Punjab News, NRI News

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Every factory to be inspected in a given time

A meeting of the officers of Labour Department, Punjab was held under the Chairmanship of Mr.Tikshan Sud, Labour Minister, Punjab to review the working of the Deputy/Assistant Director of Factories under the Factories Act, 1948 and Assistant Labour Commissioners and Labour-cum-Conciliation Officers under the Building and Other Construction Workers’ (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 in particular and other labour laws in general.

The main emphasis was on the collection of cess for building and other construction work, registration of construction workers as beneficiaries and registration of establishments of construction works under the Act. Hon’ble Minister appreciated those officers who did the excellent work and advise the officers to involve themselves to improve the performance.

He encouraged the officers of the Department to organize camps at the construction sites to make the construction workers aware of the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Act and the welfare schemes framed thereunder for their benefit. He also directed them to identify the municipal land for construction of sheds for construction workers with all the basic amenities with the help of local and district authorities.

The Minister also exhorted the officers to expedite the work of approval of building plans and renewal of factory licenses. He also advised them to chalk out a programme so that each & every factory is inspected in a given time.

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Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Veteran Journalist Mr. U.K. Bhanot, who passed away here on Monday last.

In a condolence message Mr. Badal described Mr. Bhanot as a fine human being, thorough professional and a committed journalist besides the champion of the consumer rights who made an outstanding contribution for bringing awareness amongst the people about consumer rights. Mr. Badal said in the passing away of Mr. Bhanot a void has been created in the journalistic fraternity which was difficult to be filled. Mr. Banout would be ever remembered by one and all, especially the budding journalist who was their mentor to guide their destiny.

The Chief Minister shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed souls.

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CM CALLS ON KAPIL SIBAL TO SEEK 313 CRORE FOR UPGRADATION OF EDUCATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal urged the Union Human Resource Development Minister Mr. Kapil Sibal to immediately release Rs.313.16 crore for the upgradation of educational infrastructure in the state under various Central Government schemes.

The Chief Minister called on Mr. Sibal in his office at New Delhi late last evening and impressed upon him to direct his Ministry for immediate release of second installment of Rs.24 crore and Rs.23.50 crore to the state government for the construction of 21 model schools in the state and under Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan (RMSA) respectively as the state government had already released its due share. In addition to it, the Chief Minister also sought immediate sanction for a project amounting to Rs.265.66 crore for schools which required major repairs under RMSA.

Taking part in the deliberation, the Chief Minister also asked Mr. Sibal for expeditious construction of Central University at Ghudda in Bathinda district. He also sought Mr. Sibal’s intervention for immediate approval of site for the proposed World Class University at Amritsar.

Mr. Badal also demanded from the Ministry of HRD to sanction two additional constituent colleges for the state in the educationally backward districts of Sangrur and Amritsar. Likewise, he also requested the Union Human Resource Development Minister for sanctioning and opening of 9 Kendriya Vidyalayas in the district of Fatehgarh Sahib, Hoshiarpur, Mansa, Moga, Muktsar, Nawanshahr, Sangrur, Ropar and Tarn Taran.

He also mentioned that the state government had already provided land free of cost to the GoI. Besides, the Chief Minister also urged Mr. Sibal to immediately sanction a model school at village Ghuda in Bathinda district for which he had already agreed during the last meeting held on January 24, 2010.

Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Sibal assured him that the Ministry of Human Resources Development had already send the case for the releasing of the balance amount of Rs.47.50 crore under the scheme of 21 model schools and RMSA to the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) for its sanction. He informed Mr. Badal that the pending proposals of the state government with the Ministry for sanctioning a model school at village Ghudda in district Bathinda in addition two constituent colleges in Sangrur and Amritsar districts were under its active consideration.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan Mr. K.Siva Parsad and Director General School Education Mr. Krishan Kumar.

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JOSHI GIVES IN PRINCIPLE APPROVAL FOR CONSTRUCTION OF 1000 KMS ROADS UNDER PMGSY IN PUNJAB

The Union Rural Development Minister Mr. CP Joshi agreed in principle to the proposal of the Punjab government to undertake the construction of remaining 1000 KMs of roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY).

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Joshi in a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, who called on him in his office at New Delhi late last evening.

Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister also impressed Mr. Joshi to include the project of latrines in rural areas under permissible works of National Rural Employment Gurantee Act (NREGA). He also urged Mr. Joshi to allow the labour cost to the small and marginal farmers for undertaking various labour activities including weeding, watering, sowing, spraying and harvesting.

Summing up the discussion, Mr. Joshi asked the Chief Minister to send a comprehensive proposal to the Ministry of Rural Development for allowing labour cost to the small and marginal farmers. He also assured Mr. Badal of positive response to the other issues raised by him.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema and Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan Mr. K.Siva Parsad.

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The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today condoled the death of veteran journalist Mr.U.K.Bhanot who expired here yesterday.

In a condolence message Mr.Badal said that in the death of Mr. U.K.Bhanot , nation has lost a seasoned journalist who championed development journalism by using his writings to raise issues of public interest.

Condoling the death of Mr. Bhanot, Information and Public Relations Minister, Mr.Sewa Singh Sekhwan said that Mr.Bhanot always believed in bringing a change in society through journalism and void created by his death was difficult to be filled.

They expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed to God to give peace to the departed soul and strength to them, to bear this irreparable loss.

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To boost sports activities in the schools, the Punjab Government would thrust upon to tap the hidden talent of budding players by fully utilizing the services of physical education teachers under “Khedo (play) Punjab” programme being launched very shortly.

This was disclosed by Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, Education Minister Punjab in a Sports Advisory Committee meeting held here today in which eminent sports personalities participated. She said that it was our earnest desire to give fillip to all sports including traditional games like Gatka so that the student could excel at the national championships.

To inculcate sports and co-curricular activities among the students, the Minister further said that during the morning prayers, it would be mandatory to conduct PT shows and yoga exercises so that students could be made physically sound. “Student who grow up in a healthy atmosphere and receive good education would be the harbingers of positive change in our society, added Dr. Upinderjit Kaur.

She informed that under the “Khedo Punjab” programme, conceptualized for the 1st time in the history of education department, the budding players of all sports would be identified in the schools by the distinguished sportsmen and physical education teachers to whom department would provide all facilities and full diet also. “During this drive, services of the result oriented and best performer PTIs/DPIs would also be pressed into for identified players so that the desired targets could be achieved in the field of sports”, she affirmed.

Dr. Upinderjit Kaur expressed confidence that this novel scheme would make a significant contribution in increasing the number of high performing sports persons and sustainable implementation of it would not only promote mass participation in sports but also help identify as well as nurture the sports talent in the schools.

The Minister also sought expert services of the sports department and directed the education department to keep in touch with sports officers for better coordination and devise the sports calendar with their mutual cooperation and coordination.

To brush up the knowledge of PTIs/DPIs and other willing schools teachers, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur said that short term sports orientation courses would also be devised to prepare master trainers with the help of NIS Patiala, Universities and Sports department. Besides, school time tables would also be rescheduled to designate sports periods after recess in the schools so that students could fully utilize the sports facilities in the grounds, she added.

On the suggestion of advisory committee, the Minister asked the department officers to restructure the school sports offices up to district and cluster level. She also conceded to the proposal to set up a state level multi-utility sports stadium-cum-hostel for state and national camps where players could be trained well under better sports conditions.

Seeking full cooperation from the parents as well as teachers to boost the sports activities in the schools, she asked the students to participate in sports and other extra-curricular activities because it was sports what could teach team to part in their best.

Among others Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu Principal Secretary Education, Mr. Krishan Kumar DGSE, Mr. Sukhwinder Singh DPI (Secondary), Mr. Pargat Singh Director Sports, Mr. Kulwinder Singh Thiara SP, Dr. Bhupinder Singh Joint Director Sports Punjabi University Patiala, Dr. Simrajeet Singh Senior Scientific Officer NIS Patiala, Mr. Satish Kumar Sharma Deputy Director (Retd.) also shared their experiences in the meeting.

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Sekhwan, Inforamtion and Public Relations and Punjabi NRI’s Minister Punjab arrived here today after visiting the various cities of Punjabi NRI’s populated in America and Canada

Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Inforamtion and Public Relations and Punjabi NRI’s Minister Punjab arrived here today after visiting the various cities of Punjabi NRI’s populated in America and Canada, and listened the problems of the Punjabi NRI’s in these foreign countries.

During his visit Mr. Sekhwan also led a delegation comprising Mr.Gurnam Singh Pamma patron, Mr. Bikram Jit Singh General Secretary, Mr. Raunaq Singh Vice President of the Shiromani Akali Dal USA including Mr. Jobanjit Singh Bobby and met Ms. Sushmita G.Thomas Counselor General and Mr. Ashok Kumar Sinha Counselor Community Affairs in the state of California.

Detailing the meeting Mr. Sekhwan said that various issues of Punjabi NRI’s were discussed in the two hours long discussions. The main issue was of the delays in Visa’s to Indians and particularly to Punjabi NRI’s not allowing them to visit India to meet their parents and other family members. The issue of Political shelters was also discussed in the meeting.

The Ministers said and pleaded that 95% of Punjabi NRI’s had went there to earn their bread and butter. He said that there were some cases who have given in writing that they had received threats from the terrorist or they were afraid from Indian Government but generally NRI’s gone in the foreign country for their better livelihood and enhance their income. He said that second major issue was of the corruption in visa cases. He demanded that money transaction should immediately be stopped in the visa process.

Mr.Sekhwan also met Mr.Major Harvey H.Hall,and Mr.Tommy W.Tunson Chief of Police Arbin and Mr.Ken Kualski Speaker, Alberta (Canada)to look into the matters of Punjabi NRI’s very somatically and human grounds.

The prominent places Mr. Sekhwan visited during his foreign tour to meet Punjabi NRI’s were Calgary Adminton,Vancouver in Canada and cities of USA Los Angels, Baker Field, Salma, Fazino, Newyork, Indiana,Alpus,Sancramento,Siatel,Sanfransisco, and Bay area. Mrs. Amarjit Kaur Sekhwan his wife was also with him during the Punjabi NRI’s meetings.

The Minister also said that he would meet the Union Foreign Minister in near future to reduce the problems of the Punjabi NRI’s living abroad.

Mr. Sarbjit Singh Bajwa and Mr. Devinder Singh Delhi based transporter received and welcomed the ministers at the IIGI Airport here today.

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Government agencies and private millers procured more than 93.52 lakh tonnes of wheat till last evening as compared to 92.91 lakh tones in previous year on the day.

Out of total procurement of 93.52 lakh tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 93.21 lakh tonnes of wheat (99.7%) till date whereas private traders procured 30905 tonnes (0.3%) of wheat. Till April 26, PUNGRAIN had procured 15.50 lakh tonnes (16.6%) whereas MARKFED procured 21.74 lakh tonnes (23.3%). PUNSUP procured 20.91 lakh tonnes (22.4%), PSWC procured 10.34 lakh tonne (11.1%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 9.55 lakh tonnes (10.2%) of wheat.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 15.15 lakh tonnes (16.2%).

The spokesman added that District Ferozepur with 10.41 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Sangrur with 8.83 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Patiala with 8.00 lakh tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.

The State Government has set up 1650 procurement centers and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.

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Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament from Bathinda constituency today said that letting off Tytler, the main accused of 84 anti Sikh carnage, by pressurizing CBI to
submit closure report has confirmed the fact that he was saved to save the skin of 10 Janpath.

Terming the letting off of known accused of brutal killings of thousands of innocent Sikhs as the darkest chapter in the history of Indian democracy, Mrs. Badal said that Sikhs have realized one fact that they cannot dream of getting justice till UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Mr. Rahul Gandhi were controlling the strings of power.

said that when day to day hearing can be ordered in Gujarat riots that held in year 2002 and incumbent elected Chief Minister of the State can be summoned for questioning by SIT, why Congress led UPA government was reluctant to ensure expeditious justice to 7000 Sikhs families waiting for justice for last 25 years. The fact is Congress would adopt every possible technique to protect Gandhi family without caring for the feelings of Sikhs, she added.

Mrs. Badal said that by not arresting Sajjan Kumar, Z plus protectee for 19 days till he secured bail in High Court, Congress avoided his custodial interrogation, as his spilling of beans regarding actual conspirator would have created trouble for 10 Janpath.

Attacking Amarinder for his double face, Mrs. Harsimrat Badal questioned his silence on this crucial issue of Sikhs and humanity. She said that so called proponent of Sikhs who created a drama of resignation from Congress Party after Operation Blue Star was deliberately silent as he eagerly hoping for State Presidentship did not wanted to annoy Congress High Command.

Seeking resignation of Sonia Gandhi from Lok Sabha and from the Chairmanship of UPA, for her failure to ensure justice to the 7000 Sikh families, Mrs. Badal said that Shiromani Akali Dal along with like minded parties would seek constitution of JPC in Lok Sabha ,on culpability of Congress in 84 anti Sikh carnage and also to expose the real hidden architects of that unfortunate mass slaughter of Sikhs in the Capital of India.

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Regrets Captain promoting his Book in Dubai rather pleading mercy for 17 Punjabis facing gallows

Member Parliament Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal today said that Captain Amarinder Singh who himself allowed storage of liquor in warehouses in Ludhiana in the year 2006 and early 2007 to help ‘Jammu and Delhi based liquor barons’ cannot escape the culpability by blaming the incumbent government for his wrongdoings. She said that SAD-BJP government has not renewed the lease that expired on March 31, this year and got the godowns vacated.

Making a scathing attack on ex-Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh, Member Parliament from Bathinda said that Captain would be ‘remembered’ by the people of Punjab for inflicting irreparable damage to economy of State by delaying Bathinda refinery for five years and handing over thousands of acres of fertile land, just to help multinational refinery company for a hefty consideration. She said that farmer’s interest were last priority for the Captain who ignoring the mandate of Punjab Warehousing Corporation barring storage of non- agricultural goods, leased these godowns to liquor barons to hoard liquor, to sell it later at higher price. The proximity of Captain and liquor mafia could be judged from the fact that Captain these days was enjoying the hospitality of his blue eyed liquor baron in Dubai.

Mrs. Badal said that instead of blaming SAD-BJP government for 75,000 crore debt, Captain should pressurize Union Finance Minister and Planning Commission of Congress led UPA government to waive off this debt raised during ‘virtual ten year long non plan period of President’s rule’ when no revenue was raised and government was run by raising debt. She said that Captain who spent most of the time during his rule in Dubai rather than serving the state must be oblivious of these hard facts, staring on the face of every Chief Minister since terrorism.

Mrs. Badal regretted that on one hand 17 innocent Punjabi youth were facing gallows in UAE and state government was making every possible move to save them and Captain, so called representative of Punjabis has no time to meet them and give them solace, while in Dubai. She said that real purpose of worldwide release of this book was to camouflage his secret excursions.

Daring the former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to spell out a single achievement in his five year tenure, Mrs. Badal said that incompetent Chief Minister, who failed to generate a single unit of power, has no moral right to cry hoarse on power crises. She said that Captain is for once right that ‘it is not the same Punjab that he left in the year 2007’ because Punjab during last three years has registered unprecedented growth in development of infrastructure, especially in power and road’s sectors and risen from the bottom of 24th position to 2nd position in fastest revenue generation