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Wave of political vendetta unleashed in Bholath
constituency
Sukhpal Singh Khaira
MLA Bholath.
August 06, 2010
Not satisfied with a wave of political vendetta unleashed in Bholath constituency by registering more than 100 false criminal cases against over 1000 prominent congressmen, Bibi Jagir Kaur backed by the Chief Minister has now embarked upon a new methodology to physically eliminate her political rivals . In this context Sh. Jasbir Singh Gen Secy. DCC kapurthala was attacked by Akali goons and policemen in broad daylight in V. Begowal on 3.08.10. He was beaten up and his turban taken away by the Akali goons led by Binder s/o Manjal Singh a policeman with a threat that if he did not stop opposing Bibi Jagir Kaur in her own village he would be physically eliminated. Since the incident the Begowal police under direct orders of CM have failed to register a case against Bibi Jagir Kaur, her son-in-law Bhupinder Singh and other Akali goons including policemen despite a statement by the victim Jasbir Singh Begowal. In this matter I demand that a case u/s 307, 295A be registered against the culprits and a case u/s 120b for hatching a conspiracy be registered against bibi Jagir kaur and her son in law.
Similarly SC Sarpanch Saudagar Singh of my native V. Ramgarh was attacked by Akali goons on 2.08.10 and hurled abuses with words of ‘kutta chura’ and ‘chamar’ but the police has failed to act till date despite a written complaint to DSP Bholath. In another incident the house of Smt. Joginder Kaur Ex-Panch also of my V. Ramgarh was looted, her wall demolished and Rs 30,000 cash taken away but the police under political directions has done nothing. Instead prominent congress workers Manpreet Singh MBA and Bank Manager, Baldev Singh Bajwa Block President Yought Congress and YC worker Inderjit Singh of Nadala were falsely booked in an FIR no 74 dated 19.07.10 by Subhanpur Police to intimidate them into joining Akali Dal.
The incidents of last few days clearly indicate that the police in Bholath is working under unwritten orders of the Chief Minister to begin the process of physical elimination of congress workers in my area, as I have been opposing the SAD-BJP govt. openly both within and outside the Vidhan Sabha. In case any congress worker is killed in the time to come it would be beyond doubt that it was under the directions of the CM and Bibi Jagir Kaur, and the onus would lie on them
Lastly, I would call upon the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Punjab Haryana High Court to immediately intervene in the matter and order a judicial inquiry into the acts of omission and commission of Bholath police by the Sessions Judge Kapurthala. A deputation of hundreds of congress workers yesterday met SSP Kapurthala at his office to demand immediate action against Akali goons including Bibi Jagir Kaur.
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DIG BALBIR KUMAR BAWA PROMOTED AS IGP
Chandigarh, August 6, 2010:
Mr. Balbir Kumar Bawa, IPS belonging to 1991 Batch, has been promoted to the rank of Inspector General of Police on 05.08.2010. He has a brilliant service record in the Police Department. He is the recipient of the President's Police Medal for Gallantry (1991), the Parakaram Padak (1991) and the President's Police Medal for meritorious services (1995).
Presently posted as DIG Vigilance Bureau Zone Patiala, Mr Bawa, served at various important places such as SSP Kapurthala, SSP Vigilance Bureau Amritsar, Comdt. 5th IRB Amritsar, DIG/Crime, DIG Patiala Range.
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Workshop on Domestic Violence Act-2005 At Municipal
Bhawan Sas Nagar On August 7, 2010
CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 6, 2010:
Workshop on domestic violence Act-2005 is being organized at Municipal Bhawan SAS Nagar on August 7, 2010 by the Directorate of Social Security and Child & Women welfare Punjab, Chandigarh.
Disclosing this here today, Social Security and Child & Women welfare Minister Punjab Ch. Swarna Ram said that this workshop would educate the officers of the department as well as police officials, NGOs working for the welfare of children & women, members of legal service authorities and other social organizations. A book containing Information regarding domestic violence Act 2005 would also be released on the occasion, he added.
Officers and officials of the Social Security department of district SAS Nagar, Roopnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala would be participated in the workshop besides NGOs dedicated to the welfare of children and women, Mr. Swarna Ram added.
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BADAL GIVES NOD FOR ADMISSION TO 550 ELIGIBLE
EGS VOLUNTEERS IN ETT
Chandigarh, August 6, 2010:
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today decided to allow admission to nearly 550 eligible Education Guarantee Scheme (EGS) volunteers in the ETT course of 2009-11 academic session and directed the Education department to complete the entire process of admission within a week.
A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting with the deputation of EGS volunteers led by its President Mr. Makhan Singh Tolawal here at Chief Minister's residence this morning.
Meanwhile, the Director SCERT assured the Chief Minister that the counseling process for the admission of the EGS volunteers in ETT would begin from August 11.
The Chief Minister was apprised by the Director General School Education that these EGS volunteers had been given a special chance to improve their minimum required qualifications i.e. 50% marks and 45% marks in +2, in case of general and scheduled caste category respectively to enable them to seek admission in ETT as per the guidelines of National Council for Teacher Education, Jaipur.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary School Education Mr. C.Roul, Director General School education Mr. Krishan Kumar, OSD to Chief Minister Mr.NS Sangha and Director SCERT Mr. AS Bains
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ENSURE COMPLETE SECURITY AND SAFETY OF SIKH COMMUNITY
IN J&K : BADAL WRITES TO PM
CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 6, 2010:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought personal intervention of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to ensure complete security and safety of Sikh Community in wake of ongoing turmoil in Kashmir valley and its impact on the Sikh community there.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. Badal apprised him about the gravity of situation in the valley enclosing a copy of resolution of Jammu & Kashmir Gurdwara Parbandhak Board for his perusal. The Chief Minister impressed upon Dr. Singh to provide complete security cover to the Sikh community through the Central Security Agencies in Jammu & Kashmir so that the Sikh community stays back and does not leave the valley.
The Chief Minister also mentioned in the letter that the ongoing situation in the valley and assault on Sikhs, Sikh youth and Sikh religious symbols is a matter of great concern for the nation. There have been incidents of pelting of stones also on the residential houses of the Sikhs.
The letter further read as: "The Sikh community in the valley which believes in peace, tranquility and harmony is now feeling unsafe on account of these unfortunate incidents. The Sikh community has always stood like a rock against all odds and maintained the social fabric during the peak period of militancy".
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PUNJAB KHADI AND VILLAGE INDUSTRY BOARD RECONSTITUTED
CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 6, 2010:
The Punjab Government has reconstituted the Punjab Khadi and Village Industry Board under the chairmanship of Mr. Vijay Sampla.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Chief Minister office said that the new seven nominated members of the board were Mr. Ram Chopra (Kotkapura), Mr. Anwar Masih (Amritsar), Mr. Naresh Dhighan (Ludhiara), Mr. Sewa Singh (Pathankot), Mr. Jiwan Lal (Bhucho Mandi), Mr. Harpreet Singh Bedi (Ludhiana) and Mr. Manohar Singh Bhagowalia (Gurdaspur). The three members Mr. Jagat Kathuria, Dr. Ramesh Kamboj, Mr. Vinod Kalra had already been nominated besides, Mr. R.D. Sehgal as member secretary of the board, added the spokesman.
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12 SPORTS STADIUMS TO BE UPGRADED AND FLOODLIT IN
SIX MONTHS – SUKHBIR
Chandigarh, August 6, 2010:
Decks were cleared to upgrade 12 Sports Stadiums to World Class Level and also to floodlit them at the cost of Rs. 64.55 crore as Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today approved the conceptual designs of the proposed stadiums.
In a high level meeting held here today Mr. Badal approved the construction of hockey stadium at Faridkot and up-gradation of Hockey stadiums in Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amrtisar & up-gradation of multipurpose stadiums in Jalandhar, Bathinda, Sangrur, Hohiarpur, Amrtisar , Mansa , Gurdaspur , Jalandhar and Ludhiana .
Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that it was his commitment during World Cup Kabaddi – 2010 that next World Cup Kabaddi would be held in upgraded floodlit stadiums so that more and more people could enjoy the traditional game of Punjab. He said that Punjab Finance Department had already sanctioned Rs. 20 crore for the up-gradation of the stadiums and remaining funds would be arranged through Mandi Board, PIDB, Improvement Trust Jalandhar, GLADA and other executing agencies.
Impressing upon the need for time bound completion of these projects, the Deputy Chief Minister asked sports Secretary Mr. PS Aujla to regularly monitor the construction of these stadiums and award these contracts to the reputed international agencies. It was emphasized that sports infrastructure in these stadiums must have Olympic Level Certification so that budding players of Punjab could practice on international level sports equipments.
Prominent amongst those who were participated in the meeting Mr. Viswajeet Khanna, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister ; Mr. S.S. Rajput, Secretary Local Government, Mr. S.S.Sandhu, Secretary Urban Development ; Mr. PS Aujla , Secretary Sports ; Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Additional Secretary to Deputy CM ; Mr. Ajay Mahajan, Special Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister.
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Direct Bus Service to Airport
CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 6, 2010:
With a view to provide more facilities to the passengers and welfare of the employees, the Punjab Transport Department has taken various steps includes Direct Bus Service to Airport, New A.C. and Non A.C. Buses, Recruitment of Employees, Promotions, Jobs on Compassionate Ground, Computerization of Transport Offices, Cab Service, City Bus Service and On Line Permit Scheme etc.
After presiding over a meeting with the Senior Officers of the Transport Department here today Master Mohal Lal, Transport Minister said that with the concerted efforts of SAD-BJP Government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister, Punjab S. Parkash Singh Badal, passengers had been provided better transport facilities besides various steps had been taken for the welfare of the employees resulted in many qualitative and quantitative improvement in the department.
He said that direct bus service has been started to Delhi Airport from Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar. He further said that 1040 New Buses were added in the fleet of PRTC and Punjab Roadways. Besides this 100 and 82 A.C.Buses were also added in the fleet of PRTC and Punjab Roadways respectively. 50 more A.C.Buses are also being added in the Punjab Roadways fleet during this month. The Minister further said that Taxi Cab Service and City Bus Service has also been started in Jalandhar, Patiala and Mohali Cities and the same is also being started in the other cities of Punjab soon.
Revealing the achievements of the department Master Mohan Lal said that nine modern Bus Stands had been constructed on B.O.T Basis in the State some more were being constructed. Bus stands of Ropar and Hoshiarpur Cities had been constructed by Punjab Roadway. Besides this, construction work of Ultra Modern Bus Stand at Mohali was on war footing. Shops, Restaurants, Mall and Cinema Hall would also be constructed in this bus stand. Bus Stands constructed on BOT basis had been named after Martyrs and dignitaries.
The Minister further said that 50 percent relaxation had been given to the daily passengers and under this scheme only 30 fairs would be charged instead of 60 fairs.
Regarding Computerization work of District Transport Offices (DTO officers), the Minister said that all DTO officer would be computerized whereas four DTO offices had already been computerized.
He said that all suspended routs of PRTC and Punjab Roadways were restored with adding the new buses. 689 more condemn buses would be replaced during the current financial year. He said that Punjab is the only state in the country which has started on Line Permit Scheme for Goods Transporters.
Referring to the welfare of the employees, Master Mohan Lal said that 2200 Employees had been promoted besides 620 appointment letters were given on compensate grounds. He also said that 1000 Drivers and Conductors had also been recruited.
He disclosed that about 3000 disciplinary action cases of the employees were settled by our government and now only 50 cases were pending with the department which would be settled soon. He further said that Rs.10 crore has been released for payment of salaries of the employees.
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SOCIAL SECURITY DEPARTMENT INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR STATE AWARD
Chandigarh August 6, 2010:
The Punjab Government has invites applications for the state award to the physically handicapped from the Non-Government organizations and Individuals working for the welfare of disabled persons in the state.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the social security department said that applications in the prescribed Performa alongwith full bio-data should be reach at office of the Director Social Security & woman and Child development through the concerned Deputy Commissioners on or before 31.8.2010. These awards would be given on December 3, 2010 on the occasion of World Disabled Day.. No application would be entertained after the last date i.e. 31.8.2010.
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MADAN MOHAN VYAS APPOINTED AS MEMBER PUNJAB STATE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
CHANDIGARH AUGUST 6, 2010:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today appointed Mr. Madan Mohan Vyas from Ludhiana as Member of the Punjab State Human Rights Commission.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister's Office said that the appointment of Mr. Madan Mohan Vyas had been made against the vacancy that existed following the elevation of Mr. Avinash Rai Khanna as Member Rajya Sabha.
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BADAL SANCTIONS RS.134.60 CRORE FOR DEVELOPMENT WORKS IN ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCIES OF SHAHEED BHAGAT SINGH NAGAR, JALANDHAR AND HOSHIARPUR DISTRICTS
CHANDIGARH AUGUST 5, 2010:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sanctioned Rs.134.60 crore for the execution of various development works in the urban and rural areas of all the assembly constituencies in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur districts.
Presiding over the separate meetings of the MLAs of Banga, Nawan Shahar and Balachaur in Shaheed Bhagar Singh Nagar district, Adampur, Shahkot, Nakodar, Kartarpur, Jalandhar North, Jalandhar Central, Jalandhar South, Jalandhar East, Jalandhar Cantt. Phillaur and Nurmahal assembly constituencies in Jalandhar district and Chhabewal, Garhshankar, Hoshiarpur, Sham Chaurasi, Urmur Tanda, Dasuya and Mukerian in Hoshiarpur district held here at Chief Minister's residence to review the progress of the on-going development works, Mr. Badal approved Rs.25.90 crore for all the assembly constituencies of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Rs.50.40 in Jalandhar and Rs. 58.30 in Hoshiarpur district. A sum of Rs.23.77 crore, Rs.30.29 crore and Rs.49.05 crore would be spent on the construction and repair of link roads, latrines and civil works in the government schools in the rural areas of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur districts.
Out of Rs. 50.04 crore earmarked for the upgradation of health infrastructure, Rs.24.11 crore, Rs.12.54 crore and Rs.13.39 crore would be spent in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur districts respectively.
The Chief Minister directed the MLAs to ensure the quality of construction works by personally supervising these works besides motivating the local panchayats and municipal councils to oversee these developmental activities. He also asked the deputy commissioners to regularly monitor the progress of these development works and ensure their completion within the time frame. To make these projects cost effective, Mr. Badal also asked the executing agencies viz. PWD (B&R), Irrigation, Drainage and Public Health & Sanitation to get the estimates of development works and projects checked from the Technical Advisor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) BS Dhaliwal.
A provision of Rs. 0.70 crore, Rs.1.89 crore and Rs.2.88 crore had been made for the upgradation of veterinary services in these constituencies of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur districts respectively.
It was also informed in the meeting that Rs. 48.93 crore had already been sanctioned for the Water Supply & Sewerage in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Rs.446.06 crore in Jalandhar and Rs. 178.62 crore in Hoshiarpur district
To ensure quality and economic viability, the Chief Minister directed the Water Supply & Sewerage Board to allot works to the reputed firms which had rich experience and technical expertise to handle such projects.
These meetings were attended by the MLA Nawan Shahar Mr. Jatinder Singh Kariha, Chief Parliamentary Secretary and MLA Balachaur Ch. Nand Lal, in Shaheed Bhagar Singh Nagar district. Local Government & Industries Minister and MLA Jalandhar Central Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Revenue Minister and MLA Lohian Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, MLA Jalandhar Cantt Mr. Jagbir Singh Brar, MLA Jalandhar North Mr. KD Bhandari, MLA Jalandhar South Bhagat Chuni Lal, MLA Kartarpur Mr. Avinash Chander, Chief Parliamentary Secretary and MLA Phillaur Mr. Sarwan Singh Phiallur in Jaladhar district, besides Forest Minister and MLA Mr. Tikshan Sood, MLA Mahilpur Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, MLA Mukerian Mr. Arunesh Shakir, Chief Parliamentary Secretary and MLA Sham Chaurasi Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh and MLA Gardhiwala Mr. Des Raj Dhugga and MLA Dasuya Mr. Amarjit Singh Sahi in Hoshiarpur district.
Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, senior officers of the different departments and deputy commissioners were also present in these meetings.
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Center in a blunder land on price rise: Sukhbir Center's anti-poor
policies to blame for price rise: CM
Chandigarh August 5, 2010
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal said here today that the center was trying to cover its own failures and pass the buck to others for the unprecedented price rise in the country by blaming it on the state governments. He said that the price rise is the direct result of the center's economic policies and its irresponsible decision to hike the prices of petroleum products and other essential commodities.
"We consistently opposed frequent and steep hikes in the prices of petrol and diesel and essential farm and industrial inputs. But the center just did not pay heed. And now they are blaming the price rise on state governments."
The Chief Minster asked the center to answer the opposition charge that the unprecedented price rise of essential commodities which had broken the back of the common man, was the direct outcome of a conspiracy to help the rich houses. Mr. Badal asked the center to explain why, if the states were responsible, had the price rise had hit the entire country uniformly. How can a state government be held responsible for the unprecedented country-wide price rise? And in any case, if the state were indeed responsible, then would the Congress led UPA government explain why the price rise was the highest in the Congress ruled states.
Meanwhile, the SAD also ridiculed the center's allegation against the state government, describing it as a "cheap alibi and a brazen lie." Referring to the center's passing the buck on to the state governments, the SAD president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said, "This is a sudden after-thought by the central leaders and a complete and shocking abdication of responsibility on the part of the union government. Only a few days ago, the center was blaming price rise on global economic trends. But now suddenly, the global factor has been replaced by the role of the state governments., " said the SAD president in a statement here today.
He said that the center was indeed in a blunder land on the issue as there was utter confusion in the minds of the central leaders who did not know how to react to the problem which was the creation of their own anti-poor policies. "One day they claim that the price rise can not be controlled without the help of the opposition parties, while on another they blame it on the state governments. They are unable to make up their mind on what to say to cover up their own failure," said the Deputy Chief Minister.
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FULL COURT REFERENCE TO MOURN DEMISE OF JUSTICE T.H.B.CHALAPATHY
CHANDIGARH, August 5, 2010:
The Punjab and Haryana High Court today mourned the sad demise of Justice T.H.B.Chalapathy, former judge of Andhra Pradesh High Court and Punjab and Haryana High Court who passed away after a brief illness on August 2.
A Full Court Reference was held in the Punjab and Haryana High Court today to pay tributes to the departed judge. Mr. Justice Mukul Mudgal, Chief Justice Punjab and Haryana High Court while placing on record his heart felt condolence said that Justice T.H.B.Chalapathy combined in himself rare qualities of humility, wit and humor. He was a symbol of simplicity, dedication and commitment and was known for his high professional caliber. He headed the single-member commission of inquiry constituted to probe irregularities in the Kuppam experiment project undertaken by Andhra Pradesh government to introduce micro irrigation and modern farm techniques. He prayed to the Almighty to give eternal peace to the departed soul and courage, strength and fortitude to the members of his family to bear this great loss.
Former Judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Senior Addl. Advocate General for the State of Punjab, Additional Advocate General for the State of Haryana; President of the High Court Bar Association; Law Officers of the States of Punjab, Haryana and Union Territory of Chandigarh were also present.
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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHRIF SEASON ANNOUNCED
Chandigarh, August 5, 2010:
The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Khrif Season through Canal water from 07-08-2010 to 14-08-2010. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala feeder, Bist Doab Canal, Sidhwan Branch and Bathinda Branch and 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 distributries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their ident. Balance water supplies available would be utilised 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 utilised in Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch Lower, Sabraon Branch with their distributaries respectively.
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Declare Punjab as Special Agricultural Zone-Harsimrat demands in Parliament
- Seeks waiver of debt accumulated during 9 year non plan period of President Rule
- Also seeks special central package to rejuvenate 150 year old canal system
Chandigarh, August 5, 2010:
Member Parliament from Bathinda Constituency Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal today forcefully raised the issue of neglect of Punjab during last 6 years by the UPA Government and demanded that Punjab be declared ‘Special Agricultural Zone’ to ensure the food security of the country. She also sought a comprehensive package to waive debt accumulated during 9 year long President’s Rule, to stabilize economy of the state. Mrs. Badal sought a special Central scheme to rejuvenate 150 years old canal system in the state, also amendment of rules treating whole canal system as one canal.
Participating in the discussion on Supplementary Demands for the Budget 2010 in the Lok Sabha, Mrs. Badal said that Punjab once known as a prosperous state was facing variety of problems due to continuous neglect. She said that Punjab with mere 1.5% geographical area of the country was providing 60% food grain in the Central kitty but was being penalized for shouldering this responsibility. She said that all policies of the UPA Government are crafted in a way to keep Punjab out of its ambit, intentionally.
Seeking the debt waiver for Punjab Mrs. Badal said that till 1986 Punjab was revenue surplus state but during 9 year of President Rule, high expenditure and no taxes put Punjab in vicious cycle of debt trap. She said that situation has reached to a point that presently Punjab was carrying debt of Rs.64924 crores and was paying 5700 crore interest. In addition due to pay scale revision after 5th Pay Commission Rs. 12000 crore goes into salaries. She said that only salary and interest component were consuming Rs. 17700 crore where as revenue every year was only Rs.16600 crores pushing Punjab deeper in debt trap with every passing year. She sought immediate waiver of total debt of Punjab that got accumulated due to 9 year President Rules in the State.
Seeking immediate Central assistance for rejuvenation of 150 years old canal system in the state, the member parliament said that in the era of water scarcity, 20% water in the Punjab Canal gets wasted due to seepage. She sought amendment in the rules for Punjab to treat whole canal systems of the State as one canal. She also demanded canalization of Ghaggar be treated as national project. Mrs. Badal also sought immediate revision of norms of calamity relief fund as flood hit farmers of Punjab have suffered tremendously due to floods in the state.
Mrs. Badal also demanded allocation of coal block for Thermal Plants in the State besides gas at government rate for gas based thermal plant to be setup in Ropar. Member Parliamemnt also sought 4000 MG Ultra Mega Power Project by NTPC in the State as Punjab has not been allocated any Central Project.
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SUKHBIR’S MAJOR PUSH TO GOVERNANCE REFORMS IN MAJOR PUBLIC DEALING DEPARTMENTS
- E-SEWA KENDRAS IN ALL URBAN AREAS BY MARCH 2011
- ALL RURAL LAND RECORDS TO BE ONLINE BY MARCH 2011
- POLICE SUVIDHA KEDRAS IN ALL TEHSILS BY MARCH 2011
Chandigarh, August 5, 2010:
The Punjab government today finalized the blue print of governance reforms in major public dealing departments including Revenue, Local Government and Police with Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, promising to put all reforms in operation by 31 March, 2011.
The Deputy Chief Minister accompanied by Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Local Government Minister and Ajit Singh Kohar, Revenue Minister today had four hour long marathon meetings, tying up all loose ends with the target of putting all reforms in operation by March next year.
REVENUE-- ALL LAND RECORDS TO BE ONLINE BY MARCH 2011
Punjab would be the first state in the country to put all rural land records on the web making it possible to citizens sitting any where in the world to access the land records and get a print of records, they needed. With 41 Fard Kendra at Sub-tehsil level operational on the day, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today set the target of all 125 rural Fard Kendras to be interlinked and put on web by the deadline i.e March, 2011.The computerized fard would be available across the counter at the rate of Rs. 20 per page. Mrs. Romila Dubey Financial Commissioner Revenue assured that automatic mutation on registration of sale deed, rationalization of Girdawari, simplification of Archaic revenue laws including those relating to partition inheritance, tenancy were going side by side to minimize the discretion of government authorities thereby reducing the steps of appeals .She said that these amendments would decrease litigation besides empowering citizens by making the whole system transparent and trust worthy.
Initiatives for Urban Areas
The life of Urban citizens is all set to become more comfortable, with the Punjab Government setting up a network of e-Sewa Kendras in all Tehsils by March next year. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal informed in the meeting the e-Sewa Kendras besides collecting water and electricity bills would provide One window service for 17 citizen services including birth and death certificates, application of new water / sewerage connections, payment of property tax, request for TS 1 form, license for Rickshaw , Rehri, Mule cart, slaughter house, Atta Chaki, Issuance of NoC for commercial power, sanction of building plans, issuance of public certificates , Library membership, issuance of NOC for fire safety, sweeping and lifting of garbage, request for spray and fogging , penalty for stray cattle etc. under one roof . Mr. Badal said that the interface of citizens with the government authorities had to be made more pleasant and trust worthy. It was decided in the meeting that a network of e-Sewa Kendra to be set up on the pattern of Karnataka Model would provide these services in Air conditioned environment from 8 AM to 8 PM on all the 7 days in the week. It was informed in the meeting that most of the record for backend operations has already been computerized and one e-sewa kendra for a cluster of population of 2 Lakhs would become operational by March next year.
Police – Reaching the people with a smile
Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal is all set to change the traditional image of police force by setting up Police outreach centre at each Thana besides community police resource centres in all the 90 tehsils coupled with district headquarters. These police out reach centers would be set up in the air conditioned environs manned by special civil cadre of Punjab Police being created specifically for these centers. These centers would provide single window services like verification for arms licenses, passport, permission for religious/political functions, permission of loud speaker, request for security for functions, character verification, verifications of registration of vehicles, registrations of servants and tenants, copies of FIRs , untraced reports, copies of progress of investigation of criminals cases, parole cases, economic offences, fraud and cheating by travel agents, emergency urgent passport verification, registration of foreigners, complaints of NRIs and enquiries regarding loss of passport abroad. These centers would also have counseling centers for women in distress and women facing matrimonial problems. Mr. Badal said that after putting these centers in operation, online registration of FIRs, DDR besides viewing the progress of registered FIRs online would be the next steps.
Mr. Badal said that an all in one police portal offering these services online would be the next aim of Punjab Police.
Prominent amongst those who attended the meetings included Manoranjan Kalia, Local Government Minister, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Revenue Minister, Dr. Parmod Kumar, Chairman Governance Reforms Commission, Mr. S.C. Agrawal,. Chief Secretary, Mrs. Romila Dubey, Financial Commissioner Revenue, Mr. N.S. Kang, Principal Secretary Home, Mr. P.S. Gill, DGP Punjab, Mr. K.B.S. Sidhu, Principal Secretary Finance, Mr. R.K.Verma, MD Punjab Infotech , Mr. Dalip Kumar Director IT, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Additional Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister and Mr. Manjit Singh Brar, Additional Secretary Reforms.
Earlier representative of various multinational IT companies including Microsoft, HCL, Public sector undertaking ITI and DEOLETTE gave presentations of their proposed solutions for Suvidha Kendras, e-Sewa kendras and Fard Kendras.
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BADAL APPROVES RS. 204.32 CRORE FOR DEVELOPMENT WORKS IN ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCIES OF FATEHGARH SAHIB & TARN TARAN DISTRICTS
CHANDIGARH AUGUST 4, 2010:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sanctioned Rs.204.32 crore for the various development works to be undertaken in the urban and rural areas of all the assembly constituencies in Fatehgarh Sahib and Tarn Taran districts.
Presiding over the separate meetings of the local MLAs of these assembly constituencies held here at Chief Minister's residence to review the progress of the on-going development works, Mr. Badal approved Rs.142.67 crore and Rs.61.65 crore for Fatehgarh Sahib and Tarn Taran districts respectively. He earmarked Rs. 112.82 crore for water supply, sewerage, roads and street lights in the urban areas of Fatehgarh Sahib. A sum of Rs.17.49 crore and Rs.29.51 would be spent on the construction and repair of link roads, latrines and civil works in the government schools in the rural areas of Fatehgarh Sahib and Tarn Taran districts.
Out of Rs. 39.57 crore earmarked for the upgradation of health infrastructure, Rs.11.69 crore would be spent in Fatehgarh Sahib and Rs.27.88 crore in Tarn Taran district. As many as seven Primary Health Centers at Balarhi Kalan, Nabipur, Sangatpur Sodian, Bhamarsi, Mulepur, Nanowal and Nogawan would be upgraded besides two new Community Health Centers would be constructed at village Khera and Chanarthal Kalan in Fatehgarh Sahib district. Likewise, District Hospital at Tarn Taran would be upgraded at a cost of Rs.7 crore, two new Community Health Centers would be constructed at Jhabal and Kasel and a Sub Divisional Hospital at Khadoor Sahib, besides 10 Primary Health Centers would be upgraded at Rataul, Sarai Amanat Khan, Dhotian, Sabrai, Chola Sahib, Dale Ke Bagarian, Rajoke, Mari Megha and Algon Kothi in Tarn Taran district. Mr. Badal asked the Secretary PWD (B&R) to immediately start the construction of the District Administrative Complex at Tarn Taran so that it could be completed with in a year.
A provision of Rs.67.56 Lac and Rs.1.44 crore had been made for the upgradation of veterinary services in these constituencies of Fatehgarh Sahib and Tarn Taran districts. A sum of Rs.2.82 crore had been allocated for the execution of development works under Border Area Development Project in Tarn Taran district.
The Chief Minister asked the Deputy Commissioner Fatehgarh Sahib to submit a comprehensive proposal for the construction of Bus Stands at Fatehgarh Sahib, Bassi Pathana and Amloh. Mr. Badal also asked the Chief Engineer Drainage, Canals and PWD (B&R) to jointly visit the site for the widening of bye-pass road from Madhopur to ROB over level crossing no.144 at Fatehgarh Sahib from 18 to 33 feet. He also asked the deputy commissioner to immediately initiate the process of the construction of administrative complex at Khamano Sub Division.
These meetings were attended by the MLA Fatehgarh Sahib Mr. Didar Singh Bhatti, former Minister Randhir Singh Cheema, Chairperson District Planning Committee Fatehgarh Sahib Mrs. Satinwinder Kaur Dhaliwal, MLA Khaddor Sahib Mr. Manjit Singh Mianwind, Rural Development & Panchayat Minister and MLA Naushehra Pannuan Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahampura, Chairman District Planning Committee and MLA Tarn Taran Mr. Harmit Singh Sandhu and MLA Valtoha Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha. Besides, Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, senior officers of the different departments and deputy commissioners of these districts were also present in these meetings.
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BADAL RELEASES TRVELOUGE ON WARING'S EXPERIENCES IN AUSTRALIA
CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 4, 2010:
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Pakash Singh Badal today released a travelogue 'IK MAHINA AUSTRALIA VICH' in Punjabi penned by Mr. Harcharan Singh Waring based on his experiences in Australia.
On this occasion former MLA Bhai Harnirpal Singh Kuku and Media Adviser to the Chief Minister Mr. Harcharan Bains along with other prominent dignitaries were present.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT DON’T BELIEVE IN FABRICATING EVIDENCES AND FRAMING POLITICAL OPPONENTS: SUKHBIR
- Inaugurates Bharti Walmart’s wholesale Cash and Carry store
Chandigarh, August 4, 2010:
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today clarified that the Punjab Government is not fabricating cases against any political and religious personality and investigating agencies including Punjab Police were doing their jobs professionally and independently.
Mr. Badal was replying to the queries of Media persons after inaugurating Bharti Walmart’s wholesale Cash and Carry store at Jalandhar regarding alleged attempts of framing of DSGMC President Mr. Paramjit Singh Sarna after the disclosure of arrested dreaded terrorists that they were invited in the wedding reception of Mr. Sarna’s son and promised tickets for coming SGPC elections. He said that Shiromani Akali Dal doesn’t believe in fabricating evidences and framing political opponents in false cases. He said that the law will take its own course and Punjab Government would not interfere in the ongoing investigation process of Punjab Police. The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated the resolve of SAD-BJP government to maintain peace in the state and assure that the terrorism would not be allowed to raise its ugly head in the state with continuous vigil by the State police.
Appreciating the Venture of Bharti-Walmart, Mr. Badal said that the Punjab Government had always been emphasizing on motivating the small farmers to diversify in non-grain crops so that they could get the full value addition of their cash crop. He said that the Punjab farmers has become the victim of wrong policies of Union government as state controlled MSP and market control rates of farm inputs were pushing the farmers deeper and deeper in the debt trap. Mr. Badal expressed hope that the new store would provide an ideal platform to small farmers as well as manufacturers to sell their quality products on remunerative prices as the Store management apprised the Deputy Chief Minister about their preference for local products.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the prevailing economic conditions in Punjab were similar to that were in United States, 40 years back and in coming years the State was all set to witness fastest economic growth with great potential of job opportunities besides setting up of various ventures. He said that the State government with its positive and futuristic approach laying special emphasis on enhancing power production and improving air connectivity. The setting up of three thermal plants, two international air ports and three domestic airports were going on war footing, he added.
Mr. Rajan Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Walmart said they were delighted at the launch of their third Best Price Modern Wholesale cash and-carry store and this launch underlines their commitment to contribute to the economic growth of Punjab by offering a wide range of quality products to kirana stores, retail chains and other institutions at the lowest prices as well as creating sourcing linkages with farmers and small manufacturers. The Best Price Modern Wholesale and Bharti Retail’s easyday stores across the state were also providing employment opportunities to thousands of youth and women in this emerging sector, he added.
Later, in an informal interaction with media persons at District Administrative Complex Mr. Badal accused the Union Government for deliberately sacrificing interests of Punjab farmers. He said that the Punjabi farmers contributing more than 70 percent in Central food grain kitty got only 1 percent in debt waiver scheme announced by the Union government. Dwelling on the measures taken by the Punjab government to diversify in cash crops Mr. Badal said that Punjab has already setup two multiple fruit juice plants to help the horticulturists of the state. He said that the state government has already approached the Union government to setup the cold chain between Punjab and sea ports to enable export of perishable fruits and vegetable to other countries. He said that with the opening of motorized traffic from Wagha Border the export of fruits and vegetables to Pakistan has increased manifold.
Prominent amongst others Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Local Government and Industry Minister Punjab, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Revenue Minister and Mr. Jagbir Singh Brar, MLA were also present on the occasion.
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E-GARM CENTRES IN 3017 PANCYHAYAT CLUSTERS TO PROVIDE 14 SERVICES TO RURAL PEOPLE OF 12800 VILLAGES – SUKHBIR
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RS. 91 CRORE PROJECTS TO KICK OFF IN DECEMBER 2010
Chandigarh August 4, 2010:
All 12800 villages of Punjab are set to get all 14 citizen services under one roof from December this year, with Rs. 91 crore prestigious program of 3017 E-Gram at each Panchayat cluster becoming functional in Punjab.
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab accompanied by Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura today reviewed the implementation of administrative reforms in the rural development department in a marathon meeting in which representatives of Union Government and all concerned departments participated. The Deputy Chief Minister said that progress of a state was futile if we are not able to peculate the benefits of administrative reforms and IT revolution to each and every village of Punjab. He said that 8 states in India including neighboring Himachal Pradesh have already setup E-gram centers in up to village level and Punjab cannot leg behind in this area. After going through the presentation by Joint Secretary of Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayat Mr.D.K.Jain and also going through the experience cited by service providers and multinational IT companies contending for this prestigious job, Mr. Badal said that E-Gram Centers in 3017 Panchayat clusters, besides tackling and monitoring expenditure in Panchayats would provide 14 citizen services including issuance of birth and death certificates, domicile certificate, collection of power and water bills if any , collection of telephone bills, booking of tubewell etc. under one roof in a most transparent manner . He said that Punjab Government on average was releasing Rs. 500 t0 700 cores to Panchayats for executing various development programs but due to archaic accounting system, lack of monitoring mechanism, ancient audit system and lack of accountability, most of the development money was not being spent on the projects for which it was actually released. He said that E-grams have been provided with a special software that would keep a strict check on budget, daily fund release, fund received for various projects etc. and budget of every village could be monitored on-line at the HQ by the concerned authorities.
Dwelling upon the benefits of E-gram centers, Mr. Badal said that besides maintaining family register of each family in the village, these centers would act as a monitoring center for the various state and centrally sponsored rural development schemes including NAREGA, mid day meal and NHRM etc. He said that these centers would also maintain proper record of assets, income sources and employees on the pay roll of panchayats. He said that in the first phase E-gram would be set up in 397 places up to block level by December this year and would be extended to village level by March 2011 by operationalising all 3017 e-gram clusters. He said that each cluster would cover four to six villages and distance of e-gram from any village would not be more than 4 Km. He said that initially the e-gram would offer the services of birth and death certificates, ration cards, Atta in Dal Scheme card, red cards and slowly it would accept water and electricity bills, telephone bills, mobile bills, mobile recharge, tubewell booking and other citizen services availed by the rural people.
Mr. Badal said that he wants to make the life of common rural citizens easy by providing them door step services. He said that 154 Fard Kenders were already provided digital print of Fard at every tehsil level.
Appreciating the concept of e-gram Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura Rural Development and Panchayat Minister emphasized the need for effective monitoring of flow of funds to panchyats and their proper usage.Mr.S.C.Aggrawal, Chief Secretary Punjab spoke about various models for implementation of e-gram scheme. He also shared the experience of many states that have already implemented this scheme.
Giving a presentation Mr. D.K.Jain Joint Secretary, Rural development emphasized that eight states have already setup e-gram upto village level and it would in the interest of Punjab if it goes ahead with this scheme in a time bound manner. He also gave information regarding various free software developed by Union Ministry that could be used by E-Grams.
The representatives of ITI, Public Sector Undertakings, Microsoft and HCL gave a presentation on E-gram centers. Prominent amongst those who present in the meeting included Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary Rural Development, Mr. Visvajeet Khanna, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. K.B.S.Sidhu Principal Secretary, Finance, Mr.R.K.Verma, MD, Punjab Infotech ,Mr. Gurdev Singh Sidhu, Director Rural Development, Mr. Dalip Kumar , director IT and Mr. Manjit Singh Brar, Additional Secretary ,Reforms .
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Ex CBI Director S.Joginder Singh visited Aryans Campus
Chandigarh/Mohali (04/08/10):
Ex Director CBI S. Joginder Singh addressed the Students of Aryans Group of Colleges (AGC) on Wednesday. He delivered a talk on “Role of Ethics in Management” to students of new academic session. During this session he told the importance of ethics in business. The programme was presided over by Dr. Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges.
Later on replying to the questions asked by reporters, S. Joginder Singh said that until CBI would remain under the administration of central government it would be always accused for political influence and political advantages would be taken from it. He also stated that autonomy must be given to CBI in order to make it more powerful. As the decision of Supreme Court and Election commission is never intervened, the similar autonomy must be given to CBI, otherwise such allegations would remain. On many platforms, it is stated that every ruling political party misuses CBI. To make CBI decent, its officials must ensure its rights. CBI must be managed so that nobody could dominate it.
Dr. Kataria stated that Aryans Group of Colleges (AGC) always focus on sharpening the skills of the students. The purpose of inviting famous personalities of the region on campus is to groom the personality of the students so that they can move along the competitive world.He said that Aryans has performed extremely well in the field of education in last 4 years.
Prof. D. C. Kataria ( Vice president,ABS ), Dr. Parveen Kataria ( Director General, ABS ) were also present on this occasion. Aryans Business School is situated at village Nepra (Banur), near Chandigarh – Patiala highway. Earlier Dr. Kiran Bedi (First women IPS) interacted with Aryans Students and inaugurated the 4th Academic session.
Aryans Business School is offering AICTE approved, Punjab Technical University (PTU) affiliated MBA program. For providing higher education overseas and better job opportunities to students, Aryans Group has already signed MoU with international bodies like Outline System (USA), LSME (London) and Fontys University (Netherlands).
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