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PUNJAB AMONG TOP THREE INVESTMENT DESTINATIONS IN INDIA: RBI - The Congress leaders see nothing of this and are busy trying to portray Punjab as the worst state in the country.
BADAL SAYS WE DID IT DESPITE ADVERSE CENTRAL POLICIES LIKE CONCESSIONS TO NEIGHBOURING STATES, ASKS PUNJAB CONGRESS LEADERS TO READ THE REPORT
Chandigarh September 12
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal said here today that the Reserve Bank of India report which puts Punjab among the three best investment destinations in India during 2012-13 should serve as an eye opener to the Congress leaders who never tired of painting a negative picture of their own state.
Punjab finished ahead of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar and West Bengal, to be one of the three most attractive investment destinations in the country, according to the figures released by the Reserve Bank of India.
"The Congress should realize that Punjab has done it despite deliberately adverse and ruinous policies of the Congress-ruled center against Punjab, such as denial of concessions granted to our neighbouring states and the refusal to provide freight equalization."
Mr. Badal said that perfect law and order situation, an atmosphere of peace and communal harmony, ideal labour relations, top-grade infrastructure, improved power scenario and an investment friendly industrial policy were some of the reasons that resulted in pushing Punjab up among the top three destinations in the country. "The Congress leaders see nothing of this and are busy trying to portray Punjab as the worst state in the country. They should now try and contradict the report of the Reserve Bank of India, if they can," said the Chief Minister in a statement here today.
"The Congress leaders in Punjab have been spending all their energies on running down their own state and its achievements. They are out to defame their own state as a part of a well-planned agenda to stop investments from coming here. Their speeches and actions had adversely affected the investment climate in the state in the past as potential investors developed wrong and unfriendly notions about us, we performed creditably despite all this," said Mr. Badal
The Chief Minister asked the Congress leaders, especially the PPCC chief Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa, to read the Reserve Bank of India report. Punjab finished among the three best investment friendly destinations this year, with just two percent of the total area of the country and 1.5% of its total population, Punjab accounted for nearly 13% of the total investments made in the country during the period, says the RBI report.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab's performance was all the more creditable when one considers that India on the whole slipped badly on the investment sector. "At the all India level, numbers confirmed the go-slow on investments." according to the RBI report. "In the light of this, Punjab's showing is not only heartening but also an indicator of better things to follow. Investments are the key denominators of growth and the trend indicates that we have turned the corner towards economic resurgence. I am not saying we do not face challenges. But we have defied heavy odds to emerge as a front runner in the country. I hope the Congressmen, who spend sleepless nights criticizing their state's economy will sleep peacefully and quietly now," said the CM.
Mr. Badal said that with the new Investment Promotion Policy of the state, announced by the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, the state is bound to go even higher on the national scale. "The Congress leaders should now start taking pride in their state and the thank the people of Punjab, if not the government, for the major improvements in the state's standing on the investment chart," Mr. Badal said.
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SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL LAUNCHES PUNJAB POLICE HELPLINE, A UNIQUE INITIATIVE OF THE PUNJAB GOVERNMENT--HELP-DESKS NRIs AVAILABLE 24x7
- DEDICATED HELP-DESKS FOR WOMEN, CHILDREN, SENIOR CITIZENS AND NRIs AVAILABLE 24x7
- MULTIPLE MODES OF CONTACT OVER PHONE, SMS, FAX, EMAIL & WEB-PORTAL
- 20-SEATER PUNJAB POLICE CALL CENTRE (PPCC) BY COMPANY OPERATING 108 AMBULANCE SERVICE IN PUNJAB
- DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER ALSO INAUGURATES THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED NRI AND WOMEN WING
CHANDIGARH/SAS NAGAR (MOHALI), AUGUST 22: Punjab today became the first State in the country to launch a multimode Police helpline for women, children, senior citizens and NRIs to attend to their grievances in a time bound manner.
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today while dedicating the toll free 181 Police Helpline to the people of State, said this would be the only helpline in the country which would ensure complete satisfaction of complainants. “No complaint will be disposed off till the complainant is satisfied that his grievance has been addressed”, he said. The Deputy CM also inaugurated the newly established NRI and Women Wing on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Badal said the toll free help line as well as NRI and Women Wings established at Mohali in a special custom designed building, was among the initiatives taken by the SAD-BJP government to make the police force accountable to the people.
Explaining how the system would work to newsmen, Mr Badal said any citizen could register his complaint for delaying tactics of police or in anonymity complain about drug abuse, anti social elements or any problem of lawlessness or corruption prevailing in any area of the State. He said in order to ensure complete professionalism, the helpline work had been outsourced to a private company Ziqitza which would set up a 20 seat call center with a dedicated clinical psychologist as counselors to patiently listen to the aggrieved party and come out with a solution.
The Deputy CM said that this newly launched helpline having multiple modes of contact over phone, sms, fax, email and web-portal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week was geared up to ensure quick and easy access to police for police response, support, assistance and response, reporting of about crime and criminals as well as follow-up of complaints made to different police units/offices.
Giving the details of the Helpline, the Punjab DGP Mr. Sumedh Singh Saini said the helpline would aim to provide “security with dignity” and that police personnel who would be manning the 20 seater Punjab Police Call Centre which will be managed by Ziqitza had been given extensive training and were earlier involved in managing the “108 Ambulance Service” in the State.
The DGP said dedicated help-desks for Women, Children, Senior citizens and NRIs along with 24x7 availability of professional Counselors’ and psychologists’ were the highlights of this only-one-of-its kind initiative. He said another feature of this helpline would be an assured time-bound response, to be achieved through persistent follow-up by Case Coordinators. Independent Citizen Feedback through a non-police interface would also be taken, he added.
Mr. Dinkar Gupta, ADGP Law and Order said the helpline aimed at improving the accessibility and accountability of the State police and enlisting the participation of the community through their valuable suggestions and feedback from citizens. He said the helpline could also help in the reporting of rowdyism, vandalism, drug abuse, eve-teasing and traffic violations. Mr Gupta said people reporting malpractices would be ensured of confidentiality. Another feature of this facility is that all calls would be recorded to ensure quality of service & discourage misuse of this helpline, he added.
The multiple modes of contact for this helpline include; Dial 181 from phone, SMS at 7696-181-181, Fax no.-0172-6626181, e.mail-help@181pph.com and portal-www.181pph.com. When calling from abroad, please call 0091-172-2298543. The NRI and Women Wing which has been integrated with the 181 Punjab Police Helpline shall monitor all complaints pertaining to NRIs, Women, Senior Citizens and Children received over the Punjab Police Helpline.
It may be mentioned here that the existing office of IGP/NRI Affairs at Punjab Police Headquarters, Sector-9, Chandigarh has been relocated and established as an independent wing in SAS Nagar under an IG rank officer. IGP NRI & Women Wing shall be assisted by DIG/NRI and Women Wing and a team of SPs and DSPs. Eight existing NRI Police Stations at Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Ludhian Rural, Moga, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur and SBS Nagar shall now work under the direct supervision of NRI and Women Wing.
The NRI Wing shall be the nodal authority at the state level for monitoring inquiries/investigations involving NRIs, Women, Senior Citizens and Children. The Wing shall receive complaints on emailnri.pbpolice@gmail.com to enable NRIs to communicate with the Wing from abroad.
NRIs shall also be able to contact senior officers of the NRI Wing at Telephone Nos. 0172-2260042, 2260043. Nodal officers of the rank of Inspector and above shall attend to the complaints of the NRIs at the NRI Wing Headquarters and liaison with District/Units for redressing NRIs grievances. The Wing shall provide a time bound response to NRIs regarding the status of their cases through a dedicated case ID number. EOM
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Agrarian Punjab now wants industrial revolution
Chandigarh, June 7, 2013
In the 1960s it was at the forefront as the Green Revolution state that would make India self-sufficient in foodgrains. Now, Punjab is looking for another revolution on the industrial side to take the state forward.
Having lagged behind most states on the development and progress front over the last three decades, Punjab is in dire need of change to gear up for the future.
Faced with this situation, the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance government in the state has drafted a new industrial policy to attract investment into the state.
Punjab's Deputy Chief Minister and Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, himself a successful businessman with interests in hotels, real estate and agriculture, has personally monitored the new industrial policy, which offers major tax incentives to small, medium and large establishments that invest in the state.
Under its "earn your incentives" scheme, the state government wants to attract industry to revive Punjab's industrial fortunes.
Badal described it as an "aggressive, incentive-based policy that, besides changing the paradigm of industrial development, would facilitate investment in the state". He said Punjab had taken a proactive step to facilitate investment in the state by offering maximum incentives as compared to other states.
Badal remained centrestage during the announcement of the new policy while the state's Industries Minister Anil Joshi, who is from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was pushed to play second fiddle.
The opposition Congress was quick to reject the new industrial policy saying that it would "spell disaster".
"The policy has nothing for the existing industry in Punjab which is facing a tough situation," state Congress president Pratap Singh Bajwa said.
Though Badal brought in pomp and show with his power-point presentation of the new policy, he did not spell out how his government intends to change things on the ground level to build an environment conducive for investment.
With just 1.54 percent of the country's total land area -- much of which is under agriculture cultivation and the rest urban -- land in Punjab is a costly affair for any industry. The sky-high land prices put off most industrial investors as their projects become non-feasible.
Power cuts, ranging from 6 to 15 hours a day, continue to be a bane for people, business and industry. Badal continues to harp that Punjab will be power surplus soon but things are hardly changing at the ground level.
The state lost investment in the 1980s and 1990s due to a bloody phase of terrorism. Except for the industrial hub of Ludhiana, often called the Manchester of India, and a few pockets here and there, industry could not prosper in Punjab due to the law and order situation.
The worst phase for the state came when the central government announced a 10-year tax holiday in the hill states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand to attract industrial investment there. Industry from Punjab left the state in hordes to set up base in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
Being a landlocked state with a 553-km international border with Pakistan does not make things easy for investors.
Badal will have to bring about a dynamic shift in how Punjab tries to attract industrial investment if the new policy has to succeed. Otherwise, as in the past, the industrial policy will end up as another bulky document on official shelves till a new one comes out. ......Jaideep Sarin // IANS/ NRIpress.com
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NRI GETS RS. 9.40 LAC BACK WITH INTERVENTION OF PUNJAB NRI COMMISSION
Chandigarh, May 27:
The Punjab NRI Commission has come to the aid of a UK based NRI Mr. Charnjit Singh r/o Nurmahal (Jalandhar) by getting him back Rs. 9.40 lac which was invested in ICICI Prudential Life Insurance by a bank , employee after misguiding the NRI. The Commission played a significant role in striking compromise between the cocerned parties after getting the life insurance policy cancelled.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of State NRI commission, NRI Chanjit Singh had opened an account in ICICI, Nurmahal and the bank employee Gaurav Kant Arora convinced him for fixed deposits at the rate of 14 percent. He gave two cheques of worth Rs. 7 lac each. Meanwhile, the said employee asked him to buy a life insurance policy but he didn’t show any interest. The bank employee misguided him by saying that being a good customer, he was being issued free insurance policy, but it was not so.
The spokesman informed that when after few days he checked his account, a withdrawal of Rs. 10 lac was already made and the money was invested in a life insurance policy and stock exchange. When the NRI took up this matter with bank authorities, he was asked to deposit third cheque. The NRI brought this matter in the notice of NRI Commission. The Commission summoned both parties and they have reached at a compromise. The insurance policy was cancelled and NRI got Rs. 9.40 lac back
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NRI COMMISSION ISSUES NOTICE TO DC MOHALI
ASKS TO APPEAR BEFORE COMMISSION ON MAY 21
CHANDIGARH, May 20
The NRI Commission today issued notice to Deputy Commissioner, SAS NAGAR (Mohali) for taking the orders of the Commission callously and asked him to appear before the Commission on may 21.
A spokesman of the NRI Commission today said that on the complaint of Sarabjit Singh, attorney of his uncle Surinder Singh resident of Germany, an NRI, with the grievance that Gurcharan Singh Saini, Sarpanch of their village, has diverted drain-water in his land situated in village Chatt, Tehsil Derabassi, Distt. Mohali. In the complaint he further alleged that Gurcharan Singh Saini has got constructed the house from Faqir Chand on the Govt. Street, obstructing their passage towards their land.
The complainant said that he approached various authorities i.e. SDO, DDO etc., referred in the order dated 06.03.2013, but no result. The Spokesman said that the Commission vide order dated 06.03.2013 has asked DC SAS Nagar to look into the matter and report. He said that till the fixed date, no report has been submitted by DC Mohali in this regard. Besides that Mr. Darbari Lal, Panchayat Officer has appeared before the commission, stated to have been sent by Arun Sharma, BDO Derabassi, who does not know anything about the case and cannot assist the Commission.
He said that the DC Mohali has taken the orders of this Commission callously and his such conduct stands deprecated. The spokesman further said that a notice has been issued to DC Mohali to appear before the Commission to show cause why an action be not taken against him for Non-compliance of the orders of the Commission and above referred mis-conduct sending a junior official knowing nothing about the case, making a mockery of justice & discipline.
He said that DC SAS Nagar has been asked to appear before the Commission on 21.05.2013 at 12:30 P.M and his services be effected through Commissioner, Ropar, for his appearance on the date fixed.
SUKHBIR ANNOUNCES PATH BREAKING INCENTIVES FOR NRIs
May 14, 2013
- NEW INVESTMENT POLICY TO ALSO FOCUS ON NRIs
- 10% PREFERENTIAL ALLOTMENT TO NRIs IN PUDA COLONIES AND INDUSTRIAL ESTATES MADE A REALITY
- OVER 190 OFFICERS INSTEAD OF 22, DESIGNATED TO REGISTER NRI MARRIAGES
- ALL DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS AUTHORISED TO EMBOSS POWER OF ATTORNEYS BESIDES 4 DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONERS
- PUNJAB NOTIFIES NEW LAW TO CHECK FRADULENT MARRIAGES
- PUNJAB TIGHTEN NOOSE ON ILLEGAL TRAVEL AGENTS BY NOTIFYING HUMAN SMUGGLING ACT
- NRIs ALL SET TO BE ALLOWED TO EVICT TENANTS FROM MULTIPLE PROPERTIES, MULTIPLE TIMES
- GMADA FINALISES BLUEPRINT FOR NRI HEADQUARTER AT MOHALI
· GOVERNMENT APPROVED ESCO RAISES SEPARATE BATTALION TO SAFEGUARD PROPERTIES OF NRIs
· SSPs DIRECTED TO LAUNCH CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLEGAL TRAVEL AGENTS
CHANDIGARH, MAY 14: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced the fructification of promises made to NRIs during NRI Sammellan and today gave final touches to an integrated plan to make NRIs lasting partners in the progress and prosperity of the state.
Accompanied by NRI Affairs Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today reviewed the implementations of the decisions besides giving final touches to holistic plan. Mr. Badal said that the purpose of lasting relations with the Punjabi Diaspora was not to seek investment but to strengthen their emotional bond with their motherland. He said that under the New Housing policy and investment policy; Punjab has set aside 10% quota for Punjabi Diaspora in all PUDA approved schemes and industrial estates besides setting up a separate link for fast track approval in the industrial investment portal. He said that with the concerted efforts of all departments this major promise has been made a reality.
Impressing upon the need for taking care of the families of NRIs to give them emotional support, Mr. Badal said tha he has issued directions to increase the marriage registration officer from registered 22 to 190 so as to expedite the registration of their marriages, understanding the limited time available to them during their stay in the country. He said that earlier only DROs were empowered to register the marriages but now the powers have been delegated to all Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars. He said that he has issued directions to all field officers to be accessible to NRIs and perform their job on priority.
Describing compulsory registration of marriages and Human Smuggling Acts as path breaking acts, Mr. Badal said that with the compulsory marriage registration act, we will be able to tackle fraudulent marriages by NRIs and with the Human Smuggling Act, we would be able to tackle the menace illegal travel agents, playing with the lives and hard earned money of Punjabi youth, who were being lured to foreign lands on illegal permits.
Mr. Majithia informed the Deputy Chief Minister that Punjab Government was in process of taking a path breaking decision, in which an NRI can get tenant evicted from multiple properties, multiple times. He said that earlier he was allowed only once for a single property. He informed that similar amendment was also being effected for Rural Properties also.
Meeting the long pending demands of NRIs to guard their properties in Punjab, Mr. Majithia informed the Deputy Chief Minister said that a Punjab Government Undertaking PESCO would supply professionally trained ex-servicemen guards for this purpose on a nominal payment. He said that NRIs on visit to Punjab can also seek deployment of PESCO guards for personal security. He said that PESCO has been asked to raise a separate battalion for NRIs.
It was informed in the meeting that one more NRI Police Stations have been opened in NRI dominant districts including Amritsar. He said that instructions have already been issue to seek approval of DSP before registering any FIR against NRI to check bogus complaints.
The Home Department informed that Punjab and Haryana High Court has been requested to setup three Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrate Courts at Moga, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur and an Appellate Court at Jalandhar for civil and criminal cases of NRIs and requisite funds have been provided for the same.
Asking the GMADA to finalise the blueprint of NRI Bhawan at Mohali, Mr. Badal said that he would be laying the foundation stone of bhawan in the month of July.
Raising the problem of NRIs, Mr. Majithia said that NRIs on visit to India were facing the problem of sim cards and Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has already taken up this issue for its early solution.
Prominent amongst those present in the meeting including, Mr. S.S. Channi, Principal Secretary NRI Affairs, Mr. Navreet Singh Kang, Financial Commissioner Revenue and Public Relations, Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Secretary Health, Mr. Vishwajit Khanna, Secretary Defence Service Welfare, Mr. B.S. Sudan, Secretary Home, Mr. Priyank Bharti, Director Local Government and Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Chief Administrator PUDA.
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PUNJAB TO LAUNCH AN INTERACTIVE WEBSITE FOR NRIs SOON-MAJITHIA
· PUNJABI DIASPORA CAN REGISTER COMPLAINTS, OPINION, SUGGESTIONS, FEEDBACK THROUGH WEBSITE
· MINISTER FOR NRIs AFFAIRS WOULD PERSONALLY MONITOR THE WEBSITE
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 11: The Punjab is all set to become first state in the country to setup a mechanism in the form of an interactive website to redress the grievances and various other issues pertaining to large Punjabi Diaspora settled in every nook and corner of the world. The interactive website will be launched by end of next month, said Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, NRI Affairs Minister Punjab.
Presiding over a high level meeting of NRIs Department, Mr. Majithia directed the department to launch an interactive website as per the decision taken during Non Resident Punjabis Sammelan held in January this year. The Minister pointed out that keeping in view the fast pace of life and busy schedule of NRIs it becomes imperative for us to redress their issues online. He said that to cover the majority of issues of concerning various departments, we need to design a comprehensive website so that NRIs could register their grievances and issues on the website for their redresses. He said that this website should also be used to get the feedback of NRIs along with their opinions on various development initiatives, achievements and other issues related to the state government.
The NRIs affairs minister also underlined the need to ensure instant response to the issues of Punjabi Diaspora from the concerned department and emphasized the need of website with other social networks including the provision of live chat service. He said that the website should also depict the glorious heritage and culture of Punjab along with contribution of Punjabis in nation’s freedom struggle. He said that a complete NRI Database should also be made available on the website and asked for detailed information of tourism opportunities and centers in Punjab for the facilitation of NRIs. He also directed to setup an effective complaint registration system on the website besides detailed information regarding services brought under the purview of Right to Service Act in the state.
The Minister also suggested to setup live webinar on the website to provide an opportunity to the NRIs to directly interaction with the Minister Incharge or the senior officers of the NRIs Affairs Department on certain fixed timings.
Prominent amongst those were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary NRI Affairs Mr. S.S. Channi and MD Warehousing Mr. Arvinder Singh Bains.
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SUKHBIR CALLS FOR MAKING NRIs PARTNERS IN PUNJAB’S PROGRESS
- INDUSTRIAL AND HOUSING POLICY TO HAVE 10% RESERVATION FOR NRIs
- MOST OF THE PROMISES TO PUNJABI DIASPORA FULFILLED
- STATE ISSUES NOTIFICATION TO CHECK FRAUDULENT MARRIAGES BY NRIs
- NOOSE TIGHTENED ON ILLEGAL TRAVEL AGENTS
- NOTIFICATION ALLOWING EVICTION OF MULTIPLE PROPERTIES MULTIPLE TIME BY NRIs ALSO ISSUED
- SUKHBIR TO LAY FOUNDATION STONE OF NRI HEADQUARTER AT MOHALI AND BHAWAN AT JALANDHAR IN FIRST WEEK OF MAY
- PUNJAB TIES UP WITH CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY FOR ‘FREE DOCTORATE EDUCATION’
- DISTRICT AUTHORITIES AUTHORISED TO EMBOSS POWER OF ATTORNEYS
- PESCO TO GUARD PROPERTIES OF NRIs-MAJITHIA
CHANDIGARH, APRIL5: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Punjab Government has evolved a comprehensive plan to make NRIs equal partner in the Industrial Progress of the state and the new Industrial Investment Policy, Real Estate Policy has kept a 10% quota of projects and plots for Punjabi Diaspora.
Accompanied by NRI Affairs Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr. Badal reviewed the implementation of promises made to the NRIs in the two day NRI Sammellan held at Chandigarh and Jalandhar in January this year and said that he was satisfied that all departments of the Punjab Government have worked unitedly to fulfill most of the promises made to NRIs. Mr. Badal said that on the persisting demand of Punjabi Diaspora keen to invest in the state, the new Industrial Investment Policy being notified by the Government would have 10 percent quota in Industrial plots for them. Similarly, all new colonies of PUDA, GMADA and other Urban Development Agencies would also have 10 % quota in residential plots for NRIs.
Expressing concern over Fraudulent Marriages by NRIs, who leave behind innocent brides in lurch, Mr. Badal said that Punjab is the first state in the country that has made registration of marriages by NRIs mandatory and The Punjab Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act-2012 has been notified and district authorities have been instructed to ensure its total compliance. He said that to check their harassment the registration authority of marriages has been delegated to District Revenue Officers, Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars, whosoever is available in the office.
Appreciating the historic decision of notifying The Punjab Human Smuggling Act, to check frauds by illegal travel agents, Mr Badal said that he has issued strict instructions to Punjab Police to launch a concerted drive against such agents, so that they could not destroy the life of innocent youth.
Mr. Majithia informed the Deputy Chief Minister that Punjab Government has taken a path breaking decision, in which an NRI can get tenant evicted from multiple properties, multiple times. He said that earlier he was allowed only once for a single property. He informed that similar amendment was also been effected for Rural Properties also.
Meeting the long pending demands of NRIs to guard their properties in Punjab, Mr. Majithia informed the Deputy Chief Minister said that a Punjab Government Undertaking PESCO would supply professionally trained ex-servicemen guards for this purpose on a nominal payment. He said that NRIs on visit to Punjab can also seek deployment of PESCO guards for personal security.
It was informed in the meeting that three more NRI Police Stations have been opened in NRI dominant districts including Amritsar taking the total of such police stations to 9. He said that instructions have already been issue to seek approval of DSP before registering any FIR against NRI to check bogus complaints.
The Home Department informed that Punjab and Haryana High Court has been requested to setup three Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrate Courts at Moga, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur and an Appellate Court at Jalandhar for civil and criminal cases of NRIs and requisite funds have been provided for the same.
To involve NRIs with their motherland, the Department has chalked out a plan under which an NRI can donate a specific sum for School, College, Hospital of his/her village or district and that institution would be named on the name of their parents and grandparents. Mr. Badal asked the department to publicise this scheme in Foreign Media so that maximum NRIs could take benefit of this scheme.
Mr. Majithia also informed that to check the harassment of NRIs, the authority to emboss Power of Attorneys has been delegated to District Authorities from Financial Commissioner Revenue.
Underlining the need for launching a multimedia campaign in NRI Media, Mr. Badal said that the Punjab Government should launch sustained advertising campaigns to educate the NRIs about these decisions.
Mr. Badal said that he would be laying the foundation stone of NRI Headquarter at SAS Nagar (Mohali) and NRI Bhawan in Jalandhar and asked Mr. Majithia to finalise the plan and site in consultation with PUDA.
Participating the meeting Mr. Majithia thanked Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister for ensuring expeditious implementation of all decisions and said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal is writing to Union NRI Affairs Minister to allow cash card SIM to NRIs taking their passport as identity.
He said that he thanked Deputy Chief Minister for assuring to take up with Cambridge University in which 50 Punjabi Students would be allowed Doctorate Education free of cost.
Prominent amongst those present in the meeting including, Mr. S.S. Channi, Principal Secretary NRI Affairs, Mr. Navreet Singh Kang, Financial Commissioner Revenue and Public Relations, Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary Local Government, Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Industry, Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Secretary Health, Mrs. Ravneet Kaur, Secretary Education, Mr. Vishwajit Khanna, Secretary Defence Service Welfare, Mr. B.S. Sudan, Secretary Home, Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu, Director General School Education and Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, ACA PUDA and representatives from all the districts.
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VAYALAR RAVI HAILS PUNJAB INITIATIVES FOR NRIs
· EXPECTS OTHER STATES TO FOLLOW PUNJAB
KOCHI/CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 9: Mr. Vayalar Ravi, Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, today hailed the slew of initiatives taken by Punjab Government to solve the lingering problems of Non Resident Indians and hoped that other states would also follow Punjab's most comprehensive policy for NRIs.
The Union Minister personally came to the state specific session of Punjab and Principal Secretary NRI Affairs Mr. S. S. Channy explained to the Minister about initiatives taken by Punjab Government. The Minister said that he has already read that Punjab is the only state to have NRI Commission under Retired High Court Judge and had made legal amendments in Punjab Urban Rent Control Act, besides enacting Compulsory Marriage Act, Human Smuggling Act to find the lasting solution to the problems of NRIs. He said that he was quiet impressed by the initiatives of Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, NRI Affairs and Revenue Minister, who has set up Land Records Portal, in which NRI can online block the mutation of their land. Mr. Channy also informed the Minister the decision about 10% quota for NRIs in residential and industrial estates, setting up of Special Judicial Courts and three district courts and speedy disposal of Proclaimed Offenders cases.
The Union Minister was quiet impressed with the privilege card for NRIs and said that he would ask his Ministry to study this initiative so that this card could be replicated on all India basis by his Ministry. He also interacted with IG NRI Affairs Mrs. Gurpreet Deo, who told the Minister about initiatives of Punjab Police to tackle the menace of Holiday Marriages.
The Minister thanked Punjab delegation for taking care of NRIs and offered full support of his Ministry to accomplish initiatives for the welfare and security of NRIs.
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HIGH POWERED COMMITTEE ON NRI AFFAIRS TO BE CONSTITUTED-CM
- INAUGURATES PRAVASI PUNJABI SAMMELLAN-2013
- FAST TRACK COURTS FOR PROMPT DISPENSATION OF JUSTICE TO NRIs TO BE ESTABLISHED
- ANNOUNCES SLEW OF MEASURES FOR THE WELL BEING OF NRIs
- OBSERVE TWO MINUTES SILENCE AS A MARK OF RESPECT TO GAHADAR HEROES
- DEPUTY CM URGES NRIs NOT TO GET SWAYED BY FALSE AND MALICIOUS PROPAGANDA BY POLITICAL OPPONENTS
- JUSTIFIES PRODUCTIVE DEBT AS A UNIVERSAL PHENOMENON TO ACHIEVE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT
- PUNJAB TO BE POWER SURPLUS BY END OF 2013
- STATE TO SOON ACHIEVE DOUBLE DIGIT GROWTH RATE
- MAJITHIA ENVISIONS NRI MEET AS A TURNAROUND TO PUNJAB AS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH IN THE WORLD
- HAILS NRI MEDIA FOR PROJECTING PUNJAB IN RIGHT PERSPECTIVE
- ANNOUNCES FACILITIES OF RECOGINITION AND ACCREDITATION FOR NRI MEDIA
Chandigarh, January 4-
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today announced the formation of a high level committee on NRI affairs comprising five senior Cabinet Ministers and equal number of Punjabi NRIs settled across the globe as representatives to put in place a mechanism for speedy implementation of the decisions taken at different forums relating to their overall welfare and safeguard their interests.
Addressing the Punjabi Diaspora here after inaugurating two day “Pravasi Punjabi Sammellan-2013”, the Chief Minister assured that the recommendations of the committee would be implemented in a time bound manner. He reiterated that the SAD-BJP government was committed to ensure the security of hard earned property of the NRIs so that they could live and work peacefully in the countries of their adoption. Mr Badal said that the state government has come out with landmark legislation by enacting Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act to check the menace of fraudulent and fake marriages and Human Trafficking/ Smuggling Act to prevent the illegal practice of immigrating innocent youth to abroad by the unscrupulous travel agents by showing them green pastures but ultimately duping and dumping them in limbo of oblivion. Apart from this, the state government has also amended the Punjab Urban Rent Control Act to safeguard the property and ownership rights of the NRIs.
On this historic occasion, the Chief Minister also announced that in future the NRIs would be get their multiple properties evicted for multiple times as now the existing provisions of law under the act was only restricted to a single property for once. Announcing a slew of other NRI friendly measures, Mr Badal said that the authority of attestation of the Power of Attorney in case of property situated in a particular district would now be vested in the concerned Deputy Commissioner. Likewise in case of different properties located in different districts within the division would be now attested by the Divisional Commissioner. Similarly Financial Commissioner Revenue had been authorised for granting Power of Attorney for inter division cases.
The Chief Minister also announced to set up three more NRI Police stations for quick disposal of complaints related to NRI matters, with this the total number of NRI Police stations across the state had gone upto 11. Mr Badal also announced to set up a fast track court for NRI affairs in the state to ensure quick dispensation of justice to the NRIs, for which he has already given formal clearance. He said that the state government had already established a NRI Commission headed by a retired Judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court. Assuring the NRIs that his government was fully sensitised on the issue of Proclaimed offenders, Mr Badal said that he had already asked the Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, who holds the Home Portfolio also, to get these cases settled at the earliest to enable the innocent NRIs who were facing these charges could be absolved of them and visit their motherland, where their roots lie.
Exhorting the NRIs to play a proactive role in the overall development and growth of the state, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab was being looked as the most preferred investment destination due to congenial and investor friendly atmosphere besides being the most peaceful state in the country with absolute communal harmony, perfect brotherhood and amity. He wooed the prospective NRI investors and entrepreneurs to make huge investments in the state especially in industry and agro processing sector. Mr Badal assured them of all possible support and co-operation to set up their ventures and business establishments here. The Chief Minister also envisaged their views on how the state government could immensely help the NRIs to utilise their potential optimally.
The Chief Minister called upon the NRIs to share their varied experiences as they were living in much advanced nations by setting up their ventures in the state from which Punjab could be enormously benefitted and it could certainly boost the growth rate. On the occasion Mr Badal also released multipurpose Non Resident Punjabi Privilege Card which enables the NRIs to seek admissions for their wards in schools besides getting concessions on shopping in malls, for boarding and lodging in Hotels and Restaurants and for availing medical care facilities in selected renowned hospitals.
Recalling the distinguished services of the Punjabi NRIs across the world, the Chief Minister said the great sons of soil like Noble Prize Winner Mr Hargobind Khurana and Attorney General of New York State Mr Preet Bhrara had made every Punjabi proud and honoured for their outstanding contribution in their respective fields. Likewise Mr Badal also eulogised the enormous contribution of NRI Punjabi freedom fighters that spearheaded Ghadar movement from abroad to free our motherland from the yoke of British imperialism. Earlier, at the very outset of his address, the Chief Minister urged the NRIs converged on the occasion to observe two minutes silence as a mark of respect in the memory of Ghadar Heroes as a part of centenary celebrations of this watershed movement in the history of Indian National Freedom struggle.
Unfolding the vision of Punjab to showcase it as the landmark and the most favoured destination for investment by the NRIs, the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal made a 55 minutes Power point presentation to gave a bird’s eye view of overall development scenario and futuristic growth in the state. Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal urged the NRIs not to be swayed by the false propaganda unleashed by their detractors and political opponents who were either resorting to mudslinging or spreading canards to distract the attention of the prospective investors besides misleading the innocent NRIs. Urging them to be beware of these anti Punjab elements the Deputy Chief Minister said that never believe the perceptions because perceptions vary from mouth to mouth but only trust the reality or the factual position for which he had today endeavoured to make a humble effort to clear the misconceptions from their minds regarding the ill conceived and politically motivated false propaganda to defame the SAD-BJP government for the reasons best known to our political opponents. He said the sole agenda of our government was to ensure all round development and prosperity of the people and sought the NRIs unstinted support and co-operation in their mission to multiply their efforts to make Punjab as front runner state not only in the country but across the globe. The Deputy Chief Minister also asked the NRIs not to rely the misrepresented and factually incorrect financial position of the state in relevance to heavy debt being projected by their detractors. He said that productive debt was a natural phenomenon for the growth, which had been accepted worldwide even by the developed nations like USA and Japan.
Divulging the futuristic vision about Punjab’s development, he said the Punjab would be a power surplus state by December 2013 due to the concerted efforts of the state government as Power was the engine of growth in any economy. Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal pointed out Punjab which was till date known as the major producer of food grains would soon be selling Power to the needy states in the country besides exporting it to Pakistan. The Deputy Chief Minister was confident that Punjab would soon achieve double digit growth rate.
Listing the four/six laned express highways projects of the state, the Deputy Chief Minister said that these projects including Shambu-Jalandhar, Jalandhar-Pathankot, Jalandhar-Amritsar, Amritsar-Ganganagar, Ludhiana-Moga-Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur-Jind, Zirakpur-Patiala, Bathinda-Patiala were the upcoming road projects in PPP Mode to be completed within next few years at a whopping investment of Rs 76000 crore. He also said Punjab was the first state to introduce master plans for all 147 towns and cities to ensure planned and integrated growth thereby checking the malpractice of cutting illegal colonies which led to haphazard growth. Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the main focus of the urban development was to ensure 24x7 power supply, 100% drinking water facility and sewerage water treatment etc.
To ensure better public transport facilities to the people the Punjab would soon have the first metro Rail service in Ludhiana, the industrial hub of state, the work for which would start soon. He said Mono Rail (POD) system would be started in Amritsar to facilitate the devotees who visit the holy city to offer prayers at Sri Harmandir Sahib. Nearly Rs 200 crore was being spent by the state government on the beautification and construction of entrance plaza at Sri Harmandir Sahib. The Deputy Chief Minister also pointed out that stupendous efforts have been made to sanction 305 Mega industrial projects with an investment of Rs 113503.46 crore. To wean away the youth from the menace of drug addiction the state government had made remarkable contribution in promotion of sports by strengthening and updating the existing sports infra structure besides creating new one. He said efforts were afoot to promote Hockey in a big way after Kabaddi as a household game even at the international arena. The Deputy Chief Minister said seven out 16 Astro Turf were alone in Punjab which was a testimony that the state government was committed to regain its lost glory in Hockey at the national as well as international level.
Welcoming the NRIs for attending this gala event, Information and Public Relations Minister Mr Bikram Singh Majithia said that it was a historic occasion as for the first time an interactive session was being held between the state government and the NRIs to elicit their whole hearted support and co-operation for the policies of state government. The Minister envisioned the two day NRI meet as a turnaround to emerge Punjab as a force to be reckoned with worldwide. He said that it was a matter of great pride and honour for the state the NRI media has for the first time come to cover this event and lauded them for projecting the state in foreign media in true perspective. Mr Majithia apprised the Chief Minister that the NRI Media had conveyed their gratitude to the Punjab government for giving rousing welcome and respect to them in Punjab. On the occasion he announced that the NRI Media would be entitled for all the facilities like recognition, accreditation and other facilities like release of advertisements at par with their counterparts in Punjab.
Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs, top brass of state civil and Police administration besides several dignitaries and eminent personalities from different walks of life.
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SUKHBIR SHOWCASES PUNJAB AS LAND OF OPPORTUNITIES TO THE NON RESIDENT PUNJABIS
- PUNJAB HAS POTENTIAL TO EMERGE AS NEXT ECONOMIC HUB OF SOUTH EAST ASIA
- PROMISES TO UPGRADE INFRASTRUCUTRE MORE OR LESS EQUIVALENT TO ANY CANADIAN CITY
- PERCEPTION CREATED BY CONGRESS TOTALLY DIFFERENT FROM REALITY
CHANDIGHAR, JANUARY 4: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today showcased Punjab as ‘Land of Opportunities’ to Non Resident Punjabis and said that the state with enterprising Punjabis and responsive government has the potential to emerge as next Economic hub of South East Asia. In a 90 minute Power point presentation made to elected representatives with Punjab origin of various countries and Non Resident Punjabi media that have come to NRI Sammelan, Sukhbir allayed the negative perception being perpetuated by opposition parties and with hard comparative facts, showed that reality in Punjab was totally opposite the perception created by them.
In a post tea session, smartly dressed Punjab Deputy Chief Minister showcased Punjab like a CEO of Multi National Company and impressed upon the Non Resident Punjabis that SAD-BJP Government in Punjab was out to accomplish the development agenda in time bound manner. Mr. Badal said that the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in the beginning of first tenure realised the fact that Punjab has to regain its preeminent position in the development and with strong agriculture base, high consumer index, best work culture, high per capita income, best human resource and on the top of it with the Enterprising Punjabis, it has potential to emerge No. 1 state in the country. He said that we were also conscious of our limitation of being land locked state, with international disturbed border on one side, with no natural mineral and mines and surrounded by state attracting industry with concessions besides stagnation of agriculture production. He said that keeping strengths and weaknesses in mind we decided to focus on making Punjab Power surplus, strengthening infrastructure in the state, improving air connectivity besides assuring transparency in the working of administration by Governance Reforms to attract investment in the state.
Announcing to a thunderous standing ovation, Mr. Badal said that by December 2013, Punjab would be the first power surplus in the country with generation capacity reaching 8884 MW against the demand of 8865 MW. He said that by 2014-15 with generation capacity reaching 11484 MW against demand of 9567 MW, Punjab would be in position to sell the power and if permitted by Union Government to export it to Pakistan also. He said that Punjab is the only state in the country that would have three international airports at Amritsar, Mohali and Machhiwara and three domestic airports at Pathankot, Ludhiana and Bathinda. He said that Mohali airport being built on 305 acres at the cost of Rs. 910 crore would be completed by February 2015.
Projecting Punjab as the first state in the country that would have all cities linked with 4/6 lane roads in there years at the cost of Rs. 7600 crore, Mr. Badal said that we would soon witness completion of 4/6 laning of Shambu-Jalandhar, Jalandhar-Pathankot, Jalandhar-Amritsar, Amritsar-Pathankot, Amritsar-Zira-Kotkapura-Sri Ganga Nagar, Ludhiana-Moga-Talwandi, Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar-Moga-Barnala-Sangrur-Patran-Jind, Kharar-Ludhiana, Kurali-Ropar-Kiratpur Sahib, Ambala-Zirakpur-Kalka, Zirakpur-Patiala and Patiala-Bathinda highways and today cleared project of Mohali Ludhiana Road. He said that with the investment of Rs. 7600 crore, with clause of 5 to 15 years maintenance of these roads, Punjab would be the state with highest road density of 133KM per 100 Sq Km.
Presenting futuristic town planning vision of the Punjab Government, Mr. Badal said that Punjab is the first state that has approved the master plan of all the cities and said that Mohali, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Patiala and Bathinda were being developed by international developers. He said that Cabinet has approved master plans of 14 major cities and remaining master plans of 133 cities were in pipeline.
Announcing Comprehensive Urban Mission of 147 cities and towns for planned development, 24X7 power, 100% drinking water, 100% sewerage coverage, solid waste management, smooth traffic flow, Mr. Badal said that with the investment of Rs. 10000 crore all 147 cities would transform in next four years. He said that sensing the potential growth model of Punjab, top infrastructure companies including DLF, Shipra, IREO, Emaar MGF, Omaxe, TDI, Ansals, Unitech, Quark, JLPL have invested Rs. 30480 crore during last four years.
Outlining his vision to make the transport system in the cities futuristic, Mr. Badal said that Rs. 7500 crore Ludhiana Metro, Rs. 200 crore Pod system in Amritsar would mark the beginning of new urban transport system. He said that he was having a meeting with vice chairman of Planning Commission on January 15 and we should expect surprising news on that day. Mr. Badal said that all cities in Punjab have been connected with AC Buses and City bus service has already started in Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Bathinda besides Radio Cab service in Mohali, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Jalandhar.
Focusing on Human Resource Development, Mr. Badal said that Indian School of Business, Indian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Nano Science Technology, National Agri Food Biotechnology Institute have been already established during last four years. Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government was establishing Medi-city in New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) and Super Specialty Chains were vying to set up their hospitals in the upcoming medicity. He said that 108 Ambulance service in Punjab was at par with 999 service of Canada. Emphasising the need for sports, Mr. Badal said that by bringing Kabaddi on the sports map, the Punjab Government has upgraded the sports infrastructure with the setting up of 6 Astroturf hockey stadium, 7 multipurpose stadiums, 5000 rural gyms and Punjab was the first state in the country to have sports policy.
Showcasing business opportunities in Punjab, Mr. Badal said that last five years saw an investment of Rs. 24000 crore and 359 mega projects and 114 manufacturing projects were in pipeline with the investment of Rs. 113503.46 crore. He said that Punjab was setting up Textile Hub in Malwa, Food Hub in Majha, IT Hub in Mohali and Amritsar, Petro Park in Bathinda, Automobiles hub in Patiala, Sugar hub in Amritsar and Gurdaspur, Hosiery hub in Ludhiana, Handtool, Sports and Leather hubs in Jalandhar for focused and accelerated industrial growth. He said that Punjab Government has always taken care of poor by spending Rs. 1313 crore on Atta-Daal scheme, Rs. 2240 crore on old age pension scheme, Rs. 297 on Shagun Scheme, Rs. 455 on rural toilets.
Mr. Badal said that fully conscious of aspirations of youth, Punjab Government had recruited 115780 youth in total transparent manner in Government jobs against virtually zero employment during congress rule.
Emphasising upon people centric responsive government, Mr. Badal said that Punjab is the first state to introduce Right to Service Act and Governance Reforms empowering the people to get their citizen services within stipulated time otherwise concerned employee would be punished. He said that within first year Punjab received 48 lakh applications in civil and 13 lakh in police under RTS Act.
Debunking opposition for maligning theirown state with false propaganda, Mr. Badal said that opposition by projecting Punjab as financially bankrupt, debt ridden state with a negative growth was totally opposite the reality. Providing factual data of Union Planning Commission, Mr. Badal said that the fact is that Punjab has improved debt GSDP ratio to 33.4 % from 43.2% in congress rule by bringing state on 5th position in this pattern. He said that surprisingly the GDP ratio of Union Government was 68.05.
Mr. Badal said that Punjab has only 34% growth in the debt from 2009-2012 whereas debt of Haryana during this period rose by 66%. Describing debt as a universal phenomena, Mr. Badal said that Japan has 225.9% debt of GDP whereas Singpore 99%, USA 93%, France as 84% whereas Punjab has only 33.4%.
Showing the improvement in the revenue receipts, Mr. Badal said that against Congress tenure revenue receipts of SAD-BJP Government increased by 66% to 115950 crore, state taxes increased by 87% to 68758 crore, VAT increased by 125% to 45082 crore total excise increased to 10825 crore by 48% and receipts from Stamp duty increased by 79% to 10266 crore. He said that Punjab during Congress rule had a growth of 4.5% against the target of 6.4% whereas during SAD-BJP rule growth in Punjab was 8.1%.
Mr. Badal said that secret of exponential growth of Punjab during last five years instead of putting restriction on the capital expenditure, we increased our investment in various sector to accelerate growth. He said that there was 398% increased investment in general education, 184% increase in medical health and family welfare, 155% increase in road infrastructure sector, 157% in irrigation sector, 170% increase in social security sector and 197% increase in rural water supply sector as compare to previous congress regime.
Expressing satisfaction over fulfilling the most of the demands of NRIs , Mr. Badal said that Punjab has already constituted Punjab State Commission for NRIs, Amended Punjab Urban Rent Control Act for eviction of multiple properties of NRIs for multiple times, ensuring 10% Quota in all Government residential and industrial estate, Putting land records online, setting up fast track revenue and judicial courts, establishing Three Fast Track NRI Courts, Appointment of honorary Nambardars, enacting compulsory Marriage Registration Act, Establishing 8 NRI police stations, enacting Human Smuggling Act to check the nefarious activities of travel agents.
Mr. Badal announced to a thunderous applause that in future all complaints of NRIs would be entertained by DSP rank officer and not SHO. He said that he was also looking that how proclaimed offenders issue could be solved.
Mr. Badal called upon all Non Resident Punjabis to become equal partner in the progress of the state, realising the dream of 2 crore Punjabis.
 JAN 04: PRESENTATION MADE BY DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER PUNJAB AT NRI SAMMELAN-- THIS IS A PDF FILE
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Punjab announces high-level panel for NRIs
Chandigarh, Jan 4, 2013: With NRIs from Punjab settled in various countries coming forward with problems and issues that they face in their home state, the state government Friday said a high-level panel would be formed to safeguard their interests.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal announced the formation of the high-level committee on NRI affairs comprising five senior cabinet ministers and an equal number of Punjabi NRIs settled across the globe as representatives.
Addressing the Punjabi diaspora here after inaugurating the two-day "Pravasi Punjabi Sammellan-2013", Badal assured that the recommendations of the committee would be implemented in a time bound manner.
Most of the issues raised by the NRIs at the conference related to property that they own in Punjab.
Badal said: "Our government is committed to ensuring the security of hard-earned property of the NRIs so that they can live and work peacefully in the countries of their adoption."
He said the state government has come out with a landmark legislation which makes compulsory the registration of marriages to check the menace of fraudulent and fake marriages.
Another legislation, Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act, has been brought to prevent the illegal practice of emigrating innocent youth to other countries by the unscrupulous travel agents and dumping them later, he added.
The chief minister also announced that in future, NRIs would get their multiple properties evicted multiple times. So far, under the existing provisions of law, the NRIs could only get one property evicted only once.
Badal also announced the setting up of three more NRI police stations for quick disposal of complaints related to NRIs. With this, the total number of NRI police stations across Punjab will go up to 11. He also announced the setting up of a fast-track court for NRI affairs in the state to ensure quick dispensation of justice...............IANS //NRIpress.com
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Media-persons working for NRI Media Demand recognition from Punjab Govt
Punjab Govt. ridiculed for barring NRI Media-persons of Punjab & Chandigarh from Jan. 4 NRI Sammelan
Appreciates Punjab Govt. for hosting Punjab NRI Sammelan
- NRI Media Association resolves to raise issues and demands with the Punjab Govt.
Chandigarh, January 2 (): The NRI Media Association has demanded that the Journalists working for print & electronic media in America, Canada and other foreign countries must be given due recognition with all Press coverage facilities. In a meeting of the Association held a Chandigarh on Wednesday and presided over by its Convener, Baljit Balli, India's representative for Omni TV Canada and Indo Canadian Time, it was strongly pleaded that the Journalists of Punjab & Chandigarh engaged by the foreign Newspapers, TV Channels, Radio and other media must be get actively involved in information flow system of the Government at par with the Accredited Correspondents of Punjab Govt.The Association decided in the meeting that a memorandum with all details will be submitted to Information & Public Relation and NRI Minister Bikram Singh Majithia.
While giving details of the proceeding of the meeting, in a Press Release, it has been demanded that NRI Media personals must be issued Reorganization/Accreditation Identity Cards to facilitate them for hassle free entree in Govt. offices and approaching government authorities. They must be given all facilities for carrying out their professional duties in an efficient manner.
It was also observed and discussed that the Punjab Govt. must formulate a solid policy for NRI Media with clear-cut decision on accreditation and release of advertisements for NRI media. It was, therefore decided these issues must be put forth in the NRI Sammelan scheduled to be held in Chandigarh and Jalandhar on January 4 & 5. The meeting also strongly condemned the decision of the Punjab Govt. for not inviting Punjab & Chandigarh Media persons related to NRI Media for NRI Sammelan on January 4 in Chandigarh.
The meeting also decided that the Editors/ Executive Heads of Newspapers, Radio and TV Channels based on foreign lands will be requested to actively associate and involve NRI Journalists working for them in India. It was also unanimously resolved that this Organization will be further strengthened with the active participation of all NRI Journalists and effective contacts will be instituted with all the Media clubs, organizations and Institutions in Canada and other countries.
The meeting was attended by Daljit Singh Sran, Editor Amritsar Times Amritsar USA, Sade Lok Weekly USA, Ajit international Correspondence Nirpal Singh Shergill, Editor Khushhal Lali, Parvasi Weekly News Editor Deepak Sharma, Nai Dunia Canada, Editor Sushil Dosanjh, g-Punjab TV North America, Senior Producer Ujjal Satnam, Radio Channel Pardesi USA and Radio Tarana Newzeland Representative Parminder Singh Tiwana, Amritsar Times America News Editor Gautam Rishi, Indian Reporter Bureau Chief Chanchal Manohar Singh, Radio Journalist Ramanjeet Kaur Chahal and Omni TV Cameraman Daya Ram. Red FM Radio Canada reporter and Prominent NRI Journalist Baltej Pannu and Punjab Times America representative Balwinder Singh Jammu though could not attend meeting but they have fully endorsed the resolutions passed in the meeting.
Mr.Jagdish Singh Grewal,Editor,The Daily Punjabi Post Canada and Coordinator , Global Punjabi Media Association attended the meeting as a special guest.He appreciated the initiative of NRI Media Association and assured all assistance in its endavours. Jagdish Grewal had come especially to participate in Punjab NRI Sammelan on the invitation of the Punjab Govt.
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CALIFORNIA CITY MAYOR CALLS ON PUNJAB GOVERNOR
CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 3: A four member delegation led by Mr. Amarpreet Dhaliwal, City Mayor of Sanjoaquin City, called on Mr. Shivraj V. Patil, the Punjab Governor and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh and discussed at length the issue of Indians staying their illegally. Mr. Mayor wants to help them out.
Punjab Governor assured the delegation that they will extend all possible help, provided you gave us exact number and name of those persons and addresses.
Mr. Patil said if any NRI wants to come back he was most welcome. He said if you are interested to come back to your country you will get all the help you need to set up any business here. He invited them to come and start manufacturing solar cells in India and you will mint money for more than 100 years. He said this area of solar energy has big scope.
Mr. M.P. Singh, Principal Secretary to Governor and Mr. Arvinder Singh Lakhan President Youth wing of SAD NRI California, USA were also present in the meeting.
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NRI COMMISSION SEEKS REPORT ON
‘THE HUB’ RESTOBAR
· ISSUES NOTICE TO COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND DC LUDHIANA
Chandigarh, January 3: NRI Commission Punjab today issued the notice to Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana and sought report within 3 weeks on the complaint of land grabbing submitted by Hardial Singh Hundal, NRI from USA against Maninder Pal Singh Johar.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the Commission today said that the Commission has taken a suo-motto on the news published in media on January 1, 2013. He said that in his complaint Mr. Hardial Singh Hundal alleged that the land on which ‘The Hub’ resto-bar has been built by Maninder Pal Singh Johar alias Sunny Johar was illegally grabbed by Sunny Johar. Mr. Hundal said that the land is his ancestral property. The spokesman further said that in his complaint Mr. Hundal alleged that the land has been grabbed by Sunny Johar in connivance with the officials of Police administration and Municipal Corporation Ludhiana and during inquiry it was revealed that 11 persons had grabbed the said property but there was no follow up action. He said that the act & conduct of Sunny Johar was also probed by the then SDM East who also gave the findings against Johar, who out of vengeance filed a fake complaint against complainant’s sister Ranjana and her husband Sukhwinder for which now a cancellation has been recommended. It has been further alleged that district administration went by the fake award on the basis of settlement which was never entered, resultantly his attorney Gurbinder filed a case against Johar in the court of Divisional Commissioner Patiala where in the matter was stayed but despite it the house was demolished and the restobar ‘The Hub’ constructed. He further alleged that the district authorities had ignored his complaint and went on with giving of change of land use certificate.
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PUNJAB ALL SET FOR NRI SAMMELAN-MAJITHIA
On January 4 and 5 at Chandigarh and Jalandhar respectively
NEW POLICY FOR NRIs TO BE ANNOUNCED
OPEN DISCUSSIONS TO RESOLVE THE COMPLAINTS OF NRIs
50 ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, 45 RENOWNED JOURNALISTS TO PARTICIPATE
CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 2, 2013:
Punjab is all set for hosting NRI Sammelan 2013to be held on January 4 and 5 at Chandigarh and Jalandhar respectively. All preparations have been completed for this mega event with a view to resolve the grievances of Punjabi Diaspora.
Disclosing this, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, NRI Affairs Minister, Punjab today said that an open discussion would be held to resolve the complaints pertaining to NRIs. He said that special cooperation and inputs from Punjabi Diaspora would also be sought to give further impetus to the development of Punjab on the pattern of developed countries of the world.
He said that as per the expectations of Punjab Government more than more than 50 elected representatives including sitting and former MPs, MLAs, Mayors and Councillors from all parts of the world are participating in the event. On the invitation of Punjab Government Mr. Tim Uppal, Member Parliament and Minister from Canada, Mr. Manmeet Bhullar, MLA and Minister, Canada, Mr. Param Gill, Member Parliament Canada, Mr. Parminder Singh Member Parliament Uganda, Mr. K.S. Bakshi, Member Parliament from New Zealand, Lord Raj Loomba, MP UK, Lord Diljit Rana, MP UK, Mr. Gurmant Grewal, Former MP Canada, MR. Darshan Kang, MLA Canada, Mr. Peter Sandhu, MLA Canada, Mr. Ruby Dhillon, Mayor USA, Mr. Pritam Singh Grewal, Mayor UK, Darshan Singh Grewal, Former Mayor UK, Mr. Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Mr. K.C. Mohan and Mr. Sachin Gupta (all Councillor UK) and Mr. Ajit Singh Atwal, Judge from the United Kingdom are among the prominent Punjabis abroad attending the event.
More than 45renowned journalists from various countries have already reached to take part in the NRI Sammelan.
Divulging into the details of Sammelan, Mr Majithia said that on the first day Chief Minister, Punjab Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal accompanied by the ministers and senior officers of Punjab Government would hold a
brainstorming session with the elected reps of various countries to get their suggestions and measures for the welfare of NRIs.S. Sukhbir Singh Badal Dy CM will give a powerpoint presentation on Progressive Punjab. The interactive session would be on Punjabi Diaspora –Opportunities and Challenges, New Era New dreams Vision of NRI Punjabi for Punjab.
He said that in afternoon session, special discussion would be held with the NRI Media and their help would be sought to project the various initiatives undertaken by the govt to put the state on the path of progress and development in their respective countries. The Minister informed that it is for the first time ever that the NRI Media has been invited to take part in discussions regarding Punjab’s development and the problems faced by NRI community. He said that the participating representatives and personalities from the various sections of NRI Media would also visit Virasat-E-Khalsa to know the rich heritage and culture of Punjab.
Mr. Majithia said that during the NRI Samellan, Punjab Government would also announce a new policy to facilitate NRIs with a focus to resolve the issues of Punjabi Diaspora. It would highlightthe facilities for them along with the details of steps being taken by
Punjab Government for the facilitation of NRIs. He said that the Sammelan would conclude on January 5 at Jalandhar, where Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister would interact with the NRIs ,elected representatives and NRI Media in an open session during the discussion.
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