PUNJAB GOVERNMENT SEEKS APPROVAL OF ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA FOR SUBMISSION OF PAY PANEL REPORT

Chandigarh April 6, 2009

The Punjab Government has sought the approval of Election Commission of India to enable the Chairman of 5th Punjab Pay Commission to present its report to the state government.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the State Chief Secretary Mr. R.I. Singh in a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer Punjab Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu had solicited the permission of Election Commission of India so that the Chairman of the 5th Punjab Pay Commission may be advised accordingly.

It may be recalled that the Punjab Government had established the 5th Pay Commission on December 19, 2006 . The terms of reference of this Commission were issued on March 3, 2008 and the terms included inter-alia the submission of the report of Commission within one year.

The letter further indicated that accordingly after concluding the process of hearing of all concerned including departmental representatives the Commission has completed its report and is ready to present the same to the state government.
In view of the model code conduct having been enforced due to forth coming Lok Sabha polls, the Pay Commission requires the permission of Election Commission of India for presenting the report to the State Government.
(Pls translate in hindi and Punjabi at your end)

SAD- BJP ALLIANCE SET TO SWEEP ELECTIONS-SUKHBIR
CLEAN CHIT TO TYTLER, SAJJAN WOULD COST DEARLY TO CONGRESS-PROF. BHANDARI

Chandigarh, April 6

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, President Shiromani Akali Dal and Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that formidable rock like SAD-BJP alliance in Punjab was all set to decimate Congress from the electoral scene in Punjab.

Addressing an impressive gathering on the occasion of a function organized by Bathinda BJP to celebrate BJP’s 30th foundation day anniversary, in historic Bhucho Mandi town of Bathinda district, Mr. Badal said that this decade old SAD-BJP alliance has survived all political upheavals proving all political Pandits wrong and in fact matured and emerged stronger after every new political challenge in this period. He hoped that these Lok Sabha Elections would have catalytic effect to transform the political scene Punjab making alliance victorious on all the 13 seats in Punjab paving the way for installation of strong NDA government at the centre.

Lashing out at UPA Mr. Badal said that the present Union Government remote controlled by Italy born Sonia Gandhi, left no stone unturned to destroy the Industry in border state of Punjab by denying it Industrial package and offering the same to neighboring states. He said that Congress led UPA engineered flight of industrial capital from Punjab to neighboring states to stifle the economy of state.

Speaking on the occasion Professor Rajinder Bhandari, President Punjab BJP lashed at UPA government for mortgaging the security of the country to the vote bank politics. He said that 26/11 Mumbai attack has exposed the vulnerable security of the Nation and our lukewarm response to Pakistan has made us laughing matter in the world community. He said that country can not be guarded by ' love letter diplomacy' that too with rogue nation like Pakistan.

Prof. Bhandari said that by giving clean chit to Tytler and tickets to both accused, Congress has again rubbed the salt on the 25 years old wounds of Punjabis. Calling upon electorate to teach a lifetime lesson to communal congress party, Mr. Bhandari said that time has come that congress should be shown door by the Electorate.

VIGILANCE NABBED TWO GOs & TEN NGOs TWENTY CONVICTED IN GRAFT CASES

Chandigarh April 6, 2009

State Vigilance Bureau, in a drive against corruption in public life, arrested two Gazzetted Officers (GOs) and ten Non-Gazzetted Officers (NGOs) in eleven different cases in the last month and was able to secure the conviction of twenty accused in seventeen vigilance cases.

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Harcharn Singh Bhullar, SSP-cum-Joint Director (Admn.) Vigilance Bureau Punjab, said that Bureau has put up its best efforts to eradicate corruption amongst public servants and others in every sphere in the State. In this direction, the Vigilance officers have registered trap cases, disproportionate assets cases and criminal cases and ensured that suspect did not escape judicial punishment in the various courts in the State.

Mr. Bhullar added that during the last month of March, the Vigilance had nabbed twelve corrupt public servants which included three revenue officials and a district manager of BANKFINCO red handed accepting bribes in different cases. During this period VB had registered three criminal cases and one vigilance enquiry against the suspect officials to probe into the allegations.
Giving details he added that the special courts have sentenced three GOs, sixteen NGOs and one private person in seventeen different vigilance cases after finding them guilty for one year to six years imprisonment wih fine under Prevention of Corruption Act.

ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, April 6, 2009

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Rabi Season through Canal water from 14-4-2009 to 21-4-2009. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala feeder, Bist Doab Canal Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch respectively.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that Ghaggar link and its off taking channels i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B' being in the first preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available will be utilized in direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' respectively.

The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and distributries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their ident. Balance water supplies available would be utilised in direct distributaries of Group 'A'.
The spokesman also said that Lahore Branch with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies water available would be utilised in Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch Lower, Sabraon Branch with their distributaries respectively.

SUKHBIR RESOLVES TO TROUNCE CONGRESS IN PATIALA BY LAC PLUS VOTES

Chandigarh, April 6, 2009

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, President Shiromani Akali Dal and Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today resolved to fail the nefarious designs of Congress Party by trouncing its candidate in Patiala Lok Sabha Constituency- the home turf of Amarinder, by more than one lac votes.

In a statement issued here, Mr. Badal said that Congress engineered so called desertion of titular 'Panthic' and 'Taksali Akali' leaders to Congress party was official homecoming for them as they all were serving Congress Party wearing Panthic façade and representing various Congress sponsored fake Akali splinter groups created deliberately to mislead innocent public. He pointed out that these outdated leaders have no standing amongst the intelligent electorates of the state and expressed confidence that the results of Parliamentary Elections would reflect their true base in the eyes of public.

The Deputy Chief Minister claimed that on the other side the Congress leaders and workers joining SAD were basically mass leaders having grass root contacts with the general public and attracted towards the party keeping in view the development agenda of the SAD-BJP government in Punjab. He said that when ever SAD-BJP combine took over the reins of the state it has always witnessed over all development and assured the public that the present Punjab government would continue its endeavour to regain the lost glory of the state as number one state of the country.

Reacting to the statement of Raninder that he does not require Amarinder or Praneet to campaign for him in Bathinda, Mr. Badal said that Raninder in fact as a dutiful son was trying to camouflage the allergy of his father to dust heat and sweat of masses by claiming he does not require them. The fact is that Maharaja Amarinder cannot stand the hostile hot weather of Malwa and has refused to venture in the dusty lanes of Bathinda constituency. He said that Amarinder who after getting elected MLA from Talwandi Sabo, never visited that constituency due to this allergy and nobody should expect the so called Chief Campaign Manager of congress party to campaign in hot weather of April/May.

SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF MAHAVIR JAYANTI

Chandigarh, April 6: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today felicitated the people of the State on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, the birthday of Lord Mahavira.

In a message, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Lord Mahavira epitomized non-violence, renunciation, sacrifice, and compassion. His teachings have greater relevance today and would continue to act as a source of inspiration to the society, he added.

Mr. Badal called upon people to celebrate this festival collectively in a befitting manner, with a renewed resolve to follow the principles of truth and universal love as preached by Lord Mahavir.

BADAL FELICITATES PEOPLE ON THE OCCASION OF MAHAVIR JAYANTI

CHANDIGARH APRIL 6

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today extended his warm greetings to the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.

In a message Mr. Badal called upon the different sections of the society to follow the philosophy and teachings of Lord Mahavir, who preached the principles of simple living and high thinking to achieve the ultimate goal of salvation. Mr. Badal said that the message of Lord Mahavir was still far more relevant in the present materialistic society to strength the bonds of universal brotherhood, communal harmony, love, compassion and eternal peace.

The Chief Minister appealed the people to follow the path shown by Lord Mahavir ji to celebrate this pious occasion in unison with religious fervour rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour and creed to carve out a secular and harmonious society.