PUNJAB GOVERNMENT OKAYS 3 CETPs FOR LUDHIANA CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 16:

The Punjab Government has given green signal for the setting up of three Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) in Ludhiana for the treatment untreated effluents discharged from the industrial units.

A decision to this effect has taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal while presiding over a high level meeting here today to review the position of water pollution caused by the dyeing industrial units in Ludhiana.

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal asked the Punjab Pollution Control Board to work out the ways and means to get these effluents treated in such a way that it could be utilized not only for the irrigation purposes. It may be recalled that at present there are 268 dying units out of which 17 are the large ones already installed with treatment plants. As many as 51 small dyeing units out of total 251 are at scattered places in Ludhiana whereas 200 units are working in five industrial clusters namely focal point cluster, industrial area-A, Tajpur road, Bahadurke road and Rahon road cluster. All these three CETPs would cater the need of these five clusters. Our of the remaining 51 scattered units, 10 units had already agreed to shift in any industrial cluster whereas for the remaining 41 units, the Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana to identify some land where these could be shifted.

Prominent those who were present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Local Government Mr. DS Bains, Principal Secretary Industries Mr. SS Channy, Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board Mr. Yogesh Goel, MD PSIEC Mr. SS Rajput, Director General Police Jails Mr. Anil Kushik, Director Agriculture Mr. BS Sidhu and Director Rural Development & Panchayats

FOUR CHAIRMEN & 67 MEMBERS OF SIX MARKET COMMITTEES NOMINATED

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 16:

The Punjab Government today nominated Mr. Kulbir Singh Mattewal, Mr. Gurdip Singh, Mr. Gurdial Singh Kalra and Mr. Sikandar Singh as Chairmen of the Market Committees of Amritsar, Bhogpur (Jalandhar), Adampur (Jalandhar) and Sangat (Bathinda) respectively under Sub Section (1) of Section 16 of Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets Act, 1961, besides 67 members in six Market Committees of Amritsar, Bhogpur and Adampur in district Jalandhar.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Punjab government under Section 12 of Punjab Agriculture Produce Markets Act, 1961(Punjab Act No.23 of 1961) had nominated 15 members in Market Committee of Amritsar, 11 members in Market Committee of Bhogpur and 11 members in Market Committee of Adampur, 15 members in Market Committee of Jalandhar City and 15 members in Market Committee of Gorayan.
The respective notifications relating to these nominations had already been issued by the State Agriculture department.

PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF DIWALI

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 16:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has greeted the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Diwali - the festival of lights.

In a message on this occasion, Mr. Badal said that Diwali was one of the most colorful and captivating festivals of India that provided us an occasion for rejoicing and merriment. The Chief Minister said that sparkling lights of Diwali symbolized the peace and prosperity in Punjab. May this Diwali further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, integrity and religious tolerance amongst the people of our state, said Mr.Badal.

The Chief Minister appealed the people to celebrate this festival with traditional fervour and gaiety rising above the parochial considerations of caste, creed and colour thereby cementing the bonds of national integration and universal brotherhood.

PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON PARKASH UTSAV OF LORD VISHWAKARMA

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 16:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today greeted the people of Punjab on the occasion of Vishwakarma day.
In his message, the Chief Minister said that Lord Vishwakarama - presiding deity of all craftsmen and architects and the divine architect of the whole universe is believed to be the architect and the master of all machinery and equipments of Gods. The creations of Lord Vishwakarma that inspired India's craftsmen, artisans and workers and propagated the concept of dignity of labour amongst them for centuries and continues to give them strength and a sense of pride in their work and craftsmanship.

Mr. Badal appealed the artisans and craftsmen to imbibe the spirit of dignity of labour as propagated by Lord Vishwakarma to enhance their vocational artistic skills and acumen to secure better job opportunities created with the induction of modern technology, which he described would be a real tribute to great deity.
The Chief Minister said that the state government had already embarked upon an ambitious programme for the upgradation of skill development of the artisans and craftsmen in Punjab.

PUNJAB CHIEF MINISTER, SARDAR PARKASH SINGH BADAL CALLS ON PUNJAB GOVERNOR AND GREETS HIM ON THE OCCASION OF DIWALI

GENERAL RODRIGUES SHARES GREETINGS WITH INMATES OF NARI NIKETAN, INSTITUTE FOR THE CARE OF BLIND, SADHANA SOCIETY AND SNEHALAYA AT MALOYA

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 16: on the eve of Diwali, the Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, General (Retd.) Dr. S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM and Mrs. Jean Rodrigues today visited Nari Niketan, Sector 26, Institute for the Care of Blind, Sadhana Society for Mentally Challenged, Manimajra and Snehalaya, Maloya and shared greetings and joy with the inmates of these homes. They went around these places, met the special children and destitute women, joined the cake cutting ceremonies and distributed Diwali gifts & sweets on the occasion. They also interacted with the inmates, inquired about their well-being and blessed them with love and affection. The members of the NGOs looking after the management and activities of these institutions, Home Secretary, Mr. Ram Niwas and Director, Social Welfare, Ms Amandeep Kaur joined the Administrator in the Diwali Celebrations. They also shared the greetings with the staff of Punjab Raj Bhavan and distributed sweets.

Later, the Punjab Chief Minister, Sardar Parkash Singh Badal and various other dignitaries also called on the Punjab Governor at Punjab Raj Bhavan and shared Diwali greetings.

Meanwhile, General Rodrigues also greeted the people of Punjab and Union Territory, Chandigarh on the auspicious occasion of Diwali and called for renewing our resolve to strengthen the forces of peace and sustaining the higher values of humanity for building a healthy and harmonious society. He said that the festival of lights symbolizes the victory of peace over conflict, good over evil, light over darkness and stressed the need for us to be truthful and righteous, in our thoughts and deeds. He said that this is an occasion for festivities and at the same time an opportunity for true introspection and self analysis to take corrective measures for our self purification. As this festival is also considered the start of the New Year, we must prepare a roadmap for a bright future and resolve to develop a progressive and positive outlook, to contribute to the good of society.

Highlighting the significance and impact of this festival in our national life, General Rodrigues that it reminds us of our glorious past and rich heritage, based on the values of unity, tolerance, mutual love and brotherhood. This festival instills in us the quality of harmonious living despite being different, the underlying concept of ‘Unity in diversity’. This message is all the more relevant as some forces are bent upon creating disturbance in our peace loving society.
General Rodrigues appealed to the people to celebrate this festival in the true traditions of our composite culture and in an atmosphere of peace and harmony, rising above narrow considerations of caste, creed and religion. He also impressed upon the residents to make this Diwali a noise and pollution free event, displaying our commitment for serene and beautiful environment.

Chandigarh, October 16:

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today extended his warm felicitations to the people of Punjab on the eve of Diwali- the festival of lights.

In his message, Mr. Badal said that Diwali, one of the most colorful and captivating festivals of India, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety by every section of the Society. He said that Diwali marked the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after victory in the battle with Ravana and it symbolized the ultimate victory of virtue over vice and triumph of good over evil. Sikh Sangat celebrates Diwali to mark the safe return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib along with 52 other kings from Mogul detention from Gwalior Fort in the year 1619.

Mr. Badal said that people traditionally celebrate this festival by illuminating their homes to dispel darkness and to venerate the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for peace and prosperity. The illumination of Golden Temple on Diwali every year makes it a rare spectacle.

Joining the people of Punjab in the celebration of the festival, the Deputy Chief Minister hoped that it would herald a new era of peace, harmony and prosperity in the State.

SUKHBIR CONGRATULATES PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF VISHAVKARMA DAY

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 16: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today greeted the people of Punjab on the eve of Vishwakarma day.

In a felicitation message issued on the eve of Vishwakarma day, Mr. Badal said that Lord Vishwakarma is known as the God of carpenters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, masons and all those skilled people. The Deputy Chief Minister said that people, who were engaged in technical profession, must adhere to the principles of Vishwakarma and contribute maximum for making the country stronger and prosperous.

Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government was committed to welfare of labour class. He said that it was SAD-BJP government that has revised Minimum Wages of skilled and unskilled workers that previous Congress regime dilly delayed during its five year tenure.

The true homage to this great architect of ancient times is to follow his teachings in true spirits, Mr Badal added.

Chandigarh, October 16: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 35.79 lakh tonnes of Paddy till last evening

Out of total procurement of 3579765 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 3460453 tonnes of paddy (96.7%) till date whereas private traders procured 119312 tonnes (3.3%) of paddy. Till October 15, PUNGRAIN had procured 937277 tonnes (27.1%) whereas MARKFED procured 699308 tonnes (20.2%). PUNSUP procured 807680 tonnes (23.3%) , PSWC procured 461872 tonnes (13.3%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 334997 tonnes (9.7 %) of paddy.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 219319 tonnes (6.3%).
The spokesman added that District Ferozepur with 562149 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Muktsar a 384657 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Faridkot with 315365 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.

UPINDERJIT KAUR EXTENDS GREETINGS ON DIWALI

Chandigarh October 16: The Education Minister Punjab Dr. Upinderjit Kaur today greeted the people on the occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights.

In a message, the Minister said Deepawali, the festival of lights, inspires us to fight against darkness in all spheres of life. "May this Diwali usher in prosperity and happiness to all and illuminate the path of progress and well being," Upinderjit Kaur said.

Stressing that "the spirit of Diwali encompasses one and all", she urged "let us resolve to share our joy with the least one, the underprivileged poor who cannot celebrate the festival as it is a festival of all the young and the old, rural and urban, rich and poor".

Highlighting the universality of the festival, Upinderjit Kaur said "Diwali brings a new ray of hope for millions across the world and I extend my heartiest greetings to all".

Deputy Commissioner Rupnagar extends greetings on Diwali

Rupnagar October 16: The Deputy Commissioner Rupnagar Mr. Priyank Bharti today greeted the people on the occasion of Diwali.
In a message, the Deputy Commissioner said that “Diwali, the festival of lights is a time for celebration when family and friends come together. Let this festival of lights inspire us to help those as yet untouched by the light of education, health and prosperity and illuminate the path of progress and welfare of all," he added.
Mr Bharti said that philosophy and teachings of our great Gurus and Saints inspire us to rededicate ourselves to cause of the underprivileged with service and sacrifice. May the festival usher in happiness, joy, prosperity, peace and well being of all residents of Rupnagar, he added.

H.S Grewal

PUNJAB TO OBSERVE TECHNICAL UP GRADATION OF SSIs TO FULLY UTILIZE THE CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES

Consent period for the pollution certifications to be enhanced from one year to three years

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 15:

The State Industrial Department would soon work out the possibilities of technical up gradation in the small-scale industries in the state for the optimum utilization of the centrally sponsored schemes.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal while presiding over the meeting of Small Scale Industries Development Board (SSIDB) here at Udyog Bhawan late last evening.

Taking part in the deliberations Mr. Badal said that SAD-BJP government was the first state government in the country that had taken initiative by constituting this Board to sought out all the problems hindering the industrial growth in the state and provided a platform for the industrialists from where they could freely put forth their grievances. Mr. Badal categorically said that the new industrial policy introduced recently by the government would certainly make Punjab the most preferred investment destination in the world.

Redressing many industrial issues regarding pollution certifications, power supplies, house tax, VAT and returnees filling system raised by the industrialists in the meeting, Mr. Badal on the spot directed all the concerned departments for quick actions. To avoid unnecessary harassment to the industrialists, Mr. Badal directed the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to enhance the ‘consent period’ for the pollution certifications from one year to three years. As per the new industrial policy the house tax from industrial units would be charged only for the covered area's per square yard calculations.

On the directions of Mr. Badal a committee with two representatives of the Board, had also been constituted which would study the possibilities of load capacity enhancement from 100MW to 150MW for the medium industrial units in the state and submit its report with in two weeks.
It was also informed in the meeting that to facilitate the small scale industries (SSIs) the Excise & Taxation (E&T) department that had identified the number of centers in the various districts, which would help SSI Units to e-filling their returns. Being a new system adopted for the first time in the state the Chief Minister advised the department to grant a grace period in the process of e-filling of returns.

Mr. Badal also called upon the SSIs to evolve a system as a social obligation to involve the Jail inmates as their labour after providing them an adequate training of their respective industrial production, Mr. Badal also reiterated that the government was ready to provide machines in the Jails on which Jail inmates could work and earn handsomely for their respectful future. A pilot project had already been initiated in Ludhiana Central Jail, added Mr. Badal. Showing positive response to the proposal many Industrialists agreed to workout their plans in this regard.

Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included, Chairman Small Scale Industries Development Board (SSIDB) Mr. Inderjit Singh Pardhan, Vice-Chairman SSIDB Mr. Vinod Jain, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Financial Commissioner Taxation Mr. SS Brar, Principal Secretary Industries Mr. SS Channy, Principal Secretary Local Government Mr. DS Bains, Commissioner Excise & Taxation Mr. A. Venu Parsad, MD PSIEC Mr. SS Rajput, Chairman PSEB Mr. MS Brar, Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board Mr. Yogesh Goel and Director Industries Mr. VK Janjua, besides the special invite (Industrialists) and members of SSIDB Mr. Dinesh Lakra, Mr. Upkar Singh, , Mr. Shanti Lal Sethia, Mr. Sanjiv Khanna Mr. Tarsem Saini and Mr. Bal Krishan Bali.

Chandigarh October 15: Punjab and Haryana High Court today mourned the sad demise of Justice Sharanjit Singh Grewal who left for his heavenly abode on 7th October, 2009 leaving behind his wife Mrs. Inderjit Kaur Grewal, two sons and a daughter. A Full Court Reference was held in the Punjab and Haryana High Court today to pay tributes to the departed judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court. Two-minute silence was observed at the Punjab and Haryana High Court here today as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Mr. Justice Tirath Singh Thakur, Chief Justice Punjab and Haryana High Court while placing on record his heart felt condolence said that in recognition of his honesty, integrity and professional competence,Justice Grewal was elevated as a Permanent Judge of this Court on 04.05.1988. Justice Grewal was a symbol of simplicity, dedication and commitment and was known for his high professional caliber. During his tenure as a Judge of this Court for nearly 7 years, Justice Grewal handled cases in all disciplines of law and has left behind a mark in whatever he touched.He prayed to the Almighty to give eternal peace to the departed soul and courage, strength and fortitude to the members of his family to bear this great loss.
While paying tributes to Justice Grewal, Mr. H.S.Mattewal AdvocateGeneral Punjab remembered him as a man of outstanding ability,

humility and courtesy, whose humane approach in everything he handled touched many lives.
Former Chief Justices and former Judges of this Court, Mr. H.S. Hooda, Advocate General of Haryana; Mr. Partap Singh, Chairman, Bar Council; Mr. S.S. Behl, President of the High Court Bar Association; Law Officers of the States of Punjab, Haryana and Union Territory of Chandigarh and members of the Bar were also present .

'BECOME AGENTS OF CHANGE' - MANPREET EXHORTS
NEWLY RECRUITED TAXATION INSPECTORS

Chandigarh October 15: Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, Finance Minister Punjab today exhorted the newly recruited Excise and Taxation Inspectors to become the agents of change to brig positive transformation in the society.
Addressing the newly appointed ETIs at the Inaugural

Session of their Induction Training Programme, the Finance Minister said that the state has a great hope from them and expects that they would resist all temptations and steadfastly perform the duties assigned to them. He said that the revenue collection was totally dependent on the honesty and integrity of the employees of collection agency and he was hopeful that they would stand the test of time and fulfill the expectations that the state was having from them.

Mr. Badal said that the extent of responsibility reposed by the state in them could be gauged from the fact that out of the total Rs. 9000 Crore revenue collection, Rs. 7000 Crore was collected by this department only. Seeking their cooperation in doubling the revenue collection to restore the number No.1 pride position of the state in the country, Mr. Badal said that sincere efforts by all employees of this department can achieve this task within one year.s He said that despite leading in consumer spending, the revenue collection of Punjab was dismal, showing a clear mismatch.Wishing them a successful career, Mr. Badal also sworn them on the pledge of honesty, dedication and commitment.

While welcoming the young officers, Mr. A.Venu Parshad, Excise and Taxation Commissioner said that it was for the first time in the last 20 years that the recruitment of ETIs has been held after a transparent procedure of written test and 160 candidates got selected purely on merit.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. B.K.Srivastva, Director General of Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Public Administration, assured professional and foundational training to the new recruits. He emphasized the need of streamlining the existing tax system in the state.

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

Chandigarh, October 15: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 31.79 lakh tonnes of Paddy till last evening

Out of total procurement of 3179480 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 3067379 tonnes of paddy (96.5%) till date whereas private traders procured 112101 tonnes (3.5%) of paddy. Till October 14, PUNGRAIN had procured 821097 tonnes (26.8%) whereas MARKFED procured 618522 tonnes (20.2%). PUNSUP procured 717079 tonnes (23.4%) , PSWC procured 411664 tonnes (13.4%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 294813 tonnes (9.6 %) of paddy.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 204204 tonnes (6.7%).
The spokesman added that District Ferozepur with 508265 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Muktsar a 355742 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Faridkot with 285809 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.