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Punjab News:



Badungar appointed as Chairman of Backward Classes Commission

Chandigarh October 25, 2009

The Punjab Government has appointed former President of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar as the Chairman of the Punjab State Backward Classes Commission.


Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that a notification to this effect had already been issued.





Onkar Singh Thapar appointed as Chairman PSIDC

Chandigarh October 25, 2009
The Punjab Government has appointed the Vice President of the Shiromani Akali Dal Mr. Onkar Singh Thapar as the Chairman of the Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the Chief Minister had cleared the file regarding his appointment and formal notification to this effect would be issued soon.



CM directs GMADA to demarcate land for memorial to commemorate victory of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at Chhapar Chiri

Chandigarh October 25, 2009

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to identify 25-35 acres of land in the historic village Chhapar Chiri in S.A.S Nagar (Mohali) to raise a memorial to commemorate the victory of Great Martyr Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and his brave soldiers, where they fought a battle against Mugals forces on the personal directions of the 10th Sikh Master Guru Gobind Singh.

An assurance to this effect was given by the Chief Minister to a delegation of Coordination Committee for the Memorial of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur led by its Chairperson Mrs. Baljit Kaur in a meeting here this morning.
The Chief Minister asked the delegation to constitute an expert committee involving the Sarpanch and the Ex-Sarpanch besides prominent residents of the village to finalize the site plan and design of the proposed memorial to be constructed on the demarcated land. He assured the delegation that the state government would extend full support and cooperation to complete the entire project with in a time frame in view of its greater significance since the Tercentenary Anniversary of the Battle falls on May, 2010.

The delegation impressed upon Mr. Badal to direct the GMADA for demarcation of land based on the map shown to him in order to formally identify the battle field including Jhiri- which is more or less preserved in its old form and meant for guerilla warfare and 30-35 feet high sand dunes in original and likewise necessary instructions should be issued for acquiring the demarcated land which was not under government ownership. The Committee also demanded an immediately ban on construction on the demarcated land and said if a road or passage or any building was proposed to be built in the area, then it should be held back till the time a final plan for the memorial was prepared. The delegation however said that they were not against the proposed golf club which GMADA planned to raise on the land. Rather, the golf grounds would help the adjacent land of the memorial and the village atmosphere clean and green. The delegation expressed its concern to spare the demarcated land out of the land mass which was to be acquired for the golf club.

Reiterating his firm commitment to construct a state-of-the-art memorial to commemorate the historic battle led by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, which galvanized thousands of ordinary Sikhs from Punjab to pick up ordinary weapons to take on the might of the Mughal forces and register a historic victory, Mr. Badal said that he had already finalized a comprehensive plan to build-up such suitable memorials to commemorate the historic incidents of “Chhota and Vadda Ghallughara” (holocaust).

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. D.S. Guru, Special Principal Secretary Mr. K.J.S. Cheema, and Additional Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar. The Delegation consisted of the members: President, Institute of Sikh Studies Mr. Pritam Singh Kohli, CEO International Sikh Confederation Lt. Gen Kartar Singh, Gurdev Singh (Retd. IAS), Sukhdev Singh, Karamjit Singh, Ex- Sarpanch of Village Zora Singh, Sarpanch Surjit Singh, Principal Tarlochan Singh Sidhu, noted historian Kirpal Singh, Sikh Scholar Dr. J.S. Grewal and Dr. Harish Dhillon.




CM asks youth to adopt traditional food culture and say good bye to junk food

Chandigarh October 25, 2009

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the younger generation to develop a habit of taking traditional food which had far more nutritional value than the modern food and asked them to shun the fast food culture of Pizza, Noodles, Burgers and Pastas

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating “Bebe di Rasoi – 2009, a traditional food festival jointly organized by Chandigarh Press Club in collaboration with Kheti Virasat Mission (KVM) and Millets Network of India (MINI). He said that the concept of Bebe di Rasoi would offer an opportunity to the younger generations to have a feel of rich taste of our traditional food which had now become a matter of the past with the passage of time. “Now, it is a high time to revive the culture of traditional Food – ‘The wisdom of our Grandmothers’ i.e. Bebe di Rasoi”, said Mr. Badal. He observed naturally grown and seasonal foods have always been intricately woven in our food culture, but unfortunately we have almost lost this.

Appreciating the initiative of Chandigarh Press Club and KVM for organizing this function, Mr. Badal said that such traditional food festivals should be organized from time to time to apprise our children especially with urban background about the rich nutritional value of traditional food like Makki Di Roti- Sarson Da Saag, Lassi, Bajre di Roti, Kheer and Makhan. He hoped that such food festivals would also help our younger generations to desist from taking up junk food like pizza, burger and noodles etc. because even the medical and nutritional experts have also recommended not taking junk food if you want to stay health and fit.

He said that such food festivals offered a great opportunity for people from different cultural background to enjoy the traditional delicacies that are cooked using the traditional recipes. These traditional recipes have been passed on from generations to generations.

He asked the management of the Chandigarh Press Club to open a restaurant of traditional food here to popularize it amongst the people especially urbanites. He also asked the media to play pro-active role in popularizing the culture of traditional food in the society, besides bringing awareness amongst the masses about the importance of organic farming and also urged the them to consume vegetables produced by way of organic farming.

• Later Mr.Badal visited the different stalls which had displayed roti of Bajra and Jwaar; Bajra Raabri, Bhoot piney of Bahra, Jwaar, Wheat and Corn, Moth-Bajra khichheri, Maal Pury, Kheer of Kanganni and several millet dishes from Andhra Pradesh and Orisa at the Bebe Di Rasoi. He also tasted few of them and appreciated the zeal behind organizing this mega event.

Mr. Badal was accompanied his Additional Principal Secretary and Director Public Relations Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar.

Earlier the president of the Chandigarh Press Club Mr. Sarbjit Pandher welcomed the Chief Minister and its Secretary General Mr. Naveen S. Grewal gave a brief account about the Bebe di Rasoi. Mr. Umendra Dutt, Executive Director Kheti Virasat Mission also dwelled on the concept of traditional food and its significance in the society.


Political Journey of Sewa Singh Sekhwan, taking oath as cabinet minister of Punjab

Chandigarh, Oct 25,2009- Sewa Singh Sekhwan SAD MLA from Kahnuwan in Gurdaspur district who is taking oath as cabinet minister for the second time on October 26 is political stalwart. He has made a long journey of his political career.

Born on April 10,1950, Sekhwan has political lineage to his father Jathedar Ujjagar Singh Sekhwan who was MLA from Kahnuwan in 1977 and 1980. He was founder of minorities and Dalit Front and worked for the down trodens.

Sewa Singh Sekhwan, a teacher by profession, served for 14 years, took up the responsility after the death of his father in 1990. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Bada, The then SAD president patronised Sekhwan as heir of his father and fielded him from Kahnuwan assembly constituency. Though he couldn't made into the state assembly at that time due to boycott of polls by Akalis but he was first time elected as MLA in 1997 from Kahnuwan. He was made Revenue, rehabilitaiton and Public Relations minister in the Badal government.
Beside taking active part in politics, th Sekhwan himself is member of SGPC, the supreme Sikh body and his wife Amarjit Kaur had remained member of executive body of SGPC.

Sekhwan is member of core committee, Political Affairs Committee and working committee of SAD. His son Jagrup Singh Sekhwan is Chairman of market committee Kahnuwan. He was secretary of SAD in 1991-92.
Sekhwan was elected to Punjab assembly on Augsut 6, 2009 in bye-election. He is being administered oath as cabinet minsiter on October 26 being a trust worthy of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.


AVON Mr. INDIA 2009 Going to be held on 31st October 2009 in Ludhiana

Twenty thousand spectators will witness the show. People coming from 18 countries to attend this event.
Contestants from across India will flex their muscles.

It is an opportunity for Punjabis especially for Ludhianv’ies to witness a National Level Body Building Championship. “AVON MR. INDIA” (Junior, handicapped and masters) a National level event sponsored by Avon Cycles Limited. The event will be enthralled by nearly 20,000 spectators. Punjab Amateur Body Building Association’s Chairman S. Arpinder Singh Gill told that approximately people from 18 countries are coming to watch this event. The event will be attended by many senior centre and state level dignitaries. President Padamshree Prem Chand Degra and Vice Chairman Punjab Sameer Kaushal told that cash prizes worth rupees 3.5 Lacks will be distributed among winners moreover overall winner will be awarded with 50,000 rupees. They told that the event is going to be organising under the guidance and blessings of S. Onkar Singh Pahwa M.D. of Avon Cycles Limited for their support to organise this event. This event is co-ordinated by India’s renowned packaging name Bharat Box factory, Swics Immigration & Consultant, Mohali, M.K. Aggarwal Hosiery, Singh Bath Collection, Flex Body Liners, Ludhiana Poultry, and Sensation PR.

Talking about the preparations they further told that a Hi-Tech backdrop for the event will be designed by Mumbai and New Delhi based Stage artists and Imported Lighting is going to be the key attraction of the event. The whole venue route will be decorated with lights and colourful theme.

Distt. Amateur body building association’s General Secretary Sukhdev Sodhi informed that on 25th October 2009 the trials for Punjab State will be take place at Flex bodylines, Dugri Ludhiana. He said the invitations reg. the trials has been circulated for the participants. He told that the main food supplement company DY Nutrition and ON will co-sponsorers for the event. He told that the DY Nutrition Company is owned by Mr. Dorian Yates (Former 6 times Mr. Olympia) as they are also the main sponsorer for so many other International Body Building events.

Navneet Singh and Parveen Kumar Vice President of Punjab association told that the advertisement material regarding the event has been distributed nationwide. He further told that 1, 00,000 pre advertisement posters had been circulated in India. He also told that the event will be started at around 5:00 P.M. on 31st October 2009 and will be live telecasted on FASTWAY NEWS and will be telecasted in nearly 100 of countries through satellite TV Channel DETV. Joint secy. Of the association Mr. Pardeep Kumar Appu informed that meeting has been taking place in every distt. of state regarding the preparations of the event. He told that this event is going to be a historical hard core youth oriented show as their team holding this type of big event first time in the state. He also confirmed that Famous Punjabi and Bollywood Singer Babbu Maan and so many other celebrities will also attend this event. He told that there great enthusiasm has been seen in the youth of Punjab regarding this event.
Organising body’s General secy. Madan Mahajan told that the accommodation has been sponsored by Ludhiana Hotel and restaurant association and Mr. Charanjit Kakkar of Kakkar Hotel. He told that S. Amarvir Singh Gen. Secy. Of HRAL had put their best efforts to arrange their heavy support to make this event a success. Whereas the outdoor advertisement campaign has been taken up by Mr. Parkash of Gorgeous Advertisers and Mr. Vicky Sharma of Lacoste and Jaanat Beauty World.

Distt. Joint Secy. Kiranpreet Singh Pozy informed that the arrival of the participants from India will start from 29th October 2009 and Indian Body Builders federation’s National President Mr. Madhurkar Talwalkar owner of Talwalker chain will also reach on 30th October. Weighing will be start on 30th October 2009. The pre judging will start at 10:00 A.M. on 31st October 2009 just before the main event. He further informed that the MAX (detective and security services) has been taken up the security responsibility for the show as many as nearly 200 personal security persons except from police persons will keep an eye on the show.


BADAL CALLS ON HARCHARAN BAINS TO ENQUIRE HIS WELL BEING
DY.CM AND MP HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL WISHES HIM A SPEEDY RECOVERY

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 24

Punjab Chief Minster Mr Parkash Singh Badal today visited the local hospital at Mohali to enquire the well being of his Media Advisor Mr. Harcharan Bains who is convalescing there.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s office said that Mr Badal accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. D.S. Guru and Special Principal Secretary Mr. K.J.S.Cheema remained in the hospital for nearly 45 minutes. The Chief Minister also enquired about the health of Mr Bains from his wife Mrs. Inderpal Kaur Bains and his brother-in-law Mr. Kulbir Sing Bath who were looking after him in the hospital.
The Chief Minister wished a speedy recovery to Mr. Bains and also interacted with the hospital’s Medical Superintendent and team of doctors attending on his Media Advisor.

Meanwhile the Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal and his wife Member Parliament from Bathinda also enquired about the health of Mr. Bains and prayed to the Almighty for his early recovery.
Director, Information & Public Relations Punjab, Mr. Gaggandeep Singh Brar also enquired about the health of Mr. Bains and wished his speedy recovery.

It may be recalled that Mr. Bains sustained severe rib injuries in a car accident while travelling to Jalandhar last week, when a stray cattle rammed in his vehicle. Mr Bains was sitting the rear seat reading a book and was therefore taken to surprise.

The Information and Public Relations officer’s Welfare Association also expressed sympathies with Mr. Bains and wished him a speedy recovery.


PUNJAB TO CELEBRATE ENGINEERS’ DAY EVERY YEAR

BADAL CALLS UPON DIPLOMA ENGINEERS TO PLAN FOR ACHIEVING HIGHER ECONOMIC GROWTH OF THE COUNTRY


CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 24

The Punjab Government would celebrate Engineers’ Day every year on 15th September to honour its Engineers for their outstanding performances for the development of the state.

An announcement to this effect was made by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here today while presiding over the inaugural session of two days convention of ‘All India Federation of Diploma Engineers’ (AIFDE) organized by the ‘Council of Diploma Engineers Punjab, Himachal & UT Chandigarh’ to celebrate Federation's Platinum Jubilee on the completion of 100 year of its foundation.

He called upon the Diploma Engineers to set an agenda for boosting the tempo of over all development to achieve a higher economic growth of the country. He asked the delegates visited from all over the country to play a pro-active role in the Infrastructural Development.

Appreciating the enormous contribution made in the past by the JEs in the construction of Dams, Thermal Plants, Hydle Power Plants, Roads and Bridges in the state, Mr. Badal also announced that as per the demands of the organization Punjab Government would soon increase the promotional quota for Diploma Engineers at par with the other states. The Chief Minister said that none could deny the fact that development of any nation or any state could never be feasible with out the active involvement of these Engineers. They were the real backbone of the Infrastructural development and growth, added Mr. Badal.

The Chief Minister said, “Once again you have an added responsibility on your shoulders because presently we are facing economic meltdown globally and our agriculture growth has also come to a level of saturation. It is time when you all should made serious efforts to undertake plans so that the problem of under development and disguised unemployment could be tackled effectively.”

Reiterating the commitment to make Punjab as a number one state in the country he asked them to work hard with utmost dedication, sincerity and professional commitment in the larger public interest as the salary they get was being paid from the hard earned money of the public. In order to honour this commitment made to the people of the country, Diploma Engineers could play a significant role by ensuring the quality of work with in reasonable expenditure because they always remain at the sites and were the best judge to ascertain the quality of the construction material used, said Mr. Badal.
The Chief Minister advised them not to compromise with the quality of work at any cost. He said that SAD-BJP government was fully committed for the welfare of its employees and would leave no stone unturned to address the genuine demands and grievances of the Diploma Engineers.


Mr. Badal said that the state government would take a positive view to redress the issue of implementing Assured Career Progression Scheme (ACPS) for Diploma Engineers with in next three months and Local Travel Allowance (LTA) would also be suitably increased. He also announced a grant of Rs. 11 lac for Dutt Bhawan (New Delhi).

Earlier Mr. Badal lighted the lamp to inaugurate the convention. The leaders of various Diploma Engineers Associations of various states presented bouquets and mementos to the Chief Minister as a mark of respect.
On this occasion Mr. Satnam Singh Dhanoa, Chairman Council of Diploma Engineers Punjab, Himachal & UT Chandigarh in his welcome address thanked the Chief Minister for supporting the Diploma Engineers generously and highlighted various problems being faced by the Diploma Engineers.


The Chief Minister also released a Souvenir to commemorate the 100th year Platinum Jubilee of the Federation. Prominent amongst those who spoke on the occasion included General Secretary SAD Prof. Prem Singh Candumajra, Chairman Forest Corporation Punjab Mr. Satpal Saini, MLA Mr. Amarjeet Singh Shai beside the leaders of the Federation.

 

 

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