|
Harjeet Singh Grewal, DPRO Roopnagar's bio-data
for State
Award on Independence Day
The Punjab Government has selected Mr Harjeet Singh Grewal, DPRO Roopnagar for State Award on Independence Day, for promoting Gatka as a sport in the State as well in India. The Gatkebaaz were very proud of and full of enthusiasm for especially recognizing his yeoman services rendered in the field of Gatka by the Government for the first time.
As a General Secretary of Punjab Gatka Association (PGA) (Regd.), he relentlessly perused to the Education Department of Punjab for the inclusion of Gatka as a game into the Punjab schools and universities sports calendars. With the inclusion of Gatka into the general games, it had revolutionized the martial art, which was earlier heading towards its distinction, and put it into the Northward trajectory to proudly arose to the lost magnificence. Gatka, a traditional martial art, an Indian art of self defence, is an art by which one becomes extremely graceful and brings dignity, divinity, grace and self defence.
The Gatka Federation of India (GFI) (Regd.) has also appointed him as a General Secretary for his determined and dedicated efforts in the field of Gatka and for the first time, he formulated and standardized the in-depth rules and regulations for playing of amateur Gatka game with pictorial guidelines. In order to promote Gatka as a promising game, the PGA has planned to establish Gatka Training Centers (GTCs) in each district under the District Gatka Associations to train the budding Gatkebaaz under the new rules constituted by the GFI.
Talking to the media Mr Grewal said that Federation’s selfless motive was to awake the masses about the martial art, otherwise, it might happen that the next generation would be totally unaware of Gatka. “It's a humble effort to revive a forgotten and dying art having historical significance and this selfless effort would be a delayed humble tribute to our beloved Gurus by the Government, in reviving the Sikh martial art”, he added.
Mr Grewal, also a decorated boxer, said that the PGA and GFI were passionately desiring from the Punjab as well as Central Government to allow due gradations of Gatka game certificates at par with the certificates of other games as the Punjab Olympic Association (POA) had already recognised the PGA.
He thanked the relentless efforts of Education Minister Punjab Dr Upinderjit Kaur and Member Parliament Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, whose patronage and guidance have yielded the great dream into realty of its glory that faded gradually after the passing of 10th Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, a great lover of martial arts.
Former Sub-Editor of the Daily Ajit, Mr Grewal disclosed that the PGA, under the Presidentship of Mr Harcharn Singh Bhuular, had constituted a Sikh Martial Art Research and Training Board (SMART Board) to grant scholarships to the aspiring research scholars doing Ph.D in the field of martial art, especially on Gatka in order to enrich the historical literature on Sikh martial art.
A voluntary blood donor Mr Grewal, as a President of Punjabi Cultural council (Regd.) and Senior Vice President of Punjabi Art & Cultural Foundation (Regd.), has also contributed a lot in the promotion and preservation of Punjabi culture and mother tongue Punjabi language in the State for which various social organizations has also honoured him. Earlier he had also been elected as President of Punjab Public Relations Officers Association and also been serving as PRO to Education Minister, Rural Development Minster and Vigilance Bureau Punjab.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUNJAB ON THE PATH OF ECONOMIC RESURGENCE
PARKASH SINGH BADAL
Chief Minister, Punjab
Today, our great nation has completed 63 years of Independence. During these years, India has emerged as the world’s largest democracy with a firm commitment to peace, harmony and progress. On this auspicious occasion, I extend my warm felicitations to all our countrymen on behalf of all Punjabis living in the country and abroad. I wish them all good health, prosperity and bright future.
On this red letter day, I bow my head in reverence to martyrs and the patriots of India’s freedom struggle, known and unknown, who displayed unprecedented heroism and valour thereby making supreme sacrifices to make our country free from the shackles of British yoke. Let us take this opportunity to rededicate ourselves to realize the great vision of those who translated the dream of an independent and sovereign India into a reality.
Here I proudly recall the unique and unparalleled role of Punjabis in the freedom movement. In fact, they were the valiant Punjabis who pioneered various movements for ending centuries-old British imperialism. Bhai Maharaj Singh- a Punjabi warrior was the first to lay down his life for this noble cause. The great martyrs of Punjab Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Diwan Singh Kalepani, Baba Ram Singh, Sohan Singh Bhakna and several others shed every drop of their blood to achieve the ultimate goal of Independence.
The memory of the great warriors of Kuka Movement, Gaddar Party, Babbar Akali Movement, Kama Ghata Maru Episode, Agrarian Movement, Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Liberation of Gurdwara Movement, Jaito Morcha and the Parja Mandal Movement reminds us on this auspicious day of the heroic tale of Punjab’s contribution towards India’s freedom struggle. Not only this, Punjab being the border State also suffered the brunt of partition.
The outstanding contribution of my fellow Punjabis in zealously guarding and preserving India’s hard-earned independence and in ushering in an era of overall development is highly commendable. Whenever India faced any challenge from internal or external aggression, the valiant Punjabis have always come forward with unmatched courage to protect the integrity and honour of the nation. Whether in the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, or the more recent hostilities in Kargil, counter insurgency operations in Kashmir and other parts of India, the outstanding and exemplary contribution of Punjabi soldiers at par excellence would ever be remembered by one and all.
Independence Day, though a joyous occasion of celebrations and elation, it is yet also a moment for introspection and of setting new goals for spectacular development of the State. It is therefore high time that we rededicate ourselves to the ideals and principles set up by our forefathers of the freedom struggle. If we make an objective assessment of the State’s development scenario in three-and-a-half years since the SAD-BJP Government took the reins of the State in March 2007, it is satisfying to note that we have excelled in every sphere be it agriculture, power, infrastructure, health and education. When we started our voyage, the path was strewn with odds and obstacles as the previous Government left the entire state in quandary and financial mess due to its ill-conceived policies. To put Punjab in the orbit of high growth trajectory, our SAD-BJP Government has taken bold initiatives coupled with pragmatic policies and programmes that have enabled us to achieve the desired results in the respective fields as under:-
Power
To make Punjab as a power surplus state by 2012-13, our government has sanctioned four thermal plants at Talwandi Sabo (1980 MW), Goindwal Sahib (540 MW), Rajpura (2100 MW) and Gidderbaha (2680 MW). Work is in full swing on three thermal plants and fourth one at Gidderbaha is in the advance stage of implementation. Besides, additional power of nearly 525 MW has been generated by Co-generation, Bio-mass, Mini Hydro power and Solar power to augment the power supply in the state. We have taken up with the GoI to advise NTPC to set up atleast 4000 MW capacity coal based thermal plant in Punjab.
Agriculture
On the agricultural front Punjab has been instrumental in ensuring national food security, consistently contributing about 45% of wheat and 25% of rice towards the Central Pool. Even under drought like situation in 2009, the State produced 168 lac MT of paddy and contributed about 138 lac MT of paddy for the Central Pool. During Rabi 2010, 152 lac MT of wheat was produced.
River Conservation
The Punjab government has embarked upon an ambitious programme of the cleaning of the river Satluj, the Beas and the Ghaggar at a cost of Rs.2054 crore thereby ensuring that all the cities in Punjab to have proper drainage and a water supply system. Strengthening of Buddha Nallah has been finalized at an investment of Rs.68 crore and subsequently a proposal has been made to use 250 cusecs of treated water from lower Buddha Nallah for irrigation purpose at a cost of Rs. 133 crore. Strenuous efforts are afoot to declare river Ghaggar as a 'National Project'.
Education
Punjab has already heralded a revolution in education with the setting up of a Central university at Bathinda, world class innovative University at Amritsar, an IIT at Ropar and up coming Indian School of Business at Mohali. These prestigious institutions of world standard would offer varied opportunities in the filed of advanced learning. Apart from this, 7 hi- tech government polytechnic colleges, 15 degree colleges and 21 model schools are being established across the state. As many as 26000 teachers had been recruited to ensure the smooth functioning of the schools. It is a matter of pride that the Punjab state achieved 2nd position in the country for successful implementation of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and ranked 6th from the earlier 14th position in India on education development index as per report of National University Educational Planning and Administration for the year 2009-10.
Employment Generation
The SAD-BJP government has laid special emphasizes on the Skill Development programme to train our unemployed youth in collaboration with renowned Bharti Wal Mart to impart training in retailing, logistics and supply chain management, L&T for construction skills and Tata Motors for driving and Automotive skills. A naval academy and Maharaja Ranjit Singh preparatory institute for military training at Mohali is being established to ensure the placement of our youth in the defence services. A network of C-PYTE Centers at all districts has been instrumental in providing jobs to the unemployed youth as well as making them self employed.
Healthcare
To ensure the best medical and healthcare facilities, our government has prepared a plan of Rs 340 crore for upgradation of infrastructure and equipment in the government hospitals. The entire project will be completed with in one-and-half year. Two Super speciality Hospitals are being set up in Public Private Partnership over government land in Mohali and Bathinda in collaboration with MAX Healthcare at a cost of Rs.300 crore. Over 400 doctors and specialists have been recruited. A massive up-gradation project of Government Medical Colleges of Amritsar, Faridkot and Patiala is being undertaken at Rs.250 crore.
Infrastructure
Our government has given top priority to infrastructure development in the state. Major initiatives have been taken to revamp the infrastructure involving an investment of approximately Rs.17000 crore. 1600 KMs of new roads are being constructed during the current year at a cost of Rs.400 crore. Six- lanning of National Highway No.1 from Rajpura to Amritsar, four lanning of major road corridors viz. Chandigarh-Ferozepur, Chandigarh-Bathinda, Amritsar-Pathankot and Jalandhar- Pathankot have been taken up to improve the connectivity across he state. As many as 99 projects involving an investment of Rs.13389 crore have been planned, amongst them major projects are 11 BOT roads, 7 bus terminals, 39 inter state check points and 2 sport complexes at Mohali and Bathinda. Out of 27 ROBs/RUBs, 18 have been completed and remaining 9 will be completed by March 31, 2011 at a cost of Rs. 378.65 crore. Besides, 18 new ROBs/RUBs would be constructed at a cost of Rs.350 crore during 2011-12. Two high level bridges one at Sarai Ka Pattan and another at Makhu are near completion besides a submersible bridge at Bhangi Choe had been completed at the total cost of Rs.130 crore.
Industry
Our government has notified a New Industrial Policy, under which special package of concessions has been provided for Information Technology & Knowledge based industries, agro based industries and food processing industries. Punjab Special Economic Zones Act, 2009 has been enacted. The most prestigious project of Guru Gobind Singh Refinery at Bathinda being implemented by world acclaimed Mittal Group of industries in collaboration with HPCL with an investment of about Rs.19, 000 crore is likely to be commissioned by 2011.
Urban development
In order to steer urban growth in planned manner the State Government has undertaken the task of formulation of Master Plan of urban key areas. Master plan of 10 towns – Ludhiana, Mohali, Mullanpur, Dera Bassi, Zirakpur, Kharar, Banur, Bathinda, Abohar, Sri Hargobindpur and Regional Plan Mohali has already been notified. Master Plan of 34 towns is in process of completion. In Phase two of Urban Development Strategy, 40 towns have been added to the list of already declared Local Planning Areas of 44 towns. Master Plans of these towns have already been initiated and they are in the preliminary stage of formulation.
Civil Aviation
Civil Aviation has proved to be a success story for Punjab as our state was perhaps the smallest one to have three international airports at Mohali and Amritsar and we are all set to secure another Greenfield International Airport near Ludhiana. Civil Airport at Sahnewal near Ludhiana has been made functional and another at Bathinda would soon become operational. Two flying academies at Talwandi Sabo and Faridkot are also being set up.
Social Security
Our government’s commitment to the welfare of the poor is reflected in the novel atta-dal scheme. Punjab is probably the first state in the country to launch Atta-Dal Scheme to provide wheat and dal to at Rs.4 per kg and Dal at Rs.20 per kg to approximately 16 lac families at a cost of Rs.400 crore per annum. The government has also enhanced the amount of Shagun Scheme from Rs.5100 to Rs.15000 given as a financial grant to Scheduled Castes/Christian girls at the time of their daughter’s marriage.
Our Government has sincerely ventured to make Punjab as a front-runner State on the national map. It is a testimony to the people’s whole-hearted support and cooperation that has ushered in an era of overall development and progress in the State. Our plans and programmes would not have achieved the desired impact sans people’s participation in the process of development. I am confident that the development initiatives of our Government could succeed only if the masses are responsive towards their rights and duties.
On the historic occasion, I call upon my people to work hard and strive to achieve real freedom in life. Imbibed by this spirit, we shall make Punjab a peaceful, prosperous and happy abode and above all No.1 state in the country.
I wish one and all a happy celebration of 64th Independence Day.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Governance Reforms set to make the life of citizens comfortable-
Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab
Dear citizens,
On the eve of our 64th Independence Day, I extend my warmest greetings to all Punjabis, living in India and abroad. I also extend a special word of gratitude to the brave personnel of the Armed Forces and Para-military forces who are constantly protecting the frontiers of our country.
This pious day is an occasion to pay homage to our great national leaders, valiant freedom fighters - both known and unknown - who made many sacrifices, including of their lives to liberate India from colonial rule. This is an occasion to recall the unique feature of our freedom struggle that was fought and won on the noble principles of truth and non-violence, making it a unique movement in the history of nations. As inheritors of such a great legacy, it is our deemed duty to uphold these high values.
Our Constitution provides the nation strong pillars of stability. It gives to citizens their fundamental rights and freedoms but also lays down fundamental duties. Often, we are vocal about our rights but we tend to focus less on our numerous duties. We have duties towards the country, society and family, of which we can ignore none. We must remember that while discharging our duties, we have an obligation to act responsibly.
Vision:
About three and half years ago Shiromani Akali Dal- BJP government led by Legendry politician S. Parkash Singh Badal took over the reins of State with a focused approach to usher in an era of administrative reforms besides upgrading the infrastructure of the state including Power, Roads, Education, Civil Aviation sectors to induce investors to invest heavily in the state. Industrial growth in Punjab had suffered tremendously during the decade long violence in the State beside lack of focus of previous government on infrastructural development. The SAD-BJP government had promised to correct this structural imbalance in the economy of the state and rapid development of infrastructure during last year bore witness to this.
Location Disadvantage:
Punjab being the land locked state, always suffered from location disadvantage. Besides being a border state, State’s location away from the ports, mines of natural ores besides poorly connected with rail and air network were certain basic shortcomings keeping investors away from Punjab. The decision of Union Government to extend concessions to the Industry in the adjoining hill states made Punjab highly taxed island, surrounded by states enjoying tax holiday. Under these adverse circumstances, the fresh investment could be attracted only by ensuring uninterrupted quality Power to the industry, improving Air and Road connectivity with rest of country and also improving intrastate road connectivity. Up-grading the Rajasansi Airport (Amritsar) and Mohali airport to international level besides starting domestic flights to Ludhiana(Sahnewal), Bathinda and Pathankot and also planning the third green field International airport at Machhiwara (Ludhiana) is set to make Punjab most air connected state of the country.
Power:
Realizing the fact that Punjab’s economy was suffering because of deficient power, our government took the major initiative to plan projects to make Punjab power surplus state within its tenure of five years. After detailed planning, financial bidding, coal linkage clearances and other mandatory clearances from Union Government including Power, coal, pollution and forest ministry besides clearing all hurdles including the difficult task of land acquisition, the work on three super Thermal Plants at Talwandi Sabo, Goindwal Sahib and Rajpura with combined generation capacity of 3840 MW and investment of Rs. 19000 crores was put on fast track. The work on 2640 MW super Thermal Plant to be set up at Gidderbaha was awaiting mandatory coal linkage clearance from Union Coal Ministry.
The Punjab government has led the nation in successful unbundling of Punjab State Electricity Board by setting up two corporations and resultantly not only the State was witnessing improved power supply but the work of power distribution is all set to get a big boost with Rs. 2300 crores projects are being implemented for smooth power distribution. Besides these traditional sources of Power, 29 Mini Biomass plants are rapidly approaching towards completion. These unique mini plants would generate 700 MW power besides giving value addition to the farmers to the tune of Rs. 10,000 per acre. Punjab was targeting to generate 10% of total installed capacity from renewable sources and next two year it was targeting to generate 1000 MW from this sector.
Administrative Reforms:
Our government is fully convinced of the fact that no State can develop unless its citizens become an active partner in its progress. We felt an urgent need to improve the interaction with public and making it pleasant. That’s why we have been keeping focus on implementing administrative reforms as suggested by the Punjab State Governance Reforms Commission to improve the delivery of 54 public services. I am happy that the year 2010 would witness fructification of more than 75 percent administrative reforms to make day-to-day governance more responsive, accountable and transparent. The Punjab has become first state in the country to do away with affidavits in all cases except in those where it was legally binding. The reforms, are set to eliminate the various impediments because of which people have to face harassment in Government offices. The major reforms include the issuance or renewal of certificates for birth, death, marriage, driving and arms licenses, registration of property, availability of revenue records like "Fards", property sale and purchase documents etc. Now these days the use of Information and Communication technology is a key tool for efficient and transparent governance. The offices of the revenue officials, like Patwari and Tehsildar as well as other points of public delivery like the offices of the Deputy Commissioners, S.D.Ms, D.T.Os etc. would be made totally people-friendly and accessible with automatic and in-built time frames for every work and grievance redress. Punjab is all set to setup e-grams in 3000 villages, providing all in one internet connected kiosks at the door step of villagers. The Police department has also embarked upon a massive exercise of setting up Police Suvidha Kendra in the cities and villages to provide civil services to the people. The ultimate aim of all these reforms is to eliminate corruption in Public life besides checking the red-tapism in the working of the government.
Road Infrastructure:
In a major initiative to upgrade road infrastructure in the state, the state government had planned to invest more than Rs 25,000 crore into a series ambitious futuristic projects aimed at improving the efficiency of road transport network. Under this ambitious programme, the state government had chalked out infrastructure revamp in Punjab, covering over 13,000 kilometers and involving major four-laning, six-laning, widening and up-gradation of all key transport arteries in the state
Punjab during last three years has achieved a rare distinction of constructing and completing maximum ROBs in the Northern Railway. We started on 27 ROBs/RUBs in the State with an estimated cost of Rs. 400 crore out of which 14 ROBs have been completed and opened to traffic. The remaining 13 ROBs/RUBs will be completed within the current financial year. 12 more ROBs/RUBs will be constructed during the next financial year with an estimated cost of Rs. 250 crore.
The other projects set to be completed by June 2011 include 4-laning of Zirakpur – Patiala (NH-64) road ( Rs. 460 crore ), 4-laning of Patiala – Bathinda road (Rs. 1400 crore) and 6-laning of Sher Shah Suri Marg (NH-1) from Panipat to Jalandhar (Rs. 2700 crore). The 6-Lane National Highway would have access control with Flyovers to be constructed in all cities falling along this road and underpasses to be constructed to cross the main roads. Similarly, 4-laning of Dhilwan to Amritsar Wagha Border ( Rs. 470 crore ), 4-laning of 102 km long Pathankot-Amritsar (NH-15) with an estimated cost of Rs.800 crore , 4-laning of 45 km long Kurali to Kiratpur Sahib (NH-21) road ( Rs. 309 crore ), 4-laning of 92 km long Ludhiana – Talwandi ( Rs.480 crore ) are other significant road projects, that would make an important contribution in easing out the traffic on these routes. Our State is all set to upgrade 5 important roads with total length 240km under BOT scheme with an estimated cost of Rs. 400 crore. In addition, there is a proposal to upgrade 5 other roads along various canals running in the State with total length 248 km with an estimated cost of Rs. 500 crore.
The work of high level bridge over Sutlej river at Sarai Ka Pattan another bridge over same river near Makhu with an estimated cost of Rs. 100 crore is about to complete.
In addition, the State government has also decided to construct 3 no. High Level Bridges over river Beas crossing Sultanpur Lodhi – Chola Sahib Road, over Chakki river on Mirthal – Dina Nagar road and over Sutlej river crossing Ludhiana – Rahon road during the next financial year with an estimated cost of Rs. 180 crore and these will be completed during the next 2 years.
The work for the 4-laning of 28 km long Southern Byepass Ludhiana from Doraha to Ludhiana – Ferozepur road along Sidhwan Canal has been started with an estimated cost of Rs. 400 crore which will be completed by December 2011. ROBs over Dhuri and Ferozepur railway line and flyovers to cross other important roads will be constructed along this road. The State government has also decided to construct 8 km long Ropar Byepass with an estimated cost of Rs. 150 crore during the next financial year which includes construction of High Level Bridges over Sutlej river, Sirhind Canal and Bist Doab canal. The work on the connecting road from Ropar Headworks to IIT has been started and will be completed within this financial year.
Education Sector Initiatives:
To put education sector back on rails, the Punjab government had recruited approximately 35000 teachers in the schools. Rs.400 crore scheme for setting up Adarsh Schools to provide quality education to poor and meritorious children free of cost was being implemented successfully. Rs.141 crore had been spent for upgradation of infrastructure in 351 Government Senior Secondary and High Schools in every constituency of the State. Rs.634 crore had also been spent on the upgradation of infrastructure in elementary schools to provide safe drinking water and toilet facilities in 19000 schools.
To provide quality human resource back up to the upcoming industry, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar has already started classes. Indian Institute of Information & Technology (IIIT) would be setup soon. World Class Indian School of Business (ISB) is setting up its second India campus at SAS Nagar (Mohali) as part of Knowledge City. Central University set up at Bathinda and World-Class University is to come up at Amritsar. The State government had already laid the foundation stones of 13 Degree colleges having a joint cost of Rs. 104 crores in educationally backward areas.
Civil Aviation:
The Punjab was all set to achieve another rare distinction of emerging the highest air connected state with the setting up of Rs 2300 crore Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport at Mohali and Rs. 17000 crore Greenfield Airport to be setup near Ludhiana. The upgradation and expansion of Amritsar International Airport is on full swing and the state government had already handed over the required 43 acres of land to the Airport authorities. While domestic flights from Sahnewal domestic Airport had already commenced. A domestic civil terminal at Bathinda is being setup besides New Flying Academies to be set up at Faridkot and Talwandi Sabo.
Water supply and Sanitation:
Our government is committed to provide safe drinking water to each urban as well as rural household in the state by 2012. Construction of more than 3000 water works is going on full swing and all set to be completed in current financial year under Rs. 1200 crore World Bank sponsored Punjab Rural Water Supply & Sanitation project. Besides this, setting up of around 500 Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants in potable water scarcity hit villages and cities have already been completed or near completion. The State government has set a target of constructing one lac toilets under the total sanitation campaign during current financial year.
The State government has set up a unique Shikayat Nivaran Kendra with a toll free number for redressing complaints related to rural water supply schemes in the State.
Bathinda Refinery:
I am happy to inform that Bathinda Refinery that was scuttled on fast by Capt. Amarinder Singh for five years is on fast track and would be completed much before scheduled date of completion in March, 2011. This Rs. 18991 crore Guru Gobind Singh Refinery Ltd. - a prestigious project in collaboration with HPCL and LN Mittal Group is all set to develop as one of the major Petro Chemical Hubs in Asia, besides putting the agro based state like Punjab on higher orbit of rapid industrialization. This refinery besides Thermal plants in Talwandi Sabo and Gidderbaha are set to give a boost to ancillary industry in the region besides generating employment avenues for thousands of youth of Punjab.
Agriculture:
Let me congratulate the farmers of the State for surpassing all previous records in the record production of wheat and paddy despite 70% deficient rains and virtual refusal of Union government to reimburse extra money spent by farmers on diesel. The recent floods in Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, SAS Nagar has destroyed freshly sown paddy and other crops on more than 1.80 lac acres of land. The state government rose to the challenge posed by this natural calamity and ordered immediate relief to flood hit farmers. The state government has paid Rs. 5ooo per acre as per central norms and has requested Union government to enhance the relief to Rs. 10,000 per acre. Meanwhile flood hit farmers in Punjab have been provided seeds, for re-sowing crops free of cost. I am sure that farmers despite floods would surpass last year production target in paddy, fulfilling over commitment to National Food Security. The people of India are indebted to the farmers of Punjab for making India self-sufficient on the front of food security but Union government by not compensating farmers due to increased cost of agricultural inputs was pushing them deeper in debt trap every day.
Atta-Dal Scheme:
Punjab has emerged leading state in the country by launching Atta-Dal Scheme to provide Wheat at Rs.4 per kg and Dal at Rs.20 per kg to approximately 14 lac families at a cost of Rs.400 crore per annum. It is the only state in the county that was providing subsidized wheat and protein rich pulses to the poor families so that nobody should starve in era of ever rising inflation. Punjab government has requested Union Government to cover all Atta-Dal families in the proposed Food Security Bill.
Shagun Scheme:
The government has also enhanced the amount of Shagun Scheme from Rs.5100 to Rs.15000 given as a financial grant to Scheduled Castes/Christian girls at the time of their marriage. In a major decision Mehra Biradari has also been made eligible for Shagun Scheme.
Welfare of NRIs:
To tackle the problems of NRIs, The Punjab government has decided to constitute a Commission for NRIs. The Commission would be headed by a retired Judge of High Court and would entertain only those issues that could not be tackled by any department. The Commission is being constituted to provide expeditious relief to the NRIs in their various disputes especially in the matter of property, marital and immigration. East Punjab Rent Act has been amended empowering NRIs to get their property on rent vacated from the tenants. NRI police stations have been setup in 6 districts having predominant NRI population. One court for NRI population has been opened in Jalandhar in consultation with Punjab and Haryana High Court and all districts would soon have separate NRI courts.
On this day, let us remember all those martyrs who laid down their lives for the freedom and security of our country. Let us also make a pledge that we will spare no effort to take our State as well as our Country to greater heights and I am sure that this was the best way of paying homage to all those brave sons of our country who sacrificed their present for our future. On this sacred occasion we should also made resolve to always remain committed to strengthening the unity and integrity of our nation.
On this pious day, let us all commit ourselves to strive for a better State with great future.
Jai Hind
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51168 PATIENTS EXAMINED AT 185 CAMPS HELD ACROSS PUNJAB
Chandigarh, August 14:
A very warm response was received from the people during the 2nd day of the series of free medical camps organized by Health and Family Welfare Department, Punjab across the state to mark the Independence Day. These camps with a special focus upon maternal & child health care services were held in all the govt community health centers, sub-divisional hospitals and district hospitals of the state.
Prof Laxmi Kanta Chawla, Health & Family Welfare Minister supervised these camps and visited around 8 health institutions in the districts of Tarn Taran and Amritsar. Health Secretary, Satish Chandra made visits to the health institutions of District Ludhiana and Fatehgerh Sahib. Dr JP Singh visited areas of district Jalandhar and Moga to supervise the camps.
Giving detailed information in this regard Prof Laxmi Kanta Chawla, Health Minister Punjab informed that in today’s camps a total no of 51168 patients were examined and given free medicines wherever required. These included 17113 females, 12119 children & 13843 pregnant women. Besides this laboratory tests were conducted for 15965 patients. During the camps held yesterday in the urban slum areas of all districts 19638 patients were examined by the medical teams of health department.
Meanwhile separately, Ayurveda department, Punjab also held today at 20 places across the state, medical checkup camps for Anemia patients, during which 11542 patients were examined. Pregnant ladies, who were found anemic after blood test, were given medicines free of cost.
Health Minister informed that 15-August will be celebrated in all District and Sub-division hospitals wherein senior officers of the state headquarter will interact with patients and unfurl the National flag.
Ms Raji P Srivastava, Managing Director, PHSC visited SBS Nagar and Hoshiarpur districts; Sh B. Purusartha, Mission Director, NRHM supervised these camps at Patiala and Sangrur; Sh Vinod Kumar Bhalla, Commissioner AYUSH in Mukatsar and Ferozepur districts.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hundreds of students participated in Aryans Counseling
Chandigarh, 14 Aug. 2010:
Aryans Group of Colleges (AGC) organized a BBA /BCA career counseling camp on 14th August at SD College, Chandigarh.Hundreds of students participated in it. During last few days many students have been disappointed because they are very keen to pursue their careers but due to non availability of seats or the expiry of last dates of application they been left out. With a view to give a new direction to their careers they participated in the camp with full enthusiasm and zeal.
During the camp, the team of AGC presented an illustrious presentation through audio- visual aids on courses available, their eligibility criteria and fee structures etc. Not only this, they also made the students aware about the scope of courses after 2-4 years when the candidate would complete that course.
While interacting with the media, Dr.Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group said that as now the seats have been filled in the colleges of city so now this is a golden opportunity for the students offered by Aryans where they can pursue their higher studies. He further added that 100% placement assistance is also provided to students to provide a platform to them for their careers.
It is to be mentioned that BBA, BCA is full time 3 year / 6 semester’s duration course which is Approved by Govt of Punjab & affiliated to Punjab Technical University (PTU), Jalandhar.
The group is offering full time regular courses of MBA, PGDM, BBA, BCA & Executive MBA (First AICTE approved MBA in Punjab).All courses offered by Aryans Group are approved from All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) & affiliated to Punjab Technical University (PTU), Jalandhar. The campus is situated at Chandigarh-Patiala highway, near Chandigarh and offers separate hostel facility for boys & girls.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Badal seeks Union Environment Ministry's sanction for Rs. 473 crore for river
Chandigarh AUGUST 13:
Badal seeks Union Environment Ministry's sanction for Rs. 473 crore for river conservation project Asks Jairam Ramesh to give permission for Artificial incubation of peafowls Harsimrat Badal seeks study from Ministry of environment on ground water in Malwa region.
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought early clearance of detailed project reports submitted by the state government to the Ministry of Environment for seven towns of Jalandhar, Moga, Hoshiarpur, Mukerian, Tanda, Dasuya and Bhulath under River Conservation Project on the river Satluj at a cost of Rs.472.57 crore as a first priority.
Mr. Badal along with Member Parliament from Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal called on the Union Minister of State for Environment & Forests Mr. Jairam Ramesh in his office at New Delhi this evening.
Expressing gratitude to Mr. Ramesh for having approved the schemes and sanctioning funds for abatement of pollution in the rivers from the towns of Banga, Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar, Phillaur and Phagwara, Mr. Badal also urged the Minister to clear the proposals for Makhu, Dharmkot, Zira, Talwandi Bhai, Kapurthala, Begowal, Dhilwan, Rayya and Sham Chaurasi and also sought sanction for abatement of pollution in the rivers of the state. He also requested the Minister to grant permission to commence work on these projects from the state share in anticipation of approval from the Ministry, so as to save precious time in conserving the cleanliness of the river water in the state.
Showing deep concern regarding the decreasing numbers of peafowls, the National bird of the country, Mr. Badal urged the Ministry of Environment to allow the propagating the Peafowl's in the state through ex-situ conservation by use of latest technology of artificial incubation and subsequent release of such kind of birds into the alternative habitats including Bir Talab Block Forest. Mr. Badal urged Mr. Ramesh to accord permission to the Chief Wild Warden Punjab for collecting eggs of peafowl's from wild for this purpose as the government was ready to develop requisite infrastructure for it.
Taking part in the deliberations, Member Parliament Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal sought a detailed study to be conducted from Ministry of Environment to ascertain the reasons for the high level of contamination due to presence of poisoness substances like urea and lead in the ground water in the Malwa region especially in Bathinda and Mansa district. She also apprised the Minister about the presence of carcinogenic elements in the blood samples of the farmers and the breast milk of women in the region. She said that the study would help the state government to take suitable remedial measures to improve the quality of ground water and also check its falling water table.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Additional Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Chief Conservative Wild Life Punjab Mr. Gurbaz Singh, besides Joint Secretary Ministry of Environment Mr. Rajiv Gauba.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SERIES OF MEDICAL CAMPS BEGINS- 19638 PATIENTS EXAMINED AT
30 CAMPS HELD IN URBAN-SLUMS OF PUNJAB
Chandigarh, August 13
The series of free medical camps across the state organized by Health and Family Welfare Department, Punjab from 13th – 15th August to mark Independence Day began today with 30 medical camps being held at various urban slum areas of different districts.
Prof Laxmi Kanta Chawla, Health & Family Welfare Minister told that these camps were supervised by all the senior most officers of the departments in different districts. She added that during these camps today 19,638 patients were checked and were given free medicines etc. 9606 females, 2479 pregnant women & 5552 children were also examined during these camps, whereas laboratory tests were conducted for 5981 patients.
Health Minister informed that on Saturday, medical camps with special focus on maternal and child health services are being held in all district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals and community health centers of the state and 15-August will be celebrated in all District and Sub-division hospitals where senior officers of the state headquarter will interact with patients. National flag will be unfurled in these health institutions.
Prof Chawla said that these camps are being supervised by senior officers from the state. She herself supervised these camps at Amritsar and Tarn Taran whereas Sh Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary supervised the camps in the districts of Ludhiana and Fatehgarh Sahib. Ms Raji P Srivastava, Managing Director, PHSC visited SBS Nagar and Hoshiarpur districts; Sh B. Purusartha, Mission Director, NRHM supervised these camps at Patiala and Sangrur; Sh Vinod Kumar Bhalla, Commissioner AYUSH in Mukatsar and Ferozepur districts; Dr J.P. Singh, Director Health Services in Jalandhar and Moga districts. These officers would also supervise the camps to be held on Saturday.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUNJAB ALLOCATES RS.6.49 CRORE FOR FLOOD PREVENTION
IN 10 DISTRICTS
CHANDIGARH AUGUST 12:
The Punjab government today sanctioned Rs.6.49 crore for carrying out preventive flood protection works in advance to tackle any emergency situation at different critical points on embankments in flood prone districts of Ropar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Kapurthala, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr and Barnala following the increased water level in various rivers and reservoirs due to heavy rainfall in the region.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal while presiding over a high level meeting of deputy commissioners and heads of various departments. Expressing concern over the situation, Mr. Badal directed all the deputy commissioners to strengthen embankments of all drains, rivers and canals passing through their respective districts.
The deputy commissioners Ropar had been allotted Rs.1.04 crore, Rs.50 lakh each for Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur and Kapurthala, Rs.1 crore each for Ferozepur and Gurdaspur, Rs. 75 lakh for Hoshiarpur, Rs.45 lakh for Nawanshahr and Rs.25 lakh for Barnala.
The Chief Minister asked the Deputy Commissioners to keep a strict vigil and regularly send daily report at the state headquarters.
Prominent amongst who attended the meeting included Revenue & Rehabilitation Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mrs.Romila Dubey, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. KBS Sidhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Special Secretary Revenue Ms.Bhawna Garg and deputy commissioners of Ropar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Kapurthala, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr and Barnala.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BADAL REVIEWS PROGRESS OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN PATIALA
Asks Sewerage Board to Complete Sewerage and Drinking Water
by October 2010
CHANDIGARH AUGUST 12:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Punjab State Sewerage Board & Water Supply to complete the ongoing sewerage and water supply projects of Rs.125 crore expeditiously to cover the entire city of Patiala by the end of October 2010.
A decision to this effect was given by Mr. Badal in a high level meeting held under his chairmanship to review all the major development projects of Patiala. Mr. Badal said that he would ensure timely completion of these projects and assured sufficient funds.
The Chief Minister directed the deputy commissioner Patiala to explore possibilities to commercially exploit the vacant government land in the district to raise funds which could be further utilized for the various development projects in the city. Mr. Badal further asked the mayor and deputy commissioner to identify such land that could be transferred to the improvement trust Patiala for the construction of commercial and residential units.
On the directions of the Chief Minister, a committee has also been constituted under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner to finalize the construction and renovation cases of 48 dharmshalas in Patiala.
To facelift the entire city, the Chief Minister asked the PWD and Municipal Corporation to jointly undertake the strengthening and beautification work of the roads under their jurisdiction. He further asked PWD to develop walking tracks along the roads within next three months. The Chief Minister would convene next meeting on August 25 to review the progress of these projects.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included former Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Kohli, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Secretary Local Government Mr. SS Rajput, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Mr. BC Bala, DC Patiala Mr. Dipinder Singh, MD Sewerage Board Mr. Satpal Angrula, mayor Mr. Ajit Singh Kohli, chairman improvement trust Patiala Mr. Inder Mohan Singh Bajaj and BJP leader Mr. Arun Goyal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUNJAB GOVT. CONSTITUTES POTATO DEVELOPMENT BOARD
CHANDIGARH AUGUST 12:
In a bid to improve the quality of potato crop and ensure its better marketing mechanism, the Punjab Government today constituted an 11-member Potato Development Board under the Chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of Chief Minister's Office said that the Agriculture Minister would be the Vice Chairman of the board. The official members of the board would comprise: Financial Commissioner Development, Vice Chancellor Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana or his representative, Managing Director Markfed, Managing Director Punjab Agri-Export Corporation, Director Potato Research Centre Jalandhar, Director Horticulture besides three non official members Mr. Sukhjit Singh Bhatti President POSCON, Mr. Raghvir Singh, President Jalandhar Potato growers Association and Mr. Jang Bahadur Singh Sangha.
The board would also review the prospects of potato crop from time to time and give recommendations to improve its quality and devising ways and means for its storage.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Flag Hoisting Schedule of CM , Dy. CM and Ministers announced
Chandigarh August 12:
The programme for unfurling the National Flag
and taking the salute has been announced. S .Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab will unfurl the National Flag at Ferozepur at a state level function. S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Dy. Chief Minister will hoist the National Flag at Bathinda. S. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha will unfurl the National Flag at Ludhiana.
The Cabinet Ministers, Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Industries Minister, Mr. Ranjeet Singh Brahmpura, Rural Development Minister, Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, Finance Minister , Mr. Tikshan Sud, Medical Education Minister, Prof. Lakshmi Kanta Chawla, Health Minister, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Revenue Minister, Master Mohan Lal, Transport Minister would unfurl the National Flag at Jallandhar, Amritsar, Patiala,Ropar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiapur and Mohali respectively.
S. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry Minister, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa , Mr.Swarna Ram, Technical Education, S.Sucha Singh Langha Agriculture Minister, S. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Irrigation Minister, S. Hira Singh Gabria, Tourism and Cultural Affairs and Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan Information and Public Relations Minister would hoist the National Flag at Tarntarn, Fatehgarh Sahib, Saheed Bhagat Singh Nagar , Kapurthala, Faridkot, Moga and Sangrur respectively.
The Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Education, Mr. Harish Rai Thanda Local Government, Ch. Nand Lal, Water Supply and Sanitation; Mr. Desh Raj Dhuga, PWD & B&R, Mr. Sital Singh, Medical Education and Research; Mr. Jagdip Singh Nakai, Co-operation ; Mr. Bikram Singh Khalsa, Technical Education ; Mr. Avinash Chander, Health and Family Welfare ; Mr. Arunesh Shakar, Food and Civil Supplies; Mr. Sukhpal Singh Nanu, Revenue; Mr. Raj Kumar Khurana, Finance and Mr. Sohan Singh Dhandal, Agriculture would hoist the national flag at Barnala, Mukatsar, Mansa, Dasuha, Nihal Singh Wala, Rampuraphul, Khanna , Batala, Mukarian, Jalalabad, Rajpura and Garshankar.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CM OKAYS WASTE LAND DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT IN MALWA REGION
CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 11:
In a bid to tackle the perennial problem of water logging and soil salinity in the Malwa region, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave a green signal to an innovative integrated agribusiness pilot project to be implemented by M/s. Nasa Agro Industries Ltd. at Sajrana (Ferozepur district).
A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister after going through a detailed presentation by Managing Director, NASA Agro Industries Ltd. Mr. Sanjeev Nagpal here this morning.
It was informed in the meeting that this Rs.82 Crore project would involve development of fish farms on waste lands, setting up of biogas plants based on paddy straw and setting up of Centre of Excellence for the standardization of food processing technologies and M/s. Nasa Agro Industries Ltd. would implement this project through M/s. SAMPURAN Agri Ventures Pvt. Ltd. in which M/s. Kirloskar Integrated Techology Ltd. and Punjab Agro-Industries Corporation (PAIC) would also be stakeholders.
Expressing concern over the soil degradation and water logging in the areas of Muktsar, Ferozepur and Faridkot districts, Mr. Badal said that at present 1,25,000 hactre land was facing this problem that had aggravated the plight of the farmers and government was keen to launch a project at war footing to tackle this problem.
Mr. Sanjeev Nagpal, Managing Director, Nasa Agro Industries Ltd. gave a detailed presentation on the concept of the project. It is proposed to bring 200 acres of land belonging to farmers under fish farming, 50 acres owned by Mr. Sanjeev Nagpal for setting up of Centre of Excellence and another 100 acres for development of food processing industry. M/s. DHV of Netherlands would provide technology for desalination of water. The representative of M/s. DHV – Mr. Ashish Katoch informed that the proposed technology is in operation for last 25 years in Netherlands. Mr. Deepak Palwangar, Head Marketing, Kirloskar informed that his company has done pioneering work in the field of processing of paddy straw into biogas. He further informed that in the pilot project it is proposed to generate power to the extent of 5 MW from paddy straw, which will be supplied to the upcoming food processing industry in the proposed industry belt. The residue from the power plant would be converted into compost, which would be available at 2/3rd price of chemical fertilizers. The effluent from the digester of bio-gas plant would be further treated for conversion into valued added products like silica, lignin and cattle feed.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Financial Commission Development Mr. NS Kang, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gagandip Singh Brar, MD Punjab Agro-Industries Corporation Mr. SK Sandhu and Director Agriculture Mr. Balwinder Singh Sidhu.
|
-->Click
