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Punjab News: 2010

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CM REVIEWS PADDY PROCUREMENT ARRANGEMENTS
PUNJAB ALL SET FOR PADDY PROCUREMENT
       

CHANDIGARH AUGUST 20:

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal reviewed the of Paddy procurement arrangements in the state for Kharif season 2010-11. He was presiding over a meeting of the senior administrative secretaries and heads of the procurement agencies here late last evening in which Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Food and Civil supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon were also present.

Pointing towards the uncertainty of weather, Mr. Badal asked all the government procurement agencies viz. Pungrain, Markfed, Punsup, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, Punjab Agro and especially the FCI to ensure prompt lifting of Paddy as per their allotted share from the Mandies to save the farmers from undue harassment on one hand and facilitate them in getting timely payment of their produce on the other.

The Chief Minister asked the department to closely monitor the procurement operations in all the districts and directed the officers to visit their assigned districts regularly till the entire exercise was completed.

 In the meeting the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal directed the Deputy Commissioners to involve their District Transport Officers and Sub-Divisional Magistrates in the entire procurement exercise to make sure the smooth and hassle free lifting of paddy.

Food and Civil supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon said that to avoid any inconvenience to the farmers, adequate arrangements for paddy procurement were being completed and procurement would start from October 1, 2010. He said that all the procuring agencies had been directed to make all necessary arrangements of linking the proposed purchase centres/mandis with the storage points/milling centres in such a way so as to incur bare minimum expenditure on transportation.

Secretary, Food and Civil supplies, Mr. DS Grewal, informed in the meeting that total 135 lac MT Paddy was expected this year. He further said that department was making arrangement to procure 140 lac MT of Paddy. He said that total 8 lac bales of gunny bags were required, of which 5.34 lac bales had already been arrived and rest would also be procured by 15th Sept. 2010. FCI also ensured to procure 80,000   bales of gunny bags by the time.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Finanncial Commissioner, Cooperation Dr. BC Gupta, Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister, Mr.DS Guru, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, MD Punjab AgroMr.SK Sandhu, MD Markfed Mr. AS Pannu, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, MD Punsup Mr. Vikas Partap, Director Food & Civil Supplies Ms. Alak Nanda and Director Agriculture Mr.BS Sidhu,  besides the heads of other procurement agencies. 

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GVK REDDY MEETS SUKHBIR

GVK GROUP TO TRIPLE GENERATION CAPACITY OF GOINDWAL THERMAL PLANT

2 X 660 MW SUPER CRITICAL UNITS TO TAKE COMBINED CAPACITY OF GOINDWAL PLANT TO 1860 MW LEVEL·         

PLANT TO BE OPERATIONAL ON DECEMBER 2011

Chandigarh August 20 :

Mr. GVK Reddy Chairman, GVK Group today called on Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, offering to expand the capacity of GVK Goindwal Sahib Thermal Plant by 1320 MW ( 2 X 660 )  in addition to existing capacity of 540 MW(270X2)

Mr. Reddy accompanied by Mr. Krishna Reddy Vice Chairman , Mr. Sanjay Reddy MD and Pradeep Lenka, President, Power offered to setup two units of 660 MW each with super critical technology totaling an combined capacity of 1320 + 540 = 1860 MW, as an efficient techno commercial choice.

Mr. Reddy informed the Deputy Chief Minister that work on existing 2 X 270 MW Goindwal Project was going on ahead of schedule. The Project has achieved Financial Closure and construction activity was in full swing. He said that GVK group was confident to start generating power from this plant much ahead of the scheduled date of December 2011.  He informed that main contractors of the project namely BHEL and Punj Lloyd have mobilized all the resources and all site erection of machinery of project was in full swing.

Offering to setup two additional unites of 660 MWs with super critical technology , Mr. Reddy said that they would be able to install these unites on the existing land of unit  and water availability , evacuation and rail connectivity were sufficient to meet the logistic demand of  expanded mega unit.

He said that the company was laying double railway line from KhadurSahib to Sri Goindwal Sahib and was installing electrostatic precipitators to make these plants virtually pollution free.

Mr. Reddy assured that with the doubling of rail lin ( 35 KM), addition of 400 KV Transmission System, additional Coal Allocation, the capacity of Goindwal Project (1860 MW ) can be commissioned within  lead time. He said that Goindwal Project site has the advantage of River Bias as source of water and would offer an optimum utilization of rail and transmission capacities.

Welcoming the proposal of GVK Group, the Deputy Chief Minister said that he had already suggested GVK Group to explore the possibility of expansion of Goindwal Thermal Plant to make optimum utilization of resources.

Mr. Reddy explained to the Deputy Chief Minister that expanded capacity of Goindwal plant will accrue additional benefit in the shape of mega project as permitted by Central Government, Green (Carbon) credit due to super critical technology, while bridging the growing demand supply gap.

It may be added that SAD-BJP government has initiated four Thermal Plants at the cost of Rs 36000 crore to attain self sufficiency in power sector. The  work on 1980 MW Talwandi Sabo, 1320 MW Rajpura  and 540 MW Goindwal Sahib was in full swing, whereas , 2640 MW Giderwaha plant was awaiting co-linkage  from Union  Government. Recently India Bulls has entered into MOU with Punjab Government to set up 5th thermal plant in District Mansa with capacity of 1080 MW and now with GVK offering to expand the existing unit the dream of Sukhbir Singh Badal to make Punjab power surphlus state was racing towards early realization.

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CM GIVES GREEN SIGNAL TO THE REJUVENATION OF VILLAGE PONDS
AT A COST OF RS.33.66 Cr
 

CHANDIGARH AUGUST 19:

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal gave a nod to a pilot project for the rejuvenation of 512 village ponds in all the districts across the state at a cost of Rs.33.66 crore.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting held here at Chief Minister's residence on Wednesday. 

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister's Office said that the rejuvenation work on 250 village ponds each would be undertaken by the departments of the Water Supply & Sanitation and Rural Development & Panchayats.  Zila Parishad had been designated as the nodal agency for the implementation of the project through the village panchayats. 

Making a power point presentation, Chief Engineer Water Supply & Sanitation Mr. SR Aggarwal apprised that the Technical Wings of the Rural Development and Panchayats and Water Supply & Sanitation departments would provide technical guidance and supervision.     The first phase of the rejuvenation project would be completed by 31st March, 2011.

The Chief Minister asked the Rural Development and Panchayats and Water Supply & Sanitation departments to jointly chalk out a detailed action programme for the execution of rejuvenation project in the remaining ponds of the villages in the second phase so that the rain water could be properly harvested in these rejuvenated ponds which would be further helpful in recharging the ground water. 

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Chairman Zila Parishad Ludhiana Mr. Manpreet Singh Iyali, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Principal Secretary Rural Development & Panchayats Mr. Jagpal Singh, Secretary Water Supply & Sanitation Mr. PS Aujla, Director Rural Development & Panchayats Mr. Gurdev Singh Sidhu and Chairman PPCB Mr. Rajat Aggarwal. 

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PUNJAB ENGAGES ERNS & YOUNG-HALCROW FOR MASTER PLAN OF GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL & KNOWLEDGE CITY IN RAJPURA

CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 19:

To give Impetus to IT industry in the region, the Punjab Government has engaged a Consortium of 'Erns & Young-Halcrow' to prepare the master plan of prestigious up coming Rs. 1200 crore ‘Global Industrial & Knowledge City’ at Rajpura.

A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in a meeting held here. Emphasizing the need to promote IT sector Mr. Badal said that setting up of this IT city would help the state to compete global challenges on one hand and source of employment generation on the other.    

Meanwhile, the Managing Director, Punjab Information & Communication Technology Corporation Ltd. (Punjab InfoTech) Mr. Rakesh Verma informed in the meeting that 1359.5 acres of land for the upcoming IT city had been identified and an estimated cost of Rs. 150 crore had been earmarked to undertake acquisition process.

Mr. Badal also gave approval to Punjab Infotech for arranging short term loan of Rs. 133 crores from the banks.

The Chief Minister also asked CMD Power Com to ensure an uninterrupted IT essential dedicated power supply for this Project and all such important aspects must be taken care of in the Master Plan.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Industries Minister Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Finance Mr. Raj Khurana, Chief Secretary, Mr. S.C. Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. D.S. Guru, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. K.B.S. Sidhu, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce Mr. S.S. Channy, Chairman-cum-Managing Director Transmission Mr. Anurag Aggarwal, Secretary Industries & Commerce Mr. S.S. Bains, M.D. PSIEC Mr. S.S. Rajput, M.D. Infotech Mr. Rakesh Verma and Deputy Commissioner Patiala Mr. Deepinder Singh.

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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHARIF SEASON ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, August 19:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Kharif Season through Canal water from 23-8-2010 to 30-8-2010. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Patiala feeder, Abohar Branch, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab and Sidhwan Branch respectively.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' being in the channels of first preference will run to their indent and  balance water supplies available will be utilized in Ghaggar Branch and its off taking channels i.e Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B'  respectively.

The spokesman further said that all the direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in group 'A'  being in the First preference will run to their indent and balance water supplies available would be utilised in Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries/Minors in  Group 'B'.

The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Main Branch Lower with its distributaries being in the channels of first Preference would run to their indent and balance water would be supplies water available in Lahore Branch,  Sabraon Branch, Kasur Branch Lower with their distributaries respectively.

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Ex-servicemen Advise To Approach Concerned Banks
For Details of their Revised Pension
 

Chandigarh, August 19:

District Sainik Welfare Department Punjab has advised all Ex-servicemen of Punjab to approach concerned banks for details of their revised pension. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the department said that in case of failing log of  details they may contact with respective District Sainik Welfare Office for further action.

Giving the details of pension the spokesman said that all banks were duty bound to calculate the revised pensions of Pre-2006 pensioners by 31 July, 2010 and forward the same to concerned Pension Disbursement Authority for issue of revised Pension Pay Order. The Banks were also duty bound to give detailed Calculation Sheet to each pensioners.

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 GREWAL DONATES STATE AWARD MONEY TO GATKA BODY

Chandigarh August 19:

District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) Mr Harjeet Singh Grewal, who got a state award at the Independence Day function for his contribution in promoting Gatka as a sport, has donated the entire award money of Rs 11,000 to the Punjab Gatka Association (PGA). Grewal had received the award from the Chief Minister Punjab during the state level Independence Day function held at Ferozepur. Mr Grewal, General Secretary of the PGA, had relentlessly perused to the Education Department of Punjab for the inclusion of Gatka as a game into the Punjab schools and universities sports calendars.

Talking to the media Mr Grewal said that PGA'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 was 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.

 

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SANJEEV MALHAN   ASSUMED CHARGE AS VICE CHAIRMAN PEDA

Chandigarh August 19;-

Newly appointed Vice Chairman of PEDA Mr. Sanjeev Malhan   joined his office on Wednesday in the presence of Bhai Manjit Singh, Chairman PEDA, Sh. T.P.S.Sidhu, CEO, PEDA, Sh. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Master Mohan Lal, Transport  Minister, Punjab and hundred of  his supporters. On this occasion Mr. Malhan said that he will do maximum efforts to encourage the use of renewable resources of energy in the state and  put his maximum efforts to realize the pollution free and energy surplus state – Dream of Honorable  Deputy Chief Minister Sh. Sukhbir Singh Badal. He appreciated the work  being done by  Punjab Energy Development Agency in the state. He express his regards  and love to other  dignitaries present on the  occasion. The  dignitaries  who were present on the occasion.

Sh. Daljit Singh Cheema, Advisor to CM, Sh. Ravi Kahlon Chairman Punjab, Sh. Nirbhayjeet Singh Nippi OSD to Deputy DM, Sh. Gurpartap Khushialpur, chairman  Punjab, Sh. Rakesh Jyoti BJP President Distt. Gurdaspur, Mr. Noni  MC, Gurdaspur Sh. Rajinder Bitta, Director Punjab Verka wali, Zila  Parishad, BJP Gurdaspur, Sh. Narinder Kalha, Sh. Manmesh , Sh. Ram Kumar,  Sh. Arun Jaswani, Sh. Sameer Bhatia, City President Hindu wing, Baba Pawan Kumar, Sh. Rajesh Verma, Sh. Niraj Sharma, Sh. Harbhajan Singh Boss, Sh. Parveen Mahajan.

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CM SPELLS OUT DECENTRALIZATION PLAN OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

 

64000 DIRECT GOVT. JOBS PROVIDED, OVER A LAC YOUTH TO BE TRAINED WITH EMPLOYABLE SKILLS WITHIN A YEAR

 UNVEILS RIVER CLEANING PROJECT AT COST OF RS.2055 Cr

 CHANDIGARH AUGUST 18:

In a bid to decentralize the process of urban development, the Punjab government has decided to extend the jurisdiction of six developmental authorities of Mohali, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Patiala and Bathinda to cover the entire state.  

This was disclosed here today by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a media interaction.  Mr. Badal said that Greater Mohali Area Development Authority would now also look after Ropar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Rajpura in the Patiala district besides Mohali.  Likewise, the jurisdiction of Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority had been extended to Moga, Nawanshahr, Ferozepur and Phillaur in Jalandhar district.  Jalandhar Development Authority would cover Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala.  Amritsar Development Authority would cover Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran, Patiala Development Authority would encompass Patiala, Sangrur and Barnala and Bathinda Development Authority would now have jurisdiction over Mansa, Muktsar, Faridkot and Ferozepur apart from Bathinda.   

Mr. Badal further said that these authorities would now provide the services to the public at the local level for the change of land use, licensing of colonies, completion certificates, besides the disposal of grievances of plot holders and regulating process of urban development in the respective areas.  Decentralization of development authorities would also enable the concerned officers to focus their attention on the integrated growth of the areas in a cohesive manner, earlier it was difficult for officers at Chandigarh to take care the entire state.

On the issue of direct recruitment in various departments, the Chief Minister informed that the state government had launched a massive recruitment drive to give direct employment to 63,552 persons, out of which 44,474 persons had been recruited so far and 18,918 were in the process of recruitment.  Likewise, 41600 persons had been imparted training by different agencies like C-PYTE (24000), Bharti Wallmart Retail (7500), Punjab Police Security Training at Jahankhelan & Ladha Kothi (3600), L&T, Modular Employable Skill (5000) to the youth with employable skills so as to enable them to be gainfully employed in the private sector, local industries and even self employed.    Mr. Badal said that Maharaja Ranjit Singh Institute of Military Training at Mohali and Maritime Academy near Ropar would be soon made functional to provide tremendous job opportunities to the youth in the defence services, merchant navy and other shipping companies.    The Chief Minister also apprised the media persons that the state government had chalked out a detailed programme to provide employable skills to nearly 67,500 youth within a year by involving the state Technical Education department (35000), PTU and private engineering colleges (17500), Guru Nanak Dev University (5000) and Punjabi University Patiala (10000).  He also pointed out that the state government had already introduced a scheme of Fee waiver for 10% of the seats in the engineering and technical courses for the poor and needy but intelligent students to encourage them to pursue such courses.

On the cleaning of rivers, water supply and sewerage project, the Chief Minister said that the state government had embarked upon an ambitious plan to cover 44 towns at a cost of Rs.2055 crore.   The objective of the entire project was to check the pollution caused by the discharge of untreated sewage of the cities, villages and industrial waste in the rivers of Sutlej, Beas and Ghaggar.  An amount of Rs.1342 crore had been sanctioned for the execution of works in the 18 towns in the first phase and the remaining 26 towns would be taken up at a cost of Rs.713 crore in the next phase.  He said that the work on the first phase of the project would be completed by November 2011.   Mr. Badal also informed that Rs.68 crore had been sanctioned for the cleaning of Buddha Nallah in Ludhiana, 220 cusecs of treated water from which would be used for irrigation purposes to irrigate nearly 40000 acres in 80 villages. 

Referring to the steps taken by the state government to check the menace of industrial pollution, the Chief Minister said that Rs.370 crore would be spent on 35 large & medium scale and 425 small scale polluting industries to prevent them from discharging their untreated waste water/ effluents in the rivers by November 30, 2011.   A Common Effluent Treatment Plant had already been commissioned at a cost of Rs.16.80 crore in Jalandhar.  On the directions of Punjab Pollution Control Board several industries had already upgraded their effluent treatment plants and others were in the process of upgradation.  Two Common Effluent Treatment Plants would be commissioned at a cost of Rs.350 crore by November 30, 2011 to check the pollution caused by dying industries in Ludhiana.   Another CETP had already been commissioned in the cluster of electroplating industries and Zero Liquid discharge technology was also being adopted by the industries in Ludhiana.  PPCB had been closely monitoring the situation through its environment protection squads and many erring industries had been taken to task for flouting the stipulated guidelines of the Board.    

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Additional Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Director Information & Public Relations Mr. DS Mangat. 

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GREWAL SWORN IN AS MEMBER OF SSS BOARD

 CHANDIGARH AUGUST 18:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Gurcharan Singh Grewal as member of Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) at a simple but an impressive ceremony here at Chief Minister’s residence this morning.

Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal conducted the proceedings of the swearing-in-ceremony of Mr. Grewal.

Born on May 27, 1962, Mr. Gurcharan Singh Grewal remained the President of All India Sikh Students for nearly two decades.  He was imprisoned for over three years in connection with Bluestar Operation and did graduation in jail. 

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Adviser Dr. DS Cheema, Principal Secretary Mr.DS Guru and Additional Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Local Government Minister Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Tourism Minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Mr. Sukhpal Singh Nannu and Mr. Harish Rai Dhanda (both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries), Chairman Milkfed Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babehali, Chairman PSSS Board Mr. Santa Singh Umedpur, Mr. Rajinder Singh Dalam, Mr. Jiwan Dhawan (both members PSSSB) besides the senior party leaders and workers of SAD-BJP. Secretary Personnel Mr. Iqbal Singh Sidhu and Additional Secretary Personnel Mr. Dharminder Pal were also present on the occasion.

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PUNJAB APPROVES THE MERGER OF NIIFT WITH NIFT

CHANDIGARH AUGUST 18:

The Punjab Government has given in principle approval to the merger of Northern Indian Institute of Fashion Technology, Mohali (NIIFT) and its centers at Ludhiana and Jalandhar with National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi (NIFT).

A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at a high level meeting held here today under his chairmanship. It was also approved to provide Rs. 48 crores over a period of three years to NIFT along with the immediate transfer of the existing infrastructure available with the NIIFT, Mohali, evaluated to be of Rs. 12 crores.

Describing this decision as beneficial to the state, Mr. Badal said that it was a matter of pried that a prestigious institute like NIFT had agreed to take over NIIFT for its up gradation at international standards which would certainly contribute brilliant fashion designers to fashion industry.

It may be recalled here that state-of-the-art institution in Fashion Technology NIFT is presently running degree course in six different states and after this merger the existing infrastructure of NIIFT, Mohali would be developed as per the international standards by NIFT, besides diploma course in fashion technology, which is being run by NIIFT, would be upgraded as degree course in fashion technology.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Industries Minister Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Chief Secretary, Mr. S.C. Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. D.S. Guru, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. K.B.S. Sidhu, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce Mr. S.S. Channy, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. K.J.S. Cheema, Secretary Industries & Commerce Mr. S.S. Bains and M.D. PSIEC Mr. S.S. Rajput.

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PUNJAB PLANS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SKILL TRAINING
TO 52000 YOUTH IN A YEAR

CM APPROVES PTU’S TECHNICAL SKILL TRAINING PROGRAMME  FOR 50000 YOUTH

CHANDIGARH AUGUST 17:

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal gave green signal to a comprehensive Technical Skill training Programme to train about 52000 Punjabi youth in a year through short-term courses and to be gainfully employed in local trade and industry.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting held here late last evening under his chairmanship in which Director IIT, Ropar Prof. M.K. Surappa, Principals of all the Govt. ITI and Poly Technical Colleges besides, representatives of various Distance Learning Education Centres and PUTIA were participated.

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal categorically said that PTU must provide this training to maximum Punjabi rural youth, who were unable to continue their studies due to poor economic conditions after passing +1 or +2. This training would develop them as high-quality skilled workers as the emerging employment market needs.  He further directed to conduct these courses at block levels to cover the entire state in such a manner that after getting training every student could be absorbed in the near by industries or trades.

Giving the detailed power point presentation of the Skill Development Programme the Vice Chancellor, Punjab Technical University (PTU) Dr. Rajneesh Arora informed that the main objective of this programme was to increase the employability of workforce and to ensure that workers were able to adapt to variations in technological applications as new demands arising in the employment market. He said that 102 Government ITIs and 45 Polytechnics presently running in the state, would impart skill training of 270 hours (Certified Course) to 35000 youth by starting evening classes by optimum utilization of exiting infrastructure besides, services of their existing staff to make training cost effective. He further said that under this program 14800 youth would get training in 148 Distance Education Centers besides, 2550 youth would be trained in 5 Government and 21 Private Engineering colleges in the state.

The Vice-Chancellor said that PTU would act as a nodal agency to ensure training as well as placement factor, for which PTU was coordinating with the local industry to ensure 100% placement of all the trained workers.

The Chief Minister also directed Principal Secretary Technical Education to send a team of officers to Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) to study all the technical aspects and feasibilities to start short term technical courses in the state.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Technical Education Mr. Suresh Kumar, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Director Information and Public Relations Mr. DS Mangat, President PUTIA Mr. JS Dhariwal and Director, Doordarshan (DD) Jalandhar Dr. Daljit Singh.

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PUNJAB PROs ASSOCIATION CONDOLES THE DEATH OF
PROF JOGINDER KAUSHAL

Chandigarh, August 17:

The Punjab Public Relations Officers Association today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of former head Department of Correspondent Studies Punjabi University Patiala Prof. Joginder Kaushal, an eminent writer, who died after illness at Chandigarh today. He is survived by his daughters Mrs Nishu and Mrs Shikha Nehra PRO (Press), Senior Vice President of the Association.

In a condolence message, the Association President S. Harjeet Singh Grewal and General Secretary Dr Ajitkanwal Singh Hamdard said that Prof. Kaushal was an academician and a known writer and above all a fine human being with the qualities of head and heart who served in the Punjabi University with utmost dedication and sincerity. He has also served long time as a lecturer in Mahindra College Patiala and has been honoured recently for his Life Time Achievement in the field of Education and service to the society.

Expressing heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, the PRO Association prayed to the Almighty to give strength to them to bear this loss and grant peace to the departed soul.Top of FormBottom of Form

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ISSUES PUNJAB STATE DEVELOPMENT LOAN

CHANDIGARH, August 17:

The outstanding balance of 11.50 percent Punjab State Development Loan 2010 issued in terms of the State government vide notification no.7/1/2010-2FBII/705 dated 17.08.2000 would be repaid on 17.09.2010 with interest due upto including 16.9.2010.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that in the event of a holiday being declared on the aforesaid date by State Government under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the loan would be repaid by the paying offices on the previous working day. No interest would accrue on the loan from and after 17.09.2010, he added.

He also said that to facilitate repayment on the due date, holders of 11.50 percent Punjab State Development Loan, 2010 should tender their securities at the Public Debt Office 20 days in advance.

It should be particularly noted, said the spokesman, that at places where the treasury work was done by a branch of the State Bank of India or any of its associate banks, the securities, if they were in the form of Stock Certificates, should be tendered at the branch of the bank concerned and not at the Treasury or Sub-Treasury.

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HIGH COURT SENDS RELIEF MATERIAL TO LEH VICTIMS

Chandigarh August 16:-

Expressing solidarity with the victims of the flash-floods caused by cloud burst in the Leh Sub-Division of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Justice Mukul Mudgal, Chief justice Punjab and Haryana High Court, along with the fellow Judges has handed over the first consignment of 1250 blankets to Mrs. Vidushi Kapoor, Assistant Resident Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir posted at Chandigarh for transporting the same to Leh.

According to a spokesman of the Punjab and Haryana High Court a meeting of the judges was held recently in which they had decided to extend every possible help to the Leh victims and those who were killed in the natural calamity were also remembered.

He also said that an appeal was also made to the High Court Bar Association, judicial officers posted in the state of Punjab and Haryana and also the employees of the High Court to contribute for the cause.

Employees union of High Court has promised to contribute Rs. 2 lakhs to help the victims. President Bar Association of Punjab and Haryana High Court Mr. G.S. Attariwala and his team of office bearers has promised to contribute Rs. 10 lakhs to start with while the judicial officers have decided that they would render maximum help for the victims of this natural calamity.

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Overwhelming response received by I-Day Health Camps held on 13th &14th Aug.

82,348 people including 16,322 pregnant women and 17,671 children availed various medical facilities.  

Chandigarh, 16th August:

The series of free medical camps held by Health and Family Department, Punjab to mark ID day received an overwhelming response from the community as more than 82 thousand people availed various medical facilities and treatment during these camps. This was revealed here today by Prof Laxmi Kanta Chawla, Health & Family Welfare Minister of Punjab. She told that 235 medical camps were held on August 13 & 14, across the state to celebrate Independence Day.

Chawla said 82,348 people were examined during these camps, which included 16,322 pregnant women and 17,671 children. Laboratory tests were conducted for 21,946 patients.

Giving further detail in this regard, she said that on 13 August, 30 medical camps were held in the urban slum areas of all districts during which 19638 people were examined; and on August 14, camps were held in 185 health institutions of the state, during which 51,168 people were examined. Similarly 20 Ayurvedic camps were held on 13 & 14 August in which 11,542 patients got Ayurvedic treatment and medicines for anemia etc. Such exercise is held by Health & FW department, every year on 15 August and 26 January.

Senior officers of the department camped in different districts to supervise these medical camps and make these successful. Health Minister herself visited number of health institutions situated in the districts of Amritsar and Tarn Taran, whereas Health Secretary, Sh Satish Chandra visited various institutions in Ludhiana and Fatehgarh Sahib districts. All other senior officers also visited different districts as allocated to them.

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RS. 6689 CRORE AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME SET TO CONNECT IN ALL CITIES OF PUNJAB WITH 4/6 LANE ROADS – SUKHBIR

  • SUKHBIR DEDICATES FOUR MAJOR PROJECTS WORTH RS. 171 CRORE IN BUDHLADA , MANSA AND BATHINDA

 ALL THE FIVE THERMAL PLANTS USING LATEST POLLUTION FREE TECHNOLOGY

Budhlada/Mansa/Bathinda August 16:

Deputy Chief Minister Punjab S. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that all towns of Punjab would be interconnected with 4/6 lane roads by June next two years with the completion of seven major road projects with the combined project cost of Rs. 6689 crore.

Speaking after dedicating to Punjab four major development projects including Railway Over bridge at Budhlada , Railway Under bridge at Mansa and Ring Road Phase II Bathinda  and Railway Over Bridge with combined project cost of Rs. 171 crores here today , Mr. Badal said that Punjab would be the first state in the country that would have all its major cities interconnected with 4/6 lane roads, besides having a unique record of Two International Airports in a small state. He said that by  June 2011 major road projects  including  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) would change the face of the State. He said that in one of unique project of its own kind this 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. He said that 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 )  would make an important contribution in easing out the traffic on these routes. Mr. Badal said that SAD BJP government moved with a focused approach in a realizing all dream projects with in stipulated time and timely completion of major projects has sealed the lips of critic opposition parties who were terming these projects as ‘foundation stone’ projects.

He said that 19 ROBs during last three years at the cost 304 crores and with eight more over bridges ready to be commissioned , Congress party was finding itself issueless in this development oriented regime.

Sharing his vision on development of Infrastructure in the State Mr. Badal said that with in next one year World Class Road / Air connectivity, surplus power would be the Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of Punjab to attract investors in this land locked border state. He said that multinational companies before investing in state focus more on infrastructure and connectivity of that state rather then on adhoc concessions dangled as carrot by various states.

Emphasizing on strengthening, power generation and distribution Infrastructure Mr Badal said that with the completion of Talwandi Sabo, Goindwal, Rajpura and Giddarbaha power plants besides proposed Thermal Plant in Mansa., the Punjab would be the first power surplus state, selling surplus power to other power deficient states.  He said that besides 6500 MW generated by Thermal Plants Punjab would harness 1000 MW power from renewable energy sectors.

Promising to provide transparent and corruption free regime, Mr. Badal said that 57 administrative reforms were meant to break the clique of corrupt employees, who were exploiting common citizens while providing mandatory citizen services. He said that within next 6 months farmers would be able to get the copy of their land record at the click of the mouse where as the mutation of land record would be automatic on registration of sale deed. He said that affidavits, attestation of certificates by Gazetted officers have already been waived off whereas with the setting up of E-Sewa Kender in each mohalla, citizens would get 14 citizen services at their door step.

Promising to upgrade the civic amenities of Urban areas Mr.Badal said that Punjab Cabinet would soon announce Rs. 2500 crore urban renewal package improve civic amenities including Sewerage and Water Supply network in all towns and 80 mandis of Punjab.

Earlier in the day Mr. Badal laid the foundation stone of ROB at Budhlada on Bhikhi-Budhlada-Ratia road on Delhi-Bhatinda Railway line be constructed at the cost of Rs. 26 crore . later in the day as Mr. Badal inaugurated Railway Under Bridge at Mansa , the people of Mansa heaved a sigh of relief for getting rid of 65 year old chronic curse, creating impediment in the growth of this historic mandi. Later in the day Mr. Badal laid the foundation stone of  Rs. 100 crore major project of ring road phase II at Bathinda, he also inaugurated ROB at Bathinda. He also inaugurated Public Complaint Officer of Powercom at Bathinda The Deputy Chief Minister Addressed impressive rallies at Budhlada , Mansa and Bathinda.

Interacting with the media at Bathinda Mr. badal said that all the 5 Thermal plants being setup in Punjab are using latest state of art pollution free technology. He allayed the fears raised in certain quarters regarding pollution level rising with new Thermal Plants. Mr. Badal said that Bathinda Refinery would be commissioned within next 10 months and accused former Chief Minister for inflicting colossal economic damage on Punjab’s economy by deliberately delaying the refinery project for five years. He said that within next one year all problem villages of Malwa would start getting RO water and RO system would be installed in every ward of Urban Areas. Castigating the Union Government for its failure to check price rise of essential commodities Mr. Badal said that Punjab was only state only country that was providing Atta at Rs. 4 and Dal at Rs. 20 per Kg to the poor family whereas congress ruled states like Haryana were not bothered about problems being faced the by the poor. When asked about stay granted in Sajjan Kumar case Mr. Badal said that SAD would explore all legal avenues to ensure exemplary punishment to Sajjan and Tytler.

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INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

ALL ROUND DEVELOPMENT COUPLED WITH REFORMS SET TO CHANGE FACE OF PUNJAB – SUKHBIR

·        GOVERNANCE REFORMS TO PERCOLATE THE FRUITS OF DEVELOPMENT TO THE MASSES 

·        UNFURLS NATIONAL FLAG AT BATHINDA

·        MAIDEN ENTRY OF LADY POLICE CONTINGENT IN INDEPENDENCE DAY MARCH PAST

BATHINDA AUGUST 15 :

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Punjab is all set for transformation as governance reforms in all departments are set to take the fruits of accelerated development to the masses at the lowest level

Addressing an impressive gathering here at Sports Stadium after unfurling the National Flag , Mr. Badal said that dream of our freedom fighters for composite development of country remained unfulfilled during last 63 years and he was committed to change the development scenario of the state with focused development coupled with administrative reforms. He said that SAD BJP Government was committed to end the chronic 63 year old scarcity of power by commissioning four major Thermal Plants being setup at the combined cost of Rs. 36000 crores with total generation capacity of 6500 MW power.

Paying tributes to the thousands of known and unknown freedom fighters who laid down their lives to ensure that we all could breathe in peace, Mr. Badal said that we can repay our debt to them by accelerating development process in the country and by ensuring that common masses could enjoy the fruits of development. Mr. Badal said that SAD-BJP Government during last 42 months besides strengthening infrastructure sector including power has focused on upgrading Roads, Aviation, Education , Civic  Amenities in Urban Areas to  enable the state to face the challenges of future. The Deputy Chief Minister said that besides generating 6500 MW additional power, the Punjab was all set to generate 1000 MW power from non conventional sector. He said that our government has spent over Rs. 6000 crores on strengthening road sectors and by next 2 years all major cities of Punjab would be interconnected with four lane roads. He said that this government got completed 32 Railway over bridges during last 3 years and eight more ROBs would be operational in next 6 months.

He said that by  June 2011 major road projects  including  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) would change the face of the State. He said that in one of unique project of its own kind this 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. He said that 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 )  would make an important contribution in easing out the traffic on these routes.

Emphasizing on improving the education sector Mr. Badal said that besides filling the 35000 vacancies of teachers left by previous Congress Government Punjab would soon recruit 14000 more teachers to provide World Class Education to every citizen of Punjab. Emphasizing on improving employability of our students Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government has launched a skill development programme to hone the skills of our youth and ensure placement of 10 Lakh Punjabis in next 10 year.

Promising to make the life of ordinary citizens comfortable, Mr. Badal said that governance reforms including waiver of Affidavits, Computerization of land records, provision of 57 Urban Civic Services under one roof in E – Sewa Kenders, Police Out Reach Center at Each Thana Level, 3027 E-Grams would cut the red tapism and provide all citizen services to the masses at the door steps. Mr. Badal said that development of a state was immaterial till we do not ensure that gains of development were enjoyed by all common citizens and these reforms would percolate the gains to the common masses.

Earlier the Deputy Chief Minister unfurled the National Flag and inspected the parade. He took salute from an impressive march past led by DSP Surinder Pal Singh as parade commander and the march past included contingents of Punjab Police, Punjab Ladies Police , Punjab Home Guards, Police Band, NCC ( Girls ) Sr. Division, NCC (boys) Jr. Division. The unique feature of the march past was the maiden entry of Punjab Ladies Police Contingent comprising of recently recruited lady constables led by ASI Jaswinder Kaur. 

On this occasion , the Tableaus of ten departments and organizations depicting the development initiatives, social events and new inventions by the various departments were the main attraction of the function. The Tableau depicting the menace of female foeticide and Nanhi Chaan initiative won the hearts of the people.

Later on an impressive programme based on a mass PT , Lazium and Tipri show was also presented by the students of various schools. Different choreographies highlighting the need to promote Punjabi language and inculcating the spirit of Nationalism and patriotism amongst the coming generations also regaled the audience. Traditional folk dances namely Giddha and Bhangra presented by the students of different schools in complete harmony also left an indelible print on the minds of present people. The Deputy Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs. 50,000 for Mahant Gurbanta Das Public School for Deaf and Dumb students besides Rs. 10000 each for every school which has participated in the cultural programme. On this occasion the Deputy Chief Minister honored 33 persons for their outstanding contributions towards the society. He also gave away 50 sewing machines and 20 tri -cycles to the needy persons.


   
NRI News Media

 

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