferozepur.
- Swift car used along with pistol and 60 live cartridges recovered from them.
- Another case of dacoity was registered against accused in PS Ghall Kalan.
- They were routine anti-social elements who tried to rob the complainant but were unsuccessful.
- Case verified by Range DIG.
II Badhothi Kala PS Mulepur Distt, Fatehgarh Sahib
(Fatehgarh Sahib Constituency)
(During Election Code of Conduct)
1. Allegations - Congress supporters
Implicated in a kidnapping hurt case.
Accused - Bhupinder Singh and 4 others
2. Facts: -
(i) Complainant Avtar Singh, a Vodafone security supervisor along with private security guards was checking the premises based on an alarm received.
ii) He was kidnapped, beaten up and his signatures taken on blank papers.
(iii) The accused are affiliated to Congress party, while complainant is a private security supervisor.
iv) The accused is owner of the land where the tower is located and was reportedly drunk and present in the premise.
vi) He was armed with a revolver and thought that the checking party was thieves.
ix) It is a routine criminal case.
x) Case verified by DIG Rang. Found to be correct as per facts.
III. V.Dhanoli, PS City Rajpura, District. Patiala
(Rajpura Constituency)
1. Allegations – False implication of Congress worker.
Complainant – BDPO Rajpura Distt. Patiala.
Accused - Sukhdarshan Singh Sodhi and Gurdeep Singh.
2. Facts -
i) BDPO Rajpura on the basis of a resolution of village Panchayat Dhomoli complained that accused are trying to grab the Panchayat pond.
ii) The accused had properties adjacent to village pond.
iii) This is a case of grabbing of Panchayat land.
- Special Investigation Team under DIG, Patiala range confirmed the facts of the said case.
I V. Dogar PS Fathegarh Churian Distt, Batala
(Fatehgarh Churian Constituency)
(After Elections)
1. Allegations – Congress supporters implicated in a false excise case.
Complainant - HC Rajwinder Singh
Accused - Saudagar Masih, r/o Vill Dogar
2. Facts: -
(i) On information that illegal distilleries are running, an excise raid was conducted.
ii) Different cases were registered against 6 persons including Saudagar Masih.
iii) 1950 Kg of Lahan recovered.
(iv) Case verified by Range DIG.
(v) Found to be correct as per facts.
vi) The village Dogar is infamous for illicit distilleries and numerous raid are conducted by the authorities from time to time to check such practice.
I have discussed some cases in detail.
- Rest of the cases have been verified and all
the reports are with me.
- They are matters of routine normal crime and happening in the society like:
1. Snatching, Attempted robbery - 4
2. Land dispute - 5
3. Dispute between brothers -5
and relatives
4. Suspected elopement of wife - 2
with some one, and daughters
5. illicit distillation - 1
6. Narcotics recovery - 2
7. Grabbing of village ponds - 1
- There is no political background in these cases.
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CM CANCELS PRE SCHEDULED ENGAGEMENTS TO MEET GENERAL PUBLIC, MPS, MLAS AND PARTY LEADERS IN VIEW OF DASUYA ASSEMBLY BY-POLL
CHANDIGARH JUNE 28
In view of the by-election of Dasuya assembly segment slated to be held on July 11, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has cancelled his pre-schedule engagements to meet the general public besides MPs, MLAs and other senior party leaders at his residence and office respectively, till the election process was over.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Mr. Badal has cancelled these engagements as he would be busy in campaigning for the SAD-BJP alliance candidate from Dasuya assembly segment. Chief Minister’s new schedule for meeting general public at his official residence in the evening from 4 to 6 pm and MPs, MLAs and other party leaders at his office from 11am to 1pm would be announced by the CMO after the election process was completed.
…
KAIRON DEMANDS SARBJIT'S EARLY RELEASE
- WELCOMES THE RELEASE OF SURJIT SINGH
- ASKS PAKISTAN TO LIBERATE ALL POWs
Chandigarh, June 28:
Mr Adaish Partap Singh Kairon, Food and Civil Supply Minister, Punjab, today demanded early release of Sarbjit Singh, an Indian prisoner lodged in Pakistan's Kot Lakhpat jail since last 22 years. He also welcomed the release of Surjit Singh by the Pakistan Government. He urged Pakistan to release all the prisoners of war (POWs) languishing in jails of Pakistan.
In a press communiqué he said that Pakistan should consider the case of Sarbjit and POWs and taken on early decision on human grounds. He said that all the Indian prisoners who had completed their sentence in the jail must be liberated. Mr. Kairon expressed sympathies with the members of Sarbjit Singh's family and said that their agony and pain could not be expressed in words.
Terming the release of Surjit Singh by Pakistan, a good gesture, he urged Pakistan to further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood by releasing all the POWs. He said that through such kind of initiatives both the countries would come closer on the way of peace and prosperity. Mr. Kairon also appealed Union Ministry of External Affairs to take up the matter with Pakistan and to ensure early release of all Indian prisoners lodged in the various jails of Pakistan.
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KAMAL SHARMA TAKES OVER AS CM’S POLITICAL ADVISOR
Chandigarh, June 27
Sh Kamal Sharma today took over as political advisor to Chief Minister Punjab at Punjab secretariat in the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Prakash Singh Badal and BJP state president and MLA Mr Ashwani Sharma.
BJP legislative leader Bhagat Chunni Lal, National Coordinator of Morchas & Cells of BJP Mahinder Pandey, Ex Minister & Ex State president BJP Balramji Dass Tandon, Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Forest Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani, Industry Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, Irrigation Minister S. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Education Minister S. Sikander Singh Malooka, State General Secretary Mr. Ajay Jamwal & Manjit Singh Rai, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Somprakash, Mr. KD Bhandari and Mr. Inder Bir Bularia, MLA Seema Devi, Ranit Singh Dhillon, Joginder Singh Jindu & Avtar Singh Brar, MP Sher Singh Ghubaya, Former Minister Tikshan Sood & Arunesh Shakar, Former State President BJP Punjab Prof Rajinder Bhandari, Chairman Punjab Infotech HS Grewal, Chairman PSIEC Rajinder Mohan Singh Chinna, Chairman Sewerage Board Dr Baldev Chawla, Chairman Traders Board Narrotam Dev Ratti, state media in-charge Vineet Joshi and others were present at the occasion.
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FRI ASSURES FULL SUPPORT FOR ‘GREENING PUNJAB CAMPAIGN’
BAINS VISITS FRI TO CHALK OUT COMPREHENSIVE ACTION PLAN FOR CLEAN, GREEN AND POLLUTION FREE PUNJAB
DIRECTOR FRI TO CALL ON BADAL ON JUNE 29
Chandigarh, June 27-
In a bid to make Punjab clean, green and pollution free, Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun has assured all technical support and assistance to the state Forests Department for undertaking plantation drive across the state.
Disclosing this here today Financial Commissioner (Forests) Mr Dhanbir Singh Bains said that this assurance was given by Director, FRI Mr PP Bhojvaid and Director General, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) Dehradun Mr VK Bahuguna during a meeting at Dehrdun, last week. It may be recalled that Mr Bains was deputed by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal to visit FRI for chalking out a detailed action plan for the massive plantation drive.
Mr Bains further said that the senior officers of the FRI emphasised the need for the preparation of seed orchards of good quality genetic material for producing high quality plants during a detailed presentation. They also laid thrust on how best genetic material could be prepared out of clonal nurseries. Seven to eight lac plants, which get ready in about 60-65 days, could be prepared in a nursery, twice a year. They further asked the senior officers of Punjab to visit the clonal nursery set up by the Haryana government at Seonthi, Kurukshetra as per the recommendations of FRI.
During the deliberations, the FRI officials recommended as many as 14 tree species to be planted in the state viz. Shisham, Encalyptus (Safeda), Poplar, Melia (Dek), Acacia (Kikar), Bael, Suhanjana, White Albizia (Chitta Siris), Black Albizia (Kaala Siris), Mulberry (Shehtoot), Toon (Tun), Zizyphus (Ber), Peepal (Pippal) and Neem (Nim).
Mr Bains informed that the Punjab Forest Department had six to seven clonal nurseries at the moment. It was also observed that the plants produced in the clonal nurseries have a better survival rate as well as a better Root-Shoot ratio than the normal plants. Besides these, medicinal plants such as Gooseberry (Amla) may also be planted in Punjab.
Meanwhile Director, FRI Mr PP Bhojvaid assured the Punjab Government that FRI would design orientation course for the officers and forest guards from Punjab in which they would be imparted basic training to plant forest tree saplings, new techniques in Farm Forestry, management of insects and diseases besides equipping them to raise Clonal Nurseries.
FRI also suggested that a research campus of 2.5-3 acre area may be set up on the National Highway No. 1 in which training, research and development works as per the local needs of different areas of Punjab may be taken up on ongoing basis under the guidance of FRI. The production centre of this research campus (institute) would consist of nurseries of the Punjab Forest Department and the areas taken on lease from the farmers. Director, FRI also observed that after the expected success of farm forestry in Punjab, a lot of timber would become available in Punjab.
Dwelling on the concept of agro-forestry to improve the economic lot of the farmers of the state, FRI asked the Punjab government to complete a value chain in terms of Nursery/ farm forestry and industry so that the farmers could link up with nurseries to maximise their income. FRI team also observed that if the forest area in Punjab was increased to 15% it would automatically increase carbon sequestration levels and a benefit could be drawn by claiming Carbon Credits. Mr Bains further said that Mr Bhojvaid would call on the Chief Minister on June 29 to give him a detailed presentation about the concept and scope of agro-forestry in the state, besides the proposed plantation drive ‘Greening Punjab Campaign’.
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Three NGO’s nominated to State Grant-in Aid Committee
Chandigarh, June 27:
The Punjab Government today nominated the Presidents of Indian Red Cross Society, Ropar; Indian Red Cross Society, S.A.S. Nagar and Bharat Vikas Parishad, Ludhiana as members of State Grant-in-Aid Committee for a period of one year. The information was given by an official spokesman.
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INSTRUCTIONS TO INCORPORATE ADVICE OF FINANCE DEPTT INTO CABINET MEMORANDUM
CHANDGARH, JUNE 27:
The Punjab government has instructed to incorporate the advice of Finance Department into the matters related with financial burden, while forwarding it to seek the approval of cabinet.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman said that many Departments do not seek the advice of Finance Department on the matter related with financial burden. He said that the fresh instructions have been circulated to ensure the incorporation of advice of Finance Department on all matters related with financial burden.
The spokesman further said that in future any matter, which was not supported by the advice of Finance Department, would not be entertained for the approval of cabinet.
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BADAL HAILS RELEASE OF INDIAN CONVICT SARBJIT SINGH FROM PAK JAIL
Chandigarh June 26
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today hailed the release of Indian convict on death row Sarbjit Singh by the Pakistan Government.
In a statement the Chief Minister profusely thanked the President of Pakistan for allowing his mercy petition. Mr. Badal said that this goodwill gesture would further boost the congenial ties between the two countries. He said the release of Sarbjit Singh would give further impetus to the on going Confidence Building measures between India and Pakistan for strengthening the bonds of friendship, amity, peace and brotherhood amongst the people of India and Pakistan. The Chief Minister also congratulated the family members especially the sister of Sarbjit Singh Ms. Sarbjit Kaur for mobilizing support for the release of her brother not within the country but in Pakistan also through making use of diplomatic channels besides people to people contact.
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CM’s reply on fiscal deficit
NO SCOPE OF FUDGE STATISTICS IN BUDGET FOR 2012-13 : CM
PUNJAB GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO ABIDE BY FRBM ACT
CHANDIGARH JUNE 26:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the State Annual Budget 2012-13 has been meticulously prepared after due deliberations and care and there was no scope of any fallacy on the count of fudge statistics.
Replying to an issue raised by the Leader of Opposition, Mr. Sunil Jakhar in this regard during the debate on the budget in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Badal reiterated that the entire Cabinet, bureaucracy and above all, he was responsible for the authenticity and accuracy of the budget since our Government fully believed in the tenets of transparency and accountability and there was no question of any exaggeration of facts and figures in the budget.
The Chief Minister further said that it was obligatory on the part of the Punjab Government to keep it fiscal deficit at 3.5% under the Punjab Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM)Act, 2003, whereas the fiscal deficit for 2011-12 was pegged at 3.88%. Likewise, even the Government of India was unable to keep fiscal deficit within the prescribed limit at 3% and it has also jumped to 5.75%. He said the State Government would make all possible Efforts committed to abide by the financial discipline inconformity with the FRBM Act.
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JUSTICE JASBIR SINGH IS EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF PB LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 26:
The Punjab Government has nominated Hon'ble Mr. Justice Jasbir Singh, Acting Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court as Executive Chairman of the Punjab Legal Services Authority.
Disclosing this here, an official spokesman of Punjab Government said that according to the letter issued by the Member Secretary, Punjab Legal Services Authority the His Excellency the Governor of Punjab Mr. Shivraj V. Patil in consultation with the acting Chief Justic of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, has nominated Mr. Justice Jasbir Singh. He further said that the notification in this regard has been issued with immediate effect.
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VENUE FIXED FOR PUNJAB MLAS TO CAST THEIR VOTE FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 26:
The Election Commission of India has fixed the Committee Room-'A' of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, Vidhan Bhawan, Chandigarh as the place of Presidential poll, which will take place between the hours of 10 am to 5 pm on Thursday the July 19, 2012 for elected Members of the Punjab Legislative Assembly.
According to the Spokesman, Assistant Returning Officer for Presidential Election (Secretary, Punjab Vidhan) said that However, any elected Member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly specially permitted by the Election Commission of India, could cast his/her vote at the place of polling in Room No-63, Parliament House, New Delhi as well as at any other State Headquarter, who are not able to cast his/her vote at his/her own State Headquarter. He further said that if any elected Member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly was interested to cast his/her vote at New Delhi of at any other State Headquarter then prescribed Form in this regard could be taken from the Assistant Returning Officer, for Presidential Election (Secretary, Punjab Vidhan Sabha).
Spokesman said that according to the Assistant Returning Officer, option once made by electors, would be final and no change of mind would be allowed by the Commission.
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 MAJITHIA ORDERS TO REFER ALL NRI LAND RELATED CASES TO DROs
- PATWARIs TO SIT AT PATWAR STATIONS THRICE IN A WEEK
- TOKEN SYSTEM TO BE ADOPTED AT ALL FARAD KENDRAS BY AUGUST 15
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 25
Revenue and Public Relations Minister of Punjab Mr Bikram Singh Majithia today ordered that all land related cases of NRIs would be looked into by the District Revenue Officers, who have been designated as Nodel Officers to redress the grievance of NRIs.
Presiding over the meeting of Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr N.S.Kang and District Revenue Officers to improve the functioning of Revenue Department, Mr Majithia said that it was a general phenomenon that NRIs come to Punjab for a limited period of time mainly one to two months and they have to face many problems in their land related matters. He said that keeping in view these things Punjab Government has designated all DROs as Nodel officers of NRIs, which would dispose off all revenue cases like Partition, Mutations, Girdawari Lambardari and Marriage registration, involving NRIs.
He said that Revenue department has initiated a special drive to identify the number of NRIs at village level, their property and citizenship.
Mr Majithia said that the work regarding the setting up of Patwar Stations at each Sub-Division would be completed within 6 months. He also said that it has been made mandatory for Patwaris to attend their offices at Patwar Stations thrice in a week and for the remaining two days they would look after their field work.
He further said that with a purpose to save time and manpower, it has also been decided to adopt Token System at all Farad Kendras by August 15 on the pattern of Passport offices. To improve the usual functioning of Farad Kendras and computerization of land records, Mr Majithia ordered all District Revenue Officers to conduct surprise checks at Farad Kendras, so that the problems faced by common man could be identified and solved. Besides that it has been also decided in the meeting to hold Revenue camps at the District level once in a month.
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BADAL REPLIES ON CAPT. AMARINDER'S ACCUSATIONS ON POWER RAIDS
SAYS SUCH ACTIVITIES ARE NOT PART OF HIS PERSONALITY
Chandigarh June 25:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today strongly refuted the allegations leveled by the former Chief Minister and President PPCC Capt. Amarinder Singh regarding raids on his residential premises at Patiala by the authorities of Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) at his behest.
Replying to the accusations made by Capt. Amarinder Singh during the zero hour in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister said he always held Capt. Amarinder Singh in the highest esteem and could never think of such act. He said he was a humble person and never indulged in such activities rather he had asked the concerned authorities to desist from visiting the residential premises of Capt. Amarinder Singh in future.
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CM’s REPLY ON POWER IN PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA
PUNJAB TO BE POWER SURPLUS IN NEXT TWO YEARS- CM
BADAL REITERATES FIRM COMMITMENT OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO SUPPLY 8 HOUR UNINETERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY TO THE FARMERS
Chandigarh, June 25, 2012
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today declared that the state would be power surplus by 2013-14, as the ongoing power projects under construction would start generating power to meet the ever increasing power demand in the state.
Replying to an issue raised by the leader of opposition Mr Sunil Jakhar relating to shortage of power in the state during the zero hour of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister reacted sharply to the wild accusations made by the Congress MLAs on the issue. Mr Badal said that they should have appreciated the initiatives taken by the SAD-BJP regime for strengthening the power sector, which was crucial for the overall development and economic growth of the state. The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to supply 8 hour uninterrupted power supply in the agriculture sector for the ensuing paddy season. He said the Congress which was racking up this issue unnecessarily should realize the fact that it did not initiated any tangible step to add a single unit of power worth illuminating a bulb.
The Chief Minister however said that on the contrary their government was fully committed to make Punjab self sufficient in power sector within next two years and the day is not very far off when the state after meeting its demand would sell the surplus power to the power deficit states across the country. Mr Badal pointed out that when SAD-BJP government assumed the office in 2007, the total available power capacity was 6219 Mega Watt and concerted efforts were made by SAD-BJP alliance government to add 823 Mega watts till 2012. Consequently the total capacity in 2012 had gone up to 7220 Mega Watt against the total demand of 9500 Mega Watt resulting in the shortfall of 2250 Mega watt.
The Chief Minister said another 3920 Mega watt would be added soon with the completion of Thermal Power projects at Talwandi Sabo (1980 Mega Watt), Goindwal Sahib (540 Mega Watt) and Rajpura (1400 Mega Watt), as the work on these projects was already going on war footing. He categorically said that with the commissioning of these thermal power projects in 2013, in first phase 1860 Mega Watt would be added in 2013 and subsequently in second phase 2060 Mega Watt would be further added in 2014. Mr Badal said efforts were afoot to tap hydro power potential in the state and with the completion of Shahpur Kandi having capacity of 206 Mega Watt in 2015 and Mukerian Hydel Project with the capacity of 18 Mega Watt, the power scenario in state would further improve. The Chief Minister said that besides enhancing the production of power the state government was taking path breaking initiatives to strengthening the power transmission infrastructure in the state so that the losses of power due to transmission and distribution could be minimized. A Sum of Rs. 8200 crore would be spent on the strengthening of transmission and distribution network over a period of three years. Punjab would be a first state to have its own 400 KV transmission system. Transmission losses have been reduced from 22.53% in 2007 to 17.50% thereby saving Rs. 2000 crore. Power purchase agreement for 3342 Megawatts had been signed with central sector and mega projects besides share from ultra mega project in next 3 years.
Realizing the power shortage in the state, Mr Badal further said that the problem of power shortage has further accentuated due to scanty rainfall and non-melting of snow at the high peaks of mountains. He said that for this none was to be blamed because these factors were within the supreme control of nature. However he said that government was committed to purchase power from other states to meet the demand as it had already made power purchase agreement for buying adequate electricity worth Rs 1645 crore during current year whereas Rs 1038 crore was spent for same purpose during last year. He said that keeping in view the ever increasing demand of power earlier the state had been coping up the situation arising out of the deficit of power by purchasing 10% more than the previous year but for the current financial year it had made elaborate arrangements to purchase additional power tune to 18% over and above the last year.
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CM MOURNS SAD DEMISE OF PUNJABI FOLK SINGER KARNAIL GILL
Chandigarh, June 25-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of the noted Punjabi folk singer Mr Karnail Gill, who passed away on Sunday at his native village Jamalpur in Ludhiana, after a prolonged illness.
In a condolence message, the Chief Minister described Mr Gill as a ‘legendary Punjabi folk singer, who regaled the millions of Punjabi music lovers with his melodious voice. He said that Gill’s death has created a void in the arena of Punjabi folk music, which would be difficult to be filled in the near future. Mr Karnail Gill would ever remain a heartthrob through his enchanting songs amongst his fans. He was instrumental in giving a new dimension to the duet Punjabi singing, added Mr Badal.
Sharing his heart-felt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give them courage and strength to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.
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CM EXTENDS TERM OF KUMEDAN AS ADVISOR IRRIGATION
Chandigarh, June 25-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today granted extension in the term of Advisor Irrigation Mr Pritam Singh Kumedan, for another two years, as his present term ended on June 22, 2012.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr Kumedan had been appointed as Advisor Irrigation to the Punjab Government since June 23, 2010 for seeking his expert advice on the issues related to river waters from time-to-time.
No. CMO-12/164
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Congress lashes out at BJP’s approval to Bluestar memorial
CHANDIGARH, June 24:
The Congress today ridiculed and lashed out at the Bhartiya Janata Party for its approval to the Operation Bluestar memorial. The party said, it was shocking as how BJP’s initial opposition to the Operation Bluestar memorial has now changed to approval thus exposing its double standards for clinging to power.
Reacting to the BJP vice president and Punjab incharge Shanta Kumar's statement on the issue, the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary and Dhuri MLA Arvind Khanna remarked, BJP seems be happy now since the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has explained to him (Kumar) that the “memorial would commemorate all those killed in Army operation, including innocent persons and not just militants”.
The Congress general secretary pointed out, this simply means that the BJP has no objection to militants’ memorial. “And when it is so for the BJP why should it oppose honouring of Balwant Singh Rajoana either?” he taunted BJP while adding, it is surprising as how a party that claims itself to be ultranationalist with zero tolerance to terrorism could approve the memorials for militants.
He asserted, the BJP was just trying to fool the masses while already having fooled itself. “There can be a memorial either for the militants or the innocents and not a combined one for the both”, he pointed out, while asking what about thousands of innocents including several BJP workers and leaders who were killed by the militants. He said, BJP owes an explanation to the families of the terrorist victims in general and the BJP workers in particular as why it approved the memorial.
“It is clear choice between principles and power”, Khanna remarked, while pointing out, “and in this current case the BJP has opted for power while giving a damn to its principles”. He said, while there was nothing new in BJP’s double standards, but the way it has compromised and climbed down on such a crucial issue has only reaffirmed the public belief that the party can stoop to any extent to stick to the power, if at all it is allowed to enjoy any by an overwhelmingly dominating partner like Shiromani Akali Dal.
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5 NOMINATIONS FILES FOR DASUYA BY POLL
CHANDIGARH, June 23
5 candidates has filed their nominations for the Dasuya by poll, which was scheduled to be held on july 11.
A spokesperson of the CEO today said that Arun Dogra of INC, Meenakshi Dogra INC covering candidate, Sukhjit Kaur of BJP, Harsimrat Sahi BJP covering candidate and Bhupinder Singh of Peoples Party of Punjab has filed their nominations.
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DHINDSA ORDERS TO RELEASE SECOND INSTALLMENTS OF PAY ARREARS
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 22:
The Punjab Government has issued instructions for immediate release of second installment of 30 per cent pay arrears for the period from 1st January, 2006 to 31st July, 2009.
Disclosing this here today, the Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa said that all the Heads of Departments, Commissioners of Divisions, District and Sessions Judges, Deputy Commissioners and Registrar, Punjab and Haryana High Court have been asked to promptly act in this regard.
Mr. Dhindsa said that Punjab Government employees, who have yet not received the second installments of their pay arrears from the period 1st January, 2006 to 31st July, 2009, would now get second installment. He said that the second installment, which is released, would be 30 per cent of the total pay arrears. Mr. Dhindsa said that pay arrears were being released on the recommendation of Fifth Pay Commission.
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OM PURI CALLS ON PUNJAB CM
ASSURES REVIVAL OF PUNJABI THEATRE THROUGH HTCPA
Chandigarh, June 22-
Noted bollywood actor Mr Om Puri today called on the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal to apprise him about his plans for the promotion of Punjabi theatre at the newly constructed Harpal Tiwana Centre for Performing Arts (HTCPA), Patiala as a befitting tribute to the legendary theatre personality Harpal Tiwana, whose name was synonymous with the Punjabi theatre.
An assurance to this effect was given by Mr Puri to the Chief Minister during his brief interaction with Mr Badal at his official residence.
Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister, the veteran actor said he was personally indebted to Mr Badal for the completion of the state-of–the-art HTCPA within the record time thereby cherishing the dream of lakhs of theatre lovers across the state. Mr Om Puri said, “Seeds of acting were sown by Mr Harpal Tiwana during my youthful days, which had now turned into a full bloom tree and therefore with all humility I owe my success and fame at this point of my career to his able guidance who taught me the basics of theatre”. Mr Puri envisioned that he would soon motivate the leading theatre personalities like Mr Naseeruddin Shah, Mr Paresh Rawal, Mr Raj Babbar and others to stage plays at HTCPA to offer rare feat to the drama lovers. He said regular shows of dramas would be organized there with the broad objective to revive the theatre movement in state, which had gradually lost its pristine glory over the years.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Parvasi Media Group Mr Rajinder Saini, with offices in Toronto, Vancouver in Canada and Chandigarh, who was also present in the meeting informed the Chief Minister about the function to confer Punjabi International Film Academy Awards (PIFAA) on the prominent Punjabi personalities to be held in Toronto from August 3-6, 2012, for the promotion of Punjabi art and culture globally.
The Chief Minister asked the convener of HTCPA Mr Manpal Tiwana and Resident Director Mrs Nina Tiwana to make the institute self sustaining by regularly staging plays at the venue. He assured fulsome support and cooperation from the state government to make HTCPA a pioneer theatre institute for the revival of lost glory of Punjabi theatre.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretaries Mr KJS Cheema and Mr Gaggandip Singh Bra--------.
GoI FORMS 15-MEMBER HIGH LEVEL EXPERT GROUP FOR ADDRESSING WATER LOGGING PROBLEM IN PUNJAB
ASKED TO SUBMIT THE REPORT TO THE PCI BY NOVEMBER 30, 2012
CHANDIGARH JUNE 22:
Towards a paradigm shift in water management in India to enhance water use efficiency by 20% during the 12th Five Year Plan, the Planning Commission of India (PCI) has decided to set up a 15-member high level expert group for addressing the issues of water logging in Punjab to achieve this objective.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the expert panel would be Chaired by Member Water Resources and Rural Development PCI Dr Mihir Shah besides other members including former PCI member Dr A Vaidyanathan, senior fellow International Water Management Institute Anand (Gujarat) Dr Tushar Shah, Dr Himanshu Kulkarni from ACWADAM, Pune, Prof. and Head Department of Economics and Sociology Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) Dr Karam Singh besides Member (Water Planning and Projects), Centre Water Commission New Delhi, Chairman Central Ground Water Board, Faridabad, Commissioner (Command Area Development and Water Management, Ministry of Water Resources, Representatives of Department of Science and Technology and Department of Land Resources Government of India (GoI), Representatives of the Director (Ground Water), Water Resources and Environment, Punjab Irrigation Department and PAU Ludhiana, Chairman Punjab State Farmer’s Commission and Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture GoI not below the rank of Joint Secretary. Mr Avinash Mishra Joint Secretary Advisor Water Resources Division of the PCI would be the Member Secretary.
The expert group would study the complex issue of water logging and recommend the way forward to address the problem in a holistic manner along with the related financial resources requirements and submit the report to the PCI by November 30, 2012. The group would also suggest innovative globally accepted remedial measures suited to local conditions and also study the measures like water shed management, crop/ agricultural diversification to address the issue of water logging in the state.
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PB GOVT'S SPECIAL DRIVE TO PROVIDE FREE COACHING TO SC/BC STUDENTS FOR COMPETITIVE EXAM
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 22:
The Punjab Government has launched a special drive to impart coaching to the students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes for the competitive examination, in the first phase free coaching would be given to the students for bank exams.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman of SC/BC Welfare Department said that free coaching for the entrance exam of Probationary Officers in banks and AAOs in LIC/GIC would commence from July 16 in the Punjab Government's Ambedkar Institute of Career and Courses. He said that the SC/BC candidates of Punjab were eligible to apply for this free coaching. The Spokesman said that the candidates could send their applications before July 2. Candidates having annual income less than 2 lakh could apply. He said that out of total 40 seats, 70 per cent seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes, whereas remaining 30 per cent seats would be give to the students belonging to the Backward Classes. He said that the students, who have already availed free coaching twice, could not be eligible for the third time. He further said that the selected candidates would be entitled for free coaching, free accommodation and monetary help as per Government rules. The Spokesman said that an interview to select the candidates has been scheduled for July 10 in the office of Principal, Ambedkar Institute of Career and Courses. For further inquiry one could contact landline number 0172-2228396.
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DHINDSA ORDERS TO RELEASE SECOND INSTALLMENTS OF PAY ARREARS
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 22:
The Punjab Government has issued instructions for immediate release of second installment of 30 per cent pay arrears for the period from 1st January, 2006 to 31st July, 2009.
Disclosing this here today, the Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa said that all the Heads of Departments, Commissioners of Divisions, District and Sessions Judges, Deputy Commissioners and Registrar, Punjab and Haryana High Court have been asked to promptly act in this regard.
Mr. Dhindsa said that Punjab Government employees, who have yet not received the second installments of their pay arrears from the period 1st January, 2006 to 31st July, 2009, would now get second installment. He said that the second installment, which is released, would be 30 per cent of the total pay arrears. Mr. Dhindsa said that pay arrears were being released on the recommendation of Fifth Pay Commission.
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IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FROM JUNE 25 TO JULY 2
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 22:
The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Kharif Season through Canal water from 25-6-2012 to 2-7-2012. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Patiala Feeder, Abohar Branch, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab canal and Sidhwan Branch, respectively.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Irrigation Department said that the distributaries and branches of BML, Ghaggar Link and its off-taking channels i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor, in Group ‘B’, being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Direct Distributaries of Group ‘A’.
The spokesman further said that Punjab channels and branchs off-taking from Harike and Ferozpur Head Works, Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries, in Group ‘B’ being in first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Direct Distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in Group ‘A’.
The spokesman also said that the in the Upper Bari Doab Canal system, Lahore Branch with its distributaries, being in the 1st preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch Lower and Sabhroan Branch with their distributaries, respectively.
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MALUKA CRACKS HIS WHIP ON NON-PERFORMING TEACHERS AND SCHOOL HEADS
v ORDERS EXPLANATIONS OF EACH SCHOOL HEAD/TEACHER WITH BELOW SATISFACTION RESULTS
Chandigarh/Ajitgarh, June 22: Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka today cracked his whip on non-performing school heads and teachers of district Ajitgarh seeking their explanation. Taking a serious note of below than satisfaction results of Matriculation and Plus Two of some Ajitgarh district schools, the Education Minister today directed District Education Officer (Secondary), Ajitgarh to call explanation of each school head/teachers having poor results and submit those along with his comments in next 15 days. He further said that where the result of concerned school was satisfactory but students falters in some subjects; explanations of concerned teachers should also be called.
Reiterating his commitment to ensure quality education in government schools, the Minister categorically said that there was no room for non-performing and non-serious teachers and any complacency would not be tolerated.
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“WILL SHED LAST DROP OF BLOOD FOR PEACE, COMMUNAL HARMONY’, SAYS BADAL
BLUE STAR MONUMENT TO BE SHRINE OF COMMUNAL BROTHERHOOD
Chandigarh June 21- The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal said here today that peace and communal harmony in Punjab ‘is not only the top priority but the most sacred mission’ for the SAD BJP Government. “We are fully alive to our constitutional and moral obligation in this regard and we are here to fulfill that. No one will be allowed to threaten these sacred goals,” said Mr. Badal
Speaking on the floor of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha during the budget session, Mr. Badal struck a strong personal emotional note and said, “Peace and communal harmony in Punjab is a matter of sacred faith for me and I am committed to defend it with my life. Even if I have to shed the last drop of my blood for peace and communal harmony in the state, I will consider that a part of my religious duty and will be proud of that. This is my sacred commitment to the people of Punjab.”
The Chief Minister said that he considered the restoration of peace and communal harmony in Punjab as his greatest achievement. “Its preservation in future also is my most cherished goal and mission,” he said.
Speaking about what he described as “the unpleasant and dangerous controversy created by the Congress party over a religious monument at Sachkhand Shri Harmandar Sahib to commemorate the tragic army assault in June 1984”, Mr. Badal said that the Congress objections to the monument to the army assault on the Golden Temple in June 1984, Mr. Badal described the Congress act as “highly ill advised and totally avoidable. With this act, the party is trying to disturb the hard earned atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the state.” This, he said, was extremely unfortunate, dangerous and deplorable.
Talking about the monument, Mr. Badal said that the matter was considered by eminent scholars and thinkers and their decision was that the monument should be a “a shrine ( Gurdwara Sahib) within the precincts of the Holy Shri Harmandar Sahib. The divine presence of Holy Shri Guru Granth Sahib will grace this shrine to symbolize the spread of the message of peace, communal harmony and human brotherhood throughout the country and the world.”
Tracing the background of the tragedy of June 1984 and the decision of the religious bodies to set up a monument, Mr. Badal said Sachkhand Shri Harmandar Sahib is the fountainhead of spiritual bliss for the whole mankind. From here flow unending melodious ‘songs celestial’ spreading the fragrance of love and human brotherhood and unity and harmony to people from all religions and all walks of life all over the world. The divine beauty of this supreme spiritual seat of Eternal Truth is captured in the holy line: “ Dithe sabhe thao nahin tudh jehia”…Most painfully and shockingly, the Congress government at the Center in 1984 ordered and carried out a brutal army assault on this house of God which spreads eternal human love and spiritual peace and bliss all around. This exceedingly painful event not only left deep wounds on the psyche of the Sikh masses but also outraged all right thinking people all over the country and the world.
The Chief Minister quoted eminent national figures like former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar, senior leaders George Fernandes and Madhu Dandvate to highlight the tragic short-sightedness in the decision to mount an army assault on Darbar Sahib and said that this exceedingly painful event not only left deep wounds on the psyche of the Sikh masses but also outraged all right thinking people all over the country and the world.
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE CM’S STATEMENT ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE:
I have been deeply pained by the unpleasant and dangerous controversy created by the Congress party over a religious monument being built within the sacred precincts of Sachkhand Shri Harmandar Sahib to commemorate the tragic army assault on this holiest of holy shrine in June 1984. The decision of the Congress party in this regard is highly ill advised and totally avoidable. With this act, the party is trying to disturb the hard earned atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the state. This is indeed extremely unfortunate, dangerous and deplorable.
Sachkhand Shri Harmandar Sahin is the fountainhead of spiritual bliss for the whole mankind. From here flow unending melodious ‘songs celestial’ spreading the fragrance of love and human brotherhood and unity and harmony to people form all religions and all walks of life all over the world. The divine beauty of this supreme spiritual seat of Eternal Truth is captured in the holy line: “ Dithe sabhe thao nahin tudh jehia”…Most painfully and shockingly, the Congress government at the center in 1984 ordered and carried out a brutal army assault on this house of God which spreads eternal human love and spiritual peace and bliss all around. This exceedingly painful event not only left deep wounds on the psyche of the Sikh masses but also outraged all right thinking people all over the country and the world. This is reflected in the words which statesmen of that time used to describe their reactions to this assault. Late Prime Minister Shri Chander Shekhar said:” The Government of India had taken a lead in murdering the soul of humanity by sending forces inside the Golden Temple and mounting an attack on the holiest shrine of the Sikhs.” According to Shri George Fernandes and Shri Madhu Dandvate, “ The Government had not only divided the people but also eroded the values f secularism through this act.”
This Saka is all the more painful because it happened at a place which binds people of all religions and communities in single embrace of love and human brotherhood. The Holy Shrine has four doors which symbolize the Gurus’ message: Updesh chonh varna ko..” and “Sabhe Sanjhivaal sadain..” The divine place is graced by the presence of Holy Shri Guru Granth Sahib which contains the sacred hymns of saints, seers and sages of all religions and communities, apart from the holy Bani of the Gurus. Because of this universality and the significance of this holy place, an assault on this was condemned not only by the Sikh community but by all right thinking people form all communities.
It has long been felt that this Saka needed to be commemorated through a symbol that should carry forward the Gurus’ message of peace, universal love, human brotherhood and communal harmony to the entire world. Many eminent and highly respected scholars and thinkers considered the matter in depth and in great detail . After deep deliberations, these eminent persons decided that a memorial to the Saka should symbolize the spiritual values and the message of love and human brother hood as preached by the great Gurus, saints, seers and sages of all religions and all communites.
These eminent scholars also decided that in form and message, the monument should be kept beyond the realm of any ideological differences or unnecessary controversies.
Accordingly, as per their wishes, the monument is to be a shrine ( Gurdwara Sahib) within the precincts of the Holy Shri Harmandar Sahib. The divine presence of Holy Shri Guru Granth Sahib will grace this shrine to symbolize the spread of the message of peace, communal harmony and human brotherhood throughout the country and the world.
I also wish to reiterate and emphasize that Shiromani Akali Dal has always remained in the forefront in defending and preserving the unity and integrity of the country and it has always championed the cause of peace and communal harmony in Punjab and the rest of the country. The period of Shiromani Akali Dal-Bhartiya Janata Party Governments in Punjab has been an era of peace and harmony. I am proud to say that even today, when the rest of the country is afflicted by violence and anarchy, Punjab remains the most peaceful state and an oasis of human brotherhood.
The Shiromani Akali Dal-Bhartiya Janata Party Government is deeply committed to preserve and promote this atmosphere of peace and communal harmony. No one will be allowed to disturb this peace.
Whereas the SAD-BJP Government is fully alive to its obligation in this regard, I also wish to speak from my heart and share with my people what peace and communal harmony means to me personally and as their representative. I consider the restoration of peace and communal harmony in Punjab as my greatest achievement. Its preservation in future also is my most cherished goal and mission. Peace and communal harmony in Punjab is a matter of sacred faith for me and I am committed to defend it with my life. Even if I have to shed the last drop of my blood for peace and communal harmony in Punjab, I will consider that a part of my religious duty and will be proud of that. This is my sacred commitment to the people of Punjab.
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SHIROMANI AKALI DAL
CONGRESS STABBED IN THE BACK OF FARMERS BY SCUTTLING DISCUSSION ON FOOD STORAGE PROBLEM-SAD
PUNJAB CONGRESS TRIED TO CONCEAL THE DUBIOUS ROLE OF UPA FOR CREATING STORAGE CRISIS-DR. CHEEMA
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 21:
Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Secretary Shiromani Akali Dal and Party Spokesman today charged the Congress Party of stabbing in the back of Punjab peasantry by scuttling discussion on storage crisis of grains being faced in the state.
In a statement issued here today, Dr. Cheema said that it was surprising that congress has tried to brush the crisis of grain storage affecting 80% population of the state under the carpet by disrupting the house on trivial issues. He said that there was a design in the whole drama of disruption created by Congress Party because discussion would have revealed the dubious role being played by Congress led UPA government for deliberately creating crisis in non congress states. He said that Punjab Government had been time and again demanding creation of model storage capacity for 120 lakh tonnes of grain in the Punjab, so that grains would be stored in a scientific manner and could have a better shelf life. He said that Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal had been requesting Union Government to arrange extra trains to move the existing stock of grains from Punjab to other states, so that freshly procured wheat could be stored in that places. He said that despite advance warnings given by the state government regarding looming storage crisis, the Union Government remained in deep slumber till the problem blew on its face. Dr. Cheema said that what to call of solving storage crisis, the Union Government deliberately diverted gunny bags earmarked for Punjab to Congress ruled states creating crisis for farming community in the state. He said that anti-Punjab face of Congress Party got exposed when the coal rake coming for Ropar Thermal Plant was stopped in the way at Panipat and coal was utilized in the Panipat Thermal Plant deliberately creating power crisis in Punjab.
Dr. Cheema said that the discussion on storage crisis would have exposed the anti-Punjab and anti-farmer face of Congress Party therefore Punjab Congress deliberately created din in the house to stall the discussion on the storage crisis. He said that it was surprising that the pleadings of statesman like leader S. Parkash Singh Badal to allow discussion fell on deaf ears congress leaders. He said that sane advise of Food Minister S. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon was also ignored as congress wanted to hide its killer face behind the façade of discussions on non listed issues.
Calling upon Congress leaders to accept the reality and work collectively with the SAD-BJP government for the development of the state, Dr. Cheema said that time has come that Punjab Congress leaders should stop acting as stooge of its Central leadership.
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ORDER ISSUED FOR RELEASE OF MAY SALARIES OF EMPLOYEES WITHOUT PRAN NUMBER
Chandigarh, June 21:
The Punjab Government today issued orders to release the May salaries of employees who have not been allotted PRAN number.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson said that the employees who had been allotted a temporary P.P.A.N number by the office or department concerned would be given salaries.
Besides, it should be assured by the concerned D.D.O that S-1 form of the employee had been filled and submitted to the concerned office whose salary is to be drawn. The spokesperson also said that the finance office should also send the S-1 form to the concerned office. He said that the employees who had not been allotted PRAN No. should attach their schedule related to contribution to their salary bill.
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PEOPLE FRIENDLY AND DEVELOPMENT ORIENTED BUDGET: MAJITHIA
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20: Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue and Information and Public Relations Minister today called the budget presented in the Vidhan Sabha for 2012-13, a People Friendly and development oriented budget.
In a statement issued here today, Mr. Majithia said despite having limited financial resources, the SAD-BJP government did not impose any new tax on the people of Punjab, who were already reeling under the unbearable inflation due to deflecting strategies of Congress led UPA Government , also the Punjab Government has put the state on accelerated pace of growth by fetching big investments in various sectors including Health, Education, Sports, Power and Industry, which in itself confirm that the budget was a development oriented budget, Mr. Majithia added.
Mr. Majithia said that despite constant step-motherly treatment with Punjab by the Congress led UPA Government, the Punjab Government was constantly introducing welfare schemes including Atta-Dal, Mai-Bhago, Shagun Scheme and setting up of gyms throughout the state.
The Minister said that the income of Punjab from taxes has increased to Rs. 23842 crores while the state government did not impose or introduce any new taxes. He said that collection of taxes from the states is the major source of income of Center Government and in exchange the Union Government was giving a meager share of collected taxes. He said that in 1970 the share of Punjab, who made the country self-reliant on food security front, was 2.4%, which was reduced to 1.32 % showing apathy of Union Government, who ignored the contribution of Punjab in the overall development of nation.
He said that income from the Revenue Department is the biggest resource of state and the budget has fixed a fresh target to generate Rs. 500 crore through revenue income resources. He said that the department would achieve this target without any hindrance and the necessary instructions have already been issued in this regard.
Lashing out at misleading statements of Congress Leaders regarding frail financial health of the state, Mr. Majithia said that such propagation was completely wrong as Punjab has successfully crossed the target of fiscal deficit given by 13th Financial Commission from 1.20 % to 1.14 % of Gross Domestic Product. He said that the Punjab Government has accepted the long pending demands of scribes of the state by securing Rs. 1 crore to establish Press Clubs in each district besides putting Rs. 8 lakh for the study purposes, which would be conducted by the members of Press Gallery Committee of Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
The Minister also thanked Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for allocation of Rs. 25 crore for the upgradation of historical Gobindgarh Fort in Amritsar and Rs. 198 crore for Public Rapid Transport System.
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PUNJAB RECONSTITUTES DISTRICT GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL COMMITTEE'S - NEW CHAIRMEN APPOINTED
Chandigarh, June 20:
The Punjab government today reconstituted District Grievances Redressal committees of all the districts and appointed new chairmen.
Disclosing this here today , an official spokesman said that Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa (Finance and Planning Minister) has been appointed Chairman of Patiala district, Mr.Bhagat Chunni Lal(Local Bodies Minister) of Amritsar district, Sarwan Singh Phillaur(Jails And Tourism Minister) of Kapurthala and Barnala districts, Mr.Aadaish Pratap Singh Kairon(Food and Supply Minister) of Ajitgarh district, Mr.Ajit Singh Kohar(Transport Minister) of Roopnagar and Gurdaspur districts, Mr.Gulzar Singh Ranike(Animal Husbandary and Dairy Development Minister) of TaranTaran and Ferozpur districts, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal(Health and Family Welfare Minister) of Jalandhar district, Mr.Janmeja Singh Seikhon(Irrigation Minister) of Ludhiana district, Mr.Surjit Kumar Jiani (Forest Minister) of Moga and Faridkot districts, Mr.Bikran Singh Majithia(Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister) of Bathinda and Mansa districts, Mr.Sinkandar Singh Maluka(Education Minister) of Sangrur district, Mr.Anil Joshi(Industry and Commerce Minister) of Pathankot and Hoshiarpur districts, Mr.Surjit Singh Rakhara(Rural Development and Panchayat Minster) of Fatehgarh Sahib and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagars, Mr.Saranjit Singh Dhillon(Public Works Department Minster) of Muktsar and Fazilka districts.
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PUNJAB ANNOUNCES 7 % DA ENHANCEMENT FOR IT’S EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONERS
Chandigarh, June 20:
The Punjab Government today announced to enhance the rate of Dearness Allowance (DA) payable to the state government employees/pensioners from 58 per cent to 65 per cent of the revised basic pay with effect from 1st January, 2012.
Disclosing this here today, Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa said that the whole amount on account of enhanced dearness allowance due for the period from 1st January, 2012 to 30th June, 2012 would be credited to the General Provident Fund account of employees. He said that from the period of 1st July, 2012, enhanced dearness allowance would be paid in cash.
Mr. Dhindsa said that the dearness allowance has been increased on the pattern of Centre Government. The Finance Minister said that 7 per cent DA increase would put an additional liability of Rs.744.48 crore on the state exchequer.
Mr. Dhindsa said that in case of such employees, who have been appointed on or after 1st January, 2004, enhanced dearness allowance due for the period from 1st January, 2012 to 30th June, 2012 would be paid in the shape of National Saving Certificates/Kisan Vikas Patras.
The Finance Minister said that in case of pensioners, the entire amount on account of enhanced dearness allowance would be paid in cash with effect from 1st January, 2012.
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WATER LEVEL IN DAMS DECREASING; USE IT WITH RESTRAINT: SEKHON APPEALS TO THE FARMERS
Chandigarh, June 20:
Irrigation Minister, Punjab Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon today made an appeal to the farminig community to use irrigation water with utmost restraint as water level in the dams was decreasing due to slow and late melting of snow in the catchments areas.
In a press communiqué, Mr. Sekhon said that the snow on the high peaks was not melting at a pace as it was expected in this period of summer. He said that due to the decreasing inflow of water in the dams, the water level has been decreasing day by day. He said that the water level of Pong Dam on this date was 1299.64 feet, which is 50.22 feet less as compared to last year. He said that the water level of Bhakhra Dam was 1527.62 feet, which is 50.46 less as compared to last year. Mr. Sekhon said that the water level of the dams is decreasing by one feet every day. He said that if the same conditions persisted, the water in the canal would have to released on weekly basis .he said that Punjab government was committed to provide all assistance to the farmers and was ensuring eight hours power supply to the tube wells and engineers have been deputed to ensure optimum utilization of canal water for the irrigation purpose,. He said that it becomes imperative for the farmers themselves also to use the available canal water for irrigation of paddy fields with utmost discipline so that keeping in view of reduced availability of water in the canals.
He said that in the beginning every division one canal was being run weekly. Mr. Sekhon urged the farmers to use water with restraint, so that there should not be any scarcity of water in the state.
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Capt Amarinder: Budget is more of a political than a financial statement
CHANDIGARH, June 20: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today said that the state budget presented by the Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa was more of a political than a financial statement which concealed more than it revealed. “This budget has a hidden taxation agenda which this government will reveal very soon”, he remarked.
In his preliminary reaction to the FM’s budget speech Capt Amarinder said, the budget has only betrayed the inefficiency of this government which has less revenue and more expenditure. He pointed out, against a total revenue of Rs 38043 crores, the expenditure was Rs 41166 crores with a revenue deficit of Rs 3123 crores and no provision for bridging the gap.
The PCC President expressed his doubts whether the government was really not imposing any taxes. He disclosed that the state government had presented the so called “tax free” budget in the assembly only to impose various taxes later. He predicted that the government will go for punitive taxation after the Dasuya bye-election which amounts to fraud with the people.
The former Chief Minister reiterated his concern about the mounting debt which has already touched Rs 78, 236 crores as on March 31, 2012 and is estimated to be Rs 87518 crores by the end of this fiscal. He said, this was financially an alarming situation and the state was headed towards bankruptcy only.
He asked the government as what has happened to its power dreams with virtually no money allocated for the power sector except for the routine subsidy. “Will this government explain as how it plans to provide round the clock electricity within two years as it has not allocated a single penny for power projects?” he asked, while adding all the investments in power being claimed by the government are being made by the private sector with no commitment of providing power to Punjab.
Capt Amarinder said, it is shocking that the state government is not able to meet even its day to day expenses and has run into deficit without investing into infrastructure or welfare measures. He pointed out, the government should at least be able to meet is basic expenses like the salaries, pensions, subsidy and interests and should not have to borrow for these.
“If we have to borrow money for paying salaries and interest we can well imagine what is the state of economy of Punjab”, he observed, while blaming the Akali-BJP government for the perpetual economic and financial mismanagement.
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BADAL DIRECTS MARKFED TO SUPPLY DAP AT OLD RATES TO FARMERS THROUGH COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES
MARKFED ALLOTTED TARGET OF 1,28,000 TONNE OF DAP
CHANDIGARH JUNE 19:
On the personal directions of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Markfed would ensure supply of DAP to the farmers through the Cooperative Societies across the state at old rates during the current Kharif season thereby benefiting them to the tune of Rs.74.82 crore.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the CMO said that the Markfed had initiated arrangements well in advance during February & March this year and accumulated 1,29,000 tonne of DAP till date. The State government had already fixed a target of 1,28,000 tonne of DAP to be supplied through Markfed in the cooperative sector for the sowing of crops in the ensuing Kharif season.
It may be recalled that the companies supplying DAP had fixed its rate at Rs.24,000/- per tonne from Rs.18200/- thereby hiking the price of DAP by Rs. 1200 per bag of 50 Kg. w.e.f. June 1, 2012 from Rs.910 per bag.
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MALUKA LAUNCHES ON-LINE PUNJABI-ENGLISH DICTIONARY
- Languages Department digitalizes 600 rare manuscripts and more than 100 rare books
- Department to put Punjabi-Hindi-Urdu dictionary and legal vocabulary on official website soon
Chandigarh, June 19: Punjab Education and languages Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka today launched on-line Punjabi-English dictionary that was put on official website of State Languages department.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Maluka said that in the present era of computerization, Internet and Website were the most powerful tool for promotion of any language or literature as a man sitting anywhere in the world can get required information by merely clicking a button. Appreciating the efforts of state language department in putting Punjabi-English dictionary on official website, Mr. Maluka pointed out that the administrative vocabulary put on the website by the department was proved quite beneficial for the readers. He said that the department has also preserved more than 600 rare manuscripts and more than 100 rare books through digitalization. He said that the department was going to put Punjab-Hindi-Urdu dictionary and legal terminology on departmental website www.pblanguages.govt.in soon.
Earlier speaking on the occasion Mrs. Balbir Kaur, Director Languages Department informed that the department besides organizing various programmes for promotion of Punjabi language was also hosting different literary functions with the cooperation of different literary organizations. He said that the department keeping in view the demand of readers across the globe has republished 35 books namely, Mahan Kosh, Shri Gurpartap Suraj Granth, Bhai Veer Singh Rachnawali, Deewan-e-Ghalib, Gulistan-Bostan, History of Punjabi literature and Punjabi Parbodh. Besides this, 21 more books have been published. She further said that books related to different cities and towns with special emphasis on history and culture of Punjab have also been published. On this occasion Mr. Maluka released two departmental survey books on Khatkar Kalan and Dholbaha.
Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister, Mr. Avinash Chander, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Dr. G Vajralingam, Principal Secretary Higher Education and Languages and Mr. Chander Gaind, Special Secretary Higher Education and Languages were also present on the occasion.
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NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCAVENGERS IS ON 4 DAY VISIT TO PUNJAB
Chandigarh, June 19:
The National Commission for scavengers is on 4 day visit in the state to assess the problems of the scavengers. Disclosing this here today the official spokesperson of the department said that this delegation under the leadership of Mrs. Kamla Gurjar, Chairperson National commission for scavengers would visit the different parts of Punjab and would also preside over the different meetings. This delegation would find solutions for the everlasting problems of the scavengers.
The spokesperson further said that the 4 day visit of this delegation would last till 22 June. He said that the delegation would also make recommendations to the Punjab government for the upliftment of scavengers. The spokesman said that various departments of Punjab government have been invited to participate in the meetings. He said that many organizations of scavengers and welfare organizations were also expected to participate in these meetings.
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Congress urges the SAD-BJP govt. to honor its poll promises in the ensuing budget..........Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Ex-MLA
CHANDIGARH, June 19:
First 100 days of any govt. are crucial as they reflect the will, commitment and intention of those at the helm. The SAD-BJP govt. has almost completed more than three months in office, a close perusal of its poll promises would clearly indicate its dismal performance. The below mentioned poll promises were supposed to be honored at the first cabinet meeting of the govt. but unfortunately true to the style of the politicians, Sh. Badal has not done so even after completing three months
Important unkept election promises
1. Free laptop for class XI and XII students.
2. Rs. 1000 unemployment dole per month to those registered in employment exchanges.
3. Old age and widow pensions to be doubled.
4. Free health care of Rs lacs for blue card holders, marginal farmers, widows and orphans at Rs. 1600/year.
5. Rs. 10,000 scholarships for 20 outstanding sportsmen.
6. 5 marla plots for 3 lac landless village families.
7. Shagun scheme to be doubled to Rs. 30,000 from the present Rs. 15,000 and daughters of ex-servicemen to be included.
8. Stadium in each district at Rs. 12 Crore per stadium.
9. Free cycles to girl students from class IX onwards.
10. Free power of 250 watt for Dalit and EWS.
11. Memorials to Guru Ravi Dass and Bhagwan Valmiki.
12. Wi-Fi coverage for Punjab.
Surplus power for agriculture, domestic and industrial sector was promised in the election manifesto 2007 by the SAD-BJP govt. i.e. by 2010 Punjab was supposed to be power surplus. A major unkept promise even in 2012.
The congress terms the first three months of the govt. a big zero, an utter failure on all fronts. The only achievement of the present govt. ofcourse has been murder, rape of democracy and a farce enacted in the name of the just concluded Muncipal elections. The congress also accuses the govt. of relentlessly pursuing the agenda of political vendetta. Congress leaders and cadres are being intimidated, coerced and threatened by the police force which is virtually being used as a private army by the Badal clan. Employees after having been promised the moon in the run up for elections are now being brutally beaten up day in day out across the state. The fiscal situation continues to be critical with the ever increasing debt burden of Rs. 78,000 crores.
The Congress party calls upon the people at large, its rank and file and cadres to be prepared for a long drawn struggle to rid the state of an incompetent, inefficient and rampantly corrupt SAD-BJP govt.
The congress party urges the SAD-BJP govt. to honor the above mentioned poll promises in the ensuing budget. In case the govt. fails to honor its election promises it would be understood that the election manifesto of the SAD-BJP was to merely hoodwink the voters to cling on to power.
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Arun ‘Mickey’ Dogra to be Congress candidate from Dasuya
CHANDIGARH, June 19: Congress President Ms Sonia Gandhi has approved the candidature of Arun ‘Mickey’ Dogra for Dasuya bye-election scheduled to be held on July 11.
Disclosing this here today, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder said, following the recommendation by the PCC, Ms Gandhi approved Dogra’s name yesterday.
He expressed confidence that the party will win the bye-election as people had got disillusioned with the Akali-BJP government. He said, the party has chalked a comprehensive campaign programme to ensure victory from there.
Arun Dogra is the son of former Minister Ramesh Chander Dogra who has represented Dasuya constituency a number of times.
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CABINET APPROVES BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR THE YEAR 2012-13
CREATION OF “GREENING PUNJAB FUND” OKAYED
PASSES RESOLUTION CONDEMNING THE JOGA INCIDENT OF COW SLAUGHTER
NOD FOR SETTING UP OF UMTA FOR ENSURING EFFECTIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Chandigarh, June 18, 2012
The Punjab Cabinet today approved the Budget proposals for the year 2012-13 to be presented by the Finance Minister Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa in the state Legislative Assembly on June 20.
A decision to this effect was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal here at CMO this morning.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that in a significant development, the Punjab Cabinet gave approval to carry out a massive plantation drive under the name of “Greening Punjab Project” on the vacant lands available in rural and urban areas, for which a corpus naming “Greening Punjab Fund” has been created to make the entire state clean, green and pollution free in a phased manner.
Under this ambitious program trees and plants of different species depicting state’s flora would be planted across the state and the entire program would be funded through the Corpus, created from the funds contributed by the various Boards, Corporations, authorities and departments. Even the private sector and corporate would also contribute for this scheme under the clause of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) enshrined in the Companies Act. A society, trust or company would be constituted under the Chief Minister for this purpose. The plantation drive would be undertaken on the lands owned by Government departments, institutions, Panchayats, Trusts, clubs, Focal Points, Markets, cremation grounds besides land in the vicinity of Police lines, Stations and Jails, Educational and Medical institutions including Hospitals, Dispensaries, Health Care Centers and Tehsil level offices and institutions of the Government of India (GoI).
Apart from carrying out extensive plantation drive these institutions would also be required to ensure upkeep and maintenance of these trees atleast for five years. Adequate measures would also be taken to create awareness amongst the general public for the importance of this vigorous “Greening Punjab Campaign” through publication of publicity material in the form of pamphlets, brochures, booklets besides organizing various functions and meetings from time to time.
The Cabinet also passed a resolution expressing profound grief and anguish over the recent unfortunate incident of Cow slaughter in Joga in Mansa District. Condemning the incident the Cabinet expressed satisfaction over the action being taken by the state administration against the culprits responsible for this barbaric act. The Cabinet further assured the people that the action initiated to award ‘severest of the severe’ punishment to each and every criminal involved in this heinous crime would continue till its logical end and none would be spared whosoever connected with this crime directly or indirectly.
The Cabinet gave consent for setting up of Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) to oversee implementation of various traffic, transport measures and mobility projects undertaken by various agencies in the Municipal Corporation areas in Punjab besides ensuring effective public transport system in the urban sector.
The Cabinet gave nod for transferring both Government Degree College and Government College for Physical Education at Patti in Tarn Taran district to the Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.
It was also decided in the meeting that all the Cabinet Ministers would voluntarily offer to forego their 10% of monthly allowances as a part of the austerity measures. This decision would also be applicable to all the Chief Parliamentary Secretaries of the state.
The Cabinet also discussed the prevailing situation regarding the supply of minor minerals especially sand and gravel in the state. In order to address the problem and ensure adequate supply of these materials at reasonable rates, a Cabinet sub-committee has been constituted which would submit its comprehensive report in this regard.
The Cabinet approved the conversion of the Punjab Municipal (Amendment) Ordinance 2012, Punjab Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance 2012 and Punjab Municipal Fund (Amendment) Ordinance 2012 into Bills for its enactment in the forthcoming Budget session of the state legislative Assembly to legislate the abolition of Octroi on the Petrol and Diesel within the Municipal limits of the urban areas.
Likewise the Cabinet also approved the draft of the Punjab Common Infrastructure (Regulation and Maintenance) Bill 2012, for its enactment in the ensuing Budget Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. This bill aims at creating of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) comprising of private and government officials to look after the maintenance of infra structure in the Focal Points so that their upkeep is raised to the desired level.
The Cabinet also gave approval to rename the Directorate Sainik Welfare Punjab as Directorate Defence Services Welfare, Punjab.
The Cabinet also gave nod to the draft Bills for the setting up of two private universities namely “Adesh University” at Bathinda by Adesh Foundation, Muktsar and “Chandigarh University” at Gharuan in SAS Nagar (Mohali) by Chandigarh Educational Trust for its enactment in the coming budget session of the state Legislative Assembly.
The Cabinet also gave approval to remit stamp duty on urban agriculture land on its transfer to the class-I heirs during the life time of the owner as was done for residential and commercial property in urban areas.
The Cabinet also gave approval to transfer 13 villages of Block Jandiala Guru and 3 villages of block Majitha in Verka block of Amritsar district in the larger public interest subject to the resolutions passed by the respective Panchayats.
The Cabinet also approved the creation of new posts in the district level offices of the Rural Development and Panchayat Department in the new districts of Fazilka and Pathankot.
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Capt Amarinder raps govt for power failure
PATIALA, June 18: Taking a dig at the SAD-BJP government for “miserably failing” to provide 8-hour power supply to the farmers and the present power crisis in the state, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) President Capt. Amarinder Singh has said that claims made by the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal that Punjab will be power surplus state have proved to be “hollow”.
Strongly flaying the state government for its ill-preparedness to deal with the power demand during the summer season, especially for the paddy, Capt Amarinder said, “Six hour power cuts in the domestic sector, imposition of two-day weekly off on the industry and erratic power supply to the farmers itself speaks the poor performance of the power department, the portfolio of which is with the CM himself.”
Commenting on the agitations being staged by the farmers in protest against the failure of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), the PPCC chief said that officers of the Power Corporation are just making false excuses to save their skin. “The ground reality has badly exposed the Akali-BJP government assurances that there will be no power cuts this summer. Significantly, immediately after the conduct of the Municipal Corporation elections on June 10, the PSPCL started imposing hour-long power cuts in the entire state”, he said.
Reacting to the reports in the print media about the uncertainty pertaining to the fate of some upcoming thermal plants, Capt Amarinder said that SAD-BJP government is acting in an irresponsible manner. He demanded that the Punjab CM should inform about the present status of all the upcoming thermal plants during the Punjab Vidhan Sabha session, which will start from June 19.
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MANDI BOARD CHAIRMAN LAKHOWAL GETS THREE YEARS EXTENSION
Chandigarh, June 18-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today gave approval for granting extension to the Chairman of Punjab Agriculture Marketing Board Mr Ajmer Singh Lakhowal for another term of three years.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the present term of Mr Lakhowal as Chairman had ended on June 17, 1012.
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TASK GROUP ON HEALTH AND MEDICAL EDUCATION CONSTITUTED
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 18:
The Punjab Government has constituted a Task Group on “Health and Medical Education” under the chairmanship of Prof. K. K. Talwar, Chairman Medical Council of India. The decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of Punjab Governance Reforms Commission, held here today.
The Task Group has decided to work in the first instance on laying down standards for availability of human resource, medicines as well as infrastructure in the public health facilities at various levels. It was agreed that there is need for better networking of the Govt. hospitals and medical institutions, including through Telemedicine, for the benefit of the citizens. The Group also decided to examine the provisions of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 with a view to developing a model for regulating private healthcare without bringing in ‘Inspector Raj’ in the state.
The Task Group members agreed to initiate work on these lines and would meet again next month to firm up the first set of recommendations.
The meeting was attended by Ms Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Ms. Anjali Bhawra, Secretary Medical Education and research (MER) Prof Rajesh Kumar, HOD, School of Public Health PGI, Prof. Meenu Singh, Head, Division of Paed, Pulmonology and Allergy, PGI, Dr. Satwant Bhalla and Dr. G K. Dewan.
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INDISCIPLINE, CORRUPTION WOULD NOT BE TOLERATED: SHARANJIT DHILLON
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 18:
Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister today reiterated that indiscipline, corruption and negligence never tolerate in the public works department. He directed the Chief Engineers to give priority to public works and complete the ongoing projects within given time frame.
Mr. Dhillon, who was presiding over the meeting of all Chief Engineers of his department, said that official should ensure the site order book, where-there works with the cost of more than Rs. 3 crores were under progress. He directed the concerned officers to register the lapses in the site book immediate after visiting the work site as he would personally check the site order book on the weekend and the erring officers would not be spared.
The Minister also issued instructions to all Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, Sub Divisional Officers and Junior Engineers to visit the work sites according to the need of the area to maintain the quality of the project. He said that they would also ensure the completion of project within given time frame while the Chief Engineers would ensure that the work report should be according to the status of the project.
Getting status of ongoing projects of big roads in the state, Mr. Dhillon asked the officer concerned to install radium boards on the roads leading to villages of Punjab and the given task of installation of cat eyes stickers on the roadsides should be completed in stipulated time limit. He also issued instructions to the officers to maintain the quality at the time of marking center lines on the roads. Mr. Dhillon asked the Chief Engineers to submit their reports on patch works annually in April.
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Punjab to set up 43 more ITIs and 2500 skill development centres-Anil Joshi
Seats in ITIs to be raised from 50,000 to 4 lakh
Rs.3300 crore sanction for upgradation of technical education
Chandigarh, June 18: The Punjab Government today approved a Rs.3300 crore massive plan for expansion and upgradation of Technical Education department under which 43 new ITIs and 2500 skill development centres would be established in the state.
Disclosing this here today Mr. Anil Joshi, Minister for Technical Education said that newly approved plan include setting up of 43 new ITIs in uncovered blocks at the cost of Rs.1200 crores. With the setting up of these ITIs the number of seats in ITIs would enhance from present 50000 to 4 lakh. He said that the new ITIs would focus on emerging technologies according to the changing needs of the industry so that employability of ITI apprentice could be ensured.
He said that 2500 skill development centres have also been approved under Kaushal Vikas Yojna at the cost of Rs.1800 crores. He said that he has also approved short term courses in skill development schemes, hospitality trades in I T I 's to be started at the cost of Rs.300 crores under Public Private Partnership.
Emphasizing the need for proper follow up of projects under various centrally sponsored schemes Mr. Joshi said that all officers would ensure that utilization certificate required for release of central funds would be issued without any delay. He regretted that under various schemes for skill development, lot of funds were available which have not been got released for want of supplying utilization certificate in some cases and in others for lack of proper follow-up.
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CM UNABLE TO TAKE OFF FOR JOGA DUE TO BAD WEATHER
RESCHEDULES HIS VISIT TOMORROW AT 8 am
Chandigarh, June 18-
Owing to poor weather conditions, Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal was unable to take off for Joga in Mansa district today, where he was scheduled to visit the factory premises for updating himself relating to the developments following the unfortunate incident of cow slaughter last week.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister office further said that Mr Badal would now fly by chopper tomorrow to reach Joga at 8 am to take stock of the entire situation as per his revised schedule.
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DS GREWAL APPOINTED CHAIRMAN PUNGRAIN
Chandigarh, June 18: The Punjab government has appointed Mr. D.S. Grewal, Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs as Chairman of Punjab State Grains Procurement Corporation Limited (PUNGRAIN) with effect from the date he assumes charge of this Corporation.
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PCS OFFICER GIVEN ADDITIONAL CHARGE
Chandigarh, June 18: Mr. Pritam Singh Johal PCS (Retd.) Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Ferozepur would also hold the charge of Sub-Divisonal Magistrate Guru Har Sahai in addition to his present assignment.
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INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB
SECRETARIES TOLD TO GET THEIR TOUR PROGRAMME APPROVED ON E-MAIL
Chandigarh, June 18: The Punjab Government today issued instructions to all Financial Commissioner, Principal Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries to get their tour programme approved from Chief Secretary through e-mail.
According to an official spokesman the approval of tour programme would also be conveyed to them through e-mail and they would be required to attach the copy of approved tour programme along with Traveling Allowance. The spokesman said that in future no hard copy of Tour programme would be entertained.
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Dhillon appointed Head of Minister's Flying Squad
Chandigarh, June 18
In continuation to its efforts to check irregularities in the Transport Department the Punjab government has constituted a Minister's Flying Squad in Transport department. Mr. Harbakhsh Singh Dhillon General Manger P.R.T.C. Kapurthala has been appointed as the head of this newly constituted squad.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of Transport Department said that Mr. Dhillon has been empowered to check the irregularities at any level in the department. This squad would directly report to the Transport Minister, he added.
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CM NOT TO MEET GENERAL PUBLIC, MPs, MLAs AND SENIOR PARTY LEADERS DURING THE ASSEMBLY SESSION
Chandigarh, June 17-
In view of the forthcoming Budget session of the state Legislative assembly, Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal would be unable to meet the general public at his office residence and MPs, MLAs and the senior party leaders at CMO, from June 18 till the end of the current session.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr Badal would not attend his office these days to meet the MPs, MLAs and the senior party leaders from 11am to 1pm as per schedule. Likewise, he would also be not available to the general public from 4 to 6 pm at his official residence, added the spokesperson.
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MAJITHIA CONDOLES THE DEMISE OF APRO’S HUSBAND
Chandigarh, June 17
Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Minister for Information and Public Relations Punjab, shared the grief of Smt. Gurinder Kaur, APRO for untimely demise of her husband.
Mr. Majithia pointed out that this untimely death of Mr. Balbir Singh was irreparable blow for the family. He prayed before the almighty to bestow strength to the family to bear this loss. Mr. Balbir Singh (48) was working in Reserve Bank of India in the capacity of Assistant Manager. He was on his way back from New Delhi to Chandigarh, when his car met with an accident near Ambala last night
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APRO GURINDER KAUR BEREAVED-HUSBAND EXPIRES
PR OFFICERS ASSOCIATION MOURNS THE SAD DEMISE OF BALBIR SINGH
Chandigarh June 17 :
Mrs. Gurinder Kaur Assistant Public Relations Officer Punjab bereaved today when his husband Sardar Balbir Singh (48), Assistant Manager in Reserve Bank of India Chandigarh branch died in a road accident at Ambala last night when he was returning from New Delhi on an official duty. He has left behind two sons and wife. Meanwhile Punjab Public Relations Officers' Association today held a condolence meeting here and deeply mourned the sad demise of Sardar Balbir Singh. According to the president of PR Association Mr. Harjeet Singh Grewal Deputy Director, all the members observed two minutes silence in the condolence meeting to pay tributes to the departed soul. PR Association also expressed its heart felt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul. Mr. Balbir Singh was cremated here today where Mrs Senu Duggal ADPR on behalf of Public Relations Minister Mr Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr Opinder Singh Lamba Press Secretary to Chief Minister Punjab and PR Association president Mr. Harjeet Singh Grewal Deputy Director laid down floral tributes to the departed soul.
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PUNJAB MODERN HERD STATIONS WORTH Rs. 18.5 CRORE WOULD BE ESTABLISHED AT CHARRIK, SAMANA AND BATALA: RAKHRA
- MANDIS BE EQUIPPED WITH VETERINARY HOSPITALS, COVER SHEDS, LOADING/UNLOADING FACILITIES, APARTMENTS FOR NIGHT STAY
- MODERN HERD STATIONS WORTH Rs. 32.5 CRORE IN OPERATION AT KILLEANWALI, SUBHANPUR, VALLA, NAVIPUR, NABHA AND DHANAULA
- CONSTRUCTION OF HERD STATIONS WITH A TOTAL COST OF Rs. 11.5 CRORE UNDER PROGRES AT JAGRAON AND DAUOONMAJRA
CHANDIGARH-: The Punjab Government has decided to set-up modern herd stations at Charrik (Moga), Samana (Patiala) and Batala (Gurdaspur) with a total cost of Rs. 18.5 crore to promote dairy farming in the state. These mandis would be equipped with all the requisite facilities including veterinary hospitals, cover sheds, bath tubs, loading/unloading facilities, apartments for night stay.
Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister, disclosing this here today said that the Punjab Government has already established 8 state-of-the-art herd station with a total cost of Rs. 44 crore and now with the completion of these three new ones the Punjab would become one of the top states in the country having 11 hi-tech herd stations. He said that these stations would prove a boon for improvement of animal breeds vis-à-vis witnessing increase in production of milk in the state. He informed that the massive animal fairs would also be held in these stations.
The Minister said that in coming days the SAD-BJP government would inaugurate the newly constructed herd stations at Dhanaula (Barnala) and at Nabha, Patiala worth Rs. 11.5 crores while the construction work of two hi-tech animal markets worth Rs. 11.5 crores at Jagraon in Ludhiana district and Dauoonmajra in Mohali district was under progress on war level, which would also become operational in near future. He said that Killeanwali (Muktsar) has witnessed first hi-tech herd station in Punjab with a total cost of Rs. 7.5 crore followed by Navipur (Hoshiapur) at the cost of Rs. 7.5 crores and Valla (Amritsar) with a total cost of Rs. 4 crores respectively. He said that a modern herd station was also fully operational at Subhanpur in Kapurthala worth Rs. 3 crore witnessing massive animal fairs.
Mr. Rakhra said that under the able leadership and directions of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Rural Development and Panchayats Department has a definite plan to set-up at-least one herd station in each district and big cities in the state. He also informed that in these markets the veterinary hospitals, cover sheds, bath tubs, loading/unloading facilities, apartments for night stay for the rearers of animals besides facilities of a control room having complete information regarding various breeds.
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PUNJAB ENHANCES INCOME LIMIT FOR POVERITY STRICKEN SECTIONS TO GET ADMISSION IN TECHNICAL COLLEGES
· NOW THE STUDENTS FROM FAMILIES WITH ANNUAL INCOME LESS THAN Rs. 4.5 CAN AVAIL THE FEE WAIVER SCHEME
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 17: The Punjab Government has enhanced the annual income limit of poverty stricken sections from Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 4.5 lakh in respect of their wards seeking admissions in the polytechnic colleges of state.
Disclosing this here, Mr. Anil Joshi, Technical Education Minister said that the state government has taken this decision to facilitate the thousands of students from the rural belts of Punjab in order to ensure their admissions in Polytechnic Colleges under ‘Fee Waiver Scheme’. He also informed that keeping this in view the Punjab Government has also extended the date of submission of applications in Polytechnic Colleges from June 15 to June 25, so that the rural students can drive the utmost benefit from this scheme.
The Minister said that the students, who have cleared their Joint Entrance Test can get direct admissions in the polytechnic colleges availing this facility of fee waiving as 2500 seats in the polytechnic colleges have been reserved across the state. He said that these seats would be filled under the fee waiving scheme of All India Council for Technical Education.
Extending appeal to the rural students to get maximum admissions through this fee waiving scheme of the government, Mr. Joshi said that under this scheme the students would have to pay only Rs. 5625 annually while the total fee is Rs. 27,625. He exhorted the students to avail this fee waiving scheme to make themselves self-employed and to start their own occupations. He said that SAD-BJP government is committed to promote technical education in the state.
Mr. Joshi informed that students belong to Scheduled Castes having annual income less than Rs. 2.5 lakh will have to pay only Rs. 1100 as tuition fee for three years course, under this fee waiving scheme.
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BADAL URGES RANK AND FILE OF SAD-BJP TO AMICABLY ELECT NEW EXECUTIVES OF CIVIC BODIES
THANKS PEOPLE FOR HISTORIC MANDATE IN CIVIC ELECTIONS
CHANDIGARH JUNE 16:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today appealed to the leadership of the SAD-BJP alliance to abide by the principle of consensus politics regarding the elections of the office bearers in the civic bodies of the state.
In a statement issued here today, Mr. Badal categorically said that there was hardly any difference of opinion on this issue and both the allies would amicably elect the new executives of the Municipal Corporations, Councils and Nagar Panchayats thereby respecting the historic mandate of the people on the plank of overall development and prosperity as well as the ethos of democratic values. The Chief Minister unequivocally said that SAD had strong bonds with the BJP adding that this relationship based on mutual trust and congenial ties was ever lasting.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also profusely thanked the people of Punjab for ensuring landslide victory of the SAD-BJP alliance in the recently concluded civic elections thereby reposing full faith and confidence in the development oriented policies and programs of the alliance government. He also felicitated all the workers, leaders, office bearers and rank and file of SAD-BJP for working day and night to ensure the thumping victory for the ruling alliance, which was an outcome of people’s unflinching faith in the policies and programs of the alliance government. Mr Badal further thanked the civil and Police administration in general and State Election Commission in particular for ensuring a free and fair poll, as truly reflected in the results.
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CM FOR STRENGTHENING MUTUAL TIES BETWEEN MEDICAL FRATERNITY OF INDIA AND PAKISTAN TO BENEFIT PEOPLE ACROSS THE BORDER
DELEGATION OF PAKISTANI DOCTORS CALL ON BADAL
CM RECALLS HIS YOUTHFUL DAYS SPENT IN LAHORE
Chandigarh, June 16, 2012
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today laid emphasis on strengthening of mutual ties between Medical fraternity of India and Pakistan to benefit the people of both countries in general and that of the Eastern and Western Punjab in particular, by providing quality health services to them.
Taking part in deliberations with a high level delegation of the doctors from Pakistan led by President of SAARC Surgical care Society Dr A Majeed Chaudhary, who called on the Chief Minister at his official residence here today, Mr Badal said that mutual cooperation and support of Medical fraternity in the region was the need of the hour, as it would not only improve the prospects of providing excellent Health care facilities to the people but would also provide the required fillip to boost up people to people contact in the region. He said that it was the need of the hour that eminent people from both the countries including Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Artists and others should come forward for the promotion of love, peace, brotherhood, co-operation and above all communal harmony and friendship through people to people contact between the two countries so that a new chapter of mutual trust and goodwill could be scripted in the Sub-Continent.
Dr Chaudhary along with other members of delegation including Prof. Aamer Zaman Khan, Dr PS Bakshi and Dr Abrar Ashraf Ali respectively the Vice President, General Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the society requested Mr Badal to inaugurate their Annual Conference schedule to be held at Jalandhar from September 7th to 9th. Accepting the invitation extended by the delegation, the Chief Minister urged them to ensure that the focus of conference should be to provide the access of modern and quality surgical care and facility to the rural areas of the SAARC countries, particularly that of India and Pakistan. Mr Badal also said that it was indeed a matter of pride for the state that such a mega conference was being organized here in which the surgeons from SAARC countries particularly Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and others would discuss their expertise besides focusing on improving health care facilities in these countries. He also assured the delegation of full co-operation and support from Punjab Government for making this prestigious conference a huge success.
Meanwhile Dr A Majeed Chaudhary, Prof. Aamer Zaman Khan and Dr Abrar Ashraf Ali extended the greetings of people of Pakistani Punjab to the Chief Minister and thanked him for accepting the invitation. Mr Badal also reciprocated by sending his warm wishes and greetings to the people of Pakistan, who have always showered lots of love to their Indian brothers. Striking an emotional chord with the delegation, the Chief Minister also recalled his youthful days spent in Lahore while pursuing graduation in a local college there. Mr Badal further said that the vivid memories of college days were afresh in his mind especially about the social and cultural bonds which the people shared at that time.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema.
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PROGRAMME FOR LEGISLATIVE WORKS ANNOUNCED
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 15:
The Programme for legislative work for the 14th Assembly Session, scheduled to be commence on 19th June, has been announced. Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of Punjab Legislative Assembly said that on the first day of session tributes would be paid to departed souls in-post lunch session, budget estimates for 2012-13 would be tabled on 20th June at 10 am, on 21st June non-official work at 10 am, on 22nd June at 10 am debate on budget estimates, holiday for 23 and 24, debate on budget estimates will resume at 2 pm on 25th June and continues on 26th June from 10 am onwards. On 27th June from 10 am onwards debate and voting on grant and demands related to budget estimates, non-official work at 10 am on 28th June and legislative work at 10 am on 29th June.
The spokesman further said that special instructions and guidelines have also been issued for entrance in officers’ gallery during a course of session. He said that due to security reasons and limited seats in the officers’ gallery entrance passes would be issued in the name of Administrative Secretaries and Departmental Heads. He said that entrance pass of any officer could also be issued to another senior officer, so that his representative could attend the session in his absence. He said that passes would not be issued to any unauthorized person to curb the practice of its misuse.
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PUNJAB AND HIMACHAL REACH AGREEMENT ON ANANDPUR SAHIB-NAINA DEVI ROPE-WAY
· AGREEMENT REACHED BETWEEN PUNJAB CHIEF SECRETARY REKESH SINGH AND HIMACHAL CHIEF SECRETARY SUDRIPTA ROY
· DECKS CLEARED FOR 4 KM LONG ROPE-WAY TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT RS.100 CRORE
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 15:
Decks were cleared for Rs.100 crore Anandpur Sahib-Naina Devi ropeway, as Punjab Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh and his team of officers had a detailed meeting with Himachal Pardesh Chief Secretary Mr. Sudripta Roy and his team of officers in Simla, in which all the contentious issues coming in the way of this project, were sorted out.
According to an official spokesman, Punjab Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh accompanied by Principal Secretary, Tourism, Mrs. Geetika Kalha, Secretary, Public Relations, Mr. Anirudh Tiwari and Chairman, PIDB, Mr. Anurag Agrawal had a detailed meeting with Himachal Pardesh Chief Secretary Mr. Sudripta Roy, Additional Chief Secretary, Mr. S.K. Dash, Financial Commissioner, Revenue, Mr. Deepak Sanan. It was discussed in the meeting that this important project that was conceived 8 years ago, could have not progressed as both participating states could not sort out some issues.
It was pointed out that this project was of great importance for Punjab as 90 per cent pilgrims to Mata Naina Devi were from Punjab. It was decided that both Governments would get the MoU for this project, approved from their respective cabinets and after that both states would sign the MoU.
The meeting decided that Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB)would be the executing agency for this 4 kilo meter long rope way that would be constructed at the cost of Rs.100 crore.
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BADAL THANKS PEOPLE FOR HISTORIC MANDATE IN CIVIC ELECTIONS
URGES RANK AND FILE OF SAD-BJP TO AMICABLY ELECT NEW EXECUTIVES OF CIVIC BODIES
CHANDIGARH JUNE 15:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today profusely thanked the people of Punjab for ensuring landslide victory of the SAD-BJP alliance in the recently concluded civic elections thereby reposing full faith and confidence in the policies and programs of the alliance government.
In a statement, Mr. Badal also felicitated all the workers, leaders, office bearers and rank and file of SAD-BJP for working day and night to ensure this thumping victory for the ruling alliance, which was an outcome of people’s unflinching faith in the policies and programs of the alliance government. He also thanked the civil and Police administration in general and State Election Commission in particular for ensuring a free and fair poll, as truly reflected in the results.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister appealed to the leadership of the alliance especially the SAD to abide by the principle of consensus politics regarding the elections of the office bearers in the civic bodies. He categorically said that there was hardly any difference of opinion on this issue and both the allies would amicably elect the new executives of the Municipal Corporations, Councils and Nagar Panchayats thereby respecting the historic mandate of the people on the plank of overall development and prosperity as well as the ethos of democratic values. Mr. Badal unequivocally said that SAD had strong bonds with the BJP adding that this relationship based on mutual trust and congenial ties was ever lasting.
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BADAL FLAYS CENTRE FOR MEAGER HIKE IN MSP OF PADDY BY RS.170
BLAMES CENTRE FOR DOUBLE SPEAK ON DIVERSIFICATION OF AGRICULTURE
CHANDIGARH JUNE 15:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today slammed the Centre for the recent hike in the MSP of Paddy (Common) and (Grade ‘A’) varieties, which had been fixed at Rs.1250 and Rs.1280 per quintal respectively, which represents an increase of Rs.170 per quintal over the last year’s MSPs and described the ‘Centre’s deliberate attempt to rob the farmers of genuine margins consequently the agriculture continues to be a non-profitable venture and the plight of farmers is turning from worse to worst’.
In a statement, Mr. Badal said that this hike spoke volumes of Congress led UPA government’s complete insensitivity and its apathetic attitude towards the plight of the beleaguered farmers who were already in distress due to low returns on their produce despite exorbitant cost of agricultural inputs incurred by them on diesel, fertilizers, pesticides etc. Terming this insignificant hike as a cruel joke with the farming community, Mr. Badal said that the Centre should have appreciated the ground realities in a holistic manner to provide a level playing field to the farmers, rather adding to their woes with this unreasonable and un-remunerative hike in the prices of Paddy at a point of time when the MSP was not commensurate with the ever increasing costs of agricultural inputs.
It may be recalled that the state government had suggested a MSP of Rs.1600 and Rs.1665 per quintal for these varieties respectively to the Centre.
Mr. Badal also criticized Centre for announcing MSP of Rs.1175 per quintal for Maize against Rs.1500 per quintal demanded by the state government. The Chief Minister said that the Centre had also announced the MSP of Cotton (both medium & long staple) between Rs.3600 and Rs.3900 per quintal which was also below the MSP of Rs.4420 per quintal as demanded by us. He said; “It is paradoxical that on one hand Centre is asking Punjab farmers to adopt diversification of agriculture by coming out of the rut of Paddy-Wheat rotation while on the other it is constantly denying them their legitimate right of remunerative MSP”. He asked the Centre to be honest and fair while deciding the issues relating to peasantry rather politicking, otherwise the UPA government would have to pay heavy price for its anti-farmer stance in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2014.
The Chief Minister further said that Centre should had realized the immense contribution of Punjab farmers to make our country self reliant in food production to ensure national food security. He said instead of rewarding them with remunerative MSP, the Centre had actually demoralized them by announcing a meager hike of Rs.170 per quintal on paddy during the Kharif 2012-13 seasons, thereby making the agriculture a non-viable profession due to its irrational and arbitrary policies. Mr. Badal said that it was the high time for the Centre to wake up from deep slumber in order to fix the MSP by providing a margin of 50% over the cost of production to the farmers as suggested by an agricultural expert Dr. MS Swaminathan.
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CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, PUNJAB
CEO ISSUES DETAILED SCHEDULE FOR DASUYA CONSTITUENCY BY-POLL
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 15: Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab today issued detailed schedule for the Dasuya assembly Constituency by-poll.
A spokesperson of the CEO said that the following program has been approved by the Election Commission of India for holding by-election to 40-Dasuya Assembly Constituency:-
1. |
Issue of Notification |
16.06.2012 (Saturday) |
2. |
Last date of making Nominations |
23.06.2012 (Saturday) |
3. |
Scrutiny of Nominations |
25.06.2012 (Monday) |
4. |
Last date for withdrawal of Candidature |
27.06.2012 (Wednesday) |
5. |
Date of Poll |
11.07.2012 (Wednesday)* |
6. |
Counting of Votes |
14.07.2012 (Saturday)
8.00 AM onwards. |
7. |
Date before which election shall be completed |
16.07.2012 (Monday) |
He said that the hours of Poll will be from 08.00 A.M. to 5 PM. He further said that the Nomination papers are to be filed with the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Dasuya, who is the Returning Officer for 40-Dasuya Assembly Constituency, between the hours of 11am and 3pm in the afternoon on any day other than a public holiday from 16.06.2012 to 23.06.2012.
The nominations are to be filed in form 2-B for Assembly elections. Blank forms are available with the District Election Officer/Returning Officer. Typed nomination papers will also be accepted provided they are in the prescribed format. He said that In order to qualify for a Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) seat, a candidate should be registered as an elector in any Assembly Constituency in Punjab.
To satisfy the aforementioned Returning Officer on this point, candidates should produce a certified copy of the relevant entry of the electoral roll in force. He said that a candidate is also required to make and subscribe to an oath or affirmation in the prescribed form before the aforementioned. Returning Officer or any other person so authorized by the Election Commission of India. The oath/affirmation should be taken/made by a candidate after his nomination paper has been filed and before the date fixed for the scrutiny of nominations.
Spokesman further added that 16th June, 2012 and 23 June, 2012 being a Saturday is not a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881; therefore, nomination papers can be presented to the Returning Officer on that day also. He said that 17th June, 2012 being a Sunday is a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881; therefore, nomination papers cannot be presented to the Returning Officer on that day.
The Model code of conduct has come into force in the District Hoshiarpur from the date of announcement of elections, i.e. 11.06.2012 by the Election Commission of India and shall remain in force till the completion of the election process.
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FULL PENSION TO EMPLOYEE AFTER 25 YEARS SERVICE INSTEAD OF EARLIER 33 YEARS: DHINDSA
- ORDERS TO COME INTO FORCE W.E.F. 1ST DECEMBER, 2011
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 15:
The Punjab Government has decided that the linkage of full pension with qualifying service of 33 years would be dispensed with. It has been decided that Government employees, who has rendered minimum qualifying service of 25 years, would be entitled to full pension equal to 50 per cent of emoluments i.e. last pay drawn or average emoluments, whichever was beneficial to him.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister, Punjab said that the method of calculation of proportionate pension in those cases, where the actual qualifying service rendered by a retiree was less than 25 years, the amount of proportionate pension would be calculated by dividing the actual qualifying service (in six-monthly periods) by fifty (i.e. six-monthly periods of 25 years). He said that suppose a Government employee at the time of his retirement was drawing pay @ Rs.25,000 per month, which is more beneficial in case as compared to his average emoluments and the actual qualifying service rendered by him at the time of his retirement on superannuation is 20 years (or say 40 six-monthly periods), his proportionate pension would be calculated as under:-
50 % of Rs.25,000 X 40/50 = Rs.10.000 per men sum
Mr. Dhindsa said that these orders would be deemed to have come into force with effect from the 1st December, 2011.
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ORDERS ISSUED TO ACKNOWLEDGE SUMMONS THROUGH E-MAILS
- PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT IS IN THE PROCESS OF SERVICE NOTICE/SUMMONS THROUGH E-MAILS
- COURT NOTICES TO BE SERVED THROUGH E-MAIL WITH EFFECT FROM 2ND JULY, 2012.
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 15:
The Punjab Government has issued instructions to all the Financial Commissioners, Principal Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries to update E-mail IDs of their respective department and forwarded it to the office of Advocate General of Punjab. These E-mail IDs would further be forwarded to the Registrar General, Punjab and Haryana High Court, which was in the process of sending notices/summons through E-mails.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman said that General Administration Department has issued written directions to all the Department Heads and Chairman of Board/Corporations to furnish the E-mail IDs. He said that the Punjab and Haryana High Court was in the process of serving notices through E-mails. The Spokesman said that all the Department Heads have also been instructed to issue directions to the nodal officers of their respective department to regularly check their E-mail accounts and receive and acknowledge the court notices send through E-mail for speedy delivery of justice and in case there was any change in their E-mail accounts, the same must be intimated to the court, immediately.
He said that the court notices would be served through E-mail with effect from 2nd July, 2012.
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4 NEW HIGH COURT JUDGES SWORN IN
CHANDIGARH: 15 JUNE
Four newly appointed Judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court was administrated the oath of office of secrecy by Acting Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Mr. Justice Jasbir Singh today in the premises of Punjab and Haryana High Court here in a simple but impressive ceremony.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab and Haryana High Court said that Sh. Ravinder Parkash Nagrath, Sh. Sat Paul Bangarh, Mrs. Rekha Mittal and Sh. Inderjit Singh have been elevated as High Court Judges on promotion.
He further said that with the elevation of these four new Judges the strength of the Judges in High Court has become 39 against the Sanctioned Strength 68 Judges.
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NEW PROTOCOL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SWEARING IN CEREMONY OF CM AND MINISTERS ISSUED
Chandigarh, June 15: The Punjab Government today made amendments in the Protocol Manual and approved a detailed protocol for swearing in ceremonies of Chief Minister and Ministers in the State.
According to an official spokesman according to new protocol instructions after the Governor would reaches the dais for swearing in ceremony and before he took the seat, the National Anthem would be played by the Police Band. The Chief Secretary would request seeking permission to begin the proceedings. On permission being granted, he would conduct and present the Chief Minister-designate to the Governor. The Chief Secretary would hand over to the Governor the Oaths of office and of Secrecy. The Governor would read out these oaths clause by clause and the Chief Minister-designate would repeat them. The Chief Minister-designate would then signs both the forms of Oath and of Secrecy and would take his seat on the dais.
The Chief Secretary would then announce the names of other Ministers-designate, whom the Chief Minister would present turn by turn and they would be sworn-in by the Governor. As each Minister-designatewould complete his Oath, he would take his seat near the dais. According to the new detailed instructions when all the Ministers-designate have been sworn-in, the Governor would resume his seat. The Chief Secretary would then ask for permission of the Governor to close the ceremony. On permission being granted, all present would rise. National Anthem would be played by the Police band where after the Governor would leave the dais in procession and the function comes to an end followed by buffet tea party.
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WHISTLEBLOWERS OF TAX EVASION TO GET AWARDS- PUNJAB TIGHTENS ITS NOOSE ON TAX EVADERS
· INFORMERS WOULD BE BESTOWED WITH ATTRACTIVE AWARDS WITH THEIR ANONYMITY ASSURED
· FIRMS AND DEALERS PREPARING FAKE BILLS ALSO ON TARGET
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 14: The Punjab Government today tightened its noose on tax evaders by coming out with a comprehensive policy to honour whistleblowers giving reliable information on tax evasion. The policy aimed at involving pubic at large in assuring tax compliance by the traders and industrialists and individual tax payers assures anonymity of the informers besides offering them attractive prizes.
Mr. A. Venu Prasad, Excise and Taxation Commissioner disclosing this said that the excise and taxation department has girded up its loins to eliminate the menace of tax evasion from the state by starting this exclusive campaign against the tax evaders. He said that the informers would be awarded confidentially with attractive prizes for helping the department by preventing evasion of taxes. He said that the particulars of the informers would be kept secret and the tax evaders would not be spared at any cost.
The Commissioner asserted that under this scheme the firms and dealers involved in preparation of fake bills would also be on target besides the tax evaders concealing the information at Information Centers of department. He said that informers, who would inform the department regarding dealers and transporters carrying the goods from the railway stations without giving requisite information to the department, would also be awarded.
Giving details for registration of information, Mr. Prasad said that the informers can register the information at the following numbers of mobile teams of departments, for Patiala Division 98729-10050, for Jalandhar Division 98729-10017, for Amritsar Division 98729-10132, for Ferozepur Division 98729-10018, for Faridkot Division 98729-10049, for Ludhiana Division 98729-10009 and on some other numbers of team including 98729-10004, 98729-10007, 98729-10008, 9872910052, 98729-10016 and 98729-10047.
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BUDGET OF THE GOVERNMENT OF PUNJAB FOR THE YEAR,
2012-2013