BADAL, SUKHBIR PLEDGE TO SAFEGUARD HARD WON FREEDOM

CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 15, 2009

MR. PARKASH SINGH BADAL, CHIEF MINISTER PUNJAB AND MR. SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER PUNJAB TODAY PAID GLORIOUS TRIBUTES TO THE FREEDOM FIGHTER KARNAIL SINGH ISRU WITH A PLEDGE TO SAFEGUARD HARD WON FREEDOM FOR WHICH OUR FREEDOM FIGHTERS LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES. ADDRESSING THE STATE LEVEL CONFERENCE ORGANIZED AT HIS BIRTH PLACE, MR. BADAL SAID THAT 80% OF SACRIFICES DURING FREEDOM STRUGGLE WERE MADE BY PUNJABIS AND EVEN AFTER FREEDOM THEY HAVE SAFEGUARDED THE FRONTIER OF THE COUNTRY BY REPULSING FORCEFULLY THE ENEMY'S ATTACK.

DESCRIBING PUNJABIS AS SWORD ARM OF THE NATION, THE YOUNG FACE OF AKALI DAL, THE DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER, MR. SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL SAID THAT THE BEST TRIBUTE TO THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS IS TO REALIZE THEIR DREAM OF BUILDING ECONOMICALLY PROSPEROUS AND DEVELOPED COUNTRY. HE SAID THAT ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT ENVISIONED BY SAD-BJP GOVERNMENT COULD BE ONLY ACHIEVED IF IT GETS TOTAL COOPERATION OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS ENERGETIC TASK. EXPRESSING HIS RESOLVE TO MAKE PUNJAB POWER SURPLUS, TO SUPPLY PORTABLE WATER TO EVERY VILLAGE OF PUNJAB, TO INSTALL RO SYSTEM IN 5000 VILLAGES HAVING SALINE WATER PROBLEM, CONSTRUCTING SUPER-EXPRESS WAYS AS ARTERIES AND VEINS THE STATE AND CUTTING RED TAPESIM TO BRING PUBLIC SERVICE AT THE DOORS STEPS OF THE PEOPLE, DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER SAID THAT HE WAS COMMITTED TO REALIZE HIS DREAMS WITH THE COOPERATION OF ALL PUNJABIS.

THE CHIEF MINISTER HANDED OVER A CHEQUE OF RS. 2.50 LACS TO THE PRINCIPAL OF THE SHAHEED KARNAIL SINGH MEMORIAL SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR ITS OVER ALL DEVELOPMENT. BIBI CHARANJEET KAUR W/O MASTER KARNAIL SINGH ISRU WAS ALSO HONORED ON THIS OCCASION.

PROMINENT AMONG OTHERS WHO WERE PRESENT ON THE OCCASION INCLUDED MR. DARBARA SINGH GURU PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO CM, MR. GAGANDEEP SINGH BRAR ADDNL. PRINCIPAL SECRETARY AND DIRECTOR, PUBLIC RELATIONS, MR. VIKAS GARG THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER AND SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE DISTRICT.

PUNJAB CM LAUDS UNPRECEDENTED ROLE OF PUNJABIS IN THE FREEDOM MOVEMENT

FEROZEPUR AUGUST 15, 2009

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today lauded the role of Punjabis for making more than 80% sacrifices in the national freedom struggle despite the fact they merely constituted two-and-a-half percent of country’s population.
Addressing a massive gathering on the occasion of 63rd Independence Day during a State level Function held here at Shaheed Bhagat Singh stadium after unfurling the National Flag, Mr. Badal said that Punjab had played a unique and unprecedented role in the freedom movement. "Punjabis have a prominent place and we are proud of their brave and unique contributions. "On this historic day, I bow my head in reverence to the great martyrs and the patriots of India's freedom struggle, who displayed unparalleled heroism and valour thereby making supreme sacrifices for attaining freedom for the country.

The Chief Minister further said that it was also a matter of great pride and honour for us that the great martyrs like Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha and Shaheed Udham Singh were Punjabis and even all the prominent movements associated with the country’s freedom struggle like Kuka, Gaddar and Babbar Akali were also spear headed by the brave Punjabis.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that the valiant Punjabis had inherited the spirit of self sacrifice, patriotism from great gurus and martyrs since time immemorial, who waged a relentless battle against the atrocities and terror unleashed by the emperors to protect the innocent and hapless people by laying down their lives.

Mr. Badal also pointed out that Punjabis had not only played a vanguard role in the freedom struggle but also made an outstanding contribution for maintaining the hard earned freedom and ushering in an era of overall development and prosperity thereby making our country self-reliant in the food production.

Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters and patriots who made supreme sacrifices during the Indian freedom struggle, Mr. Badal said "It is a sad plight that the aspirations of these stalwarts of freedom movement had not yet been cherished because they dreamt of an Independent India free from the maladies of poverty, starvation, corruption and unemployment and still after 62 years of freedom we have not been able to provide them with the basic amenities of safe drinking water, electricity and housing. Let us take this opportunity to rededicate ourselves to realize the great vision of those who translated the dream of an independent and sovereign India into a reality", said Mr.Badal.

Listing the major achievements of the Punjab government, Mr. Badal said that we had made concerted efforts to upgrade he crucial sectors of power, water supply, education, road network and other such priority sectors. He said that our government would soon over come the shortage of 7000 MW electricity in the state with the setting up of four thermal plants and commissioning of Shahpur Kandi Project. In order to strengthen the education sector, the state government had envisaged a massive programme to set up 15 new colleges, world class university, central university and knowledge city to enable our students to compete globally. He reiterated his firm commitment that within next few years each and every school in village or city would be provided with a building, furniture and requisite staff.

Referring to the urban development, he said that there would not be any shortage of water supply, sewerage and sanitation in the near future. A blue print had been prepared to develop slum colonies, cleaning of the village ponds, housing for poor, provision of toilets in villages. Apart from this a mega project to undertake cleaning of major rivers and canals to ensure pure drinking water for the people was also on anvil.

Regarding the development of Ferozepur, the Chief Minister announced that a new district administrative complex would be constructed soon. Besides this new judicial complex would also be set up and other requisite efforts would be undertaken to ensure overall development of the district.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister inspected the guard of honour and took a salute from the impressive march past comprising of the contingents of PAP, Punjab Police, Home Guards, NCC cadets (boys & Grils) GRP, Jail Police and PAP Band. A grand gala cultural show was presented by the tiny tots and students of the different schools and colleges. Mr. honoured Mr.Kulbir Singh son of great patriot late Mr. Bhagat Singh Bilga posthumously with Punjab Rattan Award for his outstanding role in the freedom movement. Besides, the families of Kargil martyrs, prominent environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Sinchewal was also amongst 29 prominent personalities who were honoured for their excellent services in the different fields of art, literature, social services and other fields. He also announced a grant of Rs.10 lakh from police Welfare Fund for the welfare of police personnel and also honoured the participants of various cultural programmes.
Earlier, Mr. Badal paid floral tributes at the Samadhi of great martyrs Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev at Hussainiwala memorial. On the occasion, he also gave away fruits and gifts to the army personnel posted there.
Among others who were present on this occasion included member parliament Sher Singh Gubaya, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister DS Guru, Director General of Police Paramdeep Singh Gill, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Gaggandeep Singh Brar, Commission Ferozpeur Division BS Sudan, Deputy Commissioner Kamal Kishore Yadav and SSP Surinderpal Singh Parmar. Eminent personalities from different walks of life also attended the function.

Sukhbir vows to put development on fast track, make Punjab power surplus.

Chandigarh, August 15

Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister today unfurled the tricolor in industrial city Ludhiana with a vow to usher in an era of accelerated development and making Punjab power surplus, by completing mega power projects including four thermal plants with installed capacity 7000 MW and 22 biomass co- generation plants with installed capacity 1000 MW.
Congratulating the people of Ludhiana on the occasion 63rd Independence Day, the Deputy Chief Minister said that our freedom fighters laid down their lives to see their Country free from the clutches of British Rule and envisioned for a developed country. He said that it was the matter of great regret that even 62 years after independence, it was becoming difficult for the people to have two square meal, due to ever rising prices of essential commodities including daily dal touching Rs 100 mark. He said that it was SAD- BJP Government that took the initiative to supply 35 kg wheat and 4 kg dal to 16 lakh poor families of the state, who were getting their regular quota by 7th of each month.

He said that SAD-BJP Government was giving an impetus to its programmes and policies and had initially focused on policies like Atta-Dal, Shagun Scheme besides strengthening infrastructure in the state. Mr. Badal said that the Punjab Government has decided to ensure over all development in the state with clear focus on the core issues of power self-sufficiency, administrative reforms, creations of quality infrastructure in the form of expressways and Four International Airports, revamping of age old irrigation system and quality education by setting up world class education facilities in the form of Universities, Business school and Techno Institutes for higher education and Model/Adarsh schools for quality school education. The Deputy Chief Minister said that our government has initiated a novel programme of Rs. 1280 crore to provide drinking water facility in 739 non covered villages and 2422 partially covered villages besides renovating village ponds of 1000 villages and providing sewerage system in 100 villages. He said that to deal with the problem cancer in the Malwa area, 5000 affected villages would be provided potable water through RO system and ultra filtration system within next two years.

Promising to ensure timely completion of on going thermal plants, Mr. Sukhbir Badal said that he was personally monitoring the progress of these mega projects on day to day basis and was securing clearances for these projects from every concerned Union Ministry. He hoped that pending coal linkage for Gidherbaha Thermal Plant would be soon cleared by Union Coal Ministry.

Vowing to make day to day dealing of common people with government a pleasant experience with in six months, the Deputy Chief Minster said that Punjab government was all set to implement Administrative Reforms in the state including setting up of Suvidha Centers for a clusters of every six village in the state that would provide 24 services including driving license , arms license , vehicle registration, birth and death certificates attestation, transfer of property and copy of mutation under one roof. He said that these administrative reforms were meant to weed out corruption from public life, ensuring transparency in the Governance and making the life of common citizens easy.

Speaking about revamping the irrigation system, Mr. Badal said that we have 14500 KM canal network that was oldest in the country and out lived its life. Our government has initiated an ambitious Rs. 3469 Crore project for complete revamping of the irrigation system with an aim to optimize utility of surface water resources, minimize the loss of livelihood and lives on account on floods and water-logging.

Earlier, Mr. Badal unfurled the flag and took salute from impressive contingents of Punjab Police, PAP, Traffic police Home guard, NCC, Ex-servicemen, Scouts and Girl Guides. The March past led by Mr. Gulzar Singh Gill DSP. 11 prominent citizens of Ludhiana city including Vivek Bakshi, Master Harpreet Singh Naveen Sharma, Jaswinder Singh Bilga, Kamal Jit Sohi, Bhola Nath Mehta, Jagdish Bajaj, Pankaj Sharda, Surinder Pal Singh Dr H K Singla and Rajvir Singh Libra were honored with a commendation certificates due to the services rendered by them in various fields. All Parade commanders were also honored by the Deputy Chief Minister. The Deputy Chief Minister accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Vikas Garg and SSP Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill inspected the parade. An hour long rich cultural program presented by the students of different schools Ludhiana mesmerized the audience. Deputy Chief Minister impressed by the show announced a prize of Rs 1 lakh to be distributed to participants of cultural programs.

SUKHBIR DEMANDS 50% SHARE OF STATES IN CENTRAL TAXES.

Chandigarh, August 15

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister today demanded minimum 50 percent share in the taxes collected by the Centre in Punjab and also suggested state specific Central schemes.

Talking to media in At Home Ceremony held after Independence Day function at Ludhiana today, Mr. Badal said that it unfair for Punjab as Union Government was taking away 70 percent of central taxes collected in that state and returning only 1.3 percent. He said that Punjab Government had been demanding review of revenue sharing formula so that states could get minimum 50 percent in the taxes collected by Centre and evolve schemes according to the local needs of people.
Blaming the previous government for not generating a single unit of power during their rule, Mr. Badal said that he was personally perusing every project to achieve 7000MW through four thermal plants and 1000 MW from Biomass power plant .

When asked about separate SGPC for Haryana, Mr. Badal said that no state government in a secular country has any right to interfere in the religious affairs of any religion. He said that SGPC was a democratically elected body and they would take all constitutional and legal means to thwart the politically motivated move of having separate SGPC for Haryana.
He said that international flights Mohali Airport would start next month and on completion of tarmac in Sahanewal Airport, domestic flights would also start soon. He said that Union Aviation Ministry has already approved Greenfield Airport at Machhiwara to be constructed by Chhangi Airport Authority Singapore.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that Punjab government was identifying vacant posts in various departments and filling those posts on priority. 2000 constables and 500 lady constables would be recruited soon. He said that 14000 teachers have already been recruited and process was on to recruit remaining 9994 teachers in the state. He said that work on 46 ROBs was in full swing and minor hitches with Railways would be cleared soon. Mr. Badal informed that 40cities of Punjab would be brought under JLNURM scheme to improve the urban infrastructure of these cities. Mr. Badal said that land for Express ways would be acquired after taking farmers and other stake holders in confidence.

CM MOURNS THE PASSING AWAY OF RULDA SINGH

CHANDIGARH AUGUST 15:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of the President of the Punjab Rashtriya Sikh Sangat Rulda Singh who succumbed to his injuries at PGI here this morning. He was 60 and survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.

Mr. Badal expressed his heartfelt sympathies with the family of bereaved and prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.

BADAL ASKS FM FOR EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PENDING
ISSUES OF PUNJAB STATE COOPERATIVE ARICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK WITH NABARD

CHANDIGARH AUGUST 14, 2009

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought personal intervention of the Union Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee to advise the NABARD for resolving the pending issues of Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank relating to 100% refinance under farm sector as well as non-farm sector and waiver of the condition of government guarantee.

In a letter to the Finance Minister, Mr. Badal also raised the issue for enhancing the limit of land under the scheme of purchase of land for agriculture and bringing the purpose of redemption of land under schematic lending. He also asked Mr. Mukherjee to direct NABARD to allow Primary Cooperative Agricultural Development Banks (PADBs) to collect deposits under Deposit Mobilization Scheme and interest rebate to regular repaying State Cooperative Agriculture & Rural Development Banks (SCARDBs). Likewise the Chief Minister also emphasized the need for conversion of Agriculture Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) into full-fledged banks and reduction in rate of interest on refinance. He also impressed upon the Finance Minister to announce a revival package to meet the losses incurred by ARDBs on account of implementation of Agriculture Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme (ADWDR) 2008.

The Chief Minister solicited whole hearted support and cooperation from Mr. Mukherjee to advise the NABARD for addressing these issues of Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank at the earliest in the interest of the state to meet with the norms of National Food Security as it was playing a vital role in meeting the long term credit requirements of the farmers and the rural folk.

It may be recalled that the Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank is providing long term cooperative credit structure to the farmers in the state for agricultural and allied activities. These loans are advanced through its 89 PADBs with refinance assistance from NABARD.

BADAL WRITES TO PM FOR EXEMPTION OF INCOME TAX
TO COOPERATIVE BANKS

CHANDIGARH AUGUST 13, 2009

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh to exempt the Cooperative Banks from the Income Tax and also advised the NABARD for revising its policy to raise the quantum of refinance and downsize the rate of interest on the refinance to the extent of 2.5% in the interest of the cooperative movement and ultimately to benefit the farmers of the state.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. Badal appreciated the Centre’s initiative to incentivize farmers to repay their dues on time and diligent borrowers to pay interest @ 6.0 @ instead of 7.0% on short-term crop loans upto Rs.3 lac but the same time the government is also required to focus its attention on the viability of cooperative banks which are otherwise playing a vital role in the agriculture sector of the country.

Highlighting the difficulties being faced by the Cooperative Banks in the state, Mr. Badal pointed out these banks were exempted from the payment of income tax till financial year 2005-06. However, from financial year 2006-07 they were brought on par with commercial banks for payment of income tax, thus affecting their financial viability. Since cooperative banks were working on very thin margins and servicing the agricultural community, they needed to be exempted from the payment of income tax.

Mr. Badal also mentioned that NABARD was providing refinance facility only to the extent of 40% which needed to be raised to 75%, so as to increase the availability of credit to the farmers. These banks were also providing short term crop loans to the farmers @ 7% as per GoI policy. However, NABARD has increased the rate of interest on refinance from 2.5% in the year 2006-07 to 4% for the year 2009-10 onwards. This was affecting the financial viability of the Cooperative banks and therefore, NABARD may be advised to provide refinance for crop loan @ 2.5%, Mr. Badal added.

CHAIRMAN & 7 OTHER MEMBERS NOMINATED IN MARKET COMMITTEE BATALA

CHANDIGARH AUGUST 13, 2009

The Punjab Government today nominated Mr. Kanwarmandeep Singh as the Chairman and seven other members of the Market Committee Batala.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Chairman had been nominated under Sub Section (1) of Section 16 of Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets Act, 1961.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government under Section 12 of Punjab Agriculture Produce Markets Act, 1961( Punjab Act No.23 of 1961) had also nominated Mr. Dharamjot Singh, Mr. Amarjit Singh, Mr.Bikramjit Singh, Mr.Lal Chand, Mrs.Balwinder Kaur, Mr.Harbhajan Singh and Mr. Jagir Singh as members of the Market Committee of Batala. The respective notifications relating to these nominations had already been issued by the State Agriculture department.

PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF JANAMASTMI

CHANDIGARH AUGUST 13:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Janamastmi - the Birthday of Lord Krishana.

In a message on the eve of this sacred occasion, the Chief Minister said that the teachings of Lord Krishna are of immense significance and relevance in modern times and guide us to perform our day-to-day duties. His inspiring message that soul is immortal and therefore, every human being should endeavour his utmost to fulfill his duties of life without expecting about the fruitful result of his duty. Lord Krishna’s long philosophical sermon contained in 'Srimad Bhagwat Geeta' has a profound message to redeem the mankind to attain spiritualism and eternal peace on one hand and strengthen the bonds of love, peace, communal harmony and universal brotherhood. He said: “The festival inspires us towards right conduct and to overcome all impediments towards achievement of our goals.

Mr. Badal appealed the people to celebrate this sacred day in unison and with religious fervour and gaiety rising above the petty considerations of caste, creed and religion.

SUKHBIR PUTS ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS ON FAST TRACK – SUVIDHA KENDRA FOR EVERY SIX VILLAGE TO PROVIDE 24 SERVICES UNDER ONE ROOF

Chandigarh, August 13, 2009

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister today put the implementation of Administrative Reforms on fast track, setting time limit for execution of these reforms on ground.

The Deputy Chief Minister had a detailed meeting with Chairman of the Governance Reforms Commission Punjab Dr. Pramod Kumar, Chief Secretary Subodh Aggarwal, DGP P.S. Gill, Secretary Reforms Commission Satish Chandra, Secretary to Deputy CM Mr. Viswajeet Khanna including other senior officials and reiterated the resolve of SAD-BJP government to ensure that People’s interaction with the government be made harassment free, efficient and cost effective. He said that SAD-BJP government was committed to change rules and procedures which were cumbersome, inappropriate and bred corruption.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that new Air-conditioned Suvidha Kendra for a cluster of every six village and in urban areas would provide easy access to services to citizens in a single window within six months. He stressed that major emphasis should be given to make registration of property corruption and harassment free. . It was decided that all the 24 services to be provided in all the districts and sub-division by the end of this year. He also emphasised on regular monitoring and independent evaluation of the implementation of governance reforms in the state.

Vowing to change the public perception about the Police, the Police department was asked identify civil services like providing passport verification services, arms licence verification, permission for fairs, permission of loud speakers, issuance and renewal of arms licences, police clearance certificate etc. and set up Suvidha Centre in civil areas away from Police Stations where these serviced be provided to the public within scheduled timelines. He asked the department to implement the recommendations of the Commission within six months. The online police service delivery like FIR registration, copies of FIR, foreigners registration to be implemented in all the districts of the state.

Stressing upon the need of involving the participation of community in the successful implementation of these reforms, the Deputy Chief Minister said that it could be achieved only by minimizing the harassment of public. He said that traffic challans fines should be reduced drastically so that people should be happy to pay fine rather than to grease the palm of traffic cops. Besides this the Police Department must initiate the practice of spot collection of traffic fines to save people from harassment of wasting days in courts to pay challan fees. He asked the DGP to set up a district level complaint-cum-helpline to facilitate grievance redressal of the citizens.

The Deputy Chief Minister expressed his concern on the tardy delivery of services in existing Suvidha Centre. He said that he was pained to know that only one district was providing around 21 of the 24 identified services in the state through Suwidha centres. More than half of the districts are providing less than fifty per cent of the services. Nawanshehr, Kapurthala, Bathinda were front runners for providing more than 15 services to the people. and sadly Barnala, Sangrur and Taran Tarn are providing less than six services, he noticed.

It was informed in the meeting that majority of the districts were providing services of arms licence, counter signing of documents and issuance of affidavits. Birth and death certificates are issued from these Suwidha centres in 12 districts only. However, at the sub-divisional level less than five services out of twelve are provided by majority of the sub-divisional Suwidha centres. Balachaur sub-divisional Suwidha centre is providing maximum services

Emphasizing the need for periodically cross checking the effectiveness of these reforms, he said that the mechanisms has to be put in place to monitor the implementation of these reforms and social audit should be conducted at regular intervals.

SUKHBIR FELICITATE PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF JANNMASHTAMI

Chandigarh, August 13:

Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today extended his warm greetings to the people of the State on the eve of Janmashtami.

In his message, Mr. Badal said the birth of Lord Krishna stood as symbol of universal love, selfless service and spiritual maturity in the mainstream of life. ''The eternal values preached by Lord Krishna in ''Bhagavad Gita'' are very much significant and relevant to every generation since the times immemorial,'' he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister hoped the festival would strengthen the bonds of love and mutual understanding among the people and bring new cheer and prosperity in their lives

PUNJAB ALL SET TO COMBAT SWINE FLU

Chandigarh August 13, 2009

All the Civil Surgeons have been asked to be vigilant and monitor the preventive measures being taken in the government hospitals themselves regularly and also fan out their teams in the remote areas of the state to check the symptoms of this flu.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Department of Health and Family Welfare Punjab said that isolation wards have also been established at the District and sub-district hospitals. Rapid Response Teams have already been constituted in all the districts. In order to check the outbreak of swine flu through the passengers coming from abroad, Screening at the International Raja Sansi Airport, Amritsar (about 5 International Flights take place daily) has been started. Screening counters have been setup to screen about 500- 800 passengers, who arrive at the airport daily. Daily screening report at the Airport is being received by e-mail from the doctor concerned. Quarantine Medical Officer of Raja Sansi Airport and has also been asked to identify suspected patients arriving from affected countries and immediate refer them to Civil Hospital Amritsar for diagnosis and medical assistance. . Adequate medical and paramedical manpower is available at Airport, Wagah Border and Attari Railway Station

The Punjab Government was already in touch with the Ministry of Health, Government of India urging them to direct the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to approve at least two government medical colleges of Amritsar and Patiala as Centres to combat any eventuality arising out of swine flu in the state. He further said that preventive measures were constantly being taken by the State Health Department to face any crisis from the pandemic.

The spokesman also said that Semi Automatic Analyzer has been delivered and installed at civil hospital Amritsar by GOI. 16000 Capsules of Tamiflu received from GOI at State H.Q, out of which sufficient quantity as per requirement have been issued to all the Civil Surgeons. As per the information available with the state health department, 25 positive and 71 suspected cases of swine flu had been reported in the state till date. All the patients with positive symptoms had been discharged from the hospitals after giving them proper treatment and all of them were now fine.

Ten more luxury AC buses in the PRTC fleet-Master Mohan lal

Chandigarh August 13, 2009
Pal Singh PRO

Ten new super luxury air conditioned buses of the PRTC were formally flagged of by Master Mohan Lal, Minister Transport Punjab from Punjab Bhawan Chandigarh today. With introduction of these buses, the long standing demand of the public would be met. With the introduction of these ten buses, the strength of super luxury buses with the PRTC would rise upto 12.

Addressing a press conference on the occasion Transport Minister said that these buses would be operated on Amritsar-Delhi, Delhi-Katra, Bathinda-Haridwar, Patiala-Amritsar and Patiala-Delhi routes. The buses are equipped with modern infotainment system, GPS bus tracking system and have air suspension for the comfort of the passengers. The buses have been fabricated by JCBL, Dera Bassi on King Long chassis with Cummins power plant imported from the USA.

The Minister further said that the PRTC, which had recorded a an operating profit of Rs. 7.28 Cr. in the financial year 2008-09, was poised to upgrade its existing fleet with introduction of 35 new Heating Ventilatig Air Condition (HVAC) buses, which would charge only 10% extra fare than ordinary buses. The Corporation had also placed an order for 75 new ordinary buses, which are likely to roll out within a month.Apart from these buses, the Corporation has also planned to introduce 100 new buses under kilometer scheme, for which tenders have already been invited.The construction work on the new air conditioned bus terminal at Patiala would commence soon. This terminal is likely to be completed within a year and a half.

The staff productivity per worker per day in kilometers had risen from 62% in 2001-02 to 70% in the current financial year. The Corporation had shown marked improvement in all its operating parameters. With better management of its fleet and constant education of the drivers the fuel consumption of the buses has also marked a substantial decrease. Average consumption of diesel had decreased from 4.39 kilometer per litre in 2001-02 to 4.62 kilometer per litre in the current year. Occupancy ratio of the buses had also been rising steadily since 2001-02 which now stands at 76% as compared to earlier 66%, which has directly contributed to higher gross receipt per kilometers, which has jumped from Rs. 13.72 in 2001-02 to 19.14.

Mr DS Jaspal,Principal Secretary Transport Punjab said that the PRTC is in the process of modernizing its fleet and management systems. The Corporation would be soon introducing vehicle tracking system in its buses. This system would be based on Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and would provide real time information about the vehicle location to the Operation Control Room (OCR) of the Corporation. With this system the PRTC would be able to both ensure live tracking of the buses as well as generate useful information for its management information system (MIS). The system would also provide information regarding fuel consumption pattern of the vehicle which would help in curbing excessive consumption and pilferage of fuel.

Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu Managing Director PRTC said that with a view to provide better information about its services and in turn serve the people in a better manner, the PRTC would soon start online ticket booking, particularly for its AC buses. The Corporation has also introduced Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) which on a website www.busindia.com give all required details of the fare to the passenger, including the bus number, driver and conductors name. The crew of the buses is being imparted special instructions to meet the expectations of the traveling public.

The ceremony was also attended by Mr. D.S. Jaspal, IAS, Principal Secretary Transport Punjab, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Managing Director, Shri R.Venkatratnam State Transport Commissioner, Pb. And Shri Mandeep Singh Director State Transport, Punjab.

SPEAKER STOPS MEETINGS OF VIDHAN SABHA COMMITTEES
Chandigarh August 13, 2009

Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha has ordered to stop immediately all meetings of different Punjab Vidhan Sabha Committees scheduled to be held out of Punjab. The step has been taken with a view to Swine Flu danger.
He further said that whenever the situation would become normal he would thought to permit these meetings.

Model code of conduct in the Jurisdiction of General/Bye-elections of Local bodies

Chandigarh August 13, 2009

A spokesman of State Election Commission, Punjab informed that General Elections of Talwandi Sabo and Chamkaur Sahib Nagar Panchayts and Bye-elections of Ward No. 57 of Ludhiana Municipal Corporation, Ward No. 9, 10 and 11 of Begowal Nagar Panchayat, Ward No. 5 of Ajnala Nagar Panchayat, Ward No.7 of Anandpur Sahib Municipal Council and Ward No.6 of Hoshiarpur Municipal Council would be held on August 23, 2009.

The spokesman further said that accordingly the Model Code of Conduct has come into force with immediate effect i.e. on the date of notification and shall be operative till the completion of elections within the respective Municipal corporation, Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayats where election to any of its Ward (S) is being held.
The spokesman further added that no payment should be made out of the discretionary grants/funds on the eve of these elections during the said period. In addition to this, there will be complete ban on new projects also, spokesman added.

INDEPENDENCE DAY SHOULD BE MORE THAN A GOVERNMENT FUNCTION AND
SHOULD HAVE MAXIMUM PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: MANPREET

Chandigarh August 13, 2009

Finance Minister Punjab, Manpreet Singh Badal today appealed to all people to actively participate in the Independence Day celebrations and appealed to everyone to reaffirm their commitment to the cause of the nation.
In a statement issued here today, Manpreet Singh Badal said the celebrations of Independence Day should not be restricted to a government function and that all sections of society should come together on one platform on this day. “Since this GOLDEN DAY occurs just once in a year, all sections of society must come together on Independence Day and make it a truly public participatory affair.”

Since the state of Punjab contributed tremendously towards the achievement of Indian independence, it is our solemn duty of all Punjabis to reaffirm its commitment to the cause of the nation, Manpreet said. He appealed to all Punjabis to get together and display solidarity bypassing fissiparous tendencies.

Ideally we should outperform our previous generation in our dedication to the nations cause. While the previous generations gave their lives, went to jail and suffered for the independence of our nation, it is our responsibility to salute their sacrifice, the Finance Minister said, adding that Independence Day is an appropriate occasion for us to honour them and rededicate ourselves.

Let us take this opportunity to spend some time honoring their sacrifice. In an entire year of 365 days, there is just one day when we celebrate Independence Day.

The Finance Minister added that the agenda of Independence is still unfulfilled since we need independence from poverty, illiteracy and ignorance. “Independence Day is also time for regeneration and renewal: renewal of commitments to abolish the inequalities that exist, and regeneration so that we can march forward with renewed vigour”, Manpreet Singh Badal added.