NRI punjab news- 2013

Punjab News:

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY NEEDS TO BE DEVELOPE
FOR ALL ROUND SOCIO- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT --PATIL

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 4: Lauding the initiative of Strawberry Fields World School for hosting Model United Nation’s Conference 2014, yesterday late night at Hotel Taj Chandigarh, the Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Mr. Shivraj V. Patil, said that we have to be aware of what is happening in the world, be abreast with the latest information. He said collecting information was one thing and forming your opinion was different and suggesting correct conclusion was very difficult. He said geographically and physically this world of us was one and was part of the universe.

Mr. Patil said that the United Nations has Socio Economic Council and International Court of Justice. It aims to help the countries to bring about all round socio economic development, and to do justice. He said the United Nations has been able to avoid and prevent big wars. It is hoped that it may succeed in preventing big wars, or Third World War.
The Governor said that in the present day world, Science & Technology, new knowledge, transport and communication facilities are bound to play very important role and they should be developed in a cooperative and with joint efforts. He said more technology and new scientific knowledge should be generated and needed to be flow freely. He said scientists should also be allowed to move freely in countries to exchange and acquire knowledge and for this United Nations can play positive role. He said Oceans are equal to two third of the globe and they need to be explored. He said the resources and wealth they have under the sea beds, in the columns of water of them were very rich and should be used.
Mr. Patil further said that the space was bigger than the oceans. It has many sources of wealth and energy and they should also be explored and used. He said Space, oceans, lands, has enough to meet our needs, and demands. Our needs and demands can be met by paying more attention to Science & Technology, natural and non-conventional sources of energy, developing wider, perspective and long term vision, and plans, which also can be done in a better manner by bringing about cooperation between the countries. He said if world has to unite then we have to extend cooperation and our vision has to be widened. He said to enlighten people more information has to be exchanged and spread. He said in order to understand our state, our country we have to understand the world.

        Mr. Patil further said that United Nation’s was a forum where these issues can be discussed and solved.
        Former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. (Retd.) Mr. V.P. Malik also spoke on the occasion and appreciated India’s role in the UN Peacekeeping Mission.
        Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. Atul Khanna, Director Strawberry Fields World School and Mr. Raj Bachan Singh Sadhu, ADC.

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Grewal said the Dussehra festival is symbol of "victory of good on evil"

...Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal........Click here

Ludhiana: 3 October 2014

National Secretary BJP Kisan Morcha and Prabhari Himachal Pradesh Advocate Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal on 3rd October attended Dussehra programs at various places of the Punjab state and specially in Ludhiana City. Grewal said the Dussehra festival is symbol of "victory of good on evil". In Ludhiana he joined this festival at Jamalpur, Sheed Karnail Singh Nagar, Shimlapuri, Giaspura, Guru Nanak Coloney-A backside Marado, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha Nagar. Grewal last, at 6 pm attended this Dussehra festival program organised at Jawahar Nagar Camp, Ludhiana with Bhagat Raj Kumar Kehra, BJP Mandal President Dr. Parmjit Singh, Pardeep Panchi, Amandeep Singh Makkar, Manwinder Singh Lucky, President Harcharan Singh. Secretary Sr. Amar Singh, Amandeep Singh Grewal, Nirmal Kaira, Sonu and Babbu, Maninder Raj Singh Grewal, Avtar Singh, Lovepreet Singh Lovely, Sukhwinder Singh Gill and huge number gathering of devotee's in ground. All the dignitaries lit a ceremonial lamp, and were also seen putting tilak and offering flowers to actors depicting Ram and Lakshman at the event venue. Grewal also paid floral tribute to the actor dressed as Hanuman, who was standing behind Ram and Lakshman in this festival.

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DUSSHERA VICTORY OF GOODNESS OVER EVIL - CM
CM PUTS RAAVAN, MEGHNATH AND KUMBHKARAN ON FIRE

Malout/ Sri Muktsar Sahib, October 3
The festivals give us message of togetherness and brotherhood and on this day we should vow to together fight against drugs, female feticide, dowry and other social evils.
The Chief Minister Punjab Mr Parkash Singh Badal while addressing congregation at Dussehra celebrations – the festival which signifies victory of good over evil. Pressing a button he set the effigies of Rava, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran on fire. The event was organized by City Welfare and Cultural Club that was constituted with the inspiration of Late Mrs Surinder Kaur Badal.
Congratulating people on the occasion of Vijaydashmi, the Chief Minister said that Punjabis were especially filled with pride over Dussehra as the Ramayan was written in Punjab, on the land of holy city Amritsar. He said that the festivities of Dussehra inspire us to remain grounded, keep our anger under control and stay away from hate. “These three factors become the reasons for decline of even the most intelligent person,” he said. The festivities also teach us to remain with brotherhood.
He added that the festivals not only become sources of our inspiration, but also helps us know the rich cultural heritage we have inherited. He said that the true essence of Dusshera lies in fighting against injustice, evil and egos with love and secularism. He called upon the people of Punjab to soak in the rich history and take Punjab to unprecedented heights.
Prominent among others present with him included MLA Mr. Harpreet Singh, Chairman Punjab Agro Mr Diyal Singh Kolian Wali, Deputy Commissioner Mr Jaskirn Singh, Club President Mr. Dinesh Garg Tony, Mr. Parween Jain, Mr. Billu Sharma, Mr Basant Singh Kang, Mr. Rakesh Dingra.

CM AND DEPUTY CM CONGRATULATES INDIAN HOCKEY SQUAD FOR BAGGING GOLD MEDAL IN ASIAN GAMES PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO HONOR EVERY PUNJABI PLAYER WHO HAD BROUGHT MEDAL FOR THE COUNTRY

Chandigarh, October 2-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the Indian Hockey team for bringing golden glory to the country by bagging the Gold Medal in the Asian Games.

In a congratulatory message to the winning Indian squad, the Chief Minister said that the Hockey team has made every Indian feel proud by registering a spectacular win in the Asiad, after sixteen years. He said that the Captain, coach, manager and every member of the Indian hockey team deserves applause for their outstanding performance. Mr. Badal said that this was a great moment for the Indian sports as the Indian Hockey team had made every Indian walk taller. “I hope that this win will go a long way in the regaining back the pristine glory of the national game of our country by inspiring our budding players to further excel in the game” added Mr. Badal.

Expressing solidarity with the boxer Sarita Devi, the Chief Minister said that every Indian was proud her as she fought like a tigress. “Sarita, you are our champion” he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also congratulated the winning Indian squad for bagging gold medal by defeating its traditional rival Pakistan in the final match. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also announced that the Punjab government would honor all the Punjabi players who had brought laurels for the country by winning medals in the Asian games.

Sukhbir Badal felicitates Indian hockey team for becoming Asian champions

(Punjab to hounor the winners of Commonwealth and Asian games)

Chandigarh, October 2 - Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today greeted Indian Hockey team for their tremendous victory over Pakistan and becoming Asian champion by securing gold medal after 16 years in Asian games at Incheon in South Korea.

Extending congratulations to the hockey team Mr. Badal said we are proud of them as they not only demonstrated wonderful game with all the hard work and efforts to beat their rival team. The Deputy CM, who is also holding the sports portfolio added that Indian Hockey team led by Sardara Singh has brought great laurels to the nation after 16 years and proved their mettle by giving a befitting answer.

Appreciating the game played by Indian team including captain Sardara Singh, Rupinderpal Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Dharmvir Singh, Gurbhaj Singh, Gurwinder Singh Chandi and Manpreet Singh (all from Punjab), Mr. Badal said this victory has brought two celebrations since besides clinching victory the Indian team secured berth for Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics. Lauding the role of Punjabi players in securing the shoot out goals for this victory, Mr. Badal said that “we all should feel proud that the Indian team led by Sardara Singh, which had 7 players from the state.”

He said that the SAD-BJP Government was paying full attention towards the promotion of sports by strengthening the sports infrastructure besides providing world class sports facilities in centers of excellence. He said that Punjab Government has boosted up the standard of hockey playing by laying six new Astroturfs.

Mr. Badal also announced that Punjab Government would hounor the winners of commonwealth games and Asian games after the closing of these games.

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CM BATS FOR COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FOR CLEAN INDIA – CM

CM ADMINISTERS SWACHHTA SHAPATH AT STATE LEVEL FUNCTION

Shekhpura (Talwandi Sabo), October 2

The Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Parkash Singh Badal administered pledge under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan to government officials, employees and other people at the state level function held here today on the occasion of birth anniversary of the Father of Nation Mahatama Gandhi.

Mr Badal avowed the people to maintain cleanliness in and around their houses, public places and workplaces. People pledged to devote at least 100 hours per year, making it two hours every week, to keep respective areas clean.

Addressing the gathering he said that the people should take up cudgels of keeping country clean themselves. “Government has provided enough infrastructure and funds to keep the state clean. It is people who will have to step forward, take the onus and ensure that we keep our cities as clean as the foreign shores we visit,” he said.

He said that while the SAD-BJP government in state was committed to keep the cities and villages pristine clean, it was also responsibility of its citizens to not litter their places.

The Chief Minister called upon people to be disciplined. Farmers were appealed to pile up their agriculture waste in a corner of their fields instead of piling the same on vacant land and creating pockets of dumping grounds. The urbanites were appealed to clean their houses and instead of throwing the waste collected in street, the same should be handed over to garbage collector or dumped at common garbage collection sites.

He impressed upon the people, especially in the villages, to demonstrate exemplary determination and commitment by taking special initiative for removing the agriculture waste (biomass) and cattle-dung (ruri) stacked on the panchayat land as a part of cleanliness drive. This initiative would ensure clean, green, pollution free and healthy environment thereby improving the quality of life of the people residing there.

He said that the sense of cleanliness should be instilled in a child right from the time he or she learns to walk. “Cleanliness is next to godliness and this is where we have an important role to play,” he said.

Calling upon the government officers and employees to be role model for others he said that the spirit should be imbibed deep within and be reflected in ones act. Reminding people of the spirit of selfless service, Mr Badal exhorted them to become role model to keep their environs neat. Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema accompanied him.

Prominent among others present included MLA Talwandi Sabo Mr. Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Deputy Commissioner Bathinda Dr Basant Garg, DIG Mr. Amar Singh Chahal, SSP Mr. Gurpreet Singh Bhullar and others.

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"Swachh Bharat" mission beyond politics and inspired by patriotism - Grewal.......Click here

Ludhiana, October 2, 2014:

National BJP Leader from Punjab Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal launched and takes part in cleanliness drive with BJP workers and shopkeeper Association. Grewal launched this drive from the statue of Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat
Singh, at Bus Stand Jodhan near Ludhiana.

Grewal told that this drive is the country's biggest ever cleanliness drive that is expected to cost over Rs 62,000 crore, asserting that the "Swachh Bharat" mission is "beyond politics" and inspired by patriotism. Talking with the media persons here today Grewal said all the governments in this country in each and every state have made one or the other effort to do this work. He told that several political, social and cultural organisations have made efforts in this direction for the 5 year long campaign that will cover 4,041 statutory towns of the country. Grewal said that this task is not the
responsibility only of safai karamcharis or the government but of all the 125 crore Indians. He said that he is aware that the criticism of this programme will begin in just a few days but said he is prepared for this exuding confidence that the countrymen will not let him down.

Grewal stated the launch was preceded by cleanliness campaign week beginning
September 25 which saw Central Government and State Government offices being
spruced up by discarding or overhauling old furniture and sending old files
to record rooms. He said that the launch of the mission comes in the wake of
a perception about Indian cities not being very clean. Grewal said that a
large number of people in rural areas still do not have access to toilets.
He said that some schools in the rural areas also do not have toilets.
Grewal told that according to the Census 2011 and only 32.70 per cent of
rural households had access to toilets. He also told that according to a UN
report released this year, India continues to have the largest number of
people in the world defecating in the open.
Grewal said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been talking of "Clean
India" in his major speeches, and most people feel that personal push being
given by him to sanitation would have an impact. He said that a "clean
India" will be the best tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth
anniversary in 2019. The Father of the Nation had a penchant for cleanliness
in his personal habits and strongly promoted it in society.
District President Jagraon Dr. Shrishti Garg, Vice President's Pardeep
Jain, Navdeep Singh Grewal, General Secretary Dr. Ajaib Singh Chahal,
Secretary Bs Dhillon, Ram Parkash Mittal, Dr. Bishamber Nath Baddowal,
Mahinder Dev, Chairman shopkeeper Association Rakesh Kumar, President
shopkeeper Association Parmjeet Singh Pamma, Shmt. Balwinder Kaur Dhillon,
Sarpanch Jodhan Jagdev Singh, Jathedar Ajmer Singh, Devinder Singh, Gurjeet
Singh, Gurmeet Lal, Dalwara Singh all from village Rattana, Pardeep Singh
Masuran, Bharat Kumar Mullanpur, BJP Yuva Morcha Leader Anil Kumar, Raj
Verma, SHO Kuldeep Singh, ASI Harpreet Singh Punjab Police from Police
Station Jodhan and large number of local resident participated this drive.

BADAL GREETS PEOPLE ON DUSSEHRA AND DURGA PUJA

Chandigarh, October 02-

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the countrymen especially the Punjabis living in country and abroad on the auspicious festival of Dussehra and Durga Puja.

In a message, Mr. Badal said that these two festivals transcend communal barriers and provide an opportunity to the people to reinforce their bonds of brotherhood, amity and goodwill. Our nation has an age old tradition of celebrating Dusshera and Durga Puja that symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and shows us the way of ideal and virtuous living to carve out a healthy and harmonious society.

The Chief Minister appealed the people to celebrate this joyous occasion in collectively with religious fervor and gaiety rising above of the parochial considerations of caste, creed and colour.

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DGP ADMINISTERS CLEANLINESS OATH TO POLICE OFFICERS/EMPLOYEES

Chandigarh, October 2:

With a view to make Swachh Bharat Mission, a peoples’ movement as directed by the Punjab government to realize the dream of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi of a clean and hygienic India, a special cleanliness drive was started at Punjab Police headquarters today on 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of nation.

On this occasion hundreds of police officers and employees posted at headquarters were administered a ‘cleanliness oath’ in presence of Punjab DGP Mr. Sumedh Singh. The process of administering oath was completed by DGP Mr. SK Sharma.

Earlier, in a comprehensive cleanliness campaign, the whole premises of police headquarters and offices were cleaned thoroughly and instructions were issued to make it regular feature.

On this occasion, the top brass of state police was also present.

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PUNJAB LAUNCHES SAFE SCHOOL VAHAN SCHEME-KOHAR

ISSUES DIRECTIONS TO STRICTLY ADHERE TO APEX COURT GUIDELINES
AIMED AT ENSURING SAFETY OF SCHOOL KIDS

Chandigarh, October 2 : The Punjab Government today launched Safe School Vahan Scheme for ensuring safety of School kids and reducing the accident rate of school buses.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Transport Minister, Punjab said that majority of accidents involving the school buses happens due to the unsafe bus body fabrication and the failure of the education institutions to adopt comprehensive periodical preventive maintenance procedure and lack of driving skills among the bus drivers

Stressing upon the need for reducing ‘Road Accidental Deaths’ in the state he said that the reduction in the increasing deaths due to road accidents was the call of the hour. He said that Punjab Government has initiated an elaborate drive to ensure that the road safety norms are being properly implemented. For this purpose a scheme namely 'Safe School Vahan ' has been formulated by the transport department. School Education Department has been entrusted upon a special responsibility to properly maintain school buses and their use following the norms of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 and Supreme Court rulings.

Mr. Kohar said that instructions were also issued to all the district transport authorities to implement the decisions of the transport department. He said that all the DTOs would be held responsible for any violations of the road safety norms and departmental action would be initiated against him.

The Minister said that the drivers of the PRTC and PUNBUS who have not met with any accident due to their safe driving on the roads would be awarded at a state level functions. He also disclosed that PUNBUS and Punjab Roadways stood first and second respectively to have committed minimum accidents on roads this year.

Mr. Kohar has also urged the NGOs and other Voluntary organizers to help the government in making road safety, a movement of the people through generating mass awareness campaigns ensuring fewer accidents on the roads especially on the highways.

The Minister has also asked the officers at the district levels to ensure forceful implementations of the government directives in matter of road safety. He has also asked the Traffic Police together with the department of health to immediately handle the emergency in road accidents so that the minimum time be taken in shifting the accident victim to the nearest hospitals after administering him on the spot first aid treatment. Directing the STC, the Minister said that the unregistered vehicles are checked and action be taken on the owners for not getting their vehicles registered. He has asked the officers of the Transport Department to do all out efforts in reducing the percentage of road accidents to 10 percent.

CHIEF SECRETARY EXHORTS OFFICERS/OFFICIALS TO BECOME PART OF

NATIONAL CLEANLINESS MOVEMENT

· EVERY EMPLOYEE OF PUNJAB SWEARS TO DEVOTE 100 HOURS PER YEAR FOR CLEANLINESS

Chandigarh, October 2: Chief Secretary Punjab Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal today administered the oath of cleanliness to all officers/officials working in Punjab Civil Secretariat and exhorted them to make cleanliness movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi as National Movement.

In a oath ceremony organised in Rajindra Park here today as a part of ‘Mission Swachh Bharat’, where all Financial Commissioners, Principal Secretaries , Administrative Secretaries other officers and officials collectively vowed to carry forward the task initiated by Mahatma Gandhi and make it a peoples ‘movement. They took the oath that every officer/official would remain vigilant about necessity of keeping cleanliness in surrounding areas and devote minimum 100 hours per year i.e. two hours per week in making the environment clean. They swore that they would neither litter nor let anyone litter in the public and private places and every citizen would realise his duty of maintaining cleanliness in his residence, locality, village and city to realise the dream of making country clean and litter free. They accepted the fact that the reason of cleanliness in developed countries was because their citizens don’t litter and don’t let others litter.

In an impressive e ceremony every officer/official vowed that they would carry this message of cleanliness to every village, every city of the country and motivate 100 other persons to become part of cleanliness mission. They were satisfied from this fact that this movement collectively initiated by every citizen of the country would be catalyst in making country clean and litter free. Earlier the employees of the Punjab Civil Secretariat in the morning cleaned their offices and made their collective efforts to make Punjab Civil Secretariat from rubbish and litter free.

In a separate function organised in the office of Information and Public Relations in sector 34 Mr. Ashwani Kumar, Director Information and Public Relations led the employees of the department in launching a cleanliness drive in the sub office of department. Later Mr. Ashwani Kumar administered the oath of cleanliness to all officers/officials working there.

Similarly oath taking functions were organised in all Punjab Government Offices and offices of Boards, Corporations, Public Sector Undertakings, Educational Institutes, Training Institutes where every employee swore by the oath of cleanliness. Similar functions were organised in every village where sarpanches administered the oath of cleanliness to all panches and earlier villagers participated in a drive to make their villages clean. Such functions were also organised in every city and urban settlement of state where Mayor and Chairman of respective Municipal Corporation and Municipal Committees led the cleanliness drive in their respective cities.

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SUKHBIR BADAL GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF DUSSEHRA

Chandigarh, October 2: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today greeted the people of the state on the eve of Dussehra, also known as Vijaydashmi.

In his greetings, Deputy Chief Minister said Dussehra reminds people of the universal truth of virtue triumphing over darkness. "The festival of Vijaydashmi strengthens our belief in the inevitability of the victory of righteousness over evil", Mr. Badal said.

He said the festivals are a glorious heritage of the pluralistic ethos of Punjab, which further strengthens the spirit of harmony and tranquility among various segments of the people. Deputy Chief Minister urged the people of the state to celebrate the festival with traditional gaiety and fervor, continuing fraternity, harmony and love for each and every one.

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MAJITHIA GREETS THE PEOPLE ON THE OCCASION OF DUSSEHRA

Chandigarh, October 1:

Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today felicitated the people of Punjab on the occasion of Dussehra festival which marked the triumph of truth on evil.

In a message, Mr. Majithia said that Dussehra also symbolizes the power of ethical and moral values cherished deeply in our society. He expressed hope that Dussehra would usher in peace, prosperity and happiness for all.

He exhorted the people to celebrate the festival with gaiety and enthusiasm.

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MALUKA GREETS THE PEOPLE ON THE OCCASION OF DUSSEHRA

Chandigarh, October 2: Rural Development & Panchayat Minister Punjab Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka today felicitated the people of Punjab on the occasion of Dussehra festival which marked the triumph of truth on evil.

In a message, Mr. Maluka said that Dussehra also symbolizes the power of ethical and moral values cherished deeply in our society. He expressed hope that Dussehra would usher in peace, prosperity and happiness for all.

He exhorted the people to celebrate the festival with gaiety and enthusiasm.

Mittal exhorts youth to work for promoting peace

Chandigarh, October 2:

The world has seen enough of the menace of war. Now is the time to promote peace throughout the globe and the onus to do this largely rests on the shoulders of the youth.

Expressing these views here today at the concluding day of the 9th international youth peace fest, Industry, Commerce and Technical Education Minister , Punjab, Madan Mohan Mittal said that hopefully the coming generation will see less and less of war and more and more of peace. He further said that festivals the present one go a long way in forging ties based on universal brotherhood, respect for each other’s culture and traditions.

The minister also congratulated the yuvsatta (an NGO empowering the youth for peace) and GGDSD College which organized the festival in league with many other organizations and ensured the participation of representatives from as many as 45 countries. Many themes like- one world one family, women empowerment, creating disabled friendly cities, SAARC unity and making people aware about greenery were debated and stressed upon.

B.D.P.O.’S INSTRUCTED TO VISIT VILLAGES TWICE A WEEK

Chandigarh, October 1:

The Punjab govt. today issued instructions to the Block Development and Panchayat Officers to visit the villages under their command area twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday, to review the development works and submit their report to the higher authority.

Stating this here today Sikandar Singh Maluka, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, Punjab said that the Punjab Govt. is committed to wholeheartedly implementing the development schemes meant for the villages, so that they do not lag behind. In this regard the role of Block Development and Panchayat Officers ( B.D.P.O.) assumed great significance.

He further said that even if they visit the villages under their command area just twice a week, they can solve many problems of the panchayats which are to be addressed at their level.

The Minister said instructions have been issued to all the Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners not to schedule any meeting with the Block Development and Panchayat Officers on Tuesday and Thursday.

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BAGHA CALLS UPON NGOs TO PROVIDE COACHING TO SC STUDENTS TO CRACK COMPETITIVE EXAMS

Chandigarh, October 1

The Chairman of Punjab Schedule Caste Commission Mr. Rajesh Bagha today called upon NGOs to come forward to provide quality education to poor students belonging to oppressed classes and provide them specialized coaching to enable them to crack All India Competitive examinations. He said that it was imperative to focus on this area as 30% youth of Punjab belong to Scheduled Caste

Interacting with the students being provided coaching by Bhai Jaitajee Foundation (BJF) here today he said Foundation was playing a meaningful role in empowering EWS brilliant students of rural Punjab through quality education . BJF runs on the 'Daswandh' of family funds of its Managing Trustee S. Harpal Singh. Mr. Bagha said that with the collaboration of Punjab Government and Union Government, NGOs can play a great role by engaging the various institutions, corporate, religious leaders etc in this drive.

Mr. Bagha was informed that in last 2 years the Foundation has helped three students cracking IITJEE, three in IISER, one in IIIT and two in NIT. Besides that 9 students were supported to go to Indo Swiss Training Center Chandigarh for quality diplomas in Engineering. Last year the foundation in its Join Navodaya Schools Mission provided preparatory education to 800 students in 27 centers established in the Districts of Mohali and Faridkot. This helped 58 students getting into JNVs. This year 53 centers have been established for four month free coaching to 3100 class 5 students in the districts of Mohali, Muktsar, Faridkot, Ferozepur and Bathinda.

It was informed that to prepare the students for engineering and medical entrance exams, the Foundation has selected 32 class XI science students for two year free residential program. These students are being provided regular schooling from Chandigarh, coaching from highly competent teachers for the preparation to IIT JEE 2016 and AIPMT 2016.

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RTS Commission constitutes committee to study new applications

Chandigarh, October 01:

The Punjab Right to Service Commission today formed a 4 member committee of officers to study two applications of National Informatics Centre including Web-Suwidha and Right to Service Information System.

According to an official spokesman the committee comprise off Mr. Rajnish Malhotra, Head SeMT, Mr. Navneet Kukreja, State Informatics Officer NIC Punjab, Mr. Parveen Garg SSM DGR and Mr. Aman from TCS as special invitee. He said that the committee would also suggest the applications to be used for monitoring of services requests and pendency position of services notified under RTS Act 2011. He said that it will also look into the other software including e-district and SSDG, which will have front end system besides recommending one-software for MIS purposed.

The spokesman also informed that the committee will submit its report to the Government within a week and Mr. Rajnish Malhotra will lead the committee

CM TO LEAD STATE IN STATE-WIDE ‘MISSION SWACHH BHARAT’

· CHIEF MINISTER TO ADMINISTER OATH AT STATE LEVEL FUNCTION AT TALWANDI SABO

· ALL EMPLOYEES TO PARTICIPATE IN CLEANLINESS CAMPAIGN FOR TWO HOURS ON GANDHI JAYANTI

· CHIEF SECRETARY TO ADMINISTER OATH AT PUNJAB CIVIL SECRETARIAT

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 1:

Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would lead the state-wide ‘Mission Swachh Bharat’ as he would inaugurate this programme in a state level function to be held at Talwandi Sabo on October 2, 2014.

According to an official spokesperson said that all employees of Punjab would report to their offices at 9 am and after taking the oath of cleanliness, they would participate in this campaign for two hours. The chief minister would administer the oath of cleanliness to the people including officers/officials at Talwandi Sabo whereas ministers and other dignitaries would administer the oath of cleanliness at district headquarters. The Chief Secretary would administer the oath to the officers/ official posted at Civil Secretariat at the premises of Civil Secretariat. In various boards and corporations and statutory bodies head of the board would lead the function. The spokesperson said that similar function would be held at all schools, colleges, technical universities, training institutes, hospitals, police stations.

Similar function would be organised in every Panchayat where Sarpanch would administer the oath. In the Municipal Committees and Municipal Corporations Mayors, Chairman would administer the oath. Instructions have been issued to make this function at great success by making cleanliness drive a national movement.

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BADAL SANCTIONS Rs. 70 LAC FOR THE UP GRADATION OF NINE BURIAL PLACES AND FIVE MADRASSAS

· ASKS MUSLIM DELEGATION TO INITIATE EFFORTS FOR SETTING UP MODERN SCHOOL FOR THEIR CHILDREN

· BATS FOR BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATION GAP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND VARIOUS COMMUNITIES

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 01-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal sanctioned Rs. 70 lac for the up gradation of nine existing burial places and five Madrassas across the state.

Disclosing this here a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that this decision was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting with the Muslim delegation led by the Member Punjab State Minority Commission Mr. Haafiz Tehseen Ahmed here at Punjab Bhawan on Monday evening.

The Chief Minister also asked the delegation to take initiative for establishing a modern school for their children to impart quality education to them, for which the state government would provide land and grant financial assistance. Mr. Badal also reiterated the state government’s commitment to provide land for burial places in villages and towns by the concerned panchaytas and Municipal Committees as per their requirement in line with the already approved policy by the Departments of Rural Development & Panchaytas and Local Government.

Interacting with the Muslim delegation, the Chief Minister called upon the Muslim community to further strengthen ethos of peace, communal harmony and brotherhood in the state. He said the SAD-BJP alliance was committed to ensure welfare and development of all the communities belonging to different castes and religions as our great gurus, saints, seers and prophets have disseminated the message of universal brotherhood, amity and religious tolerance. He assured the members of Muslim community to extend all possible help and cooperation for the prosperity of the Muslim brethren. Mr. Badal also emphasized the need to bridge the communication gap between the state administration and the different communities so as to ensure prompt redressal of their grievances.

The delegation also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for making concerted efforts to ensure the welfare of Muslim community in the state especially by reviving the Wakf Board and giving due representation to its members at different forums.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.

The delegation included Hazi Abid Hasan Salmani (Jalandhar), Molana Kutbudeen and Prof. Parveen, Mr. Shameem Ahmed and Hazi Mohd. Khurshid Ali.

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ONLINE SCHOLARSHIP PORTAL ASHIRWAD A GREAT SUCCESS WITH OVER 3 LAKH APPLYING FOR POST MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP-RANIKE

- REGISTERS AN INCREASE OF 77000 IN A SINGLE YEAR

- PUNJAB RECEIVES Rs. 150 CRORE IN ADVANCE FOR THE FIRST TIME

- STUDENTS OF 4403 INSTITUTES APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIP

Chandigarh, October 1:

The online portal Ashirwad introduced by Deputy CM Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for hassle free online sanction of post-matric scholarship to SC students proved a great hit with the student community, with approximate 3 lakh students applying for scholarship in a single year.

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Welfare Minister Punjab said that Punjab got another feather in the cap as online registration figure for the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs, touched record number of 2,95,344 as on September 30, 2014, the last day of online registration.

He said that there has been an increase of 35.28% registrations in 2014-15. He said that online registration figure has reached 2,95,344 as compared to last year’s 2,18,323 registering an increase of 77,021 more students have been registered on the Ashirwad portal.

The Welfare Minister said that total 4403 Institutes both Government and Private are part in this scheme. “On account of rigorously pursuing the matter with GOI, central share of Rs.149.67 crore has been received first time in advance for the current year” he added.

Ms. Seema Jain, Secretary Welfare further said that state government is closely monitoring all welfare schemes and all the officers/employees have been directed to serve the people and implement the schemes in a transparent manner so that the schemes should reach at intended beneficiaries.

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VIGILANCE NABS CONSTABLE IN GRAFT CASE

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 1:

Continuing its consistant compaign to get hold of the corruption in the government offices, the Vigilance Bureau nabbed a constable red handed while receiving bribe of Rs. 10,000.

While disclosing this an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that Constable Bhupinder Singh posted at Police Station Bugha, District Fatehgarh Sahib was apprehended on the the complaint of Kulwinder Singh of village Gallwatti, District Patiala. The complainant alleged that the constable was demamdind bribe for cancellation of a case in which both the parties have already entered into mutual aggrement.

The spokesperson said that the complainant tipped off the police about the transaction of bribe. Acting on the tip off team of Vigilance Bureau headed by Sub Inspector Pritpal Singh caught the constable red handed while accepting the bribe.

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PUNJAB PREFERS MORE BASMATI BUYERS TO ENTER IN ITS MARKET TO PROTECT FARMERS' INTERESTS

INCENTIVES TO BASMATI MILLERS TO CONTINUE IN PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 30-

In a move aimed at getting more buyers to enter Punjab's market to purchase basmati for safeguarding the interests of the basmati cultivators on one hand and encouraging crop diversification in the state on other, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today allowed the incentives given to the Basmati Millers during 2013-14 to continue, besides slashing both the Market Fee (MF) and Rural Development Fee (RDF) by one percent in order to motivate the buyers from outside Punjab for the purchase of basmati.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that this decision has been taken by the Chief Minster after series of deliberations with the representatives of farmers, millers and the officials of the State Government.

It may be recalled here that the Punjab Government had waived Mandi Fee (2%), Rural Development Fee (2%) and Infrastructure Fee (3%) on purchase of basmati for milling in Punjab during 2013-14. Such a measure was taken to encourage farmers to grow more basmati paddy instead of common paddy which is considered to be water guzzling. Basmati paddy consumes less water and is a short duration crop. It also fetches more money to the farmers. The promotion of basmati is part of the State's Diversification Plan to reduce area under paddy cultivation.

Earlier, the basmati exporters were required to pay these fees/ charges and claimed refund thereof because taxes on export of goods were zero rated as per the policy of the Government, but the millers of Punjab claimed difficulties in refund of fees/charges paid by them, as a result a large chunk of their working capital used to get stuck in transit, rendering the milling in Punjab uncompetitive. With a waiver of fees, the government provided procedural comfort to the millers to encourage not only more cultivation of basmati paddy but also to promote investment in rice milling industry. This has resulted in an addition of 90 MT of fresh milling capacity of Basmati Paddy and projects worth Rs. 700 Crore approximately which were firmed up during the Progressive Punjab Agriculture summit held in February 2014, were in the pipeline. Apart From this the traditional Basmati rice shellers have also upgraded their mills to enhance their milling capacity.

During 2013-14, paddy was sown in about 28.51 lac hectares, of which basmati paddy was sown in about 5.5 lac hectares. Given the drought like conditions in the State, the area under paddy has come down to 28.13 lac hectares during kharif 2014. However, area under basmati paddy has increased to 8.6 lac hectares. The last year's basmati production was about 22 lac MT, whereas the anticipated production during current season is about 34 lac MT.

Given the increase in basmati production, there are apprehensions that market price of basmati would be lower than the previous year as a result, the Government needs to encourage more buyers of basmati so as to ensure remunerative prices to the farmers. The Chief Minister, Punjab has been concerned about the farmers' interest in this regard and he has taken a number of meetings with the representatives of farmers, millers and the officials of the State Government along with Punjab Agriculture Minister, S. Tota Singh and Food and Supplies Minister S. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon. After comprehensive discussions, the Chief Minister, Punjab has decided that the incentives given to Punjab millers would continue. However, to encourage other buyers also to enter Punjab markets to purchase basmati, the Market Fee and Rural Development Fee would be charged at 1% each against 2% each charged earlier.

Giving these details, a spokesman further clarified that as on today Value Added Tax (VAT) is zero rated for all exporters of basmati who purchase basmati paddy from Punjab. They can avail refund of VAT paid by them on the basis of existing documentation (H form) and there is no infrastructure fee on basmati purchase. He further added that this relief for other buyers of basmati in Punjab is aimed to ensure competition in market for remunerative prices to the farmers.

FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF ‘JANGE-E-AZAADI’ MEMORIAL POSTPONED BY A WEEK

STATE LEVEL FUNCTION FOR THIS NOW TAKE PLACE ON OCTOBER 19

CM REVIEWS ARRANGEMENT FOR THIS MEGA EVENT

MEETS SENIOR SAD LEADERS OF TWELVE DISTRICTS

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 30-

The Punjab government has decided to postpone the state level function to mark the foundation stone laying ceremony of the prestigious ‘Jang-e-Azaadi’, memorial to be constructed at Kartarpur near Jalandhar over an area of 25 acre at a cost of Rs 200, by a week.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that now this function would be held on October 19, instead of October 12 as announced earlier.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today also held a series of meetings, here at Punjab Bhawan, with the senior leaders of the SAD-BJP included Cabinet Ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs besides the officers of the state government to finalize the arrangements of the foundation laying ceremony of this world class state-of-the-art memorial, which would showcase the enormous contribution made by the Punjabis during the national freedom struggle.

During deliberations with the leaders from Bathinda, Mansa, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Faridkot, Patiala, SAS Nagar, Rupnagar, Moga, Barnala and Sangrur districts, Mr. Badal solicited maximum participation of the people from across the state to acknowledge the enormous contribution made by the unsung heroes and martyrs especially from Punjab in the country's freedom movement. He called upon the leaders of SAD-BJP and the top brass of the government to elicit huge participation of the people from different walks of life on this historic event.

The Chief Minister said that this memorial would showcase the unprecedented valour and commitment of our forefathers to free our motherland from the yoke of British imperialism. He expressed hope that the upcoming memorial after completion would prove to be a beacon to kindle the spirit of nationalism amongst the future generations. He exhorted the people to participate in this function with great enthusiasm and gaiety thereby demonstrating the ethos of nationalism and patriotism on one hand and to pay befitting tributes to the great national martyrs and heroes of the national freedom struggle on the other. Pertinently Mr. Badal has already deputed the Cabinet Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema to overall supervise the arrangements and ensure comfortable journey of the people arriving at venue of the function.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Senior Akali Leaders and Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Mr.Janmejha Singh Sekhon, Mr.Sikandar Singh Maluka, Mr.Surjit Singh Rakhra, Dr.DS Cheema (all Cabinet Ministers), Mr. NK Sharma, Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas, Mr.Parkash Chand Garg (all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries), Mr. Hari Singh Zira, Mr.Jit Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Mr.Sarup Chand Singla (all MLAs) and senior leaders of Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP from Ropar, Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Mansa, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Muktsar and Faridkot districts besides deputy commissioners of all these districts.

PUNJAB DEPUTY CM NOT TO HOLD SANGAT DARSHAN ON OCTOBER 1

Chandigarh September 30 :

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal will not be hold "Sangat Darshan" at Punjab Bhawan Chandigarh on Wednesday i.e. October 1, 2014 due to pre occupied engagements. This was disclosed by here today Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Jangveer Singh.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTES ORGANIZING COMMITTEE OF 5TH KABADDI WORLD CUP

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 30:

Punjab Government has been constituted organizing committee of 5th Kabaddi World Cup for smooth conduct of mega sports event. 5th Kabaddi World Cup that is set to be played from December 6 to December 20, 2014.

Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister has been made the Chief Patron, while Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister would be the Chairman of the Organizing Committee.

In a press communiqué released here today an official spokesman said that Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Member of Parliament and Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, Punjab would be the Senior Vice Chairmen and Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue, Rehabilitation, Information & Public Relations Minister, Mr. Pawan Kumar Tinnu, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sports& Youth Services and MLA Mr. Pargat Singh have been made Vice Chairmen.

The spokesman further said that Punjab Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs, Principal Secretary, Information & Public Relations, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce, Principal Secretary Finance, Financial Commissioner Taxation, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Director General of Police, MD, PIDB, Secretary Sports & Youth Services, Mr. Manvesh Singh and Mr. Ajay Mahajan, both Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy Chief Minister and concerned Deputy Commissioners have been made the members of the organizing committee. Mr. Puneet Chandhok would be the Co-ordinator and Director Sports, Punjab would be the organizing Secretary of the Organizing Committee.

MALUKA DIRECTS BDPOs TO ENSURE TOTAL SANITATION OF ONE VILLAGE IN EACH BLOCK ON GANDHI JAYANTI

Chandigarh, September 30: Punjab Rural Development & Panchayat Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka today directed all the Block Development& Panchayat Officers (BDPOs) to ensure total sanitation of one village each of their respective block to culminate weeklong Swachh Panchayat Saptah on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti i.eOctober 2, 2014.

He pointed out that our country was striving hard to achieve cleanliness and by creating a ‘Swachh Bharat’ we can pay a befitting tribute to the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. He said that during this weeklong sanitation drive the major focus was remained on formation of village level committees with further emphasis on cleaning of houses, individual domestic hygiene, cleaning and maintenance of animal shelters, roads and markets, public places, water bodies and water sources and cleaning and removing blockages in the drains. He further said that on 2nd October Special Panchayat meetings should be held to discuss sanitation.

He further said that this campaign would prove to be a launching pad for National Sanitation Campaign, which would continue till 31st October.

Meanwhile, he also appealed to the residents of villages to play proactive role in sanitation campaign to ensure cleanliness of their respective villages and make it part of their routine life keep their surroundings clean and green.

PUNJAB RECASTS GOVERNING BODY OF INSTITUTE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT SOCIETY, BOOTHGARH

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 30:

The Punjab Government has amended the composition of the Governing body of Institute of Hotel Management Society, Boothgarh.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Tourism Department said that after this amendment Secretary, Department of Tourism Punjab would be the Chairperson of the Governing Body whereas Director Tourism Punjab, Deputy Commissioner, S.A.S. Nagar, Principal, Food Craft Institute, Hoshiarpur, Finance Controller, Ministry of Tourism Government of India, A Representative Ministry of Tourism Government of India, Director Studies, National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology, PUSA, S. Amarveer Singh General Secretary, Hotel & Restaurant Association Punjab (Ludhiana), Assistant Controller Finance and Accounts,O/o Director Culture would be members. Deputy Director Tourism Punjab has been made the Member Secretary in the Board of Governors.

PERFORM OR ‘FACE THE MUSIC’-RAKHRA WARNS HIGHER EDUCATION OFFICERS/OFFICIALS

· REVIEWS FUNCTIONING OF HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT · SKILL DEVELOPMENT COURSES TO BE OPENED IN MORE COLLEGES

· MANDATORY FOR EVERY COLLEGE TO APPLY UNDER UGC SCHEMES

· ASKS OFFICERS TO ENSURE TIMELY RELEASE OF SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNTS

Chandigarh, September 30:

Punjab Higher Education Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra today gave stern message to officers/officials of the department to all pro student schemes of well in time otherwise they will have to face the flak. He also directed immediate release of grant in aid to private aided colleges.

Chairing a high level meeting of higher education Mr. Rakhra directed all institution heads would ensure submission of monthly status report of all projects to him and no laxity or delay in this regard would be tolerated. “It is time to perform besides improving functioning and speedy execution of ongoing projects to uplift the standards of higher education in the state otherwise the non-performers will have to face the music,” he asserted.

Taking serious note of lax approach of some colleges towards UGC offered schemes and National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Mr. Rakhra asked that such attitude was not be acceptable. He said the officers of DPI Office would look into such cases by directly intervening into these issues to maintain the flawless execution of UGC sponsored schemes. He said that headquarter will individually have a close tab in such cases. He also stressed that to uplift the standard of education in colleges grading of colleges should also be made by NAAC.

Dr. Roshan Sankaria, Principal Secretary Higher Education apprised Minister that department has taken several infrastructure reforms, which were in full swung. He said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal had sanctioned Rs. 50 crore for infrastructure building in higher education institutions out of which Rs. 29 crore has been released. He said 80 percent infrastructure works have been completed while the remaining works were also in advanced stage of completion.

On the issue of 95 percent deficit grant to Private Aided Colleges of state, Mr. Rakhra directed Principal Secretary Higher Education to expedite the process and fulfill all required conditions. He said that for the 2014-15 session grants should be released immediately without any delay. Mr. Rakhra also gave nod for setting up of 13 Finishing Schools in Government Colleges. Project Director RUSA informed the minister that RUSA will release all pending grants for the early formation of these schools.

It was also informed in the meeting that there were several skill development courses operational in community colleges including government Mahindra College Patiala and Government College Ludhiana. The Minister also asked the department to increase the ambit of these colleges to increase the interests of unemployed youth towards skill development. He also advocated that these skill development courses should be started in remaining colleges too.

Issuing strict directions to implement Scholarship program for SC/BC and needy students, Mr. Rakhra asked officers to immediate release scholarship amounts in coordination with all concerned authorities. He said there would be no delay and harassment of students in disbursement of scholarships. The issue of providing books to all libraries in the state by Raja Ram Mohan Rai Foundation Kolkata was also discussed.

Dr. Roshan Sunkaria, Principal Secretary Higher Education, Mr. J.S. Ghuman, DPI Colleges, Mr. T.K. Goyal, Project Director RUSA, Mr. Jagdeep Singh Deputy Director, Additional Director of RUSA Mr. Gurdarshan Singh Brar and all officers/officials of DPI Colleges were present in the meeting.

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SCHOOLS IN PUNJAB TO OPEN AT 9 AM FROM TODAY

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 30:

The Punjab Government education department has notified the new time in all government, private aided and recognized schools in the state that would be applicable from 1st October, 2014.

According to an official spokesman that new timings of the primary schools would be 9 am to 3 pm whereas for other schools it would be 9 am to 3:20pm.

Instructions in this regard have been issued to all wings of education department for strict compliance.

PUNJAB EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SETTLES 45 CASES IN PUBLIC MEETING

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 30:

The Punjab Education Department conducted a Public meeting to settle all those cases pertaining to the employees of education department upon which Hon’ble Courts has announced its verdict. Disclosing this here today Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab said that the public meeting 88 such cases were presented before the committee and out of it 45 cases were disposed off. The Minister said that 15 another cases were forwarded to the appropriate authority to take action in light of the decision of the Hon’ble Courts.

He further said that apart from these 88 cases the grievances of another 98 employees were listened to sympathetically and the concerned authorities have been asked to take action for the redresal of grievances. The members of the committee were Mr. Rahul Bhandari, Secretary School Education, Mr. Harbans Singh, OSD (Litigation), Mr. Kamal Kumar, DPI (Secondary Education), Mrs. Darshan Kaur, DPI (Elemenatary Education) and Mrs. Pankaj Sharma, Director, SCERT.

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GOVERNMENT LOOKS FORWARD TO HASSLE FREE LIFTING

· RS.23248 CRORE SET ASIDE TO ENSURE TIMELY PAYMENT TO FARMERS

· 24 HOURS CONTROL ROOM SET UP TO MONITOR PROCUREMENT

Chandigarh September 30:

Paddy procurement operations, the biggest ever operations of Asia, for the Kharif Season 2014-15 across the State are set to begin in the state today as state government braces up to ensure hassle free procurement in the state.

The Punjab government has made arrangements for the procurement of 140 lac MT of paddy in 1802 notified mandis/purchase centers during the current Kharif season.

Disclosing this here today official spokesman of Punjab government said that Reserve bank of India has sanctioned a cash credit limit of Rs 18451crore for the month of October 2014 and remaining limit would be released next month. He said that state government had sent request for cash credit limit amounting to Rs.23248.26crore for the procurement of 126 lac MT of paddy by the state procurement agencies as FCI , a central government agency has been separately given target of 14 lac MT Paddy during the Kharif Season 2014-15.

He said that strict instructions have been issued that payments to the farmers have to be ensured within 48 hours after lifting of the paddy from the purchase centres. The state government has constituted Dispute Redressal Committees in every mandi/purchase center. Besides that food and civil supplies department has already established a 24 hours control room in headquarter and also in district offices, where farmers could contact in emergency. He said that Punjab Mandi Board also made arrangements of water and shade for farmers. He said that state government would ensure the lifting of paddy within72 hoursof purchase
The spokesman further said that to check malpractices and short or extra measurement, Punjab Mandi Board and food and civil supplies department have constituted teams to raid and Farmers could directly approach food and civil supplies department inspectors in the case of any complaint.

WEEKLONG YOGA CAMP AT 13 BN PAP

Chandigarh, September 30: With a view to make Police officers and officials more health conscious, a weeklong yoga camp was organized here at 13 Batallion PAP, Chandigarh under the guidance Yogi Subash Chander.

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Commandant, 13 Bn PAP said that this camp was attended by around 100 officers and jawans of the battalion. Yogi Subash Chander explained about the different asanas of yoga and then trained the participants. Underlining the need for fitness, Yogi pointed out that a positive beginning of day was possible only through exercise and yoga can play an important role in this direction. He said that yoga can easily de stress a person irrespective the fact that how much arduous his job may be. He urged the participants to strictly follow the yoga by spending around 30 minutes on practicing its different asanas’.

Imparting skill development training to youth top priority of Food Processing-Harsimrat Badal
10,000 youth would get training in first phase
Presides over function of EPF Pension holders

Jalandhar, September 30:

Emphasising the need to impart Skill Development Training to youngsters, the Union Food Processing Minister Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal today asserted that her ministry has made an exclusive plan to execute this program to cater to the emerging Food Processing sector. She also announced that different dishes from different states of country would be branded in foreign shores under the banner of ‘Brand India’.

Describing this program as top priority of her Ministry, Mrs. Badal said in the first phase Skill Development Training programmes would be organised for educated youth. She said 10,000 youth would get this practical training in first phase and this number would be increased as per the needs of the industry.
Presiding over the function hosted by Employees Provident Fund Organisation to facilitate its pension beneficiaries Mrs. Badal informed that Food Processing sector had great potential and there were scores of possibilities to grow in this profession. She said 17 Mega Food Parks were being developed in the country, which would give big push to the industry besides laying strong base of this emerging industry. She said growth and enlargement of food processing was the dire need of the nation to bring food products from ‘farm to platter’ so that self-employment, self-help groups and increasing employment sources could further strengthen the economy of country. She said at present only 2.5 percent fruits and vegetables were under food processing while 36 percent of total milk production, which was too little. Mrs. Badal said a scheme was under progress to establish different dishes from different states of country under the tag of Brand India in foreign countries.

Lauding the bold initiatives taken by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, Mrs. Badal said it was the vision of Mr. Modi to project general masses as Pilot of country’s economic growth and bringing poverty stricken classes into the ambit of progress. She said that Jan Dhan Yojana and Swach Bharat Abhiyan was the symbol of PM’s vision. She said that Mr. Modi was also initiating steps to make Governance System more convenient and impressive for the facilitation of general masses.
Accusing the former UPA Government for misusing exchequer, Mrs. Badal said it was the result of ill-managed financial strategies of UPA government that the present incumbent was facing financial problems. She said that Food Processing department was still facing pendency of subsidies from the year 2003 till date, which would be disbursed in coming year.
She also appreciated the move of Prime Minister to set minimum pension of Rs. 1000, which would directly extend benefit to more than 50 lakh people.
Answering media queries Mrs. Badal said that Jan Dhan Yojana would provide benefit to each household of the country besides covering the family members under insurance cover. She also honoured EPF Pension Beneficiaries. \
Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Mr. Chuni Lal Bhagat, Labour Minister, Mr. K.D. Bhandari, Mr. Pawan Kumar Tinu, Mr. Avinash Chander all CPS, Mr. Jangveer Singh, Media Advisor to Deputy CM and officers of all departments.

Punjab gives relaxation in norms for developing Multi-storyed Housing Projects

Chandigarh, September 30: Keeping in view the long pending demand of public for affordable housing, the Local Bodies Minster Mr. Anil Joshi has taken a very positive step by giving nod for increase of permissible dwelling units from existing 60 numbers per acre to 75 numbers per acre for multi-storyed housing projects within the Municipal limits of Punjab.

Disclosing this an official spokesman said that this decision would go a long way in sustaining the overall feasibility of the various housing projects which were struck up mid way and not serving the intended purpose for which they were to come up. He said that since, smaller housing units were not being constructed because of the existing ceiling of 60 Dwelling Units per acre. He said that thereby leading to the construction of bigger units at higher cost which was out of the reach for general public to buy. He said that this relaxation would prove a boon for smaller dwelling units coming up in the affordable price tag, which is a significant decision as now the dream of the common man to own a house has finally comes true.

BADAL CONSTITUTES A COMMITTEE COMPRISING VK BHAWRA AND ISHWAR SINGH TO ENQUIRE INTO JAMALPUR POLICE FIRING INCIDENT

SEEKS REPORT WITHIN 15 DAYS

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 29:

Taking cognizance of the media reports regarding the alleged killing of two persons in Police firing on September 27 in Ahluwalia Colony of Jamalpur area in Ludhiana district, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today constituted a committee comprising ADGP (Crime) Mr. VK Bhawra and Director State Narcotic Bureau Mr. Ishwar Singhto probe into the entire incident to get at the bottom of the case.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister Officer said that the Chief Minister asked the committee to submit the report within 15 days.

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BADAL APPROVES TO EXTEND TERM OF NINE CHAIRPERSONS OF DISTRICT PLANNING COMMITTEES FOR ANOTHER YEAR

Chandigarh, September 29

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod to grant further extension in the term of nine Chairpersons of the District Planning Committees for another year.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the CMO said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file in this regard this morning.

These Chairpersons who have been given an extension for a year included Mr. Hardip Singh Dhillon (Sri Muktsar Sahib), Mr. Ravinder Singh Bhrampura (Tarn Tarn), Mr. Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi (Nawan Shahar), Mr. Daulat Ram Kamboj (Ferozepur), Mr. Joginderpal Singla (Fatehgarh Sahib), Mrs. Neelam Mahant (Gurdaspur), Mr. Jawahar Lal Khurana (Hoshiarpur), Mr. Satish Mahajan (Pathankot) and Dr. Parminder Sharma (Roopnagar).

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BADAL ASKS CS TO PREPARE BLUE PRINT FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIFIED SERVICE DELIVERY CENTERS ACROSS THE STATE

OUTLINES ONE YEAR TIME LIMIT TO MAKE THESE CENTERS OPERATIONAL

1750 RURAL CENTERS AND 424 URBAN CENTERS TO BE SET UP AT A COST OF Rs. 250 CRORE FOR PROVIDING 223 CITIZEN CENTRIC SERVICES

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 29:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Chief Secretary to prepare a blue print to establish Unified Service Delivery Centers in the State to provide 223 citizen centric services to the urban as well as rural populace in an integrated manner under a single roof in a hassle free manner within a minimum time period.

While reviewing the status of Suwidha and RTS service delivery, Mr. Badal asked the Chief Secretary to ensure the establishment of these 1750 rural and 424 urban centers at a cost of Rs. 250 crore, positively within a year. He also directed the Chief Secretary to identify the sites for these centers both in rural as well as urban areas in consultation with the departments of Rural Development & Panchayats and Local Govt. The Chief Minister also categorically said that these centers should not be merely ready within a year but also be made functional to provide these services in a result-oriented manner.

Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary apprised Mr. Badal each rural center would be established in a cluster of villages covering 8000 to 10000 population and similarly an urban center would be set up at a radius of 1.5 to 2.5 square Kilometer area based upon the population density. He also mentioned that the existing front end delivery center i.e. Suwidha, Fard, Saanjh and transport to be harmonized with unified service delivery centers with a back-end computerization of 223 services including 149 RTS services of various departments to be expedited. The deputy commissioner would be the nodal officer to steer the program in respective district.

Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary Governance Reforms Mr. C.Roul, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Finance Mrs. Vinni Mahajan, Secretary Local Govt. Mr. Ashok Gupta besides Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. Ajoy Sharma both Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister.

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CM AND DY. CM MOURNS DEATH OF SHAHEED-E-AZAM BHAGAT SINGH’S YOUNGER SISTER

MAJITHIA ALSO CONDOLES PASSING AWAY OF SMT. PARKASH KAUR

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 29:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Smt. Parkash Kaur (95), the younger sister of the legendry hero of the nation’s freedom struggle Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, who passed away at Toronto in Canada on Sunday after a prolonged illness.

In a condolence message, the Chief Minister shared his heart-felt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and give courage to them to bear this irreparable loss.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also mourned the death of Smt. Parkash Kaur.

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Sukhbir Badal appeals Punjabis to actively associate with Swach Bharat drive

Punjab to have garbage free status very soon

Says Modi takes India to new scales on international forum

No controversy over SAD candidate from Kalanwali

Badal (Muktsar), September 29: Giving a clarion call to Punjabis to become active associates of Swach Bharat drive, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal asked we all should have pro-active attitude towards this brainchild initiative of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to build a garbage free India.

Appreciating the move of Prime Minister, Mr. Badal said that Punjab has already taken perceptible initiatives in this regard by dividing the state into 8 clusters to make Punjab garbage free-state in coming months as the physical work in some clusters have already been commenced. Adding he said that these solid waste projects would generate power besides producing manures. He also asked the state bureaucracy and concerned officials to maintain the tempo of drive besides ensuring timely completion of these projects.

“An awareness drive should also be launched in all districts to encourage general public for cleaning of streets, roads, railway stations, workplaces, bus stations, parks, community centers, historic places, ponds etc” he added. Deputy CM also announced the urban local bodies will undertake the cleanliness of roads with mechanised machines.

Lauding the initiatives taken by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi in recent past, Mr. Badal said that Modi has brought massive improvement internally and externally for the betterment of India. He said that with the bold steps taken by Mr. Modi, India has been scaling new heights on bilateral diplomatic ties and international relations.

Mr. Badal was interacting with media persons after flagging off NCC cadets and NSS volunteers under Swach Bharat abhiyan and sapling plants at Multi Sports Stadium, Badal village.

Answering a query regarding recent incident of killing of two brothers in Ludhiana, Deputy Chief Minister said special investigation team has been constituted to conduct fair investigation in this regard. He said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has already ordered a probe and asked Deputy Commissioner to submit a fact-finding report in this regard. Adding further he categorically said there would be no compromise with law and order situation. Besides, fair probe would be conducted and offenders not be spared.

Referring to the question regarding controversy over the SAD candidate Balkour Singh at Kalanwali Assembly constituency in Haryana, Mr. Badal said that there would be no opposition and controversy over the candidature of SAD candidate. He stressed that entire leadership of Indian National Lok Dal was with SAD candidate and his victory was inevitable.

Prominent amongst those present at the occasion included Parampreet Singh Babby Badal, Avtar Singh Vanwala, Kanwarjeet Singh Rozy Barkandi, Parambans Singh Banty Romana, Harjit Singh Bholuwala and Jaskiran Singh Deputy Commissioner.

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SURPRISE CHECKING CONTINUES IN SCHOOLS

SPECIAL MONITORING CELL CONDUCTS SURPRISE CHECKING IN 674 SCHOOLS

· 54 TEACHERS FOUND ABSENT, 64 LATE COMERS AND 36 LONG TIME ABSENTEE

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 29:

In order to check the tendency of long time absentees’ in the government schools and ensure absolute discipline in the academic institutions, the surprise checking would continue in all the government schools. As a part of this campaign the especially constitutes Special Monitoring Cell has conducted surprise checks in 674 schools across the state. During the checking in total 54 teachers were found absent and 64 teachers were the late comers. It was also found that 36 teachers had not been attending the schools since long.

Disclosing this here today Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that surprise checking was a part of consistent campaign launched by the education department to make sure the 100 per cent attendance in the schools and to maintain discipline. He said that all the explanations of absentee teachers would be called for and those found absent from the schools since long time would be charge sheeted. Dr. Cheema categorically said that each school would be randomly covered under this drive and even the same school could be checked for the second time by the authorities, if required.

In a press communiqué Dr. Cheema said that special monitoring cell of the education department started surprise checking in the schools in the morning. He said that immediately after opening the schools special teams visited 203 schools of Jalandhar Circle, 230 schools of Nabha (Patiala) Circle and 241 schools of Faridkot Circle.

He further said that 9 teachers were found absent in Jalandhar Circle and 31 were late comers while 8 found long time absentee. In Nabha (Patiala) Circle 12 teachers were found absent, 8 late comers and 16 were long time absentee. Similarly, in Faridkot Circle 33 teachers were found absent, 25 late comers and 12 were found long time absentee.

Dr. Cheema further said that to maintain discipline and punctuality in the Government Schools special and surprise checking would continue in future also. He also directed to the senior officers that 100 percent attendance of the teachers would be ensured.

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PUNJAB BAGS BEST RURAL TOURISM INITIATIVE AWARD FOR THE FARM TOURISM

AWARD WAS PRESENTED AT INTERNATIONAL TOURISM CONCLAVE & TRAVEL AWARDS CEREMONY HELD AT SHIMLA

Chandigarh, September 29:

After having received the “Most Progressive State in Tourism” award from GoI, Punjab has yet again earned the international acclaim when it was selected as the “Best Rural Tourism Initiative Award for the Farm Tourism” at International Tourism Conclave & Travel Awards (ITCTA) held in Shimla to mark World Tourism Day. Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal Tourism Minister has congratulated the employees of Tourism Department for making earnest efforts to get State included in international tourist circuit. Mr. Basanta Raj Kumar, IFS, Executive Director, Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) received the award from Mr. Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.

Disclosing this here today official spokesperson of the Punjab Tourism Department said that PHTPB’s marketing efforts to reach out to travel trade has been successful and travel industry has well appreciated the product- Farm Tourism. He said that with the motive to facilitate the farm owners PHTPB has been organizing workshops through industry professionals and further created a platform for them to promote through interaction with tour operators at various travel exhibitions and travel industry forums. He said that the farm tourism operator acts as guide and host to the guests visiting to Punjab who wish to enjoy the rustic way of life as an experiential tourism. He further mentioned that these farm houses are approved by PHTPB on pre-qualification criteria basis which also come along with certain benefits and special dispensation from Punjab Government. He said that at present there are 17 approved farm houses in this scheme and planning to add more based on response from travel industry. There is lot more to be achieved through a focus approach on product development and innovative marketing.

It is pertinent to mention here that International Tourism Conclave & Travel Awards ITCTA is one of the finest events dedicated to inbound, outbound and domestic tourism to DISCOVER INDIA – DISCOVER WORLD.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO ACCORD ‘MINISTER RANK’ TO THE WIDOW OF JATHEDAR TALWANDI

CM TERMS IT AS A HUMBLE TRIBUTE IN RECOGNITION TO GREAT SERVICES RENDERED BY HIM

PAYS TRIBUTE TO JATHEDAR TALWANDI ON HIS BHOG

DEPUTY CM CREDITS TRIO OF BADAL, TOHRA AND TALWANDI FOR STRENGTHENING THE PARTY

DOCUMENTARY FILM TO COME UP FOR SHOWCASING GLORIOUS HISTORY OF SAD

SEVERAL RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL LEADERS PAY HOMAGE TO JATHEDAR TALWANDI

Raikot (Ludhiana), September 28-

In recognition to the enormous contribution of Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi towards the Panth and state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to give ‘Minister rank’ to the widow of the departed leader.

Addressing the mammoth gathering here at Gurdwara Tahliana Sahib on the bhog of departed leader, the Chief Minister said that the state government would soon issue a notification for providing all the facilities given a Minister of the Punjab government to Mrs. Mohinder Kaur the wife of Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi. He said that it was nothing but a humble tribute to the legendary leader who had served the state and Panth throughout his life. Mr. Badal also said that a befitting memorial in the memory of the deceased leader would also be erected after due consultation with the members of the bereaved family.

The Chief Minister said that in the demise of Jathedar Talwandi, Punjab has lost its great leader who had served the state and its people in various capacities. He said that probably Jathedar Talwandi was the only political leader who had served the state socially, politically and even religiously by being the President of Shiromani Akali Dal and Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee besides being a Member of Parliament and MLA of the state assembly. Mr. Badal said that with the death of Jathedar Talwandi a void has been created which would be difficult to fill in the near future.

Recalling the outstanding services rendered by Jathedar Talwandi during the landmark agitations like Punjabi Suba, Emergency, Dharam Yudh and others, the Chief Minister said that the Jathedar Talwandi was a fearless leader who never comprised with the interests of the state and Panth. Describing Jathedar Talwandi as a decisive leader, Mr. Badal said that he never hesitated to take any bold decision if it was in the interest of Punjab and its people. He said that even in the troublesome periods Jathedar Talwandi led the party from the front to safeguard the interests of the people.

Describing the sad demise of Jathedar Talwandi as a huge personal loss, the Chief Minister said that he was not a person but an institution, who zealously worked for the welfare of poor and underprivileged sections of the society. Mr. Badal said that the life and struggle of Jathedar Talwandi would ever act as a lighthouse for the coming generations to serve the state and the Panth with utmost zeal, sincerity and commitment.

Paying floral tributes to the departed soul, the President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that SAD was not an ordinary party but it has a glorious saga of supreme sacrifices made by its leaders and workers adding that the life and history of Jathedar Talwandi was a ‘one of the golden pages’ of this saga. He said that Jathedar Talwandi was the torchbearer of SAD, who was source of inspiration for the new brand of Akali leaders about the rich past of the party. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that it was a matter of pride for every Akali worker and leader that a great leader like Jathedar Talwandi had once headed this party of great martyrs and heroes.

The Deputy Chief Minister further said that the trio comprising of Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, late Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra and late Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi have struggled a lot and made enormous sacrifices to strengthen the party, due to which the Akalis were enjoying the fruits of power today. He said that the history would ever remember Jathedar Talwandi as a fearless leader who always led the party from the forefront even in the odd circumstances. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the entire Akali leadership was indebted to leaders like Jathedar Talwandi for the unprecedented services rendered to the Panth, party and the state.

On the occasion the Deputy Chief Minister also announced that in order to showcase the glorious history of SAD and its leaders and workers to the people a documentary film would be soon made by the party. He said that this film would be a real tribute to all the legendary workers and leaders of the party who have rendered supreme services for the Panth, party and the state.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister also presented a turban to former MLA Mr. Ranjit Singh Talwandi, the son of Jathedar Talwandi, from the party.

Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar Sri Keshgarh Sahib Giani Mal Singh, Speaker Punjab Assembly Dr Charanjeet Singh Atwal, Members of Parliament (MPs) Jathedar Ranjeet Singh Brahmpura, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Cabinet Ministers Jathedar Tota Singh, Mr. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra and Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. Pawan Teenu, President of Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee Jathedar Avtar Singh, Mr. Mantar Singh Brar and Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas, MLAs Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Mr. Manpreet Singh Aiyaali, Jathedar Hari Singh Zira, Mr. Prem Mittal and Mr. Iqbal Singh Jhunda, former Ministers Mr. Malkiat Singh Birmi, Mr. Isher Singh Meharban and Master Mohan Lal, former MLAs Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Wadala, Mr. Harish Rai Dhanda, Mr. Sarabjeet Singh Makkar and Mr. Sukhdarshan Singh Muraar, former MP Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan besides several members of SGPC and leaders of SAD-BJP alliance.

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MULTI SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE AT LUDHIANA TO START FUNCTIONING FROM APRIL 2015

*CHAIRS FIRST REVIEW MEETING WITH TOP INDUSTRIALISTS

* EXORTS INDUSTRIALISTS TO PLAY PRO-ACTIVE ROLE IN THE PROMOTION OF SKILL TRAINING CENTERS

* ASSURES FULSOME SUPPORT AND COOPERATION TO THE INDUSTRIALISTS FOR EXECUTING AND MANAGING THE AMBITIOUS PROJECT

* UPCOMING MULTI SKILL CENTER TO IMPART TRAINING TO OVER 2,000 UNEMPLOYED YOUTH, INCLUDING GIRLS

* ASKS DC TO SUBMIT REPORT REGARDING KILLING OF TWO YOUTH BY COPS IN JAMALPUR AREA

LUDHIANA, SEPTEMBER 28:

Taking a leap forward for emerging the state a hub of ‘Skilled manpower’ through product and process innovation, the upcoming state-of-the art "Multi Skill Development Center" at Ludhiana would be made functional from Baisakhi (April) 2015. This center is coming up at the vacant premises of ‘Knitwear Facility’, managed and run by Punjab State Hosiery and Knitwear Development Corporation, here at local Industrial Focal Point Phase V.

A high-level review meeting of this project was held today at Punjab Agricultural University, which was chaired by CM Mr Parkash Singh Badal and attended by members of the society constituted for running this center. This society is headed by Mr Pankaj Munjal, and includes Ms. Sandeep Minni Riat, Mr. SP Oswal, Mr. Upkar Singh, Mr. SC Ralhan, Mr. Avtar Singh and Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal impressed upon the local industrialists to play a pro-active role in the promotion of Skill training centers across the state with a twin objective to cater the local needs of industry by providing it skilled manpower on one hand and opening new vistas of employment for the youth on the other.

Assuring fulsome support and cooperation to the industrialists for executing and managing this ambitious project, the Chief Minister said that the entire capital cost of restructuring and renovating the existing infrastructure at the Knitwear facility would be borne by the state government and the Committee comprising of eminent industrialists would manage the affairs of this upcoming Multi skill center. The CM said that once the project took off the running expenses for managing the day-to-day affairs would be equally shared by the state government and society.

Mr Pankaj Munjal from Hero Cycles updated the Chief Minister about this center through a power point presentation. He said that the they were hopeful that the approval of draft regarding this center would be ready by October 1, 2014, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed with the state government by October 8, 2014, the in-principle sanction of grant from state government by October 15, 2014, final sanction and disbursal of grant from state government by November 1, 2014 and if everything goes as planned, the center would be ready by March 2015.

The Chief Minister said that this Multi skill center would impart training to over 2,000 unemployed youth, including girls, particularly to encompass the major section of drop outs who left studies midway after tenth or twelfth due to economic hardships. He also mentioned that every year as many as 15 courses in Bicycle/cycle parts, textile, apparel and garments, auto components, hand tools and light engineering industry besides in service sector including Hospitality, retail, healthcare and others would be taken up in this multi skill center.

Mr Munjal further informed that the total cost of the project would be around Rs 14.8 crore, out of which Rs 7.80 crore would be spent on the renovation of the building, Rs 5 crore on machines and equipment, Rs 2 crore on working capital. He further said that several top industrialists of the country have agreed to join them for the smooth operations of state-of-the art "Multi Skill Development Center" at Ludhiana. He said that the courses would be of three-month duration, and more than 2,000 students would be imparted training every year.

While speaking to media persons after the first review meeting, the Chief Minister said that three para medical skill centers would be soon opened in the state at Faridkot, Amritsar and Patiala to give boost to Medical skill training in the state adding that even the upcoming Rehabilitation centers for drug addicts would also focus on providing skill training to the youth for gainful self employment. Likewise, Mr. Badal also said that Skill centers were also being opened in Jails across the state to impart skill training to the inmates.

Replying to a query related to upcoming Haryana Vidhan Sabha elections where the Shiromani Akali Dal is supporting Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), the Chief Minister said that their relations were very cordial and intimate and these would not get strained in any case. "The BJP high command has already been apprised that the Shiromani Akali Dal would support INLD in Haryana as our party too supported the INLD even during the recent Lok Sabha elections," said the Chief Minister.

When asked about the killing of two youth by cops in Jamalpur area, here yesterday, the CM said that the Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana has also been asked to investigate the matter and submit a report.

Prominent amongst those who attended the meeting included Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, former minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary cum Director Industries Mr. Raminder Singh, ADC Mr Supreet Singh Gulati, Police Commissioner Mr Promod Ban, besides several others. The Industry was represented by Mr. Pankaj Munjal, Mr D L Sharma, Mr Avtar Singh, Mr Charanjit Singh Vishwakarma, Mr S C Ralhan, besides others.

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PUNJAB ALL SET TO START PADDY PROCUREMENT FROM OCTOBER 1

PUNJAB EYING ON 14O MT PADDY ---KAIRON

Ø 1806 PURCHASE CENTRES SET UP

Ø GUNNY BAGS TO BE FILLED WITH 40 KG. INSTEAD OF 35 KG

Ø HI-TECH ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR LIFTING OF THE CROP

Chandigarh September 28:

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adaish Pratap Singh Kairon directed all the heads of the state procurements agencies and especially the General Manager FCI Punjab region to personally supervise the Paddy procurement operations across the state beginning from October 1 so as to ensure prompt lifting of paddy as per their allotted share of procurement. Punjab was eying to procure 140 MT of paddy this year. Of the total paddy PUNGRAIN would procure 25%, PUNSUP 23% Markfed 22%, Agro 9%. FCI 10%, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation 11% in all the 1806 purchase centers set up across the state.

Reviewing the arrangements of the Paddy procurement for the Kharif Season 2014-15 in the state, Mr. Kairon said that all out efforts should be made to ensure smooth, hassle free and quick procurement of Paddy on one hand and facilitate the farmers in getting timely payment of their produce on the other. He categorically said that farmers of the state should not be put to any inconvenience for the sale of their produce in the mandis.

In line with the directive of the central government, the Punjab government has decided to use 40 Kg. gunny bags instead of 35 Kgs. which would save approximately Rs. 200 crore during the ensuing procurement, said Mr. Kairon. He categorically said that good quality sturdy gunny bags with accurate weight would be ensured while packing the produce. He also said that the officers concerned have been especially asked to visit the mandis during the procurement and ensure smooth lifting. He said the field staff would work day and night to procure the stocks even on Saturdays and Sundays and also on government holidays. The Minister has also asked the officers concerned to ensure that there would be no shortage of gunny bags for storage of grains, he added. The minister has asked Punjab Mandi Board officials to make sure of arrangements in mandis to save produce and to have proper sanitation facilities. The Government of India has fixed MSP for paddy Rs. 1400 per quintal for Grade A and Rs. 1360 per quintal for common variety of Paddy.

Mr. Kairon made a fervent appeal to all the farmers to bring dry clean and fully matured paddy to the mandis and at the same time he has asked the district administration not to allow paddy harvesting during night time as the moisture in atmosphere is more at night than during the day time.

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Package of incentives set to give a fillip to industrial growth in Punjab

· Unique package designed according to need of industry

· More incentives for less industrialized areas of state

Chandigarh, September 28:

The package of incentives designed by Punjab Government are set to give a fillip to industrial growth in the state making Punjab most industrialized state of the country.

Stating this here today, a spokesperson of the Punjab Govt. said that in the package pujnjab has been divided into two zones specially for setting up large scale manufacturing. He said that Zone-1 includes- Fazilka, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, Barnala, Mansa, Moga, Bathinda, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Faridkot. All approved Industrial Parks, Industrial Focal Points and Industrial Estates in all the districts of the state are also included in this zone. Zone-2 includes Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahar), Roopnagar and Ajitgarh (Mohali).

He also said that for the new units with Fixed Capital Investment (FCI)ranging between between Rs. 10 crore to Rs. 25 crore, the eligibility period for availing incentives would be 8 years and these units relating to zone-1 would get 50 % incentive on VAT and 75 % on CST. Their Maximum cumulative quantum of incentive would be 50% of FCI. These units relating to zone-2 would get 25% incentive on VAT, 50% on CST and their maximum cumulative quantum of incentive would be 25% of FCI. For the units with FCI between Rs. 25 crore to Rs. 100 crore the eligibility period would be 10 years. These units falling under zone-1 would get 60% incentive on VAT and 75% on CST and their maximum cumulative quantum of incentive would be 60% of FCI. Units under zone-2 would get 30% incentive on VAT and 50% on CST and their maximum cumulative quantum of incentive would be 30% of FCI.

He said that for the FCI’s ranging between Rs. 100 crore to Rs. 500 crore this period would be of 11 years. These units falling under zone-1 would be getting 70% incentive on VAT and 75% on CST. Their maximum cumulative quantum of incentive would be 70% of FCI and units coming under zone-2 would receive 35% incentive on VAT and 50% on CST. Their maximum cumulative quantum of incentive would be 35% of FCI. For the FCI’s above Rs. 500 crore this period would be 13 years and these units coming under zone-1 would get 80% incentive on VAT and 75% on CST. Their maximum cumulative quantum of incentive would be 80% of FCI. Units under zone-2 shall be getting 40% incentive on VAT and 50% on CST. Their maximum cumulative quantum of incentive would be 40% of FCI. The eligibility period for availing incentives would be determined from the date of approval of project.

He further said that those units which fall under zone-1 and have FCI of above Rs. 10 crore would get 100% electricity duty incentive and their maximum cumulative quantum of electricity duty incentive for eligible period shall be 100% of FCI and units having FCI of above Rs. 10 crore and falling under zone-2 would get 50% electricity duty incentive. Their maximum cumulative quantum of electricity duty incentive for eligible period shall be 50% of FCI. Units coming under zone-1 and having FCI of above Rs. 10 crore would get 100% and units under zone-2 would get 50% of stamp duty incentive. Property Tax incentive for units under zone -1 and having FCI of above Rs. 10 crore would be 100% and those coming under zone-2 would get 50% incentive.

The spokesperson said that the package also gives series of concessions to small and medium units keeping in view their unique role in sustaining industrial growth in the state. He said that units with FCI ranging from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 10 crore would get 50% incentive on VAT and 75% on CST. This incentive shall start only date of production. Their eligibility period from date of approval would be 7 years and their maximum cumulative quantum of incentive shall be 50% of FCI. These incentives would be extended to the units falling within approved industrial parks, Industrial focal points and Industrial Estates. They would also be getting 100% incentive on electricity duty and their maximum cumulative quantum of incentive shall be 100% of FCI. They would also get 100% exemption from payment of stamp duty according to schedule 1-A of Indian Stamp Duty Act from the date of submitting application with the nodal agency , but social security fund shall not be exempted.

Regarding Property Tax Incentive the spokesperson said that 100% exemption would be given during 7 years’ eligibility period from approval date and furthermore projects falling under, on extension of limits, Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council or Notified Area Committee shall also be granted exemption from paying property tax during balance eligibility period of 7 years.

MULTIPURPOSE SPORTS CENTER TO COME UP IN EVERY BLOCK OF THE BORDER DISTRICTS OF STATE

UNION SPORTS MINISTER ACCEDES TO THE DEMAND OF BADAL

CM ASKS UNION SPORTS MINISTER TO HELP GENEROUSLY FOR COMBATING PROBLEM OF DRUGS

SEEKS CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR HOCKEY AND FOOTBALL IN JALANDHAR AND MAHILPUR

DEMANDS DEPLOYMENT OF FOREIGN COACHES FOR BUDDING PLAYERS OF THE STATE

Chandigarh, September 27-

Acceding to the demand of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to channelize the unbounded energy of the youth of border districts of state through promotion of sports activity, the Union Minister of State for Sports Mr. Sarbnanda Sonowal today announced to set up multipurpose sports center in every block of the border districts of Ferozepur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur.

Mr. Badal asked the Union Minister of State for Sports, who called on the Chief Minister at his residence this evening, to generously help the state in combating the curse of drugs by funding Sports projects and related infra structure especially in the border districts of the state. He apprised the Union Minister that the state government was already making strenuous efforts for promoting sports to check drug addiction in the state but this daunting task could not be accomplished without adequate support of the Union government. Mr. Badal said that there was a lot of scope for the promotion of the sports activity in the border districts of the state for which the Union government must pay some attention.

Responding to the issue, Mr. Sonowal apprised the Chief Minister that the Union government would set up a multipurpose sports center in each block of the border district at a cost of Rs 1.75 crore over an area of seven acres. He asked the Chief Minister to send the requisite proposal for these centers so that work on them could be started in a phase wise manner. The Union Minister also assured Mr. Badal that the Union government was not averse to the idea of setting up such centers even in the other blocks of the state.

Flagging up another issue, the Chief Minister asked Mr. Sonowal to establish Center of Excellence in Hockey at Jalandhar and that of Football in Mahilpur (Hoshiarpur), as both these places have produced several renowned players of these games and were known as the nurseries of Hockey and Football players. Mr. Badal said that with the setting up of these centers of excellence both Hockey and Football would get a major fillip, which would be very helpful for the country in making a mark in both these games.

The Chief Minister also sought Mr. Sonowal's personal attention for the early starting of the SAI Regional Center at Zirakpur over an area of 20 acres, for which the land has already been transferred to the Ministry of Sports. Similarly, Mr. Badal also urged the Union Minister to expedite the process of releasing the pending second installment of Indoor Hall at Tarn Taran as an amount of Rs 2 crore has already been spent on it.

Likewise, the Chief Minister also asked the Union Minister to depute some foreign coaches to the state so that world class training facilities could be provided to the budding players of the region.

The Union Minister assured Mr. Badal that the Ministry would look into all these issues sympathetically. He also said that the GoI would soon deploy best foreign coaches to the state for imparting training to the budding Players so that they could excel in sports.

Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema.

The Union Sport Minister was accompanied by Joint Secretary Mr. Onkave Kedia, Joint Secretary Mr. LK Gupta, Director General Nehru Yuva Kendra Dr Prabha Kant, Director Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development Dr. Latha Pillai, Director SAI Chandigarh Mr. Sanjeev Sharma and his OSD Mr. HK Sharma.

KANDHOLA UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED AS NEW PRESIDENT OF PCS (EB) OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

Chandigarh, September 27-

The annual General Body meeting of the PCS (EB) officers’ today unanimously elected Mr. Harjit Singh Kandhola as President of the Association and gave him the mandate to choose his team.

The meeting of association, which took place here in UT Guest House, was attended by about 100 PCS officers from across Punjab and Chandigarh.

Taking part in deliberations the officers put on record the problems being faced by them and asked the Executive Body of the Association to work aggressively to ensure better service conditions for its members. The members apprised the body that they were working in tough conditions with meager resources available to them. There was dearth of suitable accommodation, vehicles as well as staff. Many officers, while working on sensitive posts do not get security staff. Officers also raised issues related to their long pending issues related to finalization of seniority, their timely placement in higher scales and in service training of PCS officers.

The association was of unanimous view that PCS (EB), being the prestigious cadre of the state government, should be given its due privilege by the government. Considering the viewpoints put across by various officers, Mr. Kandhola assured the members that all the demands raised by them shall be included in the demand charter which shall be taken up with the Government at the earliest.

CHOGAWAN AND BARIWAL MARKET COMMITTEES CONSTITUTED

CM CLEARS FILE FOR NOMINATION OF NEW CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS OF THESE COMMITTEES

Chandigarh, September 27-

The Punjab Government today nominated the new Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members in the two market committees of Sri Muktsar Sahib and Amritsar districts.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file to this effect and orders regarding the nomination of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and members of market Committee Chogawan in Amritsar district and Bariwal Market Committee in Sri Muktsar Sahib district would be issued shortly.

As per the orders Mr. Surinder Singh and Mr. Ravinder Singh have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Chogawan Market Committee whereas Mr. Jasbir Singh, Mr. Mahinder Pal Singh, Mr. Sukhwinder Singh, Mr. Gurnam Singh, Mr. Balwinder Singh, Mr. Nishan Singh, Mr. Amrik Massih, Mr. Bakshish Singh, Mrs. Mandeep Kaur, Mr. Joginder Singh, Mr. Pawan Kumar, Mr. Sucha Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Manjinder Singh Bittu and Mr. Satpal Sharma have been respectively nominated the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Bariwal Market Committee whereas Mr. Joginder Singh, Mr. Inderjeet Singh, Mr. Harcharan Singh, Mr. Jwanda Singh, Mr. Rajpal Singh, Mr. Lakhvir Singh, Mr. Tarsem Singh, Mr. Jagtar Singh, Mrs. Kirandeep Kaur, Mr. Kanwarjeet Singh Makkar, Mr. Krishan Chand, Mr. Vinod Kumar, Mr. Jugraj Singh, Mr. Dalip Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

CM HOLD SERIES OF MEETINGS TO FINALISE ARRANGEMENTS FOR FOUNDATION LAYING CEREMONY OF 'JANG-E-AZAADI MEMORIAL'

FOUNDATION STONE TO BE LAID ON OCTOBER 12

SOLICITS MAXIMUM PARTICIPATION OF THE PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE STATE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ENORMOUS CONTRIBUTION OF FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Chandigarh, September 26-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today convened a series of meetings with the senior leaders of the SAD-BJP, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs besides the officers of the state government to finalize the arrangements of the foundation laying ceremony of world class Jang-e-Azaadi Memorial, to come up at Kartarpur near Jalandhar at a cost of Rs.200 crore over an area of 25 acre, on October 12.

Interacting with the leaders from Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur and Ludhiana here at Punjab Bhawan, the Chief Minister exhorted the leaders of SAD-BJP and the top brass of the government to elicit huge participation of the people from different walks of life on this historic event. Meanwhile, Mr. Badal solicited maximum participation of the people from across the state to acknowledge the enormous contribution made by the unsung heroes and martyrs especially from Punjab in the country's freedom movement. He said that this memorial would showcase the unprecedented valour and commitment of our forefathers to free our motherland from the yoke of British imperialism.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that the upcoming memorial after completion would prove to be a beacon to kindle the spirit of nationalism amongst the future generations. Mr. Badal deputed the Cabinet Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema to overall supervise the arrangements and ensure comfortable journey of the people arriving at venue of the function. He called upon the people to participate in this function with great enthusiasm and gaiety thereby demonstrating the ethos of nationalism and patriotism on one hand and to pay befitting tributes to the great national martyrs and heroes of the national freedom struggle on the other.

Taking part in the deliberations, the Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Pratap Singh Kairon and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia assured the Chief Minister that the rank and file of the SAD-BJP alliance would leave no stone unturned to make this event a huge success.

RS.593 CRORE DISBURSED TO 4 LAKH BENEFICIARIES UNDER SHAGUN SCHEME: RANIKE

UNDER POST MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME RS. 549 CRORE PAID OUT TO THE 9 LAKH STUDENTS

WELFARE OF SCs IS A PRIORITY SECTOR FOR THE GOVERNMENT
WELFARE MINISTER REVIEWS THE PROGRESS OF DIFFERENT WELFARE SCHEME IN HIGH LEVEL MEETING

Chandigarh, September 26:

Underlining the commitment of the SAD-BJP government for the overall development and welfare of the students belonging to the SC & BC communities, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Welfare Minister released the data of the expenditure the state government has committed under different welfare schemes. He said that in the period from 2007 to August, 2014 the state government has disbursed Rs.593.39 crore under Shagun Scheme to the 3, 99,985 beneficiaries. Similarly the amount of Rs.549.54 was spent on the Post Matric Scholarship schemes to finance the study expenses of 9,86,033 students belonging to the SC communities. These statistics were released by the minister during a high level review meeting of the department to gauge the progress of various welfare schemes.

Welfare Minister while taking stock of the progress of the welfare schemes asked the officers to make sure that the deserving candidates of these downtrodden communities must derives the real benefit of the schemes. He also instructed the officers to make a foolproof service delivery mechanism so as to minimise the hurdles for these under privileged sections.

He said that a malicious propaganda was being launched by the congress party falsely blaming the SAD-BJP government for ignoring the welfare of the SC & BC communities. He proudly announced that in comparison to the work done by their government none of the Congress regime in Punjab could match that welfare work. He said that the setting up of Sri Ram Tirath at Amritsar, establishment of Sri Guru Ravidass Ayurvedic University and under construction world class memorial of Guru Ravidass at Khuralgarh village is the flagship schemes of the state government.

He further said that up to 200 units free power supply to the households of scheduled caste communities, Atta-Dal Scheme, Scholarship Scheme for the students belonging to SC & BC communities, supply of free Books, free Stenography course to the SC students were also other important schemes of the state government which had been running successfully since long. He said that this year Punjab has increased 37.42% budget amount which would be spent on different Welfare schemes of SC, BC and Minorities.

State medical council meets Dy CM on different prices of drugs having same salt

Sukhbir Badal assures to raise issue with union government

Chandigarh, September 26- Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that issue of variation in the prices of different brands of drugs having same salt would be taken up with the Union Health, Petroleum and Chemical Ministries to streamline the price structure in the interest of patients.

In a meeting with delegation of Punjab Medical Council, Mr. Badal said that “it was a matter of great concern to every citizen and he would personally meet union health minister Dr. Harsha Vardhan in this regard”.

On the issue of inspection of medical colleges by Medical Council of India, the Deputy Chief Minister also assured the delegation that matter would be discussed with a health department if need be there Punjab Government would amend medical act to involve Punjab Medical Council in that process.
To take care of interests of state paramedical faculty at par with medical faculty, Mr. Badal announced that necessary instructions would be issued to health department to collect the data about lab technicians, X-ray technicians and operation theatre technicians.

The delegation also informed the deputy chief minister that Punjab Medical Council office is housing in rented building that would has to be vacated due to court case its owner. The council demanded to allot 500 yards plot at SAS Nagar to construct its headquarters. Deputy Chief Minister assured the delegation full support in this regard.

Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included Advisor to Chief Minister Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Dr. Gurjinder Singh President Punjab Medical Council, Vice president Dr. Gurmej Singh, Dr. Sushil Kumar, Dr. Vinod Sood, Dr. Swapan Sood, Dr. Kapil Gupta, Dr.Baljinder Pal Singh Bal, Dr. Ajay Kumar, Dr. Arun Mitra (all members).

PUNJAB GOVT. ISSUES INSTRUCTIONS TO IMPLEMENT ‘SWACHH BHARAT CAMPAIGN’

· HAND WASH CAMPAIGN TO BE PART OF THIS CAMPAIGN

· SANITATION CAMPAIGN TO BEGIN ON OCTOBER 15

Chandigarh, September 26 : ‘World Hand Washing Day’ being observed on October 15th every year would be now permanent part of Swachh Bharat campaign that stated on September 25 thoughout the country

The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has issued explicit instructions to make Swachh Bharat campaign a peoples’ movement by involving public in this campaign to realise PM’s dream of a clean and hygienic India which will make its mark in the world as one of the cleanest countries’ in the world. To make this endeavour of the Prime Minister a successful one, the chief minister has desired that each and every citizen of india should be a part of ‘Swachh Bharat Campaign’ and lend a helping to the efforts being made in this regard.

Disclosing this a spokesperson of the Punjab Govt. said that this campaign was initiated on September 25 and it’s first phase would go on till 2 October. After that this campaign continues throughout the month of October. In order to this campaign a stupendous success, all the District Public Relation Officers have been instructed to take immediate steps and ensure the lifting of garbage in and around their offices and those coming under their jurisdiction.

The spokesperson further said that the on the occasion of ‘World Hand Washing Day’, which falls on 15th October, the Sanitation campaign would be initiated and aligned with Swachh Bharat Campaign so that no stone is left unturned to make our surrounding neat, clean and tidy. He also said that Punjab Govt would provide every kind of assistance to take this campaign to the pinnacle of success. He also informed that street plays will be held and posters would be displayed making people aware to keep the environment clean, so as to ensure that the message of this campaign reaches every home.

He also said that all the DPRO’S have been instructed to ensure maximum print and electronic media coverage regarding this campaign in their respective districts and areas under their jurisdiction. The spokesperson further said that this campaign is also aimed at schools so as to maintain hygienic environment thereby protecting children from falling prey to the diseases. The spokesman said that NGO’S working in the field of social service have been exhorted to help make this movement a success. He informed that people contributing to the success of this campaign would also be felicitated.

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ONLINE ENTRIES FOR INTER-DISTRICT SCHOOL GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME: DR. CHEEMA

· EDUCATION DEPARTMENT UNVEILS THE CALENDAR FOR PUNJAB SCHOOL GAMES

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 26:The Punjab Education Department today introduced the concept of online entries for inter district school games to make this excercise transparent, democratic and more inclusive.

Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister said that this concept has been introduced as most of the budding players could not participate due to lack of information and opaque system

He said that Education Department has Introduced the administrative reform regime into the Punjab school games field for the first time, and has decided to invite online entries for inter school games.

Education Minister said that every year in the school games thousands of players of teams from various districts participate in different sports events. “Considering the technical hazards and strenuous task of filling entries encountered by thousands of players and teams, the educations department has now decided to get the entries only through online application”, said Dr. Cheema. He said that now through this easy and simplified online application the team incharge could fill the entry duly sitting at his office in school.

Dr. Cheema further said that by filling online entries the team managements could save their time and energy and the education department could also avoid the objections raised by late comer teams. He said that online entries could be filled on the Sports Departments’ website punjabschoolsports.in form six days prior up to 2 days prior to the commencement of a tournament.

The Education Minister while releasing the school sports calendar for 2014-15 said that although Punjab Inter School Games and Kho-Kho under 19 tournament (Boys and Girls) were being organised from 28 to 30 September at Mohali, but the online filling of entries would be started for games slated to be played from October 13 to December 7.

SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL SHARES GRIEF WITH TALWANDI’S FAMILY

*DESCRIBES HIS DEATH AS GREAT LOSS TO SIKH PANTH

Raikot (Ludhiana), September 26: Shiromani Akali Dal president and Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today deeply mourned the demise of Veteran Akali stalwart Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi at village Talwandi Rai of the district today. Mr Badal today called on the bereaved family here at their residence and shared his heartfelt sympathies with them.

Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi had passed away following brief illness at Hero DMC Heart Institute, here on September 19.

Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that it was a huge loss for the entire family especially the Shiromani Akali Dal and entire Sikh Panth. "It is because of him (Talwandi) that I became Shiromani Akali Dal president. I recall how Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi braved the bullets during the black days of terrorism in state and always worked for the betterment of Shiromani Akali Dal and the entire Sikh Panth," he said.

Mr Badal shared his life experiences with Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi’s sons Mr Ranjit Singh Talwandi (ex MLA) and Mr Jagjit Singh Talwandi (SGPC member) and other family members. He prayed to the almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to them to bear this huge loss in this hour of crisis.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Advisor to CM, Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, former minister Mr Bikramjit Singh Khalsa, former president Nagar Council Raikot Mr Amandeep Singh Gill, besides several others.

HARSIMRAT STRESSES ON CHECKING WASTAGE IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR

*SAYS HER MAIN AIM THAT PROCESSED PRODUCTS SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO ELITE SECTIONS ONLY BUT SHOULD BE IN THE REACH OF THE "AAM AADMI" AS WELL

* INDIAN INSTITUTE OF CROP PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY (IICPT) TO OPEN TWO CENTRES IN BATHINDA AND LUDHIANA

* ATTENDS NATIONAL SEMINAR ON “AUGMENTING PROCESSING AND SHELF-LIFE OF PERISHABLE FOOD PRODUCTS”

Ludhiana, September 26: Stressing on a need to check wastage in agriculture sector, which is estimated at over Rs 44,000 crore and also aids in curbing inflation, Union Minister for Food Processing Industry Harsimrat Kaur Badal today said that her main aim is that processed products should not be limited to elite sections only but should be in the reach of the "Aam Aadmi" as well. She said that wastage can be reduced primarily if the farmers take advantage of Food Processing industry. "Food processed is food saved," she said.

Taking an aim at the UPA government, Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that during their rule, they emptied the coffers of the exchequer, and even failed to pay subsidy to farmers who were eligible for it since the year 2003. "Our main aim is that all such farmers should be given subsidy on priority basis. Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi is having a very empathetic approach towards farmers and that is why, he has set up a separate Ministry of Food Processing Industry," Badal said. She also lauded the "Make In India" campaign launched by Mr Modi yesterday.

Badal was addressing the participants during a one–day national seminar on “Augmenting Processing and Shelf-Life of Perishable Food Products” held at Pal Auditorium, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), here today. This seminar was being organised by the National Productivity Council (NPC), New Delhi.

She informed that Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT) would be opening two centres in Bathinda and Ludhiana. "PAU has given land for the setting up of Bathinda and Ludhiana centres and once they start functioning, Punjab would be benefitted in a big way as all kinds of crops would be processed here," she said.

While addressing the participants, Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that her ministry would concentrate on creating primary collection centres close to the food production areas to bring in efficiency in food processing and reduce wastages. She said that according to a study conducted by Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) in 2010, 18 per cent of the total produce gets wasted and to achieve efficiencies, her ministry would create an enabling environment including creating refrigeration facilities at all levels.

While speaking to media persons, she said that food wastage plays a very important role in inflation. She said that it is due of wastage that the market availability declines and it directly leads to inflation. "So if we control wastage by taking help of food processing industry, we can control inflation," she stressed. "I am going to Ahmadabad tomorrow where we would study the model adopted by Amul," she said.

The union minister said that farmers can themselves set up small food processing units to process their own produce at their home itself. "My aim is that we come up with such a scheme where a farmer and his family, especially youth, would be involved in all stages, right from sowing to processing to marketing of a particular product. And we are already working on it so that our farmer can become self reliant," she said. She said that a Mega Food Park is coming up at Fazilka and it would be inaugurated in October. She said that one such park is also coming up near Ludhiana very soon.

She even urged the farmers to adopt organic farming as well as processing fruits and vegetable into non-alcoholic wines. She asked PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon to hold a monthly meeting where he should brief her about the ways in which farmers can be benefitted from food processing.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Mr Harbhajan Singh, Director General, NPC, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, Dr V K Taneja, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, and several other senior officers from Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

Chief Secretary conducts surprise checks

Chandigarh, September 26 :

Chief Secretary, Punjab Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal today conducted surprise checks at Mini Secretariat (Sub Divisional complex), Rajpura. He first conducted the check at S.D.M. Office. There, the whole staff was found to be present. Then, the registration room at Tehsil office was inspected. The Tehsildar was present. On being asked about the number of wasikas, he said that daily 10-12 wasikas are registered. But till that time no wasika was registered. The public present there also expressed satisfaction at the working. Then, the register in the room of registry clerk was checked. Afterwards, the reader of tehsildar was asked about the cause list of court cases and pending cases. At tehsil office, Rajpura members of the public were asked whether they faced any problems. All expressed satisfaction. Even the public present there were asked by the CS if someone want to tell him their problem in a separate room, then they are welcome.

Then, check was conducted at Suwidha Centre, Rajpura. All the employees were found to be present. Chief Secretary enquired from employees about the services being provided at the Suwidha Centre. He also checked entries in the computer with immense precision and found some technical problem with the software which was ordered to be rectified. About the affidavits he learnt that only educational institutions demand affidavits. The chief Secretary then ordered that barring those cases where affidavits are necessary according to law, Government of Punjab has introduced the system of Self declaration. After this the working of Fard Kendra was inspected. All the people present there expressed satisfaction about the working. Then, ASM of Fard Kendra was asked that the record of about how many of the villages in Rajpura is available on-line. The pendency of work at Fard Kendra was almost negligible. The duty Patwari was instructed that in future the signatures are to be made in Black ink in bold letters so that they should be read easily. The Sarpanch of Village Kullar narrated her tale of woe and BDO, Rajpura was immediately called and instructed to address her grievances at the earliest and inform accordingly. Some Press Correspondents were also present and apprised the CS that Food Supply wing is not giving proper attention to the Ration Depots and public was facing immense problems. The DC, Patiala was instructed to inquire about this. The CS also checked the Transport Counter.

PM inaugurates India Food Park in Tumkur

Agricultural economy to get boost through value addition and infrastructure creation-Modi

17 more Mega Food Parks to be set up soon-Harsimrat Kaur Badal

New Delhi September 24- Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the Union Government was committed to boost agricultural economy and empower the farmers by facilitating value addition through creation of appropriate infrastructure, including rural connectivity, storage and warehousing. He was addressing a large gathering at Tumkur in Karnataka after inaugurating India Food Park.

Speaking about this project Prime Minister said it will fulfil the vision of "Annam Brahma" - Food is God. He said his Government is committed to ensuring that as the farmer provides food for all, he should also get good income for his produce. (Kisan hamaare pet bhi bhare, Kisan Ki jeb bhi bhare). Modi said value addition in agriculture and food products is not new to India.

Prime Minister said that if India is to progress, Centre and States have to work together as a team for country to progress. He said India can be strong and developed only if its states are strong and developed. Narendra Modi assured that he will follow India's federal structure in letter and spirit. The Governor of Karnataka Vajubhai Vala, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Union Ministers Ananth Kumar, Sadanand Gowda and Ms. Harsimrat Kaur Badal were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that 5 Mega Food Parks have been approved and the process to sanction 17 more Mega Food Parks is currently on. She said that food processing would be instrumental in not only increasing the income for the farmers but would also help in reducing the wastage of perishable agricultural commodities.

Pointing out that India was the second largest producer of milk in the world and second largest producer of fruits and vegetables, Union Food Minister outlined the steps being taken by the Government to promote food processing sector.

Speaking of India Food Park, she said this project had a combination of Central, State and Private Sector Partnership. She asserted that union Government will boost infrastructure facilities required for the agriculture and food processing sector through Public-Private Partnership.

The India Food Park inaugurated in Tumkur, Karnataka has been put up in a 110 acre area and has world class food processing facilities that integrates the entire food value chain from farm to plate at a single location with the best infrastructure and technology.

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SDM, HOSHIARPUR GETS ADDITIONAL CHARGE

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 24:

The Punjab Government has given additional charge to a PCS officer Mr. Anand Sagar Sharma.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that Mr. Anand Sagar Sharma, PCS, SDM, Hoshiarpur has been given the additional charge of Land Acquisition Collector, Dholbaha Dam, Construction Circle, Hoshiapur in addition to his present assignment.

I.G. GAUTAM CHEEMA DECLARED ABSENT FROM DUTY SINCE AUGUST 29

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 24:

Department of Home Affairs and Justice of the Punjab Government today declared Mr. Gautam Cheema IPS absent from duty w.e.f August 29, 2014.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Home Department said that Director General of Police has informed that Inspector General of Police Mr. Gautam Cheema (under suspension)is absent from the duty w.e.f August 29 without getting his leave sanctioned from the competent authority. Taking cognizance of the matter the Home Affairs and Justice of the Punjab Government has declared Mr. Gautam Cheema absent from duty since August 29.

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CM LAUDS STELLAR PERFORMANCE OF PUNJAB IN CENSUS- 2011

FELICITATES OFFICERS/ OFFICIALS FOR ACCOMPLISHING THIS HERCULEAN TASK

CENSUS- 2011 REVEALS PUNJAB AS ‘PROGRESSIVE STATE’ IN THE COUNTRY

Chandigarh, September 24-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today lauded the exemplary work done by nearly 56000 enumerators and supervisors involved in the Census- 2011 in the state thus making Punjab as No. 1 state in the country for accomplishing this gigantic task diligently and in a time bound manner.

Addressing the gathering after felicitating the officers of the state government with the President of India’s Census Medal and certificate here at Law Auditorium in Panjab University, the Chief Minister said that Census was the biggest administrative exercise which was the basis of country’s and state’s planning framework. He also appreciated the stupendous efforts of all the officers and officials who put in lot of hard work to complete this herculean task even before the stipulated time period. Mr. Badal also mentioned that Punjab was fortunate to have Punjabi University Patiala as one of the work station selected by the Government of India (GoI) along with the prestigious Jawahar Lal Nehru University for the processing and compilation of data.

The Chief Minister mentioned that during Census operation 2011 population of 2.80 crore were surveyed in 12581 villages and 217 towns of the state. Attributing the timely completion of this mammoth exercise to the unfailing and indomitable spirit of Punjabis Mr. Badal hailed the Punjabi’s inherent leadership quality to lead the country almost in every sphere. He said that this Census has revealed that Punjab had witnessed marked improvement in the Child Sex Ratio, which was now 846 females against 1000 males as compared to 798/ 1000 during 2001.

The Chief Minister said that the data of Census- 2011 has aptly established the credentials of Punjab as ‘Progressive State’ in the country. Apart from this, Mr. Badal said that Punjab had several firsts to its credit in terms of supply of potable drinking water, best health care services, excellent education infra structure, nearly 100% rural electrification and many others.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike and Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Secretary Local Government Mr. Ashok Gupta, Director Census Ms. Seema Jain and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sharma.

PUNJAB TO SOON PROMOTE 645 TEACHERS AS HEADMASTERS UNDER PROMOTION QUOTA

· DEPUTATION OF MULAZAM WING PUNJAB CALLS ON CM

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 24:

The Punjab government would soon promote 645 teachers as Headmasters under Promotion quota by 31st October this year.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that direction to this effect was given by the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting with a deputation of Mulazam Wing Punjab led by its President-cum-Chairman Mr. Surinder Singh Pehalwan which called on the Chief Minister here at Punjab Bhawan late last evening concerning their demands.

Responding to their demand for immediately filling up the vacant posts in the Education Department, the Principal Secretary Education apprised the Chief Minister that process to recruit 5078 teachers would be completed by the end of this month.

Regarding the demand for providing registration facility for the Veterinary Inspectors in the state, the Chief Minister asked the Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry to thoroughly examine the case from all aspects especially from legal point of view. However, to make state transport sector far more efficient, the transport department would soon prepare a policy for the recruitment of conductors on contract basis, in a fair and transparent manner, besides inducting new buses in the existing fleet of PUNBUS and PRTC, said the spokesperson.

In response to another demand for regularizing the services of the temporary employees who had completed ten years of service till 2006, the personnel department apprised the Chief Minister that barring two employees rest have been already been regularized as per the policy and even the case of regularizing the services of these two employees were also under process.

The Chief Minister also directed the Chairman PSPCL to hold a separate meeting with the representatives of the association for early solution of the pending demands of employees associations related to power sector amicably.

On this occasion Mulazam Wing (SAD) President Mr. Surinder Singh Pehalwan expressed his gratitude to Mr. Badal for giving a patient hearing to their demands and getting them examined at different quarters.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Mr. G Vajralingam, Principal Secretary Finance Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary Education Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Chairman PSPCL Mr. KD Chaudhary, besides many senior officers of the state government. The Members of the deputation included General Secretary Mr. Harpal Singh Teja, Deputy Secretary Mr. Manjit Singh Chahal, besides members Mr. Karamjit Singh, BS Sekhon, Mr. Gurvel Singh, Mr. Bikkar Singh, Harmesh Dhiman and others.

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Sukhbir Badal greets Punjabis on the eve of Agarsen Jayanti

Chandigarh, September 24 : Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today extended greeting to Aggarwal community in particular and countrymen in general on the eve of Agarsen Jayanti.

In a facilitation message, Mr. Sukhbir Badal said we should tread the path shown by Maharaja Agarsen to build a healthy and civilized society. He said the ideology of Maharaja Agarsen gives us message to initiate steps for the welfare of bereft and depressed classes besides promoting communal harmony, peace and mutual concord.

Deputy CM said the Aggarwal community had played a pivotal role in development of the state. Mr Badal said the Aggarwal community was mainly engaged into the industrial sectors and had done a commendable job. He called upon the people to celebrate this auspicious day by rising above caste, creed, colour and religion.

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Sukhbir Badal initiates process to launch drip irrigation for wheat and paddy through solar water pumps

Mumbai, September 24 - Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today initiated the process to partner with Jain Irrigation to set up drip irrigation facilities through solar water pumps in various blocks of the State for irrigation of wheat and paddy crops.

While Jain Irrigation will provide the equipment as well as technical expertise to farmers as part of the proposed tie up, the State government will assure a minimum yield guarantee to the farmers. The project will initially be taken up in five blocks over 20 acres each.

While interacting with Jain Irrigation managing director Anil Jain, the Deputy CM said "I want farmers to operate drip or sprinkler systems themselves and realise that they work. This will have a cascading effect and popularise the technique", he added.

Mr Badal also assured that the State government would assure minimum yield to the farmers and compensate them in case there was any shortfall in yield due to the shift to drip irrigation.

Mr Jain while giving a brief to the Deputy CM said his company had done enormous research on drip and sprinkler irrigation in rice and wheat and concluded that drip irrigation could lead to a saving on fertiliser, labour and energy. He said following this technique could also lead to a 30 per cent increase in yield.

It was mutually decided that a team from Jain Irrigation would visit the State and take this understanding forward.

In another meeting, Pfizer India CEO Aijaz Tobaccowala said his company would like to participate in medical programmes for the weaker sections. Mr Tobaccowala said besides supplying quality drugs the company could also help doctors to upgrade their diagnostic skills.

Adlabs promoter Manmohan Shetty evinced interest in participating in the entertainment destination project proposed by the government at the Thein dam.

In other meetings today representatives of OSR group led by Salim Syed evinced interest in establishing a theme park at Amritsar. Others who met the Deputy CM included Cipla Global CFO Rajesh Garg and Mondalez (Cadbury) India MD Chandramouli Venkatesan.

The Deputy CM was accompanied with a team of senior officers including Mr Karan Avtar Singh, Mr Anirudh Tewari, Mr P S Aujla, Mr D K Tewari and his Media Advisor Jangveer Singh besides a team from consultants KPMG led by Mr Utkarsh Pal Nitkar. EOM

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Punjab gears up to tackle air pollution due to burning of paddy straw

TO PROVIDE 4000 SUBSIDISED MACHINES TO THE COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES FOR MECHANICAL MOWING OF STRAW – JATHEDAR TOTA SINGH

Big Initiative to reduce Environment pollution by providing an alternative of straw burning

CM to hold meeting with the Agriculture Machinery Manufacturers to invent new technologies for mechanisation of Agriculture

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 24: With the onset of harvesting season of Paddy, the Punjab Agriculture Department today provided a viable alternative to the farmers to desist them from burning paddy straw and residue. The Agriculture Department today decided to provide 4000 mowing machines on subsidized to the cooperative societies for the utilisation of farmers as these machines could be used to mow the straw in the soil rather than burning it. The farmers could also avail subsidy on the direct purchase of these machines.

Agriculture Minister Jathedar. Tota Singh while presiding over a meeting with the Agriculture Machine Manufacturers of Punjab at Kisan Bhawan said that the Punjab Government has decided to motivate farmers to adopt mechanical mowing machines to mow straw in earth rather than burning it to reduce air pollution. The Minister said that Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal has also directed to provide incentives to those Agri. Machine Manufacturer who come out with low cost machinery. He said that Chief Minister has desired to have meeting with all the Agriculture Machine Manufactures of the state and soon a meeting would be fixed with the CM to share ideas with Agri. Machine Manufacturer community and adopt new eco friendly technologies.

The Agriculture Minister said that before mowing the straw was practical eco friendly alternate mechanism and we have to encourage it. He said that Punjab Government has taken lead in providing new mechanism to destroy mow straw instead of burning. He said that the Punjab Government is going to provide three types of machines on subsidy to the farmers, one machine would cut 1-2 inches pieces of straw which could be used as fodder, second machine that would cut pieces of straw to utilise it for mushroom growing and third machine for making bundles of mow straw to a size that could be used for biomass power plants.

Agriculture Minister instructed the officials of the department to adopt a transparent & proper standard system while testing of mow straw cutting machines.

During the meeting Mr. Suresh Kumar stressed upon the need to develop machines and technologies to reduce post production losses of crops.

Prominent other present in the meeting include Mr. Mangal Singh Director Agriculture, Mr. BR Kataria Joint Director Engineer Wing and Agriculture machine Manufactures from across the state.

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CM FOR JUDICIOUS ALLOCATION OF WORK TO COOPERATIVE LABOURFED AND CONSTRUCTION SOCIETIES

MOVE AIMED AT STRENGTHENING THESE SOCIETIES FOR SELF SUSTAINING

BATS FOR REMOVING UNWARRANTED CLASSIFICATION OF THESE SOCIETIES WHICH WERE RENDERING THEM UNCOMPETITIVE WITH THE BIG CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

INFOTECH ASKED TO RATIONALIZE THE PROCESSING FEE FOR FILING E-TENDERS

NOD TO ENHANCE THE LIMIT OF SKILLED WORK FOR THESE SOCIETIES FROM EXISTING RS 30 LAKH TO RS 40 LAKH

Chandigarh, September 24-

Underscoring the need for strengthening Cooperative labourfed and construction societies in the state for making them self sustainable, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that these societies should be judiciously allocated government work, so that small and marginal societies could be benefitted from it.

Presiding over a meeting of the board constituted for dealing with the problems faced by the Cooperative Labourfed and construction societies here at the Chief Minister's Office, the Chief Minister underlined the need for extending the benefit of these societies to the underprivileged and downtrodden sections of the society. Mr. Badal said that the main motive of these societies was to benefit this stratum of the society, which was unable to compete with the big sharks involved in the construction activities. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to ensure the overall welfare of the labour class, he said that the Cooperative sector could play a vital role in this noble cause.

Dwelling on another issue the Chief Minister also asked the Punjab Infotech to rationalize the processing fee for filing e-tenders by such societies, so that they could participate in the e-tendering process. He also asked the Cooperative department to ensure that all the payments of these societies were made through the Cooperative banks, so as to facilitate them. Acceding to a demand of the Labourfed leaders, Mr. Badal also asked the Irrigation and Public Works Department to simplify the procedure for the enlistment of these societies thereby removing the unwarranted classification of these societies which were rendering them uncompetitive with the big construction companies.

Keeping in view the escalation in the cost of labour and material, the Chief Minister also gave nod to enhance the limit of skilled work for these societies from existing Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh. Likewise, he also gave approval for revising the exemption from earnest money in view the massive increase in the input costs. Mr. Badal also asked the Cooperative department to include the Departments of Punjab Mandi Board and Panchayti Raj wing of the Rural Development in the list for allotting the work to these societies.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. KD Bhandari, Chairman Labourfed Mr. Gurpartap Singh Khushalpur, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Secretary Local Government Mr. Ashok Gupta, Registrar Cooperative Societies Mr. AS Miglani and Special Secretary Cooperation Mrs. Kanwalpreet Kaur Brar.

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CM GREETS PEOPLE ON AGRASEN JAYANTI

Chandigarh, September 24-

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the people of the state on the eve of ‘Agrasen Jayanti’.

In a message, the Chief Minister called upon the people to draw inspiration from the life and philosophy of Maharaja Agrasen, who propagated the concept of welfare state by strengthening social fabric of the society. He said that the teachings of Maharaja Agrasen were still relevant in the present context and urged the people to commemorate this auspicious day by rising above the parochial considerations of caste, color, creed and religion.

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MAJITHIA FELICITATES PEOPLE ON

MAHARAJA AGRASEN JAYANTI

Chandigarh, September 24: Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today extended heartiest felicitations the people of State on the eve of Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti.

In a message, Mr. Majithia said that Maharaja Agrasen a legendary king of Agroha, showed a path of truth and peace to the people in general and traders and businessmen in particular. The righteous king was known for his principles of equality, nationalism, socialism and non-violence and he guided the community to play important role in the socio-economic progress of the country.

He urged the people to commemorate this auspicious day by rising above the narrow mindedness of caste, colour, creed and religion.

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CPA London chooses Punjab for workshop of Parliamentary Agriculture Committees from October 29 to 31

· Delegates from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh and other countries to participate

· Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Dr. Charanjit Singh Atwal reviews arrangements

Chandigarh, September 24: The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association London has chosen the agrarian state Punjab to host its prestigious workshop of Parliamentary Agriculture Committees from October 29 to October 31, recognizing the contribution of Punjab in making India self sufficient on food security front.

Reviewing the arrangements for the prestigious international conference in which delegates from six countries and other south Asian countries, lok sabha speaker and speakers from all the states besides agriculture experts from various countries would participate, the Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Charnjit Singh Atwal today chaired a high level meeting to review the preparedness of the conference. Dr. Atwal informed that Parliament Speaker had recommended the name of Punjab Chapter of CPA to organize this event. He said that the Greenwich University of United Kingdom will be the co-host of the event.

Presiding over the meeting attended by Punjab Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Agriculture Minister Mr. Tota Singh, PWD Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon and Transport Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar along senior officer, Dr. Atwal said delegates from commonwealth countries would be participated in this mega workshop. He informed that the aim of hosting this mega workshop was to give a big push to parliamentary agriculture committees besides strengthening those vis-à-vis holding discussions and debate on current issues pertaining to peasantries and agriculture. He said capacity building in the area of agriculture amongst parliamentarians will also be an issue during this three days workshop.

Dr. Atwal informed the meeting that the delegates from India union, from CPA branches of two states, Asia/South Asia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Malaysia and Singapore would participate. He said that they would share their experience in the agriculture sector besides possibilities of agri-growth in their respective regions.

Reviewing the status of proposed arrangements, Dr. Atwal gave necessary directions to UT Administration and various departments including Agriculture, Finance, Home, Transport, Health, PWD, Public Relations, Tourism and Cultural Affairs and Director Hospitality to make sure the necessary and requisite arrangements. This is for the first time that this conference is being organised in north India.

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MADAN MOHAN MITTAL & CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT GREET PEOPLE ON ‘AGRASEN JAYANTI’

Chandigarh, September 24-

Industry, Commerce and Technical Education Minister, Punjab, Madan Mohan Mittal and Forest,Wildlife and Labour Minister, Punjab, Chunni Lal Bhagat today felicitated people on the eve of ‘Agrasen Jayanti’.

In a message, the Ministers called upon the people to draw inspiration from the ideology of Maharaja Agrasen, that was based upon the welfare and betterment of all . They said that the lofty ideals of Maharaja Agrasen still have the moral power to make people work for the nation in a united way. They also urged the people to celebrate this auspicious day by rising above the narrow prejudices of caste, colour, race and religion. Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. Narinder Kumar Sharma and Chaudhary Nand Lal also greeted people on this eve.

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PUNJAB INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR THE POST OF SENIOR ASSISTANTS IN PUNJAB CIVIL SECRETARIAT

- ONLINE APPLICATIONS CAN BE SUBMITTED FROM SEPTEMBER 29 TO OCTOBER 21

Chandigarh, September 24:

The Punjab Government today invited online applications for 94 posts of Senior Assistants in the department of General Administration, Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh.

Giving the details, a spokesman of the state government said that online applications can be submitted w.e.f. September 29 to October 21, 2014 on the

website www.punjabgovt.gov.in. He said that after logging in the website, candidates can open the link ‘Departments’ sub link ‘General Administration‘ to fill the forms. He said that applicant should be Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university with computer knowledge as specified in the detailed advertisement on the website and he must have passed Punjabi up to Matric or its equivalent level.

He further said that as per the tentative schedule written test will be held in the month of December 2014. Exact schedule would be displayed on the website by 1st week of December and the medium of written test will be English/Punjabi. He said that for more details, educational qualifications, age, procedure of selection, fee etc. could be seen on website www.punjabgovt.gov.in.

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MALUKA GREETS PEOPLE ON AGRASEN JAYANTI

Chandigarh, September 24 :

Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Rural Development & Panchayat Minister Punjab today greeted the people of the state, especially the Vaishya community on the eve of ‘Agrasen Jayanti’.

In a message, Mr Maluka said called upon the people to seek inspiration from the ideology of Maharaja Agrasen who during his regime gave the message of welfare state by strengthening social harmony and unity.

He said that Vaishay community had played a pro-active role in the socio-economic progress of the country and hoped this community would actively participate in the development process in future also. He said that a real tribute to Maharaja Agrasen would be to follow his teachings still relevant in the present circumstances. He appealed to the people to commemorate this auspicious day rising above the parochial considerations of caste, color, creed and religion

PUNJAB TO STOMP OUT THE FRAUDULENT NBFCs FROM THE STATE

· CHIEF SECRETARY PUNJAB PRESIDES OVER THE 26TH STATE LEVEL COORDINATION COMMITTEE ON NBFC

· STATE ASSURES RBI OF STRICT ADHERENCE OF GUIDELINES FRAMED TO CHECK FRAUDULENT FINANCIAL COMPANIES

Chandigarh, September 23:

In order to tighten the noose around the unscrupulous Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) which are operational in the State and collecting money from the public under various lucrative schemes with the fraudulent intentions, the Punjab Government has intensified its action. In this direction the meeting of the High Powered State level coordination Committee on NBFC constituted under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Punjab was held today.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the State Government said that at the onset of the meeting the Chief Secretary expressed serious concerns over the mushrooming of NBFCs under the garb of providing financial benefits to the public. He said that the financial incidents under chit fund operations occurred in the eastern part of the country are eye openers for the financial regulators & the Government. It was discussed that to check these economic offences, public needed to be sensitized and at the same time State needs to keep a close watch at the working of such NBFCs.

The Chief Secretary was apprised by RBI officials present in the meeting that 2 types of NBFCs are being registered under the Act formulated by the apex banking institution, Category A which are authorized for accepting deposits from public and Category B which are not authorized for accepting public deposits. Currently 60 Category A and 260 Category B NBFCs from Punjab have been registered with RBI. It was disclosed that RBI is minutely supervising the activities of the registered NBFCs and is cancelling the Registration Certificates of NBFCs where it finds that financial irregularities are committed. As per RBI data, since 2006 Certificate of Registrations of 19 Category A and 29 Category B NBFCs of the region have been cancelled by RBI Chandigarh office for non-compliance of various RBI guidelines. All such cancellations of Registrations by RBI shall be available in public domain on State Government websites for convenience of general public. Further SEBI has also provided a list of 9 companies to the State Government, which are not being operated in accordance with the SEBI guidelines. The Chief Secretary assured to initiate appropriate action against these erring companies.

Chief Secretary informed that the Punjab Cabinet has already approved the Punjab Protection of Interest of Depositors’ Bill 2014 and before it is passed by the State Legislature, the draft of the Bill has been forwarded to the RBI and SEBI for comments. The Chief Secretary asked RBI & SEBI to provide the comments on this draft in next one month to enable the State Government to pass the draft Bill in the State Legislature. He said that the State has already notified Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) of all the districts as Joint Director, Institutional Finance and Banking. All the ADCs have been directed to collect information on various Non-Banking Financial entities working in their jurisdiction. He said that the information thus collected would be supplied to RBI and SEBI for initiating action against fraudulent entities. While discussing, the case of defaulting NBFC in Punjab, the Chief Secretary asked RBI & SEBI to serve notices to such companies before the next SLCC meeting. It was also assured by the Chief Secretary that the State Government functionaries would coordinate with RBI & SEBI and follow their guidelines in true spirit.

For proper coordination between RBI, SEBI and the State Government on this issue, the Chief Secretary Punjab constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary Home. Director, Directorate of Institutional Finance and Director, Bureau of Investigation would be the other members in this Committee. This Committee would examine all the concerns put forward by the RBI & SEBI and redress the issues within stipulated time period. Further to build capacity of the Police officials to handle such cases of fraudulent activities by NBFCs, the Chief Secretary asked RBI to conduct a one day workshop for senior police officers and 5 day workshop for field level officials.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary Home, Mrs Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Finance, Mr. Jaspal Singh, Secretary Expenditure, Mr. V. K. Bhawra,Director, Bureau of Investigation, Ms. Rashmi Fauzdar Regional Director, RBI (Punjab and UT Chd), Ms. Kiran Sharma GM, RBI, Chandigarh, Mr. Mohammad Atif Alvi, DGM SEBI and other senior officials from RBI,SEBI and the State Government.

CONGRESS WON’T CROSS DOUBLE DIGIT FIGURE IN ENSUING HARYANA VIDHAN SABHA ELECTIONS-MAJITHIA

v PUNJAB MULLS REGISTRATION OF PROPERTIES IN UNAUTHORISED COLONIES WITH FIXED FEE

v ACTION REGARDING UNDERVALUED PROPERTIES SOON

v PUNJAB TO CORPORATISE ALL OFFICES OF SUB REGISTRARS

v E-STAMPING AND ONLINE REGISTRATION MAJOR STRIDES IN GOVERNANCE REFORMS

v DEDICATES MAJOR PROJECTS WORTH RS 5.7 CRORES

SBS NAGAR, September 23: Mr Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue and Public Relations Minister, Punjab today said that Congress party in Haryana would not cross double digit figure with two-time Chief Minister Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda set to break Mr Rahul Gandhi’s record of lowest seats.

Speaking on the sidelines of inaugural ceremonies of Rs 5.7 crore projects here today, Mr Majithia said that bonanzas announced by Mr Hooda during last months of his misrule were symbolic of accelerated flickering of dying flame of Congress rule depicting its desperation seeing the writing on the wall. He said that people have already started tasting the fruits of so-called bonanzas of Mr Hooda as all the ad-hoc employees who were regularized have not yet got their ad-hoc pay for last month. He said that Mr Hooda is presently worried that he should cross the figure of six seats secured by HJC during last Vidhan Sabha elections.

Answering the question regarding economic slowdown, Mr Majithia blamed Congress led UPA government for collapse of Indian economy due to their scam tainted 10-year misrule and now Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi within 100 days of his rule has put economy back on track. He said that it is for the first time that economic growth registered an upswing to 5.4 percent and inflation within one month came down to 3.74 percent that was lowest in last five years. He said that with the revival of national economy, Punjab’s economic growth is set to be double in next two years. He said that the extension of freight corridor is set to have cascading effect on economy of all northern states and its linking with Attari border would give fillip to export to Gulf countries through land route. Mr Majithia said that with ensuing inauguration of Bathinda airport, thermal plants in Talwandi Sabo, Goindwal Sahib and strengthening of power infrastructure, power supply in the state is set to outstrip the demand even during peak hours.

Mr Majithia said that Mr Badal was also in touch with neighboring hill states to have stake in upcoming hydro projects to meet the power demand for next 50 years. Mr Majithia said that Mr Modi has reacted very positively to the genuine demand of Punjab for Rs one lakh crore package and he said that with Mr Narendra Modi and Mr Arun Jaitly, Union Finance Minister, having positive attitude towards Punjab, Punjab could expect a major revival package very soon.

Reacting to another question Mr Majithia said that he has just got a consolidated report of under valuation of registered deeds throughout the state and he has asked the revenue department to recover undervalued amount from the buyer besides initiating exemplary disciplinary actions against erring officials. He said that Punjab government was committed to provide transparent and corruption free environment for registration of properties. He said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal has already approved a major initiative of revenue department to corporatize all offices of Deputy Registrars in the state and a beginning has already been made from city Ludhiana. He said that buyers and sellers of properties could get their properties registered in air conditioned corporate environs of deputy registrar office and Revenue department has already Okayed another proposal of E-stamping of property documents besides online submission of registry documents. He said that Punjab is the first state under which all property owners can get “Fard”of their landholdings online by the click of a mouse as Punjab is on verge of completing total computerization of land records.

He said that in a move aimed to give a major relief to thousands of property owners in unauthorized colonies throughout the state, the Punjab government was mulling a new policy under which property holders in such locations could get their properties registered with a certain fixed amount even without a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Mr Majithia said that the Punjab government was committed for ensuring hassle free delivery of citizen services without any middleman and it was the first government that has made over 23 changes in revenue acts to facilitate the transfer of property and transaction of property-both agriculture and domestic. He said that taking the step of governance reforms at higher level, the Punjab government today extended the date of regularization of properties located in unauthorized colonies besides providing major relief in the property tax.

Earlier Mr Majithia laid the foundation stone of Sub Divisional Complex at Banga to be construicted at a cost of Rs 3.45 crores, besides inaugurating Patwar Work Stations in Banga and Nawan Shehar constructed at a cost of Rs 2.35 crore. Later Mr. Budh Singh Balakipur took the charge as Chairman, Market Committee, Banga in the presence of Mr. Majithia.

Prominent amongst others who were present includes Mr. Prem Sigh Chandumajra, MP, Dr. Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi, President, District Planning Committee, Mrs. Satinder Kaur Kariha , Ch. Mohan Lal, Mr. Jagterwar Singh Majithia, Mr. Sanjiv Kumar.

KAIRON FOR DETERMINED CONSUMER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

UNSCRUPULOUS ELEMENTS MISGUIDING CONSUMERS WILL NOT BE SPARED--KAIRON

Chandigarh September 23: Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Minister and Chairman Punjab State Consumer Protection Council, Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon today emphasized the need to initiate a determined campaign to educate consumers regarding their rights and duties.

Addressing a meeting of the Punjab State Consumer Protection Council, Mr. Kairon said there was a greater need for generating consumer awareness, especially during the time of competition in market to protect the interest of common man. He also said that the government was already in touch of various NGOs and Voluntary Organizations that have been involved in the task of generating consumer awareness across the state. He also said that a technique should be evolved to provide tagged information about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods so as to protect the consumers against unfair trade practices.

Taking serious view of the alleged exploitation of the consumers at the hands of many private companies regarding their services, terms and conditions, leading to loss of consumers, the Minister said that the government has tightened the noose against such unscrupulous elements and would take appropriate action against the erring.

He said that Punjab Government has already constituted Punjab State Consumer Redressal Commission at the state level, followed by the District Redressal forums, where consumers can easily register their complaints, added Mr. Kairon. He said that three state benches were also functional to decide the cases under Consumer Protection Act besides district forum in each district.

The Minister also suggested that a model consumer friendly draft agreement should be formulated jointly with the department of Housing and Urban Development, signed by both the consumer as well as the colonizers so that the colonizers do not take the consumer for a ride and this agreement should be made mandatory for each colonizer.

Directing the representatives of oil companies, the Minister said that they should educate the consumers regarding the LPG cylinders to be supplied to the consumers. He said that LPG companies should also educate the insurance component in case of LPG mishap.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr. D. S. Grewal, Secretary Food and Supplies, Ms. Madhavi Kataria, Joint Secretary Local Bodies department, representatives of POWERCOM, Health, Industries, NGOs, Bureau of Indian Standards, Weighs and Measures and other senior officers of the department.

Modi assures to extend fiscal assistance to Punjab-Sukhbir Badal

(Says PM will convene meeting of concerned secretaries soon to resolve Punjab’s pending issues)

Chandigarh, September 23: Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today said Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has assured to initiate an exercise to extend fiscal assistance to Punjab besides considering all the demands put forth by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal during his recent meeting with the PM yesterday at New Delhi.

Stating this here Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal while interacting with media persons after participating in the cabinet meeting, said the Prime Minister have them a patient hearing and assured to resolve the pending issues of the State to maintain the pace of development and growth in Punjab.

Answering a query regarding financial package, Mr. Badal said the State had demanded outstanding debt waiver and refund of Rs. 2694 crore paid as an interest on special term loan amounting to Rs. 5800 crore by the state for fighting militancy. "We ave also raised the issue of incentives to neighbouring States which has seriously affected the industrial climate in Punjab as various industries have migrated to those States due to special packages. We have demanded the same concessions be extended to us till 2017".

He said the chief minister had also briefed Mr Modi that Punjab had faced discrimination due to the wrong policies of the he earlier UPA government. He said the prime minister had assured to resolve pending issues pertaining to Punjab by initiating discussions with the concerned Secretaries of various departments. He said Punjab has also demanded an amount of Rs. 5000 crore as non plan grant before submission of report by 14th Finance Commission.

He said that the Stare had also demanded a Rs. 2330 crore package from Mr. Narendra Modi for farmers of state on account of deficit rains. He further added that Punjab has also raised issue to fix the MSP as per Swaminathan formula and procure maize and basmati on the pattern of wheat and paddy at MSP.

When asked about the promises made by SAD in its election manifesto, Mr. Badal said they were working day and night to fulfill all the commitments made with the people of Punjab. He said that SAD-BJP Government was reiterated to fulfill all promises before 2016. He said the work has already begun on various promises for which separate deadlines have also been fixed.

On the issue of distributing laptops to school students, Mr. Badal said that the matter pertains to education department and it would work out procedure to finalise the scheme. He added that 30 percent work for connecting the state with internet wi-fi connectivity has been finished, while the remaining areas would also be covered under 100 percent internet connectivity within a year. “After 100 percent wi-fi connectivity in the state, educational institutes would be equipped with computers” He added.

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TIKSHAN SOOD CONTRIBUTES ONE MONTH SALARY TOWARDS CM RELIEF FUND

Chandigarh, September 23

Expressing solidarity with the victims of flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir, Political Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Tikshan Sood has contributed his one month salary in the Chief Minister Relief Fund.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that extending a helping hand with the affected people of J&K in this hour of crisis, Mr. Sood has decided to donate his one month’s salary in CM Relief Fund.

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CABINET APPROVES SETTING UP OF 1750 RURAL AND 424 URBAN "UNIFIED SERVICE DELIVERY CENTERS" TO PROVIDE 223 CITIZEN CENTRIC SERVICES AT DOORSTEPS OF PEOPLE

CATTLE POUNDS TO BE SET UP AT DISTRICT LEVEL FOR CHECKING THE MENACE OF STRAY CATTLE

MAJOR RELIEF TO PUBLIC ON PROPERTY TAX

CABINET APPROVES NEW POLICY FOR REGULARISATION OF UNAUTHORIZED COLONIES/ PLOTS/ BUILDINGS

MOVE AIMED AT PROVIDING ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO THE PLOT HOLDERS WHO COULD NOT AVAIL THE EARLIER POLICY

ONLINE LOTTERY FOR THE STATE GETS GREEN SIGNAL

POLICY FOR ALLOTMENT OF PLOTS IN MEDICITY, NEW CHANDIGARH OKAYED

TOURISM/ THEME DESTINATION PROJECT AROUND RANJIT SAGAR LAKE NEAR THEEN DAM APPROVED

Chandigarh, September 23 -

In a bid provide 223 citizen centric services to the urban as well as rural populace in an integrated manner under a single roof, the Punjab Cabinet today approved to establish 1750 Rural and 424 Urban "Unified Service Delivery Centers" from where all the services of every department would be made available to the citizens at their door steps in a hassle free manner within the minimum time period.

A decision to this effect was taken here at a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in CMO this morning.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that in urban areas one such centre would be planned within a radius of 1.5 to 2.5 square kilometre areas, based upon the population density. On the basis of initial assessment, it was estimated that one service Delivery centre for a cluster of villages having 8000-10,000 population may be established. The Deputy Commissioners of the concerned district would be the nodal official to steer the program in the respective districts. It was also decided that in future no individual department would establish any front end service delivery centre and all the citizen centric services of all the department would be provided through these centres.

To check the menace of stray cattle across the state, the Cabinet approved the setting up of Cattle Pounds at district level. This decision has been taken in view of the frequent fatal accidents caused by the stray animals especially the cows, which resulted in heavy human loss. To achieve this objective the state government has constituted Cattle Welfare Societies at district level under the chairmanship of the concerned Deputy Commissioner, which would also have officers of the different departments besides 10 nominated members from amongst NGOs, Gaushalas and others. These societies have been entrusted with the task of creating requisite infra structure to provide the basic facilities like shelter, fodder, upkeep and veterinary services to the stray cattle in order to prevent huge loss to the crops and save precious human lives.

The Cabinet also gave go ahead to amend the Punjab Municipal Act 1911 and Punjab Municipal Corporation Act 1976 for providing a major relief to the public in the Property Tax on land and buildings. In the light of recommendations of the committee under the chairmanship of Local Government Minister, which reconsidered the issue of Property Tax in urban areas, the Cabinet also approved to divide all the Municipalities of the state in three categories- A, B and C. Category A would further be divided into three sectors and categories B and C would be divided into two sectors. Religious places, cremation grounds, cattle pounds, historical buildings, old aged home/ orphanage, buildings/ land belonging to the Municipalities, Government/ Government aided school/ colleges, government hospitals/ dispensaries, parking slots (only in multi storey flats) and land under agriculture/ horticulture would be exempted. Exemption to widows and disabled upto Rs 5000, freedom fighters, BPL families, ex-servicemen (total exemption) and all educational institutions upto 50%. No tax on vacant plots and houses constructed on plots measuring 50 square yards (irrespective of storey), single storey residential houses upto 125 square yards and flats upto 500 square feet super covered area. 7.50% tax would be levied on total annual rent of non residential rented buildings. All newly created Nagar Panchayats or created before April 1, 2014 or have not completed three years upto April 1, 2014 and new regions included in Municipalities would be exempted for a period of three years. The rates on various properties have been lowered and rationalised and have been delinked from collector rates.

In order to offer another opportunity to the public who could not avail of the earlier policy for regularisation of unauthorised colonies and plots/ buildings across the state, the Cabinet also approved a new policy for a period of one year for regularisation of these colonies/ plots/ buildings. The state government had framed a policy aimed at bringing all unauthorised colonies in the state under the umbrella of planning framework besides providing basic infra structure like water supply, sewerage, electricity connections and paved streets to the residents of these colonies. This policy was meant to regularise the unauthorised colonies which remained operative for period of one year i.e upto April 16, 2014. During the period of operation of the said policy as many as 2,12,415 applications for regularisation of unauthorised colonies and plots/ buildings were received. But due to large number of applications, shortage of staff and due to implementation of Model Election Code of Conduct these applications could not be processed in the stipulated period.

Apart from this, several NRI owners of colonies/ plots and the people working outside Punjab could not avail the opportunity of getting their colonies/ plots regularised. Thus in order to clear the backlog of pending applications and to give another opportunity to the public who could not apply earlier for the regularisation of the plots/ buildings under the previous policy, the government has revived the policy for a period of one more year.

The Cabinet also gave approval to commence online lottery to mop up additional Revenue in the state. A tender and monitoring committee headed by the Chief Secretary with Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce and Principal Secretary Finance as Members besides Director Lotteries as its Convener has also been constituted to finalise the modalities for setting up and manage the online lottery system in the state on Build, Operate and Own (BOO) basis.

The Cabinet also approved the policy for allotment of plots for Hospital/ Multi Speciality Hospitals/ Medical University cum Colleges and Hospital and Medical Research Institutes and Small Hospitals in Medicity New Chandigarh. The procedure for allotment of plots was very transparent and payment terms were quite liberal. The state government has decided to establish a hub for medical facilities for which GMADA has acquired 258 acres land in New Chandigarh. Of this about 104.21 acres would be utilised for Hospital/ Multi Speciality Hospitals/ Medical Colleges cum Hospital and Medical Research Institutes and the balance land has been kept reserved for infrastructure and commercial facilities.

In a bid to further promote Tourism in the state, the Cabinet approved a Tourism/ Theme destination project around Ranjit Sagar Lake near Theen Dam, for which Shivalik (Dhauladhar) Tourism Development Board was being constituted. This project would bring revenue to the state besides ushering in an era of economic growth.

The Cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval to enhance the number of members nominated by the state government from one to two in each delimitation board with a view to give in more representation to the general public.

The Cabinet also okayed to amend clause B of section 2 of the Punjab Cattle Fairs (Regulation) Act 1967 with a view to omit the word 'Elephant'. This amendment was necessitated because Elephant has been included in the list of Wild animals (schedule-1) under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and its sale-purchase was not permitted under the said act.

The Cabinet also gave approval for acquisition of additional land for Aerocity, IT City, Ecocity and Master Plan Roads by GMADA through Registered Transfer Deeds under Punjab Regional Town Planning Act 1995/ 2006. As per the decision 70 acres land would be acquired through land pooling and 98 acres through cash compensation. The Cabinet also approved to constitute a standing committee for acquisition of land for the areas less than five hectares.

To bring far more efficiency in handling the cases of financial irregularities/ misappropriation, embezzlement and assets accumulated beyond known sources of Income, the Cabinet approved to sanction a post of Joint Director (Financial Investigation) and another post of section Officer (Audit) by abolishing sanctioned posts of District Industries Officer and Deputy Registrar Cooperative in the Vigilance Bureau.

The Cabinet also gave approval the formula for filling up 1925 vacant posts of lecturers of various subjects in private aided colleges within a period of three years. As per the formula 484 posts each would be filled during the first and second year and the rest 957 in the third year.

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SEVEN MARKET COMMITTEES OF JALANDHAR CITY, NURMEHAL, BILGA, GURAYAN, PHILLOUR, JALANDHAR CANTT. AND NAKODAR GET NEW CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS

CM GIVES NOD FOR THESE NOMINATIONS OF MARKET COMMITTEES

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 23:

The Punjab Government today nominated the new Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members in the seven market committees of Jalandhar district.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file to this effect and orders regarding the nomination of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and members of market Committees Jalandhar City, Nurmahal, Bilga, Gorayan, Phillaur, Jalandhar Cantt and Nakodar in Jalandhar district would be issued shortly.

As per the orders Mr. Gurjinder Singh has been nominated the Chairman of Market Committee of Jalandhar City whereas Mr. Kuldeep Singh, Mr. Jasveer Singh, Mr. Bhupinder Singh, Mr. Sarwan Singh, Mr. Malkeet Singh, Dr. Makhan Lal, Mr. Manohar Lal Bittu, Mrs. Balwinder Kaur, Mr. Mangal Singh, Mr. Jeewan Kalyan, Mr. Mangal Das besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Surtej Singh has been nominated as Chairman Market Committee Nurmahal whereas Mr. Gurdev Singh, Mr. Joginder Singh, Mr. Lehamber Singh, Mr. Gurdavar Singh, Mr. Baljeet Singh, Mr. Gurnam Singh, Mr. Balwant Singh, Mr. Hussan Lal, Mrs. Baljeet Kaur, Mr. Parwesh Bhardwaj, Mr. Tejinderjit Sing, Mr. Darshan Singh, Mr. Paramjit Singh, Mr. Gurnam Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Similarly, Mr. Jasjeet Singh and Mr. Kamaljeet Singh have been nominated as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Market Committee Bilga whereas Mr. Sukhwinder Singh, Mr.Jagdish Singh, Mr. Harkamal Singh, Mr. Devinder Singh, Mr. Harkanwal Singh, Mr. Harmesh Lal, Mr. Jagtar Singh, Mrs. Baljinder Kaur, Mr. Kundan Singh, Mr. Piara Singh, Mr. Mohan Singh and Mr. Amarjeet Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

For Market Committee Gorayan, Mr. Amarjeet Singh has been nominated as Chairman whereas Mr. Kulveer Singh, Mr. Daljeet Singh, Mr. Ranjeet Singh, Mr. Harphool Sood, Mr. Manjit Singh, Mr. Satnam Singh, Mr. Vijay Kumar, Mr. Manohar Lal, Mrs. Jagjeet Kaur, Mr. Kulwinder Singh, Mr. Gurvinder Singh Pandori, Mr. Joginder Singh, Mr. Sewa Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

In the same manner, Mr. Saroop Singh has been nominated as Chairman of Market Committee Phillaur whereas Mr. Sukhdev Singh, Mr. Lakhveer Singh, Mr. Malkeet Singh, Mr. Lakhwinder Singh, Mr. Harminder Singh, Mr. Sukhwinder Singh, Mr. Balwant Singh, Mrs. Vidya, Mr. Chatinder Kumar, Mr. Gurdawar Singh, Mr. Amarjeet Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

As per the orders, Mr. Jaspal Singh has been nominated the Chairman of Market Committee Jalandhar Cantt. whereas Mr. Lakhbir Singh Johal, Mr. Tirath Singh, Mr. Balveer Singh, Mr. Joginder Singh, Mr. Satnam Singh, Mrs. Kulwinder Kaur, Mr. Balveer Singh, Mr. Sarjeevan Singh, Mr. Sukhraj, Mr. Baljinder Singh Dhaliwal besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Apinder Singh and Mr. Nirmal Singh have been nominated the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Market Committee Nakodar whereas Mr. Tarsem Singh, Mr. Gurdeep Singh, Mr. Tarsem Singh, Mr. Kulbir Singh, Mr. Gulwinder Singh, Mr. Manraj Singh, Mr. Gurmukh Singh, Mr. Balwinder, Mrs. Amarjeet Kaur, Mr. Jatinder Kumar, Mr. Jagjeet Singh, Mr. Mahesh Kamal, Mr. Jaswant Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

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CM REVIEWS PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF JANG-E-AZADI MEMORIAL

A MEGA FUNCTION TO BE HELD AT KARTARPUR ON OCTOBER 12

DR. HAMDARD BRIEFS CM ABOUT THE ARRANGEMENTS

Chandigarh, September 23:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the arrangements of the foundation stone laying ceremony of upcoming world class Jang-e-Azadi Memorial at Kartarpur in Jalandhar district, to be held on October 12.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that a meeting in this regard was held under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister here at his office today, in which he asked the Member Secretary Jang-e-Azadi Memorial Foundation Dr. Barjinder Singh Hamdard to invite Freedom fighters and their family members to ensure their participation in the function.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hamdard apprised the Chief Minister that the Foundation was making elaborate arrangements for this mega event, expected to be attended to by more than 50,000 persons on October 12, 2014. The executive committee was making all-out efforts to make this function a grand success, informed Dr. Hamdard. Various Sub committees had also been constituted to oversee the arrangements pertaining to Invitation, Stages, cultural program, Traffic, Transport, parking and other logistics.

It may be recalled that to showcase the rich legacy and enormous contribution of Punjabis in the Indian freedom struggle, SAD-BJP government under the guidance of Mr. Badal had taken a unique initiative to construct a world class state-of-the-art memorial over an area of 25 acre at Kartarpur at a cost of Rs.200 crore.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Secretary Cultural Affairs Mrs. Raji P Srivastva, State Transport Commissioner and Director Information and Public Relations Mr. Ashwani Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar Mr. Kamal Kishore Yadav, ADGP Traffic Mr. RP Singh, IG Security RPS Brar, DIG Jalandhar Range Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, SSP Jalandhar (Rural) Mr. Narinder Bhargav and CEO of the Jang-e-Azadi memorial foundation Mr.Vinay Bublani.

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DEPUTY CM NOT TO HOLD SANGAT DARSHAN ON SEPTEMBER 24 & 27

Chandigarh September 23 :

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal would not be able to hold "Sangat Darshan" at Punjab Bhawan Chandigarh on September 24 (Wednesday) and Punjab Bhawan New Delhi on Saturday i.e. September 27 due to his prescheduled engagements.

Disclosing this here today Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Jangveer Singh said that the Deputy CM would be away to Mumbai to meet top industrialists of multinational companies

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PUNJAB ANNOUNCES ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FROM 27 SEPTEMBER TO 4 OCTOBER

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 23:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Kharif Season through Canal water from 27-09-2014 to 04-10-2014. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab Canal, Sidhwan Branch, Abohar Branch and Patiala Feeder respectively.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Irrigation Department said that direct distributaries of BML, in Group ‘A’, being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor of Group ‘B’ respectively.

The spokesman further said that Punjab channels and Branches off-taking from Harike and Ferozpur Head Works, all the direct Distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in Group ‘A’ being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries/minors, in Group ‘B’.

The spokesman also said that the Upper Bari Doab Canal system, Kasur Branch Lower with its distributaries, being in the 1st preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Sabhraon Branch, Lahore Branch and Main Branch Lower with their distributaries, respectively.

CM AND DEPUTY CM CALLS ON MODI

SEEKS LIBERAL FINANCIAL PACKAGE FOR THE STATE

ASKS FOR SPECIAL TERM LOAN WAIVER AND REFUND OF RS. 2694 CRORE PAID BY PUNJAB FOR FIGHTING MILITANCY

DEMANDS RS 5000 CRORE AS A NON-PLAN GRANT TILL THE REPORT OF 14TH FC

COMPREHENSIVE RELIEF PACKAGE WORTH RS 2330 CRORE SOUGHT FOR TACKLING WITH DROUGHT

URGES PM TO TAKE UP THE ISSUE OF HATE CRIME AGAINST SIKHS WITH US AUTHORITIES

SEEKS REGULAR REVIEW OF BLACK LIST

PLEADS FOR INDIAN CITIZENSHIP FOR AFGHANI SIKHS AND HINDUS

SEEKS RELAXATION IN VISA NORMS TO GRANT VISA FOR PUNJABIS WHO TOOK ASYLUM

New Delhi, September 22-

Seeking personal and direct intervention of the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today impressed upon him to grant a liberal financial package for bailing out the state from the financial stringency in order to fuel its development projects for putting the state into the orbit of high growth trajectory.

The Chief Minister accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today called on the Prime Minister at his official residence this evening to plead for the early resolution of the various issues related to state’s economic development.

Taking up the case of outstanding debt waiver of Rs 1.02 lakh crore on count of militancy, the Chief Minister said that Punjab fought the national battle for which it should not be penalized anymore. He also said that Punjab was a Revenue surplus state till 1982 but due to the burden of this debt coupled with Industrial concessions to the neighboring states led to further flight of capital and stopped any fresh investments thereby accentuating our woes and pushing our state in the whirlpool of debt trap.

Urging for Special Term Loan waiver and refund of Rs. 2694 crore paid by Punjab for fighting militancy, the Chief Minister said that Government of India (GoI) gave Special Term Loan of Rs 5800 crore for militancy related expenditure and Punjab paid back Rs 2694 crore. He said that Rs. 5029 crore was outstanding when the Government of India (GoI) announced a complete waiver of the loan adding that Rs 2694 crore already paid by Punjab also needed to be returned to Punjab as this was also part of the complete waiver.

The Chief Minister also urged Mr. Modi for waiver of the centre government loans in view of state’s distressed financial position. Mr. Badal pointed out that the 13th Finance Commission had already placed the states of Punjab, Kerala and West Bengal in the category of Revenue Deficit states and it recommended to the Union government to find out ways and means to bail out these states from financial stress. Now the Government of India (GoI) has again referred this vital issue to the 14th Finance Commission. “Till the 14th Finance Commission gives a report, an amount of Rs 5000 crore as a non-plan grant be given for the current financial year” added Mr. Badal.

The Chief Minister also sought the waiver of conditions imposed by the 13th Finance Commission on the resetting of interest on small saving loans at 9% instead of 9.5% and 10.5%. He also demanded restructuring of loan and moratorium on repayment for five years.

Making a strong case for Special Industrial Package for the state, the Chief Minister urged Mr. Modi that Punjab must be given Industrial Concessions at par with those granted to Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh (HP) and J&K. He said that the state has not yet recovered from this set back and on the other hand the Union government has extended these concessions to the hilly states till 2017, which has led to flight of capital and existing industry from the state adding that fresh investments have stopped coming to the state. Mr. Badal said that Punjab was not against giving concessions to these states but at the same time such concessions must be granted to Punjab.

Seeking a comprehensive relief package worth Rs 2330 crore for farmers of the state in view of the deficit rain fall, the Chief Minister apprised Mr. Modi that owing to around 50% deficit rain in Punjab, the farmers spent extra money amounting to Rs.700 crore on deepening of tube-well, replacing of motors and diesel to run them adding that the Punjab Power Corporation purchased extra power at higher cost to meet the demand. He said that GoI had given a package of Rs. 800 crore during a similar crises in Kharif season 2009.

Urging the Prime Minister to include actual land rent while fixing the MSP, the Chief Minister also urged him to treat the farmers as skilled labour and account their managerial costs and interest on borrowed capital for entire season, while fixing the MSP. Pleading the case of giving Minimum Support Price (MSP) as per Swaminathan Formula (Cost + 50% profit), Mr. Badal said that this would help in bailing out the distressed peasantry of the country from the agrarian crisis.

Batting for diversification as one of the ways to bail out the beleaguered farmers of the state, the Chief Minister said that Central Agency should procure maize and basmati on the pattern of wheat and paddy at MSP.

Flagging up another important issue the Chief Minister impressed upon Mr. Modi that the US Government may be requested to take strict action against hate crimes against the Sikhs in the US. He said that these incidents have created a grave sense of insecurity in the minds of members of the Sikh community living abroad and the matter needed to be addressed on top priority. Mr. Badal requested the Prime Minister to take up this issue with his counterparts in other countries and to take up the matter with the US authorities during the course of his forthcoming visit to that country to ensure that strict action was taken against those indulging in hate crimes against the Sikhs and a sense of security was ensured for the latter.

Highlighting the sensitive issue of some overseas Punjabis whose names featured on the blacklist of Indian Nationals maintained by the GoI, Mr. Badal also urged the Prime Minister to direct the Ministry of Home Affairs to put in place a mechanism for regular review of all such cases from time to time. He impressed upon Mr. Modi to remove the names of persons from list against whom there were no cases or legal proceedings pending against them.

The Chief Minister also called upon Mr. Modi to direct the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for granting Indian citizenship to the several Sikhs and Hindus, who have migrated from Afghanistan over the past few years to the country. Likewise, Mr. Badal also sought Prime Minister’s intervention to issue necessary instructions to the MEA for relaxation in visa norms for granting visa to the Punjabis who took asylum in several countries across the globe.

Raising the issue of 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the Chief Minister informed Mr. Modi that more than 3000 Sikhs were killed and their properties looted by organized groups belonging to the then ruling party and during these state sponsored massacres the law enforcing agencies under the pressures from their higher ups failed to protect the lives, properties and dignity of the Sikhs in those riots. He said that the successive Congress governments have failed to provide justice to the victims as no proper investigation was carried out adding that to further accentuate the woes of Sikhs the perpetrators of the massacre were rewarded with high constitutional posts by the successive Congress Governments, which thwarted every effort to provide justice.

The Chief Minister urged Mr. Modi to set up a Commission of Inquiry, headed by a Supreme Court judge, for probing the entire conspiracy, including official and political patronage behind the massacre. He said that the Commission should be asked to submit report within six months. Likewise, Mr. Badal also demanded that special Dedicated Courts should be set up to expedite the delivery of justice where FIRs have been registered and challans presented.

The Chief Minister also impressed upon Mr. Modi that all cases pertaining to the massacre that have been closed should be re-investigated and thereafter challans be presented before the Special Dedicated Courts. He also said that all complaints on which no action has been taken should be re-investigated and challans presented to the Special Dedicated Courts. Mr. Badal also impressed upon the Prime Minister to announce a Rehabilitation Package for all the riot victims.

JAIL MINISTER REVIEWES THE PROGRESS OF DRUG DE ADDICTION CENTRES OF JAILS

· SEEKS REPORT OF SUCCESSFUL DE-ADDICTION CASES

Chandigarh, September 22:

Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Jail Minister today reviewed the working and progress of all the drug de addiction centres set up in jails of the state. While presiding over a high level meeting of the jail department, he asked the Mr. Jagjit Singh Inspector General, Jails to prepare a consolidated report in this regard within in a week.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the jail department said that in a review meeting of all the superintendent jails, Minister took stock of the working of the drug de addiction centres, the number of prisoners undergoing treatment and those who have given up the use of drugs. During the discussion the day to day hurdles faced by the jail department while running the drug de addiction centres were also brought into the notice of the Minister. The spokesperson said that officers of the jail department have been asked to identify all those prisoners who have given up the use of drugs and who have shown great signs of improvement. The Minister said that the state government intended to rehablitate all these misguided youth who have now given up the use of drugs and currently lodged in jails.

In this review meeting besides Inspector General Jails all the jail superintendent of the sub jails, district jails and central jails were present.

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NHRC RESCHEDULES OPEN HEARING/CAMP SITTING TO DISCUSS HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES RELATING TO PUNJAB, HARYANA, HP & UT

Chandigarh, September 22: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has rescheduled its three day Open hearing / Camp sitting at Chandigarh to consider the pending cases and to discuss important human rights issues relating to the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Chandigarh from 29th to 31st October to November 26 to 28, 2014.

According to an official spokesman this open hearing/camp sitting was aimed to ensure speedy disposal of cases targeting towards better protection and promotion of human rights.

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EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO START ‘SOHNA SCHOOL CAMPAIGN’ FROM SEPTEMBER 26

· DR CHEEMA AND SANT SEECHEWAL TO HOLD STATE LEVEL FUNCTION AT KAPURTHALA

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 22:

In a bid to make government schools clean and green, the Education Department, Punjab, will be starting ‘Sohna School Campaign’ from September 26 to October 31, 2014. This campaign would start from Government Senior Secondary School Mothawal (District Kapurthala) where a State Level Function would be organised by the Education Department.

In a big to inculcate sense of cleanliness, Education minister Dr Daljit Singh Cheema and world renowned environmentalist Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal would clean the toilets themselves during this state level function.

This decision was taken during a high level meeting held under the chairmanship of Dr Daljit Singh Cheema at his office here today. A spokesperson of Education department informed that to make this campaign a success, Punjab Education Minister and senior department officials would visit different schools of the state and would personally supervise cleanliness of schools. He said that a state level function would be organised at Kapurthala, which would be attended by Education Minister Dr Daljit Singh Cheema and world renowned environmentalist Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal would launch “Sohna School Campaign”.

During this campaign, competitions related to cleanliness, environment, painting, essay etc would be organised in schools. The spokesperson said that each school would be directed that the toilets in their premises be cleaned regularly and non functional toilets be repaired.

The spokesperson further said that during this five week long campaign, functions would be organised in different parts of the state, which would be attended by District Education Officers and all officers from the head office as well.

This meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Education Ms Anjali Bhawra, Director General School Education (DGSE) Mr GK Singh, DPI (Elementary Education) Mrs Darshan Kaur, SCERT director Ms Pankaj Sharma, Deputy Director Vocational Education Mr Tota Singh, besides several others.

7 IPS/PPS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh, September 22: The Punjab government has ordered posting/transfer orders of the 7 IPS/PPS officers with immediate effect.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman said that Mr. Dinkar Gupta, IPS, ADGP/Security and additional charge of ADGP/Law & Order has been given further additional charge of ADGP/Provisioning. Besides this, Mr. Gaurav Yadav, IGP/Counter Intelligence has been given additional charge of IGP-cum-Director, SSG, Punjab, Chandigarh and Special Protection Unit, Mr. Praveen Kumar Sinha has been posted as IGP/Provisioning, Mr. Pramod Ban as IGP/Security, Punjab, Chandigarh and additional charge of IGP-cum-Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana, Mr. SK Singh as DIG/IRB, Punjab, Patiala, Mr. Nilabh Kishore, IPS as DIG/Investigation and Cyber Crime, Punjab , Chandigarh and Mr. Mukhwinder Singh Chhina, IPS as DIG/Security, Punjab , Chandigarh.

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CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 22:

A delegation of Punjab Motor Union under the leadership of Sh. Avtar Henry today met Transport Minister Sh. Ajit Singh Kohar and submitted a memorandum of demands. Delegation demanded the relaxation in Motor Vehicle Tax, exemption in diesel VAT, 50 percent deduction in Bus Stand (Adda)fees with their other demands.

The Minister said that SAD-BJP Government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal was committed to protect the interests of all the sections of the society. The Minister thanked the private bus operators of the union and assured them that their demands would be resolved on priority basis.

Besides the members of the delegation, Mr. Anurag Agarwal, Secretary Transport; Mr. Ashwani Kumar Sharma, State Transport Commissioner; Mr. Bhupinder Singh, Director Transport and other officers of the department were present in the meeting.

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VIGILANCE NABS MANAGER OF DIC IN BRIBERY CASE

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 22:

During its anti corruption the vigilance bureau today received a major breakthrough when a function manager of District Industrial Centre (DIC) was nabbed red handed while receiving bribe of Rs. 5000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that Ranjodh Singh, Functional Manager DIC, Moga was caught on the complaint of Major Singh of village Kella, District Moga. The complainant has alleged that the Manger was demanding bribe of Rs. 10,000 from him for not paying the royalty in a mining activity done by him. He accused that the first installment of the bribe to the tune of Rs. 5000 was already paid to him and the second installment was to be paid today.

On the tip off, a trap was laid by the team of vigilance Bureau headed by DSP, Surinder Kumar and the accused was caught red handed while receiving the bribe.

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READER OF DSP NABBED BY VIGILANCE BUREAU IN GRAFT CASE

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 22:

Vigilance Bureau today nabbed Reader to DSP in a graft case while receiving a bribe of Rs. 10,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that constable Sukhwinder Singh who was posted as reader to DSP, Patiala was nabbed on the complaint of Sudarshan Kumar. Complainant alleged that the reader was demanding bribe from him for recording evidence in his favouur during the investigation of case registered against him.

Acting of the tip off, trap was laid by the team of vigilanc bureau and caught the reader the red handed accepting bribe.

WRONG TO COMPARE SAD-BJP ALLIANCE WITH ANY OTHER ALLIANCE IN THE COUNTRY- CM

SAD-BJP ALLIANCE HAS ALWAYS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME

PUNJAB HAS SCALED NEW HEIGHTS DURING THE SAD-BJP ALLIANCE GOVERNMENT

PAYS FLORAL TRIBUTE TO SHEIKH BABA FARID

Fardikot, September 21-

Terming that the SAD- BJP alliance has always stood the test of time, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that it was wrong to compare this alliance with any other one in the country.

Interacting with the media persons after paying obeisance at Tilla Baba Sheikh Farid here today, the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance was everlasting and both the parties should not be seen as different from each other. He said that the tried and tested alliance between both the parties was a unique phenomenon of the Indian democratic system, which has passed every litmus test in last few decades. Mr. Badal said that it was sheer wastage of time to raise any sort of suspicion regarding the relationship between both the alliance partners as it was very strong and impeccable.

The Chief Minister further said that the alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra was the personal matter of both these parties and it should not be linked with that of the SAD-BJP in the state. He said that the relations between the SAD and BJP were very cordial because they have been time and again cemented with mutual affection and understanding. Mr. Badal said that the SAD-BJP alliance government in the state has not only put Punjab on high growth trajectory but due to the stupendous efforts of the state government it was the most peaceful state of the country.

Earlier, the Chief Minister, while paying floral tributes to Shiekh Baba Farid, said that the life and philosophy of Baba Farid was very much relevant in today’s materialistic society. He said that the teachings of Baba Farid were a source of inspiration for the coming generations to serve the humanity with utmost zeal and dedication. Exhorting the people to follow the footsteps of Baba Farid, Mr. Badal said that it would help us in making Punjab the number one state in the region.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Mr. Deep Malhotra, former MP Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, Akali leaders Mr. Parambhans Singh Bunty Romana, Mr. Kultar Singh Brar and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Mohammed Tayyab.

A JOINT DELEGATION OF ‘SAFAI MAZDOOR UNION’ OF PUNJAB & ‘CITY VALMEKI SABHA JALANDHAR’ CALLS ON CM

CM REITERATES STATE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT FOR TIMELY COMPLETION OF RS. 185 CRORE, MONUMENT-CUM-TEMPLE AT SRI BHAGWAN VALMEKI ASHRAM (RAM TIRATH)

EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO VALMEKI COMMUNITY FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND COOPERATION

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 21,

A joint delegation of ‘Safai Mazdoor Union’ of Punjab and ‘City Valmeki Sabha Jalandhar’ led by President Mr. Chandan Grewal and Mr. Nerash called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal regarding the development of Sri Bhagwan Valmeki Ashram (Ram Tirath).

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that Mr. Badal assured the delegation that the state government had fully geared up its entire machinery for establishing this Rs. 185 crore, Monument-cum-temple at Sri Bhagwan Valmeki Ashram (Ram Tirath) successfully in a time bound manner.

He further added that this prestigious project was reflective of the state government’s commitment to further strengthen the communal harmony and unity in the state and he was personally monitoring the entire project meticulously. The Chief Minister said that the upcoming temple at Sri Valmeki Ashram would prove to be a milestone in further cementing the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood and peace thereby strengthening the secular fabric of the society.

The Chief Minister also felicitated the Valmeki Community for their support and cooperation in resolving various related issues amicably and assured that local administration would sort out rest of the issues pertaining to the Ashram. He also appealed to resolve all issues amicably for further strengthening love and communal harmony amongst different communities and sects in the state.

Underlying objective of the memorials, Mr. Badal said that to keep our future generations abreast with our rich historic and cultural heritage, only the memorials and monuments of these kinds could play a pro-active role otherwise it would be faded out with the passage of time.

Mr. Badal said that his government has already planned to showcase the rich legacy and glory of our past through erecting monuments like Jang-e-Azaadi at Kartarpur near Jalandhar, War Memorial at Amritsar and to propagate the philosophy of great Saint Guru Ravidass Ji in village Khuralgarh in Hoshiarpur district, besides a state-of-the art monument in the memory of Baba Jiwan Singh fondly remembered as Bhai Jaita at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Expressing solidarity in a touching gesture with the members of the delegation of Valmeki community, Mr. Badal said that as a humble servant ever in the service of the people of the state, he himself had always drawn inspiration from the teachings of Bhagwan Valmeki Ji and to serve the people with all humility besides disseminating the message of love, peace and harmony to ensure justice and equity in the society.

Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu and ADGP Intelligence Mr. Hardeep Singh Dhillon were also present in the meeting besides other members of the delegation including Mr. Amrit Khosla, Mr. Raj Kumar Raju, Mr. Pawan Baba, Mr. Rajesh Bhatti, Mr. Sunil Dutt Bobby, Mr. Dipak Kumar and others.

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BADAL URGES UNION RAILWAYS MINISTER TO NAME ANY TRAIN AFTER NAMDHARI AZADI SANGRAM EXPRESS

SEEKS HIS INTERVENTION FOR RESOLVING THIS PENDING ISSUE EXPEDITIOUSLY

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 21:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Railways Minister Mr. DV Sadananda Gowda seeking his personal intervention to name any train after “Namdhari Azadi Sangram Express” in view of historic importance of Kuka Movement in the nation’s freedom struggle.

In a letter to Mr. Gowda, the Chief Minister sought prompt action in this regard without any further delay as the matter was pending since long. He reiterated to resolve this issue of naming any train as ‘Namdhari Azadi Sangram Express’ in order to pay befitting tribute to the great martyrs of Kuka Movement. Moreover, the Government of India has already recognized Kuka Movement a part of freedom movement of India and commemorated year long celebrations on 150 years of Kuka Movement in 2007.

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SECRETARY IRRIGATION KAHAN SINGH PANNU BEREAVED

CM MOURNS DEATH OF HIS FATHER

Chandigarh, September 21-

Secretary Irrigation Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu was bereaved as he lost his father Jathedar Jaswant Singh Neelpur (84), who passed away at a private hospital near Rajpura, last night after brief illness. He is survived by three sons.

Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with members of the bereaved family, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal described Jathedar Jaswant Singh Neelpuras a disciplined and committed soldier of the party adding that he was a votary of the downtrodden and oppressed sections of the society. Recalling the outstanding services rendered by him, the Chief Minister said that in his entire political career Jathedar Neelpur, who served the party in various capacities, worked hard to strengthen the party at the grassroots level and for the wellbeing of the unprivileged sections of the society.

Mr. Badal 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.

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Punjab notifies special purpose vehicle (SVP) for maintenance and upkeep of Ludhiana Focal Point

· Punjab first state to go for novel experiment of involving citizen in upkeep

Chandigarh, September 21:

The Punjab Government has notified the creation of Focal Point Industrial Infrastructure Development Association Phase-IV Focal Point Ludhiana as Special Purpose Vehicle for upkeep and maintenance of Focal Point.

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Industries and Commerce Minister said that Punjab was the first state in the country that has adopted SVP route in consultation with allottees to involve them in upkeep and maintenance of focal points. He said that Punjab Government was getting lot of complaints due regarding poor upkeep of Focal points as multiple agencies were responsible for their maintenance. He said that right from PWD, Irrigation Department, Municipal Corporation, Electricity Department and many other departments were given specific tasks for upkeep and maintenance of Focal Points was suffering due to lack of coordination between different agencies.

The Industries Minister said that in the SPV route, all allottees of Focal Point IV of Ludhiana have been made stakeholders and it would be collective responsibility of SPV to maintain their own focal point. He said that according to the notification issued under Common Infrastructure (Regulation and Maintenance) Act 2012, Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce would be the appellate authority of SPV and General Manager District Industry Center in the respective district posting would be the competent authority. The Minister said that after success of SPV model in Ludhiana Focal Point Punjab Government would replicate this model in other focal points of the state also.

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PUNJAB WARNS ACTION AGAINST DE-RESERVATION OF POSTS FOR OTHER CATEGORIES WITHOUT GETTING PRIOR APPROVAL

· RANIKE ASKS DEPARTMENTS TO IMPLEMENT RESERVATION AS CONSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

· SAYS ERRING OFFICERS/EMPLOYEES WOULD HAVE TO FACE THE FLAK

Chandigarh, September 21: The Punjab Government has issued strict directives against de-reserving posts of reserved categories for other categories without getting prior approval from the Welfare Department’s Reservation Cell.

The communiqué dispatched to all Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Registrar Punjab and Haryana High Court, all Sessions Judges and Sub Divisional Magistrates clarified that the filling of vacant posts of reserved categories from other categories without approval would lead to a strict disciplinary action. The letter confirmed that if the posts reserved for SCs/BCs were lying vacant due to non-availability of qualified SC/BC category candidates then the posts could not be de-reserved without getting prior approval from Reservation Cell of Welfare Department.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that if there was non-availability of eligible candidates from reserved categories then the department concerned would send a detailed dossiers of proposed conversion of posts explaining that why these posts could not be filled from reserved categories? He said that department would also have to explain the efforts done for filling these posts from reserved categories.

The spokesperson said that it has been observed that some departments were violating the reservation laws and taking decisions in this regard at their own level without getting permission from Reservation Cell. He said the state government has taken a serious note in this regard as it affects the interests of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes.

The Spokesman said that there were provisions to initiate strict actions against erring Officers/Employees, who were not implementing Reservation Policy in true spirit. He also clarified that no ex-post facto sanction or approval would be given to any department after filling of post without obtaining mandatory approval from concerned authority and strict action would be initiated in such cases. He also clarified that Non-Availability Certificate from Director Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes department was mandatory, in case of non-availability of eligible reserved candidates after all efforts. He said in promotion cases the prior approval by the concerned Administration Section of department from Reservation Cell was also mandatory.

Welfare Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike adding that impartial and proper implementation of Reservation Policy was constitutional responsibility of all departments and erring officers/employees would have to face the flak.

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PUNJAB TO USE ECO-FRIENDLY AEROBIC AND AENAROBIC TECHNIQUE TO REJUVENATE 1829 PONDS

· SETS ASIDE RS, 100 CRORE

Chandigarh Sept 21:

The Punjab Government has identified eco-friendly Aerobic and Anaerobic Technique to rejuvenate 1829 ponds in 1333 Gram Panchayats.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister said that a pilot project was initiated in some of the village of Ludhiana district for the cleaning of ponds by using water stabilizations technology successfully. He said that the government had approved similar technique for the cleaning of Rivers in the state. Mr. Maluka said that under this eco-friendly technique the ponds is divided in to four sections of Aerobic and Anaerobic process and after cleaning the pond, the pond water was utilized for irrigation purpose. Giving the details of the project the Minister said that under this technique it is ensured that the entire waste water of the village that comes in to the pond was treated cent-percent and to be utilized by the villagers for irrigation their crops. The excess water if left was diverted to the Chaos, Nullas through underground pipes.

The Minister said that under this prestigious programme, the state government would spend about 100 crore over the cleaning of village ponds covering the total area of 134.86 acres of land. It may be recalled here that according to a survey conducted by Rural Development & Panchayats department, there are 17255 total ponds in the state that covered approximately 24405 acres land.

Mr Maluka said under this programme all the village ponds would not only be rejuvenated but also developed as a green site through planting, trees around these ponds besides creating a pollution free environment to ensure a healthy and pleasing surroundings for the villagers, where they could also visit for their morning walk.

Sukhbir Badal visits GMR's MRO facility and the Genome Valley in Hyderabad

(Announces MRO facility to come up in Mohali)

(Says incubators and world players in life sciences to be important part of proposed Mohali Biotech Park)

( GMR evinces interest in taking up greenfield airport project at Ludhiana)

Chandigarh/Hyderabad, September 19 - Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today visited infrastructure giant GMR's MRO facility at the international airport here besides the Genome valley life sciences park with the aim of establishing similar facilities at Mohali.

While GMADA proposes to establish a MRO facility at the Mohali international airport to create a North Indian hub for maintenance of aircraft, the Punjab government wants to establish bio tech incubators and manufacturing facilities at its Biotech Park site in Mohali.

"My aim is to establish a world class MRO facility at Mohali which will not only cater to the Delhi airport but will also eventually become a maintenance hub for the South East Asia region", Mr Badal said while interacting with GMR CEO Uday Naidu today afternoon. He was given a brief presentation on the MRO facility established here by GMR and also toured the facility to understand its operations hands on.

The GMR group also evinced interest in taking part in a competitive bid to establish a greenfield airport at Ludhiana on the occasion.

Mr Badal also visited the Genome valley at Turkapally near here during the course of which he interacted with the management of IKP Park and Alexandria Park.

At the IPK Knowledge Park Mr Badal was given a detailed presentation on how the facility had developed into a centre which housed 76 companies which were doing research on life sciences and had already resulted in 110 start ups and 200 patents. Mr Badal invited IPK to provide technical assistance to the Punjab government for establishing a Biotech park on 70 acres of land at Mohali. Park CEO and MD Deepanwita Chattopadhyay assured full cooperation in this regard.

During the course of interactions at the IPK Park and the Alexandria Park experts spoke about the dire need of establishing a centre for research in life sciences while stressing that there was no such quality centre in North India. Mr Badal assured that research on life sciences would form an important aspect of the biotech park. The Deputy CM said the government would work on a healthy mix of incubators and manufacturers for the Mohali biotech park with the twin objective of encouraging start ups as well as ensuring the major international players could be a part of the Park.

A team of technical experts from KPMG led by Mr Utkarsh Pal Nitkar, senior officers including Mr Anirudh Tewari, Mr Karan Avtar Singh, Mr D K Tewari and Mr Manvesh Sidhu besides Media Advisor to the Deputy CM - Jangveer Singh also accompanied Mr Badal. EOM

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BADAL RECOMMENDS NAME OF LEGENDARY HOCKEY STAR BALBIR SINGH (SENIOR) FOR BHARAT RATNA

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 19:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today recommended the name of S. Balbir Singh (Senior) - the country’s greatest sporting icon ever in history for the nation’s highest honour, the Bharat Ratna to the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. Badal apprised him that S.Balbir Singh (Senior), a legendary hockey star and the only Indian to have been chosen by the International Olympic Association for the rate honour of featuring as one of the 16 greatest sportspersons of all times in the world since the start of the Olympic games. Apart from being a rare Triple Olympic Gold Medalist, to S. Balbir Singh belongs the rarest of rare honours of being the only player in the world to score five goals in an Olympic final of any team sport. This unique record, which features in the Guinness Book of World Records, has stood unchallenged by anyone in any sport since S. Balbir Singh created it over 62 years ago - in 1952.

Mr. Badal further mentioned that as if that was not enough, S Balbir Singh led the Indian hockey team to its third successive Olympic gold, featuring in all three as a player also – 1948, 1952 and 1956. He informed Mr. Modi that even after his playing days were over, S Balbir Singh continued to render outstanding services for the glory of the nation, steering India as Team Manager to the country’s only World Cup triumph - at Kuala Lumpur in 1975. S. Balbir Singh has rendered outstanding services to the nation and to sports in many other capacities after this too, leading a revival of hockey in the country as an administrator, manager, coach and author.

“S. Balbir Singh shines as a rare and most outstanding legend in his lifetime, and no other sportsperson in the country or for that matter from any other country has ever scaled the heights of Olympic glory as he has done”, said Mr. Badal.

The Chief Minister reiterated his request to consider Sardar Balbir Singh (Sr) for the highest honour of the nation, the Bharat Ratna.

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WORLD BANK MISSION PATS PUNJAB FOR SUPERB IMPLEMENTATION OF PRWSS PROJECT PHASE-I DURING WRAP UP MEETING WITH CM

· ENVISIONS PUNJAB TO BE A ROLE MODEL STATE FOR OTHERS TO REPLICATE THIS PROJECT

· WB GIVES APPROVAL FOR Rs. 2200 CRORE PHASE-II OF PRWSS

· THANKS BADAL FOR ENORMOUS SUPPORT AND COOPERATION

Chandigarh, September 19

The 16th World Bank mission today rated the achievements under Rs. 1280 crore Punjab Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (PRWSS) project Phase-I as the best in the country as the project has not only exceeded the implementation targets under water supply component by 127%, but was also providing water connections to each household in the village and running about 50 schemes on 24x7 basis.

These observations were made by the World Bank team led by its Task Team Leader Mr. S. Poddipireddy during a wrap up meeting with the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to apprise him about the progress and achievements made under the ongoing World Bank Aided PRWSS Project here at CMR on Thursday evening.

Mr. Poddipireddy informed the Chief Minister that Water meters have been installed in 196 villages where water tariff was being charged on volumetric basis. More than 961 villages implemented under the project have already achieved 100% connectivity and each household in these villages was drawing high quality water from its own tap in the house. Gram Panchayat Water and Sanitation Committees (GPWSCs) of more than 50% (2083) villages implemented under the project were operating and maintaining their schemes on sustainable basis without any financial assistance from the Government and have even generated sufficient funds in their Operation & Maintenance (O&M) accounts varying from Rs. one lac to 10 lac, which was the unique achievement of the project. He envisioned Punjab to be a role model state for others to replicate this project in the country.

The team task leader also apprised Mr. Badal that World Bank has already accorded in principle approval to Rs. 2200 crore Phase-II of PRWSS project on the recommendations of Union Ministries of Finance and Water Supply & Sanitation for providing the facility of sewerage system and potable drinking water besides setting up of Capacity Building Project Management and Training Institute in the state.

While highly appreciating the performance of Phase-I of the project, Financial Expert from the World Bank Mr. Tanuj Mathur remarked that initially it was apprehended that since the project was to be implemented by adopting decentralized mode, the GPWSCs may not be able to manage the funds properly for the implementation of water supply schemes, but the regular auditing of financial accounts of GPWSC by independent auditors have not revealed any discrepancy. This was mainly due to excellent management of the accounts by GPWSCs with the assistance of department. Mrs. Vandana Mehra,Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Specialist from World Bank conveyed that woman folk in the villages also expressed extreme happiness and satisfaction about the assured availability of water as a result of this project.

Mr. Poddipireddy said that the World Bank mission was fully satisfied with the performance of project and the enormous support and cooperation rendered by the officers of the state government to ensure its implementation within stipulated time schedule. He also thanked the Chief Minister for his overall supervision, guidance and regular monitoring of the project activities without which the outcome achieved under the project would have not been possible. He said that it was purely an imitative CM to motivate the village panchaytas and the local residents of the village during his visits to the different parts of the rural areas across the state for making mandatory contribution for the scheme besides sensitizing them about the significance of good quality water to stay healthy and fit. He also told Chief Minister that at present the work on 44 water supply, 57 sewerage schemes and 43 water supply augmentation schemes was in full swing and would be completed by December, 2014.

Prominent amongst who were present in the meeting Water Supply & Sanitation Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, FCD-cum-Principal Secretary Water Supply & Sanitation Mr. Suresh Kumar, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Mr. A.K. Soni CE-cum-Program Director and Mr. S.R. Aggarwal Chief Technical Coordinator.

The World Bank team was led by Mr. S. Poddipireddy, Task Team Leader besides other members including Co-Team Leader Ms. Partibha Mistry, Mr. Tanuj Mathur, Financial Specialist from World Bank and Mr. Manish Kumar, Ms. Vandana Mehra and Ms. Laura Inha from WSP.

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Sukhbir Badal mourns the sad demise of Jathedar Talwandi

(Describes his death a great loss to Panth)

Chandigarh, September 19 - Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today expressed deep shock at the sad demise of Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi, former President Shiromani Akali dal and Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, who breathed his last at DMCH Ludhiana today morning after illness. He has left behind his two sons and two daughters.

In his condolence message, Mr. Badal described the passing away of Jathedar Talwandi as an irreparable loss to Shiromani Akali Dal and Sikh panth who have led the party on every front. Mr Badal recalled his commendable contribution to SAD and said that he exhibited his unchallenged leadership qualities in each political struggle.

Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, Deputy CM prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to family members to bear this irreparable loss.

A veteran Akali stalwart Jathedar Talwandi has served as minister twice. He was elected to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in 1967, 1969 and 1972 and Lok Sabha in 1977.

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CM VISITS ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE ASHUTOSH MOHUNTA's RESIDENCE TO MOURN SAD DEMISE OF HIS MOTHER

Chandigarh, September 19

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today visited the residence of Punjab & Haryana High Court Acting Chief Justice Ashutosh Mohunta to share condolences with the bereaved family on the sad demise of his mother Mrs. Usha Mohunta (83), who breathed her last here this morning after a brief illness.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of CMO said that the Chief Minister expressed his heart felt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to them to bear huge loss in this hour of grief.

It may be recalled that Mrs. Usha Mohunta wife of late Shri S.C.Mohunta (former Advocate General, Haryana and Ex-Member of Parliament) is survived by two sons Justice Ashutosh Mohunta and Mr. Sunil Mohunta.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by the Punjab Advocate General Mr. Ashok Aggarwal and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar

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CVOs MADE ACCOUNTABLE TO ENSURE PUNCTUALITY

· TO CHECK OFFICES DURING OFFICE HOURS ALSO

· ERRING CVOs TO FACE ACTION

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 19:

Tightening the noose on habitual late comers and to check the practice of absenteeism, the Punjab government today made Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) accountable to ensure punctuality in their respective offices. CVOs failing to maintain punctuality would face departmental action.

Stating this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance department said that the state government is concerned about the lackadaisical approach of the government employees towards their official duty. He said that Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Chief Secretary has already issued instructions to all the Chief Vigilance Officers in this regard.

He said that Chief Vigilance Officers of each department has been instructed to check their offices at periodic end; if they find any chronic case of absenteeism they must immediately bring that case in the notice of competent authority to take disciplinary action against the erring habitual offenders. CVOs has also been delegated the powers to check the attendance of their respective office during the office hours too. “Notification in this regard has been issued”, he added.

He further said that it has come to the notice of the state government thought its various channels that despite the high end advisory and strictures issues to the employees, the practice of absenteeism is still going on unabated. In view of this the Vigilance Department has issued fresh instruction to all the Head of the Departments to ensure that the employees are attending the offices in time. State Government has earnestly felt that the consistent absenteeism of the employees from the office is proving a big hurdle in extending the services to the public.

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MAJITHIA CONDOLES JATHEDAR JAGDEV SINGH TALWANDI’s DEMISE

Chandigarh, September 19: Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today expressed grief over the demise of Veteran Akali leader Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi , former President of Shiromani Akali Dal and SGPC and Member Parliament, who breathed his last today morning.

In a condolence message, Mr. Majithia described Jathedar Talwandi a grass root level leader who always led from the front to oppose the biased approach of Congress led Central governments towards Punjab. Besides this, he always preferred the interests of party cadre and played a significant role in strengthening the party at the cutting edge level.

Expressing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of bereaved family, Mr. Majithia prayed to Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to them to bear this irreparable loss.

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PUNJAB NOTIFIES THE CONSTITUTION OF POLICE COMPLAINT AUTHORITY

Chandigarh, September 19: The Punjab government has issued notification for constitution of State Police Complaints Authority and Divisional Police Complaints Authorities.

According to an official spokesman, the State Police Complaints Authority would consist of a Chairperson, who will be a retired Civil services Officer not below the rank of the Chief Secretary of the state government or a Secretary to the Government of India or a retired DGP of the State government. Besides this, two members of the Authority might be from Civil Services not below the rank of Principal Secretary to the State government or a police officer retired from a post not below the rank of Additional DGP of the state government or persons belonging to the state of Punjab with repute and contribution in the field of academia, social work, public affairs or law. The spokesman further said that the State Police Complaints Authority might include at least one woman as a member in case the Chairperson is not a woman.

He informed that the Divisional Police Complaint Authority would consist of a Chairperson, retired from civil services not below the rank of Secretary to the State Government or a Police officer, retired from a post not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police of the state government. Besides this, two members should be from police officers who have retired from a post not below the rank of SSP of the state government or persons belonging to the state of Punjab with repute and contribution in the field of academia, social work, public affairs or law. The spokesman further said that the Divisional Police Complaints Authority might include one woman as a member in case the Chairperson is not a woman.

The spokesman said that a person appointed as Chairperson or member of the State Police Complaints Authority or the Divisional Police Complaints Authority will hold the office for three years from the date of joining the office on which he enters upon his office or till he/she will attain the age of 70 years whichever is earlier.

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CM MOURNS DEATH OF JATHEDAR TALWANDI

· DESCRIBES IT AS A HUGE PERSONAL LOSS

Chandigarh, September 19-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound sorrow over the demise of the veteran Akali stalwart Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi, who passed away at Ludhiana following a prolonged illness and described the deceased leader as “one of the tallest pillars of modern times and a great source of strength to him personally, to the SAD, the Panth and Punjab. Very few men can match his charisma, determination and his courage to speak his mind on issues concerning the people whom he loved and represented.” “Jathedar Sahib virtually defined the era to which he belonged. Heleaves behind him a void that will be hard to fill,” said Mr Badal in his condolence message.

Mr. Badal said, “Throughout his life, Jathedar Talwandi remained the powerful voice of Khalsa Panth, and rightly came to be known as “Loh Pursh” – the iron man. Steadfast, strong and uncompromising on Panthic principles, Jathedar Sahib spearheaded the Khalsa Panth and theShiromani Akali Dal in various capacities through troubled times, including the movement for Punjabi Suba, the struggle against the Emergency and the Dharam Yudh Morcha. He remained a role model for unflinching commitment to the cause of Panth, Punjab and the nation.

The Chief Minister recalled his long personal association with the deceased leader and said that they worked as brothers in arms. During his life time, Panth and Punjab faced grave challenges but his unswerving will power and his determination succeed were always an invaluable asset for the party. The Chief Minister said that Jathedar Talwandi’s life and struggle would continue to inspire coming generations to serve the state with zeal and sincerity.

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VIGILANCE CAUGHT KANUNGO RED HANDED ACCEPTING BRIBE OF RS. 10,000

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 19:

The vigilance bureau today nabbed a kanungo red handed while accepting bribe of Rs. Ten thousands.

Disclosing this here toady an official spokesperson of the vigilane bureau said that kanungo of revenue department jarnail singh posted at manvian holding additional charge of amaragarh, tehsil Malerkotla, district Sangrur was nabbed on the complaint of Ranjit Singh of village Daun Kalan district Patiala. The complaintant alleged that the kanungo was demanding bribe of Rs. 10,000 for the mutation of his land.

Acting on the tip off, a trap was laid by the vigilance bureau team and the kanungo was nabbed red handed accepting the bribe.

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GRIEVANCES PORTAL A GREAT HIT WITH RURAL POPULACE –MALUKA

RECEIVES 101 COMPLAINTS TILL DATE

Chandigarh, September 19:

The 24X7 Grievances Portal of Rural Development Department has caught the fancy of common rural people with more than 101 citizens registering their complaints on it and receiving time bound reply.

Disclosing this here today Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Punjab Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka informed that to facilitate the general public and redress their grievances at their door steps, the state government had launched this facility with the help of an IT application developed by NIC and being Managed & monitored by IT officers of Punjab ePanchayat Society. He said any person could register his grievances or query to the rural development and panchayat department in a hassle-free manner without approaching any officer or rural development office while sitting at home. The Minister further said that all complaints would be disposed in a transparent manner on priority. The concerned officers of the department have also been instructed to follow the new I.T. procedure for providing better and effective service to the public. Referring to the complaints received till date Mr. Maluka said that about 101 complaints had been received so far that has been trying to dispose off in a time bound manner. He further appealed to the public to opt this new technology and save their time and money.

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ISSUE SC/BC/OBCs CERTIFICATES WITHIN FIXED TIME FRAME- WELFARE DEPARTMENT

Chandigarh, September 19:

The Punjab Welfare Department today issued instructions to all concerned departments to issue SC/BC/OBC certificates to the applicants within the fixed time frame under Right to Service Act (RTS). The time limit to issue SC/BC/OBC Certificate given under RTS is 15 days.

Disclosing this, a spokesperson of Welfare Department (Reservation Cell) said that The Punjab Government has issued instructions to all Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Registrar Punjab and Haryana High Court, all Sessions Judges and Sub Divisional Magistrates that SC/BC/OBC certificates should be issued in time limit set by Punjab Right to Service Commission. He said that erring officials/officers not issuing the certificates within set time limit would have to face the penal action of Right to Service Commission and they would have to bear the fine imposed by the commission from their own pocket..

The spokesperson further said that Right to Service Commission has observed that there were 213 pending applications regarding SC/BC/OBC certificates till July 2014 and taken serious cognisance of this.

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ANIL JOSHI APPEALS TO DONATE GENEROUSLY TO THE FLOOD HIT JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Chandigarh September 19: Expressing solidarity to the worst hit Jammu Kashmir people with the devastating floods in the valley, Mr. Anil Joshi Local Bodies Minister Punjab has made a passionate appeal to the officers/officials of the department of Local Bodies to donate one day’s salary towards the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund generated for the Valley.

Earlier the Minister has also placed the Donation boxes in Amritsar where local residents on Mr. Joshi’s appeal have been contributing generously towards the relief fund. Mr. Joshi also expressed his gratitude to the Punjabis for having stood by the people of Jammu Kashmir in this hour of grave misery.

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ALL SEATS IN GOVERNMENT AYURVEDIC COLLEGE PATIALA FILLED---ANIL JOSHI

Chandigarh September 19: Taking serious view of the admissions not being made in the Government Ayurvedic College Patiala for the last three years, Mr. Anil Joshi Medical Education and Research Minister Punjab recently met the Union Health Minister Dr. Harshwardhan discussed the matter at length and sought the permission to fill up the seats during the current academic session.

In a statement issued here today Mr. Joshi said that due to his untiring efforts to take the Ayurvedic College back on track, the Union Health Mnister has given his nod to fill the seats in the college. Now after completing all the formalities the students have been admitted against all the seats in Patiala Ayurvedic College. Besides this as many as 389 seats out of 500 seats in other Private Ayurvedic colleges have also been filled. He also said that remaining vacant seats would be filled by September 29 after seeking permission from the concerned authorities to shift them to general category.

Mr. Joshi appealed to the faculty of the Ayurvedic College to work hard and ensure absolute transparency in educational field so that the interest of the students could be watched and the lost glory of the highly prestigious Ayurvedic Institute of Northern India could be restored.

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Indo- American Chamber of Commerce organises National Conclave on the Indian Food Processing Sector

September 18, 2014: Chennai - The National Conclave on the Indian Food Processing sector was organised by Indo- American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), on September 18, 2014, at Hotel Hyatt Regency, Chennai.

Mr. C Suresh Reddy, Chairman – Tamil Nadu, IACC, welcomed the Hon. Union Minister, Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Dr. U. Venkateswarulu, Joint Secretary to the Ministry and the delegates to the National Conclave conference. In his welcome address the Chairman mentioned the contribution of food industry to the country’s GDP and the importance of food processing sector in the India. With immense potential for further growth, both in the domestic and export markets, he suggested the immediate need for the stakeholders to come together in taking the industry to the next level. He thanked the Ministry of Food Processing Industry (MOFPI), APEDA and MPEDA for supporting IACC in organising this conference.

The National President, IACC, Mr. Chella K. Srinivasan appreciated the new Government initiatives and expected that it will change the food processing industry scenario in the near future and the proposed Prime Minister’s visit to the US is expected to increase the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Mr. Shanker Gopalkrishnan, Chairman, National Conclave, IACC gave an overview of the programme and mentioned that the conference is planned to address the key issues of the various stakeholders of the food processing industry.

The Chief Guest the Hon’ble Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Govt of India Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, in her Keynote address mentioned that with increase in population, food consumption in the country has increased multi-fold and with land area for agriculture shrinking, the need to grow more in lesser land has been a big challenge to the industry. Some of the key issues that need
immediate attention is poor infrastructure bottleneck, resulting in higher wastage of perishable food products and in turn is adding to the inflation.

The Minister mentioned that the Food Processing Ministry is working towards making food available at affordable prices to all strata of the Indian population. Uplifting farmers, skill development, keeping inflation under control are some of the key focus areas of the food processing Ministry.
The Government has allocated Rs. 2000 crore for the food processing industry and loans are being provided at subsidised rates through NABARD. For instance, the duty has been reduced from 10% to 6% for importing machinery for the food processing sector.

Within the food processing sector, fruits and vegetables are of prime focus as the export market for these is immense and USA has been the key destination for several years now.

The Minister added that the Government of India has a scheme for setting up Mega Food Parks and invited entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu to take advantage of the same.
The minister welcomed views and ideas for promoting the food processing industry from the various stakeholders of the supply chain.

In his vote of thanks, A. Sekhar, Vice-Chairman, IACC, Tamil Nadu, thanked the Minster for her encouraging words and assured that the Minister’s suggestion will be discussed with various stakeholders.

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CM HOLDS CONGRESS RESPONSIBLE FOR FINANCIAL CRUNCH IN THE STATE

ASSAILS CONGRESS FOR ANTI-PUNJAB STANCE

TERMS FORMATION OF MODI GOVERNMENT AS A ‘SILVER LINING’ FOR THE STATE

JAITLEY’S LETTERS MISINTERPRETED

TAKES JIBE ON CAPTAIN FOR HIS REGULAR ABSENCE FROM AMRITSAR

POOR SHOW OF BJP IN BY-ELECTIONS NOT A REFERENDUM AGAINST MODI GOVERNMENT

TIE UP WITH INLD NOT TO HAVE ANY BEARING ON SAD-BJP ALLIANCE

GOINDWAL THERMAL POWER PLANT TO BE OPERATIONAL SOON

ONE LAKH YOUTH TO BE GIVEN SKILL TRAINING ANNUALLY

POLITICAL CONFERENCE AT KHADOOR SAHIB

Khadoor Sahib (Tarn Taran), September 18-

Squarely blaming the successive Congress governments at the centre for the ‘financial crunch’ in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the step motherly treatment by Congress coupled with its regressive policies have broken the backbone of Punjab’s economy.

Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of political conference to mark the Gurta Gaddi diwas of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji here today, the Chief Minister said that the Congress has always adopted an anti-Punjab stance against the state due to which the development of the state has suffered a lot. He said that Punjab’s economy has been adversely affected due to the partition of the country and prolonged militancy but it got the fatal blow when the Congress granted incentives to the neighboring states, which led to the mass exodus of the industry of the state to these hilly states. “Punjab’s economy was derailed due to wrong policies of the Congress but we are trying our level best to put it back on track” added Mr. Badal.

Terming the formation of Modi government at the centre as a ‘silver lining’ for the state, the Chief Minister said that the days of discrimination with Punjab were over and now an era of unprecedented development would be heralded in the state. He expressed hope that the NDA government would soon allot some key projects, which would give impetus to the overall development of the state. Mr. Badal further said that the Modi government has taken over the reins of the nation recently but it would certainly give major projects to the state very soon.

The Chief Minister further said that the media has misinterpreted the letters written by Union Finance and Defence Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley whereas the reality was that the Union Minister had just referred the issue of debt waiver of state and revision of formula for Army recruitment to the concerned quarters. Showering heaps of praises for Mr. Jaitley, he said that due to the personal efforts of the Union Minister the holy city of Amritsar had got several key projects. Taking at jibe at former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh for his regular absence from Amritsar, Mr. Badal said that though Mr. Jaitley was doing so much for the holy city despite of his defeat but on the other hand the Lok Sabha MP elected by people was never seen anywhere.

When asked to comment on dismal performance of BJP in recently concluded by-elections, the Chief Minister said that it was wrong to construe it as a referendum against the Modi government. He said that these elections were fought on local issues and hardly had any connection with the Modi waive.

The Chief Minister further said that the sole motive of Shiromani Akali Dal’s tie up with Indian National Lok Dal in ensuing Haryana assembly polls was to defeat the Congress party. He said that this would not have any bearing on age old ties of SAD-BJP as both the alliance partners were committed from routing the Congress out of power.

Earlier addressing the mammoth gathering, the Chief Minister slammed the Congress party for irrelevantly meddling in the religious affairs of the Sikhs. He said that the sinister moves of Congress government in Haryana and Maharashtra to constitute separate Gurdawara Management Committee and reducing the representation of SGPC in Hazoor Sahib board respectively has given a severe blow to Sikh psyche. Mr. Badal said that the Sikhs could never forgive the Congress for Operation Blue Star and 1984 Sikh genocide.

Taking the Congress party to cudgels, the Chief Minister further said that it was deliberately trying to weaken the SGPC, the supreme organization of the Sikhs, which was not at all tolerable. He bemoaned that the Congress party has a dubious track record of step motherly treatment with the state adding that it has derived the Punjabis from their legitimate share in river waters, Punjabi speaking areas and even from their capital.

Listing the achievements of the SAD-BJP government to make Punjab a power surplus state, the Chief Minister said that the Goindwal Thermal Power Plant would be soon made operational, which would further enhance the power generation capacity of the state. He said that the state government has made elaborate arrangements for providing coal linkage to this ambitious project, which would usher in an era of unprecedented development in the state.

Laying thrust on the need for imparting skill training to the youth of the state, the Chief Minister said that it was the need of the hour for opening new vistas of self employment for them. He said that the state government has set a target of providing skill training to alleast one lakh youth every year for which a vast network of skill training institutes have been set up. Likewise, Mr. Badal also exhorted the farmers to adopt crop diversification as the traditional agriculture was no longer a profitable venture.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Jathedar Ranjit Singh Brahampura, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Prof. Virsa Singh Valtoha, MLAs Mr. Manjit Singh Mianwind and Jathedar Hari Singh Zira, Chairman District Planning Committee Tarn Taran Mr. Ravinder Singh Brahampura, senior Akali leaders Jathedar Alwinder Pal Singh Pakhoke and Jathedar Veer Singh Lopoke besides his Special Principal Secretary Dr. S Karunaraju.

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Sukhbir Badal achieves twin breakthrough on first day of investment promotion tour

(BSA cycles and Apollo hospitals to establish set ups in Punjab)

(BSA to establish bicycle plant in Rajpura. Apollo to establish state of art hospital in Amritsar)

Chennai, September 18 - Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today achieved two major breakthroughs on the first day of his investment promotion visit with the country's second biggest bicycle manufacturer BSA and Apollo hospitals announcing their decision to expand their operations in Punjab.

While the Muruguppa group which owns the BSA brand has committed to establish a bicycle manufacturing plant in Rajpura, Apollo hospitals will establish a state of the art hospital at Amritsar.

In the morning today Muruguppa group chairman Mr L Ramkumar told the Deputy CM that the group had a tube manufacturing facility in Mohali and now wanted to put up a world class bicycle and tube manufacturing plant at Rajpura. Mr Ramkumar said the company had already earmarked an investment of Rs 200 crore for the project and told the Deputy CM that it was now looking for a land parcel of 60 to 70 acres for the project. "Our experience in Punjab which has a congenial working atmosphere with zero labour issues has been very good. We now want to take advantage of the concessions being offered by the State to take our investment to the next level", Mr said.

While assuring the Muruguppa group of all facilitation to establish its forthcoming bicycle unit in Rajpura, Mr Sukhbir Badal disclosed that the new industrial policy, which allowed investors to retain 80 per cent VAT (value added tax) due from them, would ensure the competitiveness of BSA bicycles both in the region, and internationally also.

Mr Sukhbir Badal also visited the Apollo hospital here and was the guest of honour at the 31st anniversary celebrations of the hospital chain. The occasion also witnessed Apollo hospitals Chairman Prathap C Reddy announcing that the hospital chain would establish a state of the art hospital in Amritsar which would not only cater to Punjab but also NRIs and international patients.

Mr Reddy announced that a team from Apollo hospitals would visit Punjab in the forthcoming fortnight and that he would also visit Punjab to ensure speedy establishment of the project. Mr Reddy also disclosed that the hospital chain was keen to develop the skill sets of the medical fraternity following which the Deputy CM announced that Punjab was ready to give clearance to the hospital group to establish its own University for this purpose.

Mr Badal also visited Sankar Nethralaya and held discussions with its vice chairman Dr T S Surendran. The Deputy CM invited Sankar Nethralaya to help in establishment of a similar charitable hospital in Punjab.

In another meeting in the evening, TAFE group Chairman and CEO Mallika Srinivasan also met the Deputy CM during the course of which Mr Badal briefed her about the single window clearance system initiated by Punjab and the various incentives being given by the State. Rane group Chairman Harish Laxman also held a meeting with Mr Badal and discussed ways and means to increase the presence of the group, which manufactures auto components.

The Deputy CM was accompanied by a high level team of officers including Mr Anirudh Tewari, Mr Karan Avtar Singh, Mr D K Tewari and Mr Manvesh Sidhu besides Media Adviser to the Deputy CM - Mr Jangveer Singh. EOM

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JAYANI ORDERS TO PROVIDE FREE TESTING & SUPPORTIVE TREATMENT OF DENGUE TO THE FLOOD VICTIMS

HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO ORGANIZE FREE MEDICAL CAMPS IN THE AFFECTED AREAS

LARVICIDES AND INSECTICIDES TO BE SPRAYED IN THE FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS TO PREVENT OUTBREAK OF DISEASES

Chandigarh, September 18:

The Punjab Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani has instructed the Health Department to provide free facility of testing of Dengue and supportive treatment to the flood victims of the state.

Presiding over a meeting of to review the possibility of outbreak of vector borne diseases due to floods in the State Health Minister directed all Civil Surgeons and Programme Officers of the Health department to provide free medicines to the patients in the flood affected areas. He also directed the Civil Surgeons to ensure free checkup & treatment medical camps in the affected areas. It was further directed that larvicides and insecticides be sprayed in the flood affected areas in order to prevent outbreak of vector borne diseases.

Prominent others present in the meeting included Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare, Mr. Hussan Lal, MD National Health Mission, Mr. Vikas Garg Special Secretary Health, Dr Jatinder Kaur Director Family Welfare and civil surgeons and programe officer of the Health Department.

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DALIT COMMERCE CHAMBER AND SC COMMISSION TO JOINTLY LAUNCH CAMPAIGN FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT OF UNEMPLOYED SC YOUTH

FOCUS ON INCREASING EMPLOYBILITY OF SC YOUTH

INDUSTRIAL BODIES TO BE INVOLVED IN SKILL DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE-RAJESH BAGHA

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 18: Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes today took a major step as it joined hands with Dalit Chamber of Commerce and Industry for skill development of unemployed SC Youth to increase their employability in the industry besides preparing them for self employment.

The Chamber Chairman Mr. Chandra Bhan Prasad and coordinator Shammi Kapoor today called on Mr. Rajesh Bagha, Chairman Punjab SC Commission and discussed the problems being faced by industry in recruiting unemployed SC Youth and it was decided to launch district wise skill development program for them to increase their employability in the industrial sector. It was also decided to explore different centrally sponsored schemes of skill development to help maximum unemployed youth in minimum time.

It was also decided in the meeting that DICCI would provide requisite technical training and educate the youth regarding emerging trades of industry where there were more chance of employment. They would be also provided training in entrepreneur development program so that they could opt for self-employment ventures. They would also be educated regarding process of availing credit facilities from the institutional banks and other financial bodies.

The DICCI would also organise camps in assistance with Punjab SC Commission in different parts of state to identify the unemployed SC youth and later on these camps would be fanned out to tehsil level.

Mr. Rajesh Bagha expressed gratitude to DICCI for focusing on Punjab in their nationwide endeavour to uplift the life of SC youth.

Meanwhile former MLA Mr. Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal and Vice Chairman of Punjab Infotech Mr. Khuswant Rai Giga also thanked DICCI delegation for their efforts.

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PUNJAB EXPEDITES PROCESS TO GIVE OWNERSHIP RIGHTS TO PERSONS RESIDING IN ‘LAL DORA’- RANIKE

Chandigarh, September 18: In a bid to provide ownership rights to the persons residing in ‘Lal Dora’, the Punjab Government has accelerated process to finalize the policy regarding this.

Punjab Welfare Minister S. Gulzar Singh Ranike presiding over a high level meeting in which Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary/Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab and other officers of the welfare department were also present, said that a large number of people residing in ‘Lal Dora’ are facing many problems. He said that people residing in lal dora have no legal rights of ownership and banks don’t give loans on such houses which are constructed in lal dora. He also said that after the death of the head of a family it was very difficult for the next generation to transfer the property on their name.

He said that many issues regarding legal aspect and other rules & regulations discussed in the meeting and it is discussed that a committee comprising Principal Secretaries of Revenue, Rural Development, Local Bodies and Welfare Department & Advocate General should be constituted to finalize the policy.

It is also discussed that a survey about lal dora houses in villages and towns should be conducted from some reputed agency. The Minister said that Punjab Vidhan Sabha has already moved a motion to give ownership rights to the persons living in lal dora and very soon he would meet Chief Minister or Deputy Chief Minister to finalize the policy. After ownership rights it will also help to get the Residential certificates, schedule caste and other backward classes certificates besides loan facility and to offer bail on surety bonds, he added.

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CM APPROVES RS.70 LAKH FOR THE RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION OF LAHORI GATE AND DELHI GATE OF QILA SULTANPUR LODHI

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 18:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sanctioned Rs.70 lakh for the restoration and conservation of the historic Lahori Gate and Delhi Gate of the famous Qila Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the CMO said that Mr. Badal had recently deputed a team of cultural affairs led by Secretary Cultural Affairs Mrs. P.Rajisrivastva to visit the site for assessing the damage caused to these prestigious monuments due to recent heavy rains. The team sought Rs.45 lakh for the conservation of crumbled Lahori Gate and Rs.25 lakh for the preservation of Delhi Gate, which too was in dilapidated condition and needed immediate repair and restoration works. On the recommendations of the team, the Chief Minister also granted permission to immediately begin the work to support the portion of tilted tower of Lahori Gate through iron scaffolding at a cost of Rs.5 lakh, otherwise it could fall on nearby habitation.

Meanwhile, the Secretary Cultural Affairs apprised the Chief Minister that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of this project had already been prepared and the work could be executed soon after tendering the project.

It may be recalled that the other members of the team included: Director Cultural Affairs Mr.NS Randhawa, Chief General Manager Brig. (Retd.) Charanjit Singh and Conservation Architect Ms. Neha Jain from Punjab Heritage & Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) besides Mr. Harish from Drona Conservation Consultants.

…

DHILWAN AND BHULATH MARKET COMMITTEES OF KAPURTHALA GET NEW CHAIRMEN, VICE CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS

CM CLEARS THESE NOMINATIONS

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 18:

The Punjab Government today nominated the new Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members of the Dhilwan and Bhulath market committees in Kapurthala district.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file in this regard and orders regarding the newly nominated Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members of these market Committees would be issued shortly.

As per the orders Mr. Lakhwinder Singh and Mr. Natha Singh have been nominated the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Dhilwan Market Committee whereas Mr. Swaran Singh, Mrs. Elles, Mr.Bakhsish Singh, Mr.Paramjit Singh, Mrs. Sukhwinder Kaur, Mr. Balwinder Singh, Mr. Satnam Bajwa, Mr. Satnam Singh, Mr. Makhan Singh, Mr.Amarjit Singh, Mr.Kasturi Lal Shah, Mr.Manjeet Singh, Mr. Sucha Singh and Mr. Harjinder besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Swaran Singh and Mr. Sham Lal have been nominated the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Bhulath Market Committee whereas Mr. Sanjiv Singh, Mr. Nirmal Singh, Capt. Mangal Singh, Mr. Sukhdev Singh, Mr. Balvir Singh, Mr.Gurmail Singh Multani, Mr. Harjeet Singh, Mrs. Simarjeet Kaur, Mr. Balwinder Kumar, Mr. Amarjot Singh, Mr. Desh Raj Passi, Mr. Amarjeet Singh, Mr. Naresh Kumar and Mr. Kuldeep Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

…

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT RE-CONSTITUTES STEERING COMMITTEE FOR CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF WET LANDS IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh September 18: The Punjab government has reconstituted the Steering Committee for the Conservation and Management of Wetlands in Punjab aimed at promoting an environmentally harmonious plan for conservation and management of wetlands in Punjab under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary Punjab.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the government said that the Principal Secretary Science and Technology and Environment would be the Vice Chairman.

It may be added that the state was already coordinating with various agencies engaged in revamping the wetland project, as wetlands are considered to be one of the most productive aquatic ecosystems. The spokesman said that Punjab is home to three internationally acclaimed wetlands - Harike, Kanjli and Ropar - and three others including the Keshopur wetland.He said that wetlands have a profound impact on the economy of the villages surrounding it. He also said that the committee would look into the promotion of inter-departmental and inter-sectoral coordination for integrated action for conservation and management of wetlands in Punjab besides identifying the problems in the proper maintenance of Harike, Kanjli, Ropar and Ranjit Sagar Wetlands and suggest remedial measures to be adopted to overcome these problems. He said that committee would also evaluate plans and proposals of all departments of the Government which have a bearing on the future of wetland resources and also monitor the progress of implementation of management plans and to regulate, screen and monitor development activities which have a bearing on the Wetland Ecosystems.

The other members of committee would be the Additional Secretary Union Ministry of Environment & Forests, representative of the Indian Army, Financial Commissioner (Development), Government of Punjab, Financial Commissioner to Government of Punjab, Deptt. of Forest & Wildlife, Principal Secretary to, Irrigation & Power, Principal Secretary Tourism & Culture, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Punjab , Chief Wildlife Warden Punjab, Chief Conservator of Soils, Punjab, Executive Director, Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, Member Secretary, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Patiala, Member Secretary, Punjab Biodiversity Board, Deputy Commissioner, Kapurthala, Deputy Commissioner Tarn Taran , Deputy Commissioner, Ferozepur , Deputy Commissioner, Ropar , Member of Parliament, Khadoor Sahib , Deputy Commissioner, Pathankot , Vice Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Representative, Zoological Survey of India, Dehradun , Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal ,Nirmal Kutia, Vill Seechewal, PO: Chak Chela,Teh. Shahkot, District Jalandhar. He also said that the representatives of Zoological Survey of India, Dehradun, Botanical Survey of India, Dehradun , Centre for Environment Education, New Delhi would also be the members.

The term of the Committee shall be for three years or till the new committee is constituted whichever is earlier. The Committee shall meet from time to time as required, he added.

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CM CONSTITUTES JOINT MONITORING COMMITTEE FOR TIMELY IMPLEMENTATION OF LIFT IRRIGATION SCHEMES IN KANDI REGION

OKEYS 4-LANING OF BANGA-GARHSHANKAR-SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB NAWANSHEHAR-GARHSHANKAR ROADS

ASKS FOREST DEPARTMENT TO TACKLE THE MENACE OF WILD ANIMALS CAUSING DAMAGE TO CROPS

DIRECTS GMADA TO PREPARE PLAN FOR BASIC CIVIC AMENITIES IN SECTORS 76 TO 80 OF MOHALI ON PRIORITY

GIVES NOD FOR CITY BUS SERVICE IN MOHALI

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 18:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today constituted a joint monitoring committee to ensure timely implementation of lift irrigation schemes in the Kandi region of Rupnagar, Nawanshehar, Hoshiarpur and SAS Nagar (Mohali) districts.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal while presiding over a high level meeting specially convened on the request of Member Parliament from Anandpur Sahib Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra here at Chief Minister’s residence this morning.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the CMO said that the committee would comprise Financial Commissioner Development, Secretary Irrigation and Secretary Power to finalize the modalities for the prompt implementation of lift irrigation project in the Kandi and mountainous region in order to mitigate the hardships of the people living there who were facing acute scarcity of irrigation water due to scanty rainfall there.

Responding to another issue of wild animals causing extensive damage to the standing crops in the Kandi region, the Chief Minister asked the Forest department to prepare a time bound action plan to save the people from this scourge. The Chief Minister also asked the Financial Commissioner Forests to study the feasibility of fencing around the fields to prevent the entry of wild animals/stray cattle. He also asked Prof. Chandumajra to pursue the case for seeking special funds to tackle the menace of wild animals from Centre on the pattern of assistance already given to Himachal Pradesh, adding he said that he would also personally take up this matter with the Ministry of Forests, GoI.

On another issue to explore untapped tourism potential in the background of the scenic beauty of Sri Anandpur Sahib, the Chief Minister asked the Tourism department to study the proposal of establishing a world class level amusement park at village Agampur besides exploring the possibility of water sports across the entire stretch of river Satluj from Nangal up to Rupnagar head works. Mr. Badal said that probably Punjab was the only state which had abundant area under rivers but unfortunately we could not harness the tourism potential optimally. He asked the Tourism department to engage the services of reputed international consultants in tourism to develop water sports in this area.

The Chief Minister also gave a go ahead for the 4-laning of Banga-Garhshankar-Sri Anandpur Sahib Nawanshehar-Garhshankar roads to cope up with the heavy vehicular traffic especially in the season of fairs and festivals like Holla Mohalla in Anandpur Sahib and Navratras in Naina Devi. He asked the PWD Department to complete the 4-laning of these roads on the priority.

To further tap the irrigation potential in the Kandi region, the Chief Minister also asked the Irrigation department to submit a comprehensive proposal for the construction of already identified 44 check dams in Hoshiarpur district so as to ensure there completion in a stipulated time schedule.

Referring to the hardships faced by the residents of Mohali, the Chief Minister also okayed the proposal mooted by Prof. Chandumajra to introduce the city bus service thereby linking Mohali with Chandigarh and Panchkula especially Nadha Sahib. Mr. Badal also asked the Chief Administrator GMADA to develop the village Madanpura for providing basic civic amenities to its residents besides constructing green belt. Mr. Badal also directed the GMADA to chalk out a detailed plan for the provision of basic civic amenities especially the roads in the newly carved out sector 76 to 80 on the priority adding he directed both the GMADA and Municipal Corporation to work out a joint strategy in this regard.

Meanwhile, the CA GMADA apprised the Chief Minister the development work of Rs.68 crore had been put on hold due to the pending case in the Supreme Court regarding the chunk of 102 acre of land in these sectors. He assured the Chief Minister that they would soon resolve this issue in consultation with the Municipal Corporation.

Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included MP Anandpur Sahib Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Ch.Nand Lal, MLA Garhshankar Mr. Surinder Singh Bulerathan, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Financial Commissioner Forests Mr. Viswajeet Khanna, Chief Principal Conservator of Forests Mr. MP Rai, Special Principal Secretaries of CM Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Dr. SK Raju, Chief Soil Conservator Dr.Balwinder Singh Sidhu besides the Deputy Commissioner of Rupnagar, Mohali, Nawanshahar and Hoshiarpur.

…

One IAS GETS ADDITIONAL CHARGE AND TWO PCS TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh Sept 17:

The Punjab Government today ordered transfers and postings of One IAS and Two PCS in the state with immediate effect.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the Punjab government said that Sh. Gurdev Singh Ghuman IAS Joint Development Commissioner and Secretary Rural Development and Panchayats would also hold the additional charge of Secretary, Punjab State Baord for Technical Education & Industrial Training. Sh Vimal Kumar Setia PCS posted as SDM, Baba Bakala in the place of Mr. Rohit Gupta PCS and Mr. Rohit Gupta posted as SDM, Amritsar-1 in the place of Mr. Vimal Kumar Setia PCS.

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Sukhbir Badal to meet top business tycoons in Chennai and Hyderabad

(Starting tomorrow in Chennai to fetch investments for Punjab)

(Says he will apprise industrial houses about instant approvals and sanctions vis-à-vis congenial business environment)

Chandigarh, September 17: Ascending a step forward to put Punjab on fast track of industrial growth, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal is all set to meet top industrial tycoon in Chennai and Hyderabad to display investment opportunities in Punjab as well as congenial business atmosphere.

Earmarking the industrial sectors having unprecedented opportunities to grow, Mr. Badal will focus on the information technology, healthcare, food processing, bio-technology, light engineering and infrastructure. During the two day tour starting tomorrow from Chennai and Hyderabad Mr. Badal will meet more than a dozen chief of business houses.

Mr. Badal will arrive in the city today evening and will start off his campaign to attract investment in Punjab by visiting the Tube Investments’ Muruguppa Group tomorrow followed by a high level discussion with Dr Prathap C. Reddy Chairman of Apollo Hospitals. He will be holding a one to one meeting with Mr. Ashok Dhawan of Flextronics followed by TAFE group Chairman Mrs. Mallika Srinivasan. While visiting Rane Group of industries, Mr. Badal will also have discussions with its Chairman Mr. Harish Laxman under the tag of investments in Punjab.

In Hyderabad on Friday, Deputy CM will start his day by holding a meeting with Mr. Uday Naidu COO of GMR (MRO) followed by meeting with Ms. Deepanwita Chattopadhyay of IKP (ICICI Knowledge Park) and Mr. Amritanshu Roy of Alexandria Biotech Park. Later in the evening Mr. Badal will also meet Mr. Prabhakar Rao of Nuziveedu Seeds and late evening GVK group. He will also hold a detailed discussions on why invest in Punjab with Mr. Ashok Atluri of Zen Technologies. Deputy CM will also hold meetings with industrialists on one to one basis to woo investments for Punjab.

Describing his proposed meeting with industrial giants another big leap in state’s development, Deputy CM said that SAD-BJP Government has taken massive steps and new initiatives to provide conduce and business friendly environment in industrial sectors. He said that they will showcase the investment opportunities available in the state, incentives being provided by government and the most important congenial business environment. He said that Punjab was on the way to achieve its target to make Punjab No. 1 investment destination in the country and it has achieved a lot in this regard.

Declaring Punjab as an easiest state for investment and getting instant approvals/sanctions, Mr. Badal said as Punjab has best road and air connectivity, power surplus state, technical/engineering/education infrastructure and higher per capita income as compare to national average. He said the State government has already established Punjab Investment Promotion Bureau for quick approvals and rolled out attractive package of incentives under which investors under various heads could retain VAT (Value Added Tax) and CST (Central Sales Tax), electricity duty exemption, stamp duty exemption and exemptions from payment of property tax.

Focusing on submission and online approvals to applications for investment purposes, Deputy CM said that Punjab has introduced online form submission with a centralized application besides online tracking by both applicant and the relevant department. He said all applications would be treated as deemed approvals in case they were not approved within two weeks adding applications could now also be self certified.

Deputy CM said that the state was heading towards a major revolution in the field of industry generating more job avenues for the unemployed youth would become peerless state in the area of industrial investment.

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18 STATE ADVISORY COMMITTEES CONSTITUTED FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF PEOPLE ORIENTED POLICIES & PROGRAMS

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 17:

In order to streamline the day to day functioning of the state government by formulating the people-oriented policies and implementing them in an effective manner besides advising the state government on important issues of public interest, the Punjab government has constituted 18 State Advisory Committees comprising of the MLA s of all the parties for 2014-15.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file in this regard. The tenure of these committees would be till March 31, 2015 or the validity of current state assembly from the period of issuing of notification regarding them, whichever was earlier.

The Spokesperson further said that the Punjab government could at any point of time change the membership, name and constitution of committee besides even reconstituting it. It would be mandatory for the committee to meet once within three months and one meeting of the committee would be held during the session of state assembly and one meeting must be convened between the two sessions of the assembly. The headquarters of these committees would be Chandigarh and the prescribed quorum for these meetings would be four members.

Giving the details regarding the committees, the spokesperson further said that these committees would comprise of official and non-official members. List of these committees are as follow:-

State Advisory Committee on Personnel, General Administration, Cooperation, Science, Technology & Environment, Vigilance, Civil Aviation and Justice departments:

Official Members

Chief Minister Chairman

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Cooperation Member (of his own

department)

Chief Secretary Member (Personnel,

General Administration

& Vigilance

Secretary Personnel Member Secretary (of his own department)

Principal Secretary General Administration Member Secretary (of his own department)

Financial Secretary Cooperation Member Secretary (of his own department)

Secretary Science, Technology & Environment Member Secretary (of his own department)

Secretary Vigilance Member Secretary (of his own department)

Principal Secretary Civil Aviation Member Secretary (of his own department)

Principal Secretary Justice Member Secretary (of his own department)

Non-Official Members

Sarvshri/Smt./Ch.

Baljit Singh Jalal Usma SAD

Manjit Singh Manna Mianwind SAD

Gurpartap Singh Wadala SAD

Pargat Singh SAD

Surinder Singh Bhulewal Rathan SAD

Aruna Chaudhary Cong.

Charanjit Kaur Bajwa Cong.

Ashwani Sekhri Cong.

Seema Kumari BJP

Balwinder Singh Bains Independent

State Advisory Committee on Home, Governance Reforms, Housing & Urban Development, Excise & Taxation, Investment Promotion, Sports & Youth Services and Power departments:

Official Members

Deputy Chief Minister Chairman

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Investment Member (of

Promotion his own department)

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sports and Member (of

Youth Services his own department)

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Excise & Member (of

Taxation his own department)

Principal Secretary Home Member Secretary (of his own department)

Principal Secretary Governance Reforms Member Secretary (of his own department)

Secretary Housing & Urban Development and Member Secretary (of

Civil Aviation his own department)

Financial Commissioner Excise & Taxation Member Secretary (of his own department)

Principal Secretary Investment Promotion Member Secretary (of his own department)

Secretary Sports & Youth Services Member Secretary (of his own department)

Secretary Power Member Secretary (of his own department)

Non-Official Members

Sarvshri/Smt./Ch.

Chatin Singh SAD

Iqbal Singh Jhunda SAD

Harpreet Kaur Mukhmailpur SAD

Vaninder Kaur Loomba SAD

Joginderpal Jain SAD

Sunder Sham Arora Cong.

Tarlochan Singh Cong.

Guriqbal Kaur Cong.

Seema Kumari BJP

Simarjit Singh Bains Independent

State Advisory Committee on Forest & Wild Life Protection and Labour Department:

Official Members

Forest and Wild Life Protection and Chairman

Labour Minister

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Forest & Member (of Wild Life Protection and Labour his own department)

Financial Commissioner Forest Member Secretary (of

& Wild Life Protection his own department)

Principal Secretary Labour Member Secretary (of

his own department)

Non-Official Members

Sarvshri/Smt./Ch.

Manpreet Singh Ayali SAD

SR Kaler SAD

Rajwinder Kaur SAD

Mahesh Inder Singh SAD

Hari Singh SAD

Rana Gurjit Singh Cong.

Navtej singh Cong.

Sangat Singh Cong.

Manoranjan Kalia BJP

Balwinder Singh Bains Independent

State Advisory Committee on Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology and Food Processing Department:

Official Members

Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Chairman

Information Technology and

Food Processing Minister

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Civil Supplies Member (of

his own department)

Secretary Information Member Secretary (of

Technology his own department)

Secretary Food & Civil Supply and Consumer Member Secretary (of

Affairs his own department)

Secretary Food Processing Member Secretary (of

his own department)

Non-Official Members

Sarvshri/Smt./Ch.

Baljeet Singh Jalalusma SAD

Bibi Jagir Kaur SAD

Harpreet Kaur Mukhmailpur SAD

Vaninder Kaur Loomba SAD

Joginderpal Jain SAD

Karan Kaur Cong.

Joginder Singh Cong.

Ajaib Singh Bhatti Cong.

Manoranjan Kalia BJP

Simarjit Singh Bains Independent

State Advisory Committee on Transport, Law & Legal Affairs, Elections, Employment Generation & Training Department:

Official Members

Transport, Law & Legal Affairs, Chairman

Elections, Employment Generation

& Training Minister

Principal Secretary Elections Member Secretary (of

his own department)

Secretary Transport Member Secretary (of his own department)

Secretary Law & Legal Affairs Member Secretary (of his own department)

Secretary Employment Generation & Member Secretary (of

Training his own department)

Non-Official Members

Sarvshri/Smt./Ch.

Jeet Mohinder Sidhu SAD

Manjeet Singh Manna Mianwind SAD

Gurpartap Singh Wadala SAD

Pargat Singh SAD

Surinder Singh Bhulewal Rathan SAD

Lal Singh Cong.

Ajit Inder Singh Cong.

Rajinder Kaur Bhattal Cong.

Sukhjit Kaur Sahi BJP

Rajneesh Kumar Independent

State Advisory Committee on Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development and SCs & BCs Welfare Departments:

Official Members

Animal Husbandry, Fisheries Chairman

& Dairy Development Minister

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Animal Husbandry, Member(of

Fisheries & Dairy Development his own department)

Chief Parliamentary Secretary SCs & BCs Welfare Member (of

his own department)

Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Member Secretary (of

his own department)

Secretary SCs & BCs Welfare Member Secretary (of

his own department)

Non-Official Members

Sarvshri/Smt./Ch.

Justice Nirmal Singh SAD

Ranjit Singh Dhillon SAD

Darshan Singh Shivalik SAD

Manpreet Singh Ayali SAD

SR Kaler SAD

Mohammad Sadiq Cong.

Kewal Singh Dhillon Cong.

Harchand Kaur Cong.

Seema Kumari BJP

Balwinder Singh Bains Independent

State Advisory Committee on Industry & Commerce, Technical Education and Industrial Training and Parliamentary Affairs departments:

Official Members

Industry & Commerce Minister Chairman

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Industry & Member(of

Commerce his own department)

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Technical Member(of

Education and Industrial Training his own department)

Principal Secretary Industry & Commerce Member Secretary (of his own department)

Secretary Technical Education Member Secretary (of

and Industrial Training his own department)

Principal Secretary Parliamentary Affairs Member Secretary (of

his own department)

Non-Official Members

Sarvshri/Smt./Ch.

Gurpartap Singh Wadala SAD

Pargat Singh SAD

Surinder Singh Bhulewal Rathan SAD

Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu SAD

Justice Nirmal Singh SAD

Amrik Singh Cong.

Surinder Kumar Dawar Cong.

Bharat Bhushan Ashu

...

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT INSTRUCTS TO DEDUCT ONE DAY SALARY FROM THE SEPTEMBER PAY OF IAS OFFICERS

Chandigarh, September 18:

The Punjab Government has asked to all the Heads of the Departments, Commissioners of Divisions, all the Deputy Commissioners to issue instructions to all Drawing and Disbursing Officers to deduct one day salary from the September pay of IAS officers and forward the same to J&K relief fund in the form of Demand Draft in favour of ‘Chief Minister, Punjab Relief Fund” payable at Chandigarh by October 7, 2014. This has been done after request of Punjab IAS Officers Association in this regard.

Disclosing this here today the spokesman of Punjab Government said that the Demand Draft may be sent to Mr. Bhadur Singh, Superintendent Grade-1 A.S.R Branch, 7th floor, room No 20 Punjab Civil Secretariat Chandigarh.

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RATTANDEEP SINGH, PAK-BASED CHIEF OF MILITANT OUTFIT BHINDRANWALE TIGER FORCE OF KHALISTAN (BTFK) ARRESTED FROM OUTSKIRTS OF GORAKHPUR, UP – CONSPIRACY TO EXECUTE MAJOR MILITANT STRIKES ON EVE OF FESTIVAL SEASON FOILED – ANOTHER ATTEMPT BY ISI TO REVIVE MILITANCY IN PUNJAB FOILED

Chandigarh,September 18:

1. In an operation conducted by the Punjab Police with a Central Agency, the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) of the Punjab Police has arrested hard-core militant Rattandeep Singh from the outskirts of Gorakhpur in Eastern UP on September 17, 2014. A 19-member Punjab Police party headed by Inspectors Harvinderpal Singh and Balbir Singh of the SSOC, Amritsar had been despatched on September 14, 2014 and were camping at Gorakhpur since September 15, 2014. Necessary co-ordination with the local U.P. Police was carried out. When arrested, Rattandeep Singh was carrying Pakistani Passport and a Pak Id card in the name of Hussain Sheikh Zahid S/o Sheikh Nasiruddinalongwith Rs.300 (Pakistani currency) and Rs.11000 (Indian currency).

2. Initially Rattandeep Singh was a top operative of the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF). Subsequently he joined hands with the BabbarKhalsa International (BKI) and became the operational head of the outfit. In July 2014 the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan revived the Bhindranwale Tiger Force of Khalistan (BTFK). At that time Col. SahbazMinhas of the ISI had joint meetings with Wadhawa Singh (BKI) and Rattandeep Singh to effect the new arrangement. The ISI picked up Rattandeep Singh to head the BTFK. As the new head of the revived BTFK, Rattandeep Singh sneaked into India to carry out violent terrorist strikes so that revival of the BTFK could comecenter-stage. It was decided by the ISI that time is ripe for spectacular terrorist action in Punjab as the festival season has begun and the impact of such strikes would be optimal.

3. Preliminary investigations have disclosed that the first target of Rattandeep Singh is a prominent Hindu leader. The intended target is already having personal protection provided by the Punjab Police. This fresh attempt by the ISI to revive militancy in the State has come about a year after 3 targeted plans had been pre-empted and foiled by the Punjab Police in August and September 2013. At that time also prominent Hindu personalities at Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Pathankot had been targeted. Those attempts had been made by the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) modules all of whom were arrested. Presently, the Head of the KLF, Harminder Singh @ Mintu is in Pakistan and no fresh activity of the KLF has come to notice. In February 2013, Narain Singh @ Chaura had been sent by the ISI to attempt revival of terrorism and he had been arrested by the Punjab Police.

4. Rattandeep Singh is a Pakistan-based militant who had been living in Pakistan since 1993. In between he has been coming to India to carry out strikes. He had recently re-entered the country to carry out a major strike.

5. He was the kingpin of a group of militants who had planted explosives in a vehicle in Amritsar near Circuit House in May 2010 and for that purpose he had smuggled in a consignment of weapons and explosives from across the border. His associates in this offence, Pal Singh of France, Gurmukh Singh @ Ganna and Makhan Singh @ Amli have been convicted under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for 27 years, 17 years and 10 years respectively while other associates Narain Singh @ Chaura, Sukhdev Singh @ SukhaChira, Joga Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Sher Singh, Bakshish Singh @ Baba, Daljit Singh @ Jeetu, Pakistan national Mohd. Ishfaq and Satpal Singh @ Ladi are undergoing trial. Rattandeep Singh and Narain Singh @ Chaura had absconded at that time. Chaura was trapped and arrested by the Punjab Police in February 2013 and is presently lodged in Amritsar jail. With the arrest of Rattandeep Singh, all the operatives of the terrorist gang involved in the offence have been arrested.

6. Rattandeep Singh iswanted in several militant offences in the country in the states of Punjab and Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. He is wanted in connection with a bomb blast at Passport Office, Sector 34, Chandigarh(1999), bomb blast on railway bridge in Panipat(1999), planting of anIED(Improvised Explosive Device) on the railway track at the Shahabad-Markanda bridge (1998), encounter with police and escape from custody (1999) andrecovery of arms and explosives in district Jind in (1996 & 2000).

7. Rattandeep Singh is a top militant and a cash reward of Rs.10 lakh was announced for him in 2011. However, a policy decision has been taken by the Punjab Police to not claim any cash reward(s).

8. Rattandeep Singh belongs to village Rohar in district Jind in Haryana. In March 1992 he went to Bangkok, Thailand and from there went to Germany in May 1992, shifting to Belgium in September 1992. He went to Pakistan in March 1993 on forged passport issued in the name of Harjinder Singh s/o Laxman Singh r/o Bholath (Kapurthala). He underwent arms training twice in August 1993 and June 1994 in a camp located in hilly terrain about 45 kms from Islamabad. Pandey Khan of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) received him at the airport and was incharge of the arms training imparted to Rattandeep Singh. Chaudhary Khalid Rana was a senior officer of the ISI and the main liaison man with the Pakistan-based Punjab militants. Rattandeep Singh remained in regular touch with Chaudhary Khalid Rana.

9. Rattandeep Singh was arrested by the police on May 9, 1996 while sneaking into India through the Samba Sector. In 1999 he escaped and masterminded the bomb blast at Sector 34, Chandigarh on June 30, 1999 and subsequently escaped to Pakistan. He again came to India via Nepal in April 2010 to carry out militant actions in Punjab. In May 2010, Rattandeep Singh alongwith his associates planted an IED(Improvised Explosive Device) in a car near Circuit House, Amritsar and thereafter managed to escape to Pakistan. Rattandeep Singh is wanted in following FIRs:-

(i) FIR No. 207 dated 11-5-1996 u/s 25 Arms Act, PS Saffidon, Jind- PO since 03-02-2001 – recovery of arms

(ii) FIR No. 214 dated 03-07-1999 u/s 353/186/285 IPC, PS Saffidon, Jind- PO since 24-03-2000 – encounter with police and escape from custody

(iii) FIR No. 217 dated 09-07-1999 u/s 3/4/5 Explosive Act, 25 Arms Act, PS Saffidon, Jind- PO since 18-02-2000 – recovery of arms and explosives

(iv) FIR No. 23 dated 15-06-2010 u/s 25 Arms Act, 3/4/5 Explosive Act, 17/18/19/20 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, PS SSOC, Amritsar- planting of bomb in a car near Circuit House, Amritsar

(v) FIR No. 24 dated 25-07-2010 u/s 25/54/59 Arms Act, 17/18/19 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, PS SSOC, Amritsar- planting of bomb in a car near Circuit House, Amritsar

(vi) FIR No. 549 dated 16-11-1998 u/s 3/4/5 Explosive Act, PS Shahbad, Kurukshetra - recovery of IED planted on the railway line at Shahabad-Markanda bridge

(vii) FIR No. 154 dated 14-4-1999 u/s 4/5 Explosive Act, 120-B, 212 IPC, PS City Panipat – bomb blast on railway bridge in Panipat

(viii) FIR No. 178 dated 30-6-1999 u/s 3/4/5 Explosive Act, 307, 34 IPC, PS Sector 34, Chandigarh – bomb blast in a vehicle parked in the parking of Passport office, Sector 34, Chandigarh

10. Eight police personnel who played an important role in the operation to nab Rattandeep Singh have been granted promotions to the next higher rank (Head Constables and Assistant Sub Inspectors) by the Director General of Police, Punjab.

11. The arrested militant was today produced in a court in Amritsar and his police remand for 10 days has been obtained for his thorough examination so as to expose the entire network.

Further investigations are ongoing.

Manmohan Singh,

Assistant Inspector General of Police,

State Special Operations Cell, Punjab.

Punjab to construct 1 lac houses for EWS by October 2016-Sukhbir Singh Badal

(Issued directions to identify land for housing projects in urban and rural areas)

Chandigarh, September 16 – Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, today gave his in principal approval to construct 1 lakh houses for economically weaker sections (EWS) at affordable prices by October 2016. Besides, he also issued directions to concerned departments to identify land in the towns and cities at the earliest to complete this mega welfare project in the stipulated time.

In a meeting regarding EWS housing held here on Tuesday, Mr. Badal informed that Punjab Government has planned the project to provide reasonably priced houses to all by 2022 and the first phase of this project would be completed till October 2016 by providing residential accommodation to 1 lakh people living under BPL norms. He added that these houses would be provided at 10 percent of its total construction cost and have all basic amenities.

Making the project common for both EWS populace residing in rural and urban areas, Mr. Badal issued instructions to the concerned departments to identify land for the project in Mandis and towns besides exploring the prospects of building affordable houses in the villages also. He suggested that these houses must have backyard to meet the requirements of rural population.

Stressing on the need of providing inexpensive houses, Mr. Badal directed Housing, Rural Development and Panchayats and Labour department to study all possibilities to reduce costs of construction besides taking benefit of all the state and centre government schemes to provide maximum subsidy to the weaker sections of society.

He said that SAD-BJP government was committed to provide house, food and employment to all. Under ‘houses for all’ project Deputy CM has instructed Rural Development and Panchayats, Housing and Labour departments to provide 50000, 25000 and 25000 houses respectively in the urban as well as rural areas.

Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included P. S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, A. Venu Prasad Secretary Housing, Vishavjeet Khanna Principal Secretary Labour, Ashok Gupta Secretary Local Bodies, Manvesh Singh Sidhu and Rahul Tiwari both Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy Chief Minister.

PUNJAB INITIATES PROCESS FOR DIGITIZATION OF APRs OF GROUP A & B OFFICERS

PROPERTY RETURNS OF ALL IAS & PCS OFFICERS TO BE UPLOADED ON WEBSITE WITHIN 45 DAYS
CHIEF SECRETARY HOLDS MEETING AND ISSUES DIRECTIONS FOR STRICT COMPLIANCE

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 16:

Moving ahead as per the vision of Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab and Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab to bring transparency in Governance, the Punjab Government has initiated the process to upload Annual Property Returns of all Group A and B officers on the official website of the state government. The arrangements for digitization and uploading of Annual Property Returns were finalized in a high level meeting held under the chairmanship of Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Chief Secretary, Punjab.

Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesman of the state government said that this exercise has been initiated in compliance of the directions of Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister,Punjab who is also the Minister incharge of Governance Reforms to provide corruption free governance and maintaining high standards of integrity in public service . In the first phase, Annual Property Returns (APRs) of all Group A and B including IAS/PCS officers would be uploaded on the state government website within 45 days. He said that in the next phase, all other officers working in different government departments and its entities would also be covered. This process will continue to cover all employees of the Government, Public Sector Undertakings, Corporations and other entities of the State.

He further stated that for the newly recruited employees, the APRs would include their movable and immovable assets. Whereas for other officers, their immovable declaration of assets would be digitized and uploaded on the official website.

Secretary, Personnel has been deputed as the nodal officer for this exercise who would coordinate with all the Administrative Secretaries and Head of Departments and get the APRs of the officials scanned in a time bound manner. Punjab State e-Governance Society (PSEGS) under the Department of Governance Reforms shall provide the technical resources and technical support for the digitization and uploading process of the APRs. For this Scanning & Digitization exercise, heavy duty scanning centers would be set up by the State Government in which scanning of APRs of officers would be done in stipulated time period. Further uploading of scanned APRs would be done on Punjab State portal by Punjab State e-Governance Society (PSEGS). Chief Secretary further instructed the Principal Secretary, Governance Reforms to set up a dedicated Content Audit & Updation cell for periodic monitoring and review of the content of various Government websites including State portal.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr. C.Roul, Principal Secretary, Governance Reforms, Sh. Vikas Partap Singh, Secretary Personnel, Mr. Raj Kamal Chaudhary, MD Punjab Infotech, Sh, Kandhola, Director Governance Reforms and other officials & IT Professionals from Department of Governance Reforms.

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ADCs told to book chit fund companies

‘No Chit Fund Company registered with the Punjab Government’-Dhindsa

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 16:

Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister, Punjab today issued instruction to all Additional Deputy Commissioners (Development) from all the districts to book all chit fund companies in state as Punjab Government has not authorized any chit fund company in Punjab

Presideing over a meeting of all Joint Directors, Institutional Finance and other senior officers concerned of the department. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) in all districts are designated as Joint Director Institutional Finance and Banking, Mr. Dhindsa said that this meeting has been especially convened to make them aware of the functioning of the Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), rights and responsibilities and also about the legal issues pertaining to these financial companies.

Finance Minister further said that Under the Chit Fund Act 1982 (Central Act 1982), the government has notified Additional Deputy Commissioner (Dev.) as Joint Registrar of Chits. Presently there was no registered Chit Fund Company with the State Government. “Offences under this Act are cognizable and police can register cases under this Act” he added.

Divulging the details, Mr. Dhindsa said that this meeting of ADC (Dev.)–cum-Joint Director, Institutional Finance has been called in view of various fraud cases which are being reported in media. He said that in Punjab also Government has come to know that such money collecting schemes, multi layer marketing schemes were in operation which was banned under the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978. In this meeting various preventive steps to stop such frauds were also discussed. All the enquiries were answered by senior officers of RBI and SEBI.

Functions of Joint Director in reference to NBFCs have been clearly defined under the RBI Act and have been authorized by the Government to look into complaints/make applications before competent court to obtain necessary warrants and take such action as deemed necessary under Section 58 E of the RBI Act.

Regarding Non Banking Finance Companies, two types of companies have been registered by Reserve Bank of India. Category ‘A’ which are authorized to take deposits and other category ‘B’ companies which are not authorized to take deposits under the RBI Act. There are other unincorporated bodies which may along with NBFCs cheat the public by displaying their registration certificates with various regulators but are doing many unscrupulous activities to cheat the public, said a senior officer of RBI. Mr. Jaspal Singh, Secretary Expenditure was also present besides all ADC (D) of the state and senior officers of RBI & SEBI.

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SPECIAL MONITORING CELL CONDUCTS SURPRISE CHECKING IN 238 OFFICES OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

· 68 EMPLOYEES FOUND ABSENT, 96 LATECOMERS AND 16 EMPLOYEES WERE LONG TIME ABSENTEES

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 16:

The education department was today on a checking spree when its special monitoring cell today conducted surprised checking in 238 offices of the education department across the state. This exercise is a part of consistent campaign launched by the education department to ensure the 100 percent attendance in the offices.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Daljit singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab said that during the checking of the offices 68 employees were found absent whereas 96 employees were the latecomers. He said that it was also found that there were 16 such employees who were not attending the offices since long time.

Divulging the details the education minister said that 111 offices were raided in Nabha (Patiala) division, during which 12 employees were found absent, 34 late comers and 10 employees were found absent from the offices since long time. Similarly during the checking of offices of Jalandhar division 64 offices were raided and 36 employees were found absent, 47 late comers and 3 were not attending the offices since long. During the checking of 63 offices of Faridkot division 20 employees were absent, 15 late comers and 3 were absent from long time.

Mr. Cheema further said that students generally idealised the teachers, so teacher should maintain high moral and ethical standards. He said the punctuality is the fundamental of all moral principles and teacher should first practise this principal before preaching this to the students.

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MADAN MOHAN MITTAL DESIGNATED ‘AMBASSADOR’ TO PROMOTE TRADE TIES WITH AUSTRALIA

· BY YEAR 2020, 60 PER CENT SKILLED LABOUR IN AUSTRALIA WOULD BE INDIANS

Chandigarh, September 16:

Australia today recognized the increasing importance of Punjab in Indo-Australian bilateral relations as India-Australia Strategic Alliance (I.A.S.A.) today designated Punjab Industry Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal as Ambassador to promote better Trade, Industrial, Cultural ties between Punjab and Australia.

Dr. Jagvinder Singh Virk, Chairman, India-Australia Strategic Alliance (I.A.S.A.) today called on Industry Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal. In a meeting held here at Udyog Bhawan the Minister exchanged views with the visiting dignitary about promoting skill development, entrepreneurship, bilateral co-operation in Industry, Commerce, Dairy farming, Food processing and Mining.

Speaking on the occasion the Minister emphasized increasing trade and industrial relations between Punjab and Australian Governments. He said that the Punjab Govt. is fully committed to Encourage Business, Cultural and Educational exchanges with Australia. Also Briefing the dignitary about the transparency brought about by the Govt. of Punjab in its functioning the Hon'ble Minister said that the Govt. has started online single room service for every Deptt. for which a Nodal Officer is appointed with the powers of Director, Who is responsible for delivering the services.

On this occasion Dr. Virk said that by year 2020 about 60% of the skilled labour force in Australia would be Indian and India has a large number of younger population, so India cannot be ignored from skill development point of view. In the meeting Rajinder Singh Marwaha, Director, Trade Board, Punjab Govt. (Excise & Taxation), Kamal preet Khaira Vice President I.A.S.A., Mr. Jagjit Singh Joint Director Technical Education and Manish Arora, General Secretary Border Zone Trade Industry Association were also present.

CM BATS FOR FLAWLESS EXECUTION OF MASTER PLAN TO ERADICATE WATER LOGGING

· TERMS THE EXISTING MASTER PLAN AS ‘PANACEA OF ALL THE ILLS’ OF SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICTS

· EXISTING DRAINS IN STATE TO BE CONVERTED INTO FLOOD WATER CARRYING CHANNELS

· ‘SORROW OF FAZILKA’- BAAM DRAIN TO BE REALIGNED

· FAZILKA TO HAVE SEPARATE DIVISION OF IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT

· TASK OF RECONSTRUCTING THE DAMAGED INFRA STRUCTURE IN THE VILLAGES TO BE UNDERTAKEN ON WAR FOOTING

· FOOLPROOF MECHANISM TO BE EVOLVED FOR COMPENSATING THE VICTIMS OF TRAGEDY

· CM VISITS RAIN AFFECTED WATER LOGGED VILLAGES OF FAZILKA DISTRICTS

Kundal (Fazilka), September 15, 2014

Batting for ‘faultless execution’ of the master plan prepared for eradicating the menace of water logging from the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today termed it as ‘panacea of all ills’ for the water logged districts of the state.

Winding up his three-day whirlwind tour in the rain affected water logged districts of the state, the Chief Minister said that the existing master plan conceived by the state government last year, after minutely observing the gravity of situation in water logged areas, would permanently wipe out this grave problem, which causes huge loss every year. He said that the need of the hour was to immediately accomplish the task of relief and rehabilitation in the rain affected water logged districts for resuming the ongoing work initiated under this master plan in a planned manner. Mr. Badal also asked the Secretary Irrigation Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu to personally supervise the implementation of this master plan, so that people could get a major reprieve.

In another significant decision, the Chief Minister also announced that under the proposed revamping of the drainage system of the state the Irrigation department has been directed to convert all the drains of the state into Flood Water Carrying drains. Terming it as the need of the hour, he said that from last few years the floods occurring due to the incessant rains in the water logged districts have been causing a lot of damage to the crops and properties of the residents, so the conversion of existing drains into flood water carrying drains was the need of the hour. Mr. Badal said that the banks of Flood water carrying drains would permanently lined against the temporary ones of existing drains so that loss to the crops of the residents could be minimized. He also directed the Irrigation department to prepare the estimate of the entire project within a month for its early execution.

Conceding to the demand raised by the Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, the Chief Minister also announced that the state government would soon realign the Baam Drain, known as ‘sorrow of Fazilka’, due to the havoc caused by the excess rain water in this water logged area. He asked the Irrigation department to realign this drain, wherever needed, so that residents of the areas in and around Fazilka could be saved from the fury of floods. Mr. Badal also announced the creation of a separate division of the Irrigation department in Fazilka district, so that the work for prevention of floods could be undertaken efficiently.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was committed for the prompt rehabilitation of the affected areas due to which the work of reconstructing the damaged infra structure in the villages would be initiated within a month. Mr. Badal asked every department to submit the report of the damages within 10 days so that the process to renovate the damaged infra structure could be initiated at the earliest. “The herculean task of reconstructing the roads and other government buildings will be undertaken on war footing so that people do not face any sort of problem” he added.

Reiterating the firm commitment of state government to duly compensate the victims of this grave tragedy, the Chief Minister said that he has already asked the Financial Commissioner Revenue (FCR) to personally monitor the entire process of disbursing the compensation, so that people could be given relief in a prompt manner. He said that the Revenue department has been asked to evolve a foolproof mechanism to ensure that all the victims were able to get the compensation. “We will assess the entire damage to the standing crops and property meticulously so that the victims of this tragedy can be duly compensated for their loss” added Mr. Badal.

During his visit in village Shajrana, Khui Khera, Ghallu, Jhumia Wali, Dhraag Wala, Kundal, Bhglaan, Ramgarh, Gaddadob, Channan Khera and others, the Chief Minister had detailed interaction with the victims of water logging. He assured the people that the state government was making concerted efforts to bail them out in this hour of crisis.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, MLA Mr. Gurtej Singh, Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary Irrigation Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Manjit Singh Brar.

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BADAL WRITES TO HP CHIEF MINISTER FOR EFFECTIVE MONITORING MECHANISM TO CLEAN RIVER GHAGGAR IN MISSION MODE

SEEKS APPOINTMENT FOR A JOINT MEETING TO FIND PERMANENT SOLUTION TO THIS GRAVE ISSUE

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 15:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Virbhadra Singh to seek his direct and personal intervention for jointly putting up an effective monitoring mechanism in place for the cleaning of river Ghaggar on top priority in a mission mode.

In a letter to Mr. Virbhadra Singh, the Chief Minister apprised him about the deterioration of the water quality of river Ghaggar in Punjab, adding he said that it had been reportedly brought to his notice regarding the discharge of domestic sewage generated from the territorial jurisdiction of Himachal Pradesh area. He further pointed out that the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has conducted survey of river Ghaggar to check the various sources of pollution entering into river Ghaggar. It has also been observed that untreated/partially treated industrial effluents and sewage of Nahan, Parwanoo and Kala Amb areas enter into river Ghaggar through various streams, choes, drains etc., which were a major source of contamination of water quality of the river Ghaggar. Henceforth, Mr. Badal immediately sought HP Chief Minister’s directions to the officers of concerned departments of Himachal Pradesh for taking immediate steps to check the discharge of untreated/partially treated domestic and industrial wastewater of the said areas into drains/nallahs which ultimately entered river Ghaggar so as to control the pollution thereof.

In view of the grave situation, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to evolve a joint monitoring mechanism comprising the officers of the departments concerned from both the states for preparing a time bound joint action plan to check and control pollution in the river Ghaggar. The Chief Minister also requested the Mr. Virbhadra Singh to finalize a convenient date for a joint meeting at their level at Shimla so that a permanent solution could be found for this noble cause.

Mr. Badal also mentioned that this crucial matter was of great public interest and huge significance for which they were taking every possible measure to improve the quality of water in our rivers to statutory levels.

Workshop on Risk Management in e-governance organized

· Imparts skills and knowledge for proper implementation of e-Governance projects

Chandigarh, September 15: The Directorate of Governance Reforms, Punjab has conducted 2 Days Specialized e-Governance Training Programme (STeP) on “e-Governance Risk Management (S2 eGRM) for Punjab State Officers & Officials.

A spokesman of the Governance Reforms Department today said that this workshop was organized for Officers/ Officials working on e-Governance Projects at State level, Project Managers/ Nodal Officers designated for e-Governance initiatives at State government level and district offices who are expected to lead/play crucial role to implement e-Governance in their respective regions.

The aim behind this workshop was to equip them with skills and knowledge on “e-Governance Risk Management (S2 eGRM)’ for State level e-Governance initiatives and e- Governance projects being implemented in the state under National e-Governance Plan (NeGP).

This training was organized in coordination with National Institute for Smart Government (NISG), Hyderabad to build State Capacity Building as per guidelines of Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DeitY), Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, Government of India.

Management (S2 e-GRM) was conducted by Sh. Harish P. Iyer and Sh. S. Kapoor from NISG. Sh.Vivek Vatsa Senior Consultant Change Management, Punjab SeMT, Department of Governance Reforms shared presentation on Capacity Building Action Plan for the State. Sh. Rajnish Malhotra, Head SeMT Punjab Department of Governance Reforms Shared Information on Digital India and Skill India Programme and the progress of e-Governance Initiatives in the state.

Sh.Harjit Singh Kandhola, PCS Director, Department of Governance Reforms, Punjab distributed participation certificates to distinguished officers /officials of various Departments and district Offices of State of Punjab.

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WRITTEN TEST FOR THE 110 POSTS OF SUB-INSPECTORS (FEMALE) ON OCTOBER 12

Chandigarh, September 15: The written test for recruitment for 110 posts of Sub-Inspectors (Female) in Punjab Police has been scheduled for October 12. The successful candidates of ongoing physical trials would be only eligible for written test.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman said that written test would be conducted at Jalandhar on October 12, 2014. He said that the further details regarding written test centers would be uploaded on the websites of C-DAC, Mohali ( www.recruitmet.cdacmohali.in ) and Punjab Police ( www.punjabpolice.gov.in ). He has asked the concerned candidates to ensure their participation at the concerned centre.

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17 OFFICERS CAUGHT RED HANDED IN GRAFT CASES DURING AUGUST

· VIGILANCE FILES 17 CHALLANS IN DIFFERENT CASES

· HON’BLE COURTS PRONOUNCED SENTENCE IN 12 ANOTHER BRIBERY CASES

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 15:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau, has considerably intensified its anti corruption campaign in the month of August. The Bureau has been successful in nabbing 17 officers red handed while receiving the bribe whereas vigilance inquiry in 17 different cases has also been completed and subsequently the challans have been filed.

Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that during the month of August, 2014, seventeen officers/officials were caught red handed accepting bribe and cases under Prevention of Corruption Act-1988 were registered against all these officers.

The spokesman further said that during the hearing of another cases filed by Vigilance Bureau, the Hon’ble courts have pronounced sentenced to in twelve bribery cases. He said that Vigilance Bureau has also initiated fresh inquiries in three other cases.

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FARMERS' AWARENESS CAMPS TO BE STARTED FROM SEPTEMBER 20--RANIKE

- Inaugural camp would be organized at village Jaithuke, Amritsar

- Rs. 1 crore be incurred on farmers’ awareness camps in 1000 villages

CHANDIGARH, September 15:

Punjab Government is going to organize Farmers’ Awareness camps in 1000 villages of the state with the motive to encourage the farmers to opt for subsidiary occupations and to spread awareness about different schemes of the department.

Disclosing this, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister said that Punjab Government would organize Farmers’ Awareness Camps in 1000 villages and the State level inaugural camp would be organized at village Jaithuke (Amritsar) on September 20, 2014. He said that this initiated is aimed at getting the peasantry out of the 2 crop vicious circle and to encourage them to practice subsidiary occupations like fish farming, dairy, animal husbandry and bee keeping etc.

He said that every kind of available information on subsidiary occupations would be disseminated to the farmers during these camps. He said that Rs. 10,000 would be incurred on each awareness camp. “In total Rs. 1 crore has been earmarked for conducting 1,000 awareness camps in Punjab” he added.

CM ORDERS STRENGTHENING, WIDENING AND UPGRADING OF THE ENTIRE DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN WATER LOGGED AREAS

MOVE AIMED AT CHECKING THE PROBLEM OF WATER LOGGING EFFICIENTLY

FCR TO PERSONALLY MONITOR THE PROCESS FOR DULY COMPENSATING THE VICTIMS OF TRAGEDY

POST OF CHIEF ENGINEER (FLOODS) TO BE CREATED FOR CHECKING THE MENACE OF FLOODS IN WATER LOGGED DISTRICTS

WORK OF RECONSTRUCTION IN RAIN AFFECTED VILLAGES TO BE INITIATED WITHIN A MONTH

CM URGES PEOPLE TO KEEP A CHECK ON RESCUE AND REHABILITATION WORKS

SECOND DAY OF CM’S VISIT IN RAIN AFFECTED WATER LOGGED AREAS OF THE STATE

Udaang (Sri Muktsar Sahib), September 14-

In a bid to check the menace of water logging in the state far more efficaciously, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked Irrigation department to initiate the process for strengthening, upgrading and widening the entire drainage system in south-western districts of state.

Continuing his whirlwind tour of the rain affected districts of the state for the second consecutive day, the Chief Minister, after having detailed deliberations with the victims of this tragedy in villages of Sri Muktsar Sahib district, underscored the need for upgrading, widening and strengthening the existing drainage system in water logged districts of state for carrying out the excess water, so as to check the menace of water logging. Mr. Badal said that the widening, upgrading and strengthening of the drainage system was a part of the state government’s ambitious master plan to stamp out the problem of water logging adding that it would help in reducing the retention period of excess water from currently 14-21 days to seven days by disposing it off in an expedite manner.

Meanwhile, in order to duly compensate the victims of this grave tragedy, the Chief Minister also asked Financial Commissioner Revenue (FCR) Mr. NS Kang to monitor the entire process personally, so that people could be given relief in a prompt manner. He said that the Revenue department must ensure that entire damage to crop and property was accounted in a proper manner so that the victims of this tragedy could be compensated for their loss. “The state government is duty bound to help all the victims of this grave tragedy in the current scenario of grief and we are making all out efforts to bail out the people from this crisis” added Mr. Badal.

Peeved over the hardships faced by the people of these areas, the Chief Minister also asked the Irrigation department to explore the feasibility of creating a separate post of Chief Engineer (Floods) for this region, so that meticulous planning could be made to save the people from the scourge of floods. He said that the expert appointed on this post should be entrusted with the job of finding out ways and means to prevent the floods in this region. Mr. Badal bemoaned that floods have become an annual feature in the water logged districts and we would take every step to check the huge loss of property caused by it every year.

Later on interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister said that the entire plan for complete overhaul of the damaged infra structure in the water logged villages would be ready within a fortnight and after the concurrence of the villagers the work for reconstruction would be started within a month. Mr. Badal said that the state government was fully aware of the gravity of the situation and no stone would be left unturned to help the people in this hour of distress. He said that the top brass of the state government was already visiting every village to assess the loss so that necessary action could be taken.

Soliciting the support and cooperation of people in this gigantic task, the Chief Minister urged them to personally monitor the rescue and rehabilitation measures being taken by the state government. He said that every officer of the state government was fully accountable to people for every work done by them. Mr. Badal said that with the active public support, the state government could perform its duty far more efficiently and in a planned manner.

The Chief Minister, who visited Malout, Inna Khera, Tarkhan Wala, Lakhmeer-e-aana, Hunan Kalan, Udaang, Baam, Maha Baddar, Bhagsar, Ruhereanwali and other villages today, was accompanied by MLA Mr. Harpreet Singh, Chairman Punjab Agro Food grains Corporation Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, Member Punjab State Women Commission Ms. Veerpal Kaur Tarmala, senior Akali leaders Mr. Manjit Singh Barkandi and Kanwarjeet Singh Rozy Barkandi, Chairman of District Planning Committee Sri Muktsar Sahib Mr. Hardeep Singh Dimpi Dhillon, FCR Mr. NS Kang, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary Irrigation Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh.

CM TO SEEK UPWARD REVISION IN COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTER FROM GoI

EXPRESSES HOPE THAT NDA GOVERNMENT WOULD PAY HEED TOWARDS THIS GENUINE DEMAND SYMPATHETICALLY

BATS FOR ‘MICRO PLANNING’ AT VILLAGE LEVEL TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM OF WATER LOGGING

ANNOUNCES TO POSTPONE THE RECOVERY OF COOPERATIVE LOANS FROM THE FARMERS IN WAKE OF HAVOC CREATED DUE TO THE RAINS

SOLICIT SUPPORT FROM PUBLIC TO REMOVE CURSE OF WATER LOGGING FROM THE STATE

Aalamwala (Sri Muktsar Sahib), September 13-

Expressing grave concern over the meager compensation given to the farmers for their whopping losses due to the natural disasters, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that he would once again flag up the issue of hiking this compensation with the Government of India (GoI).

Interacting with the media persons on the first day of his tour to assess the losses due massive rain in the waterlogged districts of the state, the Chief Minister said that Rs 3500 given by the Centre per acre to the farmers for compensating their loss due to the natural disaster, was too miniscule, in wake of the exorbitant hike in the prices of agriculture inputs borne by the farmers to raise the crop. Mr. Badal said that he had time and again raised the issue of enhancing the relief amount to be disbursed amongst the farmers with the previous Union government but as the Congress leaders were unaware about the ground situation so they had hardly paid any heed towards this genuine demand due to which the victims of the natural tragedy were suffering a lot. However, he said that with the change of guard at centre the hope for adequate compensation for the victims of the tragedy have been renewed and hopefully the NDA government would look into this matter sympathetically.

The Chief Minister said that state government was fully seized with the hardships of the floods victims and they want to extend a helping hand to them by giving adequate financial assistance as compensation. However, he said that the riders imposed by the Union government barred them from helping the victims of this natural tragedy which was unfortunate. Mr. Badal said that the Union government must adopt liberal approach for duly compensating the flood victims in this hour of crisis.

Batting for the need of ‘micro planning’ at the village level to combat the problem of water logging in the state, the Chief Minister said that every villager from the water logged districts would have to play a proactive role for dealing with this situation. He said that the top brass of the state government has been deployed by him in these areas to ensure properly assess the loss suffered by the victims of this tragedy besides ensuring prompt relief to them. Mr. Badal directed the district administration to meticulously evaluate the losses incurred by the residents of the villages so that they could be duly compensated for it.

Earlier interacting with the victims of the nature’s fury at village Panniwala, Midda, Bodiwala, Ratta Khera, Aalamwala, Aspaal, Pakki Tibbi, Kattianwali, Saraawan Bodla, Bhagwanpura, Kolianwali and others, the Chief Minister said that the state government would make all out efforts to ease out financial burden on the farmers besides extending a helping hand to them in this hour of crisis. Mr. Badal announced that the Cooperative department has been directed to postpone the recovery of loans from the farmers in wake of havoc created due to the rain. “We are fully committed to bail out the people in this hour of crisis and the state government is making every effort to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation of the people’ he added.

Expressing concern over the huge loss incurred due to this natural tragedy, the Chief Minister said that this was the biggest loss of the property and crops ever since the state had been facing the chronic problem of water logging. Mr. Badal said that he was himself supervising all the relief operations to ensure that no stone was left unturned in helping the people in these difficult times. He said that the Punjabis have been blessed with the indomitable spirit of overcoming such challenges bravely and with the efforts of state government the curse of water logging would be eliminated from the state. Citing the example of great French hero Napolean, who took inspiration from an ant to overcome failures for achieving his target, the Chief Minister called upon the people to fully support the state government to remove this curse from the state.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Mr. Harpreet Singh, Chairman Punjab Agro Food grains Corporation Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, Member Punjab State Women Commission Ms. Veerpal Kaur Tarmala, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary Irrigation Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh.

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Congress always played dirty politics to divide the agricultural community of Punjab and Haryana-Sukhbir Singh Badal

(Congress instigated water conflicts instead of giving packages to both states to develop water saving irrigation systems)

(Haryana all set to vote INLD-SAD alliance to power to begin a new friendship chapter between two states)

(In assembly polls people of Haryana would completely root out ‘Congress grass’)

New Delhi, September 13-Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today launched frontal attack on Congress leadership for playing dirty politics to divide agricultural community of Punjab and Haryana by instigating and promoting bilateral disputes between two states to meet their petty interests.

In a meeting with delegation of farmers from Punjab and Haryana during Sangat Darshan program here at Punjab Bhawan on Saturday, Mr. Badal alleged that Congress government had spend crores on water disputes and digging canals to seep water out of Punjab but they had never thought of spending half of this money on providing affordable water saving irrigation technologies to farmers.

He said that Congress were well aware of the fact that green revolution would have negative impact on the ground water index in both states thus the party used the scarcity of water as a tool of conflict between two states.

Mr. Badal said that had the congress been loyal to the national interests it had provided enough packages to both states to promote drip irrigation like water saving systems. He questioned that if a country like Israel opted such technologies to become self sufficient in agricultural production than why Congress governments, which ruled the agro based nation for 65 years, failed to apply this formula in the country. He said that answer to this question lies in the intention of Congress party which always preferred ‘divide and rule policy’ at the cost of development of the nation.

Describing Shiromani Akali Dal-Indian National Lok Dal alliance as alliance between the people of two states, De[puty CM said that Haryana was all set to vote for INLD-SAD alliance to begin a new chapter of friendship between the two neighbouring states. He said that combination of the most natural alliance of SAD-BJP and brotherly alliance between two states INLD-SAD would begin a new era of prosperity, development and brotherhood in this region of India. He said that this alliance would also root out congress grass from the area between Punjab and Delhi.

On the issue of fixing of Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops as per the recommendations of Swaminathan Commission, Mr. Badal asserted that farmers of Punjab and Haryana were always united on this issue and INLD-SAD alliance has always put this agenda on its priority list. He said that Congress was well aware of the fact that once farmers of both states got united on one platform it could not be possible for the party to ignore them thus it had created divisions between them.

In Sangat Darshan today 317 persons came to put their grievances before Deputy Chief Minister. Mr. Badal directed the officials of concerned departments to redress these immediately. Meanwhile, Mr. Badal also requested the people not to bring any request regarding transfers and recommendation for recruitment in jobs. He said that Punjab government was committed to do all recruitments on merit basis.

Prominent amongst others Mr. P. S. Aujla Principal Secretary to Deputy CM and Mr. Ashwani Kumar Special Secretary to Deputy CM were also present on this occasion.

PUNJAB SUSPENDS IGP GAUTAM CHEEMA

Chandigarh, September 13:

The Punjab Government has today placed Mr. Gautam Cheema, IPS, Inspector General of Police, under suspension with immediate effect.

According to a spokesperson of Department of Home Affairs and Justice a complaint was filed by Smt. Kricpy Khera, Smt. Maninder Gulati and Smt. Amarpreet Verma against Mr. Gautam Cheema. He said that to ensure free and fair probe regarding the allegations Mr. Cheema placed under suspension with immediate effect. He further said that during suspension period his headquarter would be the office of Director General of Police, Punjab, Chandigarh.

PUNJAB STARTS RECRUITMENT PROCESS OF 43 TEHSIL WELFARE OFFICERS

- ONLINE APPLICATIONS CAN BE SUBMITTED FROM SEP. 15 TO OCT. 7

Chandigarh, September 13:

The Punjab government has started recruitment process of 43 Tehsil Welfare Officers to strengthen the Welfare Department, especially at the Tehsil level for ensuring proper delivery of Welfare schemes to the beneficiaries in the remote villages. Punjab Welfare Minister Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike said that welfare department has started the recruitment process and these vacancies would be filled very soon.

Divulging the details, a spokesperson said that applications can be submitted online only atwww.punjabscholarships.gov.in from September 15 to October 7, 2014. He said that graduate in any discipline from a recognized university and punjabi passed at the level of matric or equivalent can apply for the post of Tehsil Welfare Officer. He further said that candidates can get information regarding detail of posts, reservation charts, qualifications, age limit and other terms and conditions etc. from the website.

Punjab IAS Officers donate one day slaray toward Jammu and Kashmir flood relief fund

Chandigarh, Sepembter 13;

All IAS Officers of Punjab have decided to donate one day salary for Jammu and Kashmir flood relief fund.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Suresh Kumar, President, Punjab IAS Officers Association said that in this hour of distress and calamity, the IAS officers of Punjab have decided to express their solidarity with the flood affected people of J & K by this gesture.

Mr. Gurkirat Singh, General Secretary of this association has requested Mr. Vikas Partap, Secretary Personnel to issue instructions to all Drawing and Disbursing Officers to deduct one day salary from the September Pay of IAS Officers and forward the same to J & K flood relief fund.

PUNJAB CM's J&K INITIATIVE TAKES OFF WITH ONE LAC FOOD PACKETS

· BADAL APPEALS PEOPLE TO DONATE GENEROUSLY TO BAIL OUT THE DISTRESSED FAMILIES IN J&K

Chandigarh, September 12

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal's initiative for relief to the beleaguered victims of unprecedented floods in J&K today took off as the Punjab Government dispatched one lac cooked food packets for the victims of the worst ever natural calamity that ravaged the Valley beyond anyone’s imagination.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that out of nearly one lac cooked food packets, 26,000 have been contributed by SGPC and the rest have been donated by the prominent religious and social organizations of Rupnagar, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Amritsar and Jalandhar. Apart from this, nearly 600 blankets, 35 quintals of dry ration and clothing kits have been dispatched from Amritsar through special IAF plane.

Expressing solidarity with the government and the people of J&K in their hour of crisis, Mr. Badal had assured the J&K government of all possible help and support. Responding to an appeal issued by the Chief Minister, various voluntary, social and religious organizations, including the SGPC have pooled in with liberal help.

The spokesperson further said that on the directions of Mr. Badal, the state Chief Secretary was overall coordinating the entire relief operations from Punjab for the flood affected families in J&K. Principal Secretary Coordination Mr. Sanjay Kumar has been deputed as nodal officer for keeping liaison with all the Deputy Commissioners in the state for the dispatch of relief material from different parts of the state and Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan, New Delhi Mr. K.Shiva Parshad has been asked to coordinate with the Ministry of Defence and the J&K government to assess the demand for relief material as per their requirement to be sent from Punjab. Likewise, Deputy Commissioners of Amritsar and SAS Nagar (Mohali) have been asked to coordinate with the Airport Authorities at Amritsar and Chandigarh to ensure timely and safe air lifting of relief material to the J&K.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the people of Punjab to donate generously for this noble cause as the Punjabis were known for magnanimity and sense of belongingness world over and called upon them to demonstrate their all pervasive spirit of charity.

CONTROL ROOMS SET UP AT MOHALI AND AMRITSAR FOR THE COLLECTION AND LIFTING OF RELIEF MATERIAL TO J&K

· VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS ASKED TO CONTACT NODAL OFFICERS AT CONTROL ROOMS

· 1.90 LAC COOKED FOOD PACKETS, BISCUITS AND DRINKING WATER BOTTLES DISPATCHED TO J&K IN FOUR IAF PLANES

· ANOTHER IAF PLANE CARRYING 26,000 FOOD PACKETS AND 175 KG DRY MILK LEFT FOR J&K FROM AMRITSAR

Chandigarh, September 12

On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Controls Rooms have been set up at SAS Nagar (Mohali) and Amritsar to enable the various social, voluntary and religious organizations besides other NGOs for dispatching the relief material to the flood stricken valley in J&K.

Disclosing this here a spokesperson of the CMO said that the organizations desirous of sending relief material to J&K could contact Control Room Mohali at Telephone No. 0172-2220152. ADC (General) Ms. Poonamdeep Kaur (94140-08686) has been made overall in charge in this regard. Collection Centre for relief material has been set up Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib, Phase-8 Mohali and Dispatch Centre at Chandigarh Airport under the supervision of SDM Mohali Mr. Lakhvir Singh (94172-50172) and SDM Dera Bassi Mr. Sanjeev Kumar (98146-43678) respectively. In case of any emergency, the concerned organization could contact the Deputy Commissioner Mr. TPS Sidhu on his Cell No.-9888987867

Likewise, another Control Room has been set up at Amritsar with Telephone No. 0183-2226161, 2226162 under the overall supervision of SDM Baba Bakala Mr. Rohit Gupta.

It may be recalled that 1.90 lac cooked food packets besides large quantities of biscuits and drinking water bottles have been dispatched from Mohali in four IAF planes till 5 pm. Similarly, another IAF plane carrying 26,000 food packets besides 175 kg milk left for dispatched for Srinagar from Amritsar Airport at 1 pm.

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PUNJAB TO DEMAND REVIEW OF TAX HOLIDAY GRANTED TO NEIGHBORING STATES FROM CENTER GOVT - BADAL

· CM TO DEMAND SPECIAL INDUSTRY PACKAGE FROM CENTER GOVT

· WOULD OPEN ANGANWARI IN EVERY VILLAGE, BADAL

Gohlewala (Talwandi Sabo), Sep 12

Punjab would soon impress upon the Central government for review of the tax holiday granted to neighboring states, which was proving to be detrimental for the growth of industry in state, said the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal while addressing media persons on the last leg of his two-day Sangat Darshan program in the Talwandi Sabo assembly constituency.

He said Punjab would take up the cudgels of cause for industry and besides demanding review of the special facilities granted to neighboring states, it would also ask for special package for the state’s industrial sector.

Mr. Badal said that it has been three months only since the NDA government has taken over the reins of country. “The Modi led NDA government is busy putting nation back on track of development where the Congress had miserably failed,” he said.

Interacting with the youngsters of village Gohlewala, Mr. Badal said there was urgent need to set up skill development centers so that the young people are imparted vocational skills and turn out to be industry ready professionals. He called upon youngsters to develop into entrepreneurs by adopting dairy and allied sectors that also generates employment.

Talking about the state government’s ambitious project in ensuring better child care and development, the Chief Minister said that government was introducing at least one anganwari in each village. Mr. Badal said that the officers have been asked to provide funds for setting up anganwari in all nearly 13000 villages of the state so that every child gets proper nutrition and care.

Besides this the government was also committed to provide drinking water in each village for which efforts were being done on war footing. He directed the public works department to work on people’s priority and fulfill the basic amenity of clean drinking water.

He added that the Sangat Darshan programs have heralded new chapter in good administration, wherein government feels the pulse of common man and solves the issue. “Sangat darshans are an open platform for people to come forward with their issues,” he said appealing people to bring their complaints at the sangat darshan programs.

Mr. Badal also directed the state officials to ensure that Prime Minister’s Jan Dhan Yojana was successfully implemented. He directed the state government officials to ensure that the bank account of each resident of Punjab is opened within a month’s time so that no one is bereft of the benefit Prime Minister’s ambitious scheme. He said that the Modi government has floated this scheme with an earnest desire to ensure that subsidies, pensions and other grants reach beneficiaries directly in their accounts. The accounts are opened free of cost and the account holder is provided Rs. 1 lac insurance cover without paying any premium.

Chief Minister’s Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema accompanied him during the Sangat Darshan in villages Manuana, Mirjeana, Kaureana, Kalalwala, Fatta Balu, Gohlewala and others. Prominent among others present included the area MLA Mr. Jeet Mohinder Sidhu, deputy commissioner Dr Basant Garg, SSP Mr. Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, SAD press secretary Mr. Om Prakash Sharma and others.

RAJAYDEEP AND ARCHIT WATTS BEREAVED

· CM CONDOLES DEATH OF THEIR GRANDMOTHER

· DEPUTY CM AND MAJITHIA ALSO MOURNS THE DEMISE OF LAJWANTI DEVI

Chandigarh, September 12-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Smt. Lajwanti Devi (85), the grandmother of Principal Correspondent of Daily Post posted at Bathinda Mr. Rajaydeep and Staff Correspondent of The Tribune posted at Sri Muktsar Sahib Mr. Archit Watts.

In a condolence message, the Chief Minister shared his heart felt sympathies with the members of bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to family members for bearing this irreparable loss in this hour of grief.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also condoled the passing away of Smt. Lajwanti Devi.

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BADAL ASKS PM TO TAKE UP THE ISSUE OF ENSURING SECURITY AND SAFETY OF SIKHS IN PAKISTAN WITH NAWAJ SHARIF

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 12:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi seeking his prompt intervention to take up the issue of ensuring safety and security of life and property of the Sikh community as well as members of the other minority communities with his Pakistani counterpart Mr. Nawaz Sharif.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. Badal said that after having taken cognizance of the extremely disturbing media reports originating recently from Pakistan about a spate of targeted killing of Sikhs and others belonging to the minority communities in that country.

Describing this issue of extreme urgency and concerning everyone in India in general and the members of the Sikh community in particular, Mr. Badal apprised the Prime Minister that several innocent Sikhs have been killed by unknown assailants in different parts of Pakistan in recent weeks (as per the report in Hindustan Times of September 9, 2014). The newspaper in its report has confirmed the identities of two such victims as S. Amarjeet Singh and S. Harjit Singh of Peshawar. The report also quoted local Sikh community leaders as saying that S. Amarjeet Singh’s killing was the sixth or seventh such case of killing of community members in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone.

The Chief Minister further referred to reportedly wide-spread atmosphere of panic in minority community families in Pakistan following these targeted killings. There was also a wave of anger against the government there for its reported failure to arrest the killers, and take effective steps for providing safety and security to members of the beleaguered Sikh community there.

It may be recalled that the newspaper reported the possibility of a nationwide stir against the government in Pakistan over the issue. A protest march was held in the North-West Mardan city on September 8, 2014 to demand action against the guilty and to put pressure on the government to provide security to the members of the minority communities in that country, especially the Sikhs. Many of the victims happened to be businessmen and traders.

PDDB INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR DAIRY TRAINING COURSE IN FIVE DISTRICTS

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 12: Punjab Dairy Development Board (PDDB) has invited applications for Dairy Training Course in five districts with a view to educate farmers about growing benefits in dairy profession. The farmers can get the scientific and modern training at five centres in the state.

Giving Details, a spokesperson said that Dairy Development, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike has finalised the schedule of proposed training program for the expansion of Dairy farming in the state. He said that 45 days Dairy Entrepreneurship Training course would be started from October 13, 2014 at Dairy Training and Extension Centers, Bija (Ludhiana), Chttamli (Ropar), Verka (Amritsar), Gill (Moga) and Abul Khurana (Sri Mukatsar Sahib). The Training Course would be on the basis of ‘first come first serve’ and the selection committee would interview the eligible candidates on September 22, 2014.

He further said that besides, giving knowledge on different techniques of dairy farm management, the candidates would be imparted training in artificial insemination, pregnancy diagnosis and milk handling etc. Interested candidates can contact at District offices or concerned Dairy Training and Extension Centres or log on website www.pddb.in.

PUNJAB DEPUTES NODAL OFFICERS TO DISPATCH RELIEF MATERIAL TO FLOOD RAVAGED J & K

· ONE LAKH FOOD PACKETS, FOR TODAY’S CONSUMPTION, DISPATCHED TO THE HILL STATE

Chandigarh, September 12:

Punjab Government has deputed the Deputy Commissioners of Amritsar, Ludhiana and Mohali as Nodal Officers to facilitate the dispatch of relief material to the flood ravaged Jammu and Kashmir.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that, tones of relief material from across the Punjab, has been pouring in since the news of devastated flood fury in J & K had hit the headlines. He said the Nodal officer would ensure the hassle free transit of this relief material destination in J & K. He said that Mr. Davinder Singh, Senior Assistant at Civil Control Room,Punjab Civil Secretariat-1 has been made the Nodal Officer at the state level.

The spokesperson said that deputy commissioner of all other districts have also been asked to depute nodal officer of their district at their end to act swiftly for collecting and dispatching the relief material to the flood wrecked state. He said that on December 12one lakh meal packets collected from different parts of the state have been dispatched to J& K. He said that Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandar has also been arranging blankets besides food packets. He said that Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar would oversee the relief activities of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Jalandar, Kapurthala, Faridkot, Gurdaspur, Nawan Shahr and Hoshiarpur whereas DC Ludhiana would look after the districts of Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur and DC Mohali would supervise flood relief activities of district Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib and Ropar.

PUNJAB TO ENCOURAGE MECHANICAL MOWING OF STRAW TO STOP IT’S BURNING- TOTA SINGH

· TO SUBSIDIZE MOWING MACHINES

· PUNJAB GETS RS.82.5 CRORE GRANT UNDER NATIONAL HORTICULTURE MISSION

· VEGETABLE AND FRUIT GROWERS TO GET SUBSIDY ON SOLAR MOTOR PUMPS

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 12:

Concerned by rising air pollution level by burning of straw and agriculture waste during harvesting seasons, the Punjab Agriculture Department has decided to motivate farmers to adopt mechanical mowing machines to mow straw in earth rather than burning it.

Agriculture Minister Jathedar. Tota Singh said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal was concerned about rising air pollution level due to burning of straw and approved subsidy on mowing machines to motivate farmers to adopt new eco friendly technology. He said that the Punjab government has taken this step to reduce environmental pollution done by burning the straw residue and maintain productivity of the soil. Jathedar Tota Singh said that such low cost new technique machines are developed in the state so that we need not to purchase such machines on high price from other countries. He said that Punjab Government would provide these machines to the cooperative societies which would be utilized by the farmers.

The Agriculture Minister appealed to the progressive farmers to use this new technology and encourage other farmers for to use this technology. ‘Punjab Agriculture department would also organize camps and exhibitions to educate farmers about the benefits of the new technology to deal with straw residue.

Earlier in the meeting the Horticulture department officials briefed about the Rs 82.5 crore grant received under the National Horticulture Mission programme. In a two hour long discussion progressive farmers presented their views about the proper utilization of this grant to promote Horticulture farming in the state.

After giving a patient hearing to diverse views of the progressive farmers Jathedar Tota Singh said that Punjab Government has decided to provide subsidy on solar pumps from 2 to 7.5 horse power to the fruit and vegetable farmers. He asked the farmers to avail this facility to solve the issue of electricity supply to the farmers during the wheat cultivation season.

The Minister also expressed a deep concern over the extensive usage of pesticides and insecticides that was having adverse effect not only the quality of the vegetables, fruits and other crops but also giving a bad name to the whole state. He said that due to this our products were not able to maintain international standards and therefore we are not able to sell our vegetables and fruits etc in the international markets.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Chief parliamentary Secretary Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babehali, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Commissioner Agriculture Dr. Balwinder Singh Sidhu, Director Horticulture Dr. Lajwinder Singh, Joint Director Horticulture Dr. Gurkanwal Singh and progressive framers of the state.

BADAL SEEKS DIRECTIONS FROM CENTRE FOR OFFERING HELP TO J&K FLOOD VICTIMS IN THE BEST POSSIBLE MANNER

Chandigarh, September 11

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought directions from Centre to offer all possible help to the flood affected people of J&K state in the best manner after consulting the J&K government.

In separate letters to the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh and Union Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley, the Chief Minister said that unprecedented calamity had struck Jammu & Kashmir last week, in which many precious lives had been lost in this worst ever catastrophe besides large number of people were rendered homeless. While the assessment of damage to individual property and vital infrastructure in the state would take some time; the Punjab Government was keen to render immediate assistance to the J&K Government in handling this grave situation by all means in terms of food article supplies, medicines, doctors, blankets, clothes or anything else the Government of J&K needed.

Mr. Badal said, “My heart goes out for the people of J&K who have suffered this disaster. The people of Punjab and my government share the grief with the people of J&K and express complete solidarity with them in this hour of crisis. We may also be informed of the nodal authorities, which could be contacted in this regard. We have not been able to establish contact with the government of J&K despite our best efforts.”

Mr. Badal also apprised the Centre that he had personally urged the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) to send food articles to J&K.

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Sukhbir Badal finalizes launch of e-stamping from next month

(Asks DCs to make this unique program a big success)

(Presents demo of computerization of stamp duty system)

Chandigarh, September 11: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukbir Singh Badal today finalized the initiation of unique e-stamping program besides directing all Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to launch e-stamping by mid October.

In a high level meeting here flanked by Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Deputy Chief Minister asked the senior officers of revenue department, divisional commissioners and DCs to ensure all land registrations and mutation of deeds should be done under e-stamping after mid of next month.

He asked DCs to get included all stakeholders including stamp vendors to involve and educate them about the computerization of stamp duty advanced system (C-SDAS) so that this unique program could be implemented in true spirit. He said that all deeds and land registrations above Rs. 50,000 would be made under e-stamping.

Informing the meeting that Punjab was signing an agreement with Stock Holding Corporation of India, a central record keeping agency, to implement and monitor the program properly, he said that the required training to the users as well as staff of sub registrar officers and other concerned officers would also be imparted. He asked DCs to ensure effective and speedy implementation of this program for the facilitation of people.

While presenting a presentation in this regard, the Deputy CM elaborated the benefits of e-stamping system he said that stamp certificate could be generated within minutes and tamper proof. Terming it cost savings and user friendly he added that e-stamp certificates would have a unique identification number and its authenticity could be checked any time any where. Besides, specific denomination is also not required. The e-stamping has an easy accessibility and faster processing having secure storage of certificates.

Punjab Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia informed the meeting that the program should be launched well in time. He asked DCs of SAS Nagar, Jalandhar and Bathinda to make sure the necessary arrangements and requisite infrastructures for launching of e-stamping as these districts have been chosen under pilot project in first phase from next month. Adding further he said that after its success in three districts the program would be launched in other districts in the coming months.

It is mentioned here that to implement this system in the state the central record keeping agency (SHCIL) would be responsible for user registration, overall e-stamping application operations and maintenance. It will appoint authorised collection centers (ACC's) that will issue certificates to the clients at their counters. The scheduled banks, post offices, stamp vendors, self help groups or societies could apply to facilitate clients as ACCs. The clients could pay stamp duty amount through various modes like cash, cheque, demand draft, pay order, RTGS, NEFT or account to account transfer.

DCs TO ENSURE ZERO CORRUPTION IN GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND PROPER IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW MINING POLICY-SUKHBIR BADAL

· Directs DCs to immediately take action on people grievances forwarded to them

· DCs to ensure reduction in sand prices

Chandigarh, September 11 Punjab Deputy chief minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today directed deputy commissioners to perform or perish saying they must reduce delays in implementation of government schemes, ensure timely delivery of services and check corruption in their districts. He also directed them to implement the new mining policy strictly and enjoined them to respond to people’s grievances including web-complaints forwarded to them from his office immediately.

Addressing a meeting of deputy commissioners held here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. Badal directed Deputy Commissioner to ensure zero corruption in the government offices by getting feedback from the people. He said every deputy commissioner must forward the feedback, especially on the registries done in their areas, to their divisional commissioners and the chief secretary on a daily basis. The Deputy CM also directed the Commissioners and the chief secretary to check the reports submitted by the DC’s regularly to stamp out corruption.

Mr Badal also disclosed in the meeting that he was getting a number of complaints and grievances through email and web portal feedback. He issued instructions to the deputy commissioners to take immediate action on all the grievances and complaints being forwarded to them besides giving a feedback regarding their current status to his office.

Issuing instructions to reduce sand prices as per the new mining policy immediately, the Deputy CM said that deputy commissioners must keep a vigil on sand mining as well as its distribution through Punjab Mandi Board to ensure sand was provided to customers in a timely manner at reasonable prices. Mr. Badal asked the deputy commissioners to immediately report to chief secretary whenever and wherever sand prices crossed the price set by them.

Reviewing the drug de-addiction program, Deputy CM asked the deputy commissioners to coordinate with district police in charges to create congenial atmosphere for de-addicted persons to bring them back to normal life. He also took feedback regarding infrastructure and other requirements for the successful implementation of drug de-addiction program. He asked the deputy commissioners to put their maximum efforts to save the next generation and assured that state would fulfill all the requirements needed to make the drug de-addiction program a success.

Reviewing the implementation of Social welfare schemes, Mr. Badal directed the secretary, Food Supplies to work on computerisation of distribution of wheat and pulses under Atta-Dal scheme to ensure that wheat and pulses reached the consumer in time. He also directed the concerned secretaries and deputy commissioners to ensure that the Atta-Dal scheme, Shagun scheme, Pension scheme and other social security schemes were implemented efficiently

Reviewing the acquisition of land under National Highways Act, Deputy Chief Minister said that the centre had sanctioned 4 and 6 lane National Highway projects worth Rs 10000 crores for Punjab. He said that these highways would cross through almost all the cities and districts of state and directed deputy commissioners to ensure timely land acquisition for the same by October 15.

In today’s meeting the other issues which were discussed in-depth were regularisation of plots and colonies in the state, rationalisation of collector rates, pending Suvidha Centres applications and RTS applications beyond RTS deadline, relief measures on account of recent rains, water logging and floods in State. Besides this, progress of solid waste management projects, acquisition of land for STP’s and computerisation of land records and implementation of e-stamping were also discussed with the deputy commissioners.

Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Jangveer Singh, Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal, Financial Commissioner Revenue N.S Kang, Principal Secretary to CM S.K.Sandhu, Principal Secretary Governance Reforms C. Roul, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister P.S Aulja, Principal Secretary Health Vinni Mahajan, and Deputy Commissioners of all districts.

Punjab to prepare comprehensive plan to save the crops from wild animals in Kandi Belt-Sukhbir Singh Badal

(To provide barbed wires on subsidized rates for fencing of fields)

(Announces to construct 18 feet road from Tibba Taprian to Kanpur Khuhi)

Jhandiyan (Roopnagar), September 11- Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that state government would prepare a comprehensive plan to save the crops from wild animals in Kandi areas of Roopnagar and Hoshiarpur districts. Besides, he also announced to provide barbed wires on subsidized rates to farmers for fencing around their fields.

After laying the foundation stone of Maharaj Lal Das Brahma Nand Bhurri Wale Community Health centre at Village Jhandiyan along with head of Bhurri Wala Sect Swami Chetna Nand here on Thursday, Mr. Badal said that the farmers of Kandi belt were facing major trouble form wild animals especially pigs that damages their crops. To overcome this problem he announced to call a meeting with wildlife and forest department officials to kick off a campaign for sterilization of pigs also.

Answering a query about the preparations of Shiromani Akali Dal for the upcoming Assembly elections in Haryana state, Deputy CM said that SAD was fully geared up to wipe out scam ridden state congress government from political scenario and candidates from Ambala and Kalanwali assembly constituencies would be announced in next 2 days.

Talking about the memorandum presented by Swami Chetna Nand, Mr. Badal also announced to construct 18 feet roads from Bunga to Noorpur Bedi at a cost of Rs. 8 crore and Tibba Tapriyan to Kanpur Khuhi within a year. He also informed that a new bus service would also be started after the construction of these roads.

On the demand of providing drinking water facility in Kandi area, Mr. Badal said that in next year 200 deep tubewells would be installed that would provide free water drinking water in all villages in the semi hilly areas. Deputy CM also approved the project proposal worth Rs. 24 crore to provide safe drinking water to 46 villages that has already been submitted by Education Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema. He also declared that Rs. 20 crore would be spent on augmentation of basic civic amenities in next year. Mr. Badal has announced a discretionary grant of Rs. 5 Lakh each for Bhurri Wala Education Trust and Gaushala being run by the Ashram.

Lauding the efforts of Bhurri Wale sect for providing education and health services in backward kandi area, Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government would provide all kind of help to this sect.

On the occasion Member Parliament Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra and Education Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema has also addressed the gathering and thanked Deputy Chief Minister for the announcements he made for the public of kandi belt.

Prominent amongst others present on the occassion included Chief Parliamentary Secretary Chaudry Nand Lal, SGPC members Amarjit Singh Chawla and Paramjit Singh Lakhewal, Shiromani Akali Dal district president urban Paramjit Singh Makkar, Chairman Central Coopreative Bank Patiala Harinder Singh Chandumajra, Chairman, Education Trust Mahinder Singh Baghi, Deputy Commissioner Tannu Kashyap and SSP Varinderpal Singh. EOM

Punjab Speaker Nominated As Member Of Lok Sabha Committee Of Presiding Officer

Chandigarh: 11 September,

Speaker Lok Sabha Mrs. Sumitra Mahajan has nominated Dr. Charnjit Singh Atwal Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha as Member on Committee of Presiding Officers to look into all aspects of the Office of Presiding officers to look into all aspects of the Office of Presiding Officers. He has been nominated to a separate committee to look into the problem of Disruptions of Question hour.

Owing to his vast acknowledgement as a Parliamentarian Par Excellence, Dr. Atwal has also been nominated as Regional Representative from India Region in the Executive Committee of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, London(U.K), for the period from 2014 to 2016 and he is also as a member of the Executive Committee of the CPA India Region from 15.08.2014 to 14.08.2017.

The committee of presiding officers to look into all aspects of the office of the presiding officer includes Deputy Speaker, Lok Sabha as Chairman with Dr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker, Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Speaker, Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri Kailash Chandra Meghwal, Speaker, Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha, Shri P. Dhanapal, Speaker, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Shri Ramendra Chandra Debnath, Speaker, Tripura Legislative Assembly, Shri Govind Singh Kunjwal, Speaker, Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha and Shri Biman Bandhyopadhyay, Speaker, West Bengal Legislative Assembly as members. Shri P.K. Grover, Secretary-General, Lok Sabha would be Secretary to the committee.

Similarly, The committee of Presiding Officers to look into the Problem of Disruptions of Question Hour includes Prof. P.J. Kurien, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha as Chairman with Dr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Dr. K. Siva Prasad Rao, Speaker, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Shri Gauri Shanker Agarwal, Speaker, Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha, Shri Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, Speaker, Gujarat Legislative Assembly, Shri Mubarak Gul, Speaker, Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Shri G. Karthikeyan, Speaker, Kerala Legislative Assembly, Shri Chotisuh Sazo, Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Shri Mata Prasad Pandey, Speaker, Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha as members. Shri P.K. Grover, Secretary-General, Lok Sabha would also be Secretary to the committee.

URVEILLANCE TEAMS TO CONDUCT SURPRISE RAIDS TO CHECK SUPPLY OF ADULTERATED SWEETS DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON: JAYANI

· HEALTH MINISTER ASKS OFFICIALS TO COLLECT SAMPLES OF SWEETS ON REGULAR BASIS

· SURVEILLANCE TEAMS TO KEEP A VIGIL ON FLOW OF ADULTERATED MILK CHEESE FROM OTHER STATES

· STRICT ACTION AGAINST OFFICIALS SHOWING LAXITY TO CHECK ADULTERATION IN FOOD PRODUCTS

Chandigarh, September 11: The Punjab Government has geared up to put a complete ban on the adulterated food products in the state. The Government has asked the officials to be launch a state wide campaign to collect samples of food products keeping in mind the coming festive season. The Punjab Health Minister Mr. Surjeet Kumar Jayani while presiding over a meeting of the district food safety officers directed that Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal has asked him nobody should be allowed to play with the lives of people by supplying adulterated Sweets, Cheese and Milk etc during the coming festive season.

Mr. Jayani directed the food safety officers to keep proper surveillance in the markets to check adulterated supply of sweets and no shopkeeper should be allowed to store Sweets in the store houses in abundance. He also asked the officers to raid all possible store houses such as cold stores etc and collect samples of collect samples on regular basis. He said that all below standard or expired food products should be destroyed in personal presence and big fines should be imposed on the people playing with the lives of people.

Minister also asked the officials to put surveillance teams to check flow of adulterated sweets and other milk products from other states. h He asked the officials to be strict and don’t listen to the approaches of such people involved in supplying adulterated food products. He also warned officials that state level teams would also conduct surprise checks across the state to check adulteration and if field officials found not performing their duty properly then the department would take strong action against them also.

Minster also appealed to the public to provide information about the adulterators so that action could be taken against them. He also announced that identity of informers would not be made public and they would also be honoured by the department.

Others prominent present in the meeting included Mr. Husan Lal MD PHSC, Dr. Bhag Mall Joint Director Food & Drugs and all district food safety officers.

CM WRITES TO GADKARI FOR DIRECTING NHAI TO TAKE OVER PORTION OF NH-95 WITHIN MC LIMIT OF LUDHIANA MUNICIPAL CORPORATION FOR IMPROVEMENT

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 10:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport & Highways Mr. Nitin Jairam Gadkari to seek his personal intervention for issuing directions to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to take over the portion of NH-95 within the MC limit from the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana for its early improvement.

In a letter addressed to Mr. Gadkari, the Chief Minister apprised him that NH-95 was being 4-laned from Chandigarh up to Samrala Chowk Ludhiana by NHAI. Request For Quote (RFQ) for this prestigious project had already been invited. In addition to above NHAI has also taken up the work of 4-laning of Ludhiana- Ferozepur section on BOT basis and work at site was in progress. However, it has been learnt that a portion of about 10.00 KMs of NH-95 from Samrala Chowk up to MC limit Ludhiana which was under jurisdiction of Municipal Corporation Ludhiana has not been included in these projects. There was heavy vehicular traffic on this portion of National Highway, which resulted in frequent traffic jams due to number of busy intersections such as Bhai Bala Chowk, Aarti Chowk, PAU gate no.1 and 2 etc.

Mr. Badal further informed the Union Minister that the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana did not have sufficient funds for improvement and maintenance of this National Highway within MC limits. Therefore, it would be appropriate if this stretch of about 10 Km was also handed over to NHAI for improvement. Moreover, it would also lead to continuity of jurisdiction of NH-95 under NHAI. Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana was ready to handover this stretch to NHAI. The improvement of this portion would provide major traffic relief to the citizens of Ludhiana and enable commuters to enjoy full benefit of up-gradation of NH-95, the Chief Minister added.

BADAL ANNOUNCES HEALTH AUDIT OF EVERY CITIZEN IN PUNJAB TO ACHIEVE GOAL OF HEALTH FOR ALL

· ASKS HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO PREPARE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR ISSUING HEALTH CARD TO EVERY INDIVIDUAL IN PUNJAB

· ALSO APPROVES 11 NEW URBAN CHCs, 10 PHCs AND 23 HEALTH KIOSKS ACROSS THE STATE

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 10:

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to undertake ‘Health Audit’ of every citizen residing in the state for achieving the goal of health for all.

This decision was taken by Mr. Badal while presiding over the first meeting of the State Health Mission here today at CMO this morning. He directed the Health department to chalk out a comprehensive plan after meticulously studying the modalities to issue a Health Card to every citizen of the state as a part of health audit so as to enable them to lead a healthy, prosperous and cheerful life. The Chief Minister categorically directed the officers and workers of the health department to work relentlessly for further strengthening the health sector to provide proper and timely health care facilities to every person in the state at their door steps through Mobile Health Vans especially in the far-flung areas in the state.

He also approved to initiate a Pilot project in this respect under Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme in Balachaur and Mukandpur Blocks of District SBS Nagar, covering 210 villages with population 1,85,311. Under this project printed Family Health Cards would be initially maintained, which would be later converted into individual smart card with personal digital health record having tracking facility of particular person at all levels regarding health services.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also approved the construction of 11 new Urban CHCs at a cost of Rs. 35 crore, besides ten new Urban PHCs in the state. In another significant decision Mr. Badal also approved to establish 23 Urban Kiosks in the slum areas at a cost of Rs. 16.50 crore. Under this scheme, two Kiosks in Amritsar, four in Bathinda, six in Jalandhar, Seven in Ludhiana and one each in Patiala, Malerkotla, Khanna & Mohali would be set up. For strengthening the manpower in the state Health department, Mr. Badal also gave nod to recruit 33 full time and 60 part-time doctors, 186 Staff Nurses, 33 Pharmacists, 93 Lab Technicians and 340 ANMs and 2394 ASHAs. Mapping and survey of the 40 cities would also be conducted besides constituting 8974 Mahila Arogya Samitis soon after the deployment of ANMs and ASHAs.

The MD PSHC apprised Mr. Badal that work for the construction of new building of District Hospital Gurdaspur (Rs. 20 crore), major repair of District Hospital Ropar (Rs. 5 crore), additional & new building of SDHs at Derabassi and Sardulgarh (Rs. 10 crore) was under process. He said that the State was also constructing six Mother and Child Health (MCH) wings at a total cost of Rs.66.32 crore at Amritsar, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Barnala through expanding existing Health Infrastructure.

Referring to the state's new activities under NHM, he informed that both the National Rural Health Mission initiated in April 2005 and National Urban Health Mission -2013 had now been merged as National Health Mission. Working effectively under this mission, the state State Government was providing all deliveries and delivery related services free of cost to the pregnant women and had succeeded in reducing the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) to 25 (per 1000) besides Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) to 100 (per lakh). State had received incentive grant Rs 106.71 Crore in 2011-12 and Rs 109.32 crore in 2012-13 for reduction in IMR from the Centre. He further informed that prevention and reduction of anemia in women aged 15–49 years was 28%. He said that free treatment was also being provided to girl-child up to the age group of 5 years in the state. Under NHM 10 de-addiction centers with an outlay of Rs. 4.95 Crore – District Hospital (DH) Hoshiarpur, DH Gurdaspur, DH Pathankot, DH Barnala, DH Sangrur, DH Ludhiana, DH Fatehgarh Sahib, SDH Batala, SDH Malerkotla, CHC Khiala Kalan had been constructed to provide best de-addiction treatment to the drug addicts.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka, Education Minister Dr. DS Cheema, Mrs. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha (Both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries) Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Health Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Secretary Housing & Urban Development Mr. A Venu Parsad, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Managing Director Punjab Health System Corporation Mr. Hussan Lal, Director Social Security Ms. Alaknanda Dayal, Additional Secretary Public Relations Mr. Gurwaryam Singh, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr. Karanjit Singh.

BANGA AND BALACHAUR MARKET COMMITTEES OF SHAHEED BHAGAT SINGH NAGAR GET NEW CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS

· CM GIVES NOD FOR THESE APPOINTMENTS IN BANGA, BALACHAUR AND NAWANSHEHAR MARKET COMMITTEES

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 10:

The Punjab Government today nominated the new Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members in the three market committees of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file to this effect and orders regarding the nomination of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and members of market Committees Banga, Balachaur and Nawanshehar in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshehar) district would be issued shortly.

As per the orders Mr. Budh Singh and Mr. Sanjiv Jain have been respectively nominated the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Banga Market Committee whereas Mr. Harjit Singh, Mr. Jasbarinder Singh, Mr. Gurmail Singh, Mr.Avtar Singh, Mr. Harjeet Singh, Mr. Surinder Singh, Mr. Ram Lubhya, Mr. Malkeet Singh, Mrs. Ravinder Kaur, Mr. Kamal Chopra, Mr.Chajju Ram Aggarwal, Mr.Baldev Singh, Mr.Balvir Singh, Mr. Satnam Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Tirlochan Singh and Mr. Varinder Saini have been respectively nominated the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Balachaur Market Committee whereas Mr. Piara Singh, Mr. Ram Partap, Mr. Durga Dass, Mr. Piara Singh, Mrs. Gurmeet Kaur, Mr.Joginder Singh, Mr. Harkesh Rana, Mr. Hem Raj Dhakdhana, Mr. Tarsem Lal, Mr. Gurdev Singh Dhuman besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gurdev Singh, Mr. Sodhi Singh, Mrs.Kulwant Kaur, Mr. Makhan Singh, Mr.Joginder Ram, Mr. Kulvaran Singh, Mr.Parshotam Lal, Mr. Varinder Kumar, Mrs. Inderjit Kaur, Mr. Malvinder Singh, Mr. Hitesh, Mr. Joginder Pal, Mr. Sunil Mohan, Mr. Ram Singh, Mr. Tarlok Singh, Mr. Dildar Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the Market Committee Nawanshehar.

CM PRESIDES OVER PUNJAB STATE DRUG DE-ADDICTION AND REHABILITATION BOARD'S MEETING

ASKS CS TO WORK OUT LEGAL REMEDY TO BAILOUT DRUG ADDICTS ARRESTED WITH NON-COMMERCIAL QUANTITY OF DRUGS

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 9-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the massive campaign launched by the police department against the drug trafficking, besides ensuring elaborate arrangements by the Health Department for the rehabilitation of the drug addicts in the state.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Mr. Badal was presiding over a meeting of the 'Punjab State Drug de-Addiction and Rehabilitation Board' recently constituted to have better coordination and synergy in the initiatives aimed at eradicating the menace of drugs from the state.

Taking part in the deliberations during meeting the Inspector General of Police (Narcotic Cell) Mr. Ishwar Singh apprised the Chief Minister that focussing at the nil availability of narcotics in the state, Police had initiated this successful gigantic drive under which the total arrests made so far included about 25% of top smugglers and to arrest proclaimed offenders (POs), operation was being carried out at war footing. These efforts had brought nearly total cut-off the Narcotics supply line in the state, said IG.

The Chief Minister also approved the proposal mooted by the Chief Secretary that various drug addicts arrested with non-commercial quantity of drugs (self consumption quantity) during the state wide drive could bailout after signing a bond paper in the respective court, auguring to undergo anti-drug/detoxification treatment and regular monitoring in Government recognised drug de-addiction centre for a period of one year. Mr. Badal asked the Chief Secretary to review the 3677 such cases identified by the Jail and Police authorities and work out a legal remedy.

Meanwhile the Special Secretary Health informed the Chief Minister that as many as 2,61,132 drug addicts as outdoor patents (OPD) had been given treatment so far in the government hospitals, whereas indoor treatment had been provided to 7874 drug addicts in various government hospitals. At present a net work of total 21 DDA Centres and 18 Rehabilitation Centres across the state was available that would soon be more strengthened with the competition of under construction six new DDACs and five state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Centres. Requisite number of Psychiatrists and Consulars would also be arranged soon.

On the occasion Dr. Ajit Awasthi from the psychiatry department PGIMER appreciated the sincere efforts of the state government under the guidance of Mr. Badal. He said that undoubtedly this task was very tough but the speed with which the state government was handling it was really appreciable.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Health Mrs. Vinie Mahajan, Principal Secretary Home Mr. JS Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Managing Director Punjab Health System Corporation Mr. Hussan Lal, Secretary Technical Education Mr. Rakesh Verma, Special Principal Secretary Health Mr. Vikas Garg, Director Social Security Ms. Alaknanda Dayal, ADGP Prisons Mr. RP Meena, Inspector General of Police (Narcotic Cell) Mr. Ishwar Singh, Dr. Ajit Awasthi and Dr D Basu from the psychiatry department PGIMER and Director Health and Family Welfare Dr. Karanjit Singh, besides Commissioner Of Jalandhar, Patiala and Ferozpur divisiones Mr. R VenketRaman, Mr. AS Pannu, and Mr. VK Sharma .

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SAD-INLD would form government in Haryana-Sukhbir Singh Badal

Coalition with BJP in Punjab is permanent

5 more congress MLAs ready to join Akali Dal

Speaker administers oath to newly elected MLA Jeet Mohinder Sidhu

Chandigarh, September 9 – Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today said the INLD-SAD alliance would form the next government in Haryana, even as he emphasized that the SAD’s fight was with the Congress and not the BJP and that it would work to oust the corrupt Congress regime from Haryana politics.

Interacting with newsmen along with Vidhan Sabha Speaker Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal and Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia after the oath taking ceremony of newly elected MLA from Talwandi Sabo – Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu, the Deputy CM said the SAD’s ties with the INLD were decades old and would continue. He also disclosed that the SAD would announce its two candidates for the Ambala and Kolianwali assembly constituencies in the next two days.

When questioned about the ties with the BJP, the Deputy CM said the SAD’s ties with the BJP in Punjab were permanent and not open to any speculation or conjecture. He also announced that the alliance would fight the forthcoming civic polls together as per its traditional seat sharing formula.

Mr Badal also announced that five more MLAs were ready to join the Akali Dal and that the party was examining their requests as well as looking for appropriate time to induct them into the SAD fold.

Talking about the newly announced party structure, Mr. Badal said that in 1996 as per Moga resolution Shiromani Akali Dal has transformed itself into a Punjabi party. “It is in keeping with this ethos and identity that important responsibilities have been assigned to leaders of the hindu community as well as other communities in the organizational structure”, he added.

Talking about the reasons behind the proposed move to appoint four Youth Akali Dal presidents in Punjab, Mr. Badal said this would ensure more connectivity of the party with the masses at the grass root level.

Responding to the question about the allegations of horse trading by the AAP in Delhi, Mr. Badal said that “AAP is a group of frustrated persons and their chief Mr. Arvind Kejriwal has openly admitted that he made a mistake by resigning as chief minister of Delhi”. He said the BJP-SAD was all set to form the people friendly government in the national capital to fulfill the demands of the people.

Mr. Badal has also said that the Union Government under Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi had cleared road projects worth Rs. 8000 crore in 100 days which were pending under UPA rule for the last 3 years. On the demand of special economic package by the Punjab Government, Mr. Badal said “we are demanding only our right as Punjab has fought the nation’s war against terrorism and paid a heavy price of Rs. 2500 crore for this. Besides this keeping in view the contribution of Punjab for food grains in national kitty, the Union Government should announce an economic package for the state”, he added

Showing solidarity with the Jammu and Kashmir Government in the hour of crisis, Mr. Badal said “we are ready to help the neighbouring State in any manner. He said SGPC would also organize “langars” for the flood victims in Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier Speaker Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal administered the oath of secrecy and office to MLA Mr. Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu. EOM

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Sukhbir Badal creates solid waste management authority to monitor 8 solid waste clusters in state

(Reviews work status of all 8 municipal solid waste clusters)

(Total 137 urban local bodies in all clusters to lift daily 4065 tonne garbage)

Chandigarh, September 9: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today formed an exclusive Solid Waste Management Authority to administer the functioning of all proposed 8 solid waste management clusters in the state. He also fixed deadline of December 2015 for completion of this unique statewide project.

Presided over review meeting of solid waste management project accompanied by Local Government Minister Mr. Anil Joshi and Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Deputy Chief Minister finalized green cover norms besides giving nod to engage sufficient manpower to expedite the project. Mr. Badal asked Secretary Local Government and CEO PMIDC to ensure mandatory and adequate green cover norms. He said boundary walls of dumping sites should not be less than 15 feet along with green inside and outside green belts around the sites.

The Deputy CM also directed the authorities to implement and initiate the project in given time frame as this unique and prestigious project would also be further implemented in villages too. Mr. Badal also gave nod to the proposed appointment of requisite staff including Project Director, Assitant Project Director, Executive Engineers, Sub Divisional Officers at cluster level and other manpower in newly established authority for implementation of project in true spirit.

Mr. Badal asked Local Government Department to expedite the work in all 8 clusters where in 137 urban local bodies would lift 4065 tonnes of garbage daily by ensuring well-mannered door-to-door collection. Mr. Badal also finalized the centralized payment mechanism at cluster level, from where the payments would be drawn from dedicated fund.

Mr. Badal also gave strict directions to maintain cleanliness, green cover norms, dress code, covered vehicles and rickshaws in which garbage to be lifted and their scientifically land filling.

Apprising Deputy CM about current status of project Mr. J. M. Balamurgam Secretary Local Government cum CEO PMIDC said that Bathinda cluster would become fully operational for scientific collection of garbage and its processing by the mid of next year. He said that a chunk of 20 acres land for processing unit has been earmarked on Mansa Road. He said that formalities for Ferozepur cluster has been completed and physical work on this project would initiate very soon. He informed that by October this ongoing physical work in Ludhiana would be streamlined, whereas in Amristar the physical work would be allotted soon as the tenders have been floated.

Secretary Local Bodies Mr. Ashok Gupta informed that the project was on advanced stage of initiation at Mohali since GMADA has started the process of 50 acres land acquisition while the lands would be identified at Pathankot and Patiala very soon. He said that by the end of next year the four clusters would become fully operational and the remaining would become functional partially.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM Mr. P.S. Aujla, Special Principal Secretary to Deputy CM Mr Mavesh Singh Sidhu and Mr. Rahul Tiwari.

CM ADDRESSES PUBLIC GATHERING AT CHHAPAAR

CENTRE WOULD CERTAINLY BAIL OUT THE STATE FROM FINANCIAL CRISIS-BADAL

· NATIONAL LEADER OF STATURE LIKE MR. ARUN JAITLEY NEVER NURSE ANY GRUDGE AGAINST ANY INDIVIDUAL OR STATE

· SEEKS GoI INTERVENTION TO TAKE UP ISSUE OF SIKHS’ SECURITY AND SAFETY WITH PAKISTAN NATIONAL GOVT.

· PLEDGES ALL SUPPORT TO J&K TO MITIGATE THE SUFFERINGS OF KASHMIRIS BRETHREN AFFECTED BY FLASH FLOODS

· CONGRESS EVER REMAINED INIMICAL TO SIKHS BY MEDDLING IN THEIR RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

· MODI SPECIAL BOND FOR PUNJAB AND PUNJABIS WOULD ENSURE RICH DIVIDENDS

· AAP VANISHED LIKE A SAND DUNE BY SUDDEN WHIRLWIND

Chhapaar (Ludhiana), September 9

Silencing the controversy erupted over the issue regarding the denial of financial package to Punjab by the Union Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that he was confident that the Centre would certainly bail out the state from the financial stringency in the near future.

Talking to the media persons on the sidelines on the Chhapaar Mela, the Chief Minister categorically said that Mr. Arun Jaitley was a true statesman and a seasoned politician of high stature, who never nursed any personal grudge against any individual or party. Mr. Badal reiterated that the SAD-BJP has a pious and long lasting alliance, where such petty considerations have even no place in the minds of national leaders like Mr. Jaitley, who was ever vying to ensure overall development and prosperity of the states to make our nation strong without any bias or prejudice.

Replying to another question about making the Mr. Arun Jaitley’s letter public as demanded by PPCC President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa, the Chief Minister said that the said letter has been widely published in the media and now there was hardly any need to make it public.

Showing deep anguish and concern over the attacks on the Sikhs in Pakistan, the Chief Minister said that he would certainly take up this matter with the Union Government to seek their intervention to urge the Pakistan National Government to ensure the security and safety of the Sikhs living over there.

Expressing solidarity with the millions of J&K people tormented by the recent worst ever flash floods in the valley, the Chief Minister said that he would soon talk to his J&K counterpart Mr. Omar Abdullah to extend all possible assistance in this hour of crisis as per their requirements. Mr. Badal said that he had even asked the SGPC and other voluntary and religious organizations to come forward for organizing free community kitchens (langars) in the valley to provide food and succor to the distressed families. He also offered all sort of help to the J&K government for carrying out evacuation of marooned families stranded in deep waters and their subsequent rehabilitation.

Chiding the Congress for their partisan role to weaken the Sikh institutions, the Chief Minister said that the sacred Institutions like SGPC were the strong hold of Sikh community and such deliberate attempts to destabilize them would never be tolerated by the Sikhs. He said that it was very unfortunate and highly deplorable on the part of Congress to meddle in the religious affairs of the Sikhs, which had ever remained inimical to the Sikh community. Mr. Badal said that the Congress ruled states like Haryana and Maharashtra have vindicated our stand that Congress was an anti-Sikh party as it was solely responsible for creating separate Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee on one hand and diluting the membership of SGPC from four to one in the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Management Board, Nanded Sahib besides even denying the lone membership to the Chief Khalsa Diwan.

Earlier addressing the public gathering on the historic Chhapaar Mela, the Chief Minister highly appreciated the political acumen and leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, who had already won the hearts of billions of people across the world especially through his visits to Bhutan, Nepal and Japan to strengthen the bi-lateral ties with these countries. He said that SAD had special love and affection for Mr. Modi which was evident from the fact that the SAD was the first party which came forth to declare him as a future Prime Minister of the country even much before nearly three months from elections. He said Mr. Modi’s special bond for Punjab and Punjabis would ensure rich dividends to the state in the coming days adding Mr. Badal said that the period of three months in saddle was hardly any time to concentrate on all issues. Mr. Badal said that Punjab would be richly compensated for its enormous contribution in the National development especially in the field of agriculture, as this frontrunner state had been blatantly ignored by the previous Congress led UPA government.

Highlighting the major achievements of SAD-BJP alliance government in the field of education, health care and power, Mr. Badal said that the day was not very far of when Punjab would soon become No. 1 state in the country. He said that the state government was laying special emphasis on the core sector of health and education besides skill development to ensure gainful employability of the youth.

Making frontal attack on the AAP, the Chief Minister said that its sudden popularity has been completely vanished like a sand dune perished by the whirlwind. He said people have duly realized its real existence due to which its candidates could not even save their security deposits in the recently concluded by-poll to Patiala and Talwandi Sabo Assembly segments. He said it has no political future and could not befool innocent people of Punjab any longer.

Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon, Advisor to CM Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Mr. Manpreet Singh Ayali, Mr. SR Kaler, Mr. Iqbal Singh Jhunda, Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon (All MLAs), PSSSB Chairman Mr. Santa Singh Umaidpuri, Former Union Minister Mr. Balwant Singh Ramuwalia besides senior leaders and party workers of SAD-BJP.

INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

RAID BY CS TEAM FINDS 146 ABSENT IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

· DEPUTY DIRECTORS, DCFAs, LAW OFFICERs, SEs, XENs FOUND ABSENT

· CS ISSUES WARNING TO CVO OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PUNCTUALITY

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 9:

In continuation of the drive of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to ensure punctuality and regularity of Officers and Officials in all Government offices, a team led by Mrs. Gurpreet Sapra, Special Secretary (Personnel) inspected the office of Director, Rural Development and Panchayat and Joint Development Commissioner (IRD), in Sector 62, SAS Nagar today at 9.20 AM. Mr Hakam Singh, Joint Secretary (Vigilance) also joined the inspection team.

Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the team inspected office rooms of some senior level officers such as Director, Deputy Directors etc. and Administrative branches of the said Directorate and found 146 officers/officials absent which included Deputy Directors, DCFA's, Law Officers, Superintendent Engineers, XEN's and other Ministerial cadres.

The surprise check lasted from 9.20 A.M. till 9.50 AM. The team of senior functionaries of the Personnel Department collected all attendance registers of the offices and has already submitted its report to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Punjab. The Chief Secretary has ordered that Mr. M.S. Sandhu, Financial Commissioner, Rural Development and Panchayat should seek explanation of the absentee officers and officials and take necessary action within seven days. In case satisfactory explanations are not received within seven days, the absentee officers/officials shall be charge-sheeted by the competent authorities. The Chief Secretary Punjab has further ordered issuance of warning to the C.V.O of the Department due to his failure to ensure punctuality and regularity.

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ALL DEPARTMENTS ASKED TO INTEGRATE AADHAAR NUMBER WITH THE DEPARTMENTAL APPLICATIONS

DEPARTMENTS DIRECTED TO COLLECT AADHAAR NUMBER OF ALL APPLICANTS AND FEED IN THEIR SERVICE APPLICATION

Chandigarh, September 9:

The Punjab government has taken a major initiative of integrating Aadhaar number of applicants with all service delivery applications and all departments have been asked to collect the Aadhaar numbers of applicants and feed them in their software for proper integration. This initiative is being taken to identify the duplicate and bogus beneficiaries in the database besides bringing transparency in the whole system.

According to an official spokesman, a communiqué has been issued to all Financial Commissioners, Administrative Secretaries saying that task force established under Chief Secretary, Punjab to monitor various e-Governance Projects has decided that presently there are 2.3 crore Aadhaar Cards generated in the state and all departments should take steps to share the benefits of State Resident Data Hub (SRDH) and Aadhaar Seeding for universal integration of Aadhaar with all departmental applications.

The Governance Reforms department has asked all the Departments to start collecting the Aadhaar no./Acknowledgement no. from the people at the time of service application or service delivery or service application and store it in their Departmental Database. Besides this, the Departments have been asked to direct their system integrator for a provision to be made to store Aadhaar no./Acknowledgement no. in the department's application, so as to fully integrate it with the system.

Giving the details of SRDH, the communication emphasised that SRDH was a state level subset of National Aadhaar Database called Central Identification Repository (CIDR) and it included the information like Aadhaar number, name, address, date of birth, mobile no., email address and photograph of the residents. It said that SRDH can be accessed through a web portal and reports are available to download the village wise list of Aadhaar card holders in PDF format. It can be downloaded at district level and printouts can be shared which will help in Aadhaar seeding.

It was explained that many web services of SRDH can be helpful to the departments to connect the SRDH on demand and get the necessary information through their home servers. The Communication said that demography based search module can also be used to seed Aadhaar into departmental database in-organically.

The Departments have been asked to digitize their beneficiary masters through populating records from SRDH by collecting Aadhaar numbers of the beneficiaries as seeding of Aadhaar would help the department in identifying the duplicate and bogus beneficiaries in their database.

The spokesman said that departmental databases seeded with Aadhaar can communicate among each other using the common field-Aadhaar, which will be useful in making state level policies.

VIGILANCE NABS INSPECTOR FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLY IN GRAFT CASE

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 9:

Vigilance Bureau, Punjab today nabbed an Inspector, Food and Civil Supply Department red handed while receiving bribe of Rs. 3000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that Inspector Vishal Kumar, Food and Civil Supply Department, posted at Patiala was nabbed on the complaint of Mr. Baljit Singh of village Issarheri, District Patiala. The complainant, who was a depot holder, alleged that the Inspector Vishal Kumar has been demanding bribe from him on monthly basis.

On the tip off, a trap was laid by the team of Vigilance Bureau team headed by inspector Ramfal during which Inspector Vishal Kumar was caught red handed while accepting bribe of Rs. 3000 from the complainant.

Punjab extends date to pay property tax to September 30

Chandigarh, September 9: The Punjab government today announced to extend date of property tax payment without penalty or interest till September 30.

According to an official spokesperson, the Local Bodies Minister Mr. Anil Joshi had received representations from various organizations and societies in this regard. He said that after sympathetically considering their demand, Mr. Joshi has decided to extend the date for paying property tax without penalty or interest to September 30. He said that earlier the last date was August 31, 2014 for payment of Property tax without any penalty and interest.

PATWARI AND REGISTRY CLERK NABBED IN TWO DIFFERENT TRAPS

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 9:

The vigilance bureau has intensified its anti corruption campaign. During two different traps laid by the sleuths of vigilance bureau at two different locations, a registry clerk and a patwari were nabbed in graft cases.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the vigilance bureau said that the first trap was laid at district Gurdaspur where a registry clerk Kulwinder Singh deputed at Suwida Kendra, Gurdaspur was nabbed along with his private assistant Joginder pal with the bribe money of Rs. 6,000. Complainant Mr. Lakhbir singh of village Sekhwan, district Gurdaspur has alleged that the registry clerk was demanding bribe of Rs.6, 000 for providing him the true copies of a case.

In second such trap revenue patwari Sukha Singh, posted at revenue area Gulalipur, District Tarn Taran was nabbed alongwith his private assistant Gurbhaj Singh with the bribe money of Rs. 5,000. Patwari was demanding bribe from Mr. Gurmukh Singh of village of Gulalipur, District Tarn Taran in lieu of registering the mutation of his hereditary property.

CM REJECTS ANY POSSIBILITY OF REVIEWING POWER SUBSIDY IN THE STATE

TERMS SUBSIDIES AS A ‘GLOBAL PHENOMENON’

SAD-BJP ALLIANCE TO CONTEST CIVIC POLLS TOGETHER

EXTENDS FULSOME SUPPORT TO FLOOD RAVAGED JAMMU AND KASHMIR

ANNOUNCES TO CAMPAIGN FOR INLD IN HARYANA

INAUGURATES ULTRA MODERN CIVIL HOSPITAL AT NAWANSHEHAR

Nawanshehar (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar), September 9-

Out rightly rejecting any possibility of reviewing the ongoing power subsidy to the farmers in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the providing subsidies to compensate the farming community for ensuring food security was a ‘global phenomenon’.

Interacting with the media persons after dedicating the newly constructed ultra modern Civil Hospital to the nation here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that there was no need for reviewing or rationalizing the ongoing power subsidies to the farmers as it was the bounden duty of the state government to share the whopping burden, meted out by them while serving the entire country. He said that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state had played a vanguard role in making the country self reliant in food production and the power subsidy was a meager way to compensate them for this gigantic task. Mr. Badal said that the countries across the globe were assisting their food growers by extending them such subsidies adding that Punjab was no exception to it.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance would contest the coming civic body polls in the state together. He said that the necessary strategy for contesting these polls would be chalked out soon by the top brass of both the alliance partners.

Terming the floods in Jammu and Kashmir as a national tragedy, the Chief Minister said that the state would extend fulsome support and cooperation to the hill state in this hour of crisis. Expressing deep concern over the havoc and devastation caused by floods which left behind a trail of unprecedented death and destruction in the valley, Mr. Badal said that the Punjabis were firm believers of the ethos of universal brotherhood, communal harmony, tolerance and peace as propagated by the Sikh Gurus, saints and seers, therefore the state government would make all out efforts to help the Jammu-Kashmir government in rescue operations.

When asked to comment on INLD MP Mr. Dushyant Chautala’s statement that Mr. Badal would be the star campaigner of their party in Haryana, the Chief Minister said that SAD has always stood by the side of their allies and therefore he w ould be certainly campaign for INLD in the ensuing assembly polls. Mr. Badal said that the SAD and INLD had contested the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls together and there was hardly anything objectionable in it. “Late Chaudhary Devi Lal and his family have close ties with us, so both of us will contest these polls together” he added.

Later on while addressing a mammoth gathering the Chief Minister listed the initiatives taken by the state government to emerge Punjab as a major hub of Super Specialty treatment across the globe. He said that the setting up of the Homi Bhabha Cancer Treatment and Research Center at Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) was a right step towards this direction. Mr. Badal said that the state government has already made elaborate arrangements to provide state of the art treatment to the patients afflicted with the cancer in the Government Medical Colleges at Amritsar, Patiala and Faridkot besides the upcoming ultra modern Cancer treatment centers in Bathinda and Sangrur. He further said that the state government had also initiated a cashless treatment scheme for the cancer patients besides making efforts to provide subsidized medicines to them.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that the state government had already declared a war on drugs and crores of Rupees were being spent on the establishment of Drug de-addiction centers and Rehabilitation centers for drug addicts across the state. Highlighting the significance of Skill training, Mr. Badal said that the state government was fully seized with the problem of growing unemployment and the only solution to tackle this menace, especially amongst the college/ school drop outs, was to impart Skill training in different fields to enable them to earn their livelihood. He said that the state government has set a target of training nearly one lakh youth annually under various skill development programs in order to cater the needs of the local industry.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani and Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Lok Sabha MP Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Chaudhary Nand Lal, Chairman District Planning Committee Dr. Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Chaudhary Mohan Lal Banga, senior Akali leaders Mrs. Satinder Kaur Kariha and Mr. Jagteshwar Singh Majithia, Principal Secretary Health Mrs. Vinnie Mahajan, his Special Principal Secretary Dr. S Karunaraju, Managing Director Punjab Health Systems Corporation Mr. Hussan Lal and Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Anandita Mitra.

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Sukhbir Badal directs to cover all 163 towns with sewerage & water supply till Feb 15

(External agency to conduct survey and independent audit of STPs)

(Asks DCs to submit status report of land acquisition within 2 days)

Chandigarh, September 8 : Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today directed the local bodies department to ensure coverage of all towns of Punjab with ultra modern sewerage system besides installation of sewerage treatment plants (STPs) by February 15.

Reviewing the status of ongoing sewerage projects in a high level meeting here on Monday, Mr. Badal asked senior officers to expedite the work of installation of STPs and potable water supply system in all 163 towns along with 60 nagar panchayats. He directed the officers of local bodies and water supply and sewerage board to complete the task before 15 February 2015.

Mr. Badal also emphasized Punjab Engineering College would be the independent agency for independent quality control for works being executed. He said an external agency would audit the independent quality control for works being executed under JNNURM and UIDSSMT while WAPCOS would be technical quality control agency for PIDB funded schemes.

The Deputy CM said Punjab water supply and sewerage board would be overall executing agency and Technical Advisor to Punjab CM Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would lead the team of officers. Mr. Badal also directed officers of PWSSB to regularly visit in the field to inspect the quality of works.

The officers of PWSSB apprised Deputy CM that water supply works were already on full swung in 69 towns, sewerage works in 47 towns and STPs in 61 out of which in 35 towns it was on war level while in 26 it would initiate very soon. They informed that in 15 towns, sewerage and STPs were already completed.

Mr. Badal also asked to use ultra modern techniques in cleaning of sewerages in the cities. It was also informed that for cleaning of Sewers, super sucker machines were being used. Deputy CM also directed all Deputy Commissioners to submit the status report of land acquisition process for STPs within two days. He said that DCs would be overall incharges to monitor all sewerage projects. Adding further he also asked DCs to check quality of work as well as treated water and bi-monthly reports in this regard to be submitted.

Prominent among others present in the meeting included Som Parkash Chief Parliamentary Secretary, P.S Aujla Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, Ashok Gupta Secretary Local Bodies, D.K. Tiwari CEO PWSSB, Ravinder Singh Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board, Yogesh Goyal MD PIDB, R.K. Goyal and R.P. Gupta both Chief Engineers of PWSSB.

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CM TO TAKE UP GHAGGAR RIVER POLLUTION ISSUE WITH UT ADMINISTRATOR

· BADAL FOR ZERO DISCHARGE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY FOR INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS

Chandigarh, September 8

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would take up the serious matter of flowing heavy discharge of industrial effluents and domestic waste into the drains with the Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil, who is also the Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh to seek his personal intervention for taking effective steps to prevent the reckless flow of these untreated municipal waste and industrial effluents into seasonal rivulets and drains, which ultimately merge in river Ghaggar thereby aggravating the magnitude of pollution problem manifold besides posing a major health hazard in the Punjab territory.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal while presiding over a high level meeting to review the progress of the Ghaggar river cleaning project along with Lissara and Chand Bhan Drains. According to the mapping undertaken by the Punjab Pollution Control Board(PPCB) of the various Industrial and domestic sewer outlets within the jurisdiction of Chandigarh resulting in heavy pollution of river Ghaggar with about 2MLD discharge of untreated waste water. These sewer outlets included IT Park, Kishangarh, Bhagwanpura, Shastri Nagar, Bapu Dham Colony, Madrasi Colony and Hallomajra.

Mr. Badal would flag up this grave issue with the Union Territory Administrator so that proper treatment mechanism as per the prescribed norms could be put in place by the UT before discharging this waste water in the Sukhna Choe which ultimately polluted Ghaggar. On the Punjab's side PPCB had identified various waste water outlets and planned to install SewerageTreatment Plants (STPs) at a cost of Rs. 9.65 crore at Zirakpur and Dera Bassi to ensure zero discharge of effluents in Ghaggar. To check the inflow of untreated Industrial as well as sewer waste water into the Ghaggar from Haryana the senior officers of both the states had already organised several meetings for which Mr. Badal asked the concerned authorities from Punjab Government to expedite the process and resolve the issue in a result oriented manner.

While monitoring the situation of Sewerage System and STPs that had already commissioned in Zirakpur with a capacity of 17 MLD (at a cost of Rs. 62.69 crore) , Sardulgarh for 4 MLD (at a cost of Rs. 18.61 crore), Mohali for 45.4 MLD, Bhikhi for 3 MLD and Samana for 10 MLD besides at Patiala where 46 MLD & at Banur where 4 MLD STPs had also been completed and were under stabilization, Mr. Badal underscored the need to expedite the work at war footing at various STPs at Rajpura, Lehra Gagga, Khanouri, Moonak, Patran, Bassi Pathana, Sirhind, Nabha, Mandi Gobindgarh, Sanour, Longowal, Sunam and Sangrur so as to make them functional in a stipulated time frame.

The Chief Minister also directed all the concerned to make use of zero discharge treatment technology in order to prevent mixing of Industrial effluents in the domestic sewers.

It was also informed in the meeting that STPs at the towns located along Lissara Drain were Rampura Phul (Rs. 22.21 crore), Kot Fatta (Rs. 6.14 crore), Bhucho Mandi (Rs. 6.69 crore), Talwandi Sabo (Rs.16.58 crore), Bathinda (Rs.85.95 crore) and Sangat Mandi (Rs. 5.36) had been completed, whereas 95% of work on STPs in Mour Mandi and 16% in Rama Mandi had already been completed.

Prominent among who attended the meeting, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Secretary Environment and Science & Technology Mrs. Seema Jain, Secretary Irrigation Mr. KS Pannu, Secretary Local Government Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Secretary Local Government and CEO PMIDC Mr. Balamurugan, CA GMADA Mr. AK Sinha,EIC-cum-TA PWSSB Mr. VK Garg, CEO PWSSB Mr. DK Tiwari, Director Industries Mr. Raminder Singh , Mr. Ajoy Sharma and Dr.S. Karuna Raju (both Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister), Chairman Mr. Ravinder Singh, Member Secretary Mr. Babu Ram of PPCB.

Brar appointed as OSD to Deputy Chief Minister, Sidhwan as Political Secretary

Chandigarh, September 8 - The Punjab Government today appointed Mr. Charanjit Singh Brar as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Mr. Paramjit Singh Sidhwan as Political Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister with immediate effect.

According to notification issued by State General Administration Department the appointment of Mr. Charanjit Singh Brar resident of village Fakarsar, Mukatsar and Mr. Paramjit Singh Sidhwan resident of Rajguru Nagar, Ludhiana has been made against political posts. These appointments would be co-terminus with the term of present government or till the pleasure of the government whichever is earlier.

It may be mentioned here that Deputy Chief Minister Punjab and President Shiromani Akali Dal Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has recently appointed Mr. Brar and Mr. Sidhwan as Office Secretaries of SAD for their contribution to the party.

10.56 LAKH HOUSEHOLDS BROUGHT WITHIN THE FOLD OF PARDHAN MANTRI JAN DHAN YOJNA

BADAL ASKS BANKERS TO IMPLEMENT PRADHAN MANTRI JAN DHAN YOJNA IN THE RIGHT EARNEST

DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONERS TO BE NODEL OFFICERS TO ENSURE PROPER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 8:

As many as 10,56,000 households have been brought within the ambit of banking under ‘Pardhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna’ in the state till date from the launch of the scheme on August 28, 2014.

While reviewing the progress of the scheme here at CMO this morning, the Chief Minister said that since it was the flagship program of the government of India and the state government was duty bound to implement it in the right earnest so that the fruits of development and prosperity could percolate at the grass roots level. He asked the bankers to complete the task of opening accounts under this financial inclusion scheme positively by December 15, 2014.

The Chief Minister further asked the Convener State level Bankers Committee (SLBC) to coordinate with the Principal Secretary Finance Mrs. Vini Mahajan, who has been designated as the Mission Director to accomplish the gigantic task of opening these accounts in the rural and urban areas with an integrated approach to hasten up the process of account opening. Mr. Badal also directed the Mission Director to rope in the services of Director Census to provide the latest available data on the basis of 2011- census to the bankers so that the scheme could be implemented effectively. Mr. Badal also emphasized the need to create awareness amongst the people about the benefits of scheme through extensive media publicity so that majority of people who had been so far remain excluded from banking could now become account holders to partake the fruits of development and prosperity.

Mr. Badal also desired that the departments of Local Govt., Rural Development & Panchayats and Social Security to involve the field staff of municipal corporations & councils, BDPOs and panachyat secretaries besides anganwadi workers to help the bankers in mobilizing the households for getting their accounts opened in the nearest camps organized by them under the scheme. Mr. Badal also directed the Divisional Commissioners – the nodal officers for effective implementation of the scheme in the state to ensure that the group of villages/wards was assigned to individual officers, who would in turn coordinate with banks for the opening of these accounts.

Mr. Badal asked the Mission Director and SLBC Convener to chalk out the modalities to ensure the financial empowerment of the people especially the women living below the poverty line in the rural areas of the state by opening their accounts under the scheme. He reiterated that Punjab had ever been a role model state in implementing any development scheme or pro-people welfare initiatives launched by the state government and even the Government of India, adding he said Punjab would be No.1 state in the country to meet the deadline of December 15, 2014. He also mentioned that the necessary directions had already been issued to all the Cabinet Ministers and Chief Parliamentary Secretaries to monitor the progress of the scheme at their own level.

Meanwhile, the Field General Manager of Punjab National Bank and Convener State level Bankers’ Committee Mr. Harpal Singh thanked the Chief Minister for extending all possible help and cooperation to make this scheme a grand success and assured Mr. Badal that the bankers would make all out efforts to even advance the deadline set by him to November 30, 2014. He also gave vital inputs to bring far more efficiency in the implementation of the scheme through close liaison with the district administration and concerned banks.

It may be recalled that under this Scheme, each household would have at least one Bank Account which would be opened with zero balance. The Bank account would provide basic banking services with overdraft facility of Rs.5000/- after six months of opening the Account. It would also entitle the account holder with a RuPay Debit Card with inbuilt accidental insurance cover of Rs. 1 lakh. Those who open their accounts before January 26, 2015 would also be entitled for Health Insurance worth Rs.30,000.

Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Finance Mrs. Vinni Mahajan, Secretary Expenditure Mr. Jaspal Singh, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary Local Government Mr. Ashok Gupta besides several bankers from various banks.

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JUICE BAR INAUGURATED AT PUNJAB CIVIL SECRETARIAT

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 8:

Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Principal Secretary, General Administration, Punjab today inaugurated the Punjab Agro Juice Bar at Punjab Civil Secretariat.

Speaking at the occasion Mr. Sanjay Kumar said that Punjab Agro is providing quality products at reasonable rates to the people. He said that Punjab Government has set more than 60 juice bars in the various parts of the country including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab and UT Chandigarh etc.

He said that Punjab Government has taken this initiative to provide employment to unemployed youth and ex servicemen by setting up juice bars of Punjab Agro Products. He said that these juice bars are being set up on commission basis where products made by Punjab Agro such as ready to drink juices, Sauces, Pickles, Jams are available at reasonable prices.

He further said that Punjab Agro Products are healthy products which are passed after testing by the Punjab Agro.

Prominent others present on this occasion included Mr. Bhushan Goyal, CEO, Punjab Agro Juices Ltd and Mr. Raman Arora, Senior Manager besides Mr. Rakesh Kumar, ADO-I and Mr. Mohinder Paul Goyal, ADO-II.

ECI ISSUES FRESH GUIDELINES ON PARTY FUNDING AND ELECTION EXPENDITURE TO ALL POLITICAL PARTIES

· FRESH GUIDELINES TO BE APPLICABLE FROMOCTOBER 1 ONWARDS

· GUIDELINES TO BRING MORE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN PARTY FUNDS AND ELECTION EXPENDITURE

Chandigarh, September 9: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued fresh guidelines to all political parties on party funding & Election expenditure that would be applicable from 1stOctober, 2014. These guidelines have been issued to bring more transparency and accountability in party funds and matters relating to expenditure.

Giving the details of new guidelines to be operative from next month, a spokesman of ECI today said that “Concerns have been expressed in various quarters that money power is disturbing the level playing field and vitiating the purity of elections. It is desirable for the political parties to observe transparency and accountability in respect of funds raised and expenditure incurred both during elections and in other times.”

The spokesman said that it was imperative for all political parties to observe transparency and accountability in respect of funds raised and expenditure incurred which was necessary for conduct of free and fair elections and for this purpose these guidelines have been issued.

Bringing more transparency in the election funding necessary amendments have been made in Income Tax Act and henceforth no deduction would be allowed on the contribution made in cash by any person or company to a political party. It was mandatory for all political parties to maintain name and address of such individuals, companies or entities making donations to it, except petty sums donated by public only during public rallies. Any donation received in cash by a party would be duly accounted in accounts book and deposited in party’s bank account within one week.

Another amendment in the Income Tax Act has been made that payments exceeding Rs.20000/- by any business entity to a person are required to be made by account payee cheque.

No party would provide any financial assistance to its candidates for election expenses that exceeds the ceiling imposed under section 77 (3) of RP Act, 1951. All parties would file all reports in form 24A and audit it annual accounts as certified by CA for each financial year before 31st of October of each year. All parties would maintain their books as per Section 13 A of Income Tax Act.

A copy of these guidelines have been issued to all Deputy Commissioners cum District Election Officers, Punjab and Presidents/Representatives of various political parties including to Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, President, Shiromani Akali Dal, Mr Kamal Sharma, State President, Bharatiya Janta Party, Mr Partap Singh Bajwa, President, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, Com Bant Singh Brar, Secretary, Punjab State Communist Party of India, Mr Parkash Singh Jandali, State President, Bahujan Samaj Party, Mr Charan Singh Virdi, Secretary, Punjab State Committee, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Mr Swarn Singh, State President, Nationalist Congress Party and to The Convener, Aam Aadmi Party.

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PUNJAB TO SPEND RS. 20 CRORE TO CONSTRUCT TOILETS IN RURAL AREAS-MALUKA

Chandigarh, September 8:

The Punjab Government would spend Rs. 20 crore to construct 17391 toilets free of cost in rural areas for the families living under below poverty line.

Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said that he has already given his nod to a proposal to provide sanitation facilities to the rural habitation in the state.

The Minister further said that Rs. 94.50 crore has already been spent by the Punjab Government to construct 80689 toilets in villages. He said that the Department has set an ambitious target to provide 17391 toilets to all families under BPL by the next financial year and the department has sought the reports from all BDPOs about the actual construction under taken in the villages to construct toilets in the areas fall under their jurisdiction to Director Rural Development by the every 7th of the month.

The Minister also said that approximately Rs 17, 500 would be spent on each lavatory. All the records including the pictures of the completed lavatory kept in office record, he added. The Minster has also directed all BDPOs to ensure quality construction under their personal supervision.

CM BATS FOR REVIEWING THE PROCEDURE TO FIX MSP

ASKS GOI TO MAKE IT FAR MORE REMUNERATIVE ON THE BASIS OF C3 COST

PLEADS FOR DETERMINING RENTAL VALUE OF OWNED LAND AS PER ACTUAL MARKET LAND RENT

FARMERS SHOULD BE DULY COMPENSATED FOR THEIR INNOVATIVE SKILLS AND EXPERTISE ACQUIRED THROUGH GENERATIONS

REITERATES DEMAND TO FIX MSP ON BASIS OF SWAMINATHAN FORMULA

DEPUTES FCD TO TAKE UP THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF STATE WITH NCAP

Chandigarh, September 7-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Government of India (GoI) to review the procedure for fixing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to make it far more remunerative in order to improve the viability of farming thereby adopting the formula of determining the rental value of the owned land as per actual market land rent.

Flagging up the Methodological issues to determine MSP with the Ministry of Agriculture, GoI, the Chief Minister pointed out that the provision in the Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act, 1953 to limit the land rent upto one third of value of the produce was made to protect the rights of the tenants and was no more applicable because of abolition of tenancy adding that in the light of this the state Agriculture department has already recommended to the Revenue department to amend the Act to provide for market based land rent. Taking up another issue, he said that since the farmer and his family work on the farm almost round the clock not only as labour but also as a skilled labour as well, e.g. drivers of machinery etc. as such the value for family labour should be provided at a rate 25% higher than the hired labour. Likewise, Mr. Badal also pleaded that interest on the working capital should be provided for whole of crop season as a major share of short-term credit was generally availed at the time of sowing of crops for arranging the inputs such as seeds, diesel/ hiring machinery, fertilizers and pesticides etc. and re-paid after the harvest.

Dwelling on the formula to be evolved for fixing the MSP, the Chief Minister said that it should be fixed on the basis of C3 cost i.e. it should include not only the paid-out costs and imputed costs (C2) but also the value for managerial input of the farmer adding he said that further, the managerial and supervision cost should be taken as 20% of the value of C2.Mr. Badal pleaded that the Punjabi farmers should be duly compensated for aptly managing their farms due to their inherent skills, vast expertise and experience of innovative farm practices, which they had acquired from their ancestors over past several generations. Batting for the implementation of renowned agro scientist Dr MS Swaminathan’s formula he said that the MSP should include the cost of cultivation plus a margin of 50% as suggested by Chairman National Farmers Commission, so as to provide for the viability of farming and development of new infrastructure required for adoption of improved technologies. Mr. Badal also impressed on the Union Government to ensure that the farmers must continue to get the prevailing market prices for their produce when any change was made in the import/ export regulations and tariffs to safeguard the interest of consumers.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has deputed the Financial Commissioner Development (FCD) Mr. Suresh Kumar to take up the entire matter for the fixation of MSP according to state’s recommendations with Director National Centre for Agriculture Economics and Policy Research (NCAP) Dr. Ramesh Chand, who is heading a committee set up by Ministry of Agriculture, GoI to examine methodological issues in fixing minimum support prices for this purpose.

It may be recalled that Punjab with mere 1.53 per cent of the geographical area of the country produces around 20% of wheat, 10% of rice and 10% of cotton production of the country. The state has contributed significantly to the national pool of food grains, making the country self-sufficient in food grains and food security. The assured procurement of food grains at Minimum Support Price has played a key role in this development. The farmers of the State have been demanding a review of the procedure to fix the MSP to make it remunerative and thereby improve the viability of farming.

------Information and public relations department, Punjab

Vocational courses in state be taught in Punjabi: cheema

· Exercise to promote Punjabi as employment friendly language

· Syllabus of 5 courses translated in Punjabi and uploaded on website

Chandigarh, September 7:

In an effort to increase the acceptability of Punjabi language in the Industrial circles of the country and state, the Punjab Government has decided to substitute the medium of instruction for teaching Vocational Course in the state with Punjabi. The syllabus of 6 vocational courses, recently started by the education department, has already been translated into English and it had been uploaded on the official website.

In a press communiqué released here today, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab said that in the face of difficulties being faced by the students of rural background, recently introduced 6 vocational courses, Security, I.T, Automobile, Health Care, Beauty & Wellness and Retail would only be taught in Punjabi Language. He said that syllabus of 5 courses have already been translated and uploaded on website whereas the translation of the syllabus of sixth course Beauty & Wellness would also be completed soon. “National Skill Development Agency (N.S.D.A) has prepared the syllabus of these vocational courses for all the schools of the country only in English language”, added Dr. Cheema. He said that this syllabus has further translated into Punjabi and uploaded on the website. He said soon the syllabus would be published in book form and supplied to the students.

Dr. Cheema said that the Punjab Government has already elevated Punjabi as official language by formulating Language Act, now the efforts are on to make it employment/industry friendly language.

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PUNJAB STRENGTHENS HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE, CONSTRUCTS 26 COMMUNITY CENTRES

· TOTAL ESTIMATED COST 149.33 CRORE, RELEASED 125.52 CRORE FOR THIS PROJECT

· ALL NEWLY BUILT 26 COMMUNITY CENTRES WOULD BE COMPLETE BY DECEMBER

Chandigarh, September 7:

The Punjab Government is constructing new 26 Community health Centres with the cost of 149.33 crore in the state out of which 125.52 crore have been released for this purpose. The Punjab Government is strengthening the Health Care infrastructure to provide better health care services to the people at their nearest places.

The Punjab Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani while presiding over a meeting to review progress report of Community health centres being constructed & being constructed by the Public Welfare Department directed the officials to speedy up the work of incomplete Community Health Centres. Health Minister has also instructed the officials to ensure to maintain the quality of work and ensure that proper material is being used as per prescribed norms.

Minister has also issued a strict warning to the officials that no compromise should be made with the quality of material used for construction of these Community Centres. He issued clear cut instructions that no irregularities would be tolerated in the construction of these institutions.

During the meeting Public Welfare Department officials briefed that 13 community health Centres have been completed, one is ready for handover and remaining would be completed by the December end this year.

Others prominent present in the meeting included Mrs. Vini Mahajan Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Mr. Vikas Garg Special Secretary Health, Mr. Husan Lal MD NRHM, Dr. Karanjit Singh Director Health and senior officials of the Public Welfare Department.

No transfer application to be entertained during sangat darshan - Sukhbir Badal

New Delhi / Chandigarh September 6-

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal asked the general public not to come with requests for transfers during sangat darshan programs as the Punjab government has already banned the general transfers in the state.
During a sangat darshan held here today at Punjab Bhawan he expressed to the applicants tha as per transfer policy of the state last date for transfers has already elapsed. Adding further he said that no request will be entertained during the sangat darshans for any transfer and employees could file their requests during next year in the month of May after release of new transfer policy.
In the public redressal program Deputy CM patiently listen the grievances of about 150 people and directed the concerned to redress the same within week.
Terming the Sangat darshan program as a fruitful exercise, Mr Badal said that people were highly benefited from this move as they were able to get their pending issues resolved immediately.
Among others present in the sangat darshan included special principle secretary to Dy CM Ashwani Kumar to help in redress the grievances of public.

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PUNJAB ALL SET TO MECHANIZE HARVESTING OF GREEN PEAS

CM GIVES APPROVAL FOR PROCURING 'GREEN PEAS HARVESTING MACHINE FROM HOLLAND AT RS. 3.50 CRORE

MOVE AIMED AT CHANGING THE FORTUNES OF FARMERS BY BOOSTING PEA PROCESSING INDUSTRY IN THE STATE

EFFORTS AFOOT TO DEVELOP INDIGENOUS PEAS HARVESTER IN STATE ON BASIS OF PROTOTYPE

Chandigarh, September 6–

Punjab is all set to undertake entire peas farming operations through hi- tech mechanization and the clearance to procure 'Green Peas Harvesting Machine' by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal was a right step in the direction to bring 'Green Peas' Harvesting technology with a thrust to promote food processing industry on one hand and diversification of agriculture in the state on the other.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that, the Chief Minister gave nod to purchase this ultra modern machine from Holland based firm Ploeger at a cost of Rs 3.50 crore for the mechanized plucking of peas, which would not only curtail the labour cost but also enhance the value addition as the peas plucked through this machine would be 100% utilized for processing. The state government through Punjab Agri Export Corporation Limited has identified Green Peas Harvestor of Hollond and was being imported as a prototype. The main purpose for introducing this harvester in the Punjab was to mechanize green peas harvesting technologies. This effort of the state government would help the farmers/processors to enhance area under peas and also result in diversification in agriculture. It has also decided to develop indigenous harvester and successful working of above Holland make machine. The indigenous machines would be developed at much lower cost once a prototype was available. It may be recalled that against 40 lakh Metric Ton of Peas produced in India only 10% were processed resulting in 1.25 lakh metric ton of frozen peas. On the contrary developed countries like UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Netherlands and USA indulged in 100% processing of peas because these countries had processing plants with mechanized harvesting operations of huge capacity.

The spokesperson further said that Punjab was the only state of the country which was endowed with excellent agro ecological conditions such as climate, soil, water, sunshine, etc., which were highly conducive for growing of several varieties of various crops. Predominantly, cereal crop productivity in the state has reached a plateau and cost of cultivation was increasing at a much faster pace than that of the final selling price. Therefore, the state government was laying thrust on cultivation of Fruits and Vegetables, as an alternative crop to ensure better remunerative prices to the farmers. However, absence of requisite harvesting machinery and cool chain Infrastructure has adversely hampered distribution, processing and exports of horticultural produce.

As the farmers of Punjab were gradually taking up cultivation of horticulture crops viz. fruits & vegetables, thus it has been felt that comprehensive Infrastructure Development like harvesting machinery, setting up of nurseries, proper collection, handling, transportation, sorting, controlled atmosphere cold storage, processing facilities and a marketing network were the need of the hour. Thus, in order to enhance area under vegetables and give a boost to diversification in agriculture besides encouraging food processing industry in the state, the Punjab Government has decided to introduce mechanized harvesting of green peas and other vegetables in the state, which would not only bring down the cost of harvesting but would also help the farmers to take up another additional crop as its harvesting period would be reduced by over one month.

It may be recalled that at the national level 40 Lacs MT of Green Peas was produced mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan out of which, only 10% was processed, with annual production of around 1.25 lac MT of Frozen Green Peas. Likewise, Pea was the most popular crop of Punjab and in the year 2012-13 Green Peas were grown on 20,326 hectares across the state with production of 2,08,171 MT. Out of this only 10-15% was processed by Frozen Vegetables Processing Plants located in the state. Due to the manual picking of Green Peas farmers faced huge problems in organizing semi-skilled women labour, which not only increases the cost of Green Peas but also restricts adequate quantity supplies to the processing industry. Owing to this more than 50-60% demand of Green Peas Processing Industry was met through procurement from the adjoining States like Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand.

Presently, the farmers of Punjab were gradually taking up cultivation of horticulture crops viz. fruits & vegetables. During 1996-97, the production of vegetables was 16.99 lac MT which has gone up to 41.02 lac MT during 2013-14. Pea is the most popular crop of Punjab and Patiala,Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Gurdaspur, Sangrur, Faridkot are major fruits & vegetables growing districts in the state of Punjab.

CM GIVES NOD TO ESTABLISH NEW MANDI TOWNSHIP AT SAMANA

Chandigarh, September 06-

In a bid to ensure excellent infrastructure and better marketing facilities to both the farmers and traders, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal gave approval for transferring 28 acres, 05 kanals and13 marlas land to the Nagar Council, Samana in district Patiala for setting up new mandi township .

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said Mr. Badal also cleared the file for issuance of notification in this regard under section 3 of the Punjab New Mandi Townships (Development and Regulation) Act.

It may be recalled that the Punjab Cabinet has already given its nod to the state Agriculture Department to transfer 33 mandis including Samana mandi established by the erstwhile Pepsu government to the local government in November, 2012.

The 3rd list of Kisan & Khet Majdoor Cell released

Chandigarh 06.09.2014 :

S. Inderjit Singh Zira Chairman Kisan & Khet Majdoor Cell PPCC informed that the 3rd list of Kisan & Khet Majdoor Cell was released in the presence of S. Partap Singh Bajwa President PPCC, S. Darshan Singh Brar President District Congress Committee Moga. He also informed that 4 zones have been created and senior office bearers have been appointed as incharges of these zones.

He further informed that senior office bearers have been made incherges of various districts to oversee the working of district level Kisan & Khet Majdoor Cell Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. A meeting of the Kisan & Khet Majdoor Cell has been convened on 08.09.2014 at 11.00 a.m. which will be presided over by S. Partap Singh Bajwa President PPCC.

The new office bearers included are as below:-

Vice chairman Punjab Kisan & Majdoor cell

Nawab Mouli , Gurdeep, Gurmail, Karamjeet, parminder Singh dimpal, ranjeet toor, Ranjeet, Satpal, Sawinder, Parminder Singh RamPur, Thakur Amit Singh (Chak Madho)

General Sectary Punjab KISAN&Majdoor CELL

Narinder pal ( Mullea wala), Gagandeep ( Sangat Mandi), Jagseer (Kot crore), Nishan, Daljeet, Rajbaksh (jalalabad), kulbir Bajwa (Fatehabad), Ram Asra (Snehta), Jagdev Singh (Ranwa) amandeep bhindr, Ramanjeet (Jalandhar), Baljeet (Algon ),Mohinder,Manjeet,Jagjeet,Avtar,Balwant,Gurdeep Walia, Suba Singh(Patiala), Harsimranjeet Singh (Patiala),

Sectary Punjab Kisan & khet Majdoor Cell

Baljinder Singh (Krishnpura), Makhan Singh, Sharanjit Singh, Puran Singh, Makhan Singh, Kirandeep Singh, Gurdev Singh Kang, Nachhater Singh

Distt. Chairman kisan & Majdoor Cell

Gurmail (Fatehgarh Sarhind), Gurminder Singh Sidhu ( Ludhiana City), Amarjeet Singh (Bhadorh), Bhagwan Das Bharti (Bathinda bharti) ,Jagdeep Sonu(Jalandhar City), Ramanjeet Singh (Jalandhar Urban)

4 Zone In Punjab

Shri Fatehgarh Sahib	Jagtar Singh Ex.M.L.A	Vice President
Shri Damdama Sahib	Bohar Singh Sardolgarh	Vice President
Shri Amritsar Sahib	Sadhu Singh Chambal	Vice President
Shri Anandpur Sahib	Principal Hardeep Singh	General Secretary

District Incharge List

Sr no.	Name	Distt Incharge	Designation
1	Kulbir Singh Bajwa	Amritsar Rular	General Secretary
2	Angrej Singh	Amritsr Urban	General Secretary
3	Baljit Singh Brar	Gurdaspur	General Secretary
4	Sahib Singh Mand	Pathankot	Vice Chairman
5	Pritam Singh Hole	Patiala Urban	Vice Chairman
6	Parwinder Singh Kaka	Ludhiana Rural	General Secretary
7	Parminder Singh Dimpal	Ludhiana Urban	Vice Chairman
8	Nishan Singh	Mohali	General Secretary
9	Sukhraj Singh Dhindsa	Gurdaspur	Vice Chairman
10	Ranjeet Singh Toor	Barnala	Vice Chairman
11	Balwinder Singh	Sangror	Vice Chairman
12	Avtar Singh Brar	Patiala Rural	Vice Chairman
13	Gurlal Singh Mansa	Bathinda Urban	General Secretary
14	Harbhajan Singh Banwala	Bathinda Rural	Vice Chairman
15	Sukhjeet Singh Gogi	Faridkot	Vice Chairman
16	Harbhajan Singh Sabra	Tarn Taran	General Secretary
17	Avtar Singh Brar	Muktsar	Vice Chairman
18	Jagsir Singh	Moga	General Secretary
19	Baba Jagtar Singh	Mansa	Vice Chairman
20	Harinder Singh Dhindsa	Fazlika	Vice Chairman
21	Gurdeep Singh Raja	Ropar	General Secretary
22	Gurdeep Singh Bilaspur	Ferozpur	Vice Chairman
23	Ajaib Singh	Jalandhar Urban	General Secretary
24	Amandeep Singh Bhinder	Jalandhar Rural	General Secretary
25	Gurmail Singh Pannu	Kapoorthala

CM ANNOUNCES TO SET UP DEDICATED FUND FOR WELFARE OF ICONIC PUNJABI FIGURES FROM ART, CULTURE AND LITERATURE

STATE GOVERNMENT TO COMPILE DIRECTORY SHOWCASING ACHIEVEMENTS OF EMINENT PUNJABIS IN VARIED FIELDS

CALLS UPON INTELLECTUALS, WRITERS AND EXPERTS TO UNDERTAKE FIELD VISIT ONCE IN A WEEK TO SPREAD EDUCATION IN RURAL AREAS

LAUNCHES PUNJABI PEDIA

RELEASES ENGLISH VERSION OF MAHAN KOSH

LAUDS PUNJABI UNIVERSITY FOR ORGANIZING ALL INDIA PUNJABI CONFERENCE

ANNOUNCES A GRANT OF RS 1LAKH FOR LEGENDARY PUNJABI FOLK SINGER IDU SHARIF

Patiala, September 5-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to create a dedicated fund for the welfare of the litterateurs, dramatists, folk singers, artistes and other personalities from the fields of language, art and culture, who immensely contributed to keep the flame of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat ever high in the society.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the seventh All India Punjabi Conference here at Punjabi University, the Chief Minister said that he was deeply anguished to see the several families of these iconic figures, who left indelible mark on the canvas of rich heritage of Punjabi art and culture, were now leading a life in penury and extreme difficult circumstances. Mr. Badal said that he would ensure that the progeny of these noted stars of yester years could lead a life with honor and dignity adding that it was the bounden duty of the state government not only to preserve the cultural heritage but also to safeguard the interests of the next of their kin.

Highly appreciating the indomitable spirit of Punjabis, the Chief Minister said that they have ever established their identity wherever they have settled across the globe. He mentioned that this intrinsic spirit of Punjabiat was responsible for the all pervasive ‘chardi kala’ (high spirits) for peace, communal harmony and brotherhood. In a lighter vein, Mr. Badal asked the Vice Chancellor to get this unique character of Punjabis thoroughly researched by the scholars to ascertain why it was so.

In the same breath, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to document the achievements of eminent Punjabis in varied fields not only in the country but across the world by publishing a directory so that they could also be felicitated at such forums. He said this initiative would not only help in honoring these sons of the soil for their rare feat but also motivate the millions of others to follow their footsteps.

Exhorting the intellectuals, writers and experts of other fields working in all the universities of the state to come forward and play a proactive role in ensuring the all round development of the state, the Chief Minister impressed upon them to must undertake field visits once in a week to take stock of the ground realities and help the underprivileged sections of society especially in rural areas to sensitize them about the significance of education and skill training. Mr Badal said that there was no dearth of capability and skill in the rural areas but the need of the hour was to show them the right path.

The Chief Minister further said that quality education was the key element for ensuring the all round development of the state due to which their government has been laying thrust on providing quality education to the students of Punjab. He said that during these years they had opened several New Universities along with new colleges to impart quality education to the students. Mr Badal further said that as a result of these concerted efforts made by them Punjab was leading the country in the field of education.

Highlighting the importance of cultural and historical heritage in personality development of the youth, the Chief Minister said that the state government would be soon constructing a state of art of ‘Jang-e-Azaadi’ memorial at Kartarpur near Jalandhar at a cost of Rs 200 crore to showcase the role of Punjabis in country’s freedom struggle. He said that their government was fully aware of need of perpetuating the rich legacy of state by building such historical memorials due to which they have erected Virasat-E-Khalsa at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Chhota Ghallughara Shaheedi Memorial at Kahnuwan, Memorial of Wadda Ghallughara at Kup Rahiran and Fateh Burj at Chhapar Chiri to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of the legendry Sikh warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.

Lauding the role played by Punjabi University in development and promotion of Punjabi language, literature and culture, the Chief Minister said that with the beginning of the All India Punjabi Conferences the Punjabis residing in various states across the country have come closer by sharing the same platform. He also appreciated the tradition of University to honor the eminent Punjabis from various fields.

Earlier welcoming the Chief Minister, Vice Chancellor Dr. Jaspal Singh appreciated the vision of Mr. Badal, who has played a vanguard role in preserving the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. He said only those nations survive who respect their art, culture and heritage and others who tend to forget them were bound to be vanished.

On the occasion the Chief Minister honored the eminent personalities for outstanding contribution in art, culture and Punjabi literature. He also dedicated ‘Punjabi Pedia’ to the nation. Likewise, Mr. Badal also released the English version of Mahan Kosh, authored by legendary Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha besides a souvenir to mark the occasion.

The Chief Minister also announced Rs 1 lakh grant to renowned Punjabi folk singer Mr. Idu Sharif.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included former MP Mr. Tarlochan Singh and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. S Karunaraju.

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CM SETS DECEMBER 15, 2014 AS DEADLINE FOR COVERING EVERY HOUSEHOLD OF STATE UNDER PRADHAN MANTRI JAN DHAN YOJNA

ENVISIONS PUNJAB TO BE FRONTRUNNER STATE IN ACHIEVING THIS TARGET

ROPES IN ALL CABINET MINISTERS, CPS AND TOP BRASS OF STATE ADMINISTRATION TO METICULOUSLY REVIEW THE PROGRESS OF SCHEME

CM TO REVIEW THE PACE OF SCHEME EVERY FORTNIGHT

Chandigarh, September 5-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today issued detailed instructions to all the officers for covering all the households of the state under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna by December 15, 2014, so as to enable Punjab to be the first state in the country to achieve this target.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that in pursuance of the Chief Minister's announcement on the statewide launch of this prestigious scheme from Ludhiana on August 28, the state Government has designated Principal Secretary, Finance as the Mission Director for this scheme. A detailed day-to-day program plan has been chalked out to meet the deadline of December 15, 2014. Mr. Badal also directed every Cabinet Minister to monitor their allocated district so that no household was left out. Each Deputy Commissioner has been issued detailed guidelines to ensure that the scheme was implemented in Mission Mode in a time bound manner.

The spokesperson further said that a daily report by the State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) Convener would be submitted to the Mission Director, which would be reviewed every week by the Chief Secretary. As the Financial Inclusion Program was a gateway to empowerment of people, particularly women and people belonging to below poverty line, the Chief Minister would be personally reviewing the progress every fortnight. Necessary directions to all Cabinet Ministers and Chief Parliamentary Secretaries have been issued to monitor the progress at their own level.

SEEKING FINANCIAL PACKAGE FROM CENTER PUNJAB’S LEGITIMATE RIGHT-SUKHBIR BADAL

· Will call on Prime Minister and Union Finance Minister soon

· Pays obeisance at Golden Temple along with Union Cabinet Minister Harsimrat Badal

Amritsar, September 5: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today asserted that Punjab has sought its legitimate right of financial package from the centre as it fought the nation's war against terrorism.

Mr. Badal accompanied by his wife and Union Cabinet Minister Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal was talking to media persons here after paying obeisance at Golden Temple.

Answering a query referring to media reports regarding financial package to Punjab, Mr. Badal said Punjab has been demanding its legitimate right as Special Economic Assistance from Center, which is a reasonable demand of the state and it should be unconditionally fulfilled. He said Punjab had suffered a lot during the militancy period and was still suffering the pains of that period. He said war against terrorism was a nation’s war fought by Punjab for the security and integrity of the country.

When asked about the strategy of the State to get its demand fulfilled, Mr. Badal said soon Punjab CM Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and he, himself, would call on Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley for sympathetically considering state’s demand. He said Punjab was also lagging behind on economic fronts due to massive tax concessions provided to hilly states and now Punjab should also be included in that category. He said it was the Congress which was behind the false propaganda of State's fiscal health. Mr. Badal said the Congress leadership should know the fact that in Congress regime from 2002-2007 the debt ratio of Punjab was 45 percent and the SAD-BJP government had brought down it to 31 percent.

"Punjab has made the nation self-reliant on food security front though it has suffered a lot due to terrorism and other severe crisis. The state's economy has also face hit due to tax concessions to neighbouring states. Punjab played a significant role in freedom battle of country by making highest sacrifices," said Mr. Badal adding that our demand of special economic package is state's right.

On being asked about delay in inauguration of Bathinda Airport, Mr. Badal said Bathinda Airport was fully ready to become operational. He said Punjab has sought time from Union Aviation Minister for inauguration of the airport and it would become operational in a few months. He said the UPA government deliberately created obstacles in making this airport functional. Mr. Badal also informed that Punjab was taking up the issue of expansion of Ludhiana Airport so that international flights could land there.

Meanwhile Mr. Badal along with Mrs. Badal and senior officers of Punjab Government inspected the ongoing work of Golden Temple Plaza, where a world class façade is being constructed. Expressing satisfaction over ongoing work, Mr. Badal asked the authorities concerned to expedite the work so it could be open for public before November.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ravi Bhagat and Commissioner of police Mr. Jatinder Singh Aulakh.

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Sukhbir Badal sets deadline to complete the BRTS project till March 2015

(Administrative complex to be completed by January)

njab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today set the deadline to complete the Bus Rapid Transit System project till March 3, 2015 at the cost of 333 crore which would include 7 corridors at important geographical points in the city.

Reviewing the ongoing development projects in Amritsar, Mr. Badal said that BRTS project would not only develop the holy city as tourist destination but it would only ease out traffic congestions and help in curbing pollution on large scale. The officials informed Deputy Chief Minister that out of 7 corridors 5 would be completed till March 3 whereas the remaining 2 would take 6 months more due to removal of transmission lines.

Talking about the delayed work in the construction of administrative complex Mr. Badal asked the PUDA to release the required funds worth Rs. 66.87 crore immediately to ensure the completion of project till January 2015. Deputy CM also asked the officials to speed up the construction work for new central jail at Village Fatehpur with the cost of Rs. 132 crore. It may be mentioned here that 40% work in this regard has already been completed.

Deputy Chief Minister has asked the Director Tourism and Cultural heritage department Mr. Navjot Pal Singh Randhawa to take up the matter with Union Government for funds for the conservation of historic Ram Bagh Garden. It was informed by the officials that conservation of building was carried out and soon it would be undertaken by the department of cultural affairs. On the issue of setting up of parking complex and tourist reception centre at Attari border, officials apprised Mr. Badal that tenders have been floated for both projects and work would be completed till December 31, 2014.

To make the Amritsar as the first safe city of the Punjab, Mr. Badal said that this project should be completed before mid of the coming year costing Rs. 40 crore. The committee for execution of the project under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary has been notified.

Reviewing the construction of 4 laning of Amritsar-Ajnala, Amritsar-Sohian FGC Road, Amritsar-Majitha-Fatehgarh Churrian Road, Amritsar-Taran Taran-Sirhali-Harike road, Mr. Badal said that all these adjoining roads should be given top priority. Principal Secretary PWD Mr. P.S.Aujla informed the Deputy Chief Minister that work on some of these roads were delayed by 2 months due to shifting of electric lines by the PSPCL and the department would complete these projects before December 2014.

Prominent amongst present in the meeting included Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora, Chairman District Planning board Veer Singh Lopoke, District President (Urban) Shiromani Akali Dal Upkar Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM Mr. P.S.Aujla, Secretary Local Bodies Ashok Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Ravi Bhagat, Police Commissioner Jatinder Singh Aulakh and Commissioner Municipal Corporation Pardeep Sabharwal.

PUNJAB TRANSFERS ONE IPS AND 20 PPS OFFICERS

Chandigarh, September 5:

The Punjab Government today issued posting/transfer orders of one IPS and 20 PPS officers with immediate effect.

According to an official spokesman Mr Babu Lal Meena IPS has been posted has AIG/State Narcotic Control Bureau, Punjab, Chandigarh. Similarly 20 PPS officers namely Mr Satpal Singh (71/PAP) has been posted as SP/Hqrs., Moga, Mr Amrik Singh (18/PR) as SP/Hqrs., Kapurthala, Mr Jagjit Singh Saroya (3143/Ldh) has SP/D Kapurthala, Mr Gursewak Singh (TP/101) as SP/ Phagwara, Mr Sushil Kumar as AIG/Crime, Punjab, Chandigarh, Mr Gurdeep Singh Pannu (PAP/33) as Superintendent/Central Jail, Patiala, Mr Jaipal Singh (TP/58) as SP/Excise and Taxation, Patiala, Mr Vipin Chaudhary (67/W) as SP/SPU/Pb. , Chandigarh, Mr Sheilendra Singh (493/J) as SP/SPU/Pb, Chandigarh, Mr Amarjit Singh (454/J) as SP/SPU/Pb, Chandigarh, Mr Tejinder Singh (TP/17) as AIG/IVC, Pb., Chandigarh, Mr Vinod Kumar (64/FR) as AIG/Zonal CID, Ferozpur, Mr Amrik Singh Pawar (54/PAP) as AC, 80th Bn., PAP Jal., Mr Swarn Singh (338/PR) as SP/Investigation, Bathinda, Mr Rakesh Kumar (311/AR) AC., 6th IRB, Ladda kothi, Sangrur, Mr Jagtar Singh Kainth as SP/D, Gurdaspur, Mr Jagjit Singh (TP/103) as ADCP/Crime, Amritsar, Mr Joginder Singh (57/FR) as SP/D, Lud. (Rural), Mr Ashwani Kapur (TP/42) as AIG/SB-1, Intelligence, Pb., Chandigarh and Mr Mukand Singh (193/FR) as SP/Hqrs., Fazilka, he added.

PUNJAB LAUNCHES ONLINE WEB PORTAL FOR DRIVING LICENCE

· WEB BASED SARATHI ONLINE PROJECT LAUNCHED IN FATEHGARH SAHIB

· MAJOR INITIATIVE BY TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO BRING TRANSPARENCY

· DRIVING TEST CENTRES TO BE ESTABLISHED IN EVERY DISTRICT

Chandigarh, September 5: The Punjab Transport Department today took a path breaking e-Governance initiative by launching Online Version of the Web Based SARATHI application for Learner's License and Driving License. (Sarathi on Web-SOW) at Fatehgarh Sahib. This unique web based programme would enable single point of presence for online submission of requests for learner's license, driving license, driving school license and conduction license in the State of Punjab.

Inaugurating the service, Mr. Anurag Aggarwal, Secretary Transport in the presence of Mr. Ashwani Kumar, State Transport Commissioner said that this online service would support transparency and foster accountability for providing better services the citizens. He further said that in this online application, the applicant can fill in his form and particulars online subsequent to which the application can be submitted on the portal. Once the online application is submitted, a Unique Reference Number (URN) shall be generated. The applicant can then check the status of the application online with the help of the URN. Citizens would get better online quality of services benefit as they would be able to apply for driving/learning license. It will also enable users instant access of DL/LL information on htt://sarathi.nic.in or punjabtransport.org.

Mr. Aggarwal said that the Transport department was moving with endeavour to minimize interaction of public with the authorities so that there was no harassment to the public at the windows. He said that immediately after submission of his online application the applicant can get himself photographed in District Transport Office and after clearing Driving Test he would be issued Driving Licence.

Explaining the improvement in the conduct of Driving Test, Mr. Aggarwal said that earlier driving test was conducted on the road and very soon all big and small cities would have computerized state-of-art Driving Test Centres that would enable scientific conduct of driving test. He said that to help the applicants helpdesks would be set up in all the districts.

Giving the details of state wide roll out of this plan, Mr. Aggarwal said that online service would be launched in Patiala, Ropar, Mohali on September 8 and within 15 days all districts would be covered by online service.

He said that Transport department as a part of Governance Reforms had been taking multiple initiatives to provide e-Governance services to the citizens of Punjab. He said that as a part of this initiative, Department of Transport is also providing all services to the general public in electronic mode. He said that at present Driving Licenses/Registration Certificates are being issued in a smart card form by the Department.

PUNJAB CONSTITUTES SPECIAL TEAMS TO AUDIT ALL WORKS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT-ANIL JOSHI

· STEP AIMED AT ENSURING QUALITY CONTROL OF ALL CIVIL WORKS

Chandigarh, Sept 5: The Punjab government today constituted a special team to conduct thorough technical audit and physical verification of works of Municipal Corporation and Municipal Councils, Improvement Trusts, Panchayats, Water Supply department, Sewerage Boards in district Amritsar in other areas .

A special team has been constituted by the Local Bodies Minister Anil Joshi under the chairmanship of Technical Advisor, General V.K. Bhatt. This team has been assigned the task of monitoring, Auditing and Physical verification of all the development works carried out/being carried out by all the Municipal Councils/Improvement Trusts/Nagar Panchayats situated in the limits of Municipal Council, Amritsar and Amritsar District. This team will ensure the completion of audit within the stipulated timeframe and send its report directly to the Government.

Giving the details the Minister said that the team has also been given mandate to conduct a special check of any development projects completed or under construction of any wing of local bodies institutions of the state.

Mr. Joshi said that he has constituted this team to ensure quality control of all civil works being executed by various wings of local bodies department and hoped that this would bring transparency in the development works and ensure their completion according the prescribed standards. The Minister has made it clear that no negligence will be tolerated in the effective implementation of development works

PUNJAB EXTENDS TIMELINE TO FURNISH ONLINE APPRAISAL REPORTS OF CIVIL SECRETARIAT EMPLOYEES

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 5:

The Punjab government has extended the deadline for filing the self-appraisal reports of 2013-14, by September 12 in order to adapt the Punjab Civil Secretariat employees to fill the self appraisal reports online. Similarly the deadline for the reporting officer to record his comments has been extended by September 30.

Disclosing this here today on official spokesperson of the general administration department said that the Punjab government has already initiated the process to make it mandatory for the Punjab civil secretariat employees to file self appraisal reports online. He said that since this application is being implemented for the first time, so lot of employees have been facing difficulties to file the reports through online application. He said that in order to enable the employees to understand the online application, the last date for filing the self appraisal reports has been extended.

PUNJAB ORDERS VIGILANCE INQUIRY INTO EMPLOYEES OBTAINING PR IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES

· VIGILANCE BUREAU TO COMPLETE INQUIRY AND SUBMIT REPORT WITHIN TWO MONTHS

Chandigarh, August 5:

Cracking a whip on all those erring government employees, who have got Permanent Immigration/ Green Cards of foreign countries, the Punjab Government today asked the Vigilance Bureau to conduct a thorough inquiry in the whole case and submit status report within two months.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that the vigilance inquiry has been ordered in the face of such reports revealing that a large number of government employees and its entities have got Permanent Resident Visas/ Green Cards/ Immigrant Status in foreign countries in gross violation of service rules. To clear the air in this regard, the Punjab government has decided to conduct Vigilance Inquiry into the whole case.

The spokesperson further said that Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab has been specifically asked to identify all those government employees of the State Government who had acquired Permanent Resident Visas/ Green Cards/ Immigrant Status in foreign countries in violation of the applicable rules and instructions. He said that the Vigilance Bureau has been instructed to complete the inquiry and submit the status report in a period not exceeding two months.

200 citizen services to be provided by July 2015-Sukhbir Badal

(Unified Service Delivery Centers to be setup across the state)

(Says Fard, Saanjh and Suwidha Kendras to be clubbed)

(Asks Chief Secretary to ensure timely action of in-line to online system to cut down corruption and harassment of public)

Chandigarh, September 4: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today finalized the setting up of kiosks under unified service delivery system to facilitate common masses by provisioning of 200 citizen centric services and fixed a timeline to make the system operational before July 2015.

Reviewing the ongoing e-governance and e-districts projects, Deputy CM reiterated his resolve to eliminate corruption and harassment of general public and asserted that from July next the people of Punjab would get their required services not in-line but online. He asked Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal to expedite the process of setting up Unified Service Delivery Centers in the state, which would become operational before the given timeline.

He said existing Fard, Saanjh and Suvidha Kendras would be clubbed with these centers for delivery of Governance to Government (G to G) and Government to Citizen (G to C) services. Adding further he said in July next Punjab would become the first state in the country by implementing 200 citizen services under Right to Service Act and 100 percent e-governance and e-district projects.

While examining the layout of these centers and infrastructure, Mr. Badal directed Principal Secretary Governance Reforms Mr. C. Roul to divide cities into different clusters for setting up of these centers. He said that there should be three-four state-of-the-art citizen facilitation centers in each city at approachable distances with easy access to the public.

Mr. Badal emphasized that there should be backend computerization and digitalization of all services in all departments before the given target. He said that this system will make Punjab to become in-line to online state.

Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal apprised Deputy CM that at present 149 services have been provided under Right to Service Act and more 52 will be added as per the directions. He said that there were 16 states including Punjab where e-district project has been initiated and Punjab was the leading state in all aspects.

Mr. Badal also asked Chief Secretary to strictly ensure external auditor besides taking monthly report of functioning of these centers. He said that all the manpower should be outsourced by the service provider, where a well qualified, experienced and IT expert staff would facilitate general public. He said there should be a dedicated complaint box besides a central helpline, which would work as watchdog. Deputy CM also asked Chief Secretary that these centers would be open for general public for all seven days with a single off in a month.

Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included Principal Secretary Governance Reforms Mr. C. Roul, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM Mr. P.S. Aujla, Secretary Local Bodies Mr. Ashok Gupta, Mr. Manvesh Sidhu and Mr. Ajay Mahajan both Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy CM.

EDUCATION MINISTER DR. CHEEMA GREETS ON THE TEACHERS’ DAY

· TEACHERS’ ROLE IS CRUCIAL IN NATION BUILDING: BOLARIA

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 4:

Punjab Education Minister Punjab Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema today extended his warm greetings to the teaching fraternity on the eve of Teachers’ Day and urged them to make all out efforts to infuse the noble qualities of discipline, righteousness, truthfulness, sense of integrity, high character and dedication amongst the students.

In a message on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, which is observed as the birth anniversary of second President of India late Dr. Sarvpalli Radha Krishnan and an eminent academician, statesman and a great philosopher, he said that Dr. Radha Krishnan's contribution in various fields especially in restructuring the education system was unparalleled and unprecedented.

Describing the Teachers as guardians of moral values and socio-economic culture, he said that teachers could play an important role as supportive friend,, philosopher and guide for the students besides imparting value based education to enable them to become ideal citizens of the society.

Dr. Cheema assured the teachers that the State Government was making concerted efforts to create a congenial atmosphere to enable them to discharge their duties in an efficient manner. “This day also reminds us of our responsibilities towards our teaching community. I appeal people to pay due respect to our teachers and recognize their role in the process of nation building,” he reiterated.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Education) Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria also congratulated the teachers on the occasion. In his message he said that the teachers are the iron pillars of the nation who play crucial role in nation building by inculcating high moral and ethical values in the students.

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CM GREETS PEOPLE ON TEACHERS DAY

Chandigarh, September 4-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today warmly felicitated the teaching fraternity on the eve of Teacher's Day.

In a message on the occasion of teacher's day, the Chief Minister said that this august day coincides with the birth anniversary of former President of India late Dr. Sarvpalli Radha Krishnan an eminent academician, statesman and a great philosopher whose contribution in various fields especially in revamping the education system was unprecedented. Mr. Badal impressed upon the teachers to rise on the occasion for transforming the destiny of students especially from the underprivileged sections of society by imbibing a spirit of nationalism on one hand and inculcating the moral values on the other. He said that the teachers were role models for the students to equip them for boldly facing odd challenges besides ensuring a bright future of our nation.

Urging the teachers to make all out efforts to infuse the noble qualities of discipline, righteousness, truthfulness, sense of integrity, high character and dedication amongst the students besides imparting them value-based education to enable them to become an ideal citizens of the society, the Chief Minister assured them that the state government was making all out efforts to create a congenial atmosphere to enable them to discharge their duties efficiently.

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EIGHT MARKET COMMITTEES OF SAS NAGAR AND RUPNAGAR GET NEW CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS

CM GIVES NOD FOR THESE APPOINTMENTS IN KURALI, KHARAR, DERA BASSI, BANUR, LALRU, RUPNAGAR, SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB AND CHAMKAUR SAHIB MARKET COMMITTEES

Chandigarh, September 4-

The Punjab Government today nominated the new Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members in the eight market committees of Rupnagar and SAS Nagar (Mohali) districts.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file to this effect and orders regarding the nomination of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and members of market Committees Kurali, Kharar, Dera Bassi, Banur, Lalru in SAS Nagar (Mohali) and Rupnagar, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Chamkaur Sahib in Rupnagar districts would be issued shortly.

As per the orders Mr. Major Singh and Mr. Ashwani Kumar Gupta have been respectively nominated the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Kurali Market Committee whereas Mr. Gurmeet Singh, Mr. Hem Raj, Mrs. Gurpreet Kaur, Mr. Sukhwinder Singh, Mr. Jasbir Singh, Mr. Gurcharan Singh, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Mr. Dilbagh Singh, Mr. Balwinder Singh, Mr. Gurpal Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Baljit Singh Kumbra and Mr. Pritam Singh have been respectively nominated the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Kharar Market Committee whereas Mr. Tara Singh, Mr. Harjinder Singh, Mrs. Bimal Kaur, Mr. Parminder Singh, Mr. Jaspreet Singh, Mr. Kulwant Singh, Mr. Bikramjeet, Mr. Mangal Singh, Mr. Krishan, Mr. Balwinder Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Similarly, Mr. Manvinder Singh and Mr. Pawan Kumar have been respectively nominated the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Dera Bassi Market Committee whereas Mr. Surmukh Singh, Mr. Krishan Kumar, Mr. Gurcharan Singh, Mr. Jarnail Singh, Mrs. Harjeet Kaur, Mr. Khazaan Singh, Mr. Prince Jain, Mr. Des Raj, Mr. Harmail Singh, Mr. Gurcharan Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

For Banur Market Committee, Mr. Sadhu Singh and Mr. Santokh Singh have been respectively nominated as Chairman and Vice Chairman whereas Mr. Bagicha Singh, Mr. Darshan Singh, Mr. Jarnail Singh, Mr. Nachhtar Singh, Mr. Amarjeet Singh, Mr. Mohan Singh, Mr. Shiv Kumar Bansal, Mr. Maanak Chand Jain, Mr. Raghbir Singh, Mr. Keso Ram besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

In the same manner, Mr. Surjeet Singh and Mr. Ghanshyam Dass have been respectively nominated the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Lalru Market Committee whereas Mr. Sartaj Singh, Mr. Balkar Singh, Mr. Gurdev Singh, Mr. Karnail Singh, Mr. Mohinder Singh, Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur, Mr. Laakhan Singh, Mr. Hans Raj, Mr. Gurcharan Singh, Mr. Nardev Sharma besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

As per the orders, Mr. Manjeet Singh and Mr. Dharminder Kumar have been respectively nominated the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Rupnagar Market Committee whereas Mr. Surinder Singh, Mr, Gurcharan Singh, Mr. Dharam Singh, Mr. Dyaal Singh, Mrs. Sarabjeet Kaur, Mr. Sukhwinder Pal Singh, Mr. Gurnek Singh, Mr. Gurvinder Singh, Mr. Amarjeet Singh, Mr. Paramjeet Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Harnek Singh and Mr. Rakesh Kumar Sehdev have been respectively nominated the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Chamkaur Sahib Market Committee whereas Mr. Narinder Singh, Mr. Randhir Singh, Mr. Dalwara Singh, Mr. Baldev Singh, Mr. Kulvir Singh, Mr. Ajmer Singh, Mr. Jagtar Singh, Mr. Charanjeet Singh, Mrs. Jaspal Kaur, Mr. Manjeet Singh, Mr. Parminder Singh, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Mr. Jaswant Singh, Mr. Avtar Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

In the same manner, Mr. Shamsher Singh and Mr. Tilak Raj have been respectively nominated the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Sri Anandpur Sahib Market Committee whereas Mr. Raghuvir Singh, Mr. Nanak Chand, Rana Manmohan Singh, Mr. Harvinder Singh, Mrs. Anuradha Rani, Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhindsa, Mr. Pritpal Singh, Mr. Hari Ram, Mr. Mohinder Pal Bhumbla, Mr. Gurmit Singh Dhillon besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

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ECI TO LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO WEED OUT DUPLICATE ENTRIES IN ELECTORAL ROLLS

Chandigarh, September 4: Election Commission of India would launch a fortnight long intensive campaign to weed out duplicate entries in the electoral roll from September 26, 2014 to October 10, 2014.

According to a spokesman, the Election Commission of India had initiated a programme for special summary of Photo electoral rolls with reference to January 01, 2015 as qualifying date. This programme started with the training and orientation of ERO’s/AERO’s from July 22, 2014 to July 30, 2014, followed by appointment of booth level officers (BLO’s) from July 31, 2014 to August 7, 2014 and trainings and orientation of BLO’s from August 8, 2014 to August 23, 2014.

As per existing policy, revision of electoral rolls with reference to January 1 of the coming year as the qualifying date is done in later part of each year in all States/UTs (normally in the months of October-December) so that final publication of the electoral rolls could be made in the first week of January of the succeeding year.

An official spokesperson of Chief Electoral Office, Punjab, stated , “In this exercise the Commission’s full emphasis is on having pure and error free rolls which form the basis for free and fair elections. For achieving high fidelity electoral rolls, pre-revision activities are required to be given the same weightage as revision activities. If pre-revision activities start now, we will have sufficient time for doing them before announcement of schedule for revision of electoral rolls with reference to 01 January, 2015 as the qualifying date.”

The photography campaign for residual electors, whose images are not available in the roll (house to house campaign to collect the images of residual elector) started on August 8, 2014 and would continue till October 10, 2014. The preparation of CEO’s website for draft publication of integrated rolls and providing search facility and standardization of search facility at website will be byOctober 16, 2014. The updating of control tables (including polling station updating) and database will be done by October 22, 2014.

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JIYANI ORDERS TO CHARGESHEET 6 DISTRICT PROGRAMME OFFICERS

· CHARGESHEETS FOUR ON THE CHARGES OF SCAM AND TWO FOR FUND LAPSES

Chandigarh, September 4: Punjab Social Security Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani today chargesheeted 6 District Programme Officers on the charges of embezzlement in funds against 4 and lapse of funds against 2 in 2013-14.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that Mr. Jiyani had received complaints against these officers for embezzlement in funds and on the basis of these complaints the Minister initiated chargesheet proceedings against them. He said that this action has been initiated after a thorough departmental probe conducted on the directions of Minister. He said that it was found that Medicine Kits purchased for Aanganwari Centers of Ludhiana, Mansa, Sangrur, Sri Muktsar, Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib Districts were of low quality. He said on the basis of probe report Naresh Kumar (presently posted District Program Officer of Sri Muktsar Sahib) and Rakesh Walia (presently posted at Faridkot) have been chargesheeted on the charges of purchasing substandard medicine kits for Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib and Ludhiana and Mansa district respectively.

The Spokesman also said that District Programme Officer Jagmel Singh (presently posted at Bathinda) and Avtar Kaur have been chargesheeted for purchasing low quality medicine kits for Sri Muktsar Sahib and Sangrur districts respectively.

He also informed that Sumandeep Kaur, District Programme Officer Hoshiarpur and Amarjit Kaur District Programme Officer Barnala have been chargesheeted for fund lapses of Rs. 89,22,000 and 40,68000 for the year 2013-14 respectively.

CM SEEKS PERSONAL INTERVENTION OF MODI FOR FINANCIAL RESTRUCTURING OF THE OUTSTANDING LOANS OF NAFED

APPRISES PM ABOUT GLORIOUS TRACK RECORD OF APEX MARKETING COOPERATIVE OF INDIA IN SERVING THE FARMERS

URGES MODI TO ADVISE THE PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS FOR UNDERTAKING OTS WITH NAFED TO CLEAR ITS DEBT

DEMANDS EXPEDITIOUS REIMBURSEMENT OF LOSSES SUFFERED BY NAFED DURING PROCUREMENT

Chandigarh, September 3-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal urged the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi seeking his personal intervention for immediate financial restructuring of the outstanding loans of the financially ailing NAFED to bail out this apex organization of marketing cooperatives in India.

In a letter to Mr. Modi, the Chief Minister recalled the outstanding services rendered by NAFED saying that this premier organization was set up with the main objective to promote and develop agricultural marketing through its member constituents at the State and primary level for the welfare of the farmers. He said that since its inception in 1958, NAFED has been playing a vanguard role in protecting the interest of farmers across the country. Mr. Badal apprised the Prime Minister that under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) of the Government of India (GoI), NAFED has came to rescue of farmers in a big way adding that in 1976-77, the GoI had designated NAFED as its Nodal Agency under this scheme for procurement of major oilseeds like Mustard, Soyabean, Groundnut, copra etc. and pulses like Gram, Moong, Urad etc. besides the cash crop like Cotton.

The Chief Minister further said that in the last few years, NAFED had borrowed funds from various public sector banks but with the passage of time, due to poor recovery, these bank loans turned into Non Performing Assets (NPAs) as the organization did not have funds to service these loans. He bemoaned that as on date, total outstanding loans of the banks including interest stood at nearly whopping Rs. 1800 crores.

Pleading the case for financial restructuring of the outstanding loans of NAFED, the Chief Minister said that a request in this regard had been pending with the Union Ministry of Finance. He informed the Prime Minister that in the past many meetings have been held in this regard in the Department of Financial Services and Ministry of Agriculture adding he said that in consultation with the banks, the SBI Capital Markets Limited (SBI Cap) was engaged to prepare a financial restructuring package suggesting balanced level of commitments/sacrifices from all the stakeholders and to ensure long-term financial viability of NAFED. Giving brief details of this proposal, Mr. Badal said that it envisaged Rs. 590 crores interest free advance from the GoI and Rs. 450 crores Government Guarantee for raising loans from banks and NAFED's own contribution of Rs. 59 crores to settle the bank loans of Rs. 1832 crores as on March 31, 2012 at 60% i.e. Rs. 1,099 crores

The Chief Minister further said that although the above proposal for Financial Restructuring of NAFED was discussed in the expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) meeting in March 2013 under the Chairmanship of the then Secretary (Expenditure), yet there has been no progress thereafter. Citing the unparalleled contribution made by the NAFED for ensuring the welfare of the farmers, Mr. Badal impressed upon the Prime Minister to intervene for ensuring financial restructuring of outstanding loans of the organization or advise the public sector banks to undertake ‘One Time Settlement’ with the NAFED so that the long standing hardship being faced by it could be taken care of. The Chief Minister also urged Mr. Modi to direct the Union Agriculture Ministry for expediting the process of reimbursing losses of Rs. 318 crores suffered in undertaking Price Support operations and Rs. 160 crores on account import of pulses by the NAFED, so that it could continue its procurement operation with better financial management for the welfare of the farmers.

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EDUCATION MINISTER DR CHEEMA ANNOUNCES NAMES OF STATE AWARDEE TEACHERS

· WILL HONOUR 34 TEACHERS WITH STATE AWARD AT JALANDHAR ON SEPTEMBER 5

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 3:

Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema today announced the names of 34 teachers, who will be honoured with prestigious State Award on the eve of Teacher’s Day in a state level function to be held at Jalandhar on September 5.

Announcing the names of teachers for state award, Dr. Cheema said that they had formed a three member committee comprising Principal Secretary Education Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Director General School Education Mr. G.K. Singh and DPI (Secondary) Mr. Kamal Garg for the judicious selection of teaching fraternity for state award. He said a total 95 cases have been received for this honour by the teachers with detailed information of their achievements, which were preliminary examined by principals of their respective schools and then thoroughly inspected by committees at district levels under District Education Officers. He said that these cases were re-examined by 9 sub state level committees out of which 34 teachers have been selected by State Level Selection Committee.

The Minister informed that this selection has been finalized on the basis of achievements of teachers. He said that out of total 100 marks 40 were for the results of students of respective teachers while the other parameters were ACR, Educational Qualification, Academic Achievements, character, contribution for the all round development of school, attitude towards students and their parents, coordination with village level committees etc. He said that there were special marks for teachers were being delivering their duties in odd circumstances. He said that this process was so simple, logical and transparent so the teachers can evaluate themselves at their own.

Dr. Cheema said that these 34 teachers would get their awards in state level function to be held at Jalandhar on September 5, where they would be honoured with a cash amount of Rs. 10000, appreciation letter, a meal and one year extension on service period.

List of State Awardees in different categories:

Principal (2): Pavinder Kaur GSSS Girls, Sultanwind, Amritsar) and Mandeep Kaur (GSSS Girls Mall Road, Amritsar)

Head Master (2): Darshan Singh and Rajinder Singh (G Model HS Nabha, Patiala)

Lecturer (7): Mrs Manisha (Math, GSSS Town Hall Mandi, Amritsar), Sukhdarshan Singh (Physics, GSSS Kalian, Patiala), Gurjant Singh (Commerce, GSSS Badal, Mukatsar Sahib), Charanjit Singh (Punjabi, GSSS Basowal, Rupnagar), Aman Sharma (English, GSSS Sudhar, Amritsar), Parminder Kumar ( English, GSSS Mehla, , Sangrur) and Gurpreet Kaur (Punjabi, GSSS Shuman Kalan, Bathinda)

Master Cadre (High and Senior Secondary) (8): Abhinav Joshi (Science, GSSS Girls Sanur, Patiala), Sukhdev Singh (Science, GHS Bhalian, Rupnagar), Mukhtiar Singh (SS, GHS Kamalke, Moga), Prem Kumar (SS, GHS Bhangal, Rupnagar), Pardeep Kumar (Math, GSSS Tamkot, Mukatsar), Om Parkash (PTI, GSSS Talwandi, Gurdaspur), Varinder Singh (PTI, GHS Ballamgarh, Sangrur) and Amritpal Singh (Agriculture Master, GSSS Jassi Pau Wali, Bathinda)

Head Teacher/ETT (7): Gurjant Singh (HT, GPS Pannawala, Sangrur), Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (HT, G Elem S, Buraj Hari Singh, Ludhiana), Sukhram (HT, HPS Bhammian Khurad, Ludhiana), Paramjit Kaur (ETT GPS Gambirpur (Lower), Rupnagar), Tarlochan Singh (HT, GPS Nagra, Ludhiana), Ajmer Singh (HT, G Elem S Thuhi, Patiala) and Paramjit Singh (ETT, GPS Dangoli)

Master/Mistress (Middle School) (8): Gurmeet Singh (SS, GMS Bharu, Mukatsar Sahib, Gurmeet Singh (SS, GMS Sirshiri, Faridkot), Paramjit Singh (Art and Craft, GMS, Goniana Khurad, Bathinda), Lakhmir Singh (SS, GMS Bhajauli, SAS Nagar), Kashma Devi (SS, GMS, Khamera, Rupnagar), Megh Dass (Science, GMS Bharthala, Ludhiana), Dharampal Mianavi (SS, GMS Raheemabad Kalan, Ludhiana) and Sudagar Singh Sarabha (PTI, GMS Giaspura, Ludhiana)

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Punjab bans TRANSFERS in all departments

Chandigarh, September 3:

The Punjab Government today banned transfers & postings of officials/officers in all departments of the government with immediate effect.

This was disclosed by an official spokesman. He said that instructions in this regard have been issued to all Financial Commissioners, Administrative Secretaries, Heads of the departments, Commissioners of the Divisions, Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional officers (Civil) for immediate compliance.

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Mittal gives appointment letters to 43 newly recruited clerks

Chandigarh, September 3:

The Minister for Technical Education and Industrial Training Sh. Madan Mohan Mittal today distributed appointment letters to 43 newly recruited clerks of the Directorate of Technical Education and Industrial Training.

Addressing the new recruitments, Sh. Mittal congratulated them and asked them to work with complete dedication. He motivated them to adopt honesty and transparency as the two main constituents of their profession.

Secretary Technical Education and Industrial Training, Sh. R K Verma, IAS and Director Technical Education and Industrial Training Sh. B. Purushartha also congratulated the new employees asking them to work hard with consistency.

Senior officers of the department were also amongst those prominent present at the event.

SHIVRAJ V. PATIL ADMINISTERS OATH TO NEWLY APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF PPSC

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 2: The Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Mr. Shivraj V. Patil today administered the oath of office, secrecy and allegiance to Constitution of India to the newly appointed Chairman of the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Tejwant Singh Gill at a simple and brief but impressive ceremony held here at Punjab Raj Bhavan.

Earlier, the Punjab Chief Secretary, Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal sought the permission of the Governor to start the oath taking ceremony. Soon after being sworn in, Lt. Gen. Gill signed the oath, which was counter-signed by the Governor.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal also graced the occasion.

Members of Punjab Cabinet and PPSC besides senior officers of civil and police administration were also present on the occasion.

The family members, friends and well-wishers of Lt. Gen. Gill also attended the swearing-in-ceremony.

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3rd SURPRISE CHECKING IN 964 SCHOOLS; 61 TEACHERS FOUND ABSENT, 150 LATE COMERS AND 61 LONG TIME ABSENTEE

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 2:

The Special Teams of Education Department today conducted surprise visits in three circles including Jalandhar, Faridkot and Nabha with a view to maintain punctuality and discipline in Punjab Schools and found 61 teachers absent, listed 61 long time absentee teachers and 150 late comers. It may be mentioned that it is the 3rd Special Surprise check in last 3 weeks.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that following the directions of Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema the special teams were conducting surprise checks throughout the state to ensure punctuality and discipline. He said that three Circles namely Jalandhar, Faridkot and Nabha (Patiala) today visited by the special teams at the same time. Special teams visited 453 schools of Jalandhar Circle, 270 schools of Nabha (Patiala) Circle and 241 schools of Faridkot Circle.

He further said that 43 teachers were found absent in Jalandhar Circle and 114 were late comers while 35 found long time absentee. In Nabha (Patiala) Circle 4 teachers were found absent, 17 late comers and 14 were long time absentee. Similarly, in Faridkot Circle 14 teachers were found absent, 19 late comers and 14 were found long time absentee.

Meanwhile Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that strict action would be taken against long time absentee teachers while necessary action according to department rules would also be initiated against those found absent and late comers.

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MAJITHIA ORDERS SPECIAL GIRDAWRI IN RAIN AFFECTED VILLAGES OF MANSA DISTRICT

Chandigarh, September 2: Punjab Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia has ordered special girdawri of all those villages of district Mansa where the cotton crops have suffered heavy losses due to excessive rain and blockade as well as overflowing of distributaries. He had directed the revenue authorities to submit the special girdawri report at the earliest.

The Revenue Minister has got report that Jherianwali, Raipur and Tandian villages of Sardulgarh sub-division and Bhainibagha, Sadda Singh Wala, Khokhar Khurd, Karamgarh, Autanwali, Talwandi Aklia, Banawali and Peron of Mansa Sub-division have suffered the most. Besides this, the Power Sub-station of Village Raipur has also been damaged. The Minister has also directed the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited to repair the Sub-station at the earliest.

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Punjab to develop Biotech Park in 75 acres at SAS Nagar

(SAS Nagar to emerge as biotech hub in North India- Sukhbir Badal)

(Gobindgarh fort will open for public after September 25)

Chandigarh, September 2-With a view to establish Punjab as the biotechnology hub of North India, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that state government would develop its first ever Biotech park on 75 acres of land in sector 81 in Mohali within one year.

In a high level meeting with the state officials here on Tuesday, Mr. Badal said “our target is to boost scientific activities to accelerate the use of new techniques in new sectors like biotech as being an agricultural state Punjab has a great potential to grow in this field”.

Adding further he said that SAS Nagar would be a home to cluster of agri-food and biotechnology institutes as center has already announced to set up Bio Processing Unit and Punjab Biotechnology Incubator for this city.

This park would be developed by the Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion along with the Science and Technology department. Deputy CM also asked the Principal Secretary Science and Technology to visit the leading players of this sector to initiate a dialogue for assistance and investment in next 15 days.

Deputy CM has also ordered to set up a training centre for students and progressive farmers in five acres where they could be trained in that field besides working on tissue culture to develop new varieties. Mr. Badal has also asked the officials to allot plots to the investors in Biotech Park on priority basis.

Separately reviewing the ongoing preservation work at historic Gobindgarh fort at Amritsar, Mr Badal announced that all parts of the fort would be opened for public by September 25.

Prominent amongst present in the meeting included Principal Secretary Investment Promotion Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Science and Technology Vishavjit Khanna, Secretary Housing A. Venu Prasad, Managing Director PIDB Anurag Aggarwal, Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs Raji. P. Srivastva, Secretary Science and Technology Seema Jain, Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy CM Manvesh Singh Sidhu and Ajay Mahajan.

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PUNJAB ALL SET TO IMPLEMENT E-STAMPING SYSTEM-MAJITHIA PRESIDES OVER A HIGH LEVEL MEETING

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 2: Punjab Revenue Department took a giant leap towards implementing e-stamping system for registration deeds with the Punjab Cabinet approving “Punjab e-Stamp Rules 2014”.

Disclosing this here today Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said that this path breaking people friendly initiative has been taken by the Revenue Department in which efforts would be made to involve all the stamp vendors in the authorized collection centers of e-stamping system to give them an opportunity to enhance their earnings and their interests would be taken well care of. He said that under the system all registration deeds requiring stamps above Rs. 50,000 would be covered by e-stamping system and Revenue Department was signing agreement with Stock Holding Corporation of India (SHCIL), a central record keeping agency to implement this system.

Finalizing the arrangements for statewide implementation of e-stamping system in a high level meeting, Mr. Majithia said that SHCIL would appoint authorize collection center franchise throughout the state in which stamp vendors would also be involved. Besides this, SHCIL would impart training to the users, Sub-Registrars Officers and Government Officers for effective implementation as well as monitoring of the system. He directed the Deputy Commissioners to upgrade the requisite infrastructure in all sub registrar offices.

Announcing the roll out of e-stamping from November 2014, Mr. Majithia said that in the first phase SAS Nagar, Jalandhar and Bathinda would be covered as Pilot Districts and in December Patiala, Sangrur, Ropar and Amritsar would be covered and by next 6-8 months entire state would be covered by state of art e-stamping system.

Mr. NS Kang, Financial Commissioner Revenue was also present in the meeting.

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CABINET AMENDS PUNJAB MINOR MINERAL RULES, 2013 FOR SUPPLYING CHEAP SAND/GRAVEL TO THE PEOPLE

· 37 QUARRIES ALLOTTED TO PSIEC; MANDI BOARD AUTHORISED TO TRANSPORT CHEAP SAND/ GRAVEL FROM PIT HEADS

· CONSUMERS TO HAVE OPTION OF BOOKING SAND/ GRAVEL AT MARKET COMMITTEE OFFICES

· 13034 ETT TEACHERS UNDER RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND PANCHAYAT DEPARTMENT TO BE MERGED IN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

· NOD FOR MERGING 583 VETERINARY DOCTORS OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND PANCHAYAT DEPARTMENT IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENT

· GREEN SIGNAL FOR LEVYING WATER CESS @ RS.50 PER ACRE PER CROP FOR MAINTAINING AND CLEANING OF THE MINORS AND DISTRIBUTARIES

· GRAM PANCHAYAT LAND LEASE POLICY AMENDED

· GO AHEAD FOR AMENDING THE PUNJAB STATE LEGISLATURE MEMBERS (PENSION AND MEDICAL FACILITIES REGULATION) ACT, 1977

· GROUP A AND B RULES OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT NOTIFIED

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 2-

In a significant decision aimed at checking spiraling prices of the Sand/ gravel in the state, the Punjab Cabinet today gave green signal for amending Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013 thereby allowing the Industries department to allot 37 quarries to the Punjab State Industrial Export Corporation (PSIEC) at a fixed rate of royalty to supply cheap sand/ bajri to the consumers.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at CMO, this afternoon.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the PSIEC would ensure the supply of sand/ bajri at pit head level on a fair price whereas the Punjab Mandi Board would supply the minerals to the consumers at their doorsteps or at market committee yards by charging transport rates fixed by the transport department on kilometer basis. The consumer would have the option of booking their demand of sand/ gravel at Market committee level also.

The Cabinet also decided to bifurcate the post of Director Industries and Mining. A separate officer of the requisite seniority would be posted as Director Mining, whose sole responsibility would be to look after the mining of minor minerals in the state and supply thereof. The Cabinet also authorized the Industries and Agriculture Ministers to remove any difficulty coming in the way of implementing this policy.

In another major decision, the Cabinet also decided to merge 13034 sanctioned posts of ETT teachers in the 5772 schools run by the Rural Development and Panchayat Department in the state Education department.

Likewise, the Cabinet also approved the merger of 583 posts of Rural Veterinary Officers working in 582 Civil Veterinary Hospitals managed and run by the Rural Development and Panchayat Department in the Animal Husbandry.

The Cabinet also decided to abolish the 'Abiana' charged from the farmers @ Rs 150 per acre per crop. In a bid to maintain and clean the existing Minors and distributaries in the state, the Cabinet also approved to levy water cess @ Rs.50 per acre per crop instead of Abiana by amending the Indian Canal & Drainage Act, 1873. This decision would help in mobilizing sufficient funds for the proper maintenance and cleaning of these Minors and distributaries.

The Cabinet also decided that a master plan of the Irrigation network be prepared for providing required irrigation water to the farmers through a robust canal system. It was also decided to set up water users committees at XEN level. This Committee under the respective XEN would collect the cleaning cess and also ensure its use for cleaning minors and distributaries in the jurisdiction of respective committees. The Cabinet also decided that an amount equal to the cleaning cess collected in the state would be contributed by the state government which would be used for rejuvenating and cleaning the canal network in the state. The users of canal water would oversee the utilization of this cess. The cleaning cess would be levied on only those farmers who used canal water.

The Cabinet also gave approval to amend the Gram Panchayat land lease policy thereby authorizing the concerned Deputy Commissioner of the district for approving the lease of gram panchayat land (shamlat) for 33 years for setting up the projects cleared by the department of Power and Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA). Under the amended policy the annual rate of lease has also been reduced from 10% to 5%. This decision would not only curtail inordinate delay in the leasing out gram panchayat land but also help the prospective investors for quick implementation of solar power and other renewable energy projects duly approved by the power department and PEDA.

The Cabinet also gave go ahead for amending the Punjab State Legislature Members (Pension and Medical Facilities Regulation) Act, 1977 with retrospective effect thereby allowing pension on a graded scale to an MLA who has been elected as such but not disqualified.

In a move aimed at ensuring the recruitment and promotion of all the categories in Group A and B of Technical Education and Industrial Training department, the Cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval for notifying Rules of the department.

The Cabinet also authorized the Excise and Taxation Minister to review and rationalize the VAT levied on aerated drinks and cigarettes. The Cabinet, similarly also authorized the Transport Minister to review and rationalize the registration fee levied on four wheeler vehicles.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT APPOINTS PaNeL OF INVESTIGATION OFFICERS

Chandigarh, September 02:

The Punjab government has appointed a panel of investigation officers for investigation under Rules 1970 Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal). A Communiqué has already been issued to all Heads of the departments in this regard.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that panel included retired officers included Mr. S.S.Talwar (Retd. IAS), Mr. B.R.Bansal, Retd. Additional District and Session Judge, Mr. B.C.Gupta, Retd. PSS and Mr. Amarjit Singh Kataria, Retd. Additional District and Session Judge had been appointed in the panel.

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PUNJAB DEPUTY CM NOT TO HOLD SANGAT DARSHAN ON SEPTEMBER 3

Chandigarh September 2 :

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal will not be hold "Sangat Darshan" at Punjab Bhawan Chandigarh on Wednesday i.e. September 3, 2014 due to public holiday on account of Birthday of Baba Sri Chand Ji. This was disclosed by here today Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Jangveer Singh.

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VIGILANCE NABS ASI IN GRAFT CASE

CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 2:

Vigilance Bureau today nabbed an ASI red handed while receiving bribe or Rs. 18,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that ASI Randip Singh posted at Police Station Moonak, District Sangrur was nabbed on the complaint of Mr. Jagraj Singh who was working as driver with PRTC. In his complaint Jagraj Singh alleged that ASI Randip Singh was demanding bribe or Rs. 18,000 from him to settle a case of internal dispute and clash during strike.

Acting on the tip off, a trap was laid by the team of Vigilance Bureau, Patiala headed by Inspector Paramjit Singh and ASI Randip Singh was arrested red handed while accepting bribe of Rs. 18,000 from the complainant.

AAM AADMI PARTY WILL MEET THE FATE SAME AS BY-POLL IN ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS – BADAL

AAM AADMI PARTY HAS LOST ITS CREDIBILITY IN MASSES

WE WILL CANVASS AGAINST ANTI-SIKH CONGRESS PARTY IN HARYANA ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

Bangi Ruldu Singh (Bathinda), September 1-

Rubbishing the claims of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to form government in Punjab after 2017 assembly elections as a ‘fool’s paradise’, the Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Parkash Singh Badal said that the AAP would meet the same fate as it had in the recently concluded by-elections where the party candidates’ securities too were forfeited.

Talking to media persons on thanks giving tour of Talwandi Sabo assembly segment Mr. Badal said that the AAP candidates have lost their securities in the Talwandi Sabo and Patiala by-elections which was an indicator enough to make AAP workers realize that the party was near oblivion in Punjab. He added that though in a democratic country every person has right to contest elections but people repose faith in only those parties that have credibility and that work on the path of serving masses.

He said that the people of Delhi gave AAP an opportunity to form its government but party president Mr. Arvind Kejriwal betrayed their faith by resigning from the post of Chief Minister. Mr. Badal added that the intelligent voters will never believe a party that betrayed people.

He added that for the past seven years the stable SAD-BJP alliance in state is ushering in development and prosperity and due to its credibility the people of Punjab have re-elected it creating a history.

When asked about the Indian National Lok Dal leader Mr. Dushyant Chautala selecting Mr. Parkash Singh Badal as the main campaigner for INLD in Haryana assembly elections, Mr. Badal said that he would canvass to dislodge anti-Sikh Congress from Haryana.

At the thanks giving tour, Mr. Badal directed water supply department to ensure that water paucity in every village were solved so that people do not face any kind of problem.

The Chief Minister today expressed gratitude to the people of Jeevan Singh Wala, Naseeb Pura, Kot Bakhtu, Bangi Ruldu Singh, Bangi Nihal Singh, Bangi Ruldu and Bangi Deepa villages for emerging Mr. Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu victorious from the constituency with a record margin which has infused energy in the cadre.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included cabinet minister Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, constituency MLA Mr. Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Akali leader Mr. Amarjit Singh Khana, Mr. Vardev Singh Mann, district Sri Muktsar Sahib’s SAD president Mr Manjit Singh Barkandi, SGPC executive member Mr. Mohan Singh Bangi and SAD district press secretary Mr. Om Prakash Sharma. Besides this the CM’s special principal secretary KJS Cheema, DIG Mr. Amar Singh Chahal, deputy commissioner Dr Basant Garg and SSP Bathinda Gurpreet Singh Bhullar also accompanied.

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