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WATERLOGGING: PM INVITES BADAL TO DELHI TO FIND SOLUTIONSCM WARNS OF STRICT ACTION AGAINST OFFICERS FOR DERELICTION OF DUTY IN FIGHTING THE MENACE BADAL GETS PRIME MINSTER’S INVITE TO DELHI TO FOR WATERLOGGING ISSUE Sappanwali/Mahatam Nagar September 15, 2013 The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that water-logging had assumed the proportions of a deep human tragedy, requiring out-of-the-box long term measures for a permanent solution. “The problem is no longer limited merely to saving crop; the entire affected area had been doomed to a massive socio-economic devastation and unless matchingcomprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction initiative wasundertaken, the crisis could have a spill over into social stability, economic frustration and law and order for decades to come. Mr. Badal was appreciative of the sympathetic hearing and assurances given by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on the demands put forth by him during the PM’s Chandigarh visit, and said that he was hopeful of Dr. Singh’s personal intervention to help the state in this hour of crisis. The CM disclosed that the Prime Minister had invited him to New Delhi with a comprehensive report to find some solution for this menace. The Chief Minister said that it was unfortunate that the center had taken so long to wake up to the gravity of the situation and was still forcing the much-needed central relief and rehabilitation measures to get bogged down in technicalities and superfluous norms. The Chief Minister, who has been camping in the affected areas eversince the calamity hit the Malwa hinterland, especially Mukatsar district, warned that the government would brook no laxity on the part of any officer or official in what he described as “noble though critical cause”. “Dereliction of duty in ameliorating the sufferings of the poor and affected people would be met with exemplary punishment. “ Mr. Badal has not moved out of the area since calamity hit the people except to meet the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and attend aGlobal Agriculture Summit at Gandhinagar. He also successfullypersuaded all members of the Finance Commission to visit the affected villages on September 8. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to provide relief and rehabilitation to the flood victims, the Chief Reiterating that the people from weaker and downtrodden sections who were having limited sources of income were the worst affected due to fury of floods, the Chief Minister said that he had already directed the officers to make sure that all the outstanding dues pertaining to the pensions and Shagun scheme beside any other financial assistance were made available to these beneficiaries within a week. He further said that it was the moral duty of state government to help these sections of society in this hour of crisis. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani and Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya. - Chandigarh, September 15- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has issued appreciation letters to 338 officers and officials of the state government for their hard work and exemplary courage exhibited by them in carrying out the relief and rescue operations during the recent floods in Uttarakhand. In the appreciation letters to these officers from the Education, Health, Police, Information and Public Relations Department, the Chief Minister has patted them by asserting that, “You were deputed by the Government of Punjab for an extraordinary task to carry out relief and rescue operations during recent floods in Uttarakhand. The task was indeed challenging. The Punjab Government's Rescue Teams were able to save many lives. A large number of stranded pilgrims/tourists were evacuated and safely brought back to their homes. This has been possible due to your hard work and exemplary courage”. ----------------- CM & Dy.CM MOURNS DEATH OF NINE PILGRIMS IN ROAD ACCIDENT ANNOUNCES EX-GRATIA GRANT OF RS. 1 LAC FOR EACH OF THE NEXT OF KIN OF THE DECEASED Chandigarh, September 15- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed deep shock and anguish over the tragic accident in which nine people were killed and six were injured after a Mini Tempo carrying devotees from Kotakpura to Kali Mata Shrine in Patiala, collided with a truck at village Pakho Kenchian in Barnala district. Expressing profound grief and sorrow over this disastrous accident, the Chief Minister shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved families and prayed to the Almighty to give them courage to bear this irreparable loss in the hour of crisis and grant peace to the departed souls. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also announced an Ex Gratia grant of Rs. 1 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and directed the district administration to provide free treatment to all the injured. Expressing profound grief and sorrow over this disastrous accident, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved families and prayed to the Almighty to give them courage to bear this irreparable loss in the hour of crisis and grant peace to the departed souls. - HOME DEPARTMENT ISSUES CLARIFICATION ON THE POSTING OF IGP RP MITTAL
Chandigarh September 15:- Apropos the press note issued by Chief Minister's Office regarding the posting and transfer of Mr. R.P. Mittal, IPS, Inspector General of Police, a spokesman of the State Home Department today clarified that Mr. Mittal has been attached with the office of ADGP/PAP till October 31, 2013. Meanwhile, the transfer orders of Mr. Kartar Singh, IPS Inspector General of Police /Training PAP, Punjab have been cancelled, as Mr. Kartar Singh is retiring on October 31, 2013 and was inadvertently transferred. ----------------------------- SUKHBIR BADAL SAYS NEW POLICY ON ANVIL TO MAKE ALL SANCTIONS ONLINE FOR TRADERS (SAYS STATE WILL PUT AN END TO INSPECTOR RAJ)
JALANDHAR, SEPTEMBER 15: Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced the State was coming up with a new policy under which all sanctions required by traders could be secured online. Presiding over the state level Maharaja Agarsain Jayanti organized by Aggarwal Maha Sabha here, the Deputy Chief Minister said the new policy, which would come into effect in one month, would ensure that traders would not have to visit any government office for any purpose including payments and sales tax purposes. Mr Badal also assured traders gathered from across the State, that Punjab had also prepared a blue print to abolish the ‘inspector raaj’ system and that within next six months the state would get rid of this ‘unwanted traditional exercise and administrative compulsion’. Reiterating his commitment to bring ‘industrial revolution’ in Punjab, Mr. Badal said the State had already launched a path breaking Industrial Policy which has got an unprecedented response from the industrial honchos in the country. He said Punjab would soon witness a massive revolution in industrial sector as scores of industrial giants were contemplating to setup their units here. He said that a delegation of TATA Group recently visited Punjab with a purpose to identify new investment avenues. Mr. Badal said that within months positive results in industrial sector would be before the state, which would shut the mouths of those Congress leaders, who were spreading misleading propaganda in this regard. Meanwhile while reacting to a media query regarding allegations levelled by Amritsar MP Navjot Singh Sidhu, Mr. Badal said it was open fact that there was nothing to hide regarding the development projects and amounts released for them. He said various projects were in an advanced state of completion. He said during the last six years tenure of the SAD-BJP government maximum grants had been released to Amritsar for development works. When asked about demand of Mr. Sidhu for judicial probe on release of funds, Mr. Badal said departments, on about which the Member Parliament had objections were being handled by BJP ministers. “It is an internal issue of BJP. If Mr. Sidhu has any complaint and objection with Shiromani Akali Dal, he can sit with me any time, at either breakfast, lunch and dinner. I can also go to meet him in case he extends such an invitation". On being asked about the facts being produced by PPCC President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa on fiscal health of Punjab, the Deputy CM said it appeared as if the PCC chief did not understand the ABC of economics. He said Mr Bajwa should know more concerned about the financial mess at the centre instead of trying to concoct misleading economic details of Punjab. He said Punjab was in good fiscal health as it had only 30 percent debt ratio to GSDP which was 46% at the time of previous Congress regime. He Mr. Bajwa should know the same ratio was 68 percent under the present Congress led UPA government. When asked about the economic imbalance in the country, Mr. Badal said it was a serious issue and that the people would ensure the exit of 'world renowned economist’ Dr. Manmohan Singh to ensure the country did not face complete ‘economic devastation’ in future. EOM - BATHINDA, SEPTEMBER 15: Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament today strongly urged the Union Government to immediately announce the project to tackle gigantic problem of water logging in the state as ‘National Project’ besides releasing the package of Rs. 960.62 crore without any delay. Presiding over Sangat Darshan programs to resolve the on the spot grievances of people, Mrs. Badal said it was Punjab, which brought out the country from food crisis after independence and made the country self sufficient on this front. She said that now the Center should adopt proactive approach to help the Punjab Government to resolve this enormous menace on priority. She said that Center should immediately release the requisite funds for this purpose besides announcing it a ‘National Project’. During Sangat Darshan Programs at villages Kot Bhara, Chanarthal, Gehri Bara Singh, Ramnagar, Maur Charat Singh, Yatri and Marhi, Mrs. Badal said that farmers of Punjab worked day and night to make country prosperous on food security front, for which we have to pay heavy price as the level of ground water in state depleted day by day and it has risen to the risk end. She said that Punjab welcomes the invitation extended by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Punjab CM to come to Delhi and his assurance in this regard and there should be no delay in releasing amount and declaring it a national project. She said that Central team has already accessed the stock of affected villages and damage of crops on thousand acres, so, all the things were under the knowledge of Union Government to take appropriate steps in this regard. Meanwhile, Mrs. Badal along with Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Irrigation Minister, also laid the foundation stone of Grain Market at Chanarthal. Addressing the gatherings at Sangat Darshan Programs, Mrs. Badal accused the Congress led UPA Government for squeezing the ‘aam aadmi’ under unprecedented price rise, inflation and corruption. She said that no policy and program of UPA Government can save it during ensuing general elections and the well informed electorates of country would decimate Congress Party in the coming elections. She also distributed sewing machines to students of sewing centers, who have passed out their courses under Nanhi Chaan program besides distributing grants to different villages for development works. - 173 HOSPITALS IMPLEMENTS BIO- MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: MITTAL FOR SCIENTIFIC HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF BIO-MEDICAL WASTE COMMON FACILITIES ESTABLISHED AT SAS NAGAR, LUDHIANA, AMRITSAR AND PATHANKOT GPRS SYSTEM INSTALLED IN VEHICLES ENGAGED IN THE TRANSPORTATION OF SUCH WASTES Chandigarh, September 15: Punjab Government is taking all necessary measures to implement Bio Medical Waste Management & Handling System in the state and 173 hospitals working under Punjab Health Systems Corporation have implemented Bio- Medical Waste Management system in the state. Disclosing this here today Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal Minister for health & Family Welfare said that hospitals those who have implemented the Bio Medical Waste System are abiding by the Bio- Medical Waste management and Handling Rules. Mr. Mittal said that these hospitals have entered into a contract with the Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facility (CBWTF) identified by Punjab Pollution Control Board for provision of colour coded bags for storage of bio-medical waste generated in the hospital and collection of the bio-medical waste from the concerned hospital and then disposing it as per the guidelines. He said that 4 common facilities have been established in the state at SAS Nagar, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Pathankot for the scientific handling and disposal of Bio-medical waste being generated mainly from the hospitals, nursing homes & clinics etc. Briefing about this Mr. Ravinder Singh Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board said that for the better efficiency and control on the operators of this facility, the Punjab Pollution Control Board has recently introduced GPRS system with all the vehicles engaged in the transportation of such wastes from various locations, which is connected with the web site of the Board. He added that the movement of all the vehicles involved in the transportation is being tracked more effectively. Recently, PPCB has also introduced bar code based software for all the Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facilities in the State for real time data for collection treatment and disposal of Bio-Medical Waste so as to ensure that no infected/un-treated waste shall be pilferage or dumped in indiscriminate manner by these Treatment Facilities or any other Health Care Facility. ATTEMPT TO REVIVE TERRORISM IN PUNJAB FOILED GURDASPUR POLICE BUSTS KLF’S SLEEPER CELL OF KLF BUSTED, ARRESTS 3
Gurdaspur, September 15: The Gurdaspur district Police has foiled a major attempt to revive terrorism in Punjab by busting a sleeper cell of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) on September 15, 2013 with the arrest of 3 persons and recovery of sophisticated weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and foreign made small weapons. Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sukhwant Singh Gill, SSP said that the district Police has arrested Sukhjinder Singh s/o Sucha Singh r/o village Guria, PS Purana Shalla, Gurdaspur, Narinder Pal Singh s/o Surjit Singh r/o H.No.24/6, Scheme No.1, Improvement Trust Colony, Gurdaspur, and Surinder Singh @ Chhinda s/o Balkar Singh r/o village Kiri Afgana, PS Sri Hargobindpur, Police District Batala. He said that one AK-47 rifle with one magazine and 20 cartridges, one 0.38 bore Smith & Wesson revolver (made in US) with 5 cartridges and one 0.45 bore Taurus pistol (made in Brazil) with 3 cartridges have been recovered from them.
He revealed that developing available intelligence and operational leads received from busting of terrorist modules by the Amritsar Police and the Fatehgarh Sahib Police, the Gurdaspur Police has unveiled a terrorist gang armed with sophisticated weapons, tasked by terrorist leaders sitting abroad for specific targeting of a Pathankot-based Shiv Sena (Bal Thakre) leader with the aim of disturbing the hard-earned peace in Punjab. He informed that the terrorists were travelling in a silver colored Ford-Figo Car No.PB-06-S-1313 , when nabbed by a police party. Two motorcycles being used by the gang have also been seized. An FIR No.83 dated 15-09-2013 u/s 17, 18, 20 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, 120-B/ 153-A IPC, 25 Arms Act has been registered in Police Station Purana Shalla and investigations are being conducted to completely uncover the module and find its linkages and associates, he added. He disclosed that the preliminary questioning of arrested persons has revealed a sinister design to revive terrorism in the State by foreign-based terrorist leaders who have motivated, supported and financed local modules for undertaking spectacular terrorist action by targeted killings of certain persons, with the underlying game-plan of fanning communal fires in the State. The sleeper cell was being controlled by foreign-based terrorists Harminder Singh @ Mintu and Harmeet Singh @ Ph.D. , he added. He said that necessary coordination with the Amritsar Commissionerate Police and the Fatehgarh Sahib Police was being done for examining the cross-linkages between the three modules recently unearthed and further investigations were in progress
DECLARE THE PROJECT FOR TACKLING WATER LOGGING IN STATE AS ‘NATIONAL PROJECT’- BADAL URGES PM BADAL FOR EARLY CLEARANCE OF UNION CABINET FOR CANCER HOSPITAL IN STATE REQUESTS PM FOR UPWARD REVISION IN THE QUANTUM OF RELIEF IN CASES OF NATURAL CALAMITIES UNDERSCORE THE NEED OF EARLY COMPLETION OF LUDHIANA- DELHI EXPRESSWAY PM ASSURES OF POSITIVE OUTCOME ON ISSUES RAISED BY BADAL INVITES BADAL TO DELHI FOR PERMANENT SOLUTION OF WATER LOGGING
Chandigarh, September 14- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to declare the project for tackling the menace of water logging in state as ‘National Project’ and immediately release central assistance of Rs 960.62 crore. Mr. Badal called on the Prime Minister here at Punjab Raj Bhawan this afternoon as the latter was in the capital on an official visit. The Chief Minister apprised Dr. Singh that on the request of Punjab Government a team under the Chairmanship of Union Rural Development Minister Mr. Jai Ram Ramesh had visited badly affected water logged areas to take stock of the situation. Subsequently a high power committee under the chairmanship of Member, Planning Commission Dr. Mihir Shah, also visited the same region and suggested measures to solve the problem of water logging in the area. The Chief Minister informed Dr. Singh that keeping in view the suggestions of high power committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Mihir Shah, a project amounting to Rs.960.62 crores stands submitted for approval and providing funds under Central Assistance for checking the menace of water logging and salinity and to reclaim fertile land for agriculture production. The anti-water logging measure proposed to be taken was also envisaged to help in improving the environment and reduce the prevailing health hazards. Mr. Badal bemoaned that inordinate delay in sanctioning the project has once again pushed the people of south west Punjab to the same miserable condition due to recent rains in August 2013. The Chief Minister further apprised Dr. Singh that unprecedented rains in the month of September 2011, the worst in a span of last 80 years, submerged large areas of south western Punjab and crops were completely damaged. Besides that, the continuous seepage from the twin canals namely Rajasthan Feeder and Sirhind feeder also increased the water logging problem in the area. All the low lying pockets running through village Abadies as well as agriculture land were filled with 2 to 6 feet depth of flood water. Dewatering arrangements on a large scale were put in place to ameliorate the situation, he added. Flagging up another issue for seeking the approval of Union Cabinet for the setting up of the Cancer hospital in the state on the lines of Tata Memorial Cancer (TMC) Hospital by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Mr. Badal requested the Prime Minister to personally intervene in the matter for putting the prestigious project on fast track. Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister, Mr. Badal said that the people of Punjab were extremely grateful to him for recognizing the gravity of the problem of cancer in the State and thus giving in principle approval to establish this hospital. Mr. Badal informed the Prime Minister that the state Government has already handed over the site identified by DAE, free of cost for this purpose adding he said that all concerned departments have given their concurrence to the proposal, which was all set for the green signal from the Union Cabinet under your leadership. The Chief Minister also urged Dr. Singh to lay the foundation stone of this landmark project. Reiterating his request to modify the instructions for upward revision in the quantum of relief in cases of natural calamities to make it more meaningful, the Chief Minister brought into the notice of Dr. Singh that he had already taken up this issue for seeking enhancement of relief admissible out of the State Disaster Response Fund in case of 100% loss of crops. Mr. Badal also made a similar request in case of damage to houses, as well as loss of milch animals. He cited currently, the maximum amount of relief in case of complete damage to a house was Rs.70,000 which should be increased to Rs.1.25 lakh, with corresponding enhancement in case of partial damage etc. Similarly, the current guidelines stipulated that relief would be admissible only for the loss of one large milch animal even though many such animals might have been lost. He lamented that the amount of relief was quite inadequate in any case; and to restrict it to one animal caused avoidable hardship to the affected persons. Seeking his personal intervention, Mr. Badal impressed upon the Prime Minister to direct the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways/ National Highways Authority of India may be directed to expedite Ludhiana- Delhi expressway by giving it top priority. He informed that fast and secure road highways are emerging as an important factor for investment promotion and industrialization in the country. City of Ludhiana popularly known as “Manchester of India” has developed as a catalyst for further industrialization in the State. In order to boost further investment and industrialization, the Chief Minister reminded Dr. Singh that he had been advocating cause of expressway between Ludhiana and Delhi therefore he sought Prime Minister’s personal intervention to give top priority to the project especially in context of Amritsar- Kolkata industrial corridor, construction of Ludhiana-Delhi expressway becomes more imperative. Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Dr. Singh assured him of positive outcome. He told Mr. Badal that he would soon take up the issues flagged up by him with the concerned ministries for their resolution at the earliest. The Prime Minister invited Mr. Badal to National capital with a Comprehensive Project Report to combat the problem of water logging in the state so that a permanent solution could be found to this vexed problem. - MAJOR RELIEF TO TIMBER TRADERS IN STATE RDF ON PURCHASE OF WOOD FROM LAKKAR MANDI YARD ABOLISHED Chandigarh, September 14- In a major boost to timber trade in the state, the Punjab Government has decided to abolish the Rural Development Fee (RDF) being levied on the purchase of wood from the Wood Market (Lakkar Mandi) Yard in the state. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that file to this regard was cleared by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, who is also the Chairman of the Punjab State Rural Development Board, here this morning. The spokesperson further said that earlier Market fee and RDF at the rate of 1% each was levied on purchase of wood from within Wood Market (Lakkar Mandi) Yard in the state. However, recently the Market fee was slashed by the state government on purchase of wood from within Wood Market (Lakkar Mandi) Yard. Likewise the state government has now decided to exempt the purchase of wood from within Wood Market (Lakkar Mandi) Yard from RDF also. But 1% RDF and Market fee would be levied on the wood purchased from outside the Wood Market (Lakkar Mandi) Yard. - CM GIVES NOD FOR ISSUANCE OF NOTIFICATION TO EXEMPT BASMATI FROM OF RDF AND MARKET FEE MOVE TO BOOST BASMATI CULTIVATION AND ITS EXPORT Chandigarh, September 14- In a significant move to give fillip to the Basmati cultivation and its export as a part of state’s ambitious crop diversification program, the Punjab Government has issued notification for waiving off the Rural Development Fee (RDF) and Market Fee on the Basmati variety of Paddy for the purpose of processing in the state. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal gave his nod by clearing the file to this effect here this morning. This notification would come into force from August 27, 2013 and step was likely to boost the Basmati cultivation by extending a benefit of nearly Rs 200 crore to its trade in the state. The main objective of providing these exemptions by the state government to the Rice millers and Exporters under diversification plan was to make Basmati milling competitive so that farmers' Basmati produce was lifted by them at remunerative prices, as a result of which the state would be able to increase area under Basmati cultivation, conserve its depleting underground water table besides motivating the farmers to shift from paddy cultivation to Basmati, which was a far less water intensive crop then paddy. This notification has been issued following a series of deliberations by the Punjab Rice Millers & Export Association with the Chief Minister. - DR. SUKHI AND SINGLA APPOINTED CHAIRPERSONS OF DISTRICT PLANNING COMMITTEE, SBS NAGAR (NAWANSHEHAR) AND FATEHGARH SAHIB RAVI BHAGAT APPOINTED AS NEW DC OF AMRITSAR, TIWARI AS COMMISSIONER MUNICIPAL CORPORATION LUDHIANA HARINDER SINGH SRA APPOINTED OSD TO DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER SAHOTA AND MITTAL APPOINTED AS ADGP (PROVISIONING) AND ADGP (PAP) UPINDERJIT SINGH GHUMAN POSTED AS SSP BARNALA Chandigarh, September 14- Punjab Government today appointed Dr. Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi and Mr. Joginder Pal Singla as the Chairperson of District Planning Committee, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshehar) and Fatehgarh Sahib respectively. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave his nod to appoint both Dr. Sukhi and Mr. Singla as Chairpersons of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshehar) and Fatehgarh Sahib respectively under the Clause 3 Sub-clause (6) of Punjab District Planning Committee Act, 2005. The Spokesman further informed that the formal orders regarding these appointments would be issued shortly. Meanwhile the Chief Minister also cleared the file regarding the transfer of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Faridkot Mr. Ravi Bhagat, IAS has been now posted as Deputy Commissioner Amritsar. Likewise DC Amritsar Mr. Rahul Tiwari IAS under transfer has been now posted as Commissioner Municipal Corporation Ludhiana and Chief Administrator GLADA. The charge of DC Faridkot has been given to DC Moga, Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind IAS till further orders. The Chief Minister also gave approval for the appointment of Mr. Harinder Singh Sra, the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) Mansa as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, in addition to his existing duties. The Chief Minister also approved transfers of two senior IPS and a PPS Officers. Mr. Iqbal Singh Sahota and Mr. RP Mittal both IPS officers, available for posting, have been posted as ADGP (Provisioning) and ADGP (PAP) respectively. Meanwhile SP Vigilance Mr Upinderjit Singh Ghuman, PPS has been transferred as posted as SSP Barnala. Officers available for posting as result of these transfers would be posted later on, added the spokesperson. - MAJITHIA EXHORTS NRI YOUTH TO DEVELOP STRONG BONDS WITH THEIR HOMELAND · ASKS TO EXPLORE THE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT FIELDS · APPEALS TO PROPAGATE INDIA’S ACHIEVEMENTS AMONGST THEIR COUNTRY MEN Chandigarh, September 14: The Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia has exhorted the NRI youth to develop strong bonds with their homeland by frequently visiting and exploring the various opportunities available in different fields. He said that they should also analyze the different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields of economic, industrial, education, Science & Technology, Communication & Information Technology, culture to further share it with their families and countrymen. Interacting with 27 youths representing 8 countries and visiting their homeland first time under ‘Know India Programme’ of the Union Overseas Affairs Ministry, Mr. Majithia pointed out the our country has taken rapid strides in different fields to ensure the overall development of the country. He said that our country has a major advantage of having largest young population of the world and the efforts were being made to channelize the youth power so that we could take our country in to the next orbit on overall development front. He said that the unique feature of our country was its cultural diversity and hard working Indian have carved a niche for themselves in every field and every nook and corner around the globe. He appealed the visiting delegation to share their experiences with their families and fellow countrymen and explain them the progress of India in different fields. Earlier, welcoming the Minister and visiting delegation, Dr. Amarpal Singh, Additional Secretary, NRI Affairs informed that the members of the visiting delegation were of 18 to 25 years of age and had never visited India earlier though their parents or forefathers were migrated from here. He said that it was a three weeks tour and they were on a four day tour to Punjab being partner state in this endeavor. He said they have been taken to Patiala, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Anandpur Sahib to experience them the rich religious and cultural heritage of Punjab. He said that the visiting delegation comprises of youngsters from countries like Surinam (2), South Africa (1), France (1), Fiji (3), Trinidad & Tobago (4), Israel (6), Malaysia (4) and Mauritius (6). = · ONLY MODI HAS THE POTENTIAL TO SAIL THROUGH THE COUNTRY FROM PRESENT ECONOMIC TURMOIL · URGES ELECTED RURAL REPRESENTATIVES TO DERIVE THE DEVELOPMENT AT GRASS ROOT LEVEL Tarn Taran, September 14: The Punjab Revenue and Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today said that with announcement of Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi as Prime Ministerial candidate by BJP, the ball was now in the electorates’ court to choose between a visionary leader and a political “novice” in coming general elections. He said that whereas Mr. Modi has a proven track record of taking a major state of the country to next orbit development but on the other Congress was in a fix over projecting Rahul Gandhi for the coveted post of Prime Minister keeping in view his disastrous performance in recent past along with ‘zero’ administrative experience. Interacting with media persons during the installation ceremony of Tarn Taran Zila Parishad Chairperson Mrs. Rajwant Kaur and Vice Chairman Mr. Amarjit Singh , Mr. Majithia said that the country was passing through a difficult economic situation and Congress led UPA’s all economists have miserably failed in checking this unprecedented slide. He said that the unprecedented devaluation of rupee, total neglect of agri-sector, creation of non conducive atmosphere for industry, large scale unemployment along with no trust of investors, the country needs a decisive leadership. He said that only Mr. Modi has the caliber not only to put back on track the derailed economy of the country and but also to change the course of global economic priorities. He said that on the other hand Rahul, wherever goes for electioneering, the Congress got a sound drubbing. He said that with no administrative experience and no connection with common man, how he can serve the country. He said that the tragedy of Congress led UPA was that all its policies have vested financial interests with no concern for majority of those people, who were struggling for two square meal. He said that the indecisiveness Congress led UPA has cost the country very dearly and results in present economic disaster. He said that only those policies could be successful, which were being made with concern for poor people in the hearts of leaders and the policies chalked with a political mileage in mind succumbs soon. He said that the stage was all set for formation of NDA government in the country and a recent survey has clearly indicated that Congress may struggle to touch even three figures. He said that Shiromani Akali Dal was the first party to show its solidarity with NDA and would make a significant contribution in coming general elections by ensuring clean sweep of SAD-BJP alliance in Punjab. He reminded the people that only with installation of NDA government, Punjab could not only got its rightful due in central taxes but also an additional financial support along with major projects required for the rapid overall development state of the state. Earlier, speaking on the installation ceremony, Mr. Majithia exhorted the newly elected rural representative to play a proactive role to accomplish the development works of their respective areas and serve the rural population with commitment. He said that the youth have a definite role to play an important role for the overall development with special focus on education, sports and social service in their respective villages leaving behind their local differences to make Punjab a No.1 State in the country. Mr. Harmit Singh Sandhu, Chief Parliamentary Secretary also spoke on the occasion. ---------------- HARSIMRAT BADAL WANTS ALL CASES OF CRIME AGAINST WOMEN TO BE FAST TRACKED (SAYS 1.7 LAKH PENDING RAPE CASES IN THE COUNTRY) (SAYS PUNJAB GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY TAKEN STEPS TO CREATE SPECIAL COURTS AND WOMEN FORCE IN STATE POLICE)
Chandigarh, September 14 – Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal today gave a clarion call to fast track the judicial process to ensure speedy and exemplary punishment for heinous crimes against women. In a statement here, the Bathinda MP said while civil society had played a big role in ensuring expeditious justice for “Nirbhaya”- the Delhi gang rape victim, the need of the hour was to instill fear amongst perpetrators of crimes against women. “This will happen if there is zero tolerance on this front and civil society is assured that all such crimes against women will not only be handled sensitively but also handled firmly and that equally stringent punishment will be handed out to the perpetrators”. The Bathinda MP said even though justice had been delivered in the Nirbhaya case, it was also a fact that there were around 1.7 lakh pending cases against women in the country. “The sentence in the Nirbhaya case happened due to public pressure but another 1.7 lakh women are waiting for justice”, she said adding “all such cases must be fast tracked immediately”. Ms Badal said as far as the Punjab government was concerned, chief minister Parkash Singh Badal had moved a proposal to establish 20 fast track courts for speedy trials into cases of sexual assaults against women in February last year. “This was subsequently also approved by the State cabinet”, she said adding go ahead was also given for creating 20 additional posts of Superior Judicial Services along with supporting staff. Beside this, the Bathinda mp said Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also looked after the Home portfolio, had approved a special drive to recruit women for six posts of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSPs), 36 Inspectors, 415 Sub-inspectors and 400 Constables in the State Police. “These women police would be deployed on exclusive duties to control crime against women”, she added. The MP said women constables had also been recruited and posted at sensitive points to put an end to eve teasing. She said young women with professional degrees had been recruited to serve in Sanjh Kendras so that women and senior citizens did not face any problem in approaching the police force for redressal of their grievances. EOM
CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT REVIEWS THE PROGRESS OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 14: Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Local Bodies Minister, Punjab today directed officers of the department to clear all the pending cases of CLU (Change of land use). These instructions were issued in a high level meeting held today under the chairmanship of Mr. Bhagat to review the progress of ongoing development project and the pendency of CLU cases, progress of water supply and sewerage project and status of solid waste management. The Minister took strong exception of the pendency of CLU cases and asked the senior officer of the department to clear all the cases within stipulated time frame. While taking up the matter of unauthorized colonies, the Minister reviewed that how many colonizers have submitted the required documents till date to get their colonies authorized. Mr. Bhagat also evaluated the progress of other development projects of the department, which have been started in the past. He specifically asked the officers about the projects, which missed the deadline fixed for their completion and the reasons behind it. The prominent amongst others, who were present in the meeting included; Mr. Som Parkash, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Local Bodies, Mr. Vineet Joshi, Assistant Media Advisor to Punjab Government, Mr. Ashok Gupta, Secretary and Mr. Priyank Bharti, Director, Local Bodies. -
CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 14: Punjab and Haryana High Court organized one day North Zone Regional Conference on Mediation at Chandigarh Judicial Academy on Saturday. Divulging the details a spokesperson of Punjab and Haryana High Court said that the Conference was attended by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surinder Singh Nijjar, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri, Judge, Supreme Court of India along with Hon’ble Judges from Punjab & Haryana High Court, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh High Court and Uttrakhand High Court apart from all the District & Sessions Judges from the States of Punjab, Haryana and U.T., Chandigarh, Member Secretaries of State Legal Services Authorities of participating States and all other members of Mediation Committee of the participating States. Spokesperson said that Mediation is the process by which the litigant parties together with the assistance of a neutral person or persons, sit together in order to resolve their disputes in an amicable manner. The Mediator assists in considering all the available options to help the parties to reach a consensual agreement to resolve their disputes. He said “Mediation is a dynamic process in which the mediator assists the parties to negotiate a compromise for resolving their disputes.” Apart from Inaugural Session, three Brainstorming Sessions and Interactive Sessions on Mediation activities in the States, Challenges and solutions in Mediation and Future Plans for encouraging Mediation were also held, he added.
SUKHBIR BADAL SAYS BJP HAS CHOSEN THE RIGHT PERSON IN MODI (Challenges Congress to name Rahul as its prime ministerial candidate) Chandigarh, September 13 – Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal today said the BJP had chosen the right person to lead the NDA into the forthcoming parliamentary elections and challenged the Congress to name party vice president Rahul Gandhi as its prime ministerial candidate. Reacting to the BJP’s anointment of Modi as its prime ministerial candidate, the SAD President said the BJP had taken the right decision and that the tables had now turned against the Congress led UPA government. “Let’s see whether the Congress has the guts to announce Rahul Gandhi as its prime ministerial candidate”, he said adding “due to Modi sahab’s anointment you will see more and more allies coming into the NDA in the coming days and witness the shrinking of the UPA”. Welcoming the decisive action of the BJP and congratulating party president Rajnath Singh for the same, Mr Badal said he was always of the view that the NDA should announce its prime ministerial candidate so that the people of the country were aware who they were voting for eventually. “The BJP has taken the right step by announcing Modi sahab’s name as he alone can instill confidence among investors who are feeling utterly let down by the flawed policies of the UPA”, he added. The SAD President said Mr Narendra Modi had undertaken massive development in Gujarat which had been acknowledged the world over. “I am confident that Modi Sahab can replicate the same success at the national level”, he said while congratulating the Gujarat chief minister on his anointment as the party’s prime ministerial candidate. “I on my behalf can assure the party that the SAD will be steadfast in its support to Modi Sahab”, he added. EOM - MODI ANNOUNCEMENT WITHDRAWS LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM; UPA MOVES FROM ICU TO MORTUARY: BADAL WELCOMES DECISIONChandigarh September 13 - The Shiromani Akali Dal patron in chief and Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal said here today that the anouncement of the name of Mr. Narendar Modi as the BJP' Prime Ministerial candidate signals the start of the count down for the exit of the anti-poor and anti-farmer UPA government at the center. In a statement here, Mr. Badal said that the decision was in sync with the mood of the nation and would and that it would help the country get rid of the "grave paralysis of administrative and political will under the scam-tainted UPA regime.". " The announcement would " move the scam-hit UPA government from the ICU to the mortuary as the news amounted to complete withdrawal of life support system to an already deceased body," said Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister expressed the confidence that Mr. Modi would free the country from the misrule of the Congress-led UPA government "The country today badly needs liberation from the clutches of the Congress-led government that has seen the poor become poorer, farmers driven to debt and suicides, middle class reeling under crippling inflation, corruption scaling shocking and unprecedented heights and the country in a state of siege from threats to its internal and external security. " Mr. Badal said that Punjab and Punjabis were looking forward to a change in government at the center as the people of the state were reeling under the anti-Punjab, anti-poor and anti-farmer policies of the UPA. - SUKHBIR BADAL WELCOMES BJP DECISION ANNOUNCING NARENDER MODI AS PRIME MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE Chandigarh, September 13 - Shiromani Akali Dal President and Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal today welcomed the BJP's decision to announce Gujarat Chief Minister Narindra Modi as its prime ministerial candidate. - BADAL TO FLAG UP THE ISSUE OF FLOOD VICTIM’S PLIGHT BEFORE PM ON SATURDAY UNION GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXTEND A HELPING HAND TO THE SUFFERERS OF THIS NATURAL TRAGEDY WILL TAKE EVERY STEP FOR THE RELIEF AND REHABILITATION OF FLOOD VICTIMS ENGINEERS TO BE DEPLOYED IN EVERY VILLAGE FOR PREPARING THE MASTER PLAN TO TACKLE WATER LOGGING ASSAILS CONGRESS LEADERS FOR RESORTING TO POLITICAL GIMMICKRY VISITS FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS OF SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB
Aulakh (Sri Muktsar Sahib), September 13- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that he would apprise the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh about the plight of flood victims in the water logged areas, during his visit to Chandigarh on Saturday. Addressing the gathering during his visit in the flood affected water logged areas of Sri Muktsar Sahib here today, the Chief Minister said that he would inform Dr. Manmohan Singh about the hardships faced by the people in this region and seek his personal intervention to extend a helping hand to them in this hour of crisis. Mr. Badal said that he had already raised the issue of meager compensation being given to the victims of natural tragedy with the Union Home Minister adding that he would also raise the same matter with the Prime Minister, so that adequate and timely relief could be provided to the sufferers of flood fury. He said that it was the high time that the Union government must help the flood victims of the state as this natural tragedy has caused unprecedented devastation due to which the economy of the entire region has been ruined. The Chief Minister said that the state government was fully sensitive towards the agonies faced by the victims of this serious tragedy and the fact that the entire government right from ‘the Chief Minister to Junior Engineer’ was involved in the relief operations was reflective of this fact. Assuring the flood victims that no stone would be left unturned to rehabilitate them, Mr. Badal said that the entire state was rallying solidly behind the sufferers of this unprecedented tragedy. “The state government was committed to bail out the people in this hour of crisis and I will do everything possible to ensure relief and rehabilitation to the victims”, he added. Expressing concern over the persistent problem of water logging in the area, the Chief Minister said that the floods were outcome of this menace adding that efforts were being made by the state government to check it. He further said that in order to ensure better planning for the construction, strengthening, widening and upgradation of drains to combat the problem of water logging officers of the Executive Engineers (XEN) level would be deployed in every village to assess the entire situation. Mr. Badal said that the Executive Engineers have been asked to minutely examine the entire situation in the respective villages and submit a comprehensive report to compile a ‘master plan’ for eradicating the menace of water logging. The Chief Minister said that this would help in having a holistic view about the problem in the water logged areas on one hand and construct the drains in accordance to its natural flow on the other, so as to tackle this grave problem efficaciously. He categorically said that the state government was firmly committed to make the Punjab a waterlogged free state for which every effort would be made by them. Reiterating that the public support and cooperation in this herculean task was the need of the hour, Mr. Badal said that the Executive Engineers have been told to interact with the villagers so as to get detailed knowledge about this chronic problem which would further help in dealing with it. The Chief Minister said that it was the high time that the state government and public should make concerted efforts to deal with this problem which has given a fatal blow to the economy of the entire state especially the Malwa region. “The efforts of the state government to make Punjab ‘water logged free’ would bear fruit only with the whole hearted support of the people” added Mr. Badal. Lashing out at the Congress party, the Chief Minister said that rather than helping the flood victims in this hour of disaster the entire state Congress leadership was busy in castigating the state government to get cheap publicity. He advised the Congress leaders to channelize their energy for the welfare of people rather than resorting to such political gimmicks which were vitiating the atmosphere of the state. Mr. Badal said that it was on record that the Congress leaders were not having any sympathy with the state or its people and their single point agenda was to mislead the people for their political gains. The Chief Minister said that the silence of state Congress leaders on the miniscule compensation being given by Centre to the victims of the natural tragedy was a testimony that they were least bothered about the interests of the state. He said that not only this but the Congress leaders have not even uttered a single word against the strict conditions imposed by the Union government, which disallowed even the state government to give more compensation to the sufferers of fury of flood. “It is ironical that Congress leaders were criticizing the state government which is working for the flood victims, but are mum against their own bosses who have no sympathy with Punjab”, added Mr. Badal. During his tour the Chief Minister visited Aulakh, Jhurad, Khane Ki Dhab, Bhulerian, Lakkar Wala, Tarkhan Wala, Khunan Kalan, Tamkot, Dabra and Bhang Chari villages. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, MLA Mr. Harpreet Singh Kotbhai, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Paramjeet Singh. - · ALSO TO LAUNCH RURAL RAPID POLICE RESPONSE SYSTEM · IDENTIFIES 466 LOCATIONS IN AMRITSAR TO INSTALL CCTV · REVIEWS WORKING OF 181 POLICE HELPLINE · DIRECTS POLICE COMMISSIONERS AND SSPs TO ENSURE COMPLETIONOF INVESTIGATION WITHIN 90 DAYS CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 13: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today said by January-2014, the holy city of Amritsar and ‘Manchester of Punjab-Ludhiana’ would emerge as the state’s first ‘Safe City" with the finalization of all formalities in this regard. In a high level meeting with police officials to review the functioning of recently launched 181 Police Helpline, Mr. Badal said the State government had chosen both cities under the 'safe city’ project and these cities would be equipped with ultra modern security devices to maintain safety in the cities and smooth flow of traffic for facilitation of people. He said under this project 466 locations have been identified in Amritsar, where CCTV cameras would be installed while the survey in this regard was on advanced stage of completion in Ludhiana. Reviewing the functioning of 181 police helpline, Mr. Badal asked the state police to make helpline more responsive and accountable with the timely delivery of justice. He directed all Police Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police to personally ring up the complainants to get the feedback from them regarding their complaints. He asked them to call minimum 10 complainants daily so that the proper feedback could be accessed. Giving details regarding complaints on 181 helpline, Mr. Dinkar Gupta, ADGP (Law and Order) informed Deputy CM that till September 11 a total 638 complaints have been received, out of which feedback from 398 callers was taken. The Deputy CM issued directions to police officers that they should educate the people regarding this helpline to ensure the delivery of service up to ground level. Mr. Badal also directed DIGs and SSPs to personally look into the cases where the investigations were lingering besides completing investigations within the given time of 90 days and submission of challans. Announcing the launch of proposed Rural Rapid Police Response System in December, Mr. Badal said this system would be introduced in the state fromDecember 1. He said that after the launch of this unique system, the police would reach at the spot of incident within 15 minutes of receiving a complaint. -MAJITHIA EXHORTS PR OFFICERS TO FOCUS ON FEEDBACK AND PROMPT REACTION AGAINST ANY DISINFORMATION Chandigarh, September 13: The Punjab Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today exhorted the PR Officers to focus on factual feedback along with prompt reaction in case of any disinformation thereby categorically explaining the stand of state government on any important issue. Presiding over a meeting of District Officers and Media Heads of Public Relations Department, Mr. Majithia asked them to give a periodic feedback to the government regarding various government policies and discrepancies in their implementation, if any. He asked them to get target population's perception about the usefulness of that policy and suggestion, if any, to ensure that benefit of these policies percolate to the desired people. He also underlined the need to be more quick and efficient in the fast changing scenario of information technology to use it as an effective tool to disseminate the policies and programmes with special emphasis on unique initiatives up to grass root level. He said that SAD-BJP government was committed to ensure foolproof delivery of services and the public relations department has a definite twin role on one side to inform the target beneficiaries and on the other to give feedback to the government about the impact as well as quality of these public services. He said that most of the common men have to approach Suwidha Kendras, Fard Kendras and Saanjh Kendras for their day to day works and monitoring of these Kendras have become most imperative so that a common man shouldn’t feel any harassment anywhere. Calling upon the PR Officials to equip themselves with the latest development initiatives of the state government, Mr. Majithia said that it was imperative for all of us to assist media by providing them required information on programmes and policies of the state government timely. He said that as PR Minister he was fully convinced that a media person always reciprocate those PR men who were well informed. He also advised them to more focus on the contents of their press releases with latest facts and figures besides feeding the media with success stories or unique development initiatives. Earlier, the Minister had a long discussion with Mr. Harcharan Bains, Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Jangveer Singh, Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister and Mr. Vineet Joshi, Assistant Media Advisor to Chief Minister for ensuring more efficiency and coordination in PR functioning thereby projecting as well as disseminating the accurate information regarding different initiatives of state government. At the onset of meeting, Mr. N.S. Kang, Principal Secretary, Information & Public Relations briefed the Minister about the activities of the department. Mr. Ashwani Sharma, Director, Information & Public Relations and Mr. Gurwaryam Singh, Additional Director Administration was also present in the meeting. - 'DEATH PENALTY' AN EXAMPALARY PUNISHMENT TO THE CULPRITS OF DELHI GANG RAPE CASE-HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL DISBURSES DEVELOPMENT GRANT TO THE VILLAGES IN SANGAT DARSHAN PROGRAMMES BATHINDA, SEPTEMBER 13: Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament Bathinda has expressed full faith in the Indian judiciary system for setting up a milestone by giving death penalty to the accused in notorious Delhi gang rape case. This sensational rape case has deeply shaken the hearts of the Indians with profound grief and anguish. “Now this exemplary punishment given to these anti social elements would act as deterrence for all the anti-social elements for committing such a heinous crime", said Mrs. Badal, Addressing a gathering during a sangat darshan programme she said that the Congress led UPA government has completely failed to provide security to women and instead of curbing the crime against women such ghastly incidents like rape were constantly on rise. Mrs. Badal also disbursed development grants to the Panchayats of Villages Dhan Singh Khana, Phoos Mandi, Gulabgarh, Jassi Poh Wali, Jodhpur, Rumana, Naruana, Bir Talab, Multani and Mianwind. She said that in the changed scenario society has to mend its collective thinking towards the women folk, who has equal role to play in the progress of any nation. Answering a query of the media on the issue of financial status of Punjab, Mrs. Badal said that the congress party has launched a false propaganda against Punjab, whereas on the other hand the financial health of the Congress led UPA Government is precarious. She said that the union government has brought the economic growth rate from 10% to 4 %. She said that due to the disoriented policy of the union government inflation and employment has achieved new heights in the country and the people are reeling under the burden of price rise. She said that the statistics of RBI depicting Punjab among the first three states with high inflow investment is indicative of SAD-BJP Government efficiency. She said that the Congress led UPA Government has been diverting the funds of states for their own profligacy. Member Parliament from Bathinda listened to the grievances of the people and redressed their problems at the moment. Mrs. Badal also gave away utensils and sports kits for the collective use of the Panchayats. Prominent among other who were present in the Sangat Darshan programme included Mr. Saroop Chand Singla CPS, Mr. Kamal Kishor Yadav Deputy Commissioner Bathinda, Mr. Rav Charan Singh Brar SSP, Mr. Darshan Singh Kotfatta MLA, Mr. Gurpreet Singh Maluka Chairman Zila Parishad, Amarjit Singh Sidhu and Mr. Sukhman Singh Sidhu both Senior Akali leader. - PATWAR UNION HANDS OVER RS 36.52 LAKH DRAFT TO MAJITHIA FOR PUNJAB CM’S RELIEF FUND FOR UTARAKHAND VICTIMS Chandigarh, September 13: The Revenue Patwar Union, Punjab (Regd.) today handed over a draft of Rs 36,52,000/- to Punjab Revenue Minister Mr Bikram Singh Majithia towards Chief Minister Relief fund for the ongoing rehabilitation works in flood ravage Uttrakhand. Appreciating the gesture of Patwar Union, Mr Majithia said that the Punjabis have always followed the path to serve the suffering humanity as preached by Guru Sahiban and played a leading role during any calamity faced by the humans. He said that every Punjabi daily prays to Almighty for ‘Sarbat da Bhala’(welfare humankind). The Minister said that the Punjab Government had already contributed Rs 10 crore for the rebuilding of various religious places, besides adopting 25 villages for rehabilitation through the state PWD department. Besides this, a sum of Rs. 5,18,75,916 donated by the people and employees of the state has also been contributed for Prime Minister’s Relief Fund by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal recently. Mr. Majithia thanked the Chief Minister for leading the nation in extending every possible help to Uttarakhand government during the worst ever crisis faced by the hilly state. It may be mentioned here that all the Patwaris’ across the state have donated their one day salary for this noble cause. Earlier, the Youth Akali Dal under the leadership of its President Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia had contributed Rs. 21 lac for the rehabilitation of Uttarakhand victims. Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr NS Kang, Mr. Harvir Singh Dhindsa, Secretary General and Mr. Karan Jaspal Singh, Treasurer of the Revenue Patwar Union. - PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT SHIFTED 160 JUDGES OF DISTRICT LEVEL JUDICIARY CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 13: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has transferred and posted 160 Judges and judicial officers of Punjab and Haryana in district level. 90 judges & judicial officers of Punjab and 70 judges & judicial officers of Haryana transferred and posted at various stations. These include Chief Judicial Magistrates, addition civil judges and civil judges. - INTEGRATION OF DATA ON GIS IS IMPERATIVE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE: SURESH KUMAR
Chandigarh, September 13: An awareness workshop on Geospatial Information System (GIS) in Punjab was jointly organised by Office of Economic Adviser, Department of Planning, Punjab and Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC) Ludhiana in Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Sector 26, Chandigarh. It was presided over by Shri Suresh Kumar IAS, Financial Commissioner Development, Punjab who is chairman of State Level Committee on GIS. The aim of the workshop was to generate awareness among the Administrative Secretaries about the GIS and its applications for Policy Planning. Shri Suresh Kumar, Chairman, while delivering the keynote address highlighted the need of GIS for State like Punjab for prompt decision making. He said there is an urgent need for integrated system on GIS for good governance. He exhorted all the departments to share every detail on this unique GIS to assist the government machinery for better planning and decision making. Shri C. Roul IAS, Principal Secretary, Governance Reforms while appreciating the initiative of Department of Planning said that GIS will prove to be beneficial in generating and sharing of authentic and rich data which will further enable informed decision making and effective and pragmatic planning Shri Jaspal Singh IAS, Secretary Planning while welcoming the participants highlighted the importance of GIS and requested various departments to send their specific requirements related to GIS which will enable the Planning Department to formulate an integrated plan for GIS. Shri Mohan Lal Sharma, Economic Adviser, highlighted the need of statistics for successful implementation of all IT and GIS related activities. He thanked the participants and also emphasized the need for strengthening the statistical cells in all the departments for regular and authenticated data for GIS. The experts from Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh made the presentations on GIS in the workshop. Shri Brijendra Pateria, Director, PRSC, Ludhiana and Shri R.S. Hooda, Senior Scientist, Haryana Space Application Center (HARSAC ), Hisar made detailed presentations on status of GIS work in Punjab and Haryana respectively. Shri L N Sharma, Associate Professor, Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh made presentation on GIS and its various applications. Shri Jayant Poddar, ESRI India made presentation entitled GIS applications in India. Sh. Harvinder Singh, Joint Director & Mrs. Monica Thind, Dy. ESA of GIS cell, also made relevant interventions. - DISTRICT LEVEL FARMERS' CAMP FOR RABBI SEASON FROM SEPTEMBER 15 CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 13: The Punjab government has announced scheduled program for farmers' training camp for Rabbi Season in each district of the state with a view to provide technical information about the sowing of crops. These camps would be organized from 15 to 29 September. Divulging the details, a spokesman of the Agriculture Department said that these district level farmer training camps would be held under the supervision of headquarter level officers and first camps would be organized at Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur on September 15, 2013, while in district Patiala and SAS Nagar on Sept. 17, district Moga and Ferozpur on Sept. 19, Tarn Taran and Amritsar on Sep 21, district Kapurthala and Jalandhar on Sep 22, in district Roopnagar and Saheed Bhagat Singh Nagar on Sep 24, in district Ludhiana and Fatehgarh Sahib on Sep 25, in Sangrur and Barnala on 27, in district Faridkot and Sri Muktsar Sahib on Sep 28, in Bathinda and Mansa the camps would be held on Sep 29 The Spokesman said that all the district agriculture officers have been asked to ensure the participation of farmers so that they could get more benefit. - ------- RBI DATA STAMP OF APPROVAL ON DEVELOPMENT OF PUNJAB-JOSHI CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 13: Mr. Anil Joshi, Industries and Commerce Minister, Punjab today said that the latest data released by Reserve Bank of India declaring Punjab as country’s 3rd largest investment destination during 2012-13 has put stamp of approval on the ongoing development and initiatives taken by SAD-BJP Government in this regard. In a statement issued here Mr. Joshi said that Punjab has now moved to the third spot with a dozen projects expected to generate investments of over Rs 20,600 crore or 10.5% of the pie of all-India investments. He said that the data released by RBI has indicated that Punjab has been able to attract high value investments in power and metal sectors. Mr. Joshi said that Government of Punjab, was working towards their first investment promotion campaign Progressive Punjab and the data of RBI has reassured that the efforts put in by the state government have already started showing results. He said that the state has all necessary factors like infrastructure, power, skilled man power, which play a vital role in shaping the future of an investment destination. RBI's data on investments in states has been compiled on the basis on data collected from banks and financial institutions that finance the projects, foreign borrowings as well as fund-raising from the stock market. - CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT REVIEWS THE PROGRESS OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 13: Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Local Bodies Minister, Punjab today directed officers of the department to clear all the pending cases of CLU (Change of land use). These instructions were issued in a high level meeting held today under the chairmanship of Mr. Bhagat to review the progress of ongoing development project and the pendency of CLU cases, progress of water supply and sewerage project and status of solid waste management. The Minister took strong exception of the pendency of CLU cases and asked the senior officer of the department to clear all the cases within stipulated time frame. While taking up the matter of unauthorized colonies, the Minister reviewed that how many colonizers have submitted the required documents till date to get their colonies authorized. Mr. Bhagat also evaluated the progress of other development projects of the department, which have been started in the past. He specifically asked the officers about the projects, which missed the deadline fixed for their completion and the reasons behind it. The prominent amongst others, who were present in the meeting included; Mr. Som Parkash, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Local Bodies, Mr. Vineet Joshi, Assistant Media Advisor to Punjab Government, Mr. Ashok Gupta, Secretary and Mr. Priyank Bharti, Director, Local Bodies. - NORTH ZONE REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON MEDIATION ON 14TH SEPTEMBER CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 13: Punjab and Haryana High Court is going to organize one day North Zone Regional Conference on Mediation at Chandigarh Judicial Academy on 14.09.2013. Divulging the details, a spokesperson of Punjab and Haryana High Court said that Mediation is the process by which the litigant parties together with the assistance of a neutral person or persons, sit together in order to resolve their disputes in an amicable manner. He said that the Conference shall be attended by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surinder Singh Nijjar, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri, Judge, Supreme Court of India alongwith Hon’ble Judges, from Punjab and Haryana High Court, High Court of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh High Court and Uttrakhand High Court. The other dignitaries in the Conference will be all the District and Session Judges from the States of Punjab, Haryana and U.T., Chandigarh, Member Secretaries of State Legal Services Authorities of all the four Participating States and all other members of Mediation Committee of the participating High Courts. Apart from Inaugural Session there shall be Brainstorming Sessions and Interactive Sessions on Mediation activities in the States, Challenges and solutions in Mediation and Future Plans for encouraging Mediation.
PUNJAB AMONG TOP THREE INVESTMENT DESTINATIONS IN INDIA: RBI The Congress leaders see nothing of this and are busy trying to portray Punjab as the worst state in the country. BADAL SAYS WE DID IT DESPITE ADVERSE CENTRAL POLICIES LIKE CONCESSIONS TO NEIGHBOURING STATES, ASKS PUNJAB CONGRESS LEADERS TO READ THE REPORT Chandigarh September 12 The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal said here today that the Reserve Bank of India report which puts Punjab among the three best investment destinations in India during 2012-13 should serve as an eye opener to the Congress leaders who never tired of painting a negative picture of their own state. Punjab finished ahead of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar and West Bengal, to be one of the three most attractive investment destinations in the country, according to the figures released by the Reserve Bank of India. "The Congress should realize that Punjab has done it despite deliberately adverse and ruinous policies of the Congress-ruled center against Punjab, such as denial of concessions granted to our neighbouring states and the refusal to provide freight equalization." Mr. Badal said that perfect law and order situation, an atmosphere of peace and communal harmony, ideal labour relations, top-grade infrastructure, improved power scenario and an investment friendly industrial policy were some of the reasons that resulted in pushing Punjab up among the top three destinations in the country. "The Congress leaders see nothing of this and are busy trying to portray Punjab as the worst state in the country. They should now try and contradict the report of the Reserve Bank of India, if they can," said the Chief Minister in a statement here today. "The Congress leaders in Punjab have been spending all their energies on running down their own state and its achievements. They are out to defame their own state as a part of a well-planned agenda to stop investments from coming here. Their speeches and actions had adversely affected the investment climate in the state in the past as potential investors developed wrong and unfriendly notions about us, we performed creditably despite all this," said Mr. Badal The Chief Minister asked the Congress leaders, especially the PPCC chief Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa, to read the Reserve Bank of India report. Punjab finished among the three best investment friendly destinations this year, with just two percent of the total area of the country and 1.5% of its total population, Punjab accounted for nearly 13% of the total investments made in the country during the period, says the RBI report. The Chief Minister said that Punjab's performance was all the more creditable when one considers that India on the whole slipped badly on the investment sector. "At the all India level, numbers confirmed the go-slow on investments." according to the RBI report. "In the light of this, Punjab's showing is not only heartening but also an indicator of better things to follow. Investments are the key denominators of growth and the trend indicates that we have turned the corner towards economic resurgence. I am not saying we do not face challenges. But we have defied heavy odds to emerge as a front runner in the country. I hope the Congressmen, who spend sleepless nights criticizing their state's economy will sleep peacefully and quietly now," said the CM. Mr. Badal said that with the new Investment Promotion Policy of the state, announced by the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, the state is bound to go even higher on the national scale. "The Congress leaders should now start taking pride in their state and the thank the people of Punjab, if not the government, for the major improvements in the state's standing on the investment chart," Mr. Badal said. - CM DARES BAJWA TO GET THE COMPENSATION FOR FLOOD VICTIMS HIKED FROM CENTRE ASSAILS STATE CONGRESS FOR SHEDDING CROCODILE TEARS OVER FLOOD VICTIMS BAJWA AND CO. RUBBING SALT INTO THE WOUNDS OF FLOOD VICTIMS BY ISSUING IRRATIONAL STATEMENTS TERMS MENACE OF WATER LOGGING AS ‘SORROW OF MALWA REGION’ SEEKS SUPPORT OF PEOPLE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINS IN A ‘FAIR MANNER’ TO ERADICATE THIS PROBLEM VISITS FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS OF SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB DISTRICT Maraar Kalan (Sri Muktsar Sahib), September 12- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today dared the state Congress President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa to get the amount of flood compensation hiked from their government at the Centre for helping the victims of this natural tragedy in the state. Addressing the gathering during his visit in the flood affected water logged areas of Sri Muktsar Sahib District here today, the Chief Minister said that rather than shedding crocodile tears over this grave issue, the Congress leaders including Mr. Bajwa should take up the case of enhancing the meager compensation given to victims of natural tragedy, with the Union government. Mr. Badal said that the Punjab Congress leaders owes an answer to the flood victims for their stoic silence against the riders imposed by centre, which were debarring the state government from helping the victims of this natural tragedy. He said that the Congress leaders were criticizing the state government for the sake of criticism but on the other hand they were mum over the meager compensation being given by the Union Government to compensate the flood victims for the unprecedented loss due to fury of floods in water logged areas. The Chief Minister said that it was strange that on one hand the victims of flood affected areas have been ruined due to whopping loss of infra structure and standing crops but on the other Mr. Bajwa and other MPs besides Union Ministers from the state were silent over the discriminatory approach of Union government towards the flood victims adding he said that Bajwa and Co. by issuing senseless and irrational statements in the media were just rubbing salts into the wounds of the distressed victims who have been virtually vanished by the fury of floods. Mr. Badal advised the Congress leaders to do something constructive instead of politicking on this grave tragedy. Cautioning the Congress leaders to refrain from politicizing this sensitive issue, he said that the people of state would not forgive the Congress leaders for their sinful activities and dubious role. The Chief Minister categorically said that venomous statements issued by the state Congress leaders reflected their complete insensitivity towards this serious problem confronted by the people adding that it had once again exposed the anti-Punjab face of the Congress leaders. Mr. Badal said that it was the high time that all the political parties must have united for extending a helping hand to the flood victims but as usual the Congress leadership has vitiated the atmosphere of state for their vested interests. Soliciting active support and co-operation of the people for constructing the drains as per natural flow of water, the Chief Minister said that it would help in combating the menace of water logging in the state more effectively. He pointed out that the only solution to tackle the problem of the water logging was the construction of drains in accordance with its ‘valley line’ or natural flow. Mr. Badal said that in the larger interest of the state and the region the people must rise above their personal considerations and vested interests to cooperate with the government for constructing the drains in a ‘fair manner’, even if it has to pass from their own land. The Chief Minister said that it was the high time that the entire state must join its hand for tackling this grave menace which was the ‘sorrow of Malwa region’ as the agrarian and industrial economy of this region has been ruined by it. He said that the officers of the state government were working overtime to assess the entire situation and chalk out a ‘master plan’ to ensure that new drains were constructed in a proper manner to check this menace. He said that with the completion of the survey for master plan the work on constructing the drains would start so as to eradicate this menace. The Chief Minister said that he had also sought the support of the experts of the Government of India (GoI) to guide the officers of the state government for strengthening, widening and upgrading the drains to check the menace of water logging. He said that soon a team of Planning Commission of India (PCI) would visit the state to ascertain the entire situation. “The Government cannot work in isolation and the support of people is required to accomplish this gigantic task. So let us join hands to eradicate water logging from the state”, added Mr. Badal. On the third day of his tour the Chief Minister addressed the grievances of 38 Panchayats at villages Marar Kalan, Bariwala, Bajaan Marar, Bahmanwala, Lubanyawali, Lande Rhode and Kotli Dewan. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, Youth Akali leader Mr. Kanwarjeet Singh Rozi Barkandi, Chairman District Planning Board Sri Muktsar Sahib Mr. Hardeep Singh Dimpi Dhillon, Chairman Punjab State Cooperative Bank Mr. Sukhdarshan Singh Marar, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Paramjeet Singh. - ONLINE CLEARANCES FOR NEW COLONIES FROM OCTOBER-SUKHBIR BADAL
• Rs. 3000 CRORE TO BE SPENT IN LUDHIANA FOR TOTAL FACELIFT • DECIMATE UPA TO SAVE THE COUNTRY
LUDHIANA, SEPTEMBER 12: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today announced that all clearances required for establishment of new colonies in the state would be provided online from October 15 to facilitate the colonisers and house holders besides curbing the mushrooming of unauthorised colonies. Accompanied by Mr. Chuni Lal Bhagat, Local Bodies Minister, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister and Mr. Kamal Sharma, President Punjab BJP, Mr. Badal was presiding over a function organised by the Punjab Colonisers and Property Dealers Association to extend thanks to Deputy CM for bringing a comprehensive policy to regularise all the illegal colonies in a systematic way. The Deputy CM said he had directed PUDA as well as the Housing Department to come out with an online portal before the first week of October to provide online clearances including CLUs, map certification and other requirements to carve out new colonies. He said that from October onwards all such certifications would be provided online within a month after filing of application. Thanking office bearers of Punjab Colonisers and Property Dealers Association for cooperating with the Punjab government to regularise illegal colonies, Mr. Badal said, "Punjab is our own house and we all should make it clean and green, which would be a gift for our coming generations." Giving a call to colonisers and property dealers to file applications before the last date to get their colonies regularised, Mr. Badal said the Punjab Congress was trying to mislead the people of Punjab through false propaganda. To streamline urbanisation, Mr. Badal said as the master plans had already been prepared for corporation cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar, these cities would witness unprecedented development in next three years. He said as much as Rs 3,000 crore would be spent on the 'Manchester of Punjab-Ludhiana' alone. Commenting on the economic disorder in the country, Mr. Badal the country's economy was in shambles due to the flawed policies of the UPA. He said the only option left open was the complete decimation of the Congress led UPA Government in the forthcoming parliamentary elections. Later on answering to media persons regarding a media report declaring Punjab a most suitable investment destination in the country, Mr. Badal said the RBI survey was proof of the pace of development in Punjab. He said Punjab would become the best investment option soon with the State set to become power surplus this year. When asked about the raids conducted by Income Tax department on an industrial house of Ludhiana, Mr. Badal said that Congress led UPA Government was using CBI, Income Tax, DRI and other central agencies as their personal forces to coerce opponents, for which the UPA would have to pay dearly in the ensuing general elections. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion Mr. K.D. Bhandari, Mr. Som Parkash, Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria, both CPS, Mr. Manpreet Singh Ayali, Mr. Darshan Singh Shivalik, Mr. S.R. Kaler, Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon, all MLAs, Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Advisor to CM, Mr. Rajinder Bhandari, Vice Chairman Punjab Planning Commission, Mr. H.S. Gohalwaria, Mayor, Mr. Bikramjit Singh Khalsa, Mr. Jagjiwan Singh Khirnia, Mr. Ranjit Singh Talwandi, all former MLAs, Mr. Amrik Singh Aliwal, Ex-MP, Mr. Kultar Singh Jogi, President Punjab Colonisers and Property Dealers Association, General Secretary Gurvinder Singh Lamba, Mr. Barinder Singh Jolly, Mr. Kamal Chaitely, Mr. Gurdeep Singh Gosha and Jaswant Singh Chhapa. - INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ORGANIZED TRAINING CAMP TO TRAIN INDUSTRIALISTS Chandigarh, September, 12: The Punjab government with the motive to sensitize the industrialist of the state regarding the means and ways of availing the facilities being provided by union and state government, has organized a training camp. The camp was organized at Ludhiana with the collaboration of OII Expeller & parts manufacturing society, Ludhiana. Disclosing this here today a Mr. Anil Joshi, Industry and Commerce Minister, Punjab said that this initiative has been taken just to facilitate the industrialist for getting NOC, pollution certificate and finance. He said that the paper work for getting all these sanctions has been minimized by making the industrialist fill up E.M. Part-11 form in the camp and allotment of E.M.number to them. The industrialists were also trained for getting various benefits and concessions being provided by the government.
RAPISTS MUST BE HANGED: HARSIMRAT · MEMBER PARLIAMENT DISBURSED CHEQUES TO VARIOUS PANCHAYATS FOR DEVELOPMENT WORKS · PANCHAYATS OF MULA SINGH WALA AND KISHANGARH FARWAHI JOINED SAD Chandigarh/MANSA, SEPTEMBER 11: Bathinda mp Harsimrat Kaur Badal today demanded capital punishment for the Delhi gang rape perperators in order to check the occurrence of such heinous crimes in future. She said such exemplary punishment was imperative to make India safe for women. She said capital punishment would also create a sense of fear among anti social elements who would never dare to commit such a crime in future. Making these comments while addressing media persons at sangat darshan programme organized in this district, Ms Harsmirat Badal expressed deep concern over the slow pace of prosecution and demanded that such cases of heinous crimes should be tried at fast track courts to bring the culprits to book and to provide timely justice to the needy. Ms Badal during her visit to her Lok Sabha constituencey also distributed cheques for development activities. She also listened to the problems of the people which were redressed at the moment. While addressing the gatherings at various villages she said the union government had been denying BPL cards to the poor and now with Lok Sabha elections on the anvil, the centre was announcing populous schemes for the poor such as providing free ration just to pocket votes. The Bathinda mp said the Food Security Act of the union government was a carbon copy of the Atta Dal scheme of the SAD-BJP government. She said the Punjab Government was already providing free Atta Dal to all the poor families of the state whereas the Union Government was launching such schemes purely for political gains. Ms Badal said the people of the country were aware of such tricks of the Congress and that they would teach them a lesson in the coming elections. She meanwhile asked the people to report the matter at the Mansa Office in case of any irregularity in spending the funds meant for development works. She said the Punjab Government had been releasing the amount for Old Age Pensions and Shagun Scheme and if any eligible person does not get the amount he could contact the officer of the respective department. ------- Senior SAD – BJP leaders thank Sukhbir Badal for unprecedented development of Amritsar (Anil Joshi says all development works were discussed and approved jointly by the SAD-BJP leadership) (Leaders says they will not allow distractions to come in the way of development of Amritsar)
Chandigarh, September 11 – Senior SAD-BJP leaders from Amritsar today expressed their profound sense of gratitude to Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal for overseeing the process of holistic development of the holy city on the basis of a Rs 2,000 crore master plan. In a joint statement here, the SAD-BJP leaders, including Industries minister Anil Joshi, chief parliamentary secretary Inderbir Singh Bolaria, BJP vice president Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina and senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh said they understood that not only had the government initiated unprecedented development in Amritsar but also the fact that the process had been speeded up with Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal laying the foundation stone for development works worth Rs 25 crore yesterday. “We also understand that projects worth Rs 500 crore will start in the next few months with tenders of various works already being initiated”, the leaders said adding “never earlier has so much been planned and implemented for Amritsar”. The leaders said they were in fact grateful to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal that the government had not allowed any negativity from any quarter to come in the way of its mission to not only make Amritsar a religious–cultural hub but also a world city in its own right”. They said they on their part would not allow any distraction to come in the way of the government’s commitment to develop Amritsar. Meanwhile Industries minister and senior BJP leader Anil Joshi said the SAD-BJP government had fulfilled its commitment to the development of Amritsar during its last five year tenure. “It is because of this that the people voted the SAD-BJP government back to power in 2012”, he said. The minister said he also wanted to put on record the fact that Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal had held regular meetings with the BJP leadership and that all the development works had been discussed and approved jointly by the SAD-BJP leadership. Meanwhile CPS Inderbir Bolaria said development of the holy city would continue, be it the issue of cementing of small streets, to laying down of sewerage or even big ticket projects. He said some projects had got completed while others including beautification of entrances to the city as well as giving a historical façade to the area around the Darbar Sahib would be taken up soon. “The fact that few projects are yet to take off on the ground does not mean development is not taking place as has been voiced in certain quarters”, he said adding the development was an entire process which included planning, arranging finances and execution of works from reputed companies. “As far as I can say the people of the city are also satisfied with the development projects initiated by the SAD-BJP government”, he added. EOM - ASK SONIA TO APOLOGISE FOR ANTI-SIKH NOTIFICIATION IN GUJRAT: SAD CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 11: The Shiromani Akali Dal today asked the PPCC Chief Partap Singh Bajwa to secure an unconditional apology from the UPA Chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi to the people of Punjab for the anti-Sikh and anti-Punjab notification on agricultural lands in Gujarat issued by her party’s government in that state in 1973. The SAD also wanted to know why no Congress leader, including Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa , had ever taken the issue up with Gujarat Government, including those formed by the Congress party, although the problem had been lingering since 1973. In a statement here, senior Akali leader and SAD Secretary General Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said that it was Chief Minister Chiman Bhai Patel of the Congress party’s government in Gujarat who had issued the notification in 1973, denying the ownership rights of agricultural land to Sikhs and Punjabi farmers. This was just a continuation of the policies of the Congress party which could not brook the sight of Sikhs and Punjabis anywhere in the other country. This mindset had led to the tragic climax of 1984 massacre of Sikhs in Delhi and several Congress ruled states in the country. In an uncharacteristic aside, Mr. Mr. Dhindsa took a sharp jibe at the PPCC Chief. “ We all know that when it comes to Gujarat." Mr. Bajwa somehow manages to make news for all the wrong noises. When he went to Gujarat during Captain Amrinder Singh’s regime, he made news of a highly entertaining variety. He was reportedly busy with activities which made excellent and spicy copy for the local and Punjab newspapers. Can he tell us why he did not take up the issue of Punjabi settlers there at that time, or at any time later? The problemhas been there since 1973. Nor has any other Congress leader of Punjab ever taken the issue up either with any Gujarat government, including the Congress governments there, nor with their High Command. Mr. Dhindsa said that the issue today pertained to providing. Against this background, said Mr. Dhindsa, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. parkash Singh Badal first took up the issue with his counterpart in Gujarat, Mr. Narinder Modi, over the telephone. Then at the first available opportunity provided by Mr. Modi’s invitation to Mr. Badal, the latter not only met all the Punjabis agricultural settlers in Gujarat but also took them along to meet Mr. Modi on the sidelines of the Global Agriculture Summit in Gandhinagar on September 9. Mr. Modi then gave a categorical assurance in the presence of global media that no Sikh farmers from Punjab would have to leave Gujarat at any cost. Mr. Modi went even further and said that in case any officer of his government tried to force any Punjabi settler to leave Gujarat, it won’t be the Punjabi settlers but the officer who will have to leave the state. The Gujarat Chief Minister said that Sikhs had come to Gujarat in 1965 “as defenders of Gujarat and the nation and there is no question of their being told to leave. - FATEHGARH SAHIB POLICE BUSTS GANG OF ROBBERS BUSTED – SEVERAL MURDERS, ROBBERIES SOLVED– 10 ARRESTED
Fatehgarh Sahib, September 11: The Fatehgarh Sahib police has busted a gang of inter-district robbers with the arrest of 10 persons and the solving of several blind murder and robbery cases. Disclosing this here today, Mr. Gurmit Singh Chauhan, SSP, Fatehgarh Sahib said the investigations into the gang began as part of investigation of a terrorist module busted by the district police on September 6, 2013 and it was found that several hardcore criminals who had indulged in acts of murder and robberies were motivated to join terrorist modules for selective targeted killings in order to disturb communal peace in the state. He said that the following persons have been arrested by the district police on September 11, 2013 :- 1. Lovejit Singh s/o Surjit Singh r/o Tanda Mari, PS Ghuman, Gurdaspur 2. Avtar Singh s/o Shingara Singh r/o Tanda Mari, PS Ghuman, Gurdaspur 3. Sandeep Singh s/o Mangat Singh r/o Tanda Mari, PS Ghuman, Gurdaspur 4. Mandeep Singh s/o Satnam Singh r/o Tanda Mari, PS Ghuman, Gurdaspur 5. Ajmer Singh s/o Balkar Singh r/o Mari Buchina, PS Sri Hargobindpur 6. Balwan Singh r/o Chack Yakub, PS Khanuwan 7. Satnam Singh s/o Tarlok Singh r/o Tanda Mohalla, PS Kahnuwan 8. Amrik Singh s/o Bhupinder Singh r/o Tanda Mari, PS Ghuman, Gurdaspur 9. Daljit Singh s/o Bakshish Singh r/o Tanda Mari, PS Ghuman, Gurdaspur 10. Lakhbir Singh @ Lakha r/o village Behla,PS Sadar Tarn Taran
The SSP further said that the preliminary questioning of arrested persons has revealed a hardcore gang of criminals indulging in robberies and murder. Rana Partap Singh and his associate Lovepreet Singh Sodhi had murdered one jeweller Madan Lal on March 5, 2013 in the area of PS Bhogpur with the intention of committing robbery. Murder case registered vide FIR No. 36 dated 05-3-2013 u/s 302/34 IPC, 25 Arms Act, PS Bhogpur has been traced, he added. He said that four members of the gang, Rana Partap Singh, Maninderjit Singh @ Manu, Taranjit Singh @ Tinka and Lovejit Singh were involved in a shoot-out on a jeweller in village Dadian, PS Tanda, district Hoshiarpur on the intervening night of 12/13 July, 2013. A case FIR No. 174 dated 13-7-2013 u/s 307 IPC stands registered in PS Tanda in this regard. The criminal gang members were also involved in a robbery at pistol point in Tanda Urmur regarding which FIR No. 130 dated 31-05-2013 u/s 382 IPC stands registered in PS Tanda. Another robbery of gold and cash in village Waddi Miani was committed by the gang on the intervening night of 24/15 June, 2013 regarding which case FIR No. 156 dated 25-6-2013 u/s 382 IPC stands registered in PS Tanda. The gang was involved in a bank dacoity in the area of PS Ghuman regarding which case FIR No. 70 dated 25-7-2013, u/s 392 IPC, 25 Arms Act, PS Ghuman stands registered. The gang was involved in robbery of Rs. 50,000/- from Western Union money exchange located at village Nangal Lubana and case FIR No. 72 dated 18-8-2013 u/s 382 IPC, PS Begowal stands registered in this regard, he further added. He said that the gang was involved in a robbery at the house of Ashok Kumar at village Balladi in district Fatehgarh Sahib regarding which case FIR No. 143 dated 4-9-13 u/s 392 IPC stands registered in PS Fatehgarh Sahib.
He revealed that the preliminary questioning has revealed that the following persons were the ringleaders and main operatives of this gang and had close links with the terrorist module busted by the district police:- 1. Rana Partap Singh (arrested on September 6, 2013) 2. Maninderjit Singh (arrested on September 11, 2013) 3. Tarandip Singh (arrested on September 11, 2013) 4. Sarwan Singh (arrested on September 6, 2013) Further investigations are in progress --------------------- Attempt to revive terrorism in Punjab foiled FATEHGARH SAHIB POLICE ARRESTS 6 MORE MEMBERS OF TERRORIST MODULE
Fatehgarh Sahib, September 11: In the follow-up of the busting of a terrorist module by the Fatehgarh Sahib Police on September 6, 2013 when seven persons were arrested and six weapons recovered, the district police has arrested six more members of the terrorist module, including the ringleader Satnam Singh of Nanded Sahib (arrested from Sangli, Maharashtra). The following are the persons arrested by the district police:- 1. Satnam Singh s/o Bikram Singh r/o Nanded Sahib- arrested from Sangli on September 10, 2013 2. Harvinder Singh s/o Gursewak Singh r/o Jagraon 3. Maninderjit Singh s/o Shingara Singh r/o Tanda Mari, PS Ghuman, district Gurdaspur 4. Tarandeep Singh s/o Satnam Singh r/o Tanda Mari, PS Ghuman, district Gurdaspur 5. Tejinder Singh s/o Tarlochan Singh r/o Sandoli, PS Pehowa, distt. Kaithal, Haryana 6. Bachitar Singh s/o Hardev Singh r/o Pandori Gola, district Tarn Taran
Disclosing this here today , the Fatehgarh Sahib SSP Mr. Gurmit Singh Chauhan disclosed that following-up on the leads received from the arrests made on September 6, 2013 and further investigations in case FIR No. 144 dated 5-9-2013 u/s 153-A, 120-B IPC, 25 Arms Act, PS Fatehgarh Sahib, a police party of district police went to Maharashtra and effected the arrest of module leader Satnam Singh from Sangli with the assistance of Maharashtra police ATS. After his arrest, Satnam Singh has been produced before a Judicial Magistrate and his police remand upto September 18, 2013 has been obtained for further questioning. He further said that other the other five arrests have been effected today on September 11, 2013 on basis of leads developed during the investigation, including the questioning of Satnam Singh. In addition to the six weapons earlier recovered, 3 small weapons and one AK-47 rifle have been recovered from the freshly arrested persons. The total recovery of weapons from this module is now 10 including :-
He revealed that the preliminary questioning of arrested persons and the investigations have revealed a sinister design to revive terrorism in Punjab by foreign-based terrorists who have motivated and financed local modules for undertaking terrorist action with specific targeting of certain leaders, with the aim of disturbing the hard-earned peace in Punjab by fanning communal passions. The primary mode of radicalization of the arrested youth have been the internet and social networking sites like facebook, whatsapp etc.. The foreign-based layer is headed by Germany-based Babbar terrorist Resham Singh and includes operatives based in the UAE, Hong-Kong & Newzealand. The money transfers mostly used Western Union and are being investigated. The targets were selected by the Punjab-based terrorist modules and approved by the foreign-based handlers. The module had expanded and included many hardcore criminal elements involved in murder and robbery also in the terrorist network, he added. He said that the investigations have revealed systematic funding, motivation and support to several terrorist modules through social networking sites, Western Union etc. On August 22, 2013 another terrorist module was busted by the Amritsar police figuring Karandeep Singh @ Harry, Jagdeep Singh and Satbir Singh. An FIR u/s 17, 18, 20, 40 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, 120-B, 153-A IPC, 25 Arms Act has been registered in police station ‘E’ Division, Amritsar and investigations are ongoing. Necessary coordination with the Amritsar Commissionerate Police is also being done in this regard.Further investigations are in progress. - eDISTRICT PUNJAB LISTED IN INDIA’S BEST 2013 PROJECTS FOR IMPROVEMENT IN PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY Chandigarh September 11:- eDistrict Punjab Project has been awarded Skoch Order of Merit Medal for being selected in India’s Best 2013 Projects. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that the award has been given for impact of eDistrict project on improvement of citizen service delivery.The Special secretary and Director, Department of Governance Reforms, Mr. V.N. Zade and Mrs. Tanu Kashyap, Deputy Commissioner SBS Nagar along with representatives from State e-Governance Mission Team (SeMT) recevied the award at New Delhi rcently. It is mentioning here that Skoch Awards recognize individuals, highlight projects and focus institutions that go the extra mile to make India a better nation.Skoch Awards have become the independent benchmark of best practices in India in the fields of governance, finance, banking, technology, corporate citizenship, economics and inclusive growth since 2003. He further said that the award has been given to eDistrict Punjab project for improvement in Public Service Delivery in 2 districts of Kapurthala & SBS Nagar. e-District Project has been envisioned to ensure a faster, simplified, cost effective, timely, convenient and over the counter delivery of services. - FLIGHT OF INDUSTRY DUE TO THE BIAS OF CENTER TOWARDS PUNJAB: JOSHI Chandigarh, September, 11: Mr. Anil Joshi, Industry and Commerce Minister, Punjab today expressed deep anguish over the lackadaisical attitude of the Union Government for paying deaf ears towards the demands of Punjab state. He expressed shock that even Mr Anand Sharma, Union Commerce Minister had also not given him appointment to register the protest of Punjab industry despite the repeated request of the former. Regarding the non conciliatory approach of the center towards Punjab in a statement the Minister said that Punjab had been the worst sufferer of regional economic disparity arising out of preferential treatment to hill states in its vicinity, HP, Uttarakhand and J & K and has seen shifting of industry and investment to these hill states. Some of the Punjab based units have relocated in these tax-exemption areas to receive the benefits. He said that certain concessions have also been restored to these states at the cost of Punjab recently like capital investment & freight subsidy etc. Mr Joshi said that Punjab state was steadily losing to other states in its economic leadership due to non providing of packages by the center for industry, disbanding of freight equalisation policy, non setting up of major public sector industrial projects and its coastal dislocation etc. Mr. Joshi again demanded extension of these benefits to Punjab state for the peace and industrial growth of the state and to stop the discriminating attitude towards state. - BADAL BLASTS CENTER "PLANNED ECONOMIC DEVASTATION OF PUNJAB." ASKS BAJWA TO TURN HIS WRATH TOWARDS UPA FOR “BROAD DAYLIGHT ROBBERY OF PUNJAB”
CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 11- The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today blasted the Congress-led UPA Government’s decision to grant industrial tax concessions to Himcchal Pardesh, Uttrakhand and J&K and keeping Punjab out of the ambit of the package, despite repeated and earnest pleas of the Punjab government. “The UPA Government is clearly working to a plan to inflict economic devastation of the sensitive border state of Punjab through its deliberately ruinous policies. It does not require a great economist to understand that Punjab, as a land-locked state along an active and hostile international border, has a much better claim on the tax concessions being given to its neighboring states. But it has put all economic fundamentals and fiscal prudence to the sword in a single pursuit of its goal to reduce Punjabis to the status of beggars. “ Mr. Badal asked the PPCC Chief Partap Singh Bajwa to conserve some of his lung power to speak against injustice to his state by his own party. “Or is your politics limited to providing a verbal cover-fire for the deadliest assault by the Congress-led government at the center to destroy the economy of your state, root, branch and fruit?” said Mr. Badal. In a statement, the Chief Minister said, “Whenever we raise our voice against such brazen injustice, the Congress leaders in Punjab start blaming us for having a persecution complex. What do they expect Punjabis to feel under persistent and cold-blooded persecution by the center? Mr. Badal will take the issue up at the highest level again soon after his return from the water-logging-ravaged areas in and around Mukatsar district.
“We only demand a level playing ground. We merely ask that we may be allowed to compete on even terms. We seek no favors, even though Punjab deserves a special package because of several historical and geographical factors.” The Chief Minister said no one who understands even the basic principles of economics, justice and fair play can fail to understand the pain from which Punjab’s cries for justice originate. Can anyone at the center or in the Congress party in Punjab give me one good reason why Punjab does not deserve the concessions being given in our neighborhood? And can Mr. Bajwa and a few other loud spokesmen of that party in Punjab explain their sepulchral silence when Punjab is being bled to death?” Mr. Badal said that these concessions to neighboring states had not only stopped the inflow of industrial capital investment in the state but had destroyed even our existing industrial units and resulted in a flight of capital at a disastrous scale. Independent and learned economists have put the scale at nearly Rs. 25, 000 crores in only two major industrial towns of Ludhiana and Mandi Gobindgarh. On a decade long scale, the losses on Punjab by these policies run into more than one lakh crore in the form of flight of capital, direct and indirect revenues and employment dip alone. “Thousands of units across the state had shut down. Industry in Punjab has been deliberately made highly non-competitive to an extent that it can no longer survive.”
BADAL BLAMES CENTRE FOR PLIGHT OF FLOOD VICTIMS UNION GOVERNMENT MUST ADOPT LIBERAL APPROACH TOWARDS FLOOD VICTIMS FLOOD AFFECTED WATER LOGGED AREAS VANISHED ECONOMICALLY MASTER PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS WITHIN A MONTH TOURS FOUR FLOOD AFFECTED VILLAGES OF SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB Harike Kalan (Sri Muktsar Sahib), September 10- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the ignorance of the Congress led UPA government towards the ground realities faced by the sufferers of natural tragedy have further accentuated the woes of the flood victims in the state. Addressing the gathering during his visit to the flood affected water logged areas of the district here today, the Chief Minister said that he had raised the issue of relief and rehabilitation of the victims of flood affected areas with the top brass of the Centre but of no avail. Mr. Badal said that he had personally called on the Union Home Minister Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde for enhancing the relief amount to be disbursed amongst the farmers for their damaged crop. However he said that as the Congress leaders were unaware about the ground situation so they were hardly paying any heed towards their demand due to which the flood victims were being suffering. The Chief Minister said that state government was solidly with the victims of the floods and they want to extend a helping hand to them by giving adequate financial assistance as compensation for their massive loss. However he said that the riders imposed by the Union government barred them from helping the flood victims due to which the situation has further aggrieved. The Union government must adopt liberal approach for duly compensating the flood victims in this hour of crisis, he added. The Chief Minister further said that due to the persistent efforts of the state government the Members of 14th Finance Commission had visited the flood affected regions and now a team of the Planning Commission of India (PCI) would soon come in the area to assess the loss caused due to floods. He said that first hand information regarding the entire damage caused due to floods and hardships faced by people could only be acquired by visiting the areas due to which this team was coming to state. Mr. Badal expressed hope that these teams would certainly help in tackling the menace of water logging in the area which has shattered the economy of the entire region. Assuring the flood victims that no stone would be left unturned for their relief and rehabilitation, the Chief Minister said that the entire master plan regarding the reconstruction of damaged installations and public properties besides measures to tackle water logging in the area would be unveiled within a month. He said that the Headquarters of the key departments involved in this herculean task has been provisionally shifted to Sri Muktsar Sahib so as to ensure the relief works effectively. Mr. Badal said that the state government was minutely examining all the aspects of this grave natural tragedy and immediate action was being taken to give relief to the people besides formulating long term strategy to deal with the problem of water logging. Exhorting the people to play a proactive role in reconstruction of the flood ravaged region, the Chief Minister said that this gigantic task could not be accomplished without their active support and co-operation. He said that survey was being conducted by the state government to assess the damage caused due to floods and the process of reconstructing the roads and other public installations would be started afterwards. On the first day of his visit the Chief Minister toured Khidkianwali, Bhutti Wala, Harike Kalan and Surewala villages. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, Senior Akali leaders Mr Hardeep Singh Dimpi Dhillon and Mr. Sant Singh Brar, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Paramjeet Singh. ----------------------- DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY WILL END SHAM PROPAGANDA –SUKHBIR · NEW LOOK OF AMRITSAR BY 2016 · AMRITSAR TO BE THE 1st SAFE CITY IN THE STATE · FOUNDATION STONE OF MULTI CRORE PROJECTS LAID AMRITSAR MUNICIPAL CORPORATION TO BE CASH SURPLUS IN TWO YEARS Amritsar, September 10: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today said deeds always spoke louder than words and that the self evident development of this holy city would put an end to all false propaganda. The Punjab government has formulated a master plan of Rs. 2000 crore to refurbish the holy city of Amritsar by 2016 and various development projects are being initiated according to the plan envisaged for the city. Stating this here today after paying obeisance at Golden Temple, Mr. Badal said that another set of welfare projects worth Rs. 500 crore towards transforming the walled city, keeping intact its originality, would be in progress. In near future Amritsar will proudly showcase its state of art sports stadiums, flyovers, 100% sewerage renewal, complete rural lighting, BRTS, world class solid waste management system and much more, he said. Mr. Badal proudly announced that Amritsar would be the first safe city of the State, completely equipped with CCTV surveillance and modern age technology. Reviewing the progress of underground plaza being constructed near Golden Temple Complex, Mr. Badal said that the underground plaza would be ready by Diwali this year and all the remaining works would also be completed on priority. The Deputy CM, who paid obeisance at Darbar Sahab and participated in the Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, made this comment during an interaction with newsmen while reviewing progress of underground plaza being constructed near Golden Temple. Mr Sukhbir Badal while replying to questions regarding development raised by the Amritsar mp said he did not need to give any clarification regarding development of Amritsar as the reality was self evident to everybody. "I am absolutely satisfied with the pace at which development works are being conducted in Amritsar and am sure the face of the city itself will be changed once the Rs 2,000 crore master plan is implemented by 2016", he added. Mr Badal said he was working with the mission of transforming the holy city into one of the most beautiful cities of India and would not rest in peace till the transformation is achieved. "In near future Amritsar will proudly showcase its state of art sports stadiums, flyovers, 100% sewerage renewal, complete rural lighting, BRTS, world class solid waste management system and much more", he added. He informed that in the coming two months another set of projects worth Rs. 500 crore would be started people would soon reap the benefits of the projects. He also announced that Amritsar would be the first safe city of the State, completely equipped with CCTV surveillance and modern age technology. He informed that the entry points to the city would be beautified by the construction of specially designed dome shaped gates which would keep in tune with the religious tourism of the city, exude an element of spirituality. The Deputy CM, who was accompanied by Mr Anil Joshi, Cabinet Minister Punjab, Mr. Bakshi Ram Arora, Mayor and BJP leader Mr. Tarun Chug, also laid the foundation stone of multi crore projects including Rs. 12.80 crore project of replacement of decades old water pipes in Katra Sant Singh area of the old city, Rs. 5 crore project of CC Flooring in Katra Ahluwalia Area and Rs. 7.39 crore gateway project for the construction of entrance gate on Amritsar-Jalandhar road. Answering a query pertaining to the economic scenario in Punjab, Mr. Badal said that a wrong impression is being created on this front and the media is being misled. He informed that the status of the economy can be adjudged by the debt to GDP ratio and added that the said ratio was 46% when the alliance took over in its previous tenure and it has now been successfully brought down by the concerted efforts to 32% whereas it is 68% at centre level. He claimed that if any economic crisis in prevailing then it is at the level of Centre Government and not in Punjab. Similarly, refuting all claims he informed that e-trip is successfully running throughout the State since September 1. He also expressed remorse at the recent deaths in Muzaffarnagar and strongly condemned violence. Replying to yet another query pertaining to swapping of Amritsar Parliamentary seat, Mr. Badal said that the decision in this regard rests solely with BJP and in case they decide so and approach Shiromani Akali Dal, its only then that SAD can consider the proposal. Dispelling the doubts pertaining to development of Amritsar via cash starved Municipal Corporation; Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that many changes are on way in the working of Municipal Corporation including complete computerization. He said in the coming two years the Amritsar Municipal Corporation would be transformed into a cash surplus corporation with ample cash flow for all its activities ------ STATE LEVEL TRAINING PROGRAMME BY RTS COMMISSION CONCLUDES Chandigarh, September 10: A two day State Level Training programme organized by the Punjab Right to Service Commission to train the nominated Master Trainers concluded here today. Divulging the details, Dr. Dalbir Singh Verka, Commissioner, Punjab Right to Service Commission said that these master trainers would further make the people aware about this Act at district levels. He said that since it is not possible to cover each and every designated officer and first appellate authorities in the trainings, imparted by the commission, it was necessary to train the Master Trainers for the training to the remaining designated officers and first appellate authorities. “Punjab Right to Service Commission has organized the Master Trainers Training Programme so that the goal of 100% implementation of the Act be achieved and the delivery of notified services under this act be provided with dignity, hassle free and without any kind of corruption, within the time limit to the citizens of Punjab” he added. Dr. Verka further said that under Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011 duties, functions and power of master trainers are, to impart the training to the designated officers, first appellate authority, various employees of suvidha centres, sanjh kendar’s and fard kendar’s in the district, the programme would be organized with the assistance of ADC General/Deputy Commissioners. He said that to update the knowledge regarding Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011, the periodical training camps be organized by the commission for master trainers. He said that The Punjab Government has all set to provide 149 services of 18 different departments under the Act, earlier 69 services of 11 departments had been identified. He informed that Punjab Government was the first state in the country that had constituted the Punjab Right to Service Commission after implementing the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011, with a view to execute this Act in true spirit. On this occasion other members of commission Mr. H.S.Dhillon and Mr. S.M.Sharma were also spoke on the occasion. - WAITING LIST STAFF NURSES GETS LAST CHANCE TO JOIN DUTY REMAINING 23 STAFF NURSES ASKED TO JOIN DUTY BY 20 SEPTEMBER Chandigarh, September10: Punjab Health department has decided to provide one more chance tostaff nurses from the waiting list, names of candidates selected in different categories has been put on the website. Disclosing this Official Spokesperson of the Health Department said that 101 nurses were selected from the waiting list but still 23 selected candidates from the waiting list have not ]reported on duty. Therefore Health Department has given another chance to these candidates to report on duty by 20th September, 2013. He added that list of these candidates is available on the official website of the departmentwww.pbhealth.gov.in. Spokesperson said that the Health Department has recruited 595 staff nurses in the health department out of which only 23 selected candidates are left who didn’t join the duty. He added that the candidates who have not joined the duty have been provided last chance to join the duty after that their selection would be considered as cancelled. Spokesperson said that the Health Department has asked the selected candidates from the waiting list to get their medical test done and report to the Director Health Services, Punjab by 20th September, 2013. Appointment letters to the newly selected candidates would be handed soon. - SUKHBIR BADAL CONDEMNS THE MISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED ABOUT FISCAL HEALTH OF PUNJAB UPA LED CONGRESS IN GRIP OF SEVERE FINANCIAL CRISIS----SUKHBIR BADAL Chandigarh September 9: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab has put a stop on the ongoing debate about the so called ailing fiscal health of Punjab after putting forward a detailed comparative presentation of 6 years of Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP government led by S. Parkash Singh Badal with the Congress government headed by Capt Amarinder Singh till 2007. Addressing a press conference here today, the Deputy Chief Minister said that instead of blaming the Punjab government of having ill fiscal health, the Congress led UPA government in India was under severe financial crisis and burdened with huge budgetary deficit which needs immediate attention. He categorically said that there was no financial crunch in the state as has been frequently reported in media by the anti Punjab elements. Mr Badal asserted that productive utilization of debt was not bad always and essential for growth as no business, country and state could survive without loan. He firmly said that Punjab Government had never defaulted in the last 7 years on payment of salaries, pensions, principal repayment, employee arrears etc. He said that Punjab was working in an absolute focused approach to usher in an era of administrative reforms besides upgrading the infrastructure of the state including Power, Roads, Education, Civil Aviation sectors to induce investors to invest heavily in the state. He said that industrial growth in Punjab had suffered tremendously during the previous congress government on infrastructural development. The SAD-BJP government had promised to correct this structural imbalance in the economy of the state and rapid development of infrastructure during last term has already stated showing its results. Reiterating his resolve to bring Punjab back on the track of development and progress, Mr. Badal said that he had fulfilled his dream to make Punjab number one state on development index and was fully satisfied that the state was able to provide a big push to development despite step motherly policies adopted by Congress led UPA Government in allocation of central funds since last 6 years. He added that the Punjab excelled in investment implementation of Rs. 2 lacs crore which was 79% in last two years as per ASSOCHAM report and Punjab ranks at number 3 where as all India average was 57% in this regard. Comparing the economic development he said that true to the resolution of the Punjab government we have made Punjab as the first power surplus state of the County to put Punjab in the higher orbit of development index. The state has suffered enough at the hands of Congress led UPA at the centre and was given step motherly treatment by creating undue hindrances delaying or at times scuttling the projects of the state envisaged for the welfare of the people of Punjab. He added that during the year 2007 Punjab was producing 6200MW power in which not a single MW power generation capacity was added by previous Congress government but by the end of this year all three thermal plants having capacity of 540 MW at Goindwal Sahib, 1400 MW Rajpura and 2640 MW Talwani Sabo would start generating power. On the other hand 500MW Gas based Power Plant at Rajpura, 1000MW Gas based Power Plant at Ropar, 1320MW Mukerian Thermal Project were also under construction. He also informed that Punjab has achieved much better results in development against fixed target during 11th plan (2007-12). The target was set on 5.9% by Planning Commission of India and Punjab has registered 6.73% growth rate even after the economic depression all across the globe. Per capita income in Punjab was Rs. 78,594 during 2011-12 whereas in 2012-13 it roses to Rs. 89,345 with an increase of 13.68%. On the national front in 2011-12 it was Rs. 61,564 which increased to 68747 in 2012-13 with an increase of 11.67 percent, much behind Punjab. Mr Badal condemned the deliberated misinformation campaign launched by a handful of people with vested interests about the fiscal health of Punjab. The reality was that debt to GSDP ratio decreased to 31.5 % from 43 % in 2012, he explained. Talking about Road infrastructure which is said to be the back bone of development, he said that keeping in view the importance of this, SAD-BJP is working hard to connect all cities and towns of the state with the network of 4/6 lane roads and all major towns of Punjab would be connected with 4-6 lanes in next 3 years with 11200 crore. - TAIWANESE DELEGATION CALLS ON SUKHBIR BADAL · INVITES TO SET UP INTEGRATED TAIWANESE TOWNSHIP Chandigarh September 9- Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today invited the Taiwanese delegation to establish an integrated Taiwanese township in the state. Interacting with the Taiwan delegation led by Mr Philip Wen-Chyi, Senior Advisor CTBC Bank Co. Ltd and former ambassador to India Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government would set up two Mega food processing parks at Sirhind and Fazilka. He also said that Food processing sector has the biggest scope for expansion and keeping in view the Punjab Government has announced New Agro Industrial Policy 2013 in which massive incentives has been announced for the projects worth Rs 1 crore to 100 crore. The Deputy Chief Minister further said that it was for the first time in the country that any state has given VAT and CST exemption up to 90 %, whereas there would be no property tax, stamp duty on the land used for these units. There would be full incentives on electricity duty for 10 years, he added. Referring to the upcoming IT growth in the state, Mr. Badal said that Mohali and Amritsar have been identified for hardware manufacturing hubs in IT sector. Besides this convention and exhibition centre would also be set up at Mohali. He added that Punjab state is considered as the most preferred investment destination in the country and lucrative investor-friendly investment policies of Punjab Government would help the prospective industrialists and investors to invest in Punjab. Presenting the progressive data of overall development of Punjab state during the meeting, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister said that the state government would provide all possible assistance and cooperation for Taiwanese investors in setting up joint ventures especially in food processing as Punjab had a strong agriculture base being pre-dominantly an agrarian state. The Deputy Chief Minister said that India is on the take off stage and it has the biggest market in world, which was the basic need of MNCs to invest. He further said that nearly 50 crore middle class of India has a great purchasing power which would ensure the successes of investors in the country. Besides that Punjab has the highest per capita income, it has also the highest consumer index, the deputy Chief Minister added. Seeking the technical help from Taiwan, Mr Badal said that Punjab being a grain bowl of country, it contributes 60 % of food grain in the national kitty, whereas it has only 2% geographical area of the Nation. Calling upon the delegation to join hands, Mr Badal said that hard work of Punjabi farmers and technology of Taiwan could bring another revolution in the agriculture and agro based product production. The Deputy Chief Minister said that Punjab is all set to give a new look to its metro cities with Rs 10,000 crore in next 3 years. To interact directly with the investors of the whole world, Mr Badal has also announced to organize investors summit-2013 in next month. Taking part in the deliberations, Taiwan delegation chief Mr Philip Wen-Chyi, Senior Advisor CTBC Bank Co. Ltd said that it was the first time that such a big delegation of giant companies from Taiwan has come to any Indian state for investment purposes. Counting some basic similarities between Punjab and Taiwan, Mr Philip said that both has equal area and if Punjab has earned the fame in Agriculture production, then Taiwan has led the world with Technical advancement. He said that mainly Taiwan companies investing in the China and ASEAN countries, but now they have turned their focus to India, especially Punjab. He said that our main target for investment is Agriculture and Food Processing. Earlier Food and Civil Supply Minister of Punjab, Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon has impressed upon the delegation to invest in cold chain as Punjab has taken a giant leap in the production of basmati and vegetables, which needs to be stored for export. Silos of 50,000 tonne capacity would be required for storage of food grains. Besides that Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa and Industry Minister Punjab Mr. Anil Joshi, Chief Secretary Mr Rakesh Singh has also addressed the delegation. A detailed presentation about Punjab was also given by Principal Secretary of Industry Mr Karan Avtar Singh. -------------- CM RAISES ISSUE OF SIKH FARMERS IN GUJARAT WITH MODI MODI ASSURES CM THAT NO PUNJABI FARMER WOULD BE DISPLACED FROM GUJARAT LAUDS ROLE OF PUNJABIS IN SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF GUJARAT Gandhinagar/ Chandigarh, September 9- Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi today assured his Punjab counterpart Mr. Parkash Singh Badal that no Punjabi or Sikh farmer from Kutch region would be displaced from Gujarat at any cost. An assurance to this effect was given by the Gujarat Chief Minister to Mr. Badal, who came here especially to participate in the inaugural session of the three day ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Agriculture Summit- 2013’, in a specially convened Panchayat meeting of the Punjabi farmers from Kutch region in the presence of Chief Minister, this evening. Mr. Modi further said that in 1973 a Congress government of Gujarat had issued a circular that if any agriculturist from outside would purchase agricultural land in that state, he would be declared a non-agriculturist adding that the crisis faced by Punjabi farmers was totally based on this circular issued by the Congress government. However he bemoaned that some people were trying to malign the image of Gujarat Government by spreading canards that his government has adopted a discriminatory attitude towards the Sikh farmers from Punjab tilling land in Kutch. The Gujarat Chief Minister assured Mr. Badal that although the issue was sub-judice but his government was committed to safeguard the interests of Sikh farmers in Kutch region adding that there was no question of their eviction from Gujarat. Lauding the role played by Punjabis in socio-economic development of Gujarat, Mr. Modi said that nearly 50,000 Sikhs had lived peacefully in Gujarat since centuries thereby intermingling with other communities and playing a proactive role in state’s development. He cautioned that any officer of Gujarat government compelling the farmers to leave the state should understand clearly that in such case he would have to leave Gujarat. Mr. Modi apprised the Chief Minister that out of 784 families settled in Kutch 245 belonged to Punjab, 88 from Gujarat and 451 from other states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. He reiterated his stand that the Gujarat Government would protect their rights to live peacefully and earn their livelihood with dignity. ------------------------ BADAL ANNOUNCES TO HOST NEXT GLOBAL SUMMIT ON AGRICULTURE IN PUNJAB · SEEKS STATUTORY STATUS FOR CACP · LAUDS MODI FOR TAKING THIS UNIQUE INITIATIVE · EMPHASIZES ON INTER-STATE COLLABORATION AMONGST INDUSTRIES AND ENTREPRENEURS IN AGRI-BUSINESS · BLAME GOI’s ANTI-FARMERS POLICIES FOR SLOWDOWN IN AGRICULTURE · SEEKS PACKAGE OF RS.5000 CR. FOR THE GREEN REVOLUTION STATES FOR DIVERSIFICATION OF AGRICULTURE · PLEADS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF DR. SWAMINATHAN FORMULA · ASKS GOI TO INVEST HEAVILY IN RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT IN AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SECTORS Gandhinagar/Chandigarh, September 9 The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to host the next ‘Global Summit on Agriculture’ in Punjab during February, 2014. Mr. Badal demanded that the Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP) should be declared as statutory authority to enable it to function with full autonomy for making recommendations with regard to hike in the MSP of various crops so that the farmers could get remunerative prices of their produce. At present, the CACP was merely a recommendatory authority which was working under the direct influence of Ministry of Agriculture, GoI and the final say for the fixation of MSP lies with the GoI on the further recommendations of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. Addressing the delegates, progressive farmers, agriculture scientists and experts from across the world on the inaugural session of three-day Global Summit on Agriculture at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, the Chief Minister lauded the efforts of his counterpart in Gujarat Mr. Narendra Modi for organizing this global summit on agriculture to highlight and find tangible solutions to the problems of farmers and agriculture in the country. He said it is indeed a very noble initiative for which Mr. Modi deserved all applause for this. Mr. Badal said that agriculture was the oldest source of livelihood in the world as majority of the population in the developing countries and sizeable chunk of the poor throughout the world depend on agriculture. In India also 53% of the population was still dependant on agriculture. He appreciated the Indian Farmers have an impressive long-term record of taking the country out of serious food shortages despite rapid population increase. This was achieved through the farmers' hard work and sacrifices. Underlining the need to encourage the Inter-State collaboration amongst the Industries and entrepreneurs in agri-business, Mr. Badal believed that there should also be an inter-state collaboration for the promotion of agriculture development in the country. He said our government has introduced a new investment promotion policy and therefore he invited all the entrepreneurs and farmers to make huge investments in Punjab. He assured of all possible help and support on behalf of the Punjab Government, to the interested entrepreneurs looking for lucrative opportunities in the agro-processing industry. Highly appreciating this summit, Mr. Badal said he would not only be eagerly waiting to receive the recommendations of the summit but also follow-up them meticulously. He said the summit would prove to be a milestone in setting up new parameters for the farmers to maximize their profits by adopting emerging farm practices on scientific lines adding he hoped this platform would offer some concrete solutions to the problems confronted by our farmers in order to improve their economic lot. He said such a forum must encourage inter-state exchange of farmers, experts, agriculture scientists, agriculture extension workers for better understanding and sharing of experience in the latest practices and innovations in farming. Mr. Badal said that he represented a State, which was known as the ‘Granary of India’ with just 1.5% of the total area of the country, it provides about 50% of food grains procured by Government of India to ensure food security. He said that Punjab’s farmers have a record of pulling the country out of the era of food shortages. But in the process, they have sacrificed their vital natural resources: water and soil fertility, which resulted in the reduction of their farm income substantially. He pointed out consequently; the agriculture crisis in Punjab was very acute. He mentioned our farmers were under heavy debt of Rs.30, 000 Crore, every farming family on an average was under a debt of Rs.2.71 lac. Thus, we needed major investments in diversification and had already asked for a package of Rs.5000 Cr. for the green revolution states from GoI , but it has provided only Rs.500 Cr. which is too little and insufficient. Dwelling on the agriculture crisis in the country, Mr. Badal said that the farmers were grappling with serious crisis which was becoming more and more grave with each passing day. He attributed growth in agriculture not keeping pace with other sectors of economy as a major factor. He said earlier the share of agriculture in the national income was 60% with the same percentage of population dependant on it. Now, the share has declined to 13.7% whereas the dependant population continues to be nearly the same. Thus, the increase in the national income has bypassed the farmer. He further said that the small and marginal farmers who comprise 83% of the total farmers were the hardest hit by this crisis. Mr. Badal bemoaned with declining incomes of farmers, the debts of the farmers were on rise consistently compelling farmers to commit suicides. Putting on record, Mr. Badal said that of 2,71,000 suicides reported in the country till 2011, 4700 farmers and agricultural labourers have committed suicides in Punjab. Citing the main cause for agricultural crisis as the anti-farmer policies of the Government of India, Mr. Badal said that though agriculture was the State subject but all major policies and decisions on agriculture were governed by Centre including the determination of prices of major inputs and agricultural produce. Mr. Badal lamented that while the input prices have been surging regularly, the market price for agriculture crops have not risen proportionately. As a result, the gap between the farmers input cost and income has been rising continuously, rendering most of the farmers poor. The Chief Minister said that there were worldwide upswing agricultural subsidies to sustain agriculture but the case was just opposite in India. The States which give input subsidies to the farmers were severely condemned for their pro-farmer policies. There was a wide gap between the cost of production and the income of the farmers. Today 83% of the farmers own up to 5 acres only. The GoI has not made adequate investments in agricultural research and development and mechanization. Diversification, said Mr. Badal was the major need of the hour, has not received the necessary government support, specially the progressive states. Agro-industries, including fruit, vegetables and food processing, have not been developed to create better markets and value additions. Putting forth a slew of suggestions during the deliberations in the summit, Mr. Badal said that the lopsided policies of GoI should be changed to ensure profitable level of income to the farmers. The farmers should be given greater input subsidy and support for agriculture infrastructure development and mechanization. Remunerative market prices should be given not only for wheat and paddy but also for other crops. The first step towards this was the acceptance of the Dr. Swaminathan formula of fixing MSP which covers cost of production plus a margin of 50% to the farmers. As further growth in agriculture would be possible only with new technology, the Government of India should invest heavily in Research and Development in agriculture and allied sectors, added Mr. Badal. Earlier, the Chief Minister also visited the various stalls at the exhibition put up by the organizers of summit and interacted with the progressive farmers from different states and abroad besides he also evinced keen interest in the latest agriculture machinery and farm equipments displayed there. The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor on Media and National Affairs Mr. Harcharan Bains, Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar and Director Agriculture Dr. Mangal Singh Sandhu. -------------
· HIGHLIGHTS PUNJAB CONGRESS MINISTERS’ ANTI STATE APPROACH · EXHORTS ELECTED RURAL REPRESENTATIVES TO COME FORWARD FOR OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR AREAS Kapurthala, September 9: Punjab Revenue and Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today said that Congress has taken country to the brink of financial disaster and it was also a high time for President’s intervention to declare financial emergency in the country. Presiding over a function organised for the installation ceremony of newly elected Zila Parishad Chairman Yuvraj Bhupinder Singh, Mr. Majithia pointed out that the present Congress led UPA government has put the country in a hopeless situation by its wrong and anti-people policies. He said that its all policies were tailor made to suit the few individuals like Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her coterie rather the welfare of common masses. He said that during Prime Minister Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee led NDA regime the growth rate of country touched 8 percent but now despite with the 'world renowned' economists at whelm of affairs, our country has plunged to just 3 percent. He said that after unleashing unprecedented inflation now it has ruined the overall economy of the country with rapid fall of rupee. He said that after analyzing the clear public mood of dumping this most in-efficient and corrupt government of the independent India, the Congress led UPA was hell bent upon to sell the country for its top brass’s vested interests. Taking to the task to PPCC President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa and Congress Ministers from Punjab in UPA government, Mr. Majithia dared them to show a single project, which they have got sanctioned for Punjab and accused them of playing destructive role. He asked Union I & B Minister Mr. Manish Tiwari that which industrial package he has got approved for Ludhiana and said that what Union Minister of state for Health Mrs. Santosh Chaudhary has done for Punjab except making hue and cry over Chief Minister’s picture at 108 Ambulance service. He said that Congress MPs have also failed in their duty to raise issues concerning state in Parliament. Talking about the Food Security Bill Mr. Majithia said that Mr. Parkash Singh Badal had launched the Atta-Dal Scheme for the people of Punjab immediately after the formation of Akali-BJP government in the state and Congress leaders always criticised it at every platform. He said that now Congress led UPA Government was trying to copy this scheme in the name of food security bill. He added that intentions of Congress were not clear as bill of food security was being presented as a formality as it has no time to implement it. Mr. Majithia said that people were fully aware of corrupt practises of congress and they would teach them lesson in the coming elections. Congratulating Yuvraj Bhupinder Singh on his unanimous election as Chairman, Zila Parishad, Kapurthala , Mr. Majithia exhorted the newly elected representative to become an agent of change to accomplish the development works of your respective areas and serve the rural population diligently. He said that the youngsters have a definite role to play an important role for the overall development of their respective villages leaving behind the petty politics to make Punjab a No.1 State in the country. He said that the SAD-BJP government believes villages as engine of rural growth and their overall development was must to ensure the overall growth of the state. Keeping this thing in mind our government has finalized an over Rs. 10000 crore rural development plan to cover each village in a phased manner for total development of the village in one go, he added. He informed that the development plan of villages would envisage concrete sub lanes, 100% water and sewerage connectivity, sewerage disposal and solid waste disposal plans besides relining of ponds of the villages. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister said that modern Zila Parishad Complexes would be constructed throughout the state. He also laid the foundation stone of Rs. 4 crore Zila Parishad Complex, Kapurthala on the occasion. Bibi Jagir Kaur, MLA, Bibi Upinderjit Kaur, former Finace Minister, Mr. Som Parkash, Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Mr. Sarabjit Singh Makkar, Chairman, District Planning Committee also spoke on the occasion. - PRINCIPAL CORRESPONDENT OF ECONOMIC TIMES GULVEEN AULAKH BEREAVED · CM MOURNS DEATH OF HER FATHER PRITPAL SINGH AULAKH Chandigarh, September 9- The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Prithpal Singh Aulakh (58), the father of New Delhi based Principal Correspondent of Economic Times Ms. Gulveen Aulakh, who passed away here after a brief illness yesterday. He survived by his wife, a daughter and a son. Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family members, friends and relatives, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give eternal peace to the departed soul and give courage to them for bearing this huge loss in this hour of crisis. - SUKHBIR BADAL CONDOLES PRITPAL SINGH’s DEMISE Chandigarh, September 9: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister condoled the demise of Mr. Pritpal Singh Aulakh (58), father of Ms. Gulveen Aulakh, Principal Correspondent, The Economic Times, Delhi, who passed away yesterday. Expressing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of bereaved family, Mr. Badal prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss. Meanwhile Mr Bikram Singh Majithia Revenue and Rehabilitation, Information and Public Relations and NRIs Affairs Minister Punjab also condoled the sad demise of Mr. Pritpal Singh Aulakh and prayed to Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family, friends and relatives to bear this huge loss in this hour of grief. - RENOWNED CONSULTANCIES TO SCRUTINIZE PROPERTY REGISTRATIONS IN 12 TEHSILS- MAJITHIA v PUNJAB TO PROVIDE WORLD CLASS FACILITIES AT ALL SUB-REGISTRAR OFFICES v MAJITHIA INAUGURATES RS. 5.25 CRORE ULTRA MODERN REVENUE BUILDINGS AT JALANDHAR, ADAMPUR AND BHOGPUR Jalandhar, September 9: The Punjab Revenue department has hired two world renowned consultancies namely Price Waterhouse Coopers and KPMG to scrutinize the documents regarding property registrations in 12 tehsils in last one year to ascertain whether these were registered as per prescribed norms of the state government. Disclosing this here today during an interaction with media persons, the Punjab Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said that this initiative was aimed to ensure total transparency in the revenue department working and categorically said that in case of any wrong doing concerned officer/official would have to face the music. He informed that about 1.5 lac property registrations would be scrutinized in this process. He said that the department was exploring the possibility of automating revenue system to bring more efficiency. He said that Integrated Computerization and Registration of Documents project (RoD) has already been started in Mohali, Jalandhar and Nakodar. He further said that a new direct system of agri-loans was being introduced in which a farmer would directly get loan from the bank and bank authorities would write to Revenue department to make entries of loan against mortgaged property in revenue records. Earlier, they have to approach revenue department first before moving for loan. Reiterating his commitment to weed out corruption in Revenue department, Mr. Majithia revealed that 10 Naib Tehsildar and 5 Tehsildars have been suspended in last one year while three officers have been dismissed from service. Later addressing the gathering after inaugurating Sub-Registrars office, Mr. Majithia said that the SAD-BJP Government has led the nation by implementing a unique ‘Right to Service Act’ with an aim to curb the red-tapism and harassment of general public in government offices besides making the bureaucracy accountable to provide all government services in a time bound manner. He pointed out that the setting up of 114 Suwidha Kendras (36 services), 161 Computerized Fard Kendras (providing fards in just 10 minutes) and 146 Saanjh Kendras delivering 25 services has changed the public perception about the functioning of various key departments extending valuable services in the state. He further said that with operationalization of 161 computerized fard kendras covering 12683 villages out of 13001 total villages of the state, the landowners were now just a click away from their land records. He informed that these fard kendras have been providing on an average 2.35 lac fards per month and the remaining 6 fard kendras would be soon set up at newly created 6 sub tehsils. He said that as per the requirement the number of Sub-Registrar office would be enhanced in major cities like Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala, Bathinda and Mohali and he was fully committed to provide world class infrastructure and facilities at registration offices to ensure comfort of the visitors as this department was the major source of revenue generation in the state. The Revenue Minister said that till date 13 District Administrative Complexes namely Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Patiala, Roopnagar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, SBS Nagar, Mansa, Sangrur, Bathinda, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga and Faridkot housing all government departments in multi-storey buildings have been set up in the state and 15 SDM complexes were being constructed at the cost of Rs. 44 crores. Earlier, Mr. Majithia inaugurated Rs. 3.50 crore ultra modern building housing Sub-registrars, Jalandhar 1 & 2 offices along with Patwar work stations having 4 public counters, an air-conditioned hall having seating capacity for 400 people and 62 cabins for Patwaris. He also inaugurated Rs. 85 lac Sub-Tehsil office and Patwar work station, Bhogpur and Rs. 90 lac Sub-Tehsil office and Patwar work station, Adampur. Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. Chuni Lal Bhagat, Local Bodies Minister, Mr. Pawan Kumar Tinu and Mr. KD Bhandari, both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Mr. Pargat Singh, MLA and Mr. Sunil Jyoti, Mayor, Jalandhar. - PUNJAB TO DELIVER 149 SERVICES UNDER RIGHT TO SERVICE ACT SPECIAL CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED FOR RTS AWARENESS CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 09: The Punjab Government has all set to provide 149 services of 18 different departments under the Punjab Right to Service Act. Disclosing this here in the press conference held in MGSIPA Complex today, Chief Commissioner Punjab Right to Service Commission, Mr. S.C.Agrawal said that earlier 69 services of 11 departments had been identified under this Act, whereas 80 more services has been included by the department Governance Reforms recently to facilitate the general public. He further mentioned that Punjab Right to Service Act had been enacted with sole aim to provide hassle free service to the public in a stipulated time. Mr. Agrawal was addressing the media persons on the side line of a two day Training programme organised by the Commission to train the nominated Master Trainers which would further make the people aware about this Act at district levels. He informed that Punjab Government was the first state government in the country that had constituted the Punjab Right to Service Commission after implementing the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011, with a view to execute this Act in true spirit. Mr. S M Sharma, Commissioner, Dr. Dalbir Singh Verka, Commissioner , Mr. Iqbal Singh Sidhu, Commissioner and Mr. H S Dhillon, Commissioner and Mr. Jaspal Mittal, Secretary were also present in the press conference. Earlier, in the first session of training programme, Dr. Dalbir Singh Verka addressed the master trainers on the Right To Service Act,2011 & its provisions , Duties & responsibilities and powers of the Master Trainers. These master trainers were directed to organize training camp in their respective district fortnightly under the guidance of ADC(G) and DC to educate the DO’s, 1st Appellate Authorities and General Public. Mr. S M Sharma emphasized on the monitoring of delivery of services through Information Technology. He also explained the monitoring system for the services under Punjab Right To Service Act, 2011 and delivery of services on stipulated time. The Commission has organised many training programmes to highlight the initiatives taken by the state Government and to ensure the effective compliance of this Act in the field of e-Governance. This two-day training programme was also the part of the efforts of the Commission, under which training Programme for Master Trainer's nominated by the Deputy Commissioners and Home Department has been scheduled. Commission is also monitoring the monthly MIS Reports of service delivered under RTS, uploaded by the Deputy Commissioners and Departments of Home Affairs on the Google drive. The appeals under Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011 at the level of 1st Appellate Authority and 2nd Appellate Authority are also being monitored. In case of delay and pendency, the concerned officers are directed to explain the reasons and to deliver the services as soon as possible. In the last session of interaction, it was told that upto the month of July 2013, as many as 1,21,03,739 persons have availed services in various districts under Punjab Right to Service Act. Moreover, 90 Suo-Moto action cases have been initiated besides, 157 complaints those were not covered under Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011 have also been disposed off. As many as 718 appeals were filed First Appellate Authority and 678 were disposed off whereas, 9 appeals were filed before the Second Appellate Authority and 7 has been disposed off and all 11 Revision petitions received have also been disposed off. In the interaction session, Mr. S M Sharma, Dr. Dalbir Singh Verka, Mr Iqbal Singh Sidhu, Mr. H S Dhillon answered the queries of the Master Trainers on various aspects of the Act and Notified Services. - PUNJAB CONSTITUTE COMMITTEE TO UTILIZE IDLE LANDHOLDING OF IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 9: The Punjab government has initiated the process to utilize the unused immovable property for the development work, in this direction a committee has been constituted to assess the average cost of the unused and idle landholding (Strips of Canal) belonging to the irrigation department in Punjab, so as to finance the irrigation projects. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab government said that the financial commissioner revenue would be the chairman of the committee whereas principal secretary finance or his representative, principal secretary irrigation and secretary housing and urban development have been inducted in the committee as members. Deputy commissioner/district collector SAS Nagar would be the secretary of this committee. ------------ COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED 'PUNJAB DAY CELEBRATION' CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 09: Punjab Government has constituted a Committee for Punjab Day Celebration for the International Trade Fair 2013 (IITF-2013) to be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 14th to 27th November, 2013 under the Chairmanship of Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce. While disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab Government said that Managing Director, PSIEC and Director Public Relations Punjab would be member of the Committee whereas the Administrator, Punjab Pavilion would be its Convener. He further said that the committee would finalize the main Artist for Punjab Day Celebration and settle fee. The Comittee would also finalize programme for cultural activities daily in Punjab Pavilion and other arrangements. -\ PSEB IDENTIFIES 29 BOGUS CERTIFICATES Chandigarh September 9:- The Punjab School Education Board has found 29 bogus certificates out of the total 3443 received for verification sent by various institutions/departments. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that it is a very alarming that a large number of 29 certificates were found bogus by the board since April 2013. He further said that all the educational institutions and the departments would get the certificates verified from the concerned boards and universities at the earliest and in the case of bogus certificate appropriate action would be taken against the concerned person. -
Chandigarh September 9:- Punjab Government has launched a massive anti cheating campaign across the state. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that during this a three staged campaign rallies seminars and exhibitions were being organized in various districts with the participation of students. Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka had launched this campaign on August 27, 2013 at Bathinda that would cover the entire state till December. Spokesman informed that a scheduled programme of rallies and other activities had been chalked out. According to which anti cheating campaign rallies would be organized at Tarn Taran on Sept. 10, Moga on Sept. 12, Jalandhar on Sept 19, Kapurthala on Sept. 20, Fazilka on Sept. 24, Ropar on Sept. 26 and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib on Sept. 30, 2013. Likewise the programme for the remaining districts would also be announced soon. Before conducting a seminar large number of students displaying anti cheating slogan boards in their hands and walked through the streets. During the seminar lectures would be conducted by the resource persons. To encourage the students, three prizes would also be given for the best three slogans. The participation of the parents of the students would also be ensured during these activities. In the third phase of this campaign exhibition would be followed by the seminars, displaying posters, slogans and other related material to motivate the students to shun the practice of cheating in the examinations. The spokesman also informed that the public was giving good response to this campaign. All the state and district education offices were taking part in these activities through enthusiastically. - - BADAL ANNOUNCES TO HOST NEXT GLOBAL SUMMIT ON AGRICULTURE IN PUNJAB · SEEKS STATUTORY STATUS FOR CACP · LAUDS MODI FOR TAKING THIS UNIQUE INITIATIVE · EMPHASIZES ON INTER-STATE COLLABORATION AMONGST INDUSTRIES AND ENTREPRENEURS IN AGRI-BUSINESS · BLAME GOI’s ANTI-FARMERS POLICIES FOR SLOWDOWN IN AGRICULTURE · SEEKS PACKAGE OF RS.5000 CR. FOR THE GREEN REVOLUTION STATES FOR DIVERSIFICATION OF AGRICULTURE · PLEADS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF DR. SWAMINATHAN FORMULA · ASKS GOI TO INVEST HEAVILY IN RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT IN AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SECTORS Gandhinagar/Chandigarh, September 9 The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to host the next ‘Global Summit on Agriculture’ in Punjab during February, 2014. Mr. Badal demanded that the Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP) should be declared as statutory authority to enable it to function with full autonomy for making recommendations with regard to hike in the MSP of various crops so that the farmers could get remunerative prices of their produce. At present, the CACP was merely a recommendatory authority which was working under the direct influence of Ministry of Agriculture, GoI and the final say for the fixation of MSP lies with the GoI on the further recommendations of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. Addressing the delegates, progressive farmers, agriculture scientists and experts from across the world on the inaugural session of three-day Global Summit on Agriculture at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, the Chief Minister lauded the efforts of his counterpart in Gujarat Mr. Narendra Modi for organizing this global summit on agriculture to highlight and find tangible solutions to the problems of farmers and agriculture in the country. He said it is indeed a very noble initiative for which Mr. Modi deserved all applause for this. Mr. Badal said that agriculture was the oldest source of livelihood in the world as majority of the population in the developing countries and sizeable chunk of the poor throughout the world depend on agriculture. In India also 53% of the population was still dependant on agriculture. He appreciated the Indian Farmers have an impressive long-term record of taking the country out of serious food shortages despite rapid population increase. This was achieved through the farmers' hard work and sacrifices. Underlining the need to encourage the Inter-State collaboration amongst the Industries and entrepreneurs in agri-business, Mr. Badal believed that there should also be an inter-state collaboration for the promotion of agriculture development in the country. He said our government has introduced a new investment promotion policy and therefore he invited all the entrepreneurs and farmers to make huge investments in Punjab. He assured of all possible help and support on behalf of the Punjab Government, to the interested entrepreneurs looking for lucrative opportunities in the agro-processing industry. Highly appreciating this summit, Mr. Badal said he would not only be eagerly waiting to receive the recommendations of the summit but also follow-up them meticulously. He said the summit would prove to be a milestone in setting up new parameters for the farmers to maximize their profits by adopting emerging farm practices on scientific lines adding he hoped this platform would offer some concrete solutions to the problems confronted by our farmers in order to improve their economic lot. He said such a forum must encourage inter-state exchange of farmers, experts, agriculture scientists, agriculture extension workers for better understanding and sharing of experience in the latest practices and innovations in farming. Mr. Badal said that he represented a State, which was known as the ‘Granary of India’ with just 1.5% of the total area of the country, it provides about 50% of food grains procured by Government of India to ensure food security. He said that Punjab’s farmers have a record of pulling the country out of the era of food shortages. But in the process, they have sacrificed their vital natural resources: water and soil fertility, which resulted in the reduction of their farm income substantially. He pointed out consequently; the agriculture crisis in Punjab was very acute. He mentioned our farmers were under heavy debt of Rs.30, 000 Crore, every farming family on an average was under a debt of Rs.2.71 lac. Thus, we needed major investments in diversification and had already asked for a package of Rs.5000 Cr. for the green revolution states from GoI , but it has provided only Rs.500 Cr. which is too little and insufficient. Dwelling on the agriculture crisis in the country, Mr. Badal said that the farmers were grappling with serious crisis which was becoming more and more grave with each passing day. He attributed growth in agriculture not keeping pace with other sectors of economy as a major factor. He said earlier the share of agriculture in the national income was 60% with the same percentage of population dependant on it. Now, the share has declined to 13.7% whereas the dependant population continues to be nearly the same. Thus, the increase in the national income has bypassed the farmer. He further said that the small and marginal farmers who comprise 83% of the total farmers were the hardest hit by this crisis. Mr. Badal bemoaned with declining incomes of farmers, the debts of the farmers were on rise consistently compelling farmers to commit suicides. Putting on record, Mr. Badal said that of 2,71,000 suicides reported in the country till 2011, 4700 farmers and agricultural labourers have committed suicides in Punjab. Citing the main cause for agricultural crisis as the anti-farmer policies of the Government of India, Mr. Badal said that though agriculture was the State subject but all major policies and decisions on agriculture were governed by Centre including the determination of prices of major inputs and agricultural produce. Mr. Badal lamented that while the input prices have been surging regularly, the market price for agriculture crops have not risen proportionately. As a result, the gap between the farmers input cost and income has been rising continuously, rendering most of the farmers poor. The Chief Minister said that there were worldwide upswing agricultural subsidies to sustain agriculture but the case was just opposite in India. The States which give input subsidies to the farmers were severely condemned for their pro-farmer policies. There was a wide gap between the cost of production and the income of the farmers. Today 83% of the farmers own up to 5 acres only. The GoI has not made adequate investments in agricultural research and development and mechanization. Diversification, said Mr. Badal was the major need of the hour, has not received the necessary government support, specially the progressive states. Agro-industries, including fruit, vegetables and food processing, have not been developed to create better markets and value additions. Putting forth a slew of suggestions during the deliberations in the summit, Mr. Badal said that the lopsided policies of GoI should be changed to ensure profitable level of income to the farmers. The farmers should be given greater input subsidy and support for agriculture infrastructure development and mechanization. Remunerative market prices should be given not only for wheat and paddy but also for other crops. The first step towards this was the acceptance of the Dr. Swaminathan formula of fixing MSP which covers cost of production plus a margin of 50% to the farmers. As further growth in agriculture would be possible only with new technology, the Government of India should invest heavily in Research and Development in agriculture and allied sectors, added Mr. Badal. Earlier, the Chief Minister also visited the various stalls at the exhibition put up by the organizers of summit and interacted with the progressive farmers from different states and abroad besides he also evinced keen interest in the latest agriculture machinery and farm equipments displayed there. The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor on Media and National Affairs Mr. Harcharan Bains, Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar and Director Agriculture Dr. Mangal Singh Sandhu. ------------- SUKHBIR BADAL CONDOLES PRITPAL SINGH’s DEMISE Chandigarh, September 9: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister condoled the demise of Mr. Pritpal Singh Aulakh (58), father of Ms. Gulveen Aulakh, Principal Correspondent, The Economic Times, Delhi, who passed away yesterday. Expressing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of bereaved family, Mr. Badal prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss. Meanwhile Mr Bikram Singh Majithia Revenue and Rehabilitation, Information and Public Relations and NRIs Affairs Minister Punjab also condoled the sad demise of Mr. Pritpal Singh Aulakh and prayed to Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family, friends and relatives to bear this huge loss in this hour of grief. - v PUNJAB TO PROVIDE WORLD CLASS FACILITIES AT ALL SUB-REGISTRAR OFFICES v MAJITHIA INAUGURATES RS. 5.25 CRORE ULTRA MODERN REVENUE BUILDINGS AT JALANDHAR, ADAMPUR AND BHOGPUR Jalandhar, September 9: The Punjab Revenue department has hired two world renowned consultancies namely Price Waterhouse Coopers and KPMG to scrutinize the documents regarding property registrations in 12 tehsils in last one year to ascertain whether these were registered as per prescribed norms of the state government. Disclosing this here today during an interaction with media persons, the Punjab Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said that this initiative was aimed to ensure total transparency in the revenue department working and categorically said that in case of any wrong doing concerned officer/official would have to face the music. He informed that about 1.5 lac property registrations would be scrutinized in this process. He said that the department was exploring the possibility of automating revenue system to bring more efficiency. He said that Integrated Computerization and Registration of Documents project (RoD) has already been started in Mohali, Jalandhar and Nakodar. He further said that a new direct system of agri-loans was being introduced in which a farmer would directly get loan from the bank and bank authorities would write to Revenue department to make entries of loan against mortgaged property in revenue records. Earlier, they have to approach revenue department first before moving for loan. Reiterating his commitment to weed out corruption in Revenue department, Mr. Majithia revealed that 10 Naib Tehsildar and 5 Tehsildars have been suspended in last one year while three officers have been dismissed from service. Later addressing the gathering after inaugurating Sub-Registrars office, Mr. Majithia said that the SAD-BJP Government has led the nation by implementing a unique ‘Right to Service Act’ with an aim to curb the red-tapism and harassment of general public in government offices besides making the bureaucracy accountable to provide all government services in a time bound manner. He pointed out that the setting up of 114 Suwidha Kendras (36 services), 161 Computerized Fard Kendras (providing fards in just 10 minutes) and 146 Saanjh Kendras delivering 25 services has changed the public perception about the functioning of various key departments extending valuable services in the state. He further said that with operationalization of 161 computerized fard kendras covering 12683 villages out of 13001 total villages of the state, the landowners were now just a click away from their land records. He informed that these fard kendras have been providing on an average 2.35 lac fards per month and the remaining 6 fard kendras would be soon set up at newly created 6 sub tehsils. He said that as per the requirement the number of Sub-Registrar office would be enhanced in major cities like Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala, Bathinda and Mohali and he was fully committed to provide world class infrastructure and facilities at registration offices to ensure comfort of the visitors as this department was the major source of revenue generation in the state. The Revenue Minister said that till date 13 District Administrative Complexes namely Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Patiala, Roopnagar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, SBS Nagar, Mansa, Sangrur, Bathinda, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga and Faridkot housing all government departments in multi-storey buildings have been set up in the state and 15 SDM complexes were being constructed at the cost of Rs. 44 crores. Earlier, Mr. Majithia inaugurated Rs. 3.50 crore ultra modern building housing Sub-registrars, Jalandhar 1 & 2 offices along with Patwar work stations having 4 public counters, an air-conditioned hall having seating capacity for 400 people and 62 cabins for Patwaris. He also inaugurated Rs. 85 lac Sub-Tehsil office and Patwar work station, Bhogpur and Rs. 90 lac Sub-Tehsil office and Patwar work station, Adampur. Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. Chuni Lal Bhagat, Local Bodies Minister, Mr. Pawan Kumar Tinu and Mr. KD Bhandari, both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Mr. Pargat Singh, MLA and Mr. Sunil Jyoti, Mayor, Jalandhar. - PUNJAB TO DELIVER 149 SERVICES UNDER RIGHT TO SERVICE ACT SPECIAL CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED FOR RTS AWARENESS CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 09: The Punjab Government has all set to provide 149 services of 18 different departments under the Punjab Right to Service Act. Disclosing this here in the press conference held in MGSIPA Complex today, Chief Commissioner Punjab Right to Service Commission, Mr. S.C.Agrawal said that earlier 69 services of 11 departments had been identified under this Act, whereas 80 more services has been included by the department Governance Reforms recently to facilitate the general public. He further mentioned that Punjab Right to Service Act had been enacted with sole aim to provide hassle free service to the public in a stipulated time. Mr. Agrawal was addressing the media persons on the side line of a two day Training programme organised by the Commission to train the nominated Master Trainers which would further make the people aware about this Act at district levels. He informed that Punjab Government was the first state government in the country that had constituted the Punjab Right to Service Commission after implementing the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011, with a view to execute this Act in true spirit. Mr. S M Sharma, Commissioner, Dr. Dalbir Singh Verka, Commissioner , Mr. Iqbal Singh Sidhu, Commissioner and Mr. H S Dhillon, Commissioner and Mr. Jaspal Mittal, Secretary were also present in the press conference. Earlier, in the first session of training programme, Dr. Dalbir Singh Verka addressed the master trainers on the Right To Service Act,2011 & its provisions , Duties & responsibilities and powers of the Master Trainers. These master trainers were directed to organize training camp in their respective district fortnightly under the guidance of ADC(G) and DC to educate the DO’s, 1st Appellate Authorities and General Public. Mr. S M Sharma emphasized on the monitoring of delivery of services through Information Technology. He also explained the monitoring system for the services under Punjab Right To Service Act, 2011 and delivery of services on stipulated time. The Commission has organised many training programmes to highlight the initiatives taken by the state Government and to ensure the effective compliance of this Act in the field of e-Governance. This two-day training programme was also the part of the efforts of the Commission, under which training Programme for Master Trainer's nominated by the Deputy Commissioners and Home Department has been scheduled. Commission is also monitoring the monthly MIS Reports of service delivered under RTS, uploaded by the Deputy Commissioners and Departments of Home Affairs on the Google drive. The appeals under Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011 at the level of 1st Appellate Authority and 2nd Appellate Authority are also being monitored. In case of delay and pendency, the concerned officers are directed to explain the reasons and to deliver the services as soon as possible. In the last session of interaction, it was told that upto the month of July 2013, as many as 1,21,03,739 persons have availed services in various districts under Punjab Right to Service Act. Moreover, 90 Suo-Moto action cases have been initiated besides, 157 complaints those were not covered under Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011 have also been disposed off. As many as 718 appeals were filed First Appellate Authority and 678 were disposed off whereas, 9 appeals were filed before the Second Appellate Authority and 7 has been disposed off and all 11 Revision petitions received have also been disposed off. In the interaction session, Mr. S M Sharma, Dr. Dalbir Singh Verka, Mr Iqbal Singh Sidhu, Mr. H S Dhillon answered the queries of the Master Trainers on various aspects of the Act and Notified Services. - PUNJAB CONSTITUTE COMMITTEE TO UTILIZE IDLE LANDHOLDING OF IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 9: The Punjab government has initiated the process to utilize the unused immovable property for the development work, in this direction a committee has been constituted to assess the average cost of the unused and idle landholding (Strips of Canal) belonging to the irrigation department in Punjab, so as to finance the irrigation projects. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab government said that the financial commissioner revenue would be the chairman of the committee whereas principal secretary finance or his representative, principal secretary irrigation and secretary housing and urban development have been inducted in the committee as members. Deputy commissioner/district collector SAS Nagar would be the secretary of this committee. ------------ COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED 'PUNJAB DAY CELEBRATION' CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 09: Punjab Government has constituted a Committee for Punjab Day Celebration for the International Trade Fair 2013 (IITF-2013) to be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 14th to 27th November, 2013 under the Chairmanship of Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce. While disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab Government said that Managing Director, PSIEC and Director Public Relations Punjab would be member of the Committee whereas the Administrator, Punjab Pavilion would be its Convener. He further said that the committee would finalize the main Artist for Punjab Day Celebration and settle fee. The Comittee would also finalize programme for cultural activities daily in Punjab Pavilion and other arrangements. - PSEB IDENTIFIES 29 BOGUS CERTIFICATES Chandigarh September 9:- The Punjab School Education Board has found 29 bogus certificates out of the total 3443 received for verification sent by various institutions/departments. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that it is a very alarming that a large number of 29 certificates were found bogus by the board since April 2013. He further said that all the educational institutions and the departments would get the certificates verified from the concerned boards and universities at the earliest and in the case of bogus certificate appropriate action would be taken against the concerned person. ------ PUNJAB LAUNCHES A MASSIVE ANTI CHEATING CAMPAIGN Chandigarh September 9:- Punjab Government has launched a massive anti cheating campaign across the state. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that during this a three staged campaign rallies seminars and exhibitions were being organized in various districts with the participation of students. Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka had launched this campaign on August 27, 2013 at Bathinda that would cover the entire state till December. Spokesman informed that a scheduled programme of rallies and other activities had been chalked out. According to which anti cheating campaign rallies would be organized at Tarn Taran on Sept. 10, Moga on Sept. 12, Jalandhar on Sept 19, Kapurthala on Sept. 20, Fazilka on Sept. 24, Ropar on Sept. 26 and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib on Sept. 30, 2013. Likewise the programme for the remaining districts would also be announced soon. Before conducting a seminar large number of students displaying anti cheating slogan boards in their hands and walked through the streets. During the seminar lectures would be conducted by the resource persons. To encourage the students, three prizes would also be given for the best three slogans. The participation of the parents of the students would also be ensured during these activities. In the third phase of this campaign exhibition would be followed by the seminars, displaying posters, slogans and other related material to motivate the students to shun the practice of cheating in the examinations. The spokesman also informed that the public was giving good response to this campaign. All the state and district education offices were taking part in these activities through enthusiastically. BADAL FOR Rs. 100 CRORE PROJECT TO STRENGTHEN DRAINS IN THE WATER LOGGED AREAS IN PUNJAB CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 6: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal asked the Chief General Manager NABARD Punjab Region Mr. Naresah Gupta to expedite the process of sanctioning funds to initiate Rs. 100 crore project to upgrade the existing Drainage system in the water logged areas of the state. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Mr. Badal was presiding over a high level meeting with a team of NABARD led by Mr. Naresah Gupta here late last evening to review various projects of Rs. 661 crore under different NABARD schemes for the state. Expressing concern over the menace of water logging in major part of the South West Punjab i.e. in districts of Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka and Faridkot besides, Kahnuwan in Gurdaspur District, Mr. Badal emphasized on the need to strengthen the existing drainage system in these areas for effective redrerssal of the water logging. Taking part in the deliberations Mr. Gupta assured the Chief Minister that NABARD would sanction Rs. 100 crore project for addressing the issue of water logging effectively. Mr. Gupta also apprised the CM that NABARD could have disbursed more funds but limit of Rs. 495 crore fixed under Section 293 (3) of the Constitution of India for the State was the limiting factor. He requested that the State Government may pursue with the Planning Commission to get the same enhanced up to Rs. 600 crore. The other members of the NABARD's team accompanied Mr. Gupta included General Manager (GM) Mr. AK Ray Barman, Mr. PN Satya Prasad and Mr. CM Dhiman both DGMs besides Mr. RR Badyal and Mr. Sanjay Talukdar both AGMs. On the occasion, Mr. Badal directed all the concerned Secretaries to keep close liaison with NABARD for implementing various approved projects in a stipulated time frame. Apart from Drainage project of Rs. 100 crore other NABARD projects includes Rs. 300 crore Mandi Board Roads, Rs. 80 crore PWD roads, Rs. 90 crore Water Supply, Rs. 50 crore Irrigation, Rs. 30 crore Uninterrupted Power supply project to Dhanis comprising three houses on urban pattern and Rs. 11.04 crore Brick lining of Water Channels for which Public had deposited their shares. Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. DP Raddy, Principal Secretary Irrigation Mr.Sarvesh Kaushal and Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar. - SENIOR BJP LEADER PROF. RAJINDER BHANDARI APPOINTED VICE CHAIRMAN OF PUNJAB STATE PLANNING BOARD Chandigarh, September 6- The Punjab Government today appointed senior BJP leader Prof. Rajinder Bhandari as Vice Chairman of Punjab State Planning Board. Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal gave nod to the appointment of Prof. Bhandari as Vice Chairman by clearing the file this morning. It may be recalled that Prof. Bhandari, a former President of state unit of BJP, also served as Vice Chairman (Cabinet Rank), Punjab State Planning Board from 2011 to 2012 and played an instrumental role in strengthening the planning process in the state besides initiating new schemes and projects for an overall development of the state and welfare of people. A post graduate in Commerce from Panjab University Chandigarh, Prof. Bhandari has been serving as Associate Professor in Commerce at Arya College in Ludhiana since 1979. Prof. Bhandari also represented as Senator of Panjab University from Graduates Constituency four times since 1996 and was elected Syndicate member of the Punjab Senate five times. He has been on most important university selection committees and other decision making bodies. - PUNJAB GETS GOLD AWARD IN IMPROVING HEALTHCARE SERVICE DELIVERY · REGISTERS HIGHEST REDUCTION IN MATERNAL/INFANT MORTALITY RATE CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 6: The Punjab has been chosen as one of the best state for improving healthcare service delivery in the state and awarded with 'Dataquest-CMR e-Readiness-2013 Gold Award for “e-Governance impact on improving healthcare service delivery– highest reduction in maternal and infant mortality rate. Disclosing this here today official spokesman said that the Special Secretary and Director Governance Reforms, Mr. V.N. Zade received the award in a function organised at New Delhi recently. He said that Mr. R Chandrasekhar, Former Union Secretary, Department of IT and Telecommunications and designated President of NASSCOM conferred the award. The Spokesman said that the award has been given to Punjab state for registering remarkable performance in improvement of healthcare service delivery and its impact on reduction in female/infant mortality rate. He added that the National Planning Commission on IMR (Infant Mortality Rate) and MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate) has released the data for the 29 states, comparing the figures for 2006-07 and 2011-12. "On the basis of this data the states with the highest drop in IMR and MMR have won the award for ‘Best Healthcare Service Delivery’-female infant mortality". Adding further he said that the Punjab state has reduced IMR and MMR by 34% from 50 per 1000 live births in 2006-07 to 33 per 1000 live births during the year 2011-12. Mr. Zade informed that this award was the result of constant efforts made by Health Department Punjab in the area of Maternal and Infant Mortalities in the state. He said that during the award ceremony, various E-Governance initiatives of Governance Reforms Department including e-District, State Service Delivery gateway were also appreciate. He said that under the e-district project the pilot project had been introduced in Kapurthala and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar besides improving the citizen service delivery of Health Department Services including Birth/Death Registrations. He said that Digitally Signed Birth/Death certificates were being provided to the citizens in Punjab and the applicants can get the multiple copies of Birth/Death certificates from Suwidha centers within a short span of time. Meanwhile, Principal Secretary, Governance Reforms Mr. C. Roul congratulated Governance Reforms and Health Department for this achievement. - PUNJAB DIRECTS DEPARTMENTS TO DEPOSIT FUNDS INTO CANCER AND DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT FUND Chandigarh, September 6: Punjab Government has directed all government, Semi Government Institutions, Urban Local Institutions, Semi Government Agencies, Improvement Trusts and Panchayti Raj Institutions to deposit 2 % of their earnings into the Drug Addiction Treatment Infrastructure fund. Official Spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that Punjab Government has issued a notification for collection of fund under State Cancer and Drug Addiction Treatment Act-2013. As per this notification funds would be collected from auction land or immovable assets of government, Semi Government Institutions, Urban Local Institutions, Semi Government Agencies, Improvement Trusts and Panchayti Raj Institutions and would be deposited into the specified dedicated account. Departments would transfer this money into the cancer fund immediately after auction/sale is finalized. According to the Spokesperson Societies and Trusts constituted by the state government would also deposit 2 % of their income twice a year into this fund after every six months. He further said that PSU/Board/Corporation/ Apex Cooperative Institutes, Urban local institutes, Improvement Trusts and Panchayati Raj Institutes those who are not in loss would deposit 2% into Board fund and they could also contribute more. Spokesperson said that one percent of tender income (minimum 50 crore) from Roads, Flyovers would be deposited in this fund. Other than this 33% of total tax from cigrates would be deposited in the cancer fund. ----------- PUNJAB ESTABLISHES 10 ZONES FOR ISSUING RESTRICTED DRUGS SALES LICENSES CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 6: The Punjab Government would establish 10 zones in the state for issuing licenses for sale of restricted drugs for issuance and renewal of retail sale of restricted drugs in the state. Disclosing this here today an official Spokesperson of the State Government said that Government has taken this decision under the Drug and Cosmetic Rules 1945 and notification in this regard has been issued. He further added that these zones to be established at Amritsar, Ajitgarh, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Patiala, Sangrur, Hoshiarpur, Ferozpur and Gurdaspur. The zone incharge would be the competent authority for issuing licenses for retail sale of restricted drugs and renewal of licenses, he added. - TIKSHAN SUD APPOINTED AS POLITICAL ADVISOR TO PUNJAB CM Chandigarh, September 5, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today appointed the Senior BJP leader and former Cabinet Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud as his Political Advisor. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that the formal orders regarding this appointment would be issued soon. - CM APPOINTS RAVINDER SINGH BRAHMPURA & HARDEEP SINGH DHILLON (DIMPY) AS THE CHAIRMEN OF DISTRICT PLANNING COMMITTEES OF TARN TARAN AND SHRI MUKATSAR SAHIB RESPECTIVELY Chandigarh, September 5, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today appointed the Mr. Ravinder Singh Brahmpura as The Chairman of District Planning Committee, Tarn Taran. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that this appointment was made under the clause 3 sub-clause 6 of Punjab District Planning Committee Act, 2005. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has also appointed Mr. Hardeep Singh Dhillon (Dimpy) as the Chairman of District Planning Committee of Shri Mukatsar Sahib. The Spokesman further informed that the formal orders regarding these appointments would be issued soon. - OUTBURST OF SIDHU INTERNAL MATTER OF BJP- CM APPEALS HIMACHAL CM TO RESUME SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB- NAINA DEVI ROPEWAY PROJECT TO TAKE UP THE MATTER OF STARTING TRAIN BETWEEN NANGAL TO HAZUR SAHIB WITH CENTRE TERMS FOOD SECURITY ACT AS A ‘ZEROX COPY’ OF ATTA DAL SCHEME Kotlan Kalan (Una), September 5- Reacting to the outburst of BJP MP from Amritsar Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that it was an internal matter of BJP and was their sole prerogative to satisfy him. Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of a religious congregation organized at Sri Radha Krishan Temple, during the recitation of Srimad Bhagwat Katha here today, the Chief Minister said, “He didn’t perceive any personal problem with Mr. Sidhu and if at all the MP has any grouse then the state BJP leadership should take care of that”. To another query with regard to scrapping of agreement for the construction of Sri Anandpur Sahib-Naina Devi ropeway by the Congress Government in Himachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister appealed his Himachal Pradesh counterpart Mr. Virbhadra Singh to immediately resume the project, keeping in view its paramount socio-religious importance for both the states. He even offered to bear the entire expenditure of the project besides conceding to initiate this prestigious project from Himachal’s territory. Replying to another question regarding the commencement of express train from Nangal to Takht Sri Hazur Sahib (Nanded), the Chief Minister said that he would certainly take up this issue with the Union Railways Minister to expedite the schedule of chugging of this train between two important destinations as it would connect Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Sri Anandpur Sahib and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib. Asked to comment to accept Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narinder Modi as Prime Ministerial candidate during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, the Chief Minister categorically said that Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) being a key ally of BJP would support any candidate for this coveted post. He expressed confidence that BJP led NDA would certainly form next government at centre showing the door to Congress led UPA government for their ‘misrule’ and maladministration over one decade. Mr. Badal pointed out that people were fed up with the rampant corruption, unemployment, poverty, inflation and starvation during its regime. He said that the UPA government has miserably failed to arrest the declining trend in the devaluation of Rupee, which has touched the lowest ebb several times recently. Referring to the enactment of Food Security Legislation recently by the Centre, the Chief Minister said that there was nothing new in it rather the act was the ‘zerox copy’ of Atta-Dal scheme of the state government adding he said atlast by implementing this importance piece of legislation, the centre had realized that more than 80% of people could not manage to get two square meals a day. Earlier addressing the religious congregation, the Chief Minister exhorted the people to follow the teachings of Great Gurus, Saints, Seers and Prophets as they act as a lighthouse to redeem the alienated society from the pangs of sufferings in this materialistic world. He said that the Saints play a proactive role in inspiring the people to tread on the path of spirituality. Mr. Badal urged Baba Bal Ji to organize such religious programs in Punjab also to provide solace to people. He lauded the people of region for upholding the ethos of communal harmony, peace, amity and brotherhood, which was all the more important for ensuring overall development and prosperity in any state, country or nation. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal and SGPC Member from Himachal Pradesh Mr. Daljeet Singh Bhinder. - SUKHBIR INSTRUCTS DCs TO ORGANISE CAMPS IN COLONIES TO REGULARIZE THEM · LAST CHANCE TO REGULARISE COLONIES, NO FURTHER EXTENSION TO BE ALLOWED · DCs ASKS TO FACILITATE APPLICANTS CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 5: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today issued directions to all Deputy Commissioners to launch a sustained campaign in their districts to ensure 100 percent regularization of illegal colonies in their respective districts. Accompanied by Mr. Chuni Lal Bhagat, Local Bodies Minister, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister and Mr. Anil Joshi, Industry and Commerce Minister, Mr. Badal was presiding over a meeting of Deputy Commissioners to review the progress of regularization of illegal colonies in the state. Mr. Badal said that all districts would have to expedite this task to achieve the goal of 100 percent regularization and made Deputy Commissioners of all districts accountable for this. He said that till date only 1000 applications have been received in all the districts whereas there are more than 5500 illegal colonies having lakhs of illegal houses and plots. Mr. Badal asked Deputy Commissioners to allocate each colony to a specific officer, who would organize the camp in the precinct of the colony along with his team. The team with facilitate the applicants to fill up application forms, clear all formalities besides depositing their computation fee. He asked the Deputy Commissioners to tie up with lead banks of the region for the purpose of payment collection and draft making process. Mr. Badal said that the total process has been made online to facilitate the user but it would be the onus of team in charge to ensure that each and every house falling in the allocated colony to him should fulfill all formalities by the last date. Mr. Badal clarified that every applicant has to apply by the last date that is 7th October 2013 and there would be no further extension. He said that the Punjab Cabinet has already clarified that this chance of regularization of illegal colony would be the last chance and no further chance would be given for regularization. He said that Punjab Government was committed not to allow any more illegal colonies in the state to maintain the planned character of the state. Making Deputy Commissioners Mission In charge of Regularization, Mr. Badal asked them to submit weekly report to his office and by October 7 they would certify that there was no single unauthorized colony in their district. Mr. Badal in a meeting with colonizers sought their cooperation in this massive exercise and made clear to them that there would be no change or relaxation in the policy. Besides Deputy Commissioners from all the districts prominent amongst those, who participated in the meeting included Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to CM, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Industries, Mr. A Venu Prasad, Secretary Housing, Mr. Ashok Gupta, Secretary Local Government, Mr. Manvesh Sidhu, Chief Administrator PUDA, Mr. Mansavi Kumar, CEO PEDA. ---------- PIGGERY FARMS TO BE STRENGTHENED IN PUNJAB CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 05: To give an impetus to piggery development in the state, the Punjab government has decided to strengthen pig breeding farms for production of quality piglets for distribution among the pig breeders belonging to the weaker sections of the society and other farmers. Disclosing this here today S Gulzar Singh Ranike, Minister, Animal Husbandry Fisheries and Dairy Development Punjab said that a sum of 70.00 lac has been provided during the current financial year for the Development of Piggery Sector in the State. The Minister said that about 1500-2000 piglets of superior germ plasm were being produced at existing pig breeding farms for further supply to the beneficiaries for fattening/breeding. The demand for piglets has increased but the present strength of breed able stock maintained at farms is not in a position to meet the enhanced demand of piglets. Therefore, strengthening of the existing pig breeding farms is required to be embarked upon. The Minister further said that for this purpose breed able stock maintained at these farms would be increased and also the existing infrastructure of farms would be reorganized. --------- PUNJAB RECONSTITUTES C-PYTE GOVERNING COUNCIL CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER, 5: The Punjab government has reconstituted C-PYTE governing council to exercise general control and give directions for the efficient and effective implementation of C-PYTE schemes in the state. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that Chief Minister of Punjab would be the president and Minister-in-Charge of the department of employment & generation and training would be vice president and chairman, executive board of the governing council whereas Chief Secretary of the state, Secretary of department of employment and generation and training, Principal Secretary of Finance or his nominee, Principal Secretary/ Chief Minister, Secretary Rural development and Panchayats, Secretary planning, Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce, Commissioner Patiala Division, Commissioner Ferozepur Division, Commissioner Jalandhar Division, Commissioner Faridkot Division, Inspector General of Police (HQ), Director, Technical Education and Industrial Training, Director Information and Public Relations, Director Employment Generation and Training, Deputy General (Recruitment) or his nominee, Commanding Officer, Chandigarh Naval Unit, NCC, Station Commander, Air Force, Chandigarh, Managing Director, PESCO and Director General C-PYTE have been nominated as members. -------- EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ISSUES ADMISSION POLICY FOR TWO YEARS E.T.T. DIPLOMA COURSE CHANDIGARH, SEPT.5 Education department has issued the admission policy for two years Elementary Teachers Training (E.T.T) Diploma Course in government and private institutions in the state. According to the spokesman of Education Department the admissions would be through online counseling or combined merit basis. He also said that academic session 2013-15 would be commenced on 15th November 2013 to November 2015. Minimum educational qualification Senior secondary (plus 2) or equivalent with minimum 50% marks of General Category and 45% marks for S.C./S.T Category. Candidates with Reappear/Compartment and Result later would not be eligible to apply. He further said Candidates should have passed Punjabi up to matric level and maximum age of general category candidates 27 years on the date of application with 5 years age relaxation for SC/ST candidates. There would be no migration of admitted candidates from one institute to another institute. False, forged, fabricated or tempered documents deposited by the candidate would be liable to be cancelled and criminal case would be registered against him and barring him for re-admission in the E.T.T. courses for a period of three years. --------- Main electricity supply to be ensured in 1073 Edusat Libraries Chandigarh Sept. 5 It is informed that the service providers would supply 1073 Edusat Libraries equipment with all the required infrastructure start and for which the electricity supply would be provided by the school heads as per the specifications. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the education department said the School heads would ensure the electricity supply as per the norms so that the service provider could start the works of installation. To provide cable from the meter in room of installation direct to the Main Power Cable (MCB). He further said the Main Power Cable specs 2 core 6 mm copper or 2 core 10 mm Aluminum (ISI Marked) Cable. The report in this regard should send immediately to the Head Quarter through the District Edusat Coordinator. - Educational Qualifications to be recorded in Service Book of teaching & non-teaching staff. Chandigarh Sept, 5 Education Department has issued directions to all the school heads that the degree passed by teaching and non-teaching staff be recorded in the service book of the employees. An official spokesman of the education department said that they have also been directed to ensure the complete educational record indicating the degree of the class passed University and the year. ----------- Education department transfers 69 teachers Chandigarh Sept. 5 Education department has issued the transfer orders of 69 teachers of various subjects in Government schools in the state. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the education department said that the transferred teachers have not given any joining time and traveling allowance. ---------- Punjab Government releases Rs 70 Crore under Mid Day Meal Scheme. Chandigarh, September 6: Punjab Government has released Rs. 70.00 crore under Mid Day Meal Scheme to all the government schools in the state. Disclosing this here today Principal Secretary Education Mrs Anjali Bhawra, IAS said that District Education Officers (Elementary Education) have been instructed to provide Mid Day Meal in all the schools in which Mid Day Meal was not being provided. District Managers Mid Day Meal have also been directed to send their report by 05:00 p.m. on e-mail to the General Manager Mid Day Meal mentioning the status of Mid Day Meal served to the students of all the schools in their respective districts. -- UK MINISTER PROMISES TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR PUNJAB TO MEET 2250 MW POWER TARGET FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES v MAJITHIA ADVOCATES ECONOMICALLY VIABLE TECHNOLOGIES FOR GENERATING POWER FROM RENEWABLE RESOURCES Chandigarh, September 3: The UK Energy and Climate Change Minister Baroness Sandip Verma has pledged required technical support for Punjab to achieve its target of harnessing 2250 MW power through renewable sources of energy by the year 2022. This assurance was given by her while calling on the Punjab Non Conventional Energy Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia here today at his residence. She pointed out that that increased use of non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels and minerals and excessive use of replenishable sources like water and forests have been severely effecting our economic growth and development. She said that keeping in view Punjab’s major contribution in ensuring food security, UK was committed to cooperate with it in preserving its natural resources along with sharing the good practices. She also promised to highlight the issue of development of economically viable technologies in renewable power sector as demanded by Mr. Majithia. Earlier, Mr. Majithia informed her that despite just 2 percent of geographical area, Punjab was contributing around 60 percent share in nation’s food kitty as its endeavour to keep the country self reliant on food grains front. In this process, the rapid decline of its natural resources such as ground water and fertility of land putting a big question mark on state’s future. He said that our country was facing a huge shortage of power but Punjab was all set to become first power surplus state of the country by the end of this year as three thermal plants with joint generation capacity of 3920 MW were almost near completion. He informed that the State government was making concerted efforts to promote clean and green energy but the high costs of equipments required for power plants of renewable sector resulting in very high rates of power in comparison of thermal and hydro power thereby making it financially non viable for the investors. Mr. Majithia asked that the developed countries should come forward to develop economically viable technologies or equipments for renewable sector power projects to attract investors thereby checking GHG–emissions. He also sought technical guidance for saving the precious ground water and fertility of land. Mr. Majithia also briefly outlined the new initiatives of the state government like green building concept, use of cleaner fuel in the vehicles, rain water harvesting, setting up of bio-medical waste treatment and e-waste disposal facilities, municipal waste management, mandatory use of solar water heating system and usage of LED lamps for home lighting. He said that the state government would introduce Climate Change as compulsory subject in schools and colleges to create awareness amongst students to adopt eco-friendly approach in life. The UK Minister was accompanied by Mr. David Lelliot, British Deputy High Commissioner, and Ms. Rachel Brass, First Secretary-Climate Change British High Commission. ---------- FINANCE COMMISSION TO MEET CM ON 7TH SEPTEMBER CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 3: All necessary arrangements have been finalised by the Punjab Government for the visit of 14th Finance Commission team, that will visit the Punjab from 5th to 7th September, 2013. Divulging this here today, an official spokesperson said that team of 17 members under the chairmanship of Dr. Y.V.Reddy would meet the representatives of rural & urban local bodies of the state and representatives of trade & industry on 6th September afternoon. Local Bodies Department and Department of Rural Development and Panchayats besides Industry Department would give their separate presentation to the Finance Commission. He said that the team would also hold meeting with Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal along with other cabinet ministers and officers of the state on 7th September. The 14th Finance Commission has also convened a meeting of representatives of different political parties to elicit their views. The team of 14th Finance Commission includes Chairman Dr. Y.V.Reddy besides its members Prof. Abhijit Sen, Ms. Sushma Nath, Dr. M.Govinda Rao and Dr. Sudipto Mundle. The official team accompanying the Commission includes Mr. Ajay Narayan Jha Secretary, Mr. V.S. Senthil, Mr. M.S. Bhatia, Mr. Pinaki Chakraborty, Mr. Ashutosh Joshi, Mr. Deepak Narain, Mr. Sahilesh Kumar, Mr.Ritesh Kumar, Mr.Sube Singh, Mrs. Sunita Guglani, Mr. Balbir Singh and Mr. Prayag Kumar. ---------- PUNJAB TO WOO PRIVATE COMPANIES IN HOTEL INDUSTRY CONVENTIONAL CENTRES TO BE SET UP IN MOHALI AND AMRITSAR Chandigarh September 3: With a view to promoting Punjab as a major tourist destination, the state government has decided to invite investments from private companies in the hotel industry. Stating this here today a spokesman of the government said that Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab has already agreed to develop Punjab as the major attraction for outside investments. The government would also come out with an exclusive policy for the hotel sector to facilitate its growth in the region. The state was also looking forward to some major investments in the tourism sector, he added. Punjab was in the process of revamping the infrastructure in the state aiming to increase its earnings from the tourism and hospitality sector. The state was already building up the infrastructure with new highways and expressways, developing area-specific tourism circuits to present Punjab as destination for the future. Now the focus would be on international tourism, he said. The state is in advanced stages of developing a 4,400 acres entertainment circuit in Ludhiana that would include hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, sports parlors, adventure sports areas for horse racing and Safaris and much more. The project would kick start by the end of this year and is likely to be completed by 2018. Besides, the state is also in the process of setting up two trade fair centers, 100 acres each, and two convention centers with capacity ranging between 4000-5000 each at Mohali and Amritsar. The project is going to start shortly this year as it gets private participation through investments and management of the projects. These projects would act as catalysts for the whole industry and encourage people to come to Punjab and hold conventions there, he said. Another pet project in the offing is the development of a hospitality sector around a 32 sq km Green Water Lake near Pathankot. The idea is to develop the area on lines of Maldives island resorts. Punjab has also touched base with some hoteliers and investors to transform some of the forts in the state into hotels. To promote tourism and preserve the old monuments giving an ancient touch, the Punjab government would also transform some magnificent forts in the state into hotels. The state has also assured a hassle free window clearance and development process in the state to the keen investors in the tourism sector in Punjab. - PUNJAB GOVERNMENT OFFERS JOB FOR OLYMPION ATHLETE MAKHAN SINGH’S SON
In recognition to the performance and rehabilitating the family of Late Subedar Makhan Singh of Village-Batholi, PO-Chhabewal, Distt-Hoshiarpur as an outstanding athlete of national repute, the Punjab government has appointmented his son Bhupinder Singh as helper in the office of District Welfare Officer Hoshiarpur with immediate effect. Disclosing this here today S. Virsa Singh Valtoha, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Defense Welfare mentioned that of Late. Makhan Singh had the singular honour of beating Star Athlete Flying Sikh Milkha Singh twice in National Games at Kolkata in 1962. S. Valtoha expressed his deep anguish at the present state of Veteran Makhan Singh's wife Smt Salinder Kaur along with his 30 year old handicapped son Shri. Parminder Singh was living in state of virtual penury. S. Virsa Singh Valtoha appreciated the efforts of Brig Manjit Singh, Director Defense Services Welfare, Punjab, who took keen initiative to ensure respectable rehabilitation of the family. Mr. Valtoha also said that the family of Makhan Singh would be further provided a 'Tri-cycle' to meet the requirement of physically challenged son. Disability relief would also be provided from Punjab Amalgamated Fund. He also assured that Directorate of Defense Services Welfare, Punjab would take up the case with Army Headquarters to make adequate provisions for continuation of family pension in favor of the Veteran's son which is now only applicable to the Veteran's wife. - No Bar on Salaries Salaries being released to all employees Chandigarh, September 3: - A Spokesman of the Finance Department of Punjab today strongly contradicted the News Item published in section of press that the Punjab Government held back the salaries of all its employees for the month of August, 2013. The Spokesman clarified that no such instructions have been issued to any Treasury officer of the State and all salaries are being released as and when the bills being submitted by various departments. He said that the Punjab Government had already released salaries to the tune of Rs.500 Crore so far and the remaining salaries will also be released in time. - PUNJAB PURCHASES LAND FROM MARKET TO EXPAND FOREST COVER DECLARES THAT AREA AS 'PROTECTED FOREST' CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 3: The Punjab Government has declared 30.36 hectares of land in district Pathankot as Protected forest. This land was purchased by the Punjab government from open market for expanding the Forest Cover in the state. Disclosing this here today the spokesman of the Punjab government said that notification has been issued and this land declared to be protected under section 29 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. He said that the land that has been declared as protected forest reserve is from village including village Raipur (0.77 hectare), village Kathlaur (7.88 hectare), village Gajju Khalsa (14.51) and village Rajibeli (7.20) hectare. He further said that all trees standing in or upon these forest lands stand declared reserved from the date of publication of this notification whereas order has also been issued to prohibit the quarrying of stones, the burning of lime, charcoal, the collection or subjection to any manufacturing process, removal of any forest produce in such forest and breaking up or clearing of land for cultivation, building, herding of cattle or any other purpose in any land in such forest. The spokesman further said that no person would be allowed cut, fell or lop any purpose or remove any forest produce without the previous permission of the divisional forest officer, Pathankot forest division. He said that no person could cut or remove grass, kahi, kana, clear or breakup land for cultivation. No person could set fire to grass, trees, timber or kindle a fire on the land without taking reasonable precaution to prevent its spreading to any tree or plant on the area. --. State Level Function to honour teachers to be held at Patiala. Chandigarh, September 3: Punjab Government has decided to organize a State Level function on October 9 at Patiala to honour about 45 teachers for their outstanding contributions in the field of education and society. Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of Education Department said that Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Punjab would preside over the function and give awards to the deserving teachers.
POLITICAL REPRESENTATIVES FOR COLLECTIVE INITIATIVES TO MAKE WORLD ECO-FRIENDLY v MAJITHIA REITERATES PUNJAB’S COMMITMENT TO ACCORD TOP PRIORITY TO CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUE v HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL DESCRIBES GREENING PUNJAB MISSION A MAJOR STRIDE TOWARDS SAVING ENVIRONMENT v LISTS THE INITIATIVES FOR HARNESSING RENEWABLE ENERGY WITH SPECIAL FOCUS ON SOLAR AND BIOMASS v UK MINISTER UNDERLINES THE NEED FOR SHARING GOOD POLICY PRACTICES v RELEASES ‘CLIMATE CHANGE TOOLKIT’ FOR PUNJAB LEADERS Chandigarh, September 2: Political representatives cutting across party lines today gave a call for making concerted efforts not only neutralize the effects of climate change but devise policy initiatives to minimise these effects. Representatives of political parties were attending a seminar titled ‘Connecting the Dots’ organized here by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and British Deputy High Commission, Chandigarh. Delivering a key note address, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Non-Conventional Energy Minister, Punjab said the government had accorded top priority to climate change issues and was fully sensitized to its potential impacts on humans, eco-system and economy besides the efforts required to mitigate it. He said the government was focussing on implementing an integrated energy and climate policy as well as creating awareness about the issue. Mr. Majithia pointed out that industrialized countries accounted for almost 80% of Co2 emissions in the atmosphere with the USA being the biggest contributor of almost 50.7 billion tonnes of Co2 emission since 1950. He said developed economies should therefore also take the responsibility to lead from the front in addressing this problem. He said Punjab had already initiated the process of preparation of Strategy and Action Plan for Climate Change (SAPCC) with technical support from GIZ (German International Cooperation), as per National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC) framework. It focused on integrating climate change into policies and programmes of the state. He said Punjab had also proposed to establish Centre of Excellence on Climate Change at PAU, Ludhiana. Besides this, a unique ‘Greening Punjab Mission’ has also been launched to increase the area of the state under forest cover from the present 5.13% to 15% by 2022 by planting 40 crore saplings. He said that our government has already taken legislative measures to prevent transplantation of paddy before 10th June. He further said that the industries which were earlier using fossil fuels in the furnace of boilers / other furnaces have now been shifted to bio-mass as fuel. He revealed that Green Building concept had been introduced as part of building plan approvals. Similarly he said PSPCL was encouraging the usage of CFL instead of conventional lighting system. Me Majithia said the department of Housing & Urban Development had prepared a policy to the effect that each plot holder having area more than 40 sqm shall provide properly designed rain water harvesting system to replenish the ground water and to improve its quality. Stressing on the need to harness maximum potential of renewable energy, Mr. Majithia informed that PEDA has so far facilitated the installation and commissioning of NRSE projects in the state to the tune of 577 MW and the target was to achieve a capacity addition of 2250 MW power through Renewable Sources of Energy by the year 2022. He said that the State was producing 13 million tons of rice straw every year and had prohibited the indiscriminate burning of rice straw in open fields which was the major source of generation of Green House gasses. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament appreciated the efforts of UK government in reaching to the political leaders to create awareness as well as making collective efforts to meet the challenge of climate change. She said that the Greening Punjab Mission was a major stride towards saving the environment. She said that Punjab being the mainstay of nation’s food security, every inch of available land was being cultivated by the farmers. She said that the fast depleting ground water was a major challenge before the state as earlier 25% need of the irrigation was meted by ground water and remaining 75% was from river and canal water but now the situation was vice versa. She said that the state’s irrigation system was around 150 years old resulting in leakage of 35% capacity. She asked the UK Minister for Climate Change to get Rs.3500 crore funding required for rejuvenation of this system sanctioned from World Bank or other international agency as implementation of this project could save precious ground water. She also briefly outlined the concept of Nanhi Chaan launched by her with the dual purpose of saving Girl Child and planting trees. She informed that under this project till date 18 lac saplings have been distributed in the state and now her focus was 650 villages of her Bathinda constituency. Earlier, Baroness Sandip Verma, Energy and Climate Change Minister, UK said that the purpose of organizing the seminar was to build collaboration with Indian government politicians, business, research communities and civil society by exchanging policy good practice and sharing the UK’s experience. She said that the legislators have a key role to play in tackling the serious issue of Climate Change and put on necessary legislations. On this occasion Mr. David Lelliot, British Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Pramod Kumar, Chairman Punjab Governance Reforms Commission, Mrs. Kamna Raj Aggarwalla, Past Chairperson CII and Ms. Rachel Brass, First Secretary-Climate Change British High Commission also expressed their views. On the occasion a ‘Climate Change Toolkit’ developed for leaders in Punjab was also released. Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. NK Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Industries, Mr. Brahm Mohindra, Mr. Randeep Singh Nabha, Mr. Pargat Singh, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bains and Mr. Manjit Singh Manna (all MLAs). ----- SPECIAL PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO CM GAGGANDIP SINGH BRAR BEREAVED CM MOURNS DEATH OF HIS GRANDMOTHER DY CM AND MAJITHIA CONDOLES DEMISE OF SARDARNI BALWANT KAUR CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 2- Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar was bereaved today as he lost his grandmother Mrs Balwant Kaur (92), who passed away at Sri Muktsar Sahib this afternoon after a brief illness. She is survived by two sons and a daughter. Her elder son Mr. Mit Singh Brar is the President of Municipal Council Sri Muktsar Sahib. In a condolence message, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mrs. Balwant Kaur and prayed to Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family, friends and relatives to bear this huge loss in this hour of grief. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also mourned the sad demise of Mrs. Balwant Kaur. According to the family sources the cremation of Mrs. Balwant Kaur would take place at Sri Muktsar Sahib tomorrow (Tuesday) at 11am. ---------- SUKHBIR HAS PROVED HIS METTLE AS SAD PRESIDENT- CM ELECTION OF SAD PRESIDENT TO BE CONDUCTED BY DELEGATES OF PARTY NO PROPOSAL FOR MORTGAGING STATE PROPERTY FOR GETTING LOANS INAUGURATES RESIDENTIAL TRAINING SCHOOL AT VILLAGE SEKHWAN SLAMS CONGRESS FOR MALICIOUS PROPAGANDA REGARDING SANGAT DARSHAN CONCLUDING DAY OF SANGAT DARSHAN IN QADIAN ASSEMBLY SEGMENT Sattehali (Gurdaspur), September 2- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal have efficaciously proved his mettle by passing every ‘litmus test’ as head of the party. Interacting with the media persons here on the sidelines of third and concluding day of Sangat Darshan program in Qadian assembly segment, the Chief Minister said that the most difficult test for any political leader, as the head of a party, was the performance of his party in elections. He said that by ensuring the second consecutive win of SAD in the state assembly elections besides successfully leading the party to thumping victory in Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) elections and by-elections held in the state Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has proved his ability as a chief of the party. Refusing to comment on the whether Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal would be re-elected as President of SAD on Tuesday at Amritsar, Mr. Badal said that SAD was a democratic party and its President would be elected by the delegates of the party, who would converge for this purpose tomorrow. Replying to a query, the Chief Minister categorically said that the state government was not mortgaging even a single property of the state for availing loan to meet its routine administrative expenses. He said that the state government was committed for ensuring the overall welfare of the state but no such step would be taken which was against the interest of Punjab. However Mr. Badal said that the phenomenon of the developmental loans was being adopted by almost every country of the world and there was hardly any harm in it for pursuing the motto of well being of the people. The Chief Minister said that the SAD has no objection whether the political parties were covered under the ambit of Right to Information (RTI) Act or not adding that the centre government was to take the decision on this matter. The Chief Minister also said that the Punjab government was spending Rs 1700 crore in order to upgrade and strengthen the rural road network in the state. He said every nook and corner of the state would be covered under this ambitious scheme so as to facilitate the people living the rural areas of the state. Mr. Badal also said that the state government was also making endeavors to provide basic civic amenities to the people living in rural areas at par with the urban areas. Earlier addressing 64 village Panchayats at Sattehali, Kot Santokh Rai and Sohal villages, the Chief Minister said that the sole motive of this Sangat Darshan program was to ensure the overall development of Qadian assembly segment. He said that the malicious propaganda unleashed by the Congress against the Sangat Darshan was politically motivated whereas it was a fact that the people were immensely benefitted by it. Mr. Badal said that the Congress leaders were criticizing this move because their Chief Ministers have largely spent their tenure while indulging in merry-time activities rather than serving the people, who had elected them. Exhorting the Panchayats to play a proactive role in development of the state, the Chief Minister said that they should rise above the parochial considerations and execute the development works without any ‘pick and choose’. Equating every Sarpanch to the ‘Chief Minister of village’, Mr. Badal said that it was the bounden duty of every Sarpanch to ensure that each strata of society gets the benefit of development. Later on the Chief Minister also inaugurated a Residential School for the children of sixth to eighth class in village Sekhwan. Constructed at a cost of Rs 73 lakh this school would provide free boarding and lodging facilities annually to 100 Children in the age group of 11 to 14 years. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included former Minister Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan, former MLA Lakhvir Singh Lodhinangal and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh. ---------- RANIKE TO BE CHAIRMAN OF GRIEVANCES PANEL CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 02: Punjab Government has appointed Animal Husbandry, Fisheries & Dairy Development and Scheduled Castes Welfare Minister Sh. Gulzar Singh Ranike as Chairman of Tarntaran and Ferozepur District Redressal of Grievances Committees. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that while accepting the assignment Mr. Ranike assured that he would ensure timely redressal of the grievances of the people of these areas and at the same time he would also ensure the proper execution of programme and polices formulated by the state government under border areas development schemes. - AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANT MANAGER AND IT OFFICER Chandigarh, September 2, Punjab State Agricultural Development Bank Ltd. has invited online applications for the post of Assistant Manager (26 posts) and IT officer (21 posts). Out of the total vacancies 25% posts are reserved for retrenched employees of cooperative sugar mills and cooperative spinning mills. Application can be sent online only. For details, educational qualifications, experiences, fee etc. can be seen on website www.recruit.nitttrchd.ac.in from September 4, 2013. - FINANCE COMMISSION TEAM TO VISIT PUNJAB FROM 5TH SEPTEMBER CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 2: The 14th Finance Commission team will visit the Punjab from 5th to 7th September, 2013. Divulging this here today, an official spokesperson said that team of 17 members under the chairmanship of Dr. Y.V.Reddy would meet the representatives of rural & urban local bodies of the state and representatives of trade & industry. He said that the team would also held meeting with Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal along with other cabinet ministers and officers of the state. - - DR. ATWAL LEAVES FOR SOUTH AFRICA TO PARTICIPATE IN 59TH COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 2: Dr. Charnjit Singh Atwal, Speaker, Punjab Legislative Assembly departed from here to South Africa to participate in 59th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference there. Dr. Atwal has received an invitation to speak on the subject of "Parliamentary Response to Commonwealth Chapter" of Final Plenary Session to conclude the workshops conducted on all the subjects on the last day of the Conference. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of Punjab Legislative Assembly said that Dr. Atwal asserted today that the need of the hour is to create an ideal society by strengthening upon the ideals of protection of human rights, peace, equality and tolerance. Apart from this, Dr. Atwal would present his views on subjects "Separation of Constitutional Powers and Good Governance" and "Inequitable Resources - Threat to Democratic Governance." It is worth mentioning here that the Speakers of 54 Commonwealth Countries are participating in the said conference. Dr. Atwal, who remained Vice Chairman of Executive Committee of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, would deliberate with the Premiers/Speakers of South Africa and other countries on Legislative and Parliamentary Subjects during his South Africa Tour. During this tour, Dr. Atwal will also undertake study tours to Brazil, Panama and Mexico where he would discuss the issues of strengthening the social, economic and parliamentary relations of India with these countries." - PUNJAB PROHIBITS DEPARTMENTS FOR PARALLEL INQUIRY AGAINST VIGILANCE PROBE · DEPARTMENTS HAVE TO DEAL ALL THE PENDING CASES AND GRANT SANCTION FOR PROSECUTION WITHIN TWENTY DAYS CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 2: The Punjab Government has issued new advisory to all the departments regarding grant of sanction for vigilance inquiry. As per the directions the respective department would take appropriate decision within twenty days on the all such pending cases where vigilance department has sought their permission for prosecuting any officer. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Department said that after the receipt of sanction from the respective department the investigating officer of the vigilance bureau would complete the investigation within three months. He said that this investigation report would be submitted to the respective department and the department would have to take appropriate action on the report within the period of two months. The spokesperson said that the departments have been prohibited to start parallel inquiry in those cases which have already been forwarded to the vigilance bureau for investigation. He said that it has been noticed that the administrative departments often postpone the sanction of prosecution which in turn delay the process of investigation by vigilance bureau. ------------- PAU TO ORGANISE KISAN MELAS CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 02: Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana has planned to organise the Kisan Melas during the month of September, 2013 While disclosing this a spokesman of Punjab Agriculture Department said that these Kisan Melas would be organised at the main campus of the university as well as its various regional stations/krishi Vigayan Kendras. He said that in these melas scientists of the University would put up exhibitions and demonstrate various technologies for crop production and post harvest management. Giving the schedule of the melas, he said that these melas would be organised at Ballowal Saunkhri on September 4th , Gurdaspur on September 6th, Faridkot on September 10th, Ludhiana on September 13th &14th, Patiala on 18th and Bathinda on September, 20 2013. He appealed the farmers to participate in these kisan melas and share their views with the scientists so that appropriate agricultural strategies could be involved for better crop yield. = VETERAN JOURNALIST JAGTAR SIDHU BEREAVED CM MOURNS DEATH OF HIS FATHER DARSHAN SINGH Chandigarh, September 1- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Darshan Singh (84), the father of veteran Punjabi journalist and Executive Editor of Magazine 'Sade Pind' Mr. Jagtar Singh Sidhu, who passed away today after a brief illness. Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family members and friends, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give them courage to bear this irreplaceable loss in this hour of crisis and grant eternal peace to the departed soul. --------- STATEMENT BY RAMESH HAS EXPOSED ANTI-PUNJAB FACE OF STATE CONGRESS LEADERSHIP- CM EQUATES STATE CONGRESS LEADERS TO STUMBLING BLOCKS IN DEVELOPMENT OF STATE STATE CONGRESS LEADERSHIP SHOULD ASK UPA TO CONSTRUCT MEMORIAL OF TERRORIST VICTIMS TERMS UNION GOVERNMENT A COPY CAT UPA MUST TAKE FRESH MANDATE FROM COUNTRYMEN SECOND DAY OF SANGAT DARSHAN IN QADIAN Bhaini Mian Khan (Gurdaspur), September 1- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that media reports pertaining to statement of Union Minister Mr. Jai Ram Ramesh that state Congress leadership was opposing the grants issued by centre to state tooth and nail has exposed the anti-Punjab stance of the state Congress leaders. Interacting with the media persons here on the sidelines of second day of his Sangat Darshan program in Qadian assembly segment, the Chief Minister said that the statement of Union Minister has vindicated the stand of SAD-BJP government that Congress leadership was a ‘stumbling block’ in the path of development of state. He said that this reflected the ‘narrow approach’ of the Punjab Congress leaders towards the larger issues concerned with the state. Taking a dig at state Congress leadership, Mr. Badal said that neither they have courage to seek any project from centre nor anybody cares to oblige them but if we get something for the state, they oppose it vehemently. Instead of resorting to such tactics the Congress leaders must join the state government for seeking more funds to ensure unprecedented development in Punjab, he added. Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that before asking the state government to construct a memorial for the victims of the Militancy in Punjab, the state Congress leadership must ask their Union government to construct such memorial. He said that the Congress was at the helms of affairs in Centre from last one decade and if the Congress leaders desired to get any memorial constructed then they should have pressurized their government for it. Mr. Badal said that the state Congress leadership must desist from misleading the people by raising such issues as the people were aware of their dubious character. Terming the Union government as ‘Copy cat’, the Chief Minister said that though the Congress leaders were vying to get credit for the Food Security Act and the Land Acquisition Bill but it was on record that both these bills have been copied by the centre from Punjab. He said that while the Food Security Act has been copied from Atta-Dal scheme, Punjab government’s decision to not to acquire even an inch of land without the express consent of farmer has been replicated in the ‘Land Acquisition Bill’. Mr Badal said that this clearly indicates the Union government sans vision to ensure the welfare of people. The Chief Minister said that the policy were framed by the UPA government while sitting in the Air Conditioned offices without ascertaining the ground realities due to which sheer mess has been created in the country. He said that due to the wrong policies of the successive Congress Union governments at the centre the country was confronting a number of social maladies like corruption, unemployment, illiteracy and others. Mr. Badal said that the exorbitant hike in prices of essential commodities like onion and regular increase in cost of petroleum products has broken the backbone of the common man. Lashing out at the Union government, the Chief Minister said that UPA government has miserably failed on all the fronts and it has no moral right to remain in power. He said that the leaders of UPA should stop clinging to their seats and take the onus of grave crisis faced by the nation today. It is the high time that UPA leaders must resign and seek fresh verdict from the people, added Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister further said that the state government was duty bound to serve the people of Punjab adding that all the villages of the state would be provided potable drinking water in next two years. Likewise he said that a major program has been embarked to provide basic civic amenities in all the town of the state in coming years. Earlier addressing the people during Sangat Darshan at villages Kathiana and Bhaini Mian Khan, the Chief Minister said that the main aim of this flagship program was on the spot redressal of the grievances of people. He said that while the Congress leaders and their Union government resorted to mere political gimmickry, the SAD-BJP government was serving the people in true sense by bringing the government at their doorsteps. Mr. Badal reiterated that no force in this world could deter him from pursuing this pro-people program. The Chief Minister was accompanied by former Minister Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh. ------ CM VISITS CHOTTA GHALUGHARA MEMORIAL ANNUAL NATIONAL LEVEL FESTIVAL TO BE ORGANIZED ON DAY OF HOLOCAUST BATS FOR EMERGING THE MONUMENT AS A WORLD CLASS TOURIST DESTINATION MEMORIAL TO BE EQUIPPED WITH ULTRA MODERN TECHNIQUES TO ACQUAINT PEOPLE ABOUT RICH LEGACY OF THIS PLACE SALUTES RECORD SACRIFICES MADE BY MARTYRS Kahnuwan Chamb (Gurdaspur), September 1, 2013 To eulogize the unprecedented sacrifice of several unsung martyrs of Chotta Ghalughara, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to organize an annual National function at the memorial of small holocaust to perpetuate the legacy of this rarest of rare incident of valor in the annals of Sikh history on the world canvas. Interacting with the officers during his visit to the memorial here today, the Chief Minister said that this function would highlight the countless sacrifices made by the martyrs at this place on the day of holocaust adding that it would be a befitting tribute to the great unsung heroes, who had laid down their life for the cause of nation. Mr.Badal said dignitaries from across the globe would be invited to this place to apprise them about the rich past of Punjab. He also asked the officers to equip this monument with ultra modern techniques so as to acquaint the visitors about the rich history of this place. The Chief Minister further said that there was no dearth of funds to develop this memorial further by judiciously utilizing the vacant land for picturesque landscaping and plantation of the trees besides perpetuating the rich sacrifices made by the martyrs through paintings in the galleries of buildings. He said that the green belt in the memorial must be aptly developed on the lines of the ‘Shalimar Garden’ in Kashmir so that more and more people could be attracted towards this sacred place. Underscoring the need for showcasing the rich legacy of this place through light and sound show, documentaries and even plays by eminent artists in the buildings, Mr. Badal said that the tourism department of the state was working towards these projects, which would be soon started at this place. The Chief Minister also said that soon the literature in the form of small booklets would be made available at this memorial so that the younger generations could be made aware about the countless sacrifices made by the people at this sacred place. He also asked the officers to make the appropriate sitting arrangements for the visitors coming to place so as to facilitate them. After touring the memorial, Mr. Badal also directed the officers to ensure the proper upkeep of this monument in a devoted manner so as to preserve it in a befitting manner. He also said that any dereliction on the part of the concerned officials/ officers in this task would not be tolerated at any cost. The Deputy Commissioner of Gurdaspur Dr. Abhinav Trikha informed the Chief Minister that around 100-150 visitors were visiting the place every day adding that the number touched the mark of 500-600 at the weekend or sacred days. He also apprised Mr. Badal that a cafeteria would be opened soon at this place to provide refreshment to the visitors coming to this place. Meanwhile the Chief Minister also gave his comment on the visitor book of the place. ‘After the opening ceremony I have come here to pay my tributes to this holy place where record sacrifices have been made. I salute this place’ wrote Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister was accompanied by former Minister Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.
------------------- JAGTAR SIDHU BEREAVED, FATHER EXPRIES-SUKHBIR, MAJITHIA CONDOLE DEMISE CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 1: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today expressed grief over the demise of Mr. Darshan Singh (84) father of renowned journalist Mr. Jagtar Singh Sidhu, who passed away today after a brief illness. Meanwhile, Punjab Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also condoled the demise of Mr. Darshan Singh. Sharing their heartfelt sympathies with the members of bereaved family, Mr. Badal and Mr. Majithia prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss. Mr. Darshan Singh was cremated at his native village Bhai Roopa in Bathinda district. ---------- SAD GENERAL DELEGATE SESSION ON SEPT. 3RD AT AMRITSAR PRESIDENT AND OTHER OFFICE BEARER TO BE ELECTED Chandigarh, September 1 : The Shiromani Akali Dal has completed all preparations for the general delegate session of the party to be held on September 3rd at Amritsar. Disclosing this in a statement released from the party head office here today, the SAD Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that the general delegate session of the party would be held on September 3rd at 11.00 am at Teja Singh Samundri Hall, Sri Amritsar in which delegates of the party elected from Punjab and other states would participate. He said that process of organizational polls of the party has been completed and now the delegates would elect the party President and other office bearers in this session. - Shiromani Akali Dal Harsimrat urges Punjabis to take on Congress led UPA for failure on economic front (Says PM and FM have failed to come out with a road map to take country out of crisis) CHANDIGARH September 1: Bathinda mp Harsimrat Kaur Badal today gave a clarion call to Punjabis to join hands and launch a nationwide stir at the national capital to protest against the anti-nation policies of the Congress led UPA government which she said was now trying to blame its policy paralysis on outside factors including the tapering of reserves by the United States and even the Syrian crisis. In a statement here, the Bathinda mp said the people would see through these excuses adding “how can any so called global crisis be responsible for the government’s own policy paralysis”. Asserting that the economic downslide under the UPA rule seemed irreversible, she said there was no hope of an improvement under the present dispensation with neither Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh nor Finance Minister P Chidambaram coming out with any road map to take the country out of the present economic crisis. “The PM in fact is on record saying this good monsoon is expected to improve things”, she said adding the only solution left was dismissal of the central government and imposition of financial emergency. Explaining how the situation had turned bad to worse under UPA rule, Harsimrat Badal said the import of capital goods worth $ 587 billon, which India could have made in its own backyard, drained out a third of India’s GDP under the very nose of the UPA regime. “The country’s current account deficit which was $ 8 billion in 2007 has shot up to $ 90 billion now due to the flawed UPA policies”, she said. She said the UPA had recently decided to go in for ill planed grandiose schemes instead of going in for nation building. “Would it not have been better if the UPA had sincerely tried to skill the youth of the country a la South Korea which emerged as a country in its own right due to this one singular achievement?, she asked. She said the SAD-BJP on the other hand was concentrating on skill development of youth and women and that more steps would be taken in the forthcoming years to create a skilled force which would be an asset to the State and the country. Harsimrat Badal said instead of taking policy decisions to reduce the effects of the economic crisis, the government was going in for hefty hikes in the petrol and diesel rates. “This is adding insult to injury”, she said adding the common man, who was already reeling under the economic crisis, would now have to face further inflation. Recalling Prime Minister’s recent comments in which he claimed that his critics were targeting him for one bad year, the Bathinda mp said "It is not only one year but the last nine and-a-half years which have been bad under Congress rule. Projects worth USD 550 billion have been stalled during the tenure of the UPA”, she added. EOM -
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