Punjab News- NRI

Chandigarh February 16:
Mr. Sumedh Singh Saini, IPS today assume the charge of new post of Chief Director Vigilance Bureau Punjab after his promotion to the post of Additional Director General of Police, Punjab at State Vigilance Bureau headquarters at Chandigarh.

On the occasion a contingent of PAP presented guard of honor to Mr. Saini.
The Vigilance Bureau Officers welcomed to Mr. Saini and congratulated on his elevation to this committed post. Mr. Hardip Singh Dhillon IPS also assumed the charge of Inspector General-cum-Director Vigilance Bureau Punjab.
Among others Mr. Arun Kumar Oraon and Mr. B.K.Bawa both DIGs, Mr. Harcharn Singh Bhullar, JD (Admn.), Mr. Inderjit Singh Randhawa JD (Crime), Mr. Surinder Pal Singh , Mr. Rajinder Singh, Mr. Chaman Lal, Mr. Gurkirpal Singh, Mr. Shiv Kumar, Mr. Paramjit Singh Khiara (all SPs) and Mr. A.S.Rai, JD (Prosecution) were also present on the occasion.

SUKHBIR LAYS THE FOUNDATION STONE OF 2500 CRORE
WORLD CLASS BUSINESS CENTRE AT AMRITSAR

Amritsar, February 15:
The holy city of Amritsar was put on fast track of development making it business hub of the country as Punjab Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal laid the foundation stone of Rs. 2500 crore “State-of-Art” business centre planned by the world famous Singapore based JURONG Consultant private limited here today.

After laying the foundation stone of the world class
district business centre and inaugurating the PUDA Bhawan, S. Badal said that the State Government was determined to restore the old glory of Amritsar as an International Trade City besides putting it on International Religious Tourism Circuit by providing world class infrastructure here. After making a comprehensive presentation on the district business centre, S. Badal said that the setting up of this centre was an idea to create a world class integrated mega development in the city which will be unprecedented not only in the Northern India but also in the whole country. He revealed that the new city centre would have a five star hotel, wedding place, luxury shopping mall, multiplex, business hotel with convention facilities, cinema houses and entertainment centre.

He further informed that with a total commercial area measuring 35,69,996 sq ft. this centre would be completed with in a time frame of 48 months and expected to generate revenue to the tune of Rs. 1300 crore to the state exchequer.

Later on interacting with media persons, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP combine had strongly raised the issue of extending the railway freight corridor to Amritsar in Parliament and assured that this issue would be given top priority once NDA assume power at Centre after the ensuing Lok Sabha elections .

Regarding police lathicharge on protestors outside Jallianwala Bagh, he assured that the strict action would be taken against the guilty immediately on the receipt the Punjab DGP’s report.

On the issue of congress’s demand for declaring the whole state sensitive during the coming Lok Sabha elections, S. Badal said that in a completely peaceful state Amarinder was rasing non issues as an excuse to run away from the electoral better. He said that as the Home Minister of State he was fully aware of his responsibility of conducting peaceful, free and fair elections.

He said that his party was of the view that it was imperative for Pakistan to smash terror out fits to establish cordial relations between the two countries. He said that we must maintain trade relations with Pakistan in the larger interest of both the country.

Prominent amongst others present on the occasion were included Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu, MP, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, former Cabinet Minister Punjab, Mr. Inerbir Singh Bularia, Mr. Anil Joshi, Dr Dalbir Singh, Mr. Lakhbir Singh Lodhi Nangal (All MLAs), Mr. Vir Singh Lopoke, Chairman Distt. Planning Committee.

Later on Punjab Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal inaugurated the Rs. 3.16 crore bus stand at Majitha, laid foundation stones of widening of two road namely Majitha to Kathunangal and Kathunangal to Tahli Sahib at a cost of Rs. 15 crore and Rs. 2.18 crore Chawinda Devi bus stand besides presenting two Ambulances for accident victims at Majitha and Kathunangal.

Sukhbir's articulate representation of achievements, initiatives and plans impress Industrialists and traders

Ludhiana, 16 Feburary

Endeavour to intensify economic development of Punjab, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today showcase plans and initiatives taken by the government to achieve the targets while addressing the business tycoons of the city. Articulate and technical representation of government's achievements, initiatives and plans by Mr. Badal astonished industrialists and traders in such a way that they kept on clapping in response to every impressive statement. Mr. Badal said that government has initiated various development works, some important projects were in pipeline and chalked out various plans to attain sustained growth. While discussing the achievements, Mr. Badal informed the industrialists and traders about development of road infrastructure, canal irrigation, urban development, educational infrastructure, civil aviation, and increase in revenue generation etc accomplished by present Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP government.
Delivering a talk on "My vision of economically strong Punjab" conducted by Ludhiana Management Assosiation and addressing a meeting of Trade Wing, Shiromani Akali Dal President said that SAD-BJP government is implementing all the promises alliance had committed during last Vidhan Sabha elections for development of the state. He said that people of the state will witness major changes in next 2 to 3 years. Mr. Badal said that Punjab had nothing unique to offer as the state is land locked, had faced militancy for 20 years, border with Pakistan and injustice done by centre governments. "To have something distinctive we decided to generate surplus power in the state. We will sell surplus power to other states and will use the earned profit to provide cheapest power to our people", says Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Talking on development of civil aviation and transportation development, Mr. Badal said that overcoming the barrier of land locked geography government is going to setup international airport at Mohali and domestic airports at Bathinda, Ludhiana and Pathankot. Displaying the animated presentation of Mohali to Phagwara express higway and four laning of Sidhwan Canal Road Mr. Badal said that state government concentrated on the development of road infrastructure to have better connectivity. Mentioning the plan to construct Pathankot to Ajmer express way, Mr. Badal said that where on one sides these roads provide shortcut journey to important destinations on other side these will help to save fuel and time.
Besides discussing major initiatives taken by government for economic growth Mr. Badal also throw light on plans of state government for development of Health services and administrative and educational reforms. Later Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal addresses the meeting of district Bar council and Chamber of Commerce.
Among others Deputy Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Satpal Gosain G Mr. Vijay Munjal of Hero group, Mr. D. L. Sharma Ex President Ludhiana Management Assosiation, MP Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Harish Rai Dhanda, Vice Chairman Punjab Trade Board Madan Lal Bagga werer also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh Feb. 16:
S. Kahan Singh Panuu, IAS, Special Secretary to Chief Minister, Punjab would now look after the work of Co-operation department including monitoring and reviewing of important projects of various departments. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Government said that he would also monitor important Centrally Sponsored Schemes and also review ongoing Narega Schemes in the State.
-------------------------------------
S.Gurwaryam Singh takes over as Joint Director (Admn.)

Chandigarh Feb. 16:
S.Gurwaryam Singh, PCS has assumed the charge as Joint Director(Admn.) and Ex. Officio Joint Secretary to the Govt. of Punjab, Department of Information and Public Relations Department Punjab.
This was disclosed there today by official spokesman of the Punjab Government.

AAM ADMI WILL BE HIT HARD: BADAL
'BUDGET OF THE RICH, FOR THE RICH, BY THE RICH'
Chandigarh, February 16:-
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today described the Interim Budget proposals presented before the Parliament as totally directionless and disappointing without giving any relief to any section of the society.
Mr. Badal said that the budgetary proposals were empty of substance and lacked fiscal daring required to tackle the problems being faced by the poor in the country. "I have been greatly disappointed that even a senior leader like Mr. Pranab Mukherjee restricted himself only to singing praises of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and gave the common man no reason for cheer. Aam Admi will be the biggest loser in this."
"Not much was expected from a government that has disappointed the country for the full term of five years. But even by the dismal Congress standards, this budget is completely disappointing and will please neither industry nor agriculture nor employees nor the small traders," said the Chief Minister, adding that both the rural and urban economies would be major losers in this budget. The budget speech was nothing more than a litany of praises for Mrs. Gandhi
Meanwhile, the SAD president and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the UPA's budget proposals were "anti-growth and anti-poor." The Union Finance Minister tried to hide behind global melt-down to justify the Congress failure to inject any life into the economy. "The mere admission on fall in income tax is enough to belie all claims of the Finance Minister. 'They have backed down even on their agenda of common man (Aam Admi) and have come forth with nothing more than empty words for them. Instead of doing anything to help the common man, the UPA has come forth with a budget of the rich, by the rich and for the rich." He said that the "the country had been utterly disappointed by the fact that even a senior leader of the Congress party like Mr. Mukherjee had reduced a solemn occasion of the presentation of budget to an exercise in flattery for Mrs. Sonia Gandhi. With all the oratory, he failed to quote even a single achievement to back his praise," said the Deputy Chief Minister.
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the budget speech of Mr. Pranab Mukherjee was full of self-contradictory positions. "On the one hand, the UPA wants to pat itself on the back for the performance of the farming sector, while on the other it refuses to come up with any positive steps to help the farmers, especially those in the predominantly agricultural .states of Punjab and Haryana."
The Chief Minister, in a statement, said that the UPA government had nothing to offer to the farming community, the employees and small traders. "Significant sectors like infra structure development, employment generation, poverty alleviation and fighting inflation have been completely ignored," said the Chief Minister. He said that despite the Finance Minister's admission that the farmers had filled the granary of the country and saved the nation from dependence on other countries, he has come forth with no incentives for further growth to the farm sector.
Quoting from the budget speech of the Union Finance Minister, the Chief Minister said, "Mr. Pranab Mukherjee would go down in history as the first Finance Minister to admit on the floor of the house that his government's performance has been 'modest'. But he is to be complimented for his honesty that the UPA did not have the moral right to present a full -scale budget and leaving it to the 'new government.'

Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu

Chandigarh Feb. 16:
Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu disclosed this here today that Photo Electoral Rolls for the Assembly Constituency 36- Nur Mahal as it existed prior to delimitation, with reference to 1-1-2009 as the qualifying date have been published on 18-2-2009 by the Electoral Registration Officer concerned at the designated locations. Eligible voters are requested to check their names in the electoral rolls. In case their named do not exist in the electoral roll of their area, they can register their name in the electoral roll by submitting Form-6 alongwith Form-001-A and two passport size photographs to the Booth Level Officer or the Electoral Registration Officer. In case there is a mistake in the particulars of any elector, he/she can submit Form-8 with the Electoral Registration Officer for the Correction of the particulars.
Eligible voters and the political parties of Punjab are requested to co-operate with the election machinery in the revision process of the roll which will be run from 18-02-2009 to 25-02-2009.

Punjab Institute of sports would be setup to provide coaching of international standard-Sukhbir Singh Badal

Quila Raipur, 15 February

"Punjab sports department is going to setup Punjab Institute of sports on the lines of National Institute of Sports (N.I.S.) to provide coaching and infrastructure of international standards to players of the state", announced Shiromani Akali Dal President, Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal while addressing the audience on the last and final day of Quila Raipur Games. He said that separate wings of proposed institute would be established in Majha, Malwa and Doaba. "On launching, coaching, infrastructure and other facilities would be available for 10-12 selected games to make the sports persons internationally competitive.", says Mr. Badal.
Mr. Deputy CM, who had also charge of sports department, while disclosing the schemes being framed by him said that their would be special budget for development of sports from next fiscal year and government will announce its sports policy till March end. He said that developing world class sports infrastructure, training and job opportunities for outstanding sports persons would be the part of sports policy. Mr. Badal said that to promote sports in rural areas grant of Rs one lakh would be given to each village panchayat for improving sports facilities. As many as 1200 villages had been selected to be covered under this programme in the first phase till March 2009.
Mr. badal said that besides other games sports department has been focusing on development of traditional sports of Punjab like Kabaddi and Hockey. He said that an international Kabbadi tournament. Mr. Badal said that prize money for winners would be 1 Crore, runners-up Rs.51 Lack and Rs. 25 Lack for second runners-up. He promised that one of the matches of this tournament would be played in Quila Raipur stadium.
Discussing initiatives taken by government to encourage hockey in the state Mr. Badal said four existing international hockey stadiums with latest astroturf facility would be upgraded besides constructing three state-of-art stadiums in the state. ''Everyday 10, 000 childrens from rural were bring there to watch four nation Punjab Gold Cup matches and total 80, 000 children wnjoyed the event during this 8 days hockey tournament. The objective of holding these international tournaments is to pound youth to encourage them to participate in these events'', says Mr. Badal. Badal also stated that the Punjab government would hold a Four Nation Women Hockey Tournament soon.
Deputy Chief Minister lauding the role of Quila Raipur games role in promoting the rural games at international level asks tournament organizers to plan out map for setting up a quality stadium there and promised that state government will provide every help they need. He announced Rs. 10 Lack grant for Sports Club Quila Raipur besides announcing the construction 0f sewerage system for the village. Meanwhile, Mr. Badal laid the foundation stone of widening the Jatauli Chowk to Quila Raipur stadium road from 10 feet to 18 feet at the cost of Rs. 30 Lack.
Among others MP Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Chairman Punjab Mandi Board Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, President Quila Raipur Sports festival Gurpinder Singh Grewal, Secretary Parmjeet Singh Grewal, Chief Organiser Sukhbir Singh Grewal, Ex Minister Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, General Secretary SAD Mann Singh Garcha, SGPC member Raghbir Singh Saharanmajra were also present on the occasion.

First lady IAS from Punjab honored by a socio religious body.

Chandigarh 15 Feb:
Mrs. Rakhi Gupta Bhanadari, IAS, Former DC, Faridkot and Director, Social Welfare and Women and Child Development Department, Punjab has been awarded with Faridi Medal by Astana-E-Alia Hajrat Baba Farid Society, Rajabpur, Uttar Pardesh. She has been bestowed with this honor for her honesty and dedication in the works done especially towards National Integration.

Stating this here today, spokesman of the Punjab Government said, that it was a matter of great honor that for the first time a lady officer from Punjab has been honored with this kind of award. Adding further, he said that earlier also this medal was given to various religious and social personalities of high order. It may be recalled that Mrs. Rakhi Gupta Bhandari has remained actively involved in organizing Baba Farid Agman Purab every year. Her organizing ability had been noticed by Astana-E-Alia Society for which she had been given this honor, he added.