UKIBC DELEGATION CALLS ON Punjab- CM SHOWS KEEN INTEREST IN AGRO-PROCESSING & FLORICULTRE

CHANDIGARH

A high powered delegation led by Member Parliament and Chairperson UK India Business Council (UKIBC) Ms.Patricia Hewitt today called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and evinced keen interest in setting up joint ventures in agro-processing, floriculture, hosiery, knit wears, apparels and hand & machine tools.

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal said that Punjab had a diversified agricultural economy as it was the major producer of food grains contributing more than 60% in the national food pool besides producing quality vegetables, fruits and flowers. He hoped that our economy could be immensely benefited through UKIBC’s rich experience and expertise. He said that it would be our sincere endeavour to add value addition to our agriculture produce to ensure remunerative prices of their produce to the farmers. Likewise, he also solicited UKIBC’s Cooperation for setting up the advanced English Language Institutes in Punjab for imparting training to our school teachers for up-gradation of professional skills in English language from UK based eminent academicians. He also pointed out that he had already taken up this issue with the British Council to set up an English Training Institute in the state to impart quality training to the Master English Trainers.
Ms. Hewitt assured the Chief Minister that UKIBC would look forward to forge tie ups with Punjab government in the field of food processing and agro-forestry. She also liked the concept of farm tourism being promoted in Punjab as explained to the delegation by the Chief Secretary. She also informed that a high level delegation of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the renowned UK based industrial and commercial organizations would visit Punjab on the initiative of UKIBC in the first week of March, 2010 to explore the potential investments in the state. Ms. Hewitt also urged the Chief Minister to send a similar delegation of industrialists and progressive farmers to UK for taking initiatives in technology transfer, mutual sharing of know-how & expertise and setting up of joint ventures in the field of engineering, agro-processing, retailing and realty sector.

The delegation comprised other members including CEO UKIBC Sharon Banford, Head of UK Trade & Investment First Secretary, British High Commission Paul Grey, Country Head UKIBC Adrian Mutton, senior Trade & Investment Advisor, UK Trade & Investment Tanisha Thiara.

The meeting was also attended by Industries Minister Mr.Manoranjan Kalia, Chief Secretary SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, MD PSIDC & PSIEC Mr. SS Rajput, Secretary-cum-Director Industries Mr. VK Janjua, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr.KGS Cheema.

ALL POLICE OFFICERS & NGOS IN FIELD TO BE CONNECTED WITH MOBILES

Chandigarh, July 31

The Punjab Police has decided to equip all Police Officers and Non-Gazetted-Officers posted in the field with Mobile phones to improve their connectivity and response time to deal with any emergent situation.

According to a spokesman of Police department it has been decided to provide mobile phone connections to 2036 officers/officials of Police Department posted in the field with mobile connection and all these officials/officers would be in close users group and would remain constantly in touch with each other. The spokesman said that DGP Mr. P.S.Gill immediately after joining felt that mobile phones, if properly used by field officers/officials could become effective tool in policing and investigation and all officers/officials should be provided the facilities of mobile connections.

The spokesman said that in the second phase the Punjab Police has also mooted the proposal to provide mobile phone connections of all Police officers and Officials of intelligence wing and Armed Battalions and Punjab police was awaiting its approval from State Government.

PUNJAB ASKS CENTER TO ENHANCE SHARE OF COOKING COST NORMS UNDER MID-DAY-MEAL SCHEME-UPINDERJIT KAUR

Chandigarh July 31: The Punjab government has asked the central government to enhance its share of cooking cost norms under mid-day-meal scheme from 75 % to 80% of its existing Rs. 1.58 to Rs. 2.33 per day per child for primary classes and Rs. 2.10 to Rs. 3.85 per day per child for upper primary classes so that more balanced and nutritious diet could be provided the children.

Stating this here on Friday Education Minister Punjab Dr. Upinderjit Kaur said that Punjabis are well known over the diaspora for their healthy diet and eating lifestyle and there was a dire need to provide more nutritious food enriched with proteins to the growing children of Punjab under mid-day-meal scheme. With the present allocation of central assistance, the Punjab state with its share of 25% i.e Rs. 0.50 per child, has been providing 480 kcalories with 12 gms protein and 700 kcalories with 20 gms protein per meal per day in primary and upper primary schools respectively, she said.
Adding further the minister said that education department had been successfully providing mid-day-meals to about 20 lac students from class 1st to class 8th in all the state primary and upper primary schools including aided schools, education guarantee scheme (EGS) and alternative innovative education (AIE) centers for 245 days in a year. The PUNSUP supplies 100 gms wheat/rice per child per day to schools whereas vegetables and pulses were being purchased from cooking charges from mother self help groups (MSHGs), she said.

The education minister said that the present total conversion costs for the meal comes at a cost of Rs. 2.08 per day for primary students and Rs. 2.60 per day for upper primary students. With the enhanced central share under the mid-day-meal scheme proposed by the state, the department would be able to provide more nutritious and balanced meal at the new conversion costs of Rs. 3.08 and Rs. 4.60 for the primary and upper primary children respectively with enhanced state share of Rs. 0.75, she added.

Dr. Upinderjit Kaur said that during the current fiscal 2009-10, the department would spent Rs. 105.09 crore as cooking costs to provide mid-day-meal to the students with central assistance of Rs. 82.2 crore. To provide better facilities for safe and hygienic cooking, kitchen devices and proper sheds including storage bins, gas bhatties, fire extinguishers and LPG gas connections have been provided in all the schools, she added.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER PUNJAB

Chandigarh July 30:

The Election Commission has directed all the political functionaries/ party workers /procession functionaries/ campaign functionaries etc who have been brought from outside the constituencies and who were not the voters of the constituency should leave the constituencies of Kahnuwan, Jalalabad and Banur assembly constituencies where votes are being polled on August 3, 2009 immediately after the campaign period is over i.e. the period of 48 hours ending with the hours fixed for the close of votes. The Commission has also directed the district election administration/ police administration concerned with Kahnuwan, Jalalabad and Banur assembly constituencies to ensure all such functionaries should be out of the constituency immediately the campaign period is over.

The Election Commission has also issued instructions that prohibition of public meetings during the period of 48 hours ending with hours fixed for conclusion of poll. Under these instructions - convening, holding or attending, joining or addressing any public meeting or procession in connection with an election; or display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus; or propagate any election matter to the public by holding, or by arranging the holding of, any musical concert or theatrical performance or any other entertainment or amusement with a view to attracting the members of the public thereto, in any polling area during the period of 48 hours ending with the fixed for the conclusion of the poll for any election in polling area are prohibited.

The Commission further directs that no liquor shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs and establishments setting/serving liquor shall be permitted to sell/serve liquor to anyone whosoever on the aforesaid days. Non-proprietary clubs, Star Hotels, restaurants, etc. and Hotels run by anyone even if they are issued different categories of licenses for possession and supply of liquor, should also not be permitted to serve liquor on the aforesaid days. Steps shall also be taken to prohibit sale of liquor in adjoining areas of the concerned constituency (i.e.) so that there are no chances of clandestine movement of liquor from those areas had the restrictions not been in operation.

ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHARIF SEASON ANNOUNCED
Chandigarh, July 30:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Kharif Season through Canal water from 4-08-2009 to 11-08-2009. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from, Patiala feeder, Abohar Branch, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab Canal and Sidhwan 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 distributaries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available would be utilized in direct distributaries of Group 'A'.

The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e Main Branch Lower with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies water available would be utilized in Lahore Branch, Sabraon Branch ,Kasur Branch Lower, with their distributaries respectively.

Chandigarh, July 30:

Punjab Government has extended the date of one time settlement policy for the borrowers of Punjab Financial Corporation upto 31 August 2009. While disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the borrowers had huge benefit under this scheme.

The spokesman further said that Punjab Financial Corporation had provided loan in 2288 different cases to the borrowers. Under which only 20 borrowers deposit their loan in time but in 2668 cases borrowers could not pay their loan in time which was about Rs. 2616.71 crore pending loan cases against borrowers. He said that State Government had formulated a one time settlement policy for settlement of the loan cases of the loanee units of Punjab Financial Corporation vide its notification March 2009 which was adopt by Punjab Financial Corporation. The borrowers were informed of the details of the policy through registered letters by the corporation.

He further said that the letter issued to borrowers had been returned undelivered. The policy which was originally to close on 30 may 2009 now Punjab Government extend the date of this policy. He said that the borrowers were again informed to avail the benefit under the policy. For further details the borrowers may contact to the Punjab Financial Corporation head office SCO No. 95-98 , Bank Square , Sector-17 B Chandigarh and Phone No. 0172-2707425, 2709295. He saud the borrowers also may be contact the nearest district office of the Financial Corporation.

PUNJAB MOOTS IMPLEMENTATION OF ENERGY CONSERVATION BUILDING CODE ONE LAC GOBAR GAS PLANTS TO BE SET UP IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, July 30: The Punjab Government is contemplating implementation of the 'Energy Conservation Building Code' in government buildings and building complexes to bring down the estimated average energy use for new buildings by 25 per cent to 40 per cent.

Inaugurating a workshop on 'Sustainable Building Design', organized by Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), to create awareness among the architects, engineers and builders about this Code at CII today Secretary, Science & Technology Mr. Viswajeet Khanna said that mandatory enforcement of the Code would result in huge energy savings. The Code, he added would set the minimum energy performance standards and would also provide guidelines and norms for energy efficient designs and construction of buildings, reducing their energy requirement, enhancing the comfort of residents, and creating environmentally benign designs and construction techniques.

Emphasizing that energy-efficient buildings mean energy saving, a better environment, more comfort and reduced electricity charges, Mr. Khanna said implementation of the Code was being proposed for all new government buildings and building complexes, including those of municipalities, local bodies, boards, corporations, government-aided institutions and other autonomous bodies of the Punjab Government. This, he said, reflected the firm commitment of Punjab government to provide the necessary impetus to energy savings.

The Secretary said that Punjab also proposed to establish an effective mechanism for implementation of the scheme by integrating the Code into the building by-laws and specifications. Through the relevant manuals it was proposed to cover electrical and electronic procurement by various agencies and local bodies so as to include them in government tenders.
The proposed Code would also stipulate that all government housing has to be provided with solar water heating system, make mandatory energy auditing in existing government buildings, facilitate adequate availability of Bureau of Energy Efficiency labels, energy-efficient equipment material, promote effective awareness and upgrade energy efficiency of existing government buildings.

Calling upon Architects to encourage Star Rating of buildings and making energy efficient building cost effective, Mr. Khanna said that by making these buildings affordable to masses, we can popularize this concept amongst the masses.
Emphasizing on the need of making solar energy more affordable, Mr. Khanna said that there was an urgent need for Research and Development in this area, to make it people friendly and affordable technology. Focusing on energy conservation, Mr. Khanna said that as with the growing volumes, the price of CFL has come down from Rs. 1000 per bulb to Rs. 70 per bulb, similarly the research was also required to bring down the price of energy efficient of LED bulb from present Rs. 1200 to affordable levels.

He said that Punjab government was proposing to set up 1 lakh Gobar Gas Plants (dung based plant) in PPP mode where carbon credits earned by the Pvt. company would be shared by Punjab Government.

While welcoming the Chief Guest and other participants of the workshop, Sh. T.P.S. Sidhu, Chief Executive, PEDA, informed that Energy is virtually integral to every aspect of life but at the same time the threats to the environment comes from use of energy which is presently generated from the fossil fuels like coal, gas and oil which are polluting the environment and leading to serious problem of climate change and global warming. He said that PEDA was planning to add generation capacity of 1000 MW by the year 2020 bringing the share of NRSE to the level of 10% of conventional power. He said that PEDA has collected energy data of 75 Govt. Buildings and found that there was energy saving potential of 20% to 25%.

Mr. Sanjay Seth, Energy Economist BEE spoke on energy conservation. Mr. S.S. Bahga Chairman Indian Institute Architect, Chandigarh Punjab Chapter, Commodore Narindra Singh formers advisor MNRE , Mr. M.S. Mianwal, Member Board of governors PEDA Mr. Balour Singh, Director PEDA also spoke on the occasion.

PUNJAB MOOTS IMPLEMENTATION OF ENERGY CONSERVATION BUILDING CODE

ONE LAC GOBAR GAS PLANTS TO BE SET UP IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, July 30

The Punjab Government is contemplating implementation of the 'Energy Conservation Building Code' in government buildings and building complexes to bring down the estimated average energy use for new buildings by 25 per cent to 40 per cent.

Inaugurating a workshop on 'Sustainable Building Design', organized by Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), to create awareness among the architects, engineers and builders about this Code at CII today Secretary, Science & Technology Mr. Viswajeet Khanna said that mandatory enforcement of the Code would result in huge energy savings. The Code, he added would set the minimum energy performance standards and would also provide guidelines and norms for energy efficient designs and construction of buildings, reducing their energy requirement, enhancing the comfort of residents, and creating environmentally benign designs and construction techniques.

Emphasizing that energy-efficient buildings mean energy saving, a better environment, more comfort and reduced electricity charges, Mr. Khanna said implementation of the Code was being proposed for all new government buildings and building complexes, including those of municipalities, local bodies, boards, corporations, government-aided institutions and other autonomous bodies of the Punjab Government. This, he said, reflected the firm commitment of Punjab government to provide the necessary impetus to energy savings.

The Secretary said that Punjab also proposed to establish an effective mechanism for implementation of the scheme by integrating the Code into the building by-laws and specifications. Through the relevant manuals it was proposed to cover electrical and electronic procurement by various agencies and local bodies so as to include them in government tenders.
The proposed Code would also stipulate that all government housing has to be provided with solar water heating system, make mandatory energy auditing in existing government buildings, facilitate adequate availability of Bureau of Energy Efficiency labels, energy-efficient equipment material, promote effective awareness and upgrade energy efficiency of existing government buildings.

Calling upon Architects to encourage Star Rating of buildings and making energy efficient building cost effective, Mr. Khanna said that by making these buildings affordable to masses, we can popularize this concept amongst the masses.
Emphasizing on the need of making solar energy more affordable, Mr. Khanna said that there was an urgent need for Research and Development in this area, to make it people friendly and affordable technology. Focusing on energy conservation, Mr. Khanna said that as with the growing volumes, the price of CFL has come down from Rs. 1000 per bulb to Rs. 70 per bulb, similarly the research was also required to bring down the price of energy efficient of LED bulb from present Rs. 1200 to affordable levels.

He said that Punjab government was proposing to set up 1 lakh Gobar Gas Plants (dung based plant) in PPP mode where carbon credits earned by the Pvt. company would be shared by Punjab Government.
While welcoming the Chief Guest and other participants of the workshop, Sh. T.P.S. Sidhu, Chief Executive, PEDA, informed that Energy is virtually integral to every aspect of life but at the same time the threats to the environment comes from use of energy which is presently generated from the fossil fuels like coal, gas and oil which are polluting the environment and leading to serious problem of climate change and global warming. He said that PEDA was planning to add generation capacity of 1000 MW by the year 2020 bringing the share of NRSE to the level of 10% of conventional power. He said that PEDA has collected energy data of 75 Govt. Buildings and found that there was energy saving potential of 20% to 25%.

Mr. Sanjay Seth, Energy Economist BEE spoke on energy conservation. Mr. S.S. Bahga Chairman Indian Institute Architect, Chandigarh Punjab Chapter, Commodore Narindra Singh formers advisor MNRE , Mr. M.S. Mianwal, Member Board of governors PEDA Mr. Balour Singh, Director PEDA also spoke on the occasion.

ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHARIF SEASON ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, July 30

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Kharif Season through Canal water from 4-08-2009 to 11-08-2009. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from, Patiala feeder, Abohar Branch, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab Canal and Sidhwan 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 distributaries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available would be utilized in direct distributaries of Group 'A'.
The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e Main Branch Lower with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies water available would be utilized in Lahore Branch, Sabraon Branch ,Kasur Branch Lower, with their distributaries respectively.

APPLICATIONS INVITES FOR DAIRY TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA -RANIKE

Chandigarh July 30

With a view to providing update knowledge of commercial diary farming to the youth, the Punjab Government has decided to start 45 days new dairy technology course at eight centers in Punjab.

Disclosing this late last evening Mr.Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Punjab said that this training would be provided at Chattamali (Ropar), Bijja (Ludhiana), Tarn Taran, Phagwara (Kapurthala), Sardoolgarh (Bathinda), Abdul Khurana (Mukatsar), Gill Kalan (Moga) and Verka (Amrtisar).
The State Diary Development department would provide new techniques for dairy farming, better shed design and cattle feed to the milk producers to increase the milk production in the state.

The Minister further said that anybody above the age of 18 can undertake this training at their nearest training centre. All matriculate or above qualified persons are eligible for this training. Walk in interview-cum-selection will be held for this training at diary training center in district Ludhiana on August 5, 2009 at 10:00AM. Candidates should bring four passport size photographs along with requisite certificates at the time of walk of interview.

The Minister further said that the candidates who would successfully complete this training would be honoured with certificates besides financial help at very low rate of interest would be provided to them. The state government would give 50% subsidy on the construction of sheds, purchase of machinery for cooling of milk. For more information in this regard can be had from telephone no. 0172-2700228.

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Punjab Government extends one time settlement
Policy upto 31 August 2009

Chandigarh, July 30:

Punjab Government has extended the date of one time settlement policy for the borrowers of Punjab Financial Corporation upto 31 August 2009. While disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the borrowers had huge benefit under this scheme.

The spokesman further said that Punjab Financial Corporation had provided loan in 2288 different cases to the borrowers. Under which only 20 borrowers deposit their loan in time but in 2668 cases borrowers could not pay their loan in time which was about Rs. 2616.71 crore pending loan cases against borrowers. He said that State Government had formulated a one time settlement policy for settlement of the loan cases of the loanee units of Punjab Financial Corporation vide its notification March 2009 which was adopt by Punjab Financial Corporation. The borrowers were informed of the details of the policy through registered letters by the corporation.

He further said that the letter issued to borrowers had been returned undelivered. The policy which was originally to close on 30 may 2009 now Punjab Government extend the date of this policy. He said that the borrowers were again informed to avail the benefit under the policy. For further details the borrowers may contact to the Punjab Financial Corporation head office SCO No. 95-98 , Bank Square , Sector-17 B Chandigarh and Phone No. 0172-2707425, 2709295. He saud the borrowers also may be contact the nearest district office of the Financial Corporation.
No-PR-2009/514

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