MANUAL WORKS COSTING RS. 43.46 CRORE PROPOSED UNDER NREGA IN RUPNAGAR-PRIYANK BHARTI
189 works costing Rs. 858.95 lac under progress to create 120605 mandays

Rupnagar September 14, 2009
H.S Grewal
DPRO, Rupnagar

To provide mandatory 100 days employment to 21200 beneficiaries (job card holders) under National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) scheme, the district administration has forwarded a proposal of Rs. 43.46 crore to the Union Ministry through the State Government. Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Coordinator NREGA Mr. Priyank Bharti stated this here today.

Mr Bharti further added that as many as 14921 job cards had been issued to poor villagers and generated work of 127666 person days at a cost of Rs. 237.69 lac. in the last four months out of which 28483 days were provided to the women.
"Under the NREGA scheme from April to August 10 manual works had already been completed at a cost of Rs. 9.89 lac generating 7061 person days whereas 189 works costing Rs. 858.95 lac were under progress which would create 120605 person days", said he.

District Coordinator Mr Bharti said that village ponds were desilted and retaining walls were built around the village water bodies. This not only helped in village sanitation but also in removal of encroachments from the water bodies.
Apart from the kachha link road construction schemes, other projects that have a priority in NREGA schemes include water conservation and water harvesting, renovation of traditional water-bodies, land development, tree plantation, flood control and protection, culverts and cleaning of khuds in hilly areas, he added.

Describing the NREGA scheme as an innovative programme, Mr Bharti said, "(it) is an important cushion for poor people living in rural areas who might be at risk of being pushed further into poverty."
He further added that in many villages, it has been witnessed that the seeds of change in the basic attitude of women, coming out of their homes to do the common work in the village, was taking place with the support of the male members of their family.

Mr. Bharti said that NREGA is doing a commendable job not only in providing 100-day guaranteed employment to the rural folk but is also proving to be a boon for the overall development of villages in the district.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT SIGNS MOU WITH SGPC TO KEEP PUNJAB GREEN

Chandigarh September 14

The Punjab Government would provide good quality seeds of herbal plants to the SGPC to be supplied to the educational institutions with a view to maintaining the ecological imbalance caused due to the decaying of the trees in the state.
This was stated here today by Mr. Tikshan Sud, Forest Minister Punjab during the signing of MoU between the Punjab Government and SGPC under the aegis of “Nanhhi Chhaan” to keep Punjab green and ensure eco-friendly environment all over the state. The MoU was signed by Mr. Dalmegh Singh, Secretary SGPC and Mr. B.C.Bala, Chief Conservator of Forests in the presence of the Minister. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Tikshan Sud said that a Forest Bhawan would be constructed in Mohali by the end of this year with all together a new concept of green building along with all the modern facilities provided within the bhawan. He also said that this bahwan, first of its kind, would have automatic temperature regulators where the consumption of electricity would be the lowest. The latest technical- how would be made available to the people together with good quality seeds. Referring to the set back felt by the government with the shutting up of the 5400 wood based industry in the state, he said that with the efforts of the Forest Department all the 5400 units of the wood based industry in the state had been restarted giving more space to the Agro- Forestry in Punjab. Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment to increase the area under forests, the Minister said that by the year 2017, 15%n land would be brought under forestation in the State.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Dalmegh Singh, Secretary SGPC said that this MoU was considered as an important milestone in the history of Punjab because it is believed that the arrangement would have a long term impact on the environment scenario of the Punjab, Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, MP has taken up the slogan "Plant Trees, Save Wombs" and has launched the programme Nanhi Chhaan on August 27, 2008 from 'Guru Ki Nagri' Sri Amritsar Sahib. 8 lac, 50 thousand plants have been distributed from various historic 'Guru Ghars' and various institutions run by SGPC.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Dr. Madanjeet Kaur Sahota, Director Nanhhi Chaan Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal has taken up the project now turned into a movement, focused on empowerment of women in order to enhance their status. She appealed to people of Punjab to remain united against female foeticide and erase the blot on our social system. She highlighted the concept, aims and objectives of Nani Chhaan and said that Punjab has only Forest cover of about 6% whereas it should be 33% as per National Forest policy. The sex –ratio of Punjab is 776 females per 1000 males as per census 2001. The need of hour is to focus on these two important issues, she said.

Prominent among others who were present on the occasion included Mr. R.C. Nayyar, Financial Commissioner Forests, academicians’ religious leaders, representatives of non-government organizations, officers of the department of Forests of Punjab and Chandigarh.

New Delhi September 14

Punjab was today adjudged the No.1 state in the country in terms of growth and development for its outstanding performance in Agriculture, infrastructure development and consumer market.
Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal said on behalf of people of the state and the India today’s state of the states conclave at Taj Palace here today

Punjab Chief Minister Mr, Parkash Singh Badal today inaugurated Rs. 2.20 Crore a low cost housing project “Guru Nanak Dev Nagar” developed in collaboration with Ambuja Cement Foundation over an area of seven acres equipped with all civic amenities for the houseless scheduled caste and backward class families, first of its kind in the country at village Gaggar in Muktsar district.

Addressing a mammoth gathering on the occasion, Mr. Badal appreciated the efforts of the Chairman Ambuja Cement Foundation Mr. Suresh Neotia for this philanthropic venture in collaboration with the State government. He said after the successful completion of this prestigious housing project for the lower strata of society several other companies of national repute have evinced keen interest to join hands with the state government for such housing projects to accommodate more such deserving beneficiaries. He said “I am overwhelmed today on the completion of this project since it was one of the most prestigious projects close to my heart.”

The Chief Minister urged the allottees to ensure maintenance of these houses and cleanliness as it was next to Godliness. He asked each family to nurture at least two plants grown in the colony to ensure clean and green environment.

Dwelling on the low returns from agriculture, Mr. Badal admitted that farming was no more a profitable vocation and urged the farmers, especially small and marginal to cut down their wasteful expenditure on agricultural inputs such as machinery and equipment including tractors. He however advised them to avail of the services rendered by the agro-centers being run by the cooperative societies which were providing these costly equipment on nominal rent. He called upon the farmers to adopt dairy farming as an allied profession to improve their economic lot as the government was providing subsidy to the tune of Rs.1.50 lac for the construction of cattle shed.

Underlining the significance of education in the society to bring marked improvement in the quality of life, Mr.Badal asked the people especially residing in rural areas to motivate their children to study because it was the only channel through which they could prosper in the society. Without mincing any words, Mr. Badal said “Gone are the days when candidates were selected for jobs on sifarish now it is an era of competition and merit on the basis of qualification was the sole criteria for seeking employment”. He said the state government had taken several initiatives in the filed of education by opening Adarsh Schools to enable the poor and intelligent students to get education free of cost. Likewise a Central University at village Ghuda in Bathinda district has already started its academic session where the students of this region could further pursue opportunities in higher education.

Speaking on the occasion the Chairman of the Ambuja Cement Foundation Mr. Suresh Neotia expressed his gratitude to the chief minister for the whole hearted support and cooperation for the completion of this housing project. He assured Mr. Badal that the foundation was ready to take up such more projects for the socio-economic uplift of down-trodden in future. He also thanked the various agencies of state government including Mandi Board, Forest Department, Water Supply and Sanitation that had rendered full support in accomplishing this task.
Later the Chief Minister along with Mr. Neotia handed over the possession letters and keys of 129 houses to the eligible beneficiaries.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Former Member Parliament Mr. Gurdas Singh Badal, MLA Balluana Mr. Gurtej Singh Ghuriana, Principal Special Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Deputy Commissioner Muktsar Mr. Rajat Aggarwal, DIG Ferozepur range Mr. R P Mittal , SSP Muktsar Mr.Gurpreet Singh, SDM Malout Parveen Thind besides the party leaders and workers of SAD-BJP and members of the SGPC. President Ambuja Cement Foundation Mr. V.P Jain and Vice President of Ambuja Cement Ltd. Mr.Puneet Saran were also present on the occasion.

PEOPLE WARNED TO REMOVE ILLEGAL WATER CONNECTIONS

Chandigarh, September 14

he Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Department has warned the people to immediately remove illegal water connections or be prepared to face legal action under the law.

An official spokesman today said that due to illegal water connections in the rural areas, installed by the people themselves, purity of the potable water being supplied by the department was getting affected. He said that as people have installed these illegal connections without mandatory fruils, water keeps leaking from these connections, resulting in wastage of precious potable water, besides allowing impurities in main water pipeline through them. He said that improperly installed illegal connections were also responsible for low pressure in the main pipeline, resulting in difficulties to the residents of the villages.

The spokesman said that public notice has been issued to the people to get their illegal water connections regularized by 31st October, 2009. After the expiry of this period, these illegal connections would be disconnected besides initiating legal action and fine against people found with illegal water connections.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ISSUE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CREATION OF ENERGY CONSERVATION CELLS IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

Chandigarh September 14, 2009

Chief Secretary, Punjab, Mr. S.C. Agrawal has issued instructions to all the Financial Commissioners, and Head of the Departments to create Energy Conservation Cells in their Departments and Corporations/Board/Institutions under their control with the existing staff structure.

The demand of power is increasing day by day and the state is facing power shortage. The energy efficiency and demand side management can help in mitigating power shortages and thereby drastically reduce capital need for power capacity addition. There is a large potential for increasing end use energy efficiency in municipal street lighting, water pumping, buildings by using appropriate energy efficient appliances like CFL, energy efficient lights, motors, heating & cooling devices and various automatic control devices.

Mr. Viswajeet Khanna, IAS, Secretary, Deptt. of Science, Technology, Environment & NCES, Govt. of Punjab, informed that Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has been declared as State Designated Agency under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Govt. of India to coordinate, regulate and enforce energy conservation Act-2001. Sh. T.P.S. Sidhu, Chief Executive, PEDA, also informed that BEE and PEDA have launched various schemes for the energy efficiency/energy conservation in different sectors such as Bachat Lamp Yojna (CDM based CFL scheme) for domestic sector, Standard & Labeling of electrical appliances, Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), Demand Side Management in Agriculture and Street lighting, Demo Projects of Energy Efficiency for existing Buildings, Municipal Street Lighting etc.

Sh. S.C. Agrawal, IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Punjab, asked PEDA to propagate the message of energy conservation among the general public and to various sectors of the economy.

ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHARIF SEASON ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, SEPTEMBER 14

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current kharif season through canal water from 21-9-2009 to 28-9-2009. The channels of sirhind canal system would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala feeder, 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. Lahore Branch with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies water available would be utilized in Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch Lower, Sabraon Branch with their distributaries respectively.

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

Punjab Government would announce a separate Information Technology (IT) Policy, 2009 soon. Disclosisng this here today Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Industry, Commerce and Local Government Minister, Punjab said that Punjab INFOTECH has started single window system service to enable IT entrepreneur to establish and operate their business in Punjab which offers single point of contact to existing and potential investors to get clearance as well as availing incentives.

He further said that state is undertaking several infrastructure projects comprising to expressways, recreation centers, up gradation of international airport etc. The Government is keen to make suitable land available for IT Industry in this context, an IT SEZ/park is being developed in Kapurthala Several such IT infrastructure projects were being envisaged across key districts of Punjab. He said that Punjab Government had also identified appropriate land near Mohali at Railmajra and Roopnagar adjoining IIT for the development of world class IT SEZ/Park.

Mr. Kalia said that state has also launched an 'IT Investor's Guide for Doing Business in Punjab'. This Guide would prove to be useful to the investors and this would continue its efforts to update the same on regular basis. A quarterly investment newsletter IT Connect to apprise the investors of the key developments in the state was also being brought out.

The Minister further said that Punjab Government to generate employment opportunities for educated youth and IT Industry has great potential for the same, he observed. The Government was also working out the possibilities as to how IT can benefit common man and reduce disparity in the society and for developing human resources and enhancing their employability for the IT/ITeS sector. Government would also encourage the institutions to set up finishing schools, incubation centers and entrepreneurship development cells, added Mr. Kalia.

The Tomb of Bheekam Shah in village Gharam Tehsil Devigarh (Patiala) has been declared unsafe.
Chandigarh, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

The Government of Punjab has declared three monuments of Patiala District unsafe u/s of 35 of "The Punjab Ancient, Historical, Manuments, Archeological places and Residue Act 1964". Mrs. Geetika Kalha Principal, Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Archeological Museum Departments Punjab stated this here today.

Giving more details Mrs. Kalha informed that that The Tomb of Bheekam Shah in village Gharam Tehsil Devigarh (Patiala) has been declared unsafe. The renovation and construction work of the Tomb is under progress so due to this the Tomb has no value. Keeping in view the conveniences of the devotees it has been declared unsafe. The Tomb of Baba Maghi Sahib at village Mansoorpur (Chhita wala) of the said district, its plot nos is 142 and 06 canal and 10 marlas in measurement has been also declared unsafe. As picture walls of this Tomb has vanished all together so it has no artistic value at all.

An Ancient bridge at Patiala Sanaur road, its khasra no is 33 and area is 12 canal, which has also been declared unsafe. Because it is impossible to divert the continuous traffic through different cities. There is no alternate way for traffic. The repair work could not be stopped at any level. So the Governor of Punjab is pleased to declare this ancient bridge unsafe, she added.

Majithia bats for youth akali dal at Shimla conclave

Chandigarh, 14 September

Youth Akali Dal patron S. Bikram Singh Majithia made a strong pitch for accommodating leaders of youth wing of the party in responsible positions in the government at recently concluded “Punjab Vichar Sammelan” at Shimla. It was his initiative that brought to the notice of party high command, the crucial role played by the rank and file of youth wing in the 2007 assembly elections and 2009 Parliamentary polls. Majithia requested party leaders to guide and groom young leadership in their respective areas so that SAD can harness the enthusiasm and energy of the youth, which will be good for party as well as the state. After the sammelan, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal made a special mention of youth akali dal leadership and workers for their special role in akali govt coming to power in the state. Majithia said “As a patron of SYAD, I have appealed to the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and party president and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal to give more responsibilities to the youth both in government and party”. He also exhorted the youth power of the state to identify their roles in the development of Punjab with their new , creative and innovative ideas. Mr. Majithia informed that SYAD will soon hold meeting of all the district presidents of state and would invite their suggestions that could help mobilize the youth power by giving them social responsibilities.

He said SYAD have also proposed to form a separate wing in the organization that would deal with eradication of drug menace, unemployment etc. “The wing will provide information on employment opportunities in different fields including tourism, industry, government departments, educational field etc “ said Mr. Majithia adding that party would also identify and pick up the youth with political acumen and give them chance to play a proactive role in decision making policies of state. Youth committees will also be constituted at village level for the development of skills including sports skills of youth said he.
Mr. Majithia said SYAD will also urge the state government to introduce more socio economic welfare projects for the youth especially the rural youth to involve them into constructive activities.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO BEAR EXPENDITURE ON TREATMENT
OF NOTED SIKH SCHOLAR MEHBOOB

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 13

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced that the State Government would bear the entire expenditure on treatment of noted Sikh scholar Mr. Harinder Singh Mehboob who had been admitted in a private hospital at Jalandhar for the treatment of the prostrate gland.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s office said that Mr. Badal had directed the Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar to personally visit Mr. Mehboob to ensure proper medical treatment and care. Mr. Badal said that the state government was committed for the welfare of the literary personalities who had immensely contributed towards the promotion of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat. He said it was a humble gesture on the part of government to extend free medical aid to Mr. Mehboob, the celebrated Sahit Akademi awardee and winner of Shiromani Kavi Award.

It may be recalled that several prominent literary organizations had approached Education and languages minister Dr. Upinderjit Kaur to provide free of cost treatment to the ailing writer. She had also deputed Director Languages Department to enquire well-being of Mr. Mehboob and extend all possible help to him in this hour of crisis.

BADAL TO TAKE UP ISSUE OF APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF
COMMISSIONEROF CHANDIGARH WITH PM
CALLS UPON FARMERS TO AVAIL SERVICES OF AGRO CENTRES

Chandigarh , September 13

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today flayed the Center’s unilateral decision to divest the Punjab Governor of its dual charge as administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh after the completion of present incumbent’s term after November 16.

Mr. Badal was interacting with the media persons after inaugurating Rs. 27 crore the newly constructed complex of Vikas Bhawan and State Institute of Rural Development in sector 62 at Mohali. The Chief Minister categorically said, “Undoubtedly Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab and this arbitrary decision on the part of Centre would dilute the state’s claim over Chandigarh”. He said Centre had always followed a policy of discriminatory approach against Punjab, despite our immense contribution in the National Food Pool and this decision was also a testimony of Centre’s apathy towards us.
Mr. Badal said that he would take up this matter with the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh tomorrow to seek his personal intervention to stall the Centre’s move to appoint Chief Commissioner of Chandigarh. The Chief Minister said that he would urge Dr. Manmohan Singh not to take any decision in this regard without taking Punjab into confidence since Chandigarh was built for Punjab and it had a legitimate right over it. He further said that such unwise decisions could hurt the sentiments of the peace loving Punjabis and Centre should rather act prudently not to vitiate the congenial atmosphere in the state.

The Chief Minister also attributed Congress led UPA Government’s decision on this issue as nothing except to gain political mileage out of it keeping an eye on the forthcoming Assembly elections in Haryana. He also blamed the Congress Government in Haryana for raking up such issues time to time as earlier the issue of separate Gurdwara Committee was raised during the last Lok Sabha Elections.

Earlier addressing a mammoth gathering after the inauguration ceremony of Vikas Bhawan, Mr. Badal appreciated the efforts of Rural Development and Panchayats for the construction of the State-of-the-Art Complex which would house all the scattered offices of the department at various places in Chandigarh and Mohali under one roof. This would not only enable the officers of the department to bring in efficiency in its day to day functioning but also avoid undue inconvenience caused to the people thereby saving their time, energy and money. Mr. Badal also stated that the Punjab Government was exploring a scheme to rent out shops having commercial value on the Panchayati land to generate revenue income on one hand and to make the village panchayats self sustaining and financially viable. He also called upon the farmers, especially small and marginal to cut down wasteful expenditure on buying costly agricultural machinery and tractors by taking loans at high rate of interest which were unproductive and unviable. He said rather they should make optimum use of the scheme of agro centres which were providing all these agricultural implements and equipments including lazer levelers and zero tilling machines at nominal rent. He urged the cooperative societies to come forward to run these Centres as government was giving 30% subsidy on the purchase of the equipments and machinery besides 70% could be raised through loans on easy interest.

Speaking on the occasion, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura said that this Vikas Bhawan and State Institute of Rural Development would prove to be a mile stone for the overall progress of the rural sector. He said that the state government was committed for the development of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the true spirit of 73rd amendment. He said that he had already issued detailed instructions to all the Additional Deputy Commissioners (Development) to immediately fill up the vacancies of doctors and teachers under Zila Prishads and Block Samitis after they left job, strictly in accordance with the already existing merit list.

Prominent among others who spoke on the occasion included MLA Morinda Mr. Ujjagar Singh Badali, MLA Banur Mr. Jasjit Singh Banni and MLA Chamkaur Sahib Mr. Charanjit Singh Channi.

Those who attended the function included Chairman District Planning Board Mohali Mr. N.K. Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. D.S. Guru, Financial Commissioner Rural Development and Panchayat Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Director Rural Development and Panchayat Mr. Gurdev Singh Sidhu, Deputy Commissioner Mohali Mr. Prabhjot Singh Mand, SSP Mohali Mr. J.S. Aulakh, Member Shiromani Akali Dal Working Committee Mr. Amrik Singh Mohali and Vice President Municipal Committee Mohali Mr. Harmanpreet Singh Prince. The party leaders and workers of SAD-BJP and members of the SGPC were also present on the occasion.