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Punjab News: 2010

 

HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL RAISES THE ISSUE OF MISUSE OF CBI TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY TO SAJJAN KUMAR AND JAGDISH TYTLER

Chandigarh,April 29 :

Shiromani Akali Dal Member Lok Sabha from Bathinda, Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal today rocked the House when she asked the government to give a reply for the immunity being provided by the government to Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler, accused persons of the 84 riots by the CBI and government machinery.

Initiating discussion soon after the Question Hour, on HER notice for the Suspension of Question Hour, on the subject, “MISUSE OF GOVERNMENT MACHINERY AND THE CBI BY THE GOVERNMENT TO FAVOUR ACCUSED PERSONS OF THE 1984 RIOTS”, she raised the issue of misuse of CBI and the administrative machinery to protect Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler. She objected to the CBI’s filing closure report to favour Jagdish Tytler and also strongly protested the government’s failure to prosecute Sajjan Kumar for the murder of four Sikhs which was reported vide FIR no.67 of 1987.

Members belonging to the Congress party interrupted her a number of times during her speech.  Amidst pandemonium, the Speaker had to ask both the opposition and ruling to calm down. What was most shocking and surprising was that some Sikh Members of Parliament from Punjab belonging to the Congress party were seen supporting the Congress government rather than speaking in favour of the 7000 innocent sikhs.  However, Smt. Badal did not yield and raised the issue and sought justice for the riot-affected families. 

She also read out the statements made and affidavits given by prominent citizens before the Nanawati Commission and Mishra Commission. She read out the statement of Shri I.K. Gujral, former Prime Minister, statements of General Arora, Ms. Madhu Kishwar, and other many prominent citizens.

Smt. Badal also questioned the statement made by the Prime Minister in the House in which Prime Minister had said that specific cases would be reopened and reexamined. She said, “on the contrary the cases which were already open are being closed by either filing closure reports by the CBI or simple burying the challans already indicting the accused persons. Is this the way the tears would be wiped away from every suffering eye.”

She reminded the case of Jagdish Tytler and said that DIG and Joint Director CBI recommended to the Director to file charge sheet in this case, and Director CBI overruled both the opinions and filed closure report. Only a few days after that the Director retired and in return was given post retirement job by the government.

She informed the House that even after being indicted by Justice Nanavati Commission, Sajjan Kumar was given immunity by the government for four years, it was only when the issue was raised in the Parliament, the government gave permission to CBI to file the chargesheet.

Even after the CBI filed the chargesheet on 1st Feb., 2010, and issued warrants against Sajjan Kumar, Sajjan Kumar was not arrested. Even after a number of Non-bailable warrants and specific directions to the CBI and the police to arrest Sajjan Kumar and to produce him before the Court, neither the CBI nor the police arrested Sajjan Kumar. But on the other hand, police continued providing him Z+ security. Finally on 26th February 2010 Sajjan Kumar got bail, she said.

The most startling revelation that she made was in regard to the FIR no.67 of 1987 filed on 18th Feb. 1987 for murder of four Sikhs.  “After registration of FIR, investigations were carried out by the Investigating Officer who found Sajjan Kumar guilty of murders and filed the challan. But so far for 18 years, the challan was buried under the files.

And recently on 17th April, 2010 it was brought out by the Special Public Prosecutor and exposed the nexus between the accused persons, police, prosecution and the CBI.” A number of police officials, Commissions heads, and politicians who helped hiding the truth were rewarded by Cabinet berths, memberships of Rajya Sabha and were given higher posts.

She said that this state sponsored massacre, revenge killing was perpetrated against Sikhs, who in the history of this country have made the biggest sacrifices in the Freedom Struggle to get the country independence and probably the most patriotic people. But instead of being remorseful, accused persons were given Cabinet Berths, and accused persons were given immunity from the day they committed the crimes. 

In the end she demanded immediate filing of challans against Sajjan Kumar and others in the case of FIR NO.67/87, and asked the government to reply whether they are ready to do it or not.

CENSUS 2011 WORK TO BEGIN ON 1st MAY IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh April 29, 2010

The twin operation of filling Houselisting and Housing Census Schedule for ‘Houselisting Operations’, and Household Schedule for ‘National Population Register in Punjab is scheduled to begin from 1st May - 15th June, 2010.

Disclosing this here today Smt. Seema Jain Director Census, Punjab who is also the Chief Principal Census officer said that during this 45 days field operation, over 55,000 well trained enumerators and supervisors would be visiting every house/household in Punjab to canvass the NPR & HL schedules. The data collected would also be made available at Panchayat level which would help in strengthening the Panchayati Raj institutions as a means for an effective decentralized planning system for inclusive growth. Likewise in case of urban areas data would be made available for slums also which is much needed for better targeting the needs of the people living in slums.

She further said that National Population Register (NPR) was a unique feature of Census 2011. NPR is being created under the Citizenship Rules, 2003 and would contain information on specified data items for each individual in the country. It is expected to be a comprehensive identity date base for the country. Besides strengthening security of the country, it would help in better targeting of benefits and services under various Government schemes/programmes and improve planning process. Data should be collected for each individual on the following items which includes Name of the person, Relationship to head of the household, Sex, Date of birth, Marital status, Education qualification, Occupation/activity, Father’s name, mother’s name and spouse’s name, Place of Birth, Nationality as declared, Present address of usual residence, Duration of stay at the present address, and Permanent residential address.

All residents with their particulars will be included in the NPR irrespective of whether they are citizens or not. The head of the household or the individual has to provide the particulars required by the enumerator and signature assign/ thumb impression on a declaration to the effect that all particulars given by him are true and correct to the best of his/her knowledge. The Biometrics i.e.  photographs and the fingerprints of all residents of age 15 years and above will be taken up subsequently. For this purpose, an acknowledgement slip shall be given to the respondent by the enumerator. There will be two rounds of photography at every village/ ward in the town.

She said that house listing and housing Census Schedule has 35 columns and would contain information on condition of houses and availability of amenities and assets to the households and aims to provide data base on the quantity and quality of its housing stock. New features are availability of Computer/Laptop/Internet, data on treated or untreated tap water, covered or un-covered well, method of removal of night soil.

Smt. Seema Jain further said that for the purpose of carrying out the above the entire state has been divided into 48,000 Enumerator’s Blocks. Each Enumerator has been assigned a work load of bout 120-150 households. The material to be used has been dispatched from Govt. Printing Presses through the Department of Post. For training of Enumerators/Supervisors a cascading model has been worked out on with help from UNICEF in partnership with local NGO’s. 1211 Master Trainers have been trained who in true have provided training to Enumerators/Supervisor all over ring.

Conducting Population Census of is a joint venture of the Central and the State Government. Local Government department is the nodal agency on behalf of the state government and all the DCs/Commissioners of M.Corporations are the Principal Census Officers within their respective areas.

Smt. Seem Jain, Director Census, Punjab who is also the Chief Principal Census officer, said that conducting population is a great national task and its success lies in the cooperation and active participation of each one of us. It is the duty of each one of us to extend full co-operation and provide complete and correct information to the Census Enumerator when she/he visits your household.

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NEWLY SELECTED 7654 TEACHERS TO GET APPOINTMENTS

WITHIN A WEEK-DR. UPINDERJIT KAUR

        school admissions extended upto May 15

Department Officers warned against corrupt practices

        

Chandigarh April 29: The Punjab Government would issue appointment letters the newly selected 7654 teachers within a week. Besides this, admission date has also been extended from April 26th to May 15th for all the classes in the schools of the state. This was disclosed by Education & Languages Minister Punjab Dr. Upinderjit Kaur in a meeting with the Circle Education Officers (CEOs) and District Education Officers (DEOs) held here today.

She informed that the recruitment process for selection of the teachers had already been completed and screening process for verification of their certificates was under completion. “The officers have been directed to post these teachers to the border/ kandi/ bet areas and rural schools having shortage of teachers on priority basis”, she added.

To increase the enrolment in the schools, the Minister directed the filed officers to motivate the parents to admit their wards in the government schools as the state government was committed to provide better educational facilities and required teaching staff in the schools besides providing sufficient basic infrastructure also. Dr. Upinderjit Kaur warned the schools heads and DEOs not to indulge in bogus admissions favouring the teachers to escape the rationalization process. She categorically stated that the rationalization process would be initiated during the month of June on the basis of enrollment of students upto May 15.

Sounding a strict warning to all the department officers against corrupt practices, the Minister clarified that nobody would be spared if found and proved indulging in coercing the employees to give bribery in lieu of any work done. Adding further she directed the education officers not to delay the medical bills, pension cases and other file work etc. in their offices.

Education Minister advised the teachers to inculcate the book reading habits into the students so that they could learn more than the syllabi. She also directed the field officers to keep cleanliness in the schools.

To boost sports and co-curricular activities in the schools, 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. She informed that under the “Khedo Punjab” programme, the budding players of all sports would be identified in the schools by the distinguished sportsmen and physical education teachers to whom education 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 identifing players so that the desired results could be achieved in the field of sports”, she affirmed.

Dr. Upinderjit Kaur said that 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.

Among others Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu Principal Secretary Education, Mr. Krishan Kumar DGSE, Mr. Sukhwinder Singh DPI (Secondary), Mr. Jagtar Singh Khatra Controller Examinations and Mr. Janak Raj Deputy Secretary Punjab Schools Education Board were also present in the meeting.

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PUNJAB EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ISSUES TRANSFERS POLICY

        TRANSFER LISTS TO BE DISPLAYED ON WEBSITE

       TRANSFERS OF TEACHERS BE COMPLETED BY 31ST MAY

 

Chandigarh April 29:

The education department today issued guidelines for the general transfers of teachers in the state for the year 2010-11.

Disclosing this here today, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, Education Minister Punjab said that the applicants has to submit their applications through proper channel to the DEOs upto 10th May, 2010 and transfer of teachers would be completed by 31st May. Giving details of the broad guidelines to be adopted for the transfers, she said that as per the policy of the state government, transfers would be kept to the barest minimum and would be made against vacant sanctioned posts only.

The minister categorically said that department could exercise its right to transfer the employees at any time at any place on administrative basis, complaint cases or their poor performances. No transfer would be made in violation of model code of conduct implemented by the Election Commission or State Electoral Officer.

She added that the transfers at the district level would be made by the concerned District Education Officers (DEOs) from May 11 to May 17, inter-district by the Circle Education Officers (CEOs) from May 18 to May 24 and the DPIs would process inter-circle transfers from May 25 to May 31st. The transferees should have to join at their stations upto 25th June.

The Education Minister further clarified that only those transfer applications would be entertained which were submitted through proper channel. No order would be issued as transfer with post or on deputation. Those sending applications through Chief Minister, Education Minister or other elected representatives should also have to apply through proper channel on prescribed performa.

She further added that those teachers who were due to retire till 31st March 2012, their mutual transfer application would not be entertained. The transfers in the elementary schools would be made only if two teachers are available in the school.

Transfers of group-A and group-B would be under the purview of state government and mid term transfers of group-C would be made only with prior permission of the government. Service Provider and Teaching Fellows working since one year could also submit their applications but their transfers would be made only in C and D category schools situated in border belt, bet and Kandi areas, she added.

She said that during transfers preference would be given to handicapped (100% blind or 70% disability) to mitigate their sufferings. In chronic cases a certificate from Civil Surgeon has to be attached. Besides this one time preference would also be provided to widows, unmarried, deserted ladies, wives of armymen and newly married ladies. Preference would also be accorded to those applicants whose wards are suffering from chronic diseases of mental disability.

Education Minister clarified that applications of those teachers would not be entertained who were transferred on administrative grounds within two years. But if he had joined his duty immediately on such transfer orders and his/her performance is satisfactory within this period, then his/her application could be considered. Those applicants would also be given preference whose results are much better than the Punjab School Education Board results during last two years, she said.

She categorically said that no transfer would be made at any cost against the surplus post declared on the basis of prescribed strength of students but despite that if any transfer comes into force, such a transferee should not be allowed to join the duty. For such a lapse concerned DEO and Head of the institution would be held responsible, she cautioned.

She said that with a view to keep transparency and ease difficulties of the transferees, the transfer lists would be uploaded on the website named www.ssapunjab.org so that transferee could download the list for joining report. The concerned head of the institution would be duty bound to verify the name of the transferee and would immediately intimate the DEO who would in turn update the data on website. The school heads would ensure to implement the transfer orders without any delay in relieving and joining the transferees without endorsements, she added.

The minister warned that the exchange of money or any other corrupt practices at any level would not be tolerated at any cost in lieu of transfers. The DEOs /CEOs and officers of the directorate would be directly held responsible for any laxity in this front. She reiterated the firm commitment of Punjab Government to wipe out corruption out of the public offices and any body whosoever found guilty of indulging in corrupt practices, would be dealt with strongly.

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BE A PART OF EYE DONATION CAMPAIGN…URGES SUD

Chandigarh April 29: 

Mr. Tikshan Sud, Medical Education and Research Minister Punjab called upon the people of the state, NGOs, Voluntary Organizations and the doctors   specially eye surgeons to be vigorously and religiously a part of the eye donation campaign launched by the Punjab Government.

He said the state government was committed to set up well equipped Eye Donation Centers, Eye Banks, Corneal Transplantation centers and eye bank training centers in the state which would be partly funded by the Central Government.

This was stated here today by Mr. Sud while presiding over a meeting with the officers of the department, Principals of Medical Colleges, Heads of the department of Ophthalmology and Eye Surgeons posted in the government hospitals to discuss the various possibilities of improving the existing conditions in the government hospitals and medical institutions regarding eye transplantation.

He, however, regretted that very little effort was being made on the part of the government doctors in eye transplantation compared to the doctors in private hospitals. Expressing concern over the rising blindness amongst people, the Minister said that at present there were 11 lakh people suffering from coronial disorders and “the number increases up to 25000 every year”, said the minister. Although there were 171 eye banks in India but only 51 were functional. This matter needs be thoroughly probed at the highest level, said Mr. Sud.

The eye donation campaign would be intensified further so that more and more people and their families could be influenced to pledge their eyes during their life time. He also appealed to the NGOs, media and general public to come forward for this noble cause and help the government in making this task a success in the larger public interest. Terming the eye donation as the biggest donation, the Minister said that not only he himself but his entire family has pledged their eyes.

Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Secretary Medical Education and Research Department and Dr. Jai Kishan Director Research and Medical Education also spoke on the occasion.

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96.06 LAKH TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, April 29:

Government agencies and private millers procured more than 96.06 lakh tonnes of wheat till last evening as compared to  98.02 lakh tones in previous year on the day.

Out of total procurement of 96.06 lakh tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 95.57 lakh tonnes of wheat (99.6%) till date whereas private traders procured 34929 tonnes (0.4%) of wheat. Till April 28, PUNGRAIN had procured 15.91 lakh tonnes (16.6%) whereas MARKFED procured 22.33 lakh tonnes (23.2%). PUNSUP procured 21.48 lakh tonnes (22.4%), PSWC procured 10.63 lakh tonne (11.1%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 9.78 lakh tonnes (10.2%) of wheat.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 15.57 lakh tonnes (16.2%).  

The spokesman added that District Ferozepur with 10.78 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Sangrur with 8.97 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Patiala with 8.07 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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New Act Fix The Accountability of the Transport Department Regarding Truck Unions Soon

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 29:

Keeping in view of the increasing clashes between the truck unions day by day in the state, Punjab Government is considering to enact a new legislation to fix the accountability of the Transport Department to overcome the clashes. Master Mohan Lal, Transport Minister Punjab while presiding over a meeting with the District Transport Officers and Regional Transport Authorities, stated this here today.

The Minister said that draft of the new legislation would be submitted in the cabinet within ninety days. He also informed that revenue collection has been increased due to reforms in the Transport Department. Revenue to the tune of Rs.52410.07 lakh during the year 2008-09 and Rs.55455.97 lakh during the year 2009-10 from Motor Vehicle Taxes and Registration  had been collected and target of Rs.574 crore has been fixed for the current financial year.

The Minister said that for the smooth working and transparency in the Transport Department, all District Transport Offices in the state would be computerized before June 1, 2010. He also said that computerized process for nine-tax collection barriers had already been started. A notification has also been issued for the acquisition of land to set up five barriers.

The Minister directed the District Transport Officers for the constitution of District Road Safety Council within fifteen days and for this purpose, an action plan may be prepared for the safety of human lives. He also directed them to start awareness campaign regarding traffic rules for public and serve the people with dedication and sincerity in offices. He also directed the officers that they should be present in their offices to dispose the work so that people could not be harassed.

The Minister also honoured the DTO Sangrur, Mohali, Nawan Shahr and Fatehgarh Sahib for their outstanding services.

Mr. D.S.Jaspal, Principal Secretary, Transport, Dr. Arvinder Singh, Secretary, Transport, Mr. R.Vakantratnam, State Transport Commissioner, All District Transport Officers/Regional Transport Authorities of the State   were present in the meeting.

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CHANDIGARH SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION (Regd.)

Room No.9(FF), Karuna Sadan, Sector 11, Chandigarh

Chandigarh Senior Citizens Association organised a Medical Camp at Sector 8, Gurdwara Sahib

Chandigarh 29,2010 - Medical Camp was organised on 29th April between 7:00 am to 11:30 am at Gurudwara Sahib, Sector 8-C, Chandigarh by Chandigarh Senior Citizens Association.

IVY Super Specialty Hospital provided medical cover for four disciples i.e. Cardiology, Urology, Orthopedic and General Medicine. Eye cover was provided by Grewal Eye Institute, Sector 9. Dental check up was done by Dr. Harsimran Kaur at her clinic in gurudwara.

Appox. 215 patients were treated in various disciplines. Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee made an excellent arrangement for the Doctors and Patients including serving tea with snacks, and langar.

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PTC Punjabi Celebrates Vaisakhi Festival across the UAE

New Delhi:  In UAE, Punjabis have been celebrating Vaisakhi very enthusiastically for many years. This year, all the Punjabis living in various states of UAE join hands to celebrate this largest and most popular Punjabi festival on international level with the support of PTC Punjabi who are always eager to spread the message of Punjabi Brotherhood and are committed to make this event a big success on international level.

 “Catering to the affluent NRI Audience of the Middle East, the twin Events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and Muskat promise wholesome entertainment for the NRI audiences settled far away from India. The events will feature power-packed performances by Jazzy B, Malkit Singh, Kaler Kanth, Mona Singh, Labh Jhanjua, Saleem, Sarabjeet Cheema and Sona Walia. It was anchored by the versatile Punjabi anchor Satinder Satti. By the virtue of the fact that PTC Punjabi is available in USA as well as Canada, these events will be televised across the Atlantic, thus truly globalizing the spirit and essence of the festival of Vaisakhi.”, said Ms. Rajiee M. Shinde, COO – PTC News, PTC Punjabi & PTC Chakde.

 “We jointly executed the Dubai and Abu Dhabi events last year also. The events were very well received. It was very heart warming to receive such a tremendous response from the Punjabis in UAE. We look forward to repeating and exceeding the success of last year.” , said Mr. Rabindra Narayan, President- PTC News, PTC Punjabi & PTC Chakde.

 Events Details :

World Punjabi Vaisakhi Nite 2010  - in Dubai held on 22nd  April 2010 at  Dubai Tennis Stadium . The Aviation Club (Al Garhoud) and  in Abu Dhabi on 23rd  April 2010 at India Social Centre , Abu Dhabi and WPO Muskat Live Vaisakhi 2010 – in Muskat held on 29th April 2010 at Qurum Amphitheatre, Muscat, Oman.

The events was jointly associated with World Punjabi Organization - India, India Social & Cultural Centre – Abu Dhabi (ISC) and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Trust – India and UAE Kabaddi sports committee are the fore-runners organizing these events in UAE and Indian Social Club Muskat Punjabi Wings- Muskat.

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