PUNJAB ALL SET TO COMPUTERIZE ALL DTO OFFICES BY DECEMBER ,
VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING TO BE OUTSOURCED

Chandigarh, October 14: The people of Punjab would soon have a pleasant experience of getting their works relating to District Transport Offices in all the districts done in a record time in most efficient and professional manner as the State Government has fully gear to Computerizes all these Offices with a Provision of Wide area Network (WAN) by 31st December,2009.

Reviewing the working of transport department, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today directed to computerize all the DTO Offices, authorize vehicle sale agencies to issue registration of the vehicles along with sale letter of the vehicles and out source the driving licence work to professionally competent body. Master Mohan Lal, Transport Minister informed Deputy Chief Minister that for this purpose required funds have already been allocated and National Informatics Centre (NIC) was the implementing agency.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that SAD-BJP government was ready to usher in an era of administrative reforms in the state from December onwards to make the life of ordinary citizen easy. He said that it was brought in his notice that there was inordinate delay in registration of new commercial vehicles thereby their owners have to suffer losses despite their heavy investment. He expressed confidence that with the computerization of DTO offices and authorization of agencies for registration, the applicants would get registered their vehicles in a single day after completion of required documentary formalities by the applicant.

Reacting to the harassment faced by public in depositing traffic challan money, Mr. Badal mooted the proposal to introduce spot collection of traffic challans by designated officers. He said that each designated officer be equipped with hand held computerize device so that he could issue spot receipt and challan information be entered into centralized server.
The Deputy Chief Minister categorically said that there would be zero tolerance for any unnecessary harassment of transporters or other vehicle owners from the hands of transport officials in offices or in field.

Earlier interacting with a delegation of transporters, Mr. Badal announced to set up a five member committee under the Chairmanship of State Transport Commissioner which includes RTA Patiala and three representatives from transporter as its members to make recommendation for the redressal of problems being faced by the transporters. The committee would also explore the possibility of Tatkal registration of vehicles and submit its detailed report within two weeks.
He also asked the Principal Secretary Transport to explore the feasibility of setting up of private driving training schools in all the districts and asked them to submit a report in this regard after identifying the sites by 31st October, 2009.

The meetings were attended by Master Mohan Lal, Transport Minister, Punjab , Mr D.S. Jaspal, Principal Secretary Transport, Mr R. Venktaratnam, State Transport Commissioner, Mr Mandeep Singh, Director Transport , Mr Manvesh Singh Sidhu, MD , P.R.T.C and other senior officers as well as by all the DTOs.

Chandigarh. - 14 Oct. – Dr. Jai Kishan, Prof. & Head, TB & Chest Hospital Patiala and Director S.T.D.C. Punjab has been appointed as Regular Director of Research & Medical Education (DRME) by Punjab Govt. here today with immediate effect. Till date he was discharging his duties as officiating DRME. He is also holding the additional charge of President, Nursing Registration Council Punjab, and Registrar Punjab Pharmacy Council, Punjab.

Dr. Jai Kishan is Known for his clean image and able administrator and moreover he is renowned expert in the field of TB & Respiratory diseases. He has presented more than 100 research papers on different subject at National and International levels and got rave review for his research work. Due to his achievements American College of Chest Physicision second time appointed him International Governor. He is also a member of International Union of TB and Lungs Diseases and Europeans Respiratory Society. His Services also acknowledged in India. He is a Member of TB Association of India, National Task Force, National DOTS Plus Committee on R.N.T.C.P. In addition second time he is appointed a member of Zonal Task force North India. Many time he has been elected Councilor of National College of Chest Physicision.
He also take keen interest in Social work as he has been helping the poor and needy patients. He is also a Patron of Indian Red Cross Society Patiala and member of various social and voluntary organizations.

OTS SCHEME EXTENDED UPTO 31 DECEMBER, 2009

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 14:
In view of tremendous response to One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, the Punjab Government has decided to extend this scheme up to December 31, 2009 in order to provide relief to the existing sick Industrial units under the new industrial policy.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here this morning.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the OTS scheme was aimed to rehabilitate the sick units by the state level financial institutions like Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation (PSIDC), Punjab Agro Industries Agro Corporation and Punjab Financial Corporation (PFC).

The spokesman further said that the PSIDC and PFC had secured commitments of availing OTS scheme to the tune of Rs.120 crore and Rs.68 crore respectively. The final amended draft of the existing OTS scheme, which was discussed in today’s meeting, would be shortly placed before the Cabinet for its approval.

It may be recalled that the OTS scheme was earlier approved by the Council of Ministers on March 2, 2009.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Local Government & Industries Minister Mr.Manoranjan Kalia, Finance Minister Mr.Manpreet Singh Badal, Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr.DS Guru, Principal Secretary Industries Mr.SS Channy, Principal Secretary Finance Mr.Karan Avtar Singh and MD PSIDC Mr. SS Rajput.

INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB
27.74 LAKH TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, October 14: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 27.74 lakh tonnes of Paddy till last evening

Out of total procurement of 2774558 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 2672072 tonnes of paddy (96.3%) till date whereas private traders procured 102486 tonnes (3.7%) of paddy. Till October 13, PUNGRAIN had procured 723310 tonnes (27.1%) whereas MARKFED procured 540994 tonnes (20.2%). PUNSUP procured 616376 tonnes (23.1%) , PSWC procured 353940 tonnes (13.2%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 250653 tonnes (9.4 %) of paddy.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 186799 tonnes (7.0%).
The spokesman added that District Ferozepur with 450635 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Muktsar a 327265 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Faridkot with 261261 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.

The State Government has set up 1600 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added.

INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB
5 PERCENT DA FOR PUNJAB EMPLOYEES

Chandigarh, October 14:
The Government of Punjab has released the D.A. installment to its employees and pensioners w.e.f.1-07-2009 @ the rate of 5 percent. The arrears upto December 2009 would be deposited in the GPF of the employees. DA would be paid in cash w.e.f.January 2010. This will entail an annual expenditure of Rs.455.50 crore on the state exchequer. This was disclosed here today a spokesman of the government.

NEW INDUSTRIAL POLICY TO GIVE BOOST
TO AGRO-BASED INDUSTRY IN STATE-SUKHBIR
SHARANJIT SINGH DHILLON TAKES OVER NEW CHAIRMAN OF PUNJAB AGRO

Chandigarh, October 14: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister today said that new industrial policy of the state has been envisioned to provide focused fillip to agro- based industry in the state.

Speaking at the installation ceremony of Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon former M.P. as new Chairman of Punjab Agro Industries Corporation here today, Mr. Badal said that there was an urgent need to provide value addition to the farmers for their agricultural produce as MSP was not remunerative. He said that he had already requested Canadian High Commissioner Joseph Coren to explore the possibilities of Canadian Industry investing in agro based sector in Punjab. Mr. Badal said that with the setting up of agro based industry at the initiative of Punjab Agro Industries Corporation, the economy of farmers would get a boost. He informed that with the setting up of bagasse based power plant in the state, the farmers were getting good price of the agricultural residue which was earlier being burnt by them.

Congratulating Mr. Dillon on assuming new responsibility, Mr. Badal said that he has been awarded by the party for his dedication devotion and organizational ability. Earlier Mr. Dhillon assumed charge in the august presence of Mr. Avtar Singh Makkar, President SGPC; Mr. Sucha Singh Langah, Agriculture Minister; Master Mohan Lal, Transport Minister; Mr. Jagdeep Singh Nakai, Ch. Nand Lal, Harish Rai Dhanda all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries ; Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia former Minister and Mr. S.K.Sandhu , Manging Director PAIC. Hundreds of supporters of Shiromani Akali Dal greeted Mr. Dhillon on this occasion.

PUNJAB TO PROVIDE EASY FARM CREDIT TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION –SUKHBIR
AVTAR SINGH ZIRA TAKES OVER AS NEW CHAIRMAN PUNJAB STATE COOPERATIVE BANK

Chandigarh, October 14: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister today said that Punjab State Cooperative Bank was all set to provide easy farm credit to the farmers to maintain the preeminence of Punjab in Agricultural production.
Speaking on the occasion of installation ceremony of Mr. Avtar Singh Zira as new Chairman of Punjab State Cooperative Bank Mr. Badal said that it goes to the credit of Punjabi farmers who would ensure record production of paddy despite deficient rains in the State. Mr. Badal said that it was unfortunate that Union government has not come to the aide of farmers who are working day and night to make India self sufficient on food security front. Even the so called debt waivers scheme could provide relief to only 2% farmers of the State.

Later Mr. Avtar Singh Zira, was formally installed as new Chairman of Punjab State Cooperative Bank in the presence of ; Mr. Sucha Singh Langah, Agriculture Minister; Mrs. Upinderjit Kaur, Education Minister; Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, PWD Minister, Mr. Jagdeep Singh Nakai, Ch. Nand Lal, Harish Rai Dhanda all Chief parliamentary Secretaries ; Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, former Minister and Mr. Gurvir Singh Mangat , MD Punajb State Cooperative Bank. Hundreds of supporters of Shiromani Akali Dal greeted Mr. Zira on this occasion.

PUNJAB TO ENCOURAGE SCIENTIFIC STORAGE
OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE –SUKHBIR
ALWINDERPAL SINGH PAKHOKE INSTALLED AS NEW CHAIRMAN OF PUNJAB WAREHOUSING CORPORATION

Chandigarh, October 14: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today said that Punjab Warehousing Corporation would soon come out with the plan to encourage scientific storage of agricultural produce.

Speaking on the occasion of installation ceremony of Mr. Alwinderpal Singh Pakhoke as new Chairman of Punjab Warehousing Corporation Mr. Badal said that over 10 to 20 % of agricultural produce get wasted in the country due to traditional storage practices. He said that Punjab Warehousing Corporation would come out with a cost effective study of new scientific storage practices and introduce a plan to encourage these in the State.

Later Mr. Alwinderpal Singh Pakhoke was installed Chairman of Punjab Warehousing Corporation in the presence of Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahampura, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister; Mr. Sucha Singh Langah, Agriculture Minister, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia , former Minister Mr. Ravinder Singh Brahampura, Mr. Sukhwinder Singh Jhhabal, Mr. Gurpartap Singh Khushalpur Chairman; Mr. Amrik Singh Pakhoke, Chairman Markeet Committee Tarantaran, Mr. Iqbal Singh Sidhu,; Managing Director, Punjab Warehousing Corporation. Hundreds of supporters of Shiromani Akali Dal greeted Mr. Pakhoke on this occasion.

STATE LEVEL MEETING OF PUNJAB RED CROSS SOCIETY
GENERAL RODRIGUES CALLS FOR A CRUSADE AGAINST DRUG ADDICTION AND INDICATES FOR LAUNCHING A WELL STRUCTURED PLAN IN MANSA & BATHINDA DISTRICTS

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 14: Strongly pleading for expanding the role and sphere of selfless service of the Red Cross Movement, the Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, General (Retd.) Dr. S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM, called for a crusade against drug addiction, by adopting multi-prolonged strategies and the effective participation of the people and Non Government Organisations.

Presiding over a State Level Managing Body and Executive Committee Meeting of the Punjab Red Cross, here at Punjab Raj Bhavan, today, General Rodrigues said that this social ill has got alarming proportions in urban and rural area of the State which needs to be tackled through the tools of education, therapeutic treatment of the effected people and practical approach for the rehabilitation of victims of this menace to make them as contributing members of our society.
General Rodrigues said that a well structured plan has been chalked out and the State Government machinery is at work to launch it shortly, in Mansa and Bathinda Districts, the most vulnerable areas in Punjab. He said that the Red Cross Volunteers have to play a pro-active role in this movement and work with commitment, dedication and sincerity to curb this societal problem of huge magnitude. He said that there is a need of activating and reformation of drug addiction centers running in the State by the Red Cross and other NGOs by making the service oriented programmes more responsive, scientific and result-oriented. He said that in Chandigarh we have set up well equipped drug de-addiction center in PGIMER, Super Specialty Hospital, Sector 16 and another project with efficient support structure is in the process of implementation.

Offering a partnership in various people-oriented programmes in Chandigarh like Home-cum-Vocational Center for Street Children and Homes for Disabled, Crippled and Mentally Challenged Children, General Rodrigues said that these projects have been conceived and planned with adequate capacities to accommodate the needy persons from the whole region. He said that state-of-the-art facilities have been provided and the Red Cross must coordinate the endeavour to ensure benefit to the deserving people in the state.

General Rodrigues further said that the State Red Cross must also take the initiative in implementation of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme which envisages the provision of smart card based, cashless health insurance cover upto Rs.30,000, to all the BPL families in the unorganized sector under the Health Insurance Scheme. There is provision in the scheme for reasonable pre and post Hospitalization expenses for one day prior and five days after hospitalization but subject to a maximum share of the total cost of Hospitalization. This scheme can benefit to the people of the State in a big way, he added.

The meeting reviewed the performance of the Punjab State Red Cross Branch exemption from VAT on all the purchases made by the Society and financial resources of the organization. It was informed in the meeting that the society organized seven blood donation camps in collaboration with NGOs in Punjab and Chandigarh. On the occasion of Holla Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib, over 18200 persons donated blood. The society also organized medical check up and relief camp besides giving fillip to youth welfare and social welfare activities.

Mrs. Jean Rodrigues, President of the Punjab State Red Cross Hospital Welfare Section, Ms Laxmi Kanta Chawla, Health and Family Welfare Minister and Mr. Manpreet Badal, Finance Minister, Mr S.C. Agrawal, Chief Secretary, Mr. M.P. Singh, Secretary to Governor, Punjab participated in the discussion in this State Level meeting attended by the concerned Administrative Secretaries of the Punjab Government, Deputy Commissioners of the Districts, distinguished philanthropists and leading social workers from all over the State.

Surg. Cmde (Retd.), V.K. Puri, Secretary Red Cross, while giving an account of the activities and achievements of the Punjab State Red Cross said that the organization had made all efforts for giving relief to the needy people with special focus on giving safe blood to the patients, an awareness campaign against drug abuse & narcotics, medical check up of students, youth training camps and financial assistance and medicines to the needy patients.

GENERAL RODRIGUES INAUGURATES NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON PHILOSOPHY OF DR B.R. AMBEDKAR: CALLS FOR COORDINATED EFFORT FOR BRINGING ABOUT SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 14: The Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, General (Retd.) Dr. S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM, while inaugurating a National Symposium on life and philosophy of Bharat Ratna, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Panjab University Auditorium, here today, called for a concerted and coordinated effort for bringing about a social transformation and empowerment of our scheduled castes brethren & other disadvantaged sections of society through effective and result-oriented socio-economic programmes, as envisioned by Baba Saheb, the main Architect of Constitution of India. His dream can only be fulfilled, if we work together with commitment and dedication by pursuing his unshakable ideology of moving ahead with confidence, dignity and pride, he added.

Sharing his concern over the widening gap between ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ and discrimination at some levels between high and low on the basis of caste and creed, General Rodrigues said that there is an urgent need to launch a crusade for breaking artificial barriers and creating a coherent society with no scope of exploitation of these vulnerable sections. He said that Baba Saheb struggled throughout his life for achieving these goals and he has piloted the unity of a Constitution which has focused on social justice, equality and secularism, having no room for petty considerations of caste, creed and religion. It is our responsibility to translate his dreams into reality by renewing our resolve to contribute, as concerned citizens, by forming self help groups for the emancipation of oppressed groups and improving their quality of life.
Emphasising the need of developing the potential of our disadvantaged people through the tool of education and skilled developed programmes, General Rodrigues said that huge opportunities are available and the members of scheduled caste communities must avail of them. Ameliorating the lot of scheduled castes, and their all round development has been made an essential component of our planning and developmental process. He said that special emphasis has been laid on improving their living conditions, providing self-employment avenues by giving them skillful training in different trades and extending them financial assistance for setting up their own business, promoting health and education standards. He appealed to the members of the Ambedkar Social Justice Forum India (Regd.) Chandigarh to join hands with the Administration in ‘Partnership Initiative Programmes’ launched by the Administration and take advantage of the various welfare schemes launched by the Administration for their upliftment. He said that the Administration is strongly pursuing the case of scheduled caste certificates issue with the Central Government and hoped that some positive response is expected in near future.

General Rodrigues released book authored by Dr. K.S. Raju entitled “KIV PREETAM PAWAN-HOW TO MEET GOD” and presented a scholarship grant to a brilliant student Ms Pavitar Kaur of Punjab University, Chandigarh.
Dr. K.S. Raju, IAS (Retd.) and President of the Ambedkar Social Justice Forum India (Regd.) Chandigarh, in his welcome address on the occasion highlighted the plight of scheduled caste members and said that his organization has been pursuing the goal set out by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in upliftment of the disadvantaged sections and making them rise socially and educationally. He said that unfortunately even after 62 years of Independence, there is inequality in social and economic life and the Central and State Government should take effective steps for upgrading the living standards of our people and give them due status in the Indian polity. He said that he has authored 35 books with focused attention on ameliorating the lot of poor sections of society and ending social discrimination on the basis of caste and creed. He presented a set of books to General Rodrigues for the State Library.

Mrs. Sushil Kaur, Vice Chairman of Ratna Memorial Charitable Trust welcomed the guests and Dr. S.K. Smarsar, Chairman Dalit Sahitya Academy, New Delhi proposed vote of thanks. Eminent educationists and members of the Ratna Memorial Trust and Dr. Ambedkar Forum were present on the occasion.

DR. JAI KISHAN APPOINTED REGULAR DRME

Chandigarh. - 14 Oct. – Dr. Jai Kishan, Prof. & Head, TB & Chest Hospital Patiala and Director S.T.D.C. Punjab has been appointed as Regular Director of Research & Medical Education (DRME) by Punjab Govt. here today with immediate effect. Till date he was discharging his duties as officiating DRME. He is also holding the additional charge of President, Nursing Registration Council Punjab, and Registrar Punjab Pharmacy Council, Punjab.

Dr. Jai Kishan is Known for his clean image and able administrator and moreover he is renowned expert in the field of TB & Respiratory diseases. He has presented more than 100 research papers on different subject at National and International levels and got rave review for his research work. Due to his achievements American College of Chest Physicision second time appointed him International Governor. He is also a member of International Union of TB and Lungs Diseases and Europeans Respiratory Society. His Services also acknowledged in India. He is a Member of TB Association of India, National Task Force, National DOTS Plus Committee on R.N.T.C.P. In addition second time he is appointed a member of Zonal Task force North India. Many time he has been elected Councilor of National College of Chest Physicision.
He also take keen interest in Social work as he has been helping the poor and needy patients. He is also a Patron of Indian Red Cross Society Patiala and member of various social and voluntary organizations.