Punjab News, NRI News

SEKHWAN ADVOCATES CLOSE BILATERAL COOPERATION BETWEEN PUNJAB AND ALBERTA IN
THE FIELD OF EDUCATION

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB SEKHWAN ADVOCATES CLOSE BILATERAL COOPERATION BETWEEN PUNJAB AND ALBERTA IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION

Punjab Information & Public Relations and NRI Affairs Minister Mr Sewa Singh Sekhwan today underlined the need of close bilateral cooperation between Punjab and Alberta Government especially in the fields of Education and Agriculture.

He was expressing his views in a civic reception organized in Alberta Legislative Assembly (Canada) in his honour. Mr. Sekhwan said that with close cooperation both the states would be get immensely benefited. He said that NRIs have always played a significant role in the overall development of Punjab and Punjab government was also fully committed to extend every possible help to them.

He informed that the Punjab government was contemplating to set up close ties with all the foreign states having large number of population of Punjab origin. While welcoming Mr. Sekhwan on the occasion Mr. Naresh Bhardwaj, MLA revealed that Alberta Government had already initiated number of projects in India and was committed to make significant contribution in the field of education in Punjab also. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Manmeet Singh Bhullar, MLA said that Alberta legislative Assembly has five MLAs of Punjab Origin and it was high time to strengthen the bilateral relations by setting up joint ventures. On this occasion Mr. Raj Sharman and Carl Banito both MLAs had also expressed their views and welcomed Mr. Sekhwan. Earlier, MR. Sekhwan was taken to Speaker's gallery and Mr. Naresh Bhardwaj introduced him to Premier, Speaker, Ministers and MLAs. Mr. Sekhwan was accompanied by Mr. Gurbhalinder Singh Sandhu, Editor Desh Pardesh Times.

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Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today called on the Union Minister of Water Resources Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal here in his office and sought an early clearance of various pending irrigation projects with the Government of India.

Mr. Badal asked the Union Minister of Water Resources to immediately release Rs.763.64 crore for substitution of project namely ‘extension, renovation and modernization of canals being fed from the river Satluj” under appraisal with Central Water Commission (CWC) in place of relining of Rajasthan Feeder and Sirhind Feeder”. The Chief Minister also requested Mr. Bansal to direct the Ministry of Water Resources for allotting the project to Punjab under 1:1 principal of Assured Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) to fill up the tranche vacated by Shah Nehar Project.

Likewise, Mr. Badal also urged the Union Minister to immediately direct CWC to clear the project for construction of embankment and widening of the remaining portion of river Ghaggar, so that the people of the downstream area of Khanauri in Sangrur district could be saved from the fury of floods. He also requested Mr. Bansal to look into frivolous objections raised by Haryana in the way of execution of this project.

The Chief Minster also impressed Mr. Bansal for the expeditious clearance of the revised project of Kandi canal stage-II project amounting to Rs.568.18 crore which had been submitted to the Central Water Commission. He also sought early clearance of various projects worth Rs.300 crore under Flood Management Programme and also demanded allocation of Rs.30 crore for maintenance of bandhs to avert floods due to heavy seasonal rains.

Mr. Bansal assured the Chief Minister of full support and cooperation besides expeditiously execution of the various irrigation projects in the state pending with GoI.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Member Parliament from Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan Mr. K.Siva Parsad.

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PUNJAB CM SEEKS INTERVENTION OF DR. AHLUWALIA FOR SECURING SPECIAL FUNDS TO REVAMP CANAL IRRIGATION NETWORK

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called on the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of India Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia to impress upon the concerned Ministries of GoI to raise the limit of NABARD loan from Rs.450 to 700 crore.

Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister apprised Dr. Ahluwalia that Punjab had been availing loan from NABARD under various heads and most of these loans were used for priority sector areas such as widening, strengthening, repairs of rural roads, rural water supply and sanitation, upgradation of rural marketing infrastructure and rejuvenation of water resources. He recalled state’s contribution of 50% of wheat and 40% of rice to the Central Pool, which needed full and absolute support from NABARD. He however, said that for the current fiscal the loan ceiling fixed by NABARD for Punjab was Rs. 450 crore only.

Raising another issue to cover the 14.5 lakh identified families under the Atta -Daal scheme launched by the Punjab government, Mr. Badal urged the Deputy Chairman to include these families under the proposed scheme of food security for the economically weaker families of the country. The Chief Minister pointed out that the percentage of BPL families in Punjab was the lowest in the country as compared to all other states, having been determined at 11.7% despite the fact the state had the
largest percentage of scheduled caste population i.e. 29%.

Similarly situated the Haryana state was having 25.05% BPL families as determined by GoI which was not only unrealistic but also totally erroneous. The Chief Minister also informed Dr. Ahluwalia that he had already taken up this issue with the Prime Minister recently and sought his personal intervention to resolve the issue.

Referring to the Food Security Bill, Dr. Ahluwalia asked the Chief Minister to put forth his views to the group of Ministers constituted under the chairmanship of Union Finance Minister Mr. Parnab Mukherjee to highlight the aspect of food production which was a crucial element for the states like Punjab and Haryana which had made significant contribution in making India as a self reliant in food production.

He also justified the issues raised by Mr. Badal for allocating special funds to undertake the strengthening of old canal network and water courses which were in dilapidated conditions besides, funding the project of brick lining of water channels in the Malwa belt to prevent water seepage which ultimately caused the water logging.

He assured the Chief Minister that he would soon take up this matter with Prime Minister for securing a special grant for Punjab to compensate the state for its immense contribution towards the Central Food Pool, besides taking up the issue to enhance the NABARD loan limit from Rs.450 to Rs.700 crore with Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Member Parliament from Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Naresh Gujral, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan Mr. K.Siva Parsad.

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-The Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Mr. Kamal Nath today gave in principle approval for the 4-laning of 17.50 KM Bathinda-Ghuda road under the Central Road Fund (CRF) scheme at a cost of Rs. 18 crore during the current fiscal.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Kamal Nath in a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at his official residence.

The Chief Minister also apprised Mr. Kamal Nath that the GoI had calculated the annual accruals under CRF scheme considering 30% fuel consumption and 70% area of the state whereas previously it was used to be calculated considering 60% fuel consumption and 40% of area. Accordingly the annual accruals have been reduced from Rs.76.79 crore to Rs.48.69 crore during the year 2009-10 for Punjab.

By considering the new formula, the smaller states like Punjab have been discriminated in the allocation of funds under CRF scheme, Mr. Badal pleaded. Although, the geographical area of Punjab was small but the fuel consumption was much higher as compared to the other states and the road network needed to be upgraded due to the very high volume of traffic for which additional funds were required. He also mentioned during the year 2009-10 the Ministry Road Transport & Highways had approved the projects under CRF scheme amount to Rs.126.64 crore only against the proposals of Rs.225.80 crore submitted by the state PWD.

Mr. Badal urged the Union Minister to approve these projects worth Rs.99.16 crore at the earliest which were still pending in the Ministry. Besides, there was a short fall in release of funds to the tune of Rs.113.61 crore against the aggregate annual accruals upto 2008-09 under CRF scheme as on date and therefore, the state government be allowed to submit additional proposals to utilize the backlog of Rs. 113.61 crore under CRF scheme during the current financial year.

Responding to the issue, Mr. Kamal Nath informed Mr. Badal that he would soon allow the state to utilize this backlog under the scheme of projects of economic importance. Mr. Kamal Nath also assured the Chief Minister that he would soon finalize the modalities to transfer the Zirakpur- Patiala-Bathinda Road (NH-64), Amritsar-Sri Ganganagar Road (NH-15) and Jalandhar-Jind Road (NH 71) passing through Punjab to the State PWD department from National Highway Authority of India for the timely implementation of these projects.

Mr. Kamal Nath also asked the Chairman of National Highway Authority of India to issue directions to the deputy commissioners of the respective districts to amicably resolve the issue pertaining to flyover, vehicular underpass, ROBs and locations of entry and exit points on the National Highway-1 from Shambu to Jalandhar to ensure timely completion of 6-laning of this prestigious road project.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by MP from Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Naresh Gujral, PWD (B&R) Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan Mr. K.Shiva Parsad.

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Chandigarh, April 13th: Prof. Laxmi Kanta Chawla, Health & Family Welfare Minister, Punjab, here today felicitated the people on the eve of Baisakhi. She said Baisakhi has a great religious and cultural significance and the festival marks peace, harmony and happiness.

Prof Chawla stated that, however this day also reminds the people of nation and Punjabis about the unfortunate incident of Jallianwala bagh massacre that took place in the year 1919, in which hundreds of innocent people sacrificed their lives for the sake of nation. Prof Chawla called upon people to pay tribute to these martyrs of jallianwalla bagh by wiping out corruption and other social evils from the society, and give life to their vision for a strong nation.

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SHINDE ALLOWS 550 MW FROM UNALLOCATED POWER OF CENTRAL SECTOR FOR PADDY SEASON

Union Power Minister Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde today assured the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to allow 550 MW from the unallocated power of Central Sector generation stations from April to October 2010 to ensure 8-hour uninterrupted power supply to the agriculture sector for the Paddy season.

The Chief Minister accompanied by Member Parliament from Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal today called on Mr. Shinde in his office here at ‘Sharam Shakti Bhawan’ this morning.

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal impressed upon the Union Power Minister to allow allocation of 15% (205 MW) from the unallocated power of Central Sector generating stations for the months of April and May and 25% (345 MW) for the period June to mid October for the Paddy season. The Chief Minister apprised Mr. Shinde that Punjab would be facing power shortage of about 10-12% in the pre-paddy months of April and May, 2010 and this deficit was likely to peak at about 16% due to huge agriculture demand during paddy period i.e. June to mid October 2010.

This deficit would be over and above the additional power tied up by PSEB for paddy season through bilateral arrangement such as purchase through traders and regional/inter regional banking.

The Chief Minister further pointed out that depleted reservoir levels of Bhakra and Pong which were at present down by about 45 feet and 22 feet respectively in compression to the same time last year, had already created water scarcity resulting into steep fall in power generation at the various power stations in Punjab, being nil from Mukerian and Anandpur Sahib Hydel Station as on date due to less discharges from Pong and Bhakhra reservoirs respectively.

The Chief Minister sought Mr. Shinde’s personal intervention to supply 188.7 MW from allocated Central Sector Share on permanent basis to meet the requirements of BSF along international border in view of the National Security. At present the power was being supplied by the PSEB through diverting it from industrial, commercial and domestic sectors of the state which has led to tremendous resentment amongst the industry and even general public.

Mr. Badal also urged the Union Minister to immediately ensure allocation of 4.5 million metric standard cubic meter gas per day from the National Gas Grid via Dadri-Nangal pipeline for the proposed 1000 MW Gas Based Power Plant to be set up in Ropar in Punjab. The Chief Minister also asked Mr. Shinde to immediately clear the proposal for adequate share in the Nuclear Power Project which was proposed to be set up at Banswara in Rajasthan.

He also took up the issue with Mr. Shinde to advise NTPC and ONGC to set up two Central Sector Power Plants of at least 1000-1200 MW each in the state as Punjab unlike all other state in Northern Region does not have any Central Sector Power Station. Likewise, the Chief Minister also requested the Ministry of Coal to enhance Annual Contracted Quantity of coal supplied by the Central Coal Fields Ltd. to 7.60 MT against present allocation of 6.60 MT to keep all the units of Thermal Power Stations in full generation capacity.

Mr. Badal also urged Mr. Shinde to exempt PSEB from import of coal as it was being regularly pressed for importing 0.6 MT of coal as per the targets fixed by Ministry of Power for the fiscal 2009-10.

The Union Power Minister assured Mr. Badal of positive response and said that he would have all the issues raised in the meeting examined appropriately at the earliest. He reiterated that the state farmers would not be allowed to suffer due to shortage of power during the ensuing paddy season.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Naresh Gujral, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan Mr. K.Siva Parsad.

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Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the people of Punjab and Punjabis living abroad on the sacred occasion of Baisakhi, symbolizing the spirit of Punjab, Punjabi & Punjabiat and unity in diversity.

In a message on the eve of Baisakhi, Mr.Badal reminded the people of our centuries old glorious past and said that on this auspicious day in 1699 Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji - the Tenth Master of the Sikhs created 'Order of Khalsa' at the holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib by baptizing 'Panj Pyaras (beloved ones) belonging to different regions and religions thereby carving out a casteless society and preaching the gospels of love and compassion for mankind, universal brotherhood and communal harmony. Mr. Badal also said that this festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and ripening of Rabi crops. The farmers of the state gather the fruits of toil and rejoice over their prosperous future.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister called upon the Punjabis to celebrate this auspicious festival collectively with traditional fervour and gaiety to strengthen the secular and social fabric of our country.

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The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the people on the 119th birth anniversary of Bharat Rattan Babasaheb Dr. B R Ambedkar, the father of the Indian Constitution.

In a message, Mr. Badal said that one should be committed to realize the dreams of Dr. Ambedkar, who had a vision of great democratic India to ensure equality for all. The Chief Minister said that Dr. Ambedkar had always advocated democracy in every field, be it social, economic and political. “For him social Justice meant maximum happiness to the maximum number of people” said Mr. Badal.

On this occasion, Mr. Badal appealed to the people to follow the path shown by Dr. Ambedkar and shun the parochial considerations of religion, caste, colour and creed to create a harmonious and egalitarian society.

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Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister today called upon people to rededicate themselves for eliminating caste and other discriminations and exploitations in the Society fulfilling the unfinished task of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

In a message on the eve of birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Deputy Chief Minister described him as a social revolutionary of great vision, legal luminary of great acumen, staunch champion of human rights who was still fondly remembered for his pioneering role in the drafting of our Constitution. He said that Dr. Ambedkar was a many-faceted personality known for his uncompromising advocacy of the cause of the weak and the oppressed.

Mr. Badal said that on this day we all should resolve to build a just and humane society fulfilling the dreams of Baba Saheb.

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Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today felicitated the people of the Punjab on the eve of Baisakhi.

In a message Mr. Badal said that this festival has a great significance for the farmers of Punjab as this day traditionally marks the beginning of harvest of Rabi crops, on a joyous note. This harvest festival is indeed an occasion for them to rejoice over their fruits of toil and for all of us to acknowledge Punjabi farmers' contribution in making India self-sufficient on the front of food security.

Mr. Badal said that this festival has a great religious significance for Sikhs as on this day in the year 1699 at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh ji established Khalsa Panth, a body of people dedicated to the principles of truth, justice, and equality; the cardinal principles of Sikh faith.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the massacre of hundreds of innocent Punjabis by the British at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar on this day in the year 1919 proved as the last nail in the coffin of British rule in India.

Mr. Badal called upon people to celebrate this festival collectively and utilize this day to pay our gratitude to all those known and unknown freedom fighters, who laid their lives so that we all can breathe in freedom. Let us also acknowledge the contribution of humble farmers who are working day and night to feed the nation, Mr. Badal added.

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