| Connecting
over 25 millions NRIs worldwide |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||
 |
SHRI SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL SWORN-IN AS DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER
PUNJAB
CHANDIGARH August 10:- On the advise of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, The Punjab Governor, General (Retd.) Dr. S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM, today approved the portfolios to be held by Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal after being sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Chief Minister's Office said that the Deputy Chief Minister would hold the portfolios of Home Affairs (Civil Defence & Wakf), Information & Public Relations, Water Supply & Sanitation, NRI’s Affair, Sports & Youth Welfare and Non Conventional Energy.
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Minister for Communications & Information Technology Mr. A.Raja to issue a commemorative stamp in the centenary year of eminent freedom fighter Shaheed Madan Lal Dhingra’s martyrdom as a befitting tribute to the great martyr. In a letter to Mr. Raja, the Chief Minister said that the state government had decided to observe a state level Shatabdi Samaroh at Amritsar on August 17th August, 2009 to commemorate the centenary of Shaheed Madan Lal Dhingra. He also mentioned that he had received a communication from Member Parliament Rajya Sabha Mr.BP Amte to release a postal stamp in the memory of Shaheed Madan Lal Dhingra. It may be recalled that Shaheed Madan Lal Dhingra, a prominent freedom fighter had laid down his life for the freedom of the country on 17th August, 1909.
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister today assumed his office with a promise of ushering in new set of administrative reforms especially in all public dealing departments, constant monitoring of all on going major projects on monthly basis, setting targets of their implementation and fixing accountability of officers for laxity, if any. Accompanied by his wife and Member Parliament from Bathinda, Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal moved in his old office immediately after taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister in Punjab Raj Bhawan. Talking to media after assuming office Mr. Badal said that in his earlier five months stint, he could not monitor the progress of projects because of various elections held during that period. He said that since now SAD-BJP government has got clear three years, he would now focus on translating all promises in the manifesto into official policies and would review their progress on regular basis. Reiterating his commitment to make Punjab power surplus by setting up four Thermal plants and various Biomass power generation plants, Mr. Badal said that he would call a review meeting to update himself regarding the impediments coming in the way of timely completions of these projects and solve these problems while talking to all concerned parties. He said that SAD-BJP Government was committed to generate more than 1000 MW from non-conventional energy resources. The Deputy Chief Minister said that biomass based power plants were all set to become money spinners for farmers as they would get good price for their agriculture residue. Terming administrative reforms as catalytic agent of governance, Mr. Badal said that priority of SAD-BJP government was to implement the interim report of Administrative Reforms Commission to facilitate the public in all public dealing departments. He said that people of Punjab would witness a drastic and welcome change in the working of government departments especially at cutting edge level by the end of December. Speaking about the resource generation, Mr. Badal said that the
record of SAD-BJP government in revenue generation and especially
in the area of VAT and Excise was quite comfortable as collection
have nearly doubled in our tenure. Vowing to launch a special drive against drug mafia playing havoc with the lives of our youth, the deputy Chief Minister said that his agenda would be to strike at the roots of this menace by acting harshly and strongly on the various channels of drugs supply. He said that nobody can be allowed to ruin the lives of Punjabi youth and there would be no let up in this war against drug mafia. He said that he would soon review the progress made by Public
Relations Department in implementation of Media Policy. He announced
that rules of accreditation of Press would be notified within ten
days.
Chandigarh August 10, 2009 The Punjab government, by upgrading the basic facilities at 50 cattle fair grounds in the state, would fetch record collection of Rs. 24 crore approximately from Rs. 3 crore during the fiscal from auctioning of the cattle fairs. Disclosing this here today Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura Rural Development and Panchayats Department Minister Punjab said that the main objective of the cattle fairs and shows was to bring together the cattle breeders and the buyers in direct touch to negotiate an adequate price, besides bringing handsome income to the state. The department has visualized a modernization plan for these cattle fair grounds in the state to attract the farmers to sell or buy quality milch animals from the cattle fairs, he said. He further added that the department had been organizing 750 cattle fairs at 50 cattle fair grounds at fortnightly or monthly and were being auctioned yearly. A number of facilities to the animals, buyers and sellers at these cattle fairs and shows, were being provided by the department as well as contractors. Besides, light arrangements including tents, sufficient quantity of fodder and water was also being arranged at the site of the fair, he said. The rural development minister said that in each district, a Cattle
Fair Officer with necessary supporting staff, had also been provided
to organise cattle fairs. These were generally being held near the
railway stations and the main roads. The quality animals brought
from these fairs fetches better prices to the farmers in the cattle
fairs in other states, he added.
Chandigarh August 10, 2009 The length of national highways, state –interstate and districts link roads is 1739 Km , 7430 Km and 46000 Km (approximately) respectively as told by Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, PWD, B&R Minister Punjab. The Govt. of Punjab has stressed, as pertaining to the road policies and implementing of future plans, the dimensions of roads, its construction up gradation and repair shall be monitored under a strict parameters. The Govt. has taken a big initiative to improve and upgrade entire road network through the public Works Department and B&R. S. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab has barged a head in achievements of the previous government. He has succeeded in enquiring an approval and financial assistance from centre to the four lane and six lane intercity road projects. Besides this the most challenging project in the history of Punjab is Sri Guru Gobind Singh Refinery Project its approval has been also sanctioned by the centre. This projects will be spreading over an area of appx. 1200 acre of land and on its completion 1.5 lack people would get direct -indirect employment. Mr. Dhindsa further added all the road and national highways projects and bridge project would be accomplished as national ways which shall keep entire road network traffic worthy on completion. These projects will also highlight the Prime Ministers Gram Sadak Yojna and hence will be completed in much lesser time then expected in a procedural manner . This is a stark contrast to the previous government which did not implement such strategies in its tenure. The present government is committed to wholesome development for the people of Punjab as it may become a model state in the country. Timely completion of all projects is a base line criteria and no comparer shall be made in it. The projects are being completed on good will so that the people of Punjab feel good. Punjab Govt. Release Rs. 402 Crore to various Municipal Corp. and MCs for beatification, widening of roads and street lights Chandigarh 10 August, 2009 Punjab Government has released 402 crore to Municipal corporations and various MCs for widening of roads and street lights and strengthening of the requisite infrastructure. Disclosing this here today Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Local Government
, Industry and Commerce Minister Punjab said that the state Government
has allocated Rs. 165 crore to Municipal Corporations, Amritsar
; Rs. 101 crore to Municipal Corporation Jallandhar ; Rs. 40 crore
to Municipal Corporation Ludhiana ; Rs. 45 Municipal Corporation
Patiala and Rs. 40 crore to Municipal Corporation Bathinda for the
reconstruction, beautification and widening of roads. These projects
also include improvement of street lights, round abouts, footpaths
and an entry gate to the holy city of Amritsar.
Chandigarh August 10, 2009 Many plans are ready with Punjab Tourism Department for individual city to promote tourism in Punjab heritage and tourism promotion board. Under this plan the project of Rs. 458 lac had been sanctioned for Hoshiarpur as a tourist destination last year. Disclosing this here today Mr. Hira Singh Gabria Tourist and Cultural Affairs Minister said that Rs. 398 lac has been sectioned by the Ministry of Tourism Government of India for the integrated development of Hoshiarpur as a tourist destination. Out of which Rs. 121 lac has been released to PWD department Punjab. Component works of Sadhu Aasharm, tourist reception of Garhshankar and Sham Chourasi have been allotted to contractors by PWD which would be completed by the year 2010. Under the rural tourists scheme works on Boothgarh village in district Hoshiarpur has been completed with a cost of Rs. 50 lac. Giving more information, Mr. Gabria said that Rs. 475 lac have been santioned for food craft institute of Hoshiarpur in this financial year. Out of which Rs. 174 lac have been released to PWD department. He further said that Rs. 159 lac has been sanctioned for the development of Khurali in Garhshankar Tehsil as tourist destination, out of which Rs. 47 lac have been released. Both the works would be completed by October, 2009, he added.
Chandigarh August 9, 2009 The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Financial Commissioner Taxation to review and finalize all the proposals put forth by Punjab Traders Board mainly regarding the introduction of entry tax on marble , plywood , wheat flour ( Atta) , Lubricants and Oil within a month. An assurance to this effect was given by Mr. Badal to the Chairman of the Punjab Traders Board Mr. Narottam Dev Ratti in a meeting here this evening. Mr. Badal reiterated that the State Government was committed for the welfare of traders to boost the trade and economic activity in the State. He also asked the Excise and Taxation Department to review the demands of various traders associations like reduction of VAT on pulses from 4 % to 2 % and introduction of levy of 1% VAT on Besan, which was at present 0 % and slashing the VAT from 12.5% to 4% on automobile parts . He also asked the FCT to convene a meeting of the Rice Sheller owners and Solvex and Vanaspati Oil manufacturers to rationalize the tax on rice bran at par with the neighboring States of northern region. He also emphasized on the need to introduce the system of e-filing of the returns by the traders to bring in efficiency and transparency in the tax regime. The Chief Minister also asked the Excise and Taxation Department to review the proposal of the Board to exempt the Kaccha Arthyias from filling the return. He assured the trade board that the Punjab Government was committed to resolve all the pending issues of the Board with an open mind. Both Chairman and the Vice Chairman Mr. Madan Lal Bagga thanked the Chief Minister for giving them an opportunity to discuss their issues related to different traders associations in a congenial atmosphere. The meeting was also attended by the FCT Mr. S.S.Brar, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. D.S.Guru, Excise and Taxation Commissioner Mr. A.Venu Parsad and Director Investigation Excise and Taxation Department Mr. KBS Sidhu.
Chandigarh August 9, 2009 The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today decried the statement of the Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda in the media to hold a referendum on carving out a separate Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) in Haryana and described it as ‘totally illogical, ill-advised and politically motivated’. In a statement issued here, Mr. Badal said that issue of holding referendum on the SGPC Haryana would divide the countrymen, which could have adverse implications thereby posing a serious threat to the national integration, peace and communal harmony. Mr. Badal further said seeking a referendum on this issue would open a pandora box for many other states, which were demanding referendum on various vexed political issues of sensitive nature, which could hamper the integrity and communal harmony of the country. “It is astonishing that on one side the Congress is ridiculing the demands of such states but on the other a Chief Minister of the State is advocating for referendum, added Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister further said that instead of seeking referendum on the issue of separate SGPC, the Haryana Chief Minister should go ahead for a referendum to identify Punjabi-speaking areas, which had been deliberately kept out of Punjab by the Congress Party. He bemoaned such actions on the part of Mr. Hooda would not help him any more politically in the coming assembly elections but also tarnish Congress Party’s so called secular image. The Chief Minister advised Mr. Hooda to refrain from issuing such provocative statements, which could vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in the country. CPCB TO INSPECT 17 LARGE DYEING INDUSTRIAL UNITS OF LUDHIANA C M ASK INDUSTRLISTS TO EITHER COMPLY WITH NORMS OR FACE ACTION CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 9. 2009 The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) would undertake inspection of all the 17 large scale dyeing industrial units in Ludhiana by September 15 to ascertain the extent of compliance of pollution norms prescribed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). A decision to this effect was taken by the Chairman, CPCB Prof. S.P. Gautam during a meeting with the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here this morning. The complete information relating to these 17 industrial units would be provided by the Chairman of Vardhman Group Mr. S.P. Oswal to the Chairman CPCB to facilitate them to inspect these units so that they could provide vital inputs to these industrialists for up gradation of their effluents treatment plants to check the level of pollution effectively. Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal asked the Chairman CPCB to suggest the ways and means to control the menace of industrial pollution which was growing at an alarming pace and had recently posed a serious threat to the very existence of human beings due to polluted air and water. He categorically said that nobody would be allowed to play havoc with the lives of innocent people for the sake of their vested interests and pecuniary benefits. He asked the industrialists to abide by the prescribed norms of the PPCB to check pollution by not merely installing effluent treatment plants in their units but also ensure its proper operation to discharge the treated effluents in the Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) being responsible citizens of the society. He said, "No laxity or complacency on the part of erring industrialists would be tolerated any more. Either strictly comply with the norms or face action as government could not compromise with the health of the people.” The Chief Minister sought cooperation and technical support from the CPCB to ensure proper functioning and up gradation of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) strictly in accordance with the fixed norms. The Chief Minister also directed the PPCB to convene a meeting of key players in the field of industrial pollution control at the earliest so that the entire work of running and maintenance Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) could be entrusted to them as such leading firms had an expertise and a time tested technology in the field. Mr. Badal also emphasized the need to chalk out a detailed time bound strategy to efficiently check the problem of pollution caused by the leather industry in Jullundhar Meanwhile, PPCB Chairman Mr. Yogesh Goel informed the Chief Minister that there were 268 industrial dyeing units in Ludhiana, consisting of 17 large and 251 Small and Medium units. Of 251 units, 51 were scattered in and around Ludhiana. He said that Board had already undertaken a vigorous campaign to monitor the up gradation of ETPs in the units. He pointed out that in order to solve the problem of pollution in these industrial units, five clusters had been identified for the installation of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) at Bahadur-ke road, Tajpur road, Rahon road, Industrial area-A and Focal Point. These clusters would cater to the need of 200 units and the remaining 51 which had been scattered, had been asked either to shift or up grade their individual effluent treatment plants as per the standard norms. The discharge of these 51 scattered units was 25 MLD. It was also decided in the meeting to acquire requisite land at these proposed clusters for the installation of CETPs by the State Industries Department and a meeting to finalize modalities in this regard would be soon convened by the Principal Secretary Industries. Referring to the rehabilitation of village ponds, Prof. Gautam assured the Chief Minister that he would soon depute a special team of senior scientists and environmentalists to study the feasibility and recommend the suitable technology to utilize the stagnated water in these ponds after treatment through microbial and oxidation technology which could again be allowed to seep in the land to recharge the depleting water table. He said the entire project would be covered under a centrally sponsored scheme to be implemented by the CPCB. He said the visiting team would also look into the problem of the disposal of reject water from Reverse Osmosis (RO System) in the village Gidarbaha block in Muktsar district. He asked the PPCB and Water Supply & Sanitation Department to identify the most vulnerable ponds in the Muktsar and Bathinda districts for trial study in the first phase. Prof. Gautam further apprised the Chief Minister in case the waste water of these dyeing Industrial Units was treated in the CETPs and ensure that treated effluents conforms to the standards, he would take up the matter with the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India to allow such water to mix up with the treated domestic sewage which could be further used for irrigation purposes. Referring to the issue of effluent discharge from the electroplating
industry, it was observed that these effluents were highly toxic
and contained harmful metals like chromium and nickel which could
be treated with advanced technology based on zero liquid discharge
in order to make the treated waster fit for reuse. The PPCB also
informed that out of 492 electroplating units, 457 have already
taken the membership of Federation of Industrial Dyeing Association,
Ludhiana so as to treat the waste water into the CETP installed
at the Focal Point Ludhiana. The Board was already pursuing the
remaining 35 electroplating units to join CETP technology for the
electroplating based on the zero liquid at the focal points. The meeting was also attended by Irrigation Minister S. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. D.S.Guru, Financial Commissioner Rural Development and Panchayats Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary Local Government Mr. D.S. Bains, Director-cum-Secretary Industries Mr. V.K. Janjua, Chief Engineer Irrigation Vinod Choudhary and Chief Engineer Water Supply and Sanitation S.R.Aggrawal besides Chairman Vardhman Group Mr. S.P. Oswal, Member Secretary Mr. J.S. Kamyotra, Senior Scientist Mr. D.D. Basu and Senior Environment Engineer Mr. Gurnam Singh of Central Pollution Control Board.
Chandigarh, August 9, 2009 The Education and Languages Minister Punjab, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur
today expressed her deep sense of shock and sorrow over the sad
demise of noted historian and prolific writer S. Patwant Singh. Badal asks FCT to look into the proposals of Punjab Traders
Board The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Financial Commissioner Taxation to review and finalize all the proposals put forth by Punjab Traders Board mainly regarding the introduction of entry tax on marble , plywood , wheat flour ( Atta) , Lubricants and Oil within a month. An assurance to this effect was given by Mr. Badal to the Chairman of the Punjab Traders Board Mr. Narottam Dev Ratti in a meeting here this evening. Mr. Badal reiterated that the State Government was committed for the welfare of traders to boost the trade and economic activity in the State. He also asked the Excise and Taxation Department to review the demands of various traders associations like reduction of VAT on pulses from 4 % to 2 % and introduction of levy of 1% VAT on Besan, which was at present 0 % and slashing the VAT from 12.5% to 4% on automobile parts . He also asked the FCT to convene a meeting of the Rice Sheller owners and Solvex and Vanaspati Oil manufacturers to rationalize the tax on rice bran at par with the neighboring States of northern region. He also emphasized on the need to introduce the system of e-filing of the returns by the traders to bring in efficiency and transparency in the tax regime. The Chief Minister also asked the Excise and Taxation Department to review the proposal of the Board to exempt the Kaccha Arthyias from filling the return. He assured the trade board that the Punjab Government was committed to resolve all the pending issues of the Board with an open mind. Both Chairman and the Vice Chairman Mr. Madan Lal Bagga thanked the Chief Minister for giving them an opportunity to discuss their issues related to different traders associations in a congenial atmosphere. The meeting was also attended by the FCT Mr. S.S.Brar, Principal
Secretary to CM Mr. D.S.Guru, Excise and Taxation Commissioner Mr.
A.Venu Parsad and Director Investigation Excise and Taxation Department
Mr. KBS Sidhu.
|
|
The
Punjab Governor, General (Retd.) Dr. S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM, administered
the oath of office and secrecy to Shri Sukhbir Singh Badal as Deputy
Chief Minister of Punjab at a brief but impressive ceremony held
at Punjab Raj Bhavan, here today.....
|
| NRI
News Media |
|
|