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CM OKAYS ENACTMENT OF ‘CONTRACT FARMING ACT’; AMENDMENT TO APMC ACT
ASK FARMERS TO GO FOR ALLIED FARMING ACTIVITIES OF FISHERY, PIGGERY AND DAIRY FOR QUANTUM JUM IN THEIR INCOME
UNTAPPED POTENTIAL OF FISHERY TO BE EXPLORED IN WATERLOGGED AREAS
DIRECTORATE OF PULSES TO BE SET UP AS A PART OF CROP DIVERSIFICATION
 
Chandigarh, October 1-
            In a path breaking initiative aimed at motivating the farmers to shun the traditional sowing of paddy and replace it by Maize as an alternate crop under state’s ambitious crop diversification program, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod for enacting ‘Contract Farming Act’ to ensure better remunerative prices to the beleaguered peasantry at their doorsteps.
            Presiding over a high level meeting for the promotion of Agriculture diversification in the state, the Chief Minister gave go ahead for the enactment of this act which would be instrumental in the ‘Farm gate purchase’ thereby enormously benefitting both the maize growers and the prospective Maize processing entrepreneurs. Mr Badal hoped that this act would facilitate the farmers by supplementing their income coupled with assured marketing mechanism on one hand and ensure high quality produce for processing in terms of value addition by the keen private entrepreneurs on the other. The Chief Minister asked the officers of the Agriculture department to immediately finalize the modalities to notify Maize for the contract farming so that paradigm shift of maize cultivation from paddy could be ensured without any further delay.  
            Highlighting the significance of direct marketing of agriculture produce especially the Maize, Mr Badal directed the Agriculture department to immediately effect necessary amendments in the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act, which would go a long way in strengthening the agricultural economy thereby improving the economic lot of our farmers. The Chief Minister also directed the officers of the Agriculture department to provide subsidized high yield quality seeds, weedicides and pesticides so that the production of Maize crop in the state could be increased manifold. Mr Badal underscored the need to provide 25% subsidy on the highly mechanized agricultural inputs used for Maize cultivation so that the majority of farmers could be diverted from the paddy cultivation in order to ease out the pressure on our precious natural resources in terms of micro nutrients of soil besides depleting ground water. To propel the hassle free and prompt marketing of maize, Mr Badal deputed the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation as the nodal agency for ensuring scientific storage facilities besides asking the Agriculture department for installation of ultra modern Maize dryers in the designated markets.
            Mr Badal also emphasized on the need to encourage cotton and sugarcane cultivation in the state so as to provide relief to the distressed peasantry of the state. To further intensify the efforts of diversification in the state, the Chief Minister also asked the Agriculture department to station Joint Directors at Bathinda and Hoshiarpur permanently, for making concerted efforts to promote the cultivation of cotton and Maize crops respectively in the adjoining areas of these districts.  He also directed the Agriculture department to establish Directorate of Pulses in the state for motivating the farmers for cultivating pulses in a big way to immensely benefit them as a part of crop diversification program. In order to popularize the concept of Agro-forestry in the state, the Chief Minister said that a world class State Forest Research and Extension Centre would be established which would conduct extensive research on prospects of Agro-forestry in Punjab besides imparting technical knowhow to the farmers for the planting of trees like poplar on scientific lines.
            Outlining the paramount importance of allied activities in farming sector, the Chief Minister said that it was a high time when our farmers should be motivated to take up Pig farming and Goat rearing in the state to supplement their income due to low returns from conventional agriculture in wake of steep hike in the farming inputs. To achieve this objective, the Chief Minister directed the animal Husbandry Department to appoint specialized Piggery and Goat development officers. He announced that two Dairy training and Extension centers would come up at Patiala and Dhaliwal in Gurdapur district at cost of Rs 10 crore for imparting scientific training to the Dairy farmers so as to enhance their income. Mr Badal also said that in order to facilitate the Dairy farmers ‘Dairy Service Centers’ on the lines of Agro Service Centers would soon come up across the state to enable them to use the ultra modern equipments on custom hiring basis.
            Realizing the huge potential of Fish farming in the state which was credited with highest fish production in the country, the Chief Minister asked Animal Husbandry department, GADVASU and Fishery department to chalk out a detailed action program to tap the unutilized and underutilized potential of fishery in the state especially in the waterlogged areas in Malwa belt. Mr Badal envisioned the growth of fish farming as a catalyst to boost the income of the farmers which had now been almost stagnated owing to saturation in agriculture.
            Prominent amongst who attended the meeting included MLA Mr Gurbachan Singh Babbehali, Chairman Punjab Farmers’ Commission Dr GS Kalkat, Financial Commissioner Development Mr GS Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Co-operation Mr Vishwajeet Khanna, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr KJS Cheema, MD Markfed Mr Dr Karamjeet Singh Sra, Advisor Agriculture and MD Milkfed Dr Balwinder Singh Sidhu, Director Punjab Agriculture Marketing Board Mr Mohinder Singh Kainth and Director Agriculture Mr Mangal Singh Dhillon    

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SPECIAL SUMMARY REVISION OF PHOTO ELECTORAL ROLL BEGINS IN PUNJAB

• SPECIAL CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO ENROLL STUDENTS AS VOTERS

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 1
The special summary revision of photo Electoral rolls today began in Punjab.
Disclosing this here today during the meeting with the representatives of various political parties, Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab Kusumjit Sidhu today said that Claims and objections in Form 6, 6A, 7, 8 and 8A can be filed with the ERO’s from 1 October to 31 October 2012 by anyone who has attained the age of 18 as on 01.01.2013. The Draft Electoral Roll has been published and can be seen either with the ERO, the BLO or on the website.
          She said that against a total projected population of 2,79,81217, the eligible population of 18+  is estimated at 18906820 persons. The draft electoral roll now contains 17675865 voters these covering approximately 93% of the eligible population. The main gap lies in the age-cohort of 18-19 years where the coverage is only 1,47,907 against an estimate of 1090234 eligible persons. In order to target this gap, a special campaign have been launched in each educational institute and through the Nehru Yuvak Kendra and the NCC. A special Campaign for enrolment of eligible persons in the defence services and Govt. service has also been launched.
          She said that Photo Coverage has risen to 99.87 % and EPIC coverage to 99.90%. The effort would be to take this to 100% during this revision.
          She further said that The Election Commission has organized intensive training of all its functionaries down to the BLO level to ensure smooth and hassle free enrolment of voters. The State Govt. has endorsed the ECI ban on transfers of Electoral registration related officers and staff to all Departments. The Draft electoral Roll can be seen on the website on which there is also a search facility. Separately, an SMS based query system is also possible by sending a message SMSPJB <EPIC NUMBER> and sent it to the following number (+919216164605). The CEOs helpline 1950 has also been activated and upgraded for the revision period.
          She said that the Copies of the Draft roll have been handed over to the political parties. They have been again requested to post Booth Level Agents in all the polling booths to assist the BLO and ERO in making the rolls to clean and healthy.
 All BLOs and supervisors are expected to be in the field on the days indicated by the ECI in the schedule for the summary revisions. Teachers who are BLOs will attend to this work after school hours so that the studies of the children should not adversely affected.

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DIRECTORATE SAINIK WELFARE GETS NEW NAME

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 1:

The Punjab Government has changed the name of Directorate, Sainik Welfare, Punjab to Directorate, Defense Services Welfare, Punjab with immediate effect.
While disclosing this here today, an official spokesman of Punjab government said that with the decision in cabinet meeting, now onwards District Sainik Welfare Officer (DSWO) would be known as District Defense Services Welfare Officer (DDSWO).
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PUNJAB EXCELS IN FISH PRODUCTION, PRODUCES 6560 KG OF FISH PER HECTARE: DHUGGA

• RECORD PRODUCTION OF FISH EXPECTED IN PUNJAB THIS YEAR, TO CROSS 1 LAKH TONNES
• PROPOSAL OF RS 4987 LAKH SENT FOR FIVE YEAR PLAN (2012-2017)

 CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 1: 
           
The Punjab Government set to cross 1 lakh tonnes of fish production in the current year 2012-13, which would be record production in the country and more than 8,000 tonnes from the fixed target of 93,000 tonnes.
Disclosing this here, Mr. Desh Raj Dhugga, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Fish Farming and Dairy Development said the state government is committed to provide better facilities to fish farmers.Divulging the details, Mr. Dhugga, said that more than 50,000 farmers were earning their livelihood directly or indirectly through fish farming. He said that by producing 6,560 kilograms of fish per acre, Punjab has become number one state in fish farming besides playing a significant role in agriculture diversification.
          Mr. Dhugga said that Punjab Government has reserved Rs.10 crore for the development of fish farming in the state, which would be spent on the modernization and maintenance of village ponds besides providing variety of fishes to the farmers on subsidized rates. He also said that Punjab Government has also chalked out a strategy to construct new ponds especially for fish farming at Bathinda, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Moga. 

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PB GOVT ASKS DEPT TO SUBMIT PRECISE BUDGET ESTIMATES

·         FINANCE MINISTER ISSUES INSTRUCTIONS TO FOLLOW GUIDELINES OF PUNJAB BUDGET MANUAL FOR PREPARING BUDGET ESTIMATES

 CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 1:

The Punjab Government has issued instructions to all the departments to submit precise budget estimates in order to save time and to provide adequate financial assistance for development works in time.
Disclosing this here today, Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa said that departments have been told to prepare budget estimates diligently keeping in view the guidelines of Punjab Budget Manual. He said that it has been noticed that most of the departments do not abide by the instructions and guidelines issued by the Finance Department time to time and they do not furnish the desired information on prescribed Performa.
Mr. Dhindsa said that written instructions have been issued for the departments to prepare revised estimates for the year 2012-13 and budget estimates for the year 2013-14. He said that the delay in receipt of budget estimates from departments causes major problems for preparing final budget estimates. He further said that this negligence, on one hand, waste precious time and energy of the government and obstructing the timely flow of financial assistance to the development projects and schemes.

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STATE LEVEL MASS MEDIA MONITORING COMMITTEE MEETING ON OCTOBER 05

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 01:

A review meeting of State level Mass Media Monitoring Committee would be held on October 05 under the chairmanship of Sh. Mangal Singh Sandhu, Director, Agriculture Punjab to monitor & oversee the function of Mass Media Support for Agriculture Extension.
          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Agriculture Department said that Kishan Call Centre progress would also be reviewed in the meeting.

Capt Amarinder condemns Faridkote kidnapping; asks police to arrest culprits

Chandigarh, September 28

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today lashed out at the police and the Faridkote administration for remaining quiet in tracing a teenager abducted from outside her house on Monday.
In a statement issued here today, Capt Amarinder while expressing solidarity with the parents and other family members of the victim maintained that it was sad and tragic that the parents of the abducted girl had to undergo such a trauma while police and administration were sleeping.
Supporting the protest and the bandh called by the local residents against the abduction and police support to them, he said, the people had no other way to press for their anger. He said, it was shameful on part of the state administration to turn a blind eye towards such a serious issue.
The PCC President asked the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal as how could he turn a blind eye to the kidnapping of a girl while being just a few kilometers away in his native village holding a free medical camp. He regretted the insensitivity of the people, administration and the powers that be about it.
Meanwhile, Punjab Congress general secretary and former Faridkote MLA Kikki Dhillon has also condemned the kidnapping and demanded immediate action to trace the girl. He criticized the police for not taking action at the behest of some local Akali politicians.

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UPA WANTS INDIA TO BE ECONOMIC SLAVE OF MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES-SAD
DECISION ON FDI REMINDS ERA OF EAST INDIA
COMPANY -DR. CHEEMA
Chandigarh, September 27 : The Shiromani Akali Dal described the decision of the Congress led UPA government on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the retail sector in the country as an attempt to push the country towards economic slavery of the multinational companies and said that the government which has created a record of sorts in corruption and which has lost the faith of people and its allies has no moral right to take such important decisions on policy matters.
In a statement released from the party head office here today, the party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that Congress led UPA government is hell bent on selling the country to the multinational companies to ‘earn millions of dollars’ for its leaders. He said that this is not the first time when the UPA government has tried to fill the coffers of these companies. Earlier decisions of the government on the financial matters clearly establish the fact that the motive of the UPA was ‘loot’ of common man in collusion with these companies and decisions on oil pricing, allotment of coal blocks, allotment of 2 G spectrum and opening up of other sectors are ample proof of that.
            Dr. Cheema said that if the FDI is allowed in the retail it will lead to large scale unemployment of the self employed and underemployment of the skilled workers of the country who will be compelled to work on minimum wages according to the wishes of these multinational companies. He said that apart from it, these firms would take decisions which suit their interests and investments made by the locals would face the same fate which the petrol pumps opened by a multinational company had met due to sale of oil at high prices than the common petrol pumps. He said that the upper hand of the multinational companies in wholesale in almost every field including electronics, auto sector and others was also a proof of what will happen in retail.
            The SAD leader further said that sensing imminent defeat in the coming lok sabha polls, the Congress led UPA has taken decision on FDI only to divert the attention of the people from its world record breaking scams to the tune of more than Rs 5 lakh crore. He also said this decision also reminds the people of the East India company era when the company was granted permission for limited trade in the country and ultimately India become the slave of it and lost crucial 200 years to get rid of the slavery.
He said that people were wise enough to understand the game plan of the Congress party this time and coming lok sabha polls would see the end of the era of this party. The public would teach it a lesson  by throwing it out of power and hand over duty for protection of interests of the poor, downtrodden, farmers, traders and every strata of society  to the  NDA. 

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PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY OF PUNJAB SHOULD NOT BE MADE TO SUFFER DUE TO POLITICS

WE OWE IT TO OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO LOOK BEYOND POLITICS AND DO SOMETHING FOR OUR MOTHERLAND AND THE NEXT GENERATIONS

PUNJAB CONGRESS SLAMS AKALI DAL FOR ANTI-FARMER STANCE ON FDI IN RETAIL SECTOR

FDI HAS THE POTENTIAL OF BRINGING ABOUT A SECOND GREEN REVOLUTION IN PUNJAB: KEWAL SINGH DHILLON

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S. Kewal Singh Dhillon
MLA - Barnala, & Vice-President - PPCC (Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee)

CHANDIGARH  27th September 2012: Punjab Congress has slammed the Akali-BJP government for opposing the Foreign Direct investment in the retail sector in Punjab.

In a statement issued here today, S. Kewal Singh Dhillon, MLA Barnala & Vice-President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee said that permitting 51% FDI in the retail sector was one of the big bang reforms initiated by the UPA-II government headed by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and had the full backing of the Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the entire Congress party. FDI in retail sector has the potential of changing the face of the Indian retail sector especially the state of Punjab. It has the potential of bringing about a second GREEN REVOLUTION in our state. It will not only benefit the consumers but also the farmers because their produce could now be purchased directly by the retail stores, thus enhancing their profit margins. Thus, the profit would now be directly available to the farmers as well as consumers.

S. Kewal Dhillon said that the retail stores would also be setting up facilities for back-end operations including cold chains and scientific storages which would eliminate tremendous wastage which was now taking place in foodgrains, especially in fruits and vegetables. He reinforced the viewpoint of PPCC President, Capt. Amarinder Singh and added that with 65% of our workforce engaged in some form of Agriculture, Punjab would be the biggest gainer.

The Congress leader said it was, therefore, surprising that the Akali Dal which was fond of projecting itself as the champion of farmers and professing to safeguard their interests was now opposing this progressive measure, apparently under the political pressure of its coalition partner BJP. Punjab food production has been stagnating for the past many years and farmers’ income too is not rising, with the result that the debt burden on them is increasing, forcing many of them to commit suicides. Under these circumstances, the question Akali Dal should ask itself is whether Punjab can afford to miss this reforms bus in order to keep its coalition partner in good humour and retain power in the state.

He emphasized that this opportunity is a God sent blessing for the state of Punjab to bring about a much needed revival in the state’s debt ridden economy and bring about a second Green Revolution. Further with the vast unemployment among the youth in the state, Foreign Investment would bring in multiple job opportunities in the state too. He said we owe it to our future generations to look beyond Politics and do something for our motherland so that we could make Punjab a better place for the next generation.  

S. Kewal Dhillon said that the Akali Dal should not work under the undue influence and pressure of the BJP and for once think beyond mere Politics and how to hold on to Power in the state. He said this is an issue that concerns every farmer of Punjab and even if the Akali Dal has to part ways with the BJP on this issue of FDI in retail sector, then they should not hesitate to do so in the interest of Punjab, Punjab Farmers and Consumers. The ruling party needs to take decisions looking at the larger interest of the State’s economy, farmers, consumers rather than personal agenda and Politics

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DECKS CLEARED FOR THE REVAMP OF VARIOUS BOARDS : NEW CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS TO BE APPOINTED SOON

CONCERNED SECRETARIES TO LOOK AFTER THE AFFAIRS THESE PUBLIC
UNDERTAKINGS TILL FURTHER ORDERS

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 27:
            Decks were cleared this afternoon for the appointment of new Chairmen and Members of various boards and corporations of the Punjab government as services of all incumbents have been ended. The step is a part of the process of restructuring of these state owned public undertakings.
            Disclosing this, a spokesman of the Chief Minister said here today that Secretaries of the concerned departments had been asked to look after the affairs of boards and corporations under their administrative control as chairmen till further orders.

            These Boards and Corporations include Forest Development Corporation, Punjab State Women Commission, Gau Sewa Board (Cow Welfare Board), Traders Board, Small Traders Board, Tubewell Corporation, Punjab Ex-Service Men Corporation (PESCO), BC Land Development & Finance Corporation, SC Land Development & Finance Corporation, Khadi Vikas Board, Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC), Punjab State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (PUNSUP), BC Commission, Vimukat Jati Welfare Board, Parwasi Bhalai Board, Water Supply & Sewerage Board, Dalit Vikas Board, Health System Corporation, Safai Karamchari Bhalai Board, Punjab Agro Industries Corporation, Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, Punjab State Seeds Corporation (PUNSEED), Mandi Board, Punjab Small Industries Export Corporation (PSIEC), Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation (PSIDC), INFOTECH, Punjab Finance Corporation, Small Industries Board, Medium Industries Board, Large Industries Development Board and Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), he added.

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SARWAN SINGH PHILLAUR GETS ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, FISHERIES, DAIRY DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE OF SC/BC
CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 27:
On the advice of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil today allotted the portfolios of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Dairy Development and Welfare of SC/BC to the Cabinet Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur in addition to the portfolios of Tourism, Cultural Affairs and Jails already held by him, according to a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office
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MAUR MANDI PUBLIC RALLY

BADAL SETS POLITICAL TONE FOR UPCOMING LOK SABHA POLLS TO DECIMATE UPA TO PAVE WAY FOR INSTALLATION OF NDA GOVERNMENT

• EQUATES CONGRESS WITH “AMAR BEL” BOUND TO VANISH COUNTRY
• ANNOUNCES SLEW OF DECISIONS FOR OVER ALL DEVELOPMENT OF MAUR ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCY
• DEPUTY CM VIES FOR ACCELERATING PACE OF DEVELOPMENT IN PUNJAB
• HARSIMRAT LASHES OUT AT UPA GOVERNMENT FOR PLUNDERING 4 LAKH 60 THOUSAND CRORE RUPEES THROUGH SCAMS
• MAJITHIA DESCRIBES MANPREET AS TRAITOR OF ‘PANTH’

MAUR MANDI (BATHINDA) SEPTEMBER 27:
            Setting the political agenda for the coming Lok Sabha elections in 2014, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the people to give a befitting reply to the discriminatory and apathetic attitude of Congress led UPA government by showing them the door to install the NDA government at Center for heralding a new era of prosperity and overall development in the country in general and Punjab in particular. 
            Addressing a massive rally organized by the SAD-BJP here at local grain market, Mr. Badal said that the upbeat mood of the people in the today’s rally was a prophecy for the UPA government that its days were numbered, as its fall was imminent under its own weight due to rampant corruption, un-controllable inflation and autocratic style of functioning resulting in ill-conceived anti-people decisions.  He blamed the Center for usurping the legitimate powers of the states to its own advantage thereby diluting the federal structure of the country.   He emphasized the need that states should be given full autonomy at least free hand in sorting out state-related issues like sanctioning of link roads and drinking water schemes etc.  Mr. Badal said: “It is highly derogatory that the states had to depend heavily on Center for even petty issues whereas Central government is adopting tough posture rather addressing these issues liberally”.  
Mr. Badal equated the indifferent attitude of Congress like a parasitic plant “Amar Bel” which was bound to vanish the country especially the common man to whom it considers its votary.    He pointed out that the UPA government was bent upon to throw all the democratic norms and constitutional ethics to the wind.  He said that the deliberate denial of drought package to Punjab was a testimony towards Center’s step motherly treatment to the state as the other states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Odisha had been allowed this package while we had been deliberately kept out on the pretext that the state government had not requested the Center to send a special team to assess the damage.   Making mockery of the Center’s plea on this count, Mr. Badal asked them whether the Central team was bigger than team of the two Central Ministers under the chairmanship of Agriculture Minister Mr. Sharad Pawar accompanied by Rural Development Minister Mr. Jairam Ramesh who held detailed parlays with the senior officers of the Punjab government led by Cabinet Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, who had demanded a special financial package of Rs.5112 crore to bail out the beleaguered farmers as well as state government for incurring extra expenditure to save paddy in the wake of drought like conditions across the state.  He categorically said that Center was in no mood to extend financial package to Punjab as it was concocting one excuse after another to deliberately exclude Punjab from it. 
Listing the major achievements of the SAD-BJP government, the Chief Minister said that it was a matter of great pride and satisfaction that our state had been ranked No.1 in Education and adjudged the best state in Health sector for excellent infrastructure.   He said that the state government had embarked upon an ambitious program for the cleaning of rivers at a huge cost of Rs.2500 crore which had been badly polluted due to reckless disposal of municipal sewage and industrial effluents into it.  Likewise, all the households would be provided with safe drinking water in all the cities, towns and villages keeping in view immense significance of quality water to ensure health and hygiene of the people.  Realizing the tremendous success of the recent mega-medical camps organized at village Badal where nearly 17000 patients were diagnosed and medically treated for various ailments, the government has now decided to organize another two-day Mega medical camp at Mansa on November 3 and 4, which would be later replicated in other parts of the state. 
            Conceding the demands put forth by the MLA Maur Mandi and Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, the Chief Minister announced that Maur Mandi would be soon accorded the status of Sub-Division in the next Cabinet Meeting.  He also announced to establish a Land Mortgage Bank besides Govt. Senior Secondary Schools for Boys and Girls.  The Chief Minister also announced to set up an ultra-modern grain market besides sanctioning adequate funds for fire tender to cope up any eventuality arising out of sudden fire incidents. 
In his address, Deputy Chief Minister and President Shiromani Akali Dal Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal felicitated the people of Maur Constituency for scuttling the game of Congress Party and its B team PPP by electing SAD nominee Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon adding that this largest ever rally in the history of Maur gives a unmistakable message that days of Congress party and its proxy parties were over in Punjab. He said that people of Punjab have reposed their unflinching faith in the leadership of S. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab who has ensured record development in the state. He said that it was vote for development, vote for transparency in governance and stamp of approval for governance reforms initiated by SAD-BJP government.
Deputy Chief Minister further said that we are moving with full speed from day one to further accelerate the development of the state. He announced that all distributaries in all constituencies would be relined as Chief Minister has approved most comprehensive program for mini irrigation in the state. He said that besides ensuring integrating development of all 142 cities at the cost of 8775 crore, all villages would be provided internal concrete roads within next 3 years. Mr. Badal said that in last term we provide government jobs to 1.20 lac youth and we would soon start recruitment process for 1.5 lac vacant posts in the government departments. He said that Malwa would be lucky as textile hub would generate employment avenues for 1 lac youth in coming 4 years. Announcing 3rd edition of world cup Kabbadi, Mr. Badal said that inaugural function would be held at Bathinda on December 1 and for the first time teams from Africa and Europe would participate in the tournament. The Deputy Chief Minister assured that Maur was all set to get new face lift as they have best advocate as their MLA who pleads their case very forcefully.
Training her guns against the Congress led UPA government, Lok Sabha MP Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that instead of formulating any pro-people policy the most corrupt Congress led UPA government of the country has plundered 4 lakh 60 thousand crore Rupees through the scams like 2G, CWG, Adarsh society and now the coalgate. She said that on one hand the state government under the stewardship of Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal has left no stone unturned for ensuring the welfare of all sections of the society but on the other hand the UPA government has made the life of people miserable by plundering the public money. Mrs Badal said that the denial of the drought relief package to state was an ample proof of the anti-Punjab stance of the Congress adding that the need of the hour was that NDA government must be formed at the Centre to make sure that state makes 50 times more progress.
Making a scathing attack on the PPP leader Manpreet Singh Badal, the Lok Sabha MP said that this “B” team of the Congress has been taught a lesson by the people of Punjab as all of its candidates were poorly defeated in the state assembly elections. She said that the people were now well aware about the tactics of the Congress, who have always used such defectors for derailing the progress of the state. Mrs Badal urged the people strengthen the hands of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP combine by ensuring that the alliance wins all the 13 Lok Sabha seats of the state in coming Parliament elections.     
Addressing the gathering Cabinet Minister Mr Bikram Singh Majithia said due to its anti-people stance the Congress led UPA government has been reduced to minority adding that the President of India must convene a session of the Lok Sabha and ask that the government to prove its majority. He said that it was an ironical situation that Congress led UPA Government, which had came into power on the name of common man, has today broken their backbone by hiking the prices of the essential commodities in an unprecedented manner. Terming the UPA as the most corrupt government of the country, Mr Majithia said that in the last eight years of their ‘misrule’ the Ministers of this government have plundered far more wealth than what the Britishers had done in the tenure of imperialism spanning for around 200 years.
He said that it was unfortunate that on the one hand the UPA government was wrongfully denying the drought relief package to Punjab but on the other it was illegally diverting the tax payer’s hard earned money in Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi’s Constituency, for carrying out developmental works.  Exhorting the people to rout out the Congress party in the coming Lok Sabha elections, Majithia said that the time has come when Punjabis must teach this party a lesson for their anti-Punjab decisions. Terming Manpreet Singh Badal as a traitor, the Revenue Minister said that by joining hands with the Congress in a clandestine manner the PPP leader has deceived the ‘Panth’. However he said that the voters of Punjab were wise enough to teach him a lesson for the treachery against SAD during the assembly elections.    
Earlier, in his welcome address, Irrigation Minister Mr. Jameja Singh Sekhon thanked the people for the overwhelming response in making today’s rally a grand success.  He assured the Chief Minister that the people of Maur Mandi would repeat the same history of extending exemplary support to Harsimrat Kaur Badal in the next parliamentary elections with a thumping majority.  He appealed the Chief Minister to accept the demands of the area which had been grossly neglected by the earlier Congress regime. 
Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included Senior Vice President SAD Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, SAD General Secretary & Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, senior Akali leader and constituency Incharge of Talwandi Sabo Mr. Amarjit Singh Sidhu, former MLA Mr. Mangat Rai Bansal and District Rural BJP President Mr. Dyal Singh Sodhi. 
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SOLIDLY BEHIND NDA ON FDI ISSUE- PARKASH SINGH BADALAND SUKHBIR REITERATE
·        ‘TWO PERSONS’ IN DELHI HAVE NO RIGHT TO DECIDE THE FUTURE OF THE COUNTRY
·        WON’T ALLOW UPA TO MORTGAGE COUNTRY TO MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES
·        WHOLE CONTROVERSY ON FDI, A DELIBERATE ATTEMPT TO DISTRACT PUBLIC ATTENTION FROM MEGA SCAMS
·        CONGRESS PARTY VYING FOR SLOT IN GUNIESS BOOK OF RECORDS AS MOST CORRUPT PARTY IN THE WORLD HISTORY

Mour Mandi (Bathinda), September 27: Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab and Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal President Shiromani Akali Dal and Deputy Chief Minister today reiterated that they are solidly behind National Democratic Alliance on its opposition to opening up of retail sector to FDI and said that there was no difference between two alliance partners on this. Both Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister were speaking to media after massive public rally here today.
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that he had been consistently saying that all stake holders including trader, farmers, unemployed youth and opposition parties besides alliance partners of UPA should have taken into confidence by the ruling party before taking such a crucial decision that would have long term impact on economic scenario of country. The Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal expressed concern that ‘two persons’ in the centre government have no right to decide fate of the country.” He commented that “even British rulers before passing small bills used to consult public on that, to build a consensus and here ‘two persons’ sitting in centre government have tried to mortgage the interest of 120 crore people to the multinational companies”. Mr. Badal said that the fact is that all tamasha of FDI was with the sole purpose of distracting the attention of the public from the multi lac crore scams including Coalgate. He said that electorate has now become mature and cannot be befooled with such tactics. Mr. Badal said that the fact is that the anger against corruption has become a national movement and nobody can now distract attention of public from multi-billion scams. The Chief Minister said that ever increasing size of each successive scam and regular consistency of such scams suggest that Congress party was vying for slot in Guinness Book of Records as the most corrupt party of world history. The Chief Minister lamented that Congress at the helm of affairs the country was heading for dark days. He said that every section of the society was feeling helpless as they have imposed taxes on the poorest of the poor giving relief to the multinational companies and big industrial houses. He said that a lady of the house was most disturbed as her household budget has totally dwindled with ever rising prices.
When asked about various Congress leaders issuing statements the SAD President quipped that whole chorus of statements was for media consumption as Congress high command has only one source of feedback that is national media and in mad race for Presidentship each Congress party leader was trying to book a slot in the media especially in those national papers which were read by Sonia Gandhi. He said that it was unfortunate that a democratic party was not in touch with its leaders and these leaders have to use media to send their message across to High Command.
When asked about Rahul’s visit to Punjab, the Chief Minister said that in good old days Indira Gandhi came to campaign for Congress party in Punjab in 10 constituencies including his constituency Gidderbaha. He said that when I was asked about impact of Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s visit on election scenario I told media persons that Congress would loose on all those ten seats where Indira Gandhi had campaigned. He said that results of those assembly elections proved his predictions right. He said that same would be the fate of Rahul Gandhi’s visit as Congress would surely loose those Lok Sabha seats wherever Rahul Gandhi would go.
Mr. Sukhbir Badal commented “Let Congress High Command make their Headquarter in Punjab that would ensure its total decimation in the State”.

PUNJAB GOVT ANNOUNCES CUSTOM MILLING POLICY FOR KHARIF 2012-13
Chandigarh september 27:
          The Punjab Government has announced a scheme for Custom Milling of Kharif 2012-13 to ensure smooth operation of custom milling of Paddy.
According to an official spokesman this paddy would be procured by all procuring agencies including Pungrain, Markfed, Punsup, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation and the Food Corporation of India.
The spokesman further said that paddy procured by the procuring agencies would be got milled from the rice millers of the State as per Punjab Rice Procurement (Levy) Order 1983.
          The spokesman said that the purchase centres /mandis should be linked with the nearest milling centre/storage centre keeping in view the availability of milling capacity at the milling/storage center(s) at which paddy is proposed to be stored/got milled.
The policy has laid down very strict norms for shifting the paddy in the state or outside the state to check malpractices and pilferage. The surplus paddy, if any, at a milling centre would be shifted for its storage to the nearest milling centre keeping in view the availability of milling capacity at that centre, he said.
He said in case the nearest milling centre did not have adequate or surplus milling capacity, the surplus paddy would be shifted to the next nearest milling centre and so on.
The spokesman said that for shifting Surplus paddy, if any, available with any procuring agency in a district would be allowed only as per the plan approved by the Director Food & Supplies, Punjab and against the submission of Cash Security / Bank Guarantee / Corporate Bank Guarantee by the millers, where the paddy was proposed to be shifted.
          The spokesman further said that any rice mill which has not completed 70% work of custom milling of 2011-12 would not be eligible for lifting paddy during kharif marketing season 2012-13.  All such millers who have failed to deliver CMR less than 70% of KMS 2011-12 by 31-08-2012 should not be given any paddy for milling in KMS 2012-13. However, in case of those millers who have deposited the money against balance rice stocks of the year KMS 2011-12, would be considered for allotment only after the Government has made inquiries into the justifications/ reasons for non-delivery of CMR 2011-12 by the stipulated date.
          No defaulter rice mill shall be considered for allotment/provisional registration.

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Information & Public Relations Department Punjab
CS INAUGURATES 100 KW POWER PLANT AT SCIENCE CITY, KAPURTHALA
Chandigarh September 27:
Energy plays a very crucial role in the development of every nation and the quantum of consumption of energy per head is an indicator of development of a country. Energy is required in every sphere of life, from home to industry such as cooking, transport, agriculture, health and business etc. Demand for energy is increasing day by day while non-renewable sources of energy like petroleum, coal etc are getting exhausted. To meet the rising demand of energy in India, we have to depend upon heavy import of these products from abroad. This  was stated  by Mr. Rakesh Singh,  Hon’ble Chief Secretary, Punjab on the occasion of inauguration of 100 KW Solar Power Plant at Pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala.  Further, he said that this power plant will not only contribute to meet a part of the electricity requirement of the Science City, but also serve as an impressive demonstration of use of the solar energy. New solar power policy will be introduced by the Punjab Govt. in the next five year plan. He stated.
Dr. Karan A. Singh, Principal Secretary, Science, Technology and Environment stated that India is facing problem of huge scarcity of electricity to meet the requirement of the core sectors of economy. In summer season, the problem becomes more grave as the requirements, both for agriculture and domestic use rise manifold. The solution lies only in reducing the consumption of energy and also making maximum use of solar energy, particularly in this part of the country, as the sunlight is available for almost 8-9 months in a year.  
Dr.  R.S. Khandpur, Director General PGSC mentioned that the 100 KW Solar Power Plant is a real life demonstration for the use of non- polluting Solar Energy. This plant is designed in such a way that it directly feeds power to the mains grid and does not make use of battery bank. So, no cost will be incurred in future in maintenance of this power plant. The plant has been set up with the total investment of Rs.1.50 crores out of which Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources, Govt. of India has contributed Rs.40 Lacs as subsidy. He also informed that State Level Energy Education and Awareness Park has been set up in Science City to create awareness and motivate people to use renewable sources of energy. Energy Park derives its total power requirement from the already set up 20 KW solar power plant.   
PGSC is putting up lot of efforts to create awareness in the society about the use of renewable energy sources. The Science City is shortly opening a unique theater on climate change having multi screen, multi object and multi effect features, Dr. Khandpur said.

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Rahul Gandhi to visit Amritsar, Jallandhar Patiala on October 10,11

CHANDIGARH: Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Punjab on October 10 and 11. He will be visiting three cities of Amritsar, Jallandhar and Patiala during his two day tour of the state.

Announcing this today, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh said that during his visit to the three cities he will be interacting with a cross section of people including the party workers, the office bearers right from the block to the state level, the MPs, MLAs and all those who contested and lost the last assembly and parliamentary elections in 2009 and 2012 respectively.
The PCC President has also constituted one state level committee headed by him and three separate committees for Amritsar, Jallandhar and Patiala visit of the Congress general secretary.
The programme has been chalked out in such a way that he will be able to meet all the office bearers. At Amritsar he will be meeting the block and district presidents. At Jallandhar he is scheduled to meet all the members of the local bodies including the municipal corporations, municipal committees and Zila Parishads, while at Patiala he will be meeting the party MPs, MLAs and those who contested the elections in 2009 (to the parliament) and 2012 (to the assembly).
Following is the list of the members of the state level committee and those of the organizing committees for Amritsar, Jallandhar and Patiala.
State Level Committee for Rahul Gandhi’s Visit to Punjab
( 10th & 11 Oct. 2012)

Committee for Amritsar Interaction Session

Committee for Jalandhar Interaction Session

Committee for Patiala Interaction Session

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CM OFFERS FREE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES TO LADAKHI STUDENTS

LAUDS OPERATION SADBHAVNA OF INDIAN ARMY

BADAL FOR MORE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN PUNJABI AND LADAKHI FARMERS

Chandigarh, September 26, 2012

            In a goodwill gesture, Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today offered free educational facilities to the students hailing from Ladakh region in order to ensure their overall development besides promoting brotherhood amongst the people of the region.
            Addressing a group of women from Eastern Ladakh region who had came to Punjab under the Operation Sadbhavna of the Indian Army here at Punjab Bhawan, the Chief Minister recalled the age old ties between Punjab and Ladakh region as both of them were an integral part of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s empire. Mr Badal said that after taking up the matter with Jammu and Kashmir government, the state government would make all out efforts for giving free education to the students of Ladakh so that they could be benefitted from the advance education being imparted in Punjab. He said that Punjab being a hub of the quality education was duty bound to help the students of Ladakh by imparting them free education so that they could duly utilize it for the development of their state.  
Lauding the efforts being made by Indian Army under Operation Sadbhavna, the Chief Minister said that under this ambitious program the Army has given a fresh lease of life to the people residing in remote border areas of Jammu Kashmir (J&K) in general and Ladakh in particular by ensuring development of villages, providing educational and medical facilities to the people besides playing a key role in all-round development of the children and youngsters by organizing such educational tours for them. He emphasized that people living in J&K and Ladakh region needs to be integrated with the national mainstream, because the high peaks of the Himalayas coupled with inadequate transport facilities had made it difficult for the residents of these areas to travel and get the knowledge about the other parts of the country. Mr Badal said that by organizing such tours the Army was playing a pivotalrole in connecting people of J&K with other states thereby acquainting them with the diverse and rich culture of our motherland.
Stressing on the need of more interaction between farmers of Punjab and Ladakh, the Chief Minister asked the Army authorities to widen the scope of this Operation by organizing the tours of the farmers of Ladakh region to Punjab. Mr Badal said that as wheat was grown in Ladakh so the farmers of this hill region could avail the benefit of expertise of Punjabi farmers, who have already excelled in wheat production . Mr Badal said that the state government was ready to extend full support and co-operation to the Army authorities for this noble gesture.
On the occasion the Chief Minister also felicitated the members of the group along with the Army officers.    
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Pawan Kumar Teenu, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr Harcharan Bains, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema, Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and Director Welfare Mr HS Nanda.   
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MOHALI VILLAGES SET TO GET FACELIFT WITH RS.185.39 CRORE
·        RAKHRA FINALIZES THE BLUE PRINT OF VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT

Chandigarh, September 26:
The Punjab government has set aside Rs.185.39 crore exclusively for the infrastructure development of 19 villages falling in Mohali district.
Presiding over a meeting of Rural Development department, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister reviewed the development programme of Mohali villages. He expressed concern over the fact that GMADA has not released compensation to the villages panchayats in lieu of panchayat land acquired by them. It was informed that Rs.113 crore compensation was struck in courts and no body was following the release of compensation. Mr. Rakhra asked the GMADA officials to get the money released at the earliest and spent them on the village development.
He also issued instructions that compensation for land being acquired for providing access roads to mega projects be handed over to concerned panchayats. It was decided to convene the meeting of Panchayat official on October 3 to demarcate the access roads for mega projects. It was also decided to release pending Rs.70 crore to the panchayat. Industry department was asked to gave compensation to the panchayat on whose land mining was being allowed.
Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Director Mr. Balwinder Singh, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Varun Roojam.
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JOSHI MADE SURPRISE VISITS TO ITIS TAKES EVERYBODY OFF GUARD

• PRINCIPALS INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ELECTION RELATED MEETINGS ONLY ON HOLIDAYS
• TOLD TO IMPROVE CURRICULUM ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF LOCAL INDUSTRY
• IMPRESSED UPON STAFF ON MAINTAINING DISCIPLINE IN THE INSTITUTES

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER, 26:
The surprise visit of Technical Education Minister Mr. Anil Joshi to the ITI(W) Ghumar Mandi, Civil Lines, Ludhiana and ITI Samrala took everybody off guard.
It may be mentioned that it was first surprise visit of Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister to any ITI after assuming the charge. The Minister went around the institutes and impressed upon the Principals and Instructors to improve discipline amongst students. He also expressed concern over barren grounds of ITI and told the Principals to improve greenery and environment in the institutes by planting more saplings and trees.
At Samrala, the Minister expressed concern over the fact that Principal has convened a meeting regarding elections affecting the class work of students and issued instruction that such meetings should be held only on holidays so that academic work of institutes did not suffer.
The Minister said that he would continue to make surprise visits on regular basis to improve the standards of 111 ITIs. He asked the Principals to redesign the curriculum of ITIs according to the local needs of industry so as to increase the employability of ITI trainees. Mr. Joshi said that his focus was technological and machinery improvement of ITIs according to the changing needs of industry.
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Central Government should not play with the sentiments of Ex-Serviceman- Prof. Valtoha

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 26:
The Central Government has declared the one rank and one pension for the Ex-Serviceman of the armed forces but after going through the facts I feel the Centre Government has made fun of the sentiments of more than 17 lacs ex serviceman of the armed forces. This was stated here by the Chief Parliamentary Secretary for Sanik Welfare of State Government Prof Virsa Singh Valtoha here while talking to a delegation of ex servicemen wing of Shiromani Akali Dal (B) led by Engr. Gurjinder Singh Sidhu Ex- National President of the wing.
          Prof. Valtoha said the NDA Government has not done any thing good during their tenure of last 8 years for any body so how can they do something good for ex-serviceman of the country. He said Capt. Amrinder Singh Ex Chief Minister Punjab and MP S. Partap Singh Bajwa Should take their statements back after knowing the facts regarding one rank one pension. Prof. Valtoha assured Er. Sidhu that our state government under the dynamic leader ship of S Parkash Singh Badal Chief Minister Punjab will render all possible help for the welfare of the ex-serviceman. He also said that in Punjab Vidhan Sabha our party has passed a resolution in the favor of one rank one pension and send it to Central Government
          Prominent amongst the delegation were Col. Kamaljeet Singh Sangha, Capt. Gurmeet Singh Ropar, Capt. Jarnail Singh Jallajan, Capt. Buta Singh Sahota were present on the occasion
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PUNJAB TO RECRUIT 145 SECTION OFFICERS
CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 26:
The Punjab government has decided to fill 145 vacant posts of section officers in various departments.
          While disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of Finance Department said that the Finance Department (Treasury and Accounts) has invited applications to fill the 145 vacant posts of section officers. The number of the vacancies could increase or decrease as per requirement. He said that only the retiree section officers below the age of 64 years are eligible for these posts. He said that the eligible candidates could apply before October 5, 2012.
He said that all such candidates must submit their applications to the office of Director, Treasury and Accounts, SCO-110 and 111, Sector 17-C, Chandigarh. For furthur details of term and conditions, one could contact the office of Director, Treasury and Accounts, he added.

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REHABILITATION PROJECT OF FOUR MAJOR CANALS APPROVED: THANDAL

• PROJECT BE COMPLETED IN THREE MONTHS WITH THE INVESTMENT OF RS.23.46 CRORE

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 26:

The Punjab Government has approved the complete rehabilitation of four major canals of the state for strengthening irrigation facilities. This project would be completed in three months with the investment of Rs.23.46 crore. It was disclosed by Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Irrigation, Punjab.
He said that the approval for this project was given in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab with Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon. He said that the Finance Department has already given its nod for the expenditure on this project, which would be to the tune of Rs.23.46 crore. Mr. Thandal further said that the canals, which would be rehabilitated, are Ghuman Distributary, Mansa Distributary and Minor-1 and Minor-2 of Jodhpur Distributary.
He said that the rehabilitation process would be started soon and would be completed in the stipulated period of three months. He said that for the rehabilitation of Ghuman Distributary Rs.19.87 crore would be spent, whereas Rs.54.88 lacs for Mansa Distributary and Rs.3 crore 3 lacs 76 thousand would be incurred for Jodhpur Distributaries and its Minor-1 & Minor-2.
CPS said that Irrigation Minister Mr. Sekhon has rationally highlighted the issue with the CM. He also apprised the Chief Minister about long pending demand of the people to strengthen these canals so as to enable them receiving better irrigation facilities. He said that lining of some of the minors/rivulets was getting old, which has adversely affected the irrigation facilities in the region. He said that keeping this problem in mind, the rehabilitation process of these canals has been approved.

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FANCY VEHICLE NUMBER TO BE AUCTIONED
ON OCTOBER 15
Chandigarh, September 26,
 According to a spokesman of the Transport Department Punjab, the fancy vehicle number PB-13-AD series would be auctioned on October 15, 2012 in the office of District Transport Officer Sangrur.
The spokesman further said that open auction would be held under the Punjab vehicle rules and the reserved price for the PB-13-AD-0001 has been fixed at Rs. 50,000 where as the price for PB-13-AD-0002 to 0009 has been fixed at Rs. 10,000. Adding further, he said that similarly the reserved price for PB-13-AD-0010 to 0100 has been fixed at Rs. 3000 where as the price for PB-13-AD-0101 to 9999 has been fixed at Rs. One thousand.
He also said that interested persons could submit the application with bank draft in the name of DTO Sangrur by the October 12, 2012.
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INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT PUNJAB

PUNJAB SECURES 12TH POSITION
IN TOURISM SECTOR------PHILLAUR
· CU-Gharuan celebrates World Tourism Day
Chandigarh September 26:
With number of initiatives being undertaken by Government of Punjab, the state has managed to score withstand 12th rank among states during the recent survey conducted by Government of India, well ahead of Kerela and J&K, said Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister, Punjab while speaking on the occasion of World Tourism Day celebrated by UIHM at campus of Chandigarh University (CU) Gharuan. The state has managed to carve 12th rank up from 28th both in terms of providing quality infrastructure and number of tourists visiting state, added Sarwan Singh.
UIHM (CU) organized a 2-day program to celebrate World tourism day in which the students participated in Dance and Debate competitions. The students also presented 3 tableau depicting rich heritage and culture of Gujrat, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. Sarwan Singh, Minister Tourism, Punjab Government and Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University presented awards to the winners. 
While giving details on the various projects being undertaken by the State Government to promote tourism in the state, the minister said that the department has launched GIS Map of Amritsar city on website of Punjab Tourism which will facilitate the tourists to locate tourists spots , streets , roads , hotels , restaurants , ATMs, police stations etc. and plan their activities accordingly. An amount 50 crore has been earmarked to develop tourists & heritage spots at Amritsar, Ropar, Sangrur , Patiala, Bhaini Sahib , Kapurthala  and Hoshiarpur. Based upon the model of Palace on Wheels, Punjab Government has signed MoU with IRCTC to run circuit train known as “Punj-Takht” which will provide an opportunity to the tourists to visit all five takhts of Sikhism. The train has been scheduled to sail on its maiden journey from 30thDecemeber 2012, the minister added.
In order to showcase the supreme sacrifices of the Punjabis in the Indian freedom struggle, the state government would soon initiate the work on the construction of Jang-e-Azaadi memorial at Kartarpur. About 25 acres of land belonging to the state government has been transferred to the Tourism and Culture department for the construction of the memorial. The work on this world class memorial which would help in perpetuating the rich cultural heritage of the state amongst the coming generations would start soon as the state government was on the verge of finalizing the necessary formalities for it.
 With a view to promoting quality education in the field of Hospitality & Tourism the state Government has introduced a new scheme “Hunar Se Rojgar Takh” under which 10th class students would be given training for 6-8 weeks in Food production, Bakery and front office at various hotels in Punjab for which the government would be spending Rs. 12,000 per student said Sarwan Singh and 700 such students would be trained in 1st batch of this scheme this year.       
Speaking on the occasion Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University announced that University Institute of Hotel Management (UIHM) would shortly undertake research project in the field of Tourism by publishing a book on Punjabi Cuisines made through traditional recopies. It is high time that we should work towards preserving & protecting our traditional and authentic method of preparing Punjabi Cuisines which have eloped with span of time, Sandhu added.
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INCREASING ACTIVITY OF UNION GOVERNMENT INDICATIVE OF ITS EARLY END- SUKHBIR
v NDA SET TO FORM NEXT GOVERNMENT
v PEOPLE ITCHING TO DECIMATE CONGRESS FROM NATIONAL POLITICAL SCENE
v 3RD FRONT NOT ON POLITICAL HORIZON IN NEXT LOK SABHA ELECTIONS
v DENIAL OF DROUGHT RELIEF REFLECTS ANTI-PUNJAB ATTITUDE OF CONGRESS LED UPA
v INDUCTS FORMER CONGRESS MLA MANGAT RAI BANSAL IN SAD FOLD

 Mansa, September 25:

The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that increasing political and legislative frenzy in UPA-II was indicative of its early and premature end.
 Talking to media persons after inducting Mr. Mangat Rai Bansal a former Congress MLA from Budhlada along with his thousands of supporters in SAD fold, Mr. Badal said that Congress party was jittery as it knows that its days in power were numbered and they knew that people have made up their mind to kick them out of power. “It was behaving like a lamp that burns brightly before getting blown out in dark”, Sukhbir quipped.
Mr. Badal said that minority UPA government has no right to take any major policy decision as it has lost right to govern the country. Indicating early elections in the country, Mr. Badal said that heightened activity, increasing nervousness, depleting numbers in Lok Sabha, restiveness of so called allies and fear of being branded anti-people of being associated with Congress party, collectively indicates towards early demise of Congress led UPA-II.
 Lashing at Congress led UPA government for ignoring the claim of Rs.5112 crore drought relief for the Punjab farmers, Mr. Badal said that even the final figures of monsoon released by meteorological department pointed out that Punjab was the worst sufferer of the drought and delayed rains and rain deficiency in Punjab was 42%, maximum in the country. Mr. Badal said that denying drought relief to a state that had maximum rain deficiency reflected anti-Punjab and discriminatory attitude of Congress led UPA government. He questioned the criminal silence of Capt. Amarinder Singh, PPCC President on this grave injustice to Punjab that affected 80% population of the state.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that issue of FDI in multi brand retail products was a very important issue as there were number of stake holders. He said that the Congress led UPA government should have taken into confidence all stake holders before taking this important decision.
 Mr. Badal parried the question regarding expansion of Punjab Ministry saying that it was the prerogative of Chief Minister.
Welcoming former Congress MLA Mr. Mangat Rai Bansal in a mammoth gathering, Mr. Badal said that all mass based leaders in Congress party are deserting the sinking ship of Congress party and joining pro-people pro poor mass based Shiromani Akali Dal. He said that people of Punjab should expect more honest and mass based leaders joining SAD in next few days.   
Mr. Badal said that SAD-BJP government has finalized a Rs.8750 crore urban renewal package to upgrade the basic infrastructure of all 142 major cities and towns of the state with special emphasis on providing 100% potable drinking water and sewerage coverage. Similarly, a Rs.10000 crore programme was being launched to initiate on an average Rs.100 crore development works in each constituency and the main focus would be laying of concrete lanes, provision of sewerage in rural areas besides cleaning the village ponds to improve the environment. He said that a special irrigation project would be initiated soon in Mansa as well as Bathinda districts to ensure sufficient water on the tails of channels to meet the drinking as well as irrigation needs of the people.
He said that next 4 years were very important for the state as it would witness the completion of all development works being undertaken to ensure the overall development of the state. He said that a special programme was already going on to provide 4/6 lane link to every city and town of the state. He said that residents of Mansa district would be presented a special gift on Baisakhi 2013 as Talwandi Sabo thermal plant was all set to start it first unit on that day . He said that with completion of all three Talwandi Sabo, Rajpura and Goindwal thermal plants Punjab would be the first power surplus state of the country.
He said that the state government was in the process of identifying 300 acres of land near Bathinda to set up an education hub as with the setting up of Central University, Institute of Hotel Management and a sports school at Ghuda, this region was set to emerge on the national education map. He said that top class education institutes would be invited to set up their campus in the proposed edu-city.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Mangat Rai Bansal said that he was feeling relieved to say good bye to a party that does not recognize its sincere and honest leaders who are forced to beg before members of cronies of Amarinder.
Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Irrigation Minister, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhundar, MP, Mr. Prem Mittal and Mr. Chatin Singh Samaon, both MLAs, Mr. Harbant Singh Harta and Mr. Sukhwinder Singh Biroke, both Ex-MLAs, Mr. Deepinder Singh Dhillon and Mr. Charanjit Singh Brar
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CM NOT TO MEET GENERAL PUBLIC TOMORROW

BADAL WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE TO MPs, MLAs AND OTHER PARTY LEADERS AS WELL AS THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON OCTOBER 2 AND 3 

Chandigarh, September 25-
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal would be unable to meet the general public tomorrow at his official residence from 4-6pm due to some unforeseen pressing engagements.
            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that as Mr Badal would be out of the city due to his prior engagements so he would not be able to meet the general public at his official residence on Wednesday September 26. Likewise, the Chief Minister would also be unavailable for meeting the MPs, MLAs and other party leaders as well as the general public on October 2 and 3, due to his some unavoidable pre-scheduled meetings and field visits.  
The inconvenience caused to the MPs, MLAs and other party leaders besides general public is highly regretted, added the spokesperson.    

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460 MBBS SEATS EXPECTED TO BE ADDED IN PUNJAB

PUNJAB SPENDS Rs 90.83 CRORES FOR UPGRADATION OF MEDICAL COLLEGES IN THE STATE

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 25:
The Punjab Government has taken a proactive initiative for the increase of MBBS and BDS seats in the medical colleges located in the state.
            According to an official spokesman Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot has already submitted the required documents to Medical Council of India for increase of seats from 50 to 100. Similarly, Government of Punjab was already in the process to increase the number of intake seats from 150 to 250 at Government Medical College Patiala and Amritsar respectively. He said that the Punjab Government has already strengthened the required infrastructure in medical colleges to meet the requirement for increasing seats and Punjab Government has already pumped in Rs. 90.83 crore for upgrading the infrastructure.

            The Spokesman said that regarding private medical colleges Government has issued No Objection Certificates/ Essentiality Certificate in favour of Guru Nanak Dev Medical College, Dhahan Kaleran for annual intake up to 100 seats. He said that NOC for starting another medical and one dental college in private sector was under progress. The affiliation of Chintpurni Medical College, Pathankot was already subjudice and no comments could be made on that. He said that Medical Council of India is affiliating and a recognizing body and yearly inspections of new institutions were conducted till they were given permanent affiliation with MCI or Dental Council of India.

            The Spokesman said that Punjab Government was making all out efforts to increase the intake capacity of MBBS seats in state of Punjab.

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PB GOVERNMENT TO CONSOLIDATE GOVERNANCE REFORMS/BEST PRACTICES IN A BOOK FORM

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 25:

The Punjab Government has directed all the departments to send proposals for documentation of good governance practices, which would be further documented in a book form and be circulated to the masses for their awareness. These best practice and innovative initiatives taken by the state government would also send to centre government so that these initiatives and best practices could be replicated in other states for improving the efficiency of the administrative system.
Disclosing this here, an official spokesman said that various departments have taken several initiatives in good governance from time to time. However, the documentation of the process of conceptualizing and implementing these initiative/practices is often confined to newspaper reports and official briefs. He said that the state government has now decided to consolidate all the best practices that have been implemented by various departments in a form of a book. He said that this booklet would further be distributed to the masses for sensitizing them about the working/policies of government machinery and for improving the delivery of basic services.
The spokesman further said that the state government would also send the information to the centre government so that other states could also replicate the best practices for better service delivery.
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PUNJAB TO RECRUIT 176 RMOs AND 183 RVOs
CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 25:
            Punjab Government has decided to recruit 176 Rural Medical Officers (RMO) and 183 Rural Veterinary Officers (RVO) in step to strengthen rural health services and promotion of animal husbandry.
            Disclosing this here today Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, said that Punjab Government is committed to provide best health facilities to villagers, so that department has started the process to recruit new 176 RMOs.
Mr. Rakhra said that Punjab has recently bagged number one position in milk production across the country and to strengthen the milk production, Punjab Government has also sanctioned the 183 posts of Rural Veterinary Officers. The Minister further said that the process would be completed till December 15, 2012.

Applications invited from NGOs to provide Special Education 

Chandigarh, September 25:
         
The Punjab Government has invited application from Non-Government organizations (NGOs) to provide education for special children i.e. mental retardation, cerebral palsy, hearing/speech and Visual impairment, multiple disabilities and Autism etc. in the age group of 6-14 years in the State.
          Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman of the Education Department said that NGOs should run residential or non-residential schools for these children and provide education to them through appropriate bridge courses of limited duration and undertake other related activities. NGOs must be registered under the Societies Act 1860 and would have the three years experience of running educational program. He also said NGOs would not be blacklisted by any Government agencies.
          Application Forms could be downloaded from SSA Punjab Website at www.ssapunjab.org or get it from the office of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Authority, Punjab. Application should reach the office of State Project Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Authority, Punjab (Tele: 0172-5015850) before October 10, 2012.

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STATE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE HELP AND CO-OPERATION FOR SETTING UP OF SAARC HOSPITAL IN AMRITSAR- BADAL

CM HOPES THAT SAARC HOSPITALS WOULD PROVIDE CHEAP AND QUALITY HEALTH SERVICES TO PEOPLE BESIDES STRENGTHENING TIES BETWEEN THE COUNTRIES

REQUISITE FINANCIAL HELP TO BE IMPARTED FOR PATIENTS REGISTERED IN MEGA CAMPS FOR FURTHER TREATMENT- BADAL

SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL LAUDS CM FOR DELIVERING QUALITY HEALTH SERVICES TO PEOPLE AT THEIR DOOR STEPS

DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER FOR ORGANIZING MORE SUCH CAMPS IN BORDER, KANDI AND OTHER BACKWARD DISTRICTS OF THE STATE

Badal (Sri Muktsar Sahib), September 24-
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that the state government would extend all sort of help and co-operation to the SAARC Surgical Care Society for setting up SAARC hospital in Amritsar thereby facilitating the people from SAARC countries to avail world class health facilities besides heralding a new era of mutual trust and goodwill in the region.
            Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of the second day of the Mega Health Camp organized here by the state government, the Chief Minister, who had mooted the idea of this hospital a few days back at conference of society in Jalandhar, reiterated that setting up of SAARC hospitals was the need of the hour as it would go a long way in delivering best health care facilities to the people besides promoting the people to people contact in the region. Mr Badal said that they have carefully selected Amritsar city for setting up this prestigious hospital because the holy city was having Air connectivity which would facilitate the renowned doctors of the society for rendering their services in this hospital on one hand and would facilitate the patients from various SAARC countries on the other. He said that the state government would soon identify the land in Amritsar district where this hospital would come up so that the work on it was started soon.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the renowned surgeons and doctors of the SAARC countries would offer their services to these hospitals, where cheap and quality treatment would be provided to the common man adding that with the opening of this hospital state would become a hub of internationally acclaimed doctors, who would carry out research and other activities related to their pious profession for the benefit of mankind. Mr Badal further said that the opening of such hospitals in all the SAARC countries would go a long way in benefitting the people of these under developed/developing nations by providing them access to quality health care services.
The Chief Minister also said that realizing well the importance of delivering quality health care facilities to the people the national governments of all the countries along with the statutory international organizations must make concerted efforts for opening ‘World Hospitals’ in all the countries which would pave way for providing excellent health care facilities to the people apart from spreading the message of mutual goodwill and trust. Likewise Mr Badal said hat it would also enable the doctors to improve their diagnostic skills by frequent exchange of ideas in such global institution. He urged the Government of India (GoI) to take initiative for setting up such hospitals in the world.
The Chief Minister also said that observing the overwhelming response of the people to the Mega Health camp the state government would replicate it to other districts adding that the preference would be given to the border, kandi and other backward districts. Mr Badal also said that proper record of the patients registered in this Mega Health camp, which was probably the biggest one of its kind in the country, would be maintained and the patients who have been referred for further diagnose and treatment would be provided the requisite financial help. He also said that the sate government was making stupendous efforts to rope in nationally and internationally acclaimed doctors to participate in such camps thereby ensuring quality health services for the people.
Listing out the achievements of state government in the field of health sector, the Chief Minister said that realising well the importance of quality healthcare facilities for the people, the SAD-BJP government has taken path breaking initiatives in the health sector. Mr Badal further said that for providing world class health facilities to the people a massive program of upgradation of infrastructure and equipment in the government hospitals has been embarked by the state government at a cost of Rs 350 crore. He said that owing to the concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab today leads the nation in Health sector adding that the state’s performance on Health Infrastructure has been adjudged “excellent” by an agency of GoI.
            Replying to the queries of media persons Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal lauded the Chief Minister for envisaging this pro-poor initiative which has virtually brought the world class health facilities at the door step of the common man. Highlighting the importance of such camps Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that these camps could play a pivotal role in the timely detection of fatal diseases like cancer amongst the people thereby paving way for their early treatment. Emphasising the need of organising more such camps in all the districts of the state especially that of the border, kandi and other backward districts, the Deputy Chief Minister said that it would pave way for building a healthy, strong and prosperous Punjab.
            Later on the Chief Minister also handed appreciation certificates to the doctors who have participated in this two day Mega camp.
            Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon and Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mrs Navjot Kaur Sidhu, Mrs Mohinder Kaur Josh and Mr Sarup Chand Singla, MLA Mr Harpreet Singh, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Major Bhupinder Singh Dhillon, Advisor to Chief Minister Mr Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Principal Secretary Health Mrs Vinnie Mahajan, Principal Secretary Medical Education Mrs Anjali Bhanwra, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Paramjit Singh .

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Applications invited from NGOs to provide Special Education  

Chandigarh, September 24:
         
                    The Punjab Government has invited application from Non-Government organizations (NGOs) to provide education for special children i.e. mental retardation, cerebral palsy, hearing/speech and Visual impairment, multiple disabilities and Autism etc. in the age group of 6-14 years in the State.
                    Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman of the Education Department said that NGOs should run residential or non-residential schools for these children and provide education to them through appropriate bridge courses of limited duration and undertake other related activities. NGOs must be registered under the Societies Act 1860 and would have the three years experience of running educational program. He also said NGOs would not be blacklisted by any Government agencies.
          Application Forms could be downloaded from SSA Punjab Website at www.ssapunjab.org or get it from the office of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Authority, Punjab. Application should reach the office of State Project Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Authority, Punjab (Tele: 0172-5015850) before October 10, 2012.
No-PR-12/782

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PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE PARKASH UTSAV OF
BABA SRI CHAND JI

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 23:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today greeted the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of the Birthday of Baba Sri Chand ji – the elder son of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.
In his message on the eve of the Parkash Utsav, Mr. Badal said that Baba Sri Chand ji, the great mystic saint called upon the people to follow the path of spirituality to achieve the ultimate goal of salvation on one hand and to redeem the humanity from the pangs of agony.
The Chief Minister impressed upon the people to always remember the underlying spirit and the teachings preached by Baba Sri Chand ji.  He said: “Let us vow to foster goodwill, peace, harmony and love in the society rising above the parochial considerations of caste, color, creed and religion”. 
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GOVERNOR VISITS DASHMESH COLLEGE FOR GIRLS; LAYS THRUST ON IMPARTING QUALITY EDUCATION TO GIRLS FOR EMPOWERING THEM 

PRAISES THE CHIEF MINISTER FOR SETTING AN INSTITUTION OF PAR EXCELLENCE EQUIPPED WITH FACILITY OF SHOOTING RANGE IN THE REGION

STATE GOVERNMENT WAS MAKING CONCRETED EFFORTS FOR GIVING QUALITY EDUCATION TO GIRLS- BADAL

Badal (Sri Muktsar Sahib), September 23-
            Punjab Governor Mr Shivraj V Patil today said that educated girls could play a proactive role in shaping the destiny of nation thereby fairly contributing in its socio-economic and political development.
            Accompanied by the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Lok Sabha MP Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal during his visit to the Dashmesh College of Girls here today, the Governor during his address laid thrust on the all-round development of the girls by equipping them with quality education. He said that as a matter of fact the girls due to their determination, dedication, sincerity and commitment have made inroads in almost all the fields which were once considered as bastion of males adding that these days most of the medals in the field of education were bagged by the girls which was a testimony to the fact that the girls were excelling in every field. Mr Patil said that given an opportunity the girls could do any stupendous task and easily achieve their target for which they should be given enormous opportunities to showcase their ability and capacity, which was the need of the hour.
            Lauding the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal for establishing this college of high repute and equipping it with world class facilities like that of shooting range, the Governor said that the towering personality and guidance of Mr Badal has played a vital role in development of this college as an institution of par excellence. He said that the infrastructure, faculty and facilities been given in this college are much better than even some of the leading education institutions of the country. Mr Patil also praised the students for achieving rare feats in the field of education, sports and extracurricular activities. “This college appears to be one of the finest educational institutions of the country” added Mr Patil.  
Earlier welcoming the Governor, Mr Badal in his address said that it was a rare honor for them to have a multifaceted personality like Mr Patil amongst them. Mr Badal also apprised the Governor that the state government has taken path breaking initiatives to provide quality education to the girls towards a step to for women empowerment, adding that the flagship program of state government to provide free bicycles to the school going girls under the Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme was enabling thousands of poor school going girls to get education.
On the occasion Mr Patil along with the Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal also visited the shooting range in the college campus. The Governor also appreciated Mr Badal for setting up this shooting range in the rural area of the state which was playing a vital role in imparting Rifle training to the girls of the region.
Later on the Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal also felicitated the Governor.

 
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NO TALKS ABOUT THIRD FRONT DURING MEETING WITH MULAYAM-SUKHBIR

• NDA SET TO FORM NEXT GOVERNEMNT AT CENTER

• WITH UPA-II ON VENTILATOR, EARLY ELECTIONS ARE INEVITABLE

• PAYS RICH TRIBUTES TO COMRADE HARKISHAN SINGH SURJIT

BUNDALA (JALANDHAR), SEPTEMBER 23: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Punjab Deputy Chief Miniter and President Shiromani Akali Dal today clarified that there was no talks about third front during his meeting with Samajwadi Party President Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav yesterday at Delhi. 

          Answering the queries of media persons after a function held here today to pay tributes to CPI (M) stalwart Comrade Harkishan singh surjit, SAD President said that nothing political should be read between Mr. Yadav meeting him yesterday as his family has old relations with Mr. Yadav and Chautala family and we keep on meeting on various social occasions exchanging our notes.

          Mr. Badal reiterated that there was no question of third front in the present political scenario as only NDA would form the next Government in Center after Lok Sabha elections whenever they are held. Mr. Badal said that peoples of this country have already made their mind to kick out the most corrupt Government and bring back NDA to power.

          The SAD President said that with UPA-II on ventilator, early elections were inevitable. He said that this government was living borrowed time with various political parties supplying oxygen cylinders to a government that was in a critical condition in ICU. He clarified that opposition of SAD to FDI was known to everyone as UPA has taken this decision to help a few multinational companies at the cost of 120 crore poor citizens of the India.
         
          Paying rich tributes to HS Surjit, Mr. Badal recalled his valueable contribution especially during coalition era of Indian politics. He said that people of this country would continue to cherish the memories of veteran political leader, who was a living example of simplicity and straight forwardness.

          Announcing the grant of Rs. 5 Lakh for the development, Mr. Badal announced that village school would be named after Mr. Harkishan Singh Surjit.

          Mr. Sita Ram Yachuri, General Secretaray CPI (M), Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala former Governor, Comrade Charan Singh Virdi, Secretary Punjab CPI (M), Mr. Avinash Chander, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Pargat Singh, MLA, Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, Former Union Minister, Mr. Joginder Dyal, Member Central Committee of CPI (M), Mrs. Pritam Kaur, wife of Comrade Harkishan Singh Surjit and Mr. Gurchetan Singh Basi, son of Comrade Surjit.
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PUNJAB GOVERNOR EXHORTS MEDICAL FRATERNITY OF INDIA AND PAKISTAN TO PLAY A PRO-ACTIVE ROLE IN STRENGTHENING TIES BETWEEN BOTH THE COUNTRIES

• INAUGURATES MEGA MEDICAL CAMP AT VILLAGE BADAL; LAUDS CM FOR TAKING A NOBLE STEP
• MEGA CAMPS IN ALL DISTRICTS ON THE LINES OF SANGAT DARSHAN PROGRAM WOULD REVOLUTIONIZE THE HEALTH SECTOR OF STATE- CM
• BADAL REITERATES COMMITMENT OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO COMBAT CANCER EFFECTIVELY
• HARSMIRAT APPRECIATES PRO-PEOPLE STANCE OF STATE GOVERNMENT

 
Badal (Sri Muktsar Sahib), September 23-
            Lauding the step of eminent Pakistani Doctors to visit the Mega Medical camp organized by the state government here today for free treatment of the patients, Punjab Governor Mr Shivraj V Patil today said that such initiatives would play a pivotal role in further strengthening the ties between India and Pakistan besides promoting mutual co-operation and people to people contact.
            Addressing a massive gathering after inaugurating a two days Mega Medical camp, Mr Patil said that frequent visits of the medical fraternity of both the countries would not only upgrade their medical and diagnostic skills but would also go a long way in providing quality health care facilities to the people of the Sub Continent. The Governor said that though trade between both the countries besides exchange of education and science could provide a major fillip in heralding a new era of mutual co-operation and trust between India and Pakistan but if the doctors across the border visits each other’s country to serve the people then it would be a welcome step as a feeling of gratitude and magnanimity would be developed amongst the people towards these doctors. Emphasizing the need of cordial ties between both the countries he said that people across the border would be immensely benefitted from such gestures, in which organizations like SAARC could play a vital role.
            Appreciating the step of Punjab government to hold such mega medical camps, the Governor said that this move by Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal would immensely benefit the poor stratum of the society as they would get the quality health care services at their door steps. Mr Patil said that these Mega Health camps which would be organized across the state would help the state in timely detecting the patients of fatal diseases like cancer thereby paving way for their effective treatment. He laid stress that the state government should also organize awareness camps in all the districts to educate the people about the importance of early diagnose of these deadly diseases, so that they could be detected at early stage. The Governor also said that the presence of eminent doctors of the country in this mega camp reflected the consensus and unity of the nation to fight against the menace of diseases for building a strong and progressive India.
            Earlier during his address, the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal while welcoming the Governor Mr Shivraj V Patil in the camp said that this camp organized on the lines of ‘Sangat Darshan’ program would revolutionize the Heath care sector of the state by facilitating the people to avail quality Health care facilities under one roof, that too without spending any money. Terming it as a dream come true, Mr Badal said that knowing well the general tendency of the people of Punjab to conceal their ailments by avoiding medical tests, which were generally very costly, he always wanted that such camps should be organized in the state for diagnosing them. He said that this mega camp would prove to be stepping stone in providing quality health care services to the people as such camps would be replicated in all the districts of the state thereby virtually bringing the quality medical services at the doorsteps of people.
            Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to eradicate cancer from Punjab, the Chief Minister said that a massive infra structure coupled with quality health care services were in pipeline to provide much needed relief to the cancer patients. He said that the state government has already initiated the process of strengthening the medical colleges of the state and existing infra structure of the Hospital to combat this deadly disease. Likewise Mr Badal said that in another important initiative the state government has already enhanced the sum reserved for giving relief to the cancer patients, so that poor cancer patients could be provided adequate financial help to get quality treatment. He also said that the state government would also provide subsidized medicines to the cancer patients so as to check this disease in an effective manner.
            Thanking more than 300 doctors who participated in camp for treating the people, the Chief Minister urged every doctor of the state to spare atleast one day from their busy routine for treating the patients free of cost in such medical camps. He said that such initiatives by the doctors would go a long way making Punjab a healthy and prosperous state. The Chief Minister especially thanked the doctors who had came all the way from Pakistan to treat people in this camp and said that medical fraternity of both India and Pakistan should frequently visit each other’s country for treating the poor people, so as to develop a feeling of belongingness amongst both the countries. Recalling his old memories of student life associated with Lahore, Mr Badal said that he really cherishes to visit the city and relish the mouth watering food of that city.
            Expressing gratitude towards the Governor and Chief Minister for organizing such a mega medical camp, Lok Sabha MP Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal in her address said that widening the scope of this unique initiative to provide the best health care facilities to the people was the need of the hour and it would be instrumental in delivering quality Health and medical services to the people, even in far flung areas of the state. She said that this pro-poor initiative of the state government in which more than 300 Doctors along with 500 para medical staff were giving free medical treatment to the people for major ailments really deserves applause. Mrs Badal further said that the SAD-BJP government was committed for the welfare and overall development of the state adding that due to the stupendous efforts of the Chief Minister, Punjab would witness five times more overall development in the coming years.
            On the occasion the Chief Minister also honored Mr Shivraj V Patil by presenting him a sword, a shawl and a silver plaque. Mr Badal also presented token of gratitude to eminent Doctors including three from Pakistan by honoring them for their valuable services rendered in the camp.
            Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr Chunni Lal Bhagat and Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mrs Mohinder Kaur Josh and Mrs Navjot Kaur Sidhu, MLA Mr Harpreet Singh, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Major Bhupinder Singh Dhillon, Principal Secretary Health Mrs Vinnie Mahajan, Principal Secretary Medical Education Mrs Anjali Bhanwra and Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema.         
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          PWD TO FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE DURING 2012-13-SHARANJIT DHILLON
·  TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION OF 48 VETERINARY HOSPITAL AND 3 DACs WITHIN ONE YEAR
CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 23: The Punjab PWD department has decided to focus of completion of critical infrastructure during 2012-12 to provide quality citizen services to the people in the state.
         Disclosing this here, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister said that as a part of this campaign construction of 48 veterinary hospital would be completed by the construction wing of Public Works Department during next one year with a combined cost of Rs. 19 crore.
The Minister said out of these total 48 hospitals, 14 are under construction at Tehsil level while 34 would be at Block level by the PWD. He said that a total cost of Rs. 7.55 Crore and Rs. 11.49 crore would be spent on these tehsil and block level hospitals respectively.  He said that Tapa, Dhuri, Balachaur, Sultanpur Lodhi, Bagha Purana, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Bassi Pathana, Nakodar, Rajpura, Raikot, Zira, Fazilka and Abohar would witness Tehsil level veterinary hospitals with a cost of Rs. 53.97 lakh on each building.
          Mr. Dhillon said that in block level hospitals Mehal Kalan, Handaya, Banga, Bholath, Bhikhi, Jhunir, Sardulgarh, Dharamkot, Dera Baba Nanak, Fatehgarh Churian, Dhar Khurad, Mahilpur, Tanda, Jaiton, Kapurthala, Nathana, Maur Mandi, Chohla Sahib, Naushera Pannuan, Jandiala Guru, Chogawan, Rajasansi, Mandi Gobindgarh, Adampur, Kartarpur, Shahkot, Lohian, Nangal, Khuhian Sarwar, Makhu, Jalalabad, Malout and Lambi would get these hospitals. He said that Rs. 33.81 lakh would be spent on each building.

Giving details about the construction of new state-of-the-art District Administrative Complexes (DAC), the Minister said that Punjab Government has finalized a detailed plan to construct hi-tech DACs. He said that the construction of administrative complexes would soon start in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Fazilka. Mr. Dhillon said that the under construction five DACs at Tarn Taran, Barnala, Ferozepur, Kapurthala and Ajitgarh would become operational by March 2013 with a combined cost of Rs. 270 crore. He said that 10 under construction Tehsil complexes at Kharar, Tapa, Chamkaur Sahib, Dhuri, Bholath, Jagraon, Dera Baba Nanak, Moonak, Patran and Budhlada were on the advanced stage of completion. The Minister also informed that the SAD-BJP Government has also completed the construction of 15 University Colleges with a total cost of Rs. 180 crore.
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PUNJAB INSTALLS ONE MW SOLAR POWER PLANT AT PHULOKHARI -MAJITHIA

• CONNECTS TO TAIL END GRID SUB STATION
• CENTRAL ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY DECLARES IT COMPARABLE TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

CHANDIGARH, 23 SEPTEMBER:
 The Punjab Government has set up a one MW solar power plant at Village Phullokhari in Bathinda District under the demonstration programme on Tail End grid connected Solar Power Plants with the cost of Rs 13.10 crore.
Disclosing this here today Non Conventional Energy Minister of Punjab Mr Bikram Singh Majithia said that Punjab has considerable sunlight which is available for more than 330 days in a year with good insulation levels, so the abundant energy can be utilized for generation of power during the day time through solar power plants. The main objective of this demonstration Programme is to connect solar power plant at the tail end of the grid for providing voltage support to strengthen the grid besides providing additional power during the day. He said that this environment friendly solar resource for power generation, would also improve the quality of electricity.
            He said that the state government has taken a chunk of 54 canals of land on lease from Panchayat in village Phulokheri near 66KV tail end grid sub-station at Raman Mandi in Bathinda district for 33 years lease.  He said that the power generated from the project is evacuated to 66KV grid sub-station of PSPCL by synchronizing on the 11KV bus bar through a 11KVA dedicated transmission line.
          The project is adding solar power the fulfillment of state Solar Renewable Purchase obligation. He said that technical team of the Central Electricity Authority has declared it comparable to any international standards of solar power plants.
The Minister further added that the Punjab Government has set a target to generate 400 MW through solar power plants. These projects which were earlier considered uneconomical are now considered acceptable and viable in view of the steep increase of cost of several other forms of energy and the rapid depletion of conventional sources and latest technologies developed in the design of such projects. Moreover these projects have a major environment friendly advantage over other power generating systems due to no emissions/residue and carbon neutral nature, he added
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Special summary revision of electoral rolls from 1st October

• Officers doing electoral work would not be transferred between 1st October  2012 to 5th January 2013

Chandigarh, September 23
The special summary revision of electoral rolls as on 01.01.2013 is scheduled to take place from 1st October to 31st October 2012 in the state of Punjab.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the chief electoral officer Punjab today said that the draft publication of photo electoral roll would also take place on 01.10.2012. He said that all citizens who will attain the age of 18 on 01.01.2013 would be eligible to register themselves as voters, provided they are not disqualified to do so for any reason. They could apply in form no 6 to concerned EROs or BLOs. He said that the NRIs would have to apply in form 6 A. If a deletion was necessary, then form 7 can be filled and if there was a change in the residence within an assembly constituency then form 8A could be submitted, he added.   He said that if a mistake has to be corrected, form 8 can be used.
The reading of the relevant part/section of the photo electoral roll in Gram Sabhas/Local Bodies and RWA meetings etc and verification would take place 6th and 9th October. BLOs will be available in the polling booths on 7th, 14th and 21st October, 2012 along with any booth level agents put up by political parties to accept claims and objections. In order to facilitate the citizens to know their status, the draft rolls would be uploaded to the website on 01.10.2012 and a search facility would also be available. An SMS query search based on the EPIC number of the voter I-Card is also likely to be available from 3 October 2012.
He further said that The ECI has issued directions to all state Governments that no officer doing electoral work should be transferred between 1st October 2012 to 5th January 2013. In case a transfer is necessary then the ECIs permission would be required.
He said in 15 lakh eligible citizens have not yet enrolled themselves as voters in Punjab. All such citizens are requested to register themselves as voters and be a part of the political and democratic process. He said that Special Nodal Officers has been appointed in each educational institution to facilitate the citizens who have just become eligible to be a voter. He said that the CEO Punjab website www.ceopunjab.nic.in and helpline no 1950 can be accessed for any information in this regard.  
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PB DEMANDS RS.350 CRORE FROM CENTER FOR SAKKI NULLAH REHABILITATION: THANDAL

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 23:

The Punjab Government has sought Rs.350 crore from union government for the de-silting, relining and rehabilitation of 152 km long Sakki Nullah running from Amritsar to Gurdaspur. The state government has urged the center to approve this project and release the grant earliest so that work could be initiated on this multi-dimensional project. It was disclosed by Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Irrigation in a press communiqué.
Mr. Thandal said that this Sakki Nullah, which starts from Swailpur village near Dinanagar and goes up to Lodhi Gujjar village in Rajasansi, creates much trouble during the rainy season. He said that more than 76,000 acres of land get submerged every year, besides affecting the lives of more than 1.25 lakh people of more than 500 villages. He said that considering this problem, the state government has chalked out a project of Rs.350 crore, which has been sent to the center government for its approval.
He said that the Punjab Government in this financial year has incurred Rs.511 crore out of total sanctioned amount of Rs.1200 crore for the strengthening of rivers’ embankment. He further said that Rs.416 crore has been spent for the cleanliness and de-silting of rivulets and minors. Mr. Thandal said that the state government has chalked out a multi-dimensional approach plan for improving the irrigation facilities in the Kandi, Bet and Border areas of the state. He said that the Punjab Government has recently reconstituted the advisory councils of these areas under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.
He said that the local MLAs have been asked to monitor the ongoing irrigation development projects and to ensure the timely completion. He said that the Irrigation Department had provided sufficient canal water to the farmers to irrigate their fields despite deficit rain.

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CM PAYS GLORIOUS TRIBUTES TO BABA SHEIKH FARID
SAD EVER READY FOR MID-TERM POLLS – BADAL

ASSAIL CENTER’S ON FDI DECISION TO BENEFIT MNCS AT THE COST OF COMMON MAN

FARIDKOT SEPTEMBER 22:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the anti-people decisions taken by the UPA led Congress government recklessly has created an atmosphere of political uncertainty and mistrust amongst its allies leading to a volatile situation heading towards mid-term elections in the country.

Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of the 27th Baba Farid Rural Sport Festival here at Nehru Stadium organised by the Faridkot District Cultural Society on the commemoration of the Aagman Purb of Baba Sheikh Farid - one of the greatest spiritual ambassadors, poet prophet and founder of ‘Sufi’ tradition in India, Mr. Badal said that the Shiromani Akali Dal being a constituent of National Democratic Alliance was ever ready to face the mid-term polls at any time.  He said that the days of the Congress regime at Center were numbered as the irrational and arbitrary decisions of UPA allowing the FDI in the retail sector would have a cascading effect on the Indian economy.  Mr. Badal said: “Since India is a developing country and therefore it should not blindly follow the developed countries like USA while taking such crucial decisions on the issues like FDI in haste and without realizing its ramifications which could enormously harm the Indian economy rather putting it on the stronghold”.  Allying fears, Mr. Badal said that FDI would out rightly vanish the small shopkeepers and petty traders because such policies were deliberately framed to the advantage of multi-national companies and global corporate houses thereby ignoring the interests of the common man (aam admi), whom the UPA government considered to be his votary.   He blamed the Congress for its ill-conceived policies resulting in uncontrollable inflation, unemployment, illiteracy, poverty, starvation and above all the rampant corruption involving its top leadership in scam after scam due to which the UPA government has lost the confidence and trust of countrymen and it has no moral right to rule anymore.  
Lambasting at Center, the Chief Minister reiterated that it should redefine the central-state relations in the context of true federal structure because the deliberate attempts on the part of GoI to dilute its character to unitary form by usurping the states’ power was against the very spirit of constitutional norms and democratic values.  He said that heavy dependence of states on Center in getting their petty demands like sanctioning of drinking water and link roads schemes etc. have to look upon Center as beggars, adding that such tough posture adopted by Center was not encouraging and must be condemned by one and all. 
Paying glowing tributes to Baba Sheikh Farid, the Chief Minister said that Baba Farid ji was the father of Punjabi poetry and his philosophy of humanism and spirituality based on the principles of love, compassion, equality, humility, brotherhood and freedom reigned supreme and was all pervasive.  Mr. Badal mentioned that Baba Sheikh Farid’s Bani of 112 shaloks and 4 Shabads had been incorporated in Sri Guru Granth Sahib by Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji.  He said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is a cosmopolitan holy scripture of all faiths, when we bow our head in reverence before Sri Guru Granth Sahib, we pay respects to Baba Farid along with great Gurus with same devotion. 
In his address after declaring the rural sport festival open, Mr. Badal said that the SAD-BJP government has restored the lost glory to our mother sport Kabaddi by popularizing it at the international arena.  He said that Third World Kabaddi Olympic was being held in Punjab during December in which the teams winning the first, second and third positions would be given a cash prize of 2 crore, 1 crore and 51 lakh respectively. 
Responding to the demand of the local residents of Faridkot, Mr. Badal assured them that he would look into the possibility to accord heritage status to the historic city of Faridkot to promote the cultural and ethnic significance of Baba Sheikh Farid’s legacy in far more emphatic manner.
On the occasion, Mr. Badal also released a colourful souvenir of the Faridkot District Cultural Society.  Excellent performance of the martial art Gatka, motor cycle stunts by the PAP & BSF, superb camel and horse dance besides the folk cultural program regaled the audience. 
 Earlier, the Chief Minister accompanied by the Member Parliament from Faridkot Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Gulshan and MLA Mr. Deep Malhotra paid obeisance at Gurdwara Tilla Baba Sheikh Farid where he was presented a  robe of honour (Siropa) by Mr. Inderjit Singh Khalsa. 
Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated the new building complex of Guru Gobind Medical College constructed at a cost of Rs.45 crore.  He also laid the foundation stone of Rs.6 crore Drug De-addiction and Treatment in the Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, besides giving financial assistance of Rs.1 lakh from Chief Minister’s Cancer Relief Fund to nine patients afflicted with Cancer to meet out their expenditure on medicines.  It may be recalled that the Punjab government was already providing free treatment to the cancer patients in the state. 
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES PRIZES OF RS.2.30 CRORE UNDER SMALL SAVINGS SCHEMES

·        FIRST PRIZE OF INNOVA CAR FOR DISTRICT LUDHINA COUPON
·        37TH LUCKY COUPON SCHEME WINNERS ALSO AWARDED WITH CHEQUES

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 22:
The Punjab Government today announced prizes worth Rs.2.30 crore under the 38th Lucky Coupon Scheme of Small Savings. During the draw ceremony total 7111 prizes were declared. Ludhiana district’s coupon got first prize, which was Innova car. Cheques were also given away to the winners of 37th Lucky Coupon Scheme.
The draw ceremony of 38th Lucky Coupon Scheme from 1st April, 2011 to 31st March, 2012 was held under the supervision of Mr. Jaspal Singh, Secretary Expenditure at Punjab Bhawan. In this draw, which was held in the presence of government officials, judges, agents, media persons and general public, the first prize of Innova car won by district Ludhiana coupon no. 02580371, whereas second prizes of 10 Nano cars won by coupon no. 03145319 (district Bathinda), 02162628 (district Patiala), 03136618 (district Bathinda), 04254110 (district Hoshiapur), 01598290 (district SBS Nagar or Nawan Shahr), 05065858 (district Jalandhar), 03803189 (district Amritsar), 04656261 (district Amristar), 03492399 (district Patiala) and coupon no. 02092140 (district Patiala).
Similarly, third prizes of 1000 Gold Guinea (4 gram), fourth prizes of 3,500 Soft Strolley, fifth prizes of 600 Hand Blenders and sixth prizes of 2,000 Light weight Irons were also declared.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jaspal Singh Said that small savings schemes have been contributing in the development of the country and the state as well. He said that the Punjab Government has amassed approximately Rs.9619 crore under various small savings schemes till March 31, 2012. He said that during the current year Rs.3117 crore has been collected till July, 2012 under various small savings schemes, whereas Rs.2948 crore were collected in the previous year till July 2011.
He also gave away cheques to the winners of 37th Lucky Coupon Scheme. The winners, who collected the cheques included; first prize winner of Tata Safari Mr. Sajjan Singh of Village Chunni Kalan, district Fatehgarh Sahib, who has invested the money in post office of district Ajitgarh (Mohali). He got cheque worth Rs.7,90,659, while second prize winners of Tata Indigo Mr. Amarjit Singh and Mrs. Surjeet Kaur collected the cheque worth Rs.4,61,927.
Prominent amongst those, who were present on the occasion included; Mr. Dalip Kumar, Director, Small Savings cum Secretary, Finance Department, Punjab, Mr. Rajiv Sagar, Regional Director, National Savings.

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TRIALS OF INDIAN CIRCLE STYLE KABBADI TEAM FOR WORLD CUP AND ASIA CUP ON 25 SEPTEMBER: MALUKA

CHANDIGARH, September 22:

Selection trials of Indian circle style Kabaddi team for Asia Kabaddi Cup Lahore, Dubai International Kabaddi Cup and World Cup Kabaddi Punjab would be held on 25 September at PAU Ludhiana.
Disclosing this here today Punjab Education Minister and President of Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India Circle Style and Punjab Kabaddi Association, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said that Dope tests are compulsory for all selected players after trails.
The Minister said that selected players would represent the Indian team in Asia Cup Lahore (27-31 October 2012), Dubai International Kabaddi Cup (November 2012) and World Cup Kabaddi, Punjab (1-15 December 2012).
He further said that once the final selection of the team is made, there will be no scope of any change in the selection at any stage. The players are requested to bring passport size photographs, original/ self-attested photocopies of academic / sports certificates,  passport, date of birth certificate and proof of Indian citizenship.

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CM CONSTITUTES CONCEPT COMMITTEE FOR WORLD CLASS MEMORIAL TO PERPETUATE THE RICH LEGACY OF SRI GURU RAVIDASS JI

SEEKS VITAL INPUTS FROM REVEREND SAINTS AND EMINENT SCHOLARS ON THE CONCEPT ISSUE

GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHES SRI GURU RAVIDASS MEMORIAL FOUNDATION UNDER CHAIRMANSHIP OF CM

Chandigarh, September 21-
In a significant decision, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today constituted a concept committee to chalk out a time-bound strategy for erecting a world class memorial at village Khuralgarh in Hoshiarpur district, dedicated to the life, work and philosophy of great Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, who propagated the values of humanism through his global teachings, which were still relevant in the present materialistic society.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister at a meeting attended by the great saints associated with Sri Guru Ravidass Sadhu Sampraday Society including Sant Nirmal Dass Jaura, Sant Surinder Dass Kathar and Sant Nirmal Singh Avadaan besides eminent scholars and academicians with their life long research experience on the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji.    
Mr Badal said that this prestigious memorial would be created at the holy place of Khuralgarh in tehsil Garhshankar associated with Sri Guru Ravidass Ji over the land already identified by the district administration and directed the Deputy Commissioner Hoshiarpur to work out modalities to arrange additional land for the construction of this historic monument. He reiterated the state government would undertake this sacred task under the auspices of reverend saints associated with the philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji. The Chief Minister emphasized the need to carry out detailed research work by the concept committee prior to the finalization of the design and pattern of the monument in consonance with Guru Ji’s eternal message of socialism, brotherhood, harmony, peace and amity. He also asked the concept committee to visit the holy places connected with Sri Guru Ravidass Ji like Varanasi etc to collect more information about the life and works of Guru Ji.
The concept committee comprised the members: including Sant Nirmal Dass Jaura, Sant Surinder Dass Kathar, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr Sohan Singh Thandal and Mr Som Parkash besides Dr Dharmpal Singal and Dr Jasbir Singh Sabar both former Chairmen of the Sri Guru Ravidass Chair of Punjab University Chandigarh and Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar. Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur would be the convener of the committee and its first meeting would be convened at Dera Baba Jaura at Raipur Rasoolpur in Jalandhar district on September 28.
Meanwhile the state government has also established the 16-member “Guru Ravidass Memorial Foundation” under the Chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal. Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs Mr SS Channy had been authorized to complete all the legal formalities for creation/declaration of the said committee. The other members of the foundation included Cultural affairs Minister Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Local Government Minister Mr Chunni Lal Bhagat, Health and Family care Minister Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, former Local Government Minister Mr Tikshan Sood, Mr Sohan Singh Thandal, Mr Pawan Kumar Teenu, Mrs Mohinder Kaur Josh, Mr Som Parkash, Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas (all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries), MLA Mr SR Kaler, Darshan Singh Jethumajra, Chief Secretary Punjab, Secretary Cultural Affairs, Principal Secretary Finance and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Cultural Affairs Minister Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Mr Sohan Singh Thandal, Mr Pawan Kumar Teenu, Mrs Mohinder Kaur Josh, Mr Som Parkash, (all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries), MLAs Mr SR Kaler and Mr Surinder Singh Bhullewalrathan, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr Gaggandip Singh Brar, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs Mr SS Channy and Mr Darshan Lal Jethumajra.        

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PUNJAB TO BOOST CROP DIVERSIFICATION TO FACE THE CHALLENGE OF STATE WISE QUOTA FOR PADDY PROCUREMENT BY GoI
  INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT CESS ON BASMATI EXPORT WAIVED OFF
FOUR TIMBER MARKETS TO BE SET UP IN PUNJAB
CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 21:
          In a bid to boost the Agrarian economy of the state and enable it to face the major challenge likely to be posed by the GOI’s future policy of fixing state wise quota   for paddy procurement, the Punjab government is all set to offer back up support and co-operation to the farmers in its mission to put the state on fast track of crop diversification.
          Presiding over a marathon meeting with the representatives of various Progressive Farmers’ associations which lasted for nearly six hours here today at Punjab Bhawan, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal emphasized the need to motivate the farmers of the state to adopt the cultivation of crops like maize, sugarcane, cotton and agro forestry which were the viable alternatives of paddy crop to prevent the over exploitation natural resources of the state.  He envisioned the state government would soon initiate steps to reduce the current area under paddy cultivation from 28 lakh hectares to nearly 15 lakh hectares by shifting the area under paddy cultivation to other crops like maize, sugarcane, and cotton. Likewise Mr. Badal also said that it was the need of the hour to encourage the farmers to resort to Agriculture allied activities like dairy farming, bee keeping, piggery, fishery poultry farming and others to enhance their income as the constant hike in the agricultural inputs has rendered farming a non- profitable venture.
            The Chief Minister said that shifting towards crop diversification was the utmost requirement in the current scenario as due to decline in income the distress peasantry of the state was on the crossroads. Reiterating the commitment of the state government to bail out the farmers in this hour of crisis, Mr. Badal said that their government would leave no stone unturned for raising all the issues related to the farming as well as its allied activities with the government of India. He informed that on his pursuance GOI was sending a high level expert team on October, 4 to visit Punjab for early solutions to these problems. The Chief Minister urged the progressive farmers to list out their issues which needs to be addressed by the GoI so that they could be aptly raised in this meeting. 
          The Chief Minister also gave nod for constituting an advisory committee for every allied agriculture allied activity for encouraging the farmers for diversification of crops in the state. He also approved to set up 4 timber markets at Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, Balachaur and Dasuya to facilitate farmers in the Agro Forestery business.
          While discussions with the representatives of Rice Exporter’s Associations Mr. Badal assured that concerted efforts would be made to bring large chunk of area for sowing quality basmati instead of coarse paddy, this would ensure better returns to the Rice exporters in terms of exports and value addition. Accepting their long pending demand the Chief Minister announced to wave off 3% Punjab infrastructure development cess on Basmati export outrightly.
          For the promotion of bee keeping in the state, Mr. Badal asked the Forest department to allow the bee keepers to run their business in the forests of Kandi areas as these small bee keepers had to place their bee boxes which was an eco-friendly activity.  He also informed that there was no entry tax on honey in the state. Mr. Badal called upon the youth to adopt bee keeping as there was a tremendous scope in this sector. He also assured all technical and financial assistance to establish this business besides initiating training through free refresher course at Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana. He directed the Chief Principal Conservator Forest to identify the plants for a-forestation beneficial for bee keeping. He also assured that government would take up the export related issues raised by the association with the GOI team and make consulted efforts to develop a domestic market through an awareness campaign amongst masses for the beneficial use of honey in daily life.
          Expressing the need to boost dairy farming in the state Mr. Badal said that there was a tremendous scope to develop it by many fold. He asked the Milkfed to prepare a Project Plan for producing high value product of milk like Ice cream to ensure better price for milk to the dairy farmers in the state. He further said that the state government was providing imported sex semen for cattle to the farmers at 50% subsidy. He asked Animal Husbandry Department to work out the modalities for providing same to the Small Dairy Farmers at 75% subsidy.  For providing better low cost green fodder to these small scale dairy farmers the Chief Minister asked PAU to conduct a vigorous research on it.
          To facilitate the small and marginal dairy farmers the Chief Minister asked the department to depute a special nodal officer for early disposal of pending loan cases for the setting up of two to ten cattle dairy units under NABARD’s scheme.
          Likewise, Mr. Badal asked the other associations of Piggery, Fishery, Poultry etc. to set up their processing units for which government was ready to provide financial assistance. He said that fishery could also be promoted in the water logged areas where fishes could grow in the saline water. Government was establishing a fish market at Ludhiana to boost fishery, added Mr. Badal.
          For the promotion of vegetable growing sector green house cultivation concept would be introduced in the state with the technical support of foreign country like Israel and poly houses technique would be promoted to enhance the yield of vegetable crops, said Mr. Badal. He directed Punjab Agro to accelerate the pace of work for setting up of approved five Agri pack houses. It was informed in the meeting that three of these would be made operational by October, 2012.  
          Prominent amongst those who attended the meeting included; Chairman Punjab Farmers Commission Dr. GS Kalkat, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babehali, Financial Commissioner Development GS Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Co-operation Viswajeet Khanna, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry & Director Dairy Development Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Gaggandip Singh Brar, MD Milkfed  and Advisor Agriculture Balwinder Singh Sidhu, MD Punjab Agro Kirandeep Singh Bhullar, Director Agriculture Mangal Singh Sandhu, Director Dairy Development Inderjit Singh and Director Animal Husbandry Dr. HS Sandha besides representatives of various progressive farmers’ associations of Punjab.
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NAVJOT SIDHU OUT TO BREAK NEXUS BETWEEN DRUG MANUFACTURES AND SUPPLIERS

·      CALLS ON UNION HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE MINISTER

New Delhi,  September 21:
Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Health and Family welfare Punjab,   Dr Navjot Sidhu today called on the Union Heath Minister Shri Gulam Nabi Azad at New Delhi and discussed various steps required to be taken to improve health services in India in general and Punjab state in particular.
             Highlighting the steps to be taken while improving the health systems in the state, Dr. Sidhu reiterated that formation of a union drug policy regarding price control of drugs was the first essential step to be taken so that the nexus between drug manufacturers---Drug Inspectors—Chemists—Medical Representatives---Doctors could be broken. The Drugs (Price Control) order 1995, promulgated under The E.C. Act, has effectively controlled the soaring prices of essential drugs. At the same time, it has dismally failed to contain the daylight robbery of poor patients by some large scale and small-scale manufacturers, especially by non-scheduled generic drug manufacturers, she added.
          Expressing concern over the high rise prices of the essential life saving drugs, Dr. Sidhu said that it was unfortunate that the intelligent manufacturers have made it a habit to display an inflated MRP on the labels of the generic drugs, blown up by several times more than their real costs which has got to be checked at the highest level. Medical Traders can earn 200-300% profit on generic drugs compared to branded drugs because multinational companies are buying generic drugs at a very low cost and selling them under their brand names at exorbitant prices.
She also laid stress to promote Psychiatry as a major subject in MBBS course because of the increasing trend of suicides and drug addiction, Psychiatry needs to be a major subject and not just one question part of medicine they should be given special incentives so that they are available to the public getting full support from the mass scale counseling centers at the each nook and corner including jails. No treatment should be initiated without spiritual support by NGO’s with yoga, pranayama and satsang sessions. A person attempting suicide out of sheer frustration needs immediate treatment, compassion and counseling, not punishment. 90-95% of the patients want to come out of drug addiction and suicidal tendency and also 90-95% patients are known to be treated alone by Counseling.
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HANDICAPPED GIVEN 50% EXEMPTION IN EXAMINATION FEE FOR DIRECT RECRUITMENT TO PUNJAB GOVERNMENT JOBS

Chandigarh, September 21: The Punjab government today issued orders to provide 50% exemption in examination fee to handicapped people applying for direct recruitment jobs in Group A, B, C and D category of employments.
According to an official spokesman all Heads of Department, Commissioners of the divisions, Deputy Commissioners, SDMs, Vice-Chancellors of the universities and Boards and Corporations have been issued directions to immediately implement these directions.

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HANDICAPPED GIVEN 50% EXEMPTION IN EXAMINATION FEE FOR DIRECT RECRUITMENT TO PUNJAB GOVERNMENT JOBS

Chandigarh, September 21:
The Punjab government today issued orders to provide 50% exemption in examination fee to handicapped people applying for direct recruitment jobs in Group A, B, C and D category of employments.
According to an official spokesman all Heads of Department, Commissioners of the divisions, Deputy Commissioners, SDMs, Vice-Chancellors of the universities and Boards and Corporations have been issued directions to immediately implement these directions.
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Punjab issues new terms & conditions for chairpersons of Boards and corporations

Chandigarh, September 21:
The Directorate of Public Enterprises and Disinvestment today issued standard terms & conditions for appointment of non-official chairpersons, part time chairpersons/vice persons/member of the public sector undertakings, boards, apex cooperative institutions/tribunals and commissions.
A spokesman of the Directorate today said that under the instructions non-official chairperson would be provided with a staff car and a driver. He said that no new purchase of vehicle may be made and vehicle may be provided by the concerned PSU/Board/apex cooperative institutions/tribunal/commission from the existing fleet of vehicles. The petrol limit for such car has been limited to 261 liter per month and in case of diesel vehicle the entitlement would be the same. He said that a limit on expenditure on maintenance and repair charges for these vehicles would be Rs.4500 per month or Rs.54000 per year which would not be used towards POL. He said that the amount spent on overhauling of engine of the vehicle and replacement of tyres would be in addition to the above said limit. In case of use personal vehicle reimbursement of Rs.6 per kilometer would be provided subject to a maximum limit of 2610 kms per month.

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SUKHBIR DEMANDS MINIMUM 20% SHARE IN CENTRAL TAXES
·        WITH UPA IN ICU, IT HAS NO RIGHT TO IMPLEMENT FDI IN RETAIL
·        CENTRE TACTFULLY DIVERTING ALL ITS LIABILITIES TO THE STATES

Ludhiana, September 21:
          Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today charged Congress led UPA government for tactfully diverting all its liabilities towards states without raising their share in the Central Taxes.
Talking to media persons after meeting newly elected Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwarhia, Senior Deputy Mayor Mrs. Sunita Aggarwal and Deputy Mayor Mr. R.D. Sharma. Mr. Badal questioned the rationale of capping the limit of LPG cylinders to 6 and raising the price of diesel by Rs.5 per liter. He said that with crude price dipping all over the world and all countries reducing the rates of petroleum products, India is the only country in the world that was raising the price of diesel. He charged that Congress party was enriching the multi national oil companies at the cost of common man and even government exchequer. He said that with the lowering of Central Excise on petrol, the oil companies since last 15 days were making additional profit of Rs.1 per liter and charged that government was keeping its eyes deliberately shut with oil companies not passing on the benefit of excise reduction to the masses.
On the question of Congress ruled states giving 9 cylinders to the BPL families, Mr. Badal said that people of this country demand total roll back of LPG decision and this tamasha would not satisfy anyone. He said that centre can not disown its liabilities and transfer them to states without raising their share in the taxes. He said that let the centre increase the share of Punjab in central taxes from 1.32% to minimum 20% and we are ready to provide 12 subsidized cylinders to every family of Punjab .
On a question regarding FDI, Mr. Badal said that a minority government that was in ICU, has no right to take any major decision and President should intervene to stop government in taking any policy decision.
Mr. Badal said that SAD-BJP government was focusing on development and next 4 years would witness total transformation of urban areas with the investment of Rs.8745 crores on urban development and Rs.10,000 crore on rural development.
The SAD President denied any factionalism in the party and said that this was only Congress centric disease. He said that SAD was fully united and committed to sweep Lok Sabha elections which were expected soon.
Among others who were present on this occasion Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon Irrigation Minister,  Mr.Sikander Singh  Maluka Education Minster, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon PWD Minister, Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh  Grewal Advisor to CM,  Mr. Manpreet Singh Ayali, Mr. Darshan Singh Shivalik ,  Mr. S R Kaler, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bains,  Mr. Simranjit Singh Bains,  Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon (all MLAs).
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RECOGNITION COMPULSORY FOR PRIVATE PRIMARY AND UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOLS- EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Chandigarh, 21 September- According to free and compulsory education Act it compulsory for all pre-primary, primary and upper primary schools running in the state to get recognition from the state government.
Giving this information spokesman of the education department said that as per recent amendments made by the state government all private schools have to submit a self declaration letter in form-1 as per rules. These forms can be downloaded from official website of the department.
He added that date for submission of self declaration letter has been extended till 12th October, 2012.
Spokesman further said that all private schools have to submit a self declaration letter at district education offices (elementary). Those schools which do not submit self declaration letter till due date won't be allowed to run as per section 19(4) in the next session.
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SAD CLAIMS MASSIVE SUPPORT TO THE BANDH CALL

COMPLETE BANDH INDICATES  ANGER OF PEOPLE  AGAINST UPA GOVERNMENT-DR. CHEEMA
                Chandigarh, September 20

(Dr.Daljit Singh Cheema)
Secretary & Spokesman

 : The Shiromani Akali Dal today claimed overwhelming support to the bandh call given by SAD-BJP alliance in the state and thanked  the people of the state for their massive support to the bandh through out the state. The unprecedented support to the bandh call in the state indicates the anger of the people against the anti people policies of the Congress led UPA government.

                In a statement released from the party head office here today party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that as per the reports received from all the district headquarters from the state the bandh was complete and peaceful. All shops, bazaars, shopping malls and other commercial establishments remained totally closed. Almost at all the places the people voluntarily supported the bandh. Dr. Cheema further said that at all district headquarters senior leaders of the SAD-BJP alliance, party MLAs, MPs and other office bearers of both the parties accompanied by leaders of many trade and social organisations submitted a detailed memorandum to the respective Deputy Commissioners in the name President of India. It was demanded that the unwarranted and highly justified decisions to  hike the prices of diesel, reduction in subsidy of LPG and allowing FDI in retail sector be rolled backed without any delay. In the memorandum the party also highlighted the consequences of the anti people decisions of the Congress led UPA government and sought directions to the government to perform its constitutional duty to safeguard the interests of the citizens of the country.

          In Roopnagar the bandh was complete and peaceful and all bazaars and shops remained closed through out the day. Here the party Secretary and Spokesman and Roopnagar MLA Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema led the party delegation to present a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner. Others who accompanied him included the former cabine minister Mrs. Satwant Kaur Sandhu, BJP district President Parvesh Goel, members of SGPC Bhai Amarjit Singh Chawla, Parmjit Singh Lakhewal and Ajmer Singh Khera, MC President Amarjit Singh Satial, President Vpar Mandal Parmjit Singh Makkar, President youth wing Harpreet Singh Basant, President Parvasi Bhalai sangthan Avinash Thind, President Istri Akali Dal Bibi Pritam Kaur Bheora alongwith all councillors and other senior leaders of both the parites.

          In Amritsar Chief Parliamentary Secretary Inderbir Singh Bularia, Upkar Singh Sandhu District President urban, Bhai Ram Singh, Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta, Bawa Singh Aarti, Bibi Kiranjot Kaur, Harjap Singh (all SGPC members), Avtar Singh Truckanwale Senior Deputy Mayor, Avinash Jolly Deputy Mayor and other leaders present the memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner.

  In Bathinda Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sarup Chand Singla, Darshan Singh Kotfatta MLA, Sukhdev Singh Bahia, Amrik Singh Numberdar and Bibi Joginder kaur (all SGPC members) and others  presented the memorandum.

          In Barnala Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas, former minister Gobind Singh Kanjhla, Parmjit Singh Khalsa, Baldev Singh Chugha, both SGPC members and Kulwant Singh Kanta comprised the delegation to present memorandum to DC.
          In Fatehgar Sahib, SAD General Secretary and former Member Parliament Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, former minister Randhir Singh Cheema, Jagdeep Singh Cheema President district unit, Nirmal Singh MLA, Avtar Singh Ria and Ravinder Singh Khalsa both SGPC members and others handed over memorandum to DC.
          In Faridkot Member Parliament Parmjit Singh Gulshan, Deep Malhotra MLA, Bibi Gurinder Kaur Bholuwala, Harjit Singh Bholuwala and Makhan Singh Nangal jointly presented the memorandum. In Ferozepur cabinet minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Member Parliament Sher Singh Ghubhaya, Kamal Sharma, Joginder Singh Jindu MLA and Preetam Singh Malsian member SGPC comprised the delegation. In Gurdaspur former minister Sucha Singh Langah, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Gurbachan Singh Babbehali, Des Raj  Dhugga, Parmvir Singh Laddi President youth wing and others comprised the delegation. In Hoshiarpur District President and MLA Surinder Singh Thekedar, Sohan Singh Thandal, Bibi Mohinder Kaur josh both SGPC members, Jasjit Singh Thiara, Varinder Singh Bajwa both members of PAC, Avtar Singh Johal and Jatinder Singh Lali Bajwa comprised the delegation who presented memorandum to DC.
          In Jallandhar Gurcharan Singh Channi President urban unit, Pawan Kumar Tinu Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Baljit Singh Neelamehal and Subash Sood President BJP urban unit submitted the memorandum. In Kapurthala Jarnail Singh Wahid district President, Sarwan Singh Kular member SGPC, Ranjit Singh Khurana president urban and Surinder Singh Walia comprised the delegation. In Ludhiana President urban unit and former minister Hira Singh Gabria, Cabinet Minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Darshan Singh Shivalik, Manpreet Singh Iyali, Balwinder Singh Bains and Ranjit Singh Dhillon all MLAs and other comprised the delegation who presented the memorandum to Deputy Commissioner.

          In Mansa Member Parliament Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Harbant Singh Datewas district President,Prem Mittal MLA, Chitan Singh Samao MLA, Mithu Singh Kahnek, Sukhdev Singh Dialpura both SGPC members, Surjit Singh Raipur and others presented memorandum to the DC.

          In Ajitgarh district Balwant Singh Ramoowalia senior vice President, NK Sharma Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Jathedar Ujagar Singh Badali district president, Amanjot Kaur Ramoowalia, Amrik Singh Mohali, Bibi Parmjit Singh Landran and Nirmail Singh jola both SGPC members presented the memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner. In Mukatsar Sahib Manjit Singh Barkandi district President, Kanwarjit Singh Rozibarkandi, Mitt Singh Brar President Municipal Council, Satpal Fathela, Santokh Singh Bhandari and others comprised the delegation. In Moga Tirath Singh Mahla district President, Bibi Rajwinder Kaur Bhagike MLA, Maheshinder Singh Nihalsinghwala MLA, Jaspal Singh Raniya, Harinder Singh Raniya members SGPC and others comprised the delegation.
      
    In Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district Chaudhary Nand Lal Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Chaudhary Mohan Lal former MLA, Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa member SGPC and Jateshwar Singh Majithia, Budh Singh Balakipur Chairman and Dr. Dev raj Shajpur Bhatti comprised the deletions.

          In Patiala Faujinder Singh Mukhmailpura district President, Indermohan Singh Bajal President urban unit, Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, and others presented the memorandum to the DC. In Pathankot Hardeep Singh Lamini district President, Preetam Singh, Gurwinder Singh Chawla, Taranjit Singh Romo, Surinder Singh Mintu and Baldev Singh presented the memorandum. In Sangrur, Parkash Chand Garg Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Maninder Singh Brar President urban unit, Iqbaljit Singh Punia President Municipal Council, Vijay Kumar Sahni, Jogi Ram Sahni President BJP, Harbans Singh Garcha and Bhagwant Singh advocate comprised the delegation.

            Similarly in Tarntaran district President Alwinderpal Singh Pakhoke, Sukhwinder Singh Jhabal, Balwinder Singh Veinpur both SGPC members, RP Singh Maini BJP and others presented the memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner.

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Akalis, BJP faced with crisis of ideology: Punjab Congress

CHANDIGARH, September 20: Punjab Congress today criticised the ruling Akali-BJP alliance for forcing an unnecessary bandh on an unwilling people. “It only betrayed the crisis of ideology both the Akalis and BJP are confronted with”, Punjab Congress general secretary Arvind Khanna said, while reacting to today’s bandh in Punjab.

The Congress general secretary maintained that it was sheer political opportunism on part of both the Akalis as well as the BJP to oppose the foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail when everybody knew both the parties were themselves in favour of it. “Just because Congress led UPA government has initiated the move, they are opposing it now”, he observed.
Moreover, Khanna added, their opposition to the hike in diesel prices also betrays their double standards. “When they impose 12 per cent hike on electricity tariff and taxes on small houses in Punjab, it is OK with them and when the central government increases the prices of diesel which are determined by the international factors they call for a bandh”, he pointed out.
Asserting that the two parties were faced with the crisis of ideology, the Dhuri MLA said, they really did not know as what to do and how to react to the UPA policies which even they know were in the national and public interest. “It is a classic case of opposition for the sake of opposition”, he remarked.
Khanna wondered as what message the Punjab government intended to convey by opposing the FDI in retail when it was aiming at and claiming to be inviting investments in the state worth thousands of crores.

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PUNJAB SEEKS TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR DIGITAL SURVEY OF LAND

·        MAJTIHIA REPRESENTS PUNJAB IN THE CONFERENCE OF REVENUE MINISTERS’ ON MODERNISATION OF LAND RECORDS
·        CENTER SHOULD ENHANCE THE AMOUNT FIXED FOR SURVEY OF LAND
·        ONLINE PROPERTY REGISTRATION IN PUNJAB WOULD BECOME OPERATIONAL IN A YEAR
·        DEMANDS ONE MORE NLRM CELL FOR PUNJAB

Chandigarh/NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 20: 

Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister, Punjab today apprised the Union Government for the need of more Technical and Financial Assistance to Punjab for the conduction of Digital Survey of Land.

          Representing the Punjab in the conference of Revenue Ministers’ on Modernisation of Land Records presided over by Union Minister for Rural Development Mr. Jairam Ramesh, here at Vigyan Bhawan said that for the Survey of Land, Union Government was providing a mere amount of Rs. 15,000 per square kilometer, which was not enough as many companies has refused to conduct survey. He said that this amount should be increased up to Rs. 50000 per square kilometer. He said that the completion of survey would witness a major reduction in property disputes.
          Lauding the role of Mr. Jairam Ramesh for introducing modernization of Land Records Program in India, Mr Majtihia apprised the Union Minister about the initiatives taken by the Punjab Government to implement the National Land Record Modernisation Program in true spirit, Mr. Majithia said that Punjab is going to put another milestone in this field by introducing online registration of properties. He said that Punjab in collaboration with Microsoft is developing software, which would become operational in a year. 
          Mr. Majithia informed in the conference that Punjab under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and visionary guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has made the Revenue system more transparent, efficient, responsive and people-friendly by taking various significant measures in the field of Land Reforms. He said that Punjab Government has spent around Rs. 50 crores for revenue reforms including upgrading the basic infrastructure, launching capacity building program, imparting training amongst the officers/employees of Revenue Department.

The Minister said that Punjab has 81 Tehsils and 86 Sub-Tehsils, where we are providing important revenue services under one roof by establishing 167 Fard Kendras in each Tehsil and Sub-Tehsil. He said that more than 21 lakh Fards have been provided through these hi-tech Fard Kendras and it has provided employment between 1300 and 1500 youth in the state. He said that people can get the copy of their jamabandi/fards from these fard kendras within 15 minutes as the revenue records of 12170 villages out of total 13206 have been put on web after getting the records fully validated by the Patwaris (100%), Kanugos (100%), Circle Revenue Officers (25%) and Public. He said that this initiative of SAD-BJP Government was not only facilitating the residents of Punjab but too Punjabi Diaspora.

Mr. Majithia also demanded one more NLRM Cell for Punjab to cover the land reforms from all spheres besides imparting training to the revenue officers/employees as it was not possible to train the staff in a single NLRM Cell at State Patwar School, Jalandhar. 
Advocating the need of making Patwaris’ more tech savvy, Mr. Majithia said that patwaris’ were the main pillars of public dealing in Revenue Department and to avail maximum benefit of modernization program, it is need of the hour to make Patwaris more tech savvy. He said that Punjab Government is going to chalk out a special training session for more than 4600 patwaris in the state.
 Mr. Majtihia also said that modern Sub Registrar Offices is also under construction in Punjab whereas the construction at Ludhiana, Patiala and Bathinda has been completed.
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BADAL FOR STRUCTURAL REFORMS IN LONG TERM CREDIT TO HASTEN THE PACE OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

URGES GOI TO IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF VAIDYANATHAN TASK FORCE

NAIR APPEALS CM TO IMPRESS UPON CENTRE FOR IMPLEMENTING VAIDYANATHAN REPORT IN TOTO

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 20:
            In a bid to boost overall development of country’s agriculture and rural economy, Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the Central government to immediately initiate structural reforms in the long term credit to make it self-sustainable to adequately meet the diverse credit needs of rural sector.
In his inaugural address on the first ever national Conference of Principal Secretaries (Cooperation) jointly organized by the Punjab government and National Co-operative Agriculture & Rural Development Bank here at Hotel Mountview, the Chief Minister said credit played a crucial role in the private capital formation of agriculture, but unfortunately, the farm credit policy of our country was un- favourable to promote private investments in agriculture.  He pointed out that the Central Government had now contributed to bring the cost of crop loans to the moderate rate of 4% after providing 3% interest subvention.  But the cost of investment credit continued to be unaffordable being as high as 13% to 14%, against the re-finance given by NABARD for long term credit at the interest of 10% which was a huge disincentive for farm sector. He sought Government of India (GoI’s) intervention to facilitate NABARD and banks to bring down the cost of investment credit. The Chief Minister also pleaded that the interest subvention scheme of the Central government for crop loans should be extended to long term loans to address this problem. Traditionally, Agriculture Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) were the main agencies for giving investment loans to farmers but these institutions were not getting adequate support from the central government in term of revival and lending packages.  
Showing concern over the recent decision of NABARD to reduce the rate of refinance to 90% of loans from the earlier 95% and equating the repayment period of refinance with the tenure of loans advanced to farmers, have put more hurdles in the operations of ARDBs. Earlier a two year moratorium was provided by NABARD allowing better cash flow and credit to the ARDBs.  Mr. Badal suggested the governments and NABARD/RBI should come up with the innovative schemes to enable the ARDBs to raise resources and income like ancillary banking services to increase their profitability.    He urged the NABARD to review its decision in the larger interest of farming community and also in view of the fact that NABARD was completely insulated through state government guarantees against any risk in financing ARDBs. 
The Chief Minister also asked the Central government to implement the recommendations of Vaidyanathan Task Force to revive the long term credit structure without any further delay.   He hoped the conference would go a long way in highlighting and addressing all issues of concern to provide farm loans at affordable rates. 
Speaking on the occasion, MLA from Kerala and Chairman NCRDB Federation, Mr. K.Sivadasan Nair appealed to the Chief Minister for taking up the issue of revival package of long term structure involving recapitalization and reforms as recommended by the Vaidyanathan Task Force with the Central government forthwith.  He however, said that short term package was implemented by the Centre but it was yet to take decision on the implementation of long term structure despite announcing it in the Union budget 2008-09.
On the occasion, Managing Director NCRDB Mr. KK Ravindran proposed a vote of thanks adding the long term co-operative credit structure was on the path of deceleration. In context to capital formation in agriculture he pointed out that this fragile structure have led to deprivation of continued credit support to about 138 lakh rural households which pledged their lands to these institutions for talking long term loans in the past. The experience of the structure in states like Kerala and Punjab shows that these challenges to a large extent could be met with enhanced policy support from the state government.  
Earlier in his opening remarks Principal Secretary Co-operation Mr Viswajeet Khanna shared some the best experiences in the state co-operative sector like successfully functioning of 1300 Agro Service Centres across the state to provide farm equipment and machinery to the farmers on custom hiring basis and empowerment of women through Mai Bhago Scheme to make them financially viable by imparting vocational training coupled with soft loans. He also dwelled on the flagship scheme Bhai Kanhaiya Health insurance meant for co-operative members of the state under which 85000 patients have been treated for different ailments at a cost of Rs 120 crore till now. Mr Khanna also talked at length about the novel scheme to provide consumer items including electronic gadgets to the members of the co-operative societies through setting up stores on the CSD pattern in villages. This scheme was doubly beneficial to the members as they could purchase quality items at subsidised rates besides ensuring handsome profit to the societies. He said these schemes could be aptly replicated in other states for further strengthening the co-operative movement.          
Prominent amongst others who attended the function included Registrar Co-operative societies Mr AS Miglani, Chief General Manager NABARD Punjab region Mr Krishan Jindal, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr Gaggandip Singh Brar, Chairman Punjab State Co-operative Agriculture Development Bank Mr Sukhdarshan Singh Murar and Managing Director Punjab State Co-operative Agriculture Development Bank Mr GS Mangat besides the Principal Secretaries (Co-operation) and Registrar Co-operative societies from several states and other senior officers of the co-operation department.   
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COUNTRY AHEADS MID-TERM POLL  -- BADAL

CM TERMS MASSIVE RESPONSE TO THE BHARAT BANDH CALL AS A TESTIMONY OF PUBLIC RESENTMENT AGAINST UPA

BADAL ASSAILS CONGRESS CENTRAL MINISTERS FOR DIVERTING CENTRAL FUNDS TO THE STATES OF THEIR ORIGIN

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 20:
            Apprehending a volatile situation for mid-term polls in the country, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the current political scenario was a possible outcome of the ongoing internal tussle and mistrust amongst the key allies of Congress led UPA government, which was bound to crumble under its own weight.  
            Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of the first national conclave of the Principal Secretaries (Co-operation) of the states here today, the Chief Minister said that due to the rift amongst the UPA allies on key issues the political situation of the country was grim due to which there was every possibility that the Lok Sabha elections were held in advance. Mr Badal categorically said that due to the instability of the UPA government at the Centre the governance at the national level had been adversely affected thereby severely hitting the common man. He said it was ironical that UPA government which came into power as claimed to be votary of common man (Aam aadmi) had now completely ignored this crucial section of the society for its anti-people stance.
            Replying to another query the Chief Minister said that the massive response given by the people for countrywide bandh given by the opposition parties reflected the simmering anger in the minds of the countrymen against the misrule of the UPA government. He said that recent hike in the price of diesel by the Union government coupled with the cap imposed on the supply of the domestic LPG cylinders has broken the backbone of the common man adding that decision of the UPA to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail sector would ruin the small traders of the country. Terming these decisions of the UPA as anti-people, anti-farmers and anti-poor, Mr Badal said that the countrymen are fed up from the incumbent Union government and they would show the door to them in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls.
            Training his guns against the Congress party, the Chief Minister reiterated that it had always meted out a step motherly treatment to the opposition ruled states in general and that of Punjab in particular. He said that the Union Ministers belonging to the Congress are acting arbitrarily by diverting the Central grants and projects to their home states whereas the other states are being deprived of their legitimate share of the central funds. Mr Badal blamed the Centre for its apathetic attitude due to which the state had been deprived of central grants due to which its development has suffered adversely.
            On the occasion the Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr Gaggandip Singh Brar.       
…
PB GOVT TO ORGANIZE LIVESTOCK FAIRS IN THE STATE

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 20:

The Punjab Government has decided to organize livestock fairs in the state in October & November, 2012 and January 2013. Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, Punjab said that national, regional and district level Competitions would be organized all over the state. He said that state government has earmarked Rs.5.18 crore for this purpose and winners would be honored with cash prizes.
The spokesman further said that government has taken this initiative to develop livestock breed and encourage the farmers to produce quality milk. He said that in these fairs, high-yielding milk and animals of superior breeds would participate. He said that district level fairs would be held in the month of October, 2012 in all 22 districts, while zonal level fairs in November at Bathinda, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Patiala and national level fair in January, 2013 at Sri Muktsar Sahib.
According to spokesman, Rs.9 Lakhs for each district fair (total 1.98 crores), Rs.30 lakhs for each zone level fair (total 1.20 crore) and Rs.2 crores would be spent on national level fair. He further said that besides this, competitions of Horse, Buffalos, Cows, Sheep, Goats, Pigs, Dogs and hens would also be organized in these fairs. These competitions would be of 48 types at district level and 49 types at zonal level.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT DIRECTS DEPARTMENTS TO SEND REPORTS REGULARLY
Chandigarh, 20 Septembe

Punjab Government has directed all departments to sought out all complaints of people time bound so that people do not face any difficulties in government offices.
Disclosing this Punjab Government spokesperson said that Financial Commissioners, Principal Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries are directed to submit reports on quarterly and monthly basis regarding settlement of complaints of people. Officials should ensure that these reports are sent by till 10th of every month. 
According to government official it has come to notice that these reports are not sent regularly therefore reports do not reach chief minister timely. All Department heads, deputy commissioners, heads of the corporations and Boards are directed to immediately send these reports.
Spokesperson said that as per SAD-BJP government's main motto 'Raj Nahi Sewa' all government officials are strictly instructed to solve complaints of peoples on top priority.
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UNAUTHORISED DRIVING SCHOOLS TO FACE ACTION---KOHAR

Chandigarh, September 20:

Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar Transport Minister Punjab issued strict warning to the unauthorized driving institutes operating in the state enrolling people for driving learning.
In a statement issued here today, Mr. Kohar said that the officers of the department have already been directed to identify fake driving schools operating without any norms in Punjab. He said that strict action would be taken against such institutes. Mr. Kohar also said that the Punjab government has initiated a number of steps to provide quality driving training facilities to the people of the state. The government was committed to provide organized and systematic driving training, said Mr. Kohar. There were more than 150 government authorized driving institutions are running in the state.
Mr. Kohar, who is the Chairman of Punjab Road safety council, said that 3500 people lose their lives every year in Punjab due to road accidents. He said that systematic training would act as vital tool for reducing road accidents in Punjab. He also urged the parents of adolescent children to dissuade them from driving till they become eligible for a driving license.
While emphasizing the need of strict compliance of the government’s directive to implement road safety norms and traffic rules, Mr. Kohar said that there were more than 900 unmanned crossings in the state, out of which 75 were declared sensitive. He said that Punjab Government would soon take up the case of unmanned crossing with the Union Government. Besides this he said that speed governors would be installed on the vehicles and random checking would be conducted for drunken driving all over the state.
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• PAINTING COMPETITION ON WATER CONSERVATION FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN TO BE ORGANIZED

PAINTING COMPETITION STARTS FROM OCTOBER 15

Chandigarh September 20:-
          The Education department Punjab has decided to conduct painting competition in collaboration with Ministry of Water Resources in the schools to create awareness on water conservation amongst the children. The painting competition would be conducted at school, state and national levels as part of the campaign. The painting competition would make the children aware about need of conserving this precious resource.
          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of education department said that the theme of school level painting competition would be the water &climate change, save water from pollution and water security. He also said that the painting competition would be open for class 4th to 6th students. All participants would be given the certificates.
          The spokesman further said that the state level winners and national level winners would be awarded with cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd of Rs. 10000/-. Rs. 8000/- and Rs. 5000/- respectively and 10 consolation prizes of Rs. 1000/- would also be awarded. 
          He further said that the school principal would organize painting competition of two hours duration in their schools and school principals would select 3 best paintings and send them along with information on number of students participants at school level competition and their names at the address of Nodal Officer, Central Ground Water Board, Plot No-3B, Sector-27A Chandigarh by 20th October 2012.
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STATE BANK OF INDIA ORDERD TO PAY RS. 24 THOUSAND WITH INTEREST FOR WRONG WITHDRAWAL FROM ATM

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER, 20

The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Punjab directed to State Bank of India, Hoshiarpur to  pay the complainant Rs. 24,056 along with interest @9% annum from the date of withdrawl of the said ammount. The complainant would also be entitled to Rs. 5,000 as cost of litigation.
          Disclosing this here today the spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the complainant Mr. Sashi bhusan gupta, resident of Hoshiarpur having a saving bank account with state bank of india, Hoshiarpur and was issued an ATM card. He found that a sum of Rs. 32,940 had been unauthorizedly withdrawn from his account through five transactions made through ATM. He immediately approached the bank and his ATM facility was blocked but after that a sum of Rs. 13,028 and Rs.11,028 have been unauthorizedly withdrawn through the ATM. then He lodged the complaint before State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Punjab.
          The spokesman said that after hearing both the parties the commission found negliance from the side of state bank of india and commission directed to the bank to  pay the complainant  Rs. 24,056 along with interest @9% annum from the date of withdrawl of the said ammount. The complainant would also be entitled to Rs. 5,000 as cost of litigation.
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SAD TO FULLY SUPPORT BANDH CALL IN PUNJAB

PARTY GEARS UP ALL DISTRICT UNITS AND MLAs FOR ENSURING COMPLETE BANDH

                Chandigarh, September 19  

The Shiromani Akali Dal has decided to  fully support the bandh call given by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and national other parties on September 20  against the highly unjustified price hike of diesel, reduction in subsidy on LPG cylinders and allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail sector by the Congress led UPA government.
                In a statement released from the party head office here today party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that the SAD has  instructed  all the district units,  party office bearers, MPs, MLAs and other senior leaders of the party to ensure that all shops, bazaars, shopping malls and other commercial establishments remain closed on  September 20. Only emergency services will be exempted from the bandh.
 Dr. Cheema further said that at all district headquarters a memorandum will be given by the senior leaders to the concerned deputy commissioner in the name of the President of India in which the party will highlight the consequences of the above said anti people decision of the Congress led UPA government and will demand  immediately roll back these unjustified decisions.
             The SAD appealed to all trade organizations, industrial organizations and people of the state  to fully support the bandh call  by voluntarily closing their commercial establishments including shops, business houses and markets  etc  on the said day to protest against these anti people and  highly unjustified decisions of the UPA government.  
                Condemning  the repeated hike in the prices of petroleum prices,  Dr. Cheema  said that the Congress led UPA has colluded with the oil companies to  loot the common man of the country. He said that it is the first such government of a country worldwide which has created a record of the sorts in raising the prices of petroleum products. The SAD leader said that the decision to allow FDI in retail sector will adversely affect the millions of self employed, shopkeepers, vendors and other small businessmen. Similarly the drastic cut imposed on the LPG cylinders will further add to the woes of the common man who is already being crushed in this era of unprecedented inflation.
                The SAD strongly warned the Congress led UPA government to immediately roll back the increased prices or face the consequences. The SAD  Spokesman further said that the people of the country have already decided to kick out this most corrupt government and people are eagerly waiting for the Parliamentary polls to punish the Congress led UPA.

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PROMISE FULFILLED- SUKHBIR
•COME 2013,PUNJAB WOULD BE POWER SURPLUS STATE
•TALWANDI SABO THERMAL PLANT TO BE INAUGURATED
          ON BAISAKHI 2013, GOINDWAL PLANT IN MARCH 2013    AND RAJPURA ON DECEMBER 15, 2013
•NEXT 4 YEARS WOULD SEE TOTAL TRANSFORMATION OF
       PUNJAB

Rajpura, September 19:

The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today expressed satisfaction that with the blessings of Almighty he would be able to fulfill the major promise of making state power surplus in 2013. Inspecting the progress of construction at all three major plants at Talwandi Sabo, Goindwal Sahib and Rapura, Mr. Badal fixed the inaugural dates of all the three thermal plants in year 2013. Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd. would inaugurate its first unit on Baisakhi, 2013, second unit in August 2013, third unit in December 2013. Similarly, Goindwal Thermal Plant would inaugurate its first unit in March 2013 and 2nd unit in May 2013 and Rajpura Thermal Plant being constructed by L&T would inaugurate its first unit on December 15, 2013 and 2nd unit on Baisakhi 2014. Mr. Badal said that Punjab would be the 1st state in country to add 3920 MW with combined cost of Rs.22000 crore in a single year.
Earlier the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal reached Rajpura Thermal Plant site in the evening to personally monitor the progress of 1400 MW Rajpura Thermal Plant being constructed by L&T at the cost of Rs. 8000 crore. Accompanied by Power Secretary Mr. Anirudh Tiwari and Chairman Powercom Mr. K.D. Chaudhary, Mr. Badal reached the project site to personally inspect the progress.
          Mr. Opinder Singh, CEO of the plant informed the Deputy Chief Minister that 62.77% of the plant execution has been completed and work on railway lining is in advanced stage of completion. He said that Pile Foundations, Switch yard foundations, Control Room Building, STG Building, Raw Water reservoir excavation/embankment works of the plant have been fully completed whereas the construction of Ash Dyke, Ash Silo, Coal Handling Plant, Railway Siding, Boiler erection, Clarified Water pipes laying, Bunkers, Plant Roads, RCC water system, Service Building, Chimney, DCT, Mill bay, Electrostatic Precipitator was under advanced stage of completion. 
He said that Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited shall erect 400KV Rajpura-Nakodar, 400KV Kanodar-Dhuri, 400KV Rajpura-Dhuri Transmission lines for evacuation of power. He ensured the Deputy CM that plant would be functional by the end of November 15, 2013.

          Speaking about the expansion plan of the project the GM informed that the Company has already signed a MoU with the Government for setting up an additional 700 MW capacity plant at the cost of Rs. 3800 crore. He said that with the expansion of plant, this plant would produce 2100 MW power and the plant would have combined cost of Rs. 8700 crore.
Expressing satisfaction over the construction of the project, Mr. Badal asked Secretary Power and Chairman Powercom to weekly monitor the progress of the project. He said that it was imperative for the project authority to stick to the schedule of the construction and any delay would not be tolerated.
Later interacting with media Mr. Badal said that I don’t enter into an arguments with my critics but I prove myself by fulfilling my promises on schedule. When asked about delay in NTPC and Mukerian thermal plant Mr. Badal said that clearance were being blocked by union government and delay was on their part. When asked about any possibility of nuclear plant in state Mr. Badal said that he was against it. On a question regarding FDI in retail Mr. Badal said that union government has opened the Pandora box of FDI just to distract the public attention from coal scam. He said that abrupt unilateral announcement was not acceptable as for such a vital issue union government should have taken in confidence all stake holders including farmers and traders before announcing it. When asked about withdrawal of support by Mamta to UPA, Mr. Badal quipped at UPA was in ICU and we can expect itsend any moment. He said that Akali Dal was fully prepared for early elections. On a query regarding emerging 3rd front Mr. Badal said that only NDA would replace UPA in next elections.
          Mr. Badal announced that next 4 yrs would be era of economic resurgence with all cities linked with 4/6 lane roads and Rs.8725 crore investment on urban development besides Rs.10000 crore on rural development Mr. Badal ridiculed the proposal of congress ruled states to increase the cylinders from 6 to 9 at state’s expenses and said that let centre increase Punjab’s share in taxes from 1.32% to minimum 20%, we will provide all the 12 cylinder at subsidized rates.
Prominent amongst Mr. Prem Singh Chandumajra, General secretary, SAD, Mr Raj Khurran former minister. 

CM FOR FIVE YEAR AGRICULTURAL PLAN TO BOOST CROP DIVERSIFICATION
 ·        ASKS AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT TO SENSITIZE FARMERS FROM DRIFTING THEM AWAY FROM PADDY
 CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 19:
In a major decision, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today stressed the need to prepare a comprehensive five-year agricultural perspective to push for the much needed crop diversification in the state.
                   Presiding over a preliminary meeting here at CMO regarding the two-day agriculture summit to be held in the first week of October at Chandigarh, Mr. Badal said that this long term agricultural plan should focus on the strategic approach and meticulous planning to achieve the goal of diversification of agriculture which was the need of the hour. He asked the officers to make optimum use of the platform of agriculture summit to sensitize our peasantry towards the paramount importance for diversification which was the only answer to improve the economic lot of our beleaguered peasantry which was the on the cross roads in view of non-remunerative prices coupled with constant increase in the agricultural inputs.   
                   Expressing concern over the depleting water table and consequently manifold increase in power consumption in agriculture sector, Mr. Badal asked the Agriculture department to motivate our farmers to shift from this water intensive crop to other crops like Maize, Cotton, Sugarcane and Kharif Fodder in an effort to reduce the area under Paddy considerably.   Mr. Badal further said that this would only be possible if state announces some diversification plan by giving some remunerative benefits like enhanced MSP, provision of subsidy for the farmers to ensure equivalent margins of profitability from other crops at par with Paddy.  
The Chief Minister also asked the departments of agriculture and soil conservation to jointly prepare schemes/programs on the basis of less water consuming crops with assured marketing support.  This step would not only check the depleting sub soil water besides ensuring handsome gain for their produce of newly adopted crops.  He also underscored the need to familiarize our farmers with agro-forestry to supplement their income. He asked the Punjab State Marketing Board to procure 10 dryers, required for drying Maize after harvesting before its storage.  Mr Badal also asked the respective departments to prepare a detailed directory of progressive farmers from specialist allied farming activities like Bee keeping, Dairy farming, Agro-forestry & Fisheries vegetable, fruits and mushroom growers so that interactive sessions could be held with them regularly to their advantage as well as to have their vital inputs for the overall improvement and development in the agriculture scenario.   
Prominent amongst those who attended the meeting included; Chairman Punjab Farmers Commission Dr. GS Kalkat, Financial Commissioner Development GS Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Financial Cooperation Viswajit Khanna,  Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Gaggandip Singh Brar, MD Milkfed and Advisor Agriculture Balwinder Singh Sidhu, MD Punjab Agro Kirandeep Singh Bhullar, Director Animal Husbandry Dr. HS Sandha, Director Dairy Development Inderjit Singh and Vice Chancellor PAU Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon .

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CM APPROVES COMMEMORATION PANEL FOR YEARLONG CELEBRATIONS OF 150THBIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SWAMI VIVEKANAND

• MEMORIAL TO BE ERECTED AT AMRITSAR-ATTARI ROAD

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 19:
            In a bid to perpetuate the rich legacy of country’s spiritual ambassador Swami Vivekanand, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod for constituting a commemoration committee under his Chairmenship to chalk out detailed program for the year long celebrations in the state to mark his 150th Birth Anniversary.
            A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister after marathon discussions with a delegation led by Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Som Parkash who called on the former here at CMO.  It was also decided in the meeting to erect a suitable memorial probably at Amritsar-Attari road to mark the visit of Swami Vivekanand to Punjab. 
The Chief Minister asked the delegation to make concerted efforts for the commemoration of this mega event in a befitting manner to pay glorious tributes to the legendary icon of youth who propagated the message of universal brotherhood, goodwill, peace, harmony and amity through the ethos of religious tolerance and mutual trust across the globe.
            Prominent amongst other who attended the meeting included Vice Chancellor Punjab Technical University Rajneesh Arora, Brig. Jagdish Gagneja, Munishwar, Vijay Singh, Vinay Kapoor, Seema Kapoor Vishal Jain and CS Talwar (IAS retd.). 
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CM FOR STRICT ACTION AGAINST ERRING ADARSH SCHOOL RUN BY PRIVATE MANAGEMENTS
CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 19:
Taking a serious note of the irregularities reported in the Audit reports of some Adarsh Schools being run by private players in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal directed the Director General School Education (DGSE) to take strict action against those who flouted the norms and guide lines as per their agreement with the Government.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister during 7th meeting of Punjab Education Development Board at CMO this morning. Mr. Badal categorically said that government had initiated a unique scheme to setup Adarsh Schools with the sole aim to provide quality free education to the rural based bright but poor students and allotted 24 such schools to interested private organizations. “No private player would be allowed to violate these norms under Adarsh School scheme”, said Mr. Badal. He asked the DGSE to issue show-cause notices to the erring managements seeking their explanation for the alleged irregularities reported in their respective audit reports within 15 days, failing which the government would take strict legal action.
Prominent amongst who attended the meeting included, Education Minister Sikandar Singh Malooka, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Finance and Planning Satish Chandra, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Gaggandip Singh Brar and Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, DGSE and Member Secretary Punjab Education Development Board KS Pannu, Secretary School Education Hussan Lal and Rakesh Bharti Mittal, member of the Board.
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BADAL URGES GoI TO LIBERALIZE NORMS UNDER EIA NOTIFICATION, 2006 TO ENSURE SMOOTH SUPPLY OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 19:
                         In order to remove scarcity of construction material urgently required to undertake the public and private projects in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Minister of State Environment & Forests Mrs. Jayanthi Natarajan seeking her personal intervention to ease out the stringent procedure laid down under the provisions of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 which had adversely impacted the supply of construction material.    
                   Seeking few amendments to be incorporated in the EIA Notification, 2006 to ease out the situation, the Chief Minister in a letter to Mrs. Natarajan suggested that the state authority be empowered to consider the environmental clearances of the minor mineral projects irrespective of its area by amending the schedule to the notification, 2006, all the minor projects of an area less than 5 hectare be considered in the B-2 category projects so that their environmental clearances could be obtained in minimum possible time schedule.  Likewise, Mr. Badal also recommended exemption from obtaining environmental clearance for minor mineral projects of ordinary earth and brick earth etc. wherein depth of mining does not exceed 6 feet, besides the general condition in schedule of the EIA Notification, 2006 that any project or activity specified in category ‘B’ would be treated as category ‘A’ if located in whole or in part within the 10 Km from the interstate and international boundaries be reduced to 1 Km. 
                   Mr. Badal rued that the time bound projects of national importance like Chandigarh Airport, roads, highways and other infrastructure works have since been affected severely with cascading effect on the economy of the state. 
                   It may be recalled that Punjab is facing a severe crunch of construction material viz. sand, bajri etc. as the mining operations in the state have come to a grinding halt in the wake of recent directions of the Punjab & Haryana High Court issued on August 17, 2012.  The aforesaid orders dated February 27, 2012 wherein a prior environmental clearance for the mining projects of less than 5 hectare area had also been made mandatory.  Prior environmental clearance for the quarries comprising of an area more than 5 hectares was made mandatory by the Punjab & Haryana High Court vide its orders passed on November 6, 2009.  Further the High Court in its orders dated April 26, 2012 held the environmental clearance mandatory to be obtained by the brick kiln owners. 
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SRI GOINDWAL SAHIB THERMAL PLANT TO BE OPERATIONAL NEXT YEAR ON 15 MARCH: SUKHBIR

·       DEPUTY CM VISIT SRI GOINDWAL SAHIB TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THERMAL PLANT
·       ALL THE THREE THERMAL PLANTS WOULD OPERATIONAL NEXT YEAR

SRI GOINDWAL SAHIB, SEPTEMBER 19:
            The Sri Goindwal Sahib Thermal Plant having capacity of 540 MW being constructed by GVK group would be operational on 15 March 2013 much ahead of its schedule of November 2013. This was informed by Plant authority to Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who personally came here to monitor the progress of Sri Goindwal Sahib Thermal Plant, which was set to change the economic profile of this backward region of Majha.
            Punjab Deputy Chief Minister was shown the progress of the plant and he was happy to see that thousands of workers were working day and night to make the dream of Punjab Power Surplus by year 2013 a reality.
The General Manager of the plant informed the Deputy CM that plant was 90% completed. He said that Erection, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of the project has been awarded to Punj Lloyd and balance of the plant works including Boiler-Turbine-Generator work has been awarded to BHEL. The Deputy Chief Minister was happy to see that work was being carried out on the plant site on war footing. The GM of the plant informed the Deputy CM that in the engineering works of the plant have been completed 100% whereas on the procurement front Boiler-Turbine-Generator was 98% complete and balance of plant was 87.85% completed. On the construction front 72% plant has been completed whereas non EPC works were 92% completed.
            The GM informed the Deputy Chief Minister that they are working round the clock to execute the momentous work before schedule and first unit would be operational on March 15, 2013, whereas second unit would be operational by May 31, 2013. He informed that the company has a captive coal mine at Tokisud North Sub-Block in Jharkhand and plant would get dedicated supply of coal from its own mine.
Speaking about the expansion plan of the project the GM informed that the Company has already signed a MoU with the Government for setting up an additional 1320 MW capacity plant at the cost of Rs. 7200 crore. He said that with the expansion of plant, this plant would produce 1860 MW power and the plant would have combined cost of Rs. 10200 crore. Expressing satisfaction over the construction of the project, Mr. Badal asked Secretary Power and Chairman Powercom to weekly monitor the progress of the project.
Later answering the queries of Media Mr. Badal said that he believes in time bound execution of Mega Project and completion of all three Thermal Plants in 2013 would seal the lips of his critics.
When asked about withdrawal of support from UPA-II by Mamta lead TMC, Mr. Badal said that UPA that was earlier in emergency ward has now shifted to ICU and was surviving on Ventilator. He said that this brain dead government has no right to continue in power as it has lost numerical as well as moral majority. Mr. Badal said that early elections were inevitable and people are itching to kick out this corrupt UPA government and bring back NDA to power.
Charging Congress led UPA government of discrimination against Punjab, Mr. Badal said that Punjab has not got its due share in the central border area schemes. When asked about taxes levied by Punjab government Mr. Badal said that congress before criticizing Punjab government should get the condition of JNRUM withdrawn, under which centre government withheld Rs. 1100 crore last year and Punjab was forced to impose property tax.
Prominent among others who were present on the occasion included Former Minister Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Power Secretary Mr. Anirudh Tiwari and Chairman Powercom Mr. K.D. Chaudhary.

SUKHBIR’S DREAM OF MAKING PUNJAB ‘POWER-FULL’ NEARING REALITY
• DEPUTY CM VISITS TALWANDI SABO TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THERMAL PLANT
·                   TO INAUGURATE TALWANDI SABO THERMAL PLANT ON BAISAKHI NEXT YEAR
• ALL THREE THERMAL PLANTS ALL SET TO BE OPERATIONAL NEXT YEAR
• TO ADD 3920 MW POWER
• THREE PLANTS CONSTRUCTED AT THE COMBINED COST OF RS. 22000 CRORE

TALWANDI SABO, SEPTEMBER 19: The Dream of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister to make Punjab ‘Power- Full’ is nearing reality with Sukhbir Singh Badal making whirlwind tour of all three under construction thermal plants to personally monitor their progress. The visit of Deputy Chief Minister to this largest ever thermal plant with generation capacity of 1980 MW at the cost of Rs.11,000 crore assumes great significance because it would be the first thermal plant planned by SAD-BJP government that would be made operational next year.
Talking to media persons, a beaming Deputy Chief Minister announced that he would personally inaugurate this Thermal Plant on April 13, 2013 (Baisakhi) sealing the lips of his critics permanently. He said that Goindwal & Rajpura Thermal plants would also be operational in year 2013 making the year 2013 powerful year in the history of Punjab.
It may be mentioned here that the Talwandi Sabo power plant with Generation Capacity of 1980 MW being constructed at the cost of Rs. 11,000 crore is all set to be operational in April, 2013 and all the three units becoming operational by December 2013. The 540 MW Sri Goindwal Sahib Thermal Plant constructed at the cost of Rs. 3000 crore would be operational in May 2013 and 1400 MW Rajpura Thermal Plant being constructed by L&T at the cost of Rs. 8000 crore would start producing power by the end of 2013.
          Earlier , Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister accompanied by Power Secretary Mr. Anirudh Tiwari and Chairman Powercom Mr. K.D. Chaudhary reached the project site to personally inspect the progress of 1980 MW Thermal Plant that was in the kissing distance of completion. The Project GM Mr. Chetan Srivastav explained the Deputy CM that this project was awarded to Sterlite Industries of Vedanta Group. He said that the Erection, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract of this project has been awarded to M/s SEPCO Electric Power Construction Corporation, Jinan, Shandon, China.
          The Deputy CM was excited to see over 7000 engineers and workers working day and night to commission the project by November 2012. The Management informed the Deputy CM that 70% project has been completed. They informed that Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has been ordered to erect 400KV Talwandi Sabo-Nakodar, 400KV Talwandi Sabo-Muktsar, 400KV Talwandi Sabo-Mastewal & 400KV Talwandi Sabo-Bala Chak Transmission lines for evacuation of power. The General Manager also informed that  Roads, Street Lighting, Plant Boundary Wall, Pile Foundation work, Soil Investigation, Area Grading, Foundations of Boilers/Electrostatic Precipitator/Main Pump House/Di-mineralised Plant/Switch yard/Chimney/Cooling tower/Comprehensive Water Pump House have been completed fully. Similarly, the construction of Chimney Slip form, Water Purifying House, Service Water basin, Chemical House, Inclined plate Filter, Wall construction of Wagon Tippler in Coal Handling Plant, Erection of Boiler 1 & 2, DM plant erection, Assay Building, Coal Handling Plant Crusher Erection and Electrostatic Precipitator erection has also been fully completed. He informed that Railway link culverts were under advanced stage of construction whereas Water conveyance works has been 80% completed. He said that the construction of Water reservoir, PVC & HDPE pipe laying was fully completed and Pipe laying for slurry disposal up to ash duct was also fully completed.
          The GM Informed that the construction of Hostel, Cooling tower shell, Chimney Shell, Wagon Tippler foundation, Comprehensive water pump house super structure, Raw water pump house structure, Raw water reservoir and Railway siding, Pipe Rack erection, Crusher House, Network Control panel erection, Central Control panel erection and Air Compressor erection was on the verge of completion and first unit of project would be operational in November 2012 whereas all the three units would be fully operational in June 2013. He informed that LOA has already been signed with Mahanadi Coal Fields Limited, Sambalpur for supply of 7.72 millon tonnes of coal per annum for the plant.
          Speaking about the expansion plan of the project the GM informed that the Company has already signed a MoU with the Government for setting up an additional 660 MW capacity plant at the cost of Rs. 3600 crore. He said that with the expansion of plant, this would be the largest thermal plant of the country producing 2640 MW power that has been set-up at the cost of Rs. 14600 crore.
          Expressing satisfaction over the construction of the project, Mr. Badal asked Secretary Power and Chairman Powercom to weekly monitor the progress of the project. He said that it was imperative for the project authority to stick to the schedule of the construction as they were answerable to the people of Punjab for any delay.
          Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhundar, MP , Mr. Chatin Singh Samaon, MLA and Mr. Anup Aggarwal, Assitant Vice President ( Finance) TSPL.
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CEO AND DPI TO RESOLVE RATIONALIZATION CASES OF TEACHERS: MALUKA
CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 19:
The Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka today said that to provide sufficient teachers in government schools in the state, Punjab government has posted and transferred teachers under the rationalization policy.
He said that it has come to the notice that some teachers are not satisfied with the transfers done under rationalization policy. Minister said that the Circle Education Officers (CEO) and DPI have been directed to look into such cases. Mr. Maluka said that teachers should give their application regarding their adjustments to CEOs or DPIs. He also instructed the concerned officials to resolve such cases timely and on merit.
Education Minister said that Punjab Government is putting up sincere efforts to increase teachers in schools to provide quality education.

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ASHWANI KUMAR POSTED AS SPECIAL PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER

Chandigarh September 19:-
          The Punjab Government today posted Mr. Ashwani Kumar PCS, Additional Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister Punjab and in addition Additional State Transport Commissioner Punjab as Special Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister Punjab and in addition Additional State Transport Commissioner, Punjab Chandigarh.
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TOUR TO PUSHPA GUJRAL SCIENCE CITY MADE MANDATORY FOR POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS

Chandigarh September 19:-
         
The Punjab Government today issued instructions to all polytechnic colleges making the visit of students to Pushpa Gujral Science City situated on Jalandhar-Kapurthala Road compulsory.
          Disclosing this here today Mr. Anil Joshi, Technical Education & Industrial Training Minister said that it would be compulsory for students of all polytechnic colleges to visit Science City once in three year course. He said that Science City was one of its own city set up by Punjab  Government that encourages scientific temperament amongst the students and encourages them to think on scientific pattern and  helps them to make different projects and models  which are the part of the curriculum of polytechnic course.

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PUNJAB TO SPEND RS.10,000 CRORE FOR PROVIDING WORLD CLASS AMENITIES IN RURAL AREAS- SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL

• RS.100 CRORE  FOR EACH CONSTITUENCY
• PEOPLE ITCHING THEIR HANDS TO BUNDLE OUT CONGRESS LED UPA

Guru ki Dhab (Jaitu), September 18: The SAD-BJP government has chalked out an ambitious programme of more than Rs.10,000 crore to upgrade the basic infrastructure to provide quality civic amenities in rural areas at par with urban areas by spending Rs.100 crore  in each assembly constituency of the state in coming 4 years. Besides this, Rs.8750 crore urban renewal programme has already been approved to ensure 100% potable water supply and sewerage system along with other civic amenities in 142 cities and towns of the state.
This was stated by Shiromani Akali Dal President and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal while interacting with media persons after addressing a mammoth gathering at annual Jor Mela Conference at here today. He said that the state government was all set to upgrade the infrastructure by providing world class civic amenities in both urban and rural areas of the state in coming 4 years. He said that the people of Punjab have recently reposed their faith in development agenda initiated by SAD-BJP government and the alliance was committed to take the development initiatives to the higher orbit.
Replying a query on the burning issue of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that there were so many stake holders in this issue so it becomes imperative for the Congress led UPA government to allay their apprehensions besides making provisions for  safeguarding the interest of small traders as well as small farmers before taking any step in this direction. Replying a query, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Shiromani Akali Dal has always believed in value based politics and resignation of three Ministers were a clear example that the party would always remain committed to value based politics. He said that on the other hand Congress led UPA government was facing embarrassment on every alternative day due to expose of scam after scam. He said that Union Coal Minister, who belongs to Congress and facing the stigma of allocating coal mine to his brother, was still not ready to resign.
Replying on a question of possible alliance of Capt. Amarinder Singh and Manpreet Singh Badal, the Deputy Chief Minister said that both were spent forces and desperate to find their feet again in state politics. Zero plus zero was equal to a big zero, he quipped.
Answering a query, the Deputy Chief Minister informed that Chief Minister was reviewing the progress of Adarsh schools and strict actions would be taken against any discrepancy found in the working of these schools. He said that the state government would not hesitate to change the allotment of such schools to other stake holders.
Earlier, addressing an impressive gathering in a conference organized by Shiromani Akali Dal, the SAD President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that Congress Party was all set to be wiped out from the National political scenario after coming general elections as it has made the life of a common man miserable by imposing unparalleled inflation besides its anti-farmer policies. He said that people were itching their hands to bundle out Congress led UPA government in coming Lok Sabha elections. He said that Congress has a unique history that wherever it was rejected twice by the electorates, it never made come back and quoted the examples of Bihar, Uttar Pardesh, Madhya Pardesh, Bengal and Gujarat.
He said that Shiromani Akali Dal was the second oldest political party of the country with a 90 years glorious history of taking up the fight of common man and taking the struggle to its logical ends. He categorically said that there was no place for indiscipline and factionalism in the party set up. He exhorted the party workers to unite and leave aside differences, if any or otherwise get ready to face the music. He said that with surplus power by next year, linking of all major cities and towns with 4/6 lanes,  setting up of textile hub in Bathinda region, setting up of world class universities and other education facilities and setting up of international/domestic Airports, the people of Punjab would witness world class infrastructure in the state soon and feel proud.
Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhundar, MP, Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, MP, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Cabinet Minister Punjab, Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, Former Union Minister, Mr. Gurdev Singh Badal, Former Minister, Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, General Secretary SAD, Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Nihal Singh Wala and Mr. Deep Kumar Malhotra, both MLAs, Mr. Paramdeep Singh Gill, Former DGP, Bibi Gurcharan Kaur, Mr. Kartar Singh Brar and Mr. Nidharak Singh Brar also spoke on the occasion.
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BADAL ASSAILS UNION GOVERNMENT FOR PUTTING ADDITIONAL BURDEN OF RS 1000 CRORE ON FARMERS OF STATE THROUGH DIESEL HIKE
CONGRESS HAS ALWAYS SHED CROCODILE TEARS ON ISSUES RELATED TO COMMON MAN- CM
BADAL EXHORTS PEOPLE TO ROUTE OUT CONGRESS IN UPCOMING LOK SABHA POLLS
   
Khadoor Sahib (Tarn Taran), September 18-
          Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that the steepest ever increase in price of diesel by Rs 5 per litre would completely shatter  the state’s agrarian economy by way of putting an extra burden of Rs 1000 crore on the beleaguered peasantry.  
Addressing a well attended public gathering on the occasion of Gurgaddi diwas of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji here today, the Chief Minister said that this hike would further aggravate the woes of the farming community of the state which was already reeling under the burden of heavy debt. He said that this stupendous hike in the Diesel price coupled with the non remunerative MSP would bring the distress peasantry of the state on the verge of economic disaster adding that such anti people policies of the Union government have exposed the real face of the Congress led UPA government. He said that due to the anti-farmers policies of the Union government the agriculture was no longer a profitable venture and the brave farmers of the state who had played a pivotal role in making the country self reliant in food production were now reeling under the debt of more then Rs 30000 crore.
Coming down heavily on the Centre government, the Chief Minister said that the price hike was a clear attempt on the part of the UPA government to extend largeese to the big oil companies that too at the cost of the common man. Mr Badal said that this move was a testimony to the fact contrary to its claim of being the votary of common man, the Congress has in reality shed crocodile tears on the issues pertaining to them and have always secured the interests of the big MNCs, much to the dismay of aam aadmi. He further said that apart from ruining the agriculture sector the current hike of diesel would further fuel the all round inflation of essential commodities thereby breaking the backbone of the common man.
Lashing out at the UPA government for its apathetic attitude towards the state, the Chef Minister said that the Congress has always meted out a step motherly treatment to the state, a recent example of this gross discrimination was that the state had been denied drought relief package whereas the Union Minister and his team had promised about it during their visit at Chandigarh. Mr Badal said that infact it was a conspiracy of the Union government to ruin the state by devastating the agriculture which was the backbone of its economy.
 Exhorting the people to wipe out the Congress party from the political map of the country, the Chief Minister said that the party which was meting out grave injustice with the state by meddling in its social, political, economic and even the religious affairs should be routed out in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He said that people could never forget the dubious role of Congress in attacking Sri Harmandir Sahib and killing many innocent Sikhs during the anti-Sikh riots of 1984.
Listing out the achievements of the SAD-BJP government of the state, the Chief Minister said that due to the concreted efforts of the state government Punjab which earlier ranked 13th in the country now leads it in the field of education. Likewise he said that Punjab today leads the nation in providing health care facilities to the people adding that the state’s performance on Health Infrastructure has been adjudged “excellent” by agency of Government of India. In the same manner Mr Badal said that their government had been successful in maintaining communal harmony in the border state despite of the fact that many other parts of the country were facing this severe problem.
Likewise the Chief Minister said that a special thrust has been laid on the development of the holy towns of the state for which work was going on war footing. Similarly he said that a plan of cleaning of rivers of the state at a cost of Rs 2332 crore has also been embarked by the state government. He also said that in order to ensure planned development of urban areas in a holistic manner our government has embarked an ambitious program to provide basic civic Amenities in 142 towns within next three years
 The Chief Minister also said that the government had also laid special focus on erecting state-of-the-art memorials viz. Virasat-e-Khalsa at Sri Anandpur Sahib, War Memorials of Chota Ghallughara at Kahnuwan and Wadda Ghallughara at Kup Rohira along with at Fateh Burj at village Chapar Chiri in the memory of legendary warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, for perpetuating the rich cultural heritage for the coming generations. Likewise he said that the work on the construction of world class ‘Jang-e-Azaadi’ memorial for showcasing the rich role of Punjabis in national freedom svtruggle would also start soon. Mr Badal said that to be built over 25 acre of land the ‘Jang-e-Azaadi’ memorial would come up at Kartarpur near Jalandhar at a cost of Rs 100 crore.
On the occasion the Chief Minister was presented robe of honor (Siropa) and a shawl by the leaders of SAD led by former Minister Jathedar Ranjit Singh Brahmpura.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Lok Sabha MP Dr Rattan Singh Ajnala, former Minister Jathedar Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, SGPC Member Jathedar Gurbachan Singh Karmuwala, SAD General Secretary Mr Ramandeep Singh Bharowal and District President of SAD Mr Alwinder Pal Singh Pakhoke. 
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PUNJAB GOVT. INKS MoU WITH TERI TO JOINTLY ADDRESS ISSUES OF ENVIRONMENT AND OPTIMAL UTILIZATION OF RESOURCES

• CM URGES DR. PACHAURI TO SET UP TERI INSTITUTE ON CLIMATE CHANGE IN PUNJAB
• DR. PACHAURI CALLS FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS TO ENSURE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 18:
          The Punjab Government today inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to jointly address the issues pertaining to climate change, sustainable development, conservation and optimal use of water and other critical resources, energy conservation and efficiency.
          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the CMO said that the MoU was signed by Principal Secretary Science, Technology & Environment Karan Avtar Singh and Director General Teri Dr. Rajendra K Pachauri in the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at CMO this morning. 
          Highly appreciating the joint efforts taken by the TERI and the Science Technology, Environment & Non-conventional Energy department in the signing of this historic agreement, Mr. Badal hoped this unique initiative would go a long way in evolving a concrete policy to promote research and development especially in the areas of climate change, renewable energy, energy efficiency, water management, pollution abatement, agriculture, forestry and biotechnology.  He urged Dr. Pachauri to set up another institute in Punjab under his able guidance and leadership in collaboration with Punjab Agricultural University to give a further impetus in the ongoing agricultural research besides tackling the problem of poor quality of water in some parts of the state due to the presence of uranium and other heavy metals. 
          Meanwhile, Mr. Karan A. Singh apprised the Chief Minister that the department had already mooted a proposal to the Ministry of Science & Technology, GoI for the establishment of Institute of Advanced Studies & Research on Climate Change by TERI in collaboration with PAU and hoped the proposal would be cleared soon and the project would start within current fiscal.  
          Taking part in the deliberations, Dr. Pachauri lauded the unstinted support and cooperation extended by the officers of the state government in putting this prestigious project in place in such a short time. He emphasized the need to focus mutual efforts as already stipulated in the MoU on sustainable development, which was the key area to ensure overall development, growth and prosperity of the state besides the welfare of its people.  He evinced keen interest to set up TERI institute in Punjab with PAU to mutually address the issues of public import pertaining to the environment and efficient use of resources. 
          Prominent amongst others who attended the ceremony, included Chief Secretary Rakesh Singh, Financial Commissioner Development GS Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Forests DS Bains, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce AR Talwar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Local Govt. Suresh Kumar, Secretary Water Supply & Sanitation Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chancellor PAU BS Dhillon, Special Principal Secretary to CM KJS Cheema, Chief Executive Officer PEDA TPS Sidhu and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests HS Gujral.
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CM FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO INTRODUCE OLIVE CULTIVATION IN PUNJAB
 

• ASKS AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT TO DRAFT A POLICY

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 18:
In a bid to boost much needed crop diversification, the Punjab government has chalked out a comprehensive plan for introducing Olive cultivation across the state in a big way. 
A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting with the senior officers of the state at CMO this morning.
Mr. Badal asked the Agriculture department to explore the feasibility of Olive plantation in the state on the basis of pilot project over an area of 10 hectares with the active involvement of Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) Ludhiana at a suitable site with favourable climatic conditions.  He further asked the Financial Commissioner Development to draft a policy in this regard to provide subsidy to the farmers interested in Olive cultivation.  Mr. Badal said that the concept of Olive cultivation could be made popular amongst the farmers by motivating them to pursue crop diversification program besides ensuring remunerative return to them as the traditional agriculture was not a profitable venture anymore due to the squeezed margins on the low and static MSP.
On this occasion MD Uditech Pvt. Ltd. Lt. General (Retd.) SS Randhawa through a power point presentation apprised the Chief Minister that Rajasthan Government had successfully launched Olive cultivation with the technical support of their company and soon extending this project over an area of 5,000 hectares in the four districts with active participation of local farmers.  He claimed that farmers could mop up additional income of Rs. 2 lac per hectare annually as compared to an average of Rs.60 thousand per hectare from conventional farming.  It was generally believed by the leading Olive Experts in the world that the climatic conditions of North India were aptly suitable for the cultivation of high yielding varieties of olive.
Prominent amongst those who attended the meeting included; Financial Commissioner Development GS Sandhu, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Gaggandip Singh Brar, MD Punjab Agro Kirandeep Singh Bhullar and Vice Chancellor PAU Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon .
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BADAL CONDOLES DEATH OF PHOTO JOURNALIST AKHILESH JHA
 CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 18:
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sudden and tragic demise of Jalandhar based staff photographer of the Dainik Jagran Newspaper Akhilesh Kumar Jha, who was electrocuted while returning from work late on Sunday night. 
Sharing his heart felt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family in this hour of crisis, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give strength to bear this irreplaceable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.
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CM ORDERS VIGILANCE ENQUIRY TO PROBE INTO EMBEZZLEMENT OF 2538 MT OF WHEAT STOCK WORTH RS.4.50 CRORE
CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 18:
On the recommendations of the Financial Commissioner Development, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today ordered a vigilance enquiry to probe into the alleged embezzlement of 2538 MT of Wheat stock amounting to nearly Rs.4.50 crore at Mullanpur Storage Center district Ludhiana of Punjab Agro Food Corporation Ltd. (PAFCL).  
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the CMO said that Mr. Badal in view the grave irregularities found in this case gave nod for vigilance enquiry in line with his government’s policy of zero tolerance for corruption and other malpractice in the state administration. 
It may be recalled that the Managing Director of PAFCL had deputed a special team for the physical verification of the Wheat stacked at various plinths of Mullanpur Center on September 7 and 8 and consequently an FIR was registered against the former Plinth Incharge Mela Singh at Police Station Dakha by the District Manager Ludhiana on September 10.
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CONFERENCE OF PRINCIPAL SECRETARIES OF STATES ON SEPTEMBER 20

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 18:
The National Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks’ Federation Limited, Mumbai, in association with Government of Punjab, is organizing a conference of Principal Secretaries (Cooperation) of all states at Chandigarh on September 20, 2012.
The official spokesman of Punjab Government said that the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would inaugurate the conference at Hotel Mount view, Sector-10, Chandigarh.

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STRICT INSTRUCTIONS TO FILL REMAINING SEATS OF MBBS/BDS

• PMET MERIT AND MEDICAL & DENTAL COUNCILS’ GUIDELINES TO BE FOLLOWED
• 38 MBBS AND 524 BDS SEATS IN NRI QUOTA VACANT
• CANDIDATES MAY APPLY TILL SEPTEMBER 24

 CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 18:

The Punjab government has issued instructions to Medical and Dental colleges to fill remaining 38 MBBS and 524 BDS seats of NRI Quota strictly adhering to Medical Council of Indian (MCI) and Dental Council of India (DCI) guidelines.
Disclosing this here, a spokesman of Medical Education and Research Department said that Medical and Dental colleges have been instructed to fill all vacant seats of NRI quota according to PMET Merit as well as MCI/DCI’s guidelines.
He further said that after second counseling by Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, only 38 MBBS and 524 BDS seats in NRI quota were vacant. Out of 38 seats, 23 seats in Aadesh College, Bathinda and 15 seats in PIMS, Jalandhar remained vacant. He added that 524 BDS seats of NRI quota are vacant in 14 colleges of the state.
According to new instructions, students could apply till September 24, 2012 for admission under NRI quota in university or colleges. These seats would be filled by colleges through counseling at their level pursuing the guidelines.
The spokesman said that Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot has set up helpline numbers, which are; 01639-256232 or at Directorate, Medical Education and Research office numbers 0172-2690817, 269084 or Fax at 0
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NEWLY ELECTED PATIALA MAYOR EULOGISE CM

• MAYOR ASSERTED to PATIALA DEVELOP AS MODEL CITY

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 18:
The newly elected Patiala Mayor Mr. Jaspal Singh Pardhan accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra and Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka today called on Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at his residence. Thanking Chief Minster for bestowing faith upon him, Mr. Pardhan said that he would work honestly and tirelessly for the development of the city.
Mr. Badal, while congratulating the mayor asked him to work with utmost sincerity, diligence and hard work without any bias to make Patiala a dream city of the state. CM said that Punjab Government has chalked out a programme to spend Rs.6000 crores for the development of 142 cities of the state in coming three years.
The Mayor assured the chief minister that he would try to implement all government schemes at the ground level for the overall development.

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60 NEW BUSES TO BE ADD IN PUNJAB RODWAYS FLEET-KOHAR

Chandigarh, 18 September:

The Punjab Government would add 60 new buses in existing fleet of Punjab Roadways very soon to provide the quality public transport facilities to the people of the state.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Ajit singh Kohar Transport minister Punjab said that for the purchase of these buses provision of 11crore has been made. These buses would run on that route which had been surrendered by the CTU.
He further informed that Punjab Government has already decided to add 350 new buses in the fleet of PUNBUS. At present total fleet strength of Punjab Roadways and PUNBUS was more than 2000. To provide the better transport facilities to the people of the state 1285 new buses had been added in the Punjab Roadways fleet in last five years including1058 ordinary, 67 kilo meter scheme , 9 AC integral coach kilo meter scheme, 135 HVAC, 6 AC integral coach, 8 super integral coach and two Volvo.
He said that Punjab Government had also added 210 ordinary, 25 HVAC and 8 Mercedes Benz buses in the fleet of PUNBUS last year. He said that if any body has any complaint or grievance than he can contact with him on telephone no. ---------------
 

ORDER ISSUES TO DISMISS THE CONVICTED EMPLOYEES OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 18:

            The Punjab Government today issued orders to dismiss the convicted employees of Education Department with immediate effect, who was serving the department despite they have been convicted by various courts.

          An official spokesman of Education Department said that the orders have been issued to all the Circle Education Officers, District Education Officers (Secondary) and (Elementary) to provide the details of convicted employees working under their respective jurisdictions. He said that the detailed have been sought for immediate dismissal of such employees without issuing them prior notice and without personal hearing.

          The Spokesman said that those employees would also be dismissed, who have got their convictions suspended or stayed by the higher courts. He said that in case of the appellate court acquits any convicted employee then the exercise of reinstating him/her would be initiated.

Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, President Youth Akali Dal submitting memorandum to Governor of Punjab at Raj Bhawan on 17-9-2012
Youth Akali Dal

YAD REGISTERS MASSIVE PROTEST AGAINST DIESEL/LPG PRICE HIKE
·        SHOCKING, SCANDALOUS AND UTTERLY UNTENABLE-MAJITHIA
·        SUBMITS MEMORANDUM TO GOVERNOR OF PUNJAB

            Chandigarh September 17 –
Youth Akali Dal president and Punjab Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said here today led a massive protest by YAD workers against what he described as “shocking, scandalous and utterly untenable” hike in the price of diesel and restrictions placed on the use of LPG cylinders for domestic use to just six per family per year. The protest was aimed at highlighting the widespread public outrage against the UPA government’s decisions which “would set off further inflationary forces that would be hard to control. It would also cause an across the board   a back-breaking rise in the prices of all essential commodities.”

 The YAD declared that “the decision would seriously imbalance the entire economy, as much of the mobility of trade and commerce is diesel driven.  Thus, magnitude and implications of this hike expose the duplicity of UPA claims on reviving the economy. It also is a tell-tale evidence how much the UPA is hand in glove with oil companies, out to enrich them and making the common man foot the bill for this enrichment.

            It was a sea of youth drawn from all sections from all across the state. After a stirring speech by the YAD leader at the Sector 28 here, the youth surged towards the nearly by crossing that links Panchkula with the City Beautiful to organize dharna.

            Later, the YAD chief submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Punjab against the UPA government’s decisions.

The YAD memorandum was originally in Punjabi language with a translation in English.

The Memorandum said that During the UPA regime, During the UPA regime, the prices of petrol went up from Rs. 37.84 during NDA regime to Rs. 73.14 per liter during UPA period. In the same comparative periods, the diesel prices went up from Rs. 26.28 to Rs. 45.32 per liter. Similarly the price of LPG Cylinder went up from Rs. 281.60 to Rs. 750, Milk which is so essential for the common man has also seen and increase in price from Rs. 15 to Rs. 36 per kg. Similarly prices of pulses short up from Rs. 23 to Rs. 60 per kg, the memorandum said.

            “The farming community has been the worst sufferer during the UPA regime a part from the phenomenal rise in the price of diesel, DAP prices also short up from Rs. 388 to Rs. 1210 per bag.”

     “It is against this back ground the present hike in the diesel is hurting the common man. The decision on diesel price hike “comes at a time when the beleaguered people of country are already reeling under the impact of an unprecedented inflation. The decision also comes at the top of a series of similar hikes in the prices of petroleum products already announced by the Government of India in recent months. Intriguingly, these hikes coincide with a drop in the prices of crude oil in the international market. The Shiromani Akali Dal as well as all the leading political parties, including some constituents of the ruling UPA at the centre have rejected and disassociated themselves from the latest hike, describing it as “shocking and scandalous” said the Memorandum.

            In his speech, laced with comparative data of the prices of essential commodities during the NDA and the UPA tenures, Mr. Majithia lashed out at the present regime describing it as “the fountainhead of corruption of stunning proportions.” Slamming the Congress Government he said that the way this government has increased prices if diesel and LPG despite a reduction in international crude prices, it is clear case of being hand in glove with the “petroleum mafia”.  

            Coming down heavily on UPA Government, Mr. Majithia said that they would not allow this government to loot the common man. The UPA government has lost the confidence of the common man and has failed miserably on all fronts. Rampant theftin and loot of the pubic exchequer is leading the country to bankruptcy. “People have lost faith in the government and governance has hit rock bottom under the UPA” said Mr. Majithia.

            He said the UPA government and its ministers have become “servants of the wealthy”. The unprecedented hike would affect all section of the society who are already reeling under high prices of essential commodities. He said that it is surprising that when international prices of crude oil decrease, the benefits are never passed on to the consumers but whenever there is even a marginal increase in price of crude oil; the common man is burdened without any delay. Comparing rate of the inflation Mr. Majithia said that during NDA led BJP government it was 3.77% which has now touched 8.83% and is still increasing. During NDA’s tenure in 2003 the cost of petrol, diesel and LPG were Rs. 32.70, Rs. 20.73 and Rs. 241.60 and now petrol is Rs. 76.57 per litre where as diesel & LPG now cost Rs. 45.97 and Rs. 700 respectivly. The rates of all the essential commodities like sugar, pulses, wheat, milk products, tea and other household items have also increased from 150% to 250% had made the life of a common man miserable.

            He condemned the latest hike in diesel prices as also the limit imposed on the use of LPG cylinders for domestic use.

            The YAD chief demanded the immediate roll back of both decisions.

          The following is a copy of the Memorandum submitted by the YAD chief to the Governor.    

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EMINENT TECHNOCRAT CHANDER MOHAN APPOINTED
AS CHAIRMAN BOG OF PTU

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 17:

On the advice of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil today gave nod to the appointment of eminent engineer scientist Mr. Chander Mohan as the chairman of the Board of Governors (BoG) of Punjab Technical University.   

         Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the candidature of Mr. Chander Mohan was recommended by the Search Committee headed by the Chief Secretary to be appointed as Chairman of BoG, PTU.  

It may be recalled that Mr. Chander Mohan a visionary entrepreneur and an educationist with his qualities of leadership in the development of India’s Swaraj Tractor,  the country’s first major venture Punjab Tractors Ltd (PTL) and also having successfully led PTL for about three decades as CEO and making it a flag-ship company. Mr. Chander Mohan has vast experience in promoting Techno-entrepreneurs.  His enormous contribution for promoting the PTL, bridging the gap between the industry and technical education and also Board level appointments in various top level institutions like PEC, PTU itself as member BOG, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha Technical University, Shriram Institute of Industrial Research, to name a few.  He has also authored a book “From Zero to Blue-chip” in the field of Management in Indian environment and has many national and international awards to his credit.
…

PUNJAB GOVERNOR ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF RANIKE
CM TO LOOK AFTER PORTFOLIOs OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, FISHERIES, DAIRY DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE OF SC/BC
CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 17:
Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil today accepted the resignation of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Dairy Development and Welfare of SC/BC Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, who stepped down as Cabinet Minister on moral grounds following the vigilance inquiry ordered to probe into his former PA's alleged involvement in the misappropriation of public funds disbursement.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Mr. Ranike had submitted his resignation to the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal yesterday, which was subsequently forwarded to the Governor for his immediate acceptance.
Meanwhile, the portfolios of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Dairy Development and Welfare of SC/BC held by Mr. Ranike would now be looked after by the Chief Minister till further orders, the spokesperson added. 
…

SUKHBIR CONDELS THE DEATH OF AKHILESH JHA
Chandigarh, September 17:
The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today expressed deep shock at the untimely demise of Mr. Akhilesh Kumar Jha, Staff Photographer of Dainik Jagran who expired at Jalandhar last night.
The Deputy Chief Minister expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed to God to give peace to the departed soul and strength to them to bear this irreparable loss.
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SIX NEW COMPUTER CENTRES TO BE OPENED -BRIG (RETD) MANJIT SINGH
CHANDIGARH, SEPETEMBER 17:
            Sainik Welfare Department, Punjab has decided to set up six more training centers  at Bathinda, Sangrur, Patiala, Ferozepur, Ludhiana and Kapurthala districts.  These centers  are in the process of obtaining Government affiliation from PTU Jalandhar.  It is presumed that around 1800 Ex-servicemen/ their wards will make use of these new centers.
            Disclosing this here today Brig Manjit Singh (Retd), Director Defence Services Welfare Punjab, informed that this training was initially commenced during 1994-95, as a supplementary training for the candidates undergoing Stenography Training Course at Jalandhar.   Owing to the excellent results of this Computer Training, separate courses of one year were started at Jalandhar and Faridkot from 1995-96.  Simultaneously, action was initiated to get these courses approved by PTU Jalandhar.  Motivated by the success of these courses, the State Govt included this course for release of regular funds under the Planned Scheme.  Gradual progress was made in expanding the sphere of computer education and by 2006-2007, seven more new Computer Training Centres were established at Amritsar, Jalandhar, Faridkot, Sri Mukatsar Sahib, Hoshiarpur, Roop Nagar and Chandigarh.  All these training centers have been affiliated to PTU, Jalandhar.  Later two more centers were established at Fatehgarh Sahib and Gurdaspur.  As many as 9000 candidates have received training in these centers and out of them approximately 5000 candidates have been absorbed in various Govt / Private Sector, Banks and other PSUs as regular employees.
                        Brig Manjit Singh (Retd) said that more and more Ex-servicemen fraternity and their wards would avail facilities of these training centers for better employment opportunities in future.  Brig Manjit Singh (Retd)   applauded the team of officers for their dedicated efforts  for successful functioning  of these centers.
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PUNJAB ALLOWS 4TH COUNSELING TO FILL VACANT LAW COURSE SEATS

Chandigarh, September 17:
The Punjab government has allowed Punjabi University, Patiala to hold 4th Counseling for filling up the vacant seats for 5 year B.A.LL.B/B.A.LL.B (honors) and 3 year LL.B/LL.B (honors) for the year 2012-13.
According to an official spokesman, the Punjabi University, Patiala has pointed out that colleges/institutes affiliated to it have 470 and 745 seats vacant in 5 year B.A.LL.B (honors) and 3 year B.A.LL.B (honors). Keeping in view the larger interest of the students wants to study law, the Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka has approved the proposal thereby allowing the 4th Counseling for this purpose. It has been clarified that this permission should not be considered as precedent for future.
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SAD TO SUPPORT CALL OF BHARAT BANDH TO PROTEST AGAINST FDI- BADAL

CM ASSAILS UNION GOVERNMENT FOR CREATING CONDITION OF ‘POLITICAL EMERGENCY’ IN THE COUNTRY

BADAL EXHORTS POLITICAL LEADERSHIP OF THE COUNTRY TO JON HANDS FOR WEANING AWAY THE SOCIAL MALADIES FACED BY THE COUNTRY

Phagwara (Kapurthala), September 16
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that in order to safeguard the interest of the common man, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) would support the call of Bharat bandh given by the major opposition parties to protest against the recent decision of Congress led UPA government to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail sector.
            Talking to the media persons after presiding over a function of the Shri Ram Navmi Utsav Committee here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that the decision of FDI in retail sector would ruin the small shopkeepers of the country which was not in the interest of the country and could not be tolerated at any cost. He said that as a leading political party of the country the SAD could not be just a mute spectator of this anti people decision of the Union government, due to which they would extend whole hearted support to the call of Bharat bandh. “It is unfortunate that the Congress led UPA government which had assumed power on the name of the common man (Aam Aadmi) was now bent on ruining them by taking such arbitrary decisions” added Mr Badal.
            Pointing out towards the differences’ amongst the constituents of the UPA government on the issues like that of the FDI in retail sector and the hike in price of diesel, the Chief Minister said that due to wrong policies of UPA a situation of ‘political emergency’ was prevailing in the country which was leading towards complete chaos in the system. He said that it was shameful thing that owing to its anti people policies the UPA government has lost the support of its key allies resulting in instability in the country. Mr Badal reiterated that the recent hike in the price of diesel by the UPA government would break the backbone of the common man by putting extra burden on them and further accelerating the already high inflationary prices. 
              Replying to another query the Chief Minister said that the state government was forced to levy fresh taxes on the people as it was mandatory for getting the funds for development from the Centre under its various schemes like Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). He said that the state government was firmly committed for sustaining the tempo of overall development and progress in the state due to which the decision of imposing taxes was the need of the hour. 
               When asked to comment on the resignation submitted by Cabinet Minister Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike, the Chief Minister said that the Minister has resigned on moral grounds adding that the law would take its own course on the issue. Mr Badal said that owing to their commitment of providing clean and transparent administration to the people he had already asked the Vigilance Bureau to probe the matter.
            Earlier speaking at the function the Chief Minister exhorted the political leadership of the sink their differences and join hands for weaning away the social maladies like poverty, illiteracy and unemployment being faced by the country. Advocating the constitution of national and state level forums in the country to evolve strategy for the development, Mr Badal said that rising above their parochial considerations the political leadership should duly use such forums and contribute towards ensuring peace, amity and communal harmony in the country thereby paving way for its all round development.   
            Lauding the efforts made by Shri Ram Navmi Utsav Committee under the dynamic leadership of the Chief Editor of Hind Samachar Group Mr Vijay Chopra to promote secularism and communal harmony in the state, the Chief Minister said that such efforts would go a long way in ensuring the all round development of the state. The Chief Minister reiterated that the biggest achievement of their government has been that it has ensured communal harmony and peace in the state despite of the fact that several other parts of the country were facing this severe problem. However he said that with the active co-operation of people the state government has been able to keep this border state away from the danger of communalism.
            On the occasion the Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh for the committee and lauded the role being played by the committee in religious and social fields besides in imparting quality education and providing world class health facilities to the people.
            Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Chief Editor of Hind Samachar Group Mr Vijay Chopra, Cabinet Minister Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr KD Bhandari and Mr Som Parkash, Former Minister Master Mohan Lal, Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar Mr Priyank Bharti and Deputy Commissioner Kapurthala Mrs Alaknanda Dayal. 

• TO LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO TRAIN 30,000 HEAVY VEHICLE DRIVERS PER YEAR
• FOCUS ON EMPLOYABILITY AND PLACEMENT OF TRAINED YOUTH
• TEAMS TO COUNSEL STUDENTS OF 9TH TO 12TH CLASSES REGARDING IMPORTANCE OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING
• MOOTS STRINGENT ANNUAL INSPECTION OF EVERY ENGINEERING COLLEGE TO MAINTAIN STANDARD OF EDUCATION

Chandigarh, September 16: The Punjab government has finalized a comprehensive programme to impart employable skills to 1 lac youth of the state every year and ensure their placement or guide them in self employment ventures.
A high level meeting under Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal late last night gave the final touches to the skill development blue print that could usher a new era of entrepreneurial skills in the state. Presiding over the meeting Mr. Badal said that ITIs, Polytechnics and Skill development centres were still continuing with obsolete trades that were no longer required by the new generation industry. He said that technical institutes have to weed out obsolete trades and focus on only those trades that were required by the industry and could assure placement to youth getting training there. It was informed in the meeting that there were 111 government and 294 private ITIs in the state providing training to over 64,000 youth every year.
Expressing concern over low placement rate of ITIs, Mr. Badal said that we have to focus on those skills that would provide ready employment to the youth or could enable him to start his self-employment venture. Mr. Badal asked Principal Secretary Technical Education Mr. S.S. Channi to put up a concept paper of improving placement in the ITIs, involving private renowned companies like Tata, Toyota, Kirloskar, Mahindras etc. in the training of youth according to the skill requirement of their particular company so that they could absorb those youth after providing them training.
Concerned about lesser and lesser number of students opting for science stream in +1 and +2 exams, Mr. Badal asked Mr. B. Purshartha, Director Technical Education to put up a proposal in which every ITI would have a +1 and +2 school in its own campus for science stream students and that school would act as a nursery for that ITI. He also asked him to explore the possibility of neighbourhood concept under which every ITI or engineering college would be asked to adopt 10 to 15 schools already running in their command area in which these engineering colleges would provide education to the science stream students and after their +2 these students would shift to neighbourhood ITI or polytechnic.
Emphasising on training 30,000 heavy vehicle drivers every year, Mr. Badal said that there was lot of demand for skilled drivers and we must tie up with Tata, Mahindra, Toyota, Maruti, Escorts, Ashok Leyland and other automobile companies to open driver training school in every block so that we could supply skilled drivers to the booming market in India and abroad.
Stressing upon the need for counselling students of the schools right from class 9th regarding various vocational courses available in the ITIs and polytechnics, their employment chances in the market and importance of students joining such skill courses so that students could make a conscious and well thought of decision regarding opting for a vocational course rather than joining the increasing army of white collared unemployable BA pass youth. Mr. Badal said that Education, Technical Education, Employment Generation and Industry department have to work in tandem to make this programme success.
Expressing concern over low standard of private engineering colleges churning out unemployable youth, Mr. Badal asked Principal Secretary Technical Education to ensure annual inspection of every engineering college in the state to ensure that they were having proper faculty, sufficient number of laboratories, teaching infrastructure in their institutes and those lacking it should face the disaffiliation.
Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. S.S. Channi, Principal Secretary Technical Education, Mrs. Kalpana Mittal Baruah, Resident Commissioner Delhi, Mr. B. Purshartha, Director Technical Education, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu and Mr. Ajay Kumar Mahajan, both Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy Chief Minister, Mrs. Daljit Kaur Sidhu, Additional Director Industrial Training and Mr. Jagjit Singh, Joint Director, Industrial Training.

• A SEPARATE DEPARTMENT TO OVERSEE THE AUDIT OF ALL DEPARTMENTS
• WOULD ENGAGE AUDIT EXPERT COMPANIES TO CONDUCT AUDIT
• STEP TO BRING ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
• STARTING ALREADY MADE FROM EXCISE & TAXATION DEPARTMENT

Chandigarh, September 16: The Punjab government has decided to conduct internal performance audit of every penny being spent by various departments, boards and corporations, local bodies, panchayats and other agencies availing the government money to ensure the optimum utilization of government money besides bringing an element of accountability and transparency in the working of the government. By taking this decision the Punjab has become the first state in the country to introduce internal performance audit of the government’s spending and this audit would be totally different from regular audit being conducted by the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab in a meeting asked Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. S.K. Sandhu to prepare a comprehensive proposal after consulting Finance department and other stake holders. He said that the internal audit department should be headed by a Administrative Secretary rank officer and this department would seek the services of expert international audit agencies including private agencies to conduct the performance audit of various departments. He said that this audit would not be confined to only financial audit but would also cover the performance of the scheme, optimum utilization of funds, optimum utilization of Human resource and whether execution of a project could achieve the goal that it was supposed to achieve. Mr. Badal said that SAD-BJP government was committed to bring efficiency and accountability in the working of government and he has already made this beginning in Excise & Taxation department where outside international audit agencies have been engaged to re-evaluate the tax returns.
He said that the concerned administrative secretary of this department would get the internal audit of each department that has received government money and he would keep on rotating audit agencies to bring an element of objectivity in their functioning. Mr. Badal clarified that the internal audit was in line with internal audit being conducted by various private reputed companies and he was hopeful that once fully operational this would increase the efficiency and effectiveness of government departments.
Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. S.S. Channi, Principal Secretary Technical Education, Mrs. Kalpana Mittal Baruah, Resident Commissioner Delhi, Mr. B. Purshartha, Director Technical Education, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu and Mr. Ajay Kumar Mahajan, both Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy Chief Minister, Mrs. Daljit Kaur Sidhu, Additional Director Industrial Training and Mr. Jagjit Singh, Joint Director, Industrial Training.

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DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONERS/DCs TO CHECK THE RECORDS OF DAILY PROPERTY REGISTRATION-MAJITHIA
• TO SUBMIT REPORTS TO FCR EVERY FORTNIGHT
• MANDATORY TO RECORD THE DETAILS OF BUYERS AND SELLERS DURING REGISTRATION OF PROPERTY
•  MUTATIONS TO REACH HOME WITHIN 15 DAYS

 CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 16: Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister, Punjab has asked the Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to randomly check the records of daily property registration, with a view to bring more transparency and efficiency in the functioning at Tehsils and Sub-Tehsils.
Mr. Majithia said that all the Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners would submit their reports to the Financial Commissioner Revenue fortnightly. He said that this exercise would be the part of Revenue Reforms initiated by the SAD-BJP Government with a sole aim to provide hassle free revenue services at ground level. He said that after going through the records of registries in Tehsil and Sub-Tehsils, the designated authorities would mention the number of registries, irregularities, if any, along with the action to be taken.
The Minister said that in order to make this record checking system more effective, the Divisional Commissioners would not only check the fresh cases but would also verify the cases which have already been checked by the Deputy Commissioners. He said that Divisional Commissioners and DC would have to keep record of registry numbers, for the purpose of easy access of registries. He said that the concerned enquiry officials would have to maintain the record of all checkings. 
Mr. Majithia said that now the complete details along telephone numbers of the buyers and sellers would also be kept in record with an aim to wipe-out of the corruption completely. He said that by contacting on these numbers, officers of revenue department would check the corruption in tehsils and sub-tehsils, if any.  He said that this initiative had shown great results  besides eliminating corruption and the revenue of department had also increased in some districts.  He said that now it is mandatory to register the Phone numbers of both parties at the time of registration of land.
The Minister also said that SAD-BJP Government has decided to dispatch the mutations on the permanent postal address given by the concerned parties within 15 days. He said that a limit of two weeks has been fixed to deliver the mutation under the Right To Service Act 2011. He said that applicants would have to deposit of nominal fee of Rs. 25 as postal charges to avail this facility. He said that all supervising officers have been asked to make sure the implementation of these orders at all levels in its true spirit.
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DROs ALSO DESIGNATED FOR REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGES-MAJITHIA

• TO SUBMIT REPORT EVERY 15 DAYS TO FCR

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 16: The Punjab Government has designated District Revenue Officers to register the marriages of NRIs.
Giving details in this regard, NRI Affairs and Revenue Minister Punjab Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said that earlier Tehsildars were the only designated officers to registrar the Marriages. Now the government has also designated District Revenue Officers alongwith Tehsildars to register the marriages. This decision has been taken to provide hassle free services during the registration of marriages.
In order to eliminate the alleged corruption during the registration of marriages, Punjab Government has asked all concerned officers to submit the report about NRI marriage registrations after every 15 days to the FCR. He said that the report would comprise of all the domestic and foreign addresses along with telephone numbers to keep a check and to make the system more transparent and people friendly. 
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PUNJAB TO ORGANIZE TWO-DAY MEGA MEDICAL CHECKUP CAMP AT BADAL

CM CALLS UPON SPECIALIST DOCTORS OF RENOWNED PRIVATE HEALTH INSTITUTIONS TO JOIN THE NOBLE CAUSE TO SERVE HUMANITY

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 16:
            The Punjab Government is all set to organize a two-day Mega Medical Checkup Camp at Village Badal on 23rd and 24th September, which would be inaugurated by the Governor of Punjab Mr. Shivraj V. Patil.  
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office informed that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal reviewed the arrangements made by the Health department for this camp during a high level meeting held at CM’s residence late last evening.
Mr. Badal reiterated the firm commitment of SAD-BJP government to provide best health care facilities to the people of the state at their doorsteps. He directed the health department to organize such camps from time to time in the far flung rural areas of the state so that maximum people could avail these benefits. Mr. Badal also called upon the Specialist doctors of various renowned private health Institutions to join the mega venture of the state to serve the humanity. 
The Chief Minister said that due to unawareness there was a general trend amongst the people especially in rural sector to ignore or obscure the health related problems that leads them to a miserable condition. Emphasizing the need to provide health care to the rural people through launching these type of camps he said that it was also the bounden duty of the health organizations to launch a massive awareness drive through the mass media for educating people about various symptoms of dreaded diseases like cancer, hepatitis, diabetes and stroke etc. to save precious lives by ensuring in time proper health care.
Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mrs. Vini Mahajan informed in the meeting that during this Mega Medical Checkup camp 150 to 200 specialist doctors from 14 disciplines of medical science like Cardiology, Neurology, Skin, ENT, Medicine, Orthopedic, Urology, Pediatrics, Eyes and Dental etc. along with 400 Para medical staff members were likely to participate and would examine the about ten thousand patients in two days.  During the camp free of cost medicines would be distributed, added Mrs. Mahajan. She also informed the Chief Minister about all other necessary arrangements like setting up of 36 different checkup booths, testing labs, Ultra sound equipment, disposal of Bio-Medical waste etc.

            Prominent amongst those were present in the meeting included, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary Medical Education and Research Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Managing Director, Punjab Health Systems Corporation Mrs. Raji P. Srivastava, Director Health Dr. JP Singh, Director Medical Education and research Dr. AS Thind besides,  eminent experts  Dr. KK Talwar, Dr Rakesh Kumar, Dr. BS Aulakh and RS Mann.
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RANIKE SUBMITS RESIGNATION ON MORAL GROUNDS

• CM FORWARDS TO GOVERNER FOR EARLY ACCEPTANCE

Chandigarh, September 16
The Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Dairy Development and SC/BC Welfare Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike today personally met the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in view of recent media reports regarding the case registered against his former PA's alleged involvement in the misappropriation of public funds disbursement and voluntarily submitted his resignation on moral grounds this morning.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Ranike urged the Chief Minister to accept his resignation immediately to uphold the highest moral ethics in politics as well to maintain the dignity of the office held by him so as to enable the ongoing enquiry by the Vigilance Bureau to proceed in a free, transparent and impartial manner without casting any aspersions.

In his resignation letter, Mr. Ranike reiterated that he and his family had always stood firmly in his social and political life as a votary for honesty, transparency and high moral values as propagated by the Shiromani Akali Dal. He also mentioned that he and his family has ever reposed unflinching faith and confidence in the supremacy of the SAD party under the leadership of the Patron & Chief Minister and its President. Mr. Ranike also pointed out that his brother had laid down his life fighting for the sake of the parties' principles and policies.
 The Chief Minister highly appreciated the moral courage shown by Mr. Ranike in submitting resignation on his own. Making a firm resolve, Mr. Badal said that the law of the land will takes its own course and made it crystal clear that the vigilance enquiry ordered by him in the case was in line with the SAD-BJP's Govt. policy to ensure clean, transparent and corruption free governance.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister forwarded the resignation of Mr. Ranike to the Punjab Governor Mr Shivraj V. Patil with a request for its immediate acceptance.
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MOHALI, GIDDERBAHA AND FAZILKA WOULD GET NEW JUDICIAL COMPLEXES: SHARANJIT DHILLON
·       Rs. 150 CRORE WOULD BE SPENT, CONSTRUCTION FROM DECEMBER
CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 16: 
The Punjab Government has approved three new Judicial Complexes for Mohali, Gidderbaha and Fazilka with a total cost of Rs. 150 crore.
          Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister, Punjab said that the construction of these new judicial complexes would start from December this year. He said that it was the long pending demand of these cities, which would be fulfilled now as the constructions of these complexes would be completed by the end of next year. He said that already under construction 5 administrative complexes worth Rs. 270 crore at Tarn Taran, Barnala, Ferozepur, Kapurthala and Ajitgarh would also become operational after March 2013.
          Mr. Dhillon said that SAD-BJP Government was committed to upgrade the standards of existing administrative, judicial complexes and public buildings. He said that under this campaign the state would also witness 10 state-of-the-art Tehsil Complexes at Kharar, Tapa, Chamkaur Sahib, Dhuri, Bholath, Jagraon, Dera Baba Nanak, Moonak, Patran and Budhlada, which were on the edge of completion.
          The Minister said that the construction of 15 Universities and Colleges have been completed by the SAD-BJP Government to provide world class study environment with a combine cost of Rs. 180 crore. He said that Rs. 33 crore would be spent on the construction of 11 Tehsil complexes while the under construction judicial complexes at Kapurthala, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Barnala, Sardulgarh, Tarn Taran, Zira, Malout and Batala near completion with a total cost Rs. 280 crore, which would become operation by the end of next year. He said that to tackle the menace of traffic, a special program for creation of Ring Roads in the state was also under consideration of state government.   

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PUNJAB STRESSES ON THE NEED OF DIVERSIFICATION-INCLUDES MANSA BARNALA, MOGA, ROPAR UNDER NHM
CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 16:

The Punjab Government has charted out a detailed program to woo the farmers towards diversification in agriculture sector by promoting fruits, vegetables, oil seeds and pulses cultivation in the state besides Dairy Farming, Fish Farming and Poultry farming.
          Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that in view of steep hike in agri-inputs and reduction in the profits of traditional crops, the Punjab Government was laying stress upon the need of diversification. He said that for this purpose the state government has included four more districts in National Horticulture Mission including Mansa, Barnala, Moga and Ropar. He said that now the farmers of these districts would also get the facilities were being provided by the NHM. He said that Integrated Farmer’s Training Center at Gurdaspur would also be helpful for the farmers to know about the ultra-modern techniques in diversified farming.
          He also informed that world class AC Cargo centers would also be established to enhance the export of horticulture produces towards commonwealth and Middle East Countries.
The Spokesman said that launching a special drive for diversification, the State Government has setup a world class peri-urban vegetable cluster at Ludhiana. He said that due to depleting table of ground water, exorbitant hike in the cost of agri-inputs rendering the farming sector a non-profitable, it was the need of the hour to adopt diversification in true-spirit.
          He said that according to the detailed program of state government, a special campaign would also be launched to educate the farmers towards allied-agro business including Dairy Farming, Poultry Farming and Fish Farming apart from Horticulture to assure sustainable income in rural belts.
The Spokesman said that besides issuing necessary directions to all the concerned authorities in this regard, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has also assured that all essential facilities would be provided to farmers. He said that ground pipelines were also being laid for the facilitation of farmers in water logged areas and South West Districts of Punjab since the ground water there was not fit for irrigation purposes. He said that funds have been earmarked for providing medicines in veterinary hospitals, poly clinics to prevent the milch-cattles from chronic diseases.