Click for more Photos

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Punjab Achieved 6 National Awards for creating awareness on HIV/AIDS through Red Ribbon Express

Chandigarh 30th November- Punjab State AIDS Control Society achieved the milestone by winning 6 national awards for creating awareness through Red Ribbon Express, a project started by National AIDS Control Organization, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Govt. of India) at the concluding function at Safdarjung Railway Station at New Delhi, today. Sh Gulam Nabi Azad Hon’ble Health Minister Govt. of India presided over the function
39 national awards were facilitated out which Punjab bagged highest six awards among all states. There were only two awards at Secretary Health level out of which Punjab got one; out of 4 awards each in the categories of Project Director/Additional Project Director and in Mainstreaming officers level again Punjab was there. In the Civil Surgeon Category Punjab was the sole winner. One out of two awards for Nukkad natak troupes Punjab State won one.

The awardees are Sh Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary Health, Punjab. Dr. N. M. Sharma, Additional Project Director, Punjab State AIDS Control Society. Mr. Harish Kumar, Consultant Mainstreaming - Punjab State AIDS Control Society. Dr. Kulwant Singh, Civil Surgeon Moga. Sh. Parveen, Railway Station Manager, Mandi Gobindgarh and Ms Anita Devgun of The Theatre Persons (Regd.), Amritsar ( Nukkad Natak Group).

Red Ribbon Express (RRE) was a project started from New Delhi by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 1st December, last year. The train traveled in whole country covering 152 stations in 22 states. It entered in the state of Punjab on 20th October, 2010 and remained up to 24th November, 2010. During this period RRE visited 9 stations in 8 Districts. Lacs of people visited the train and got information about HIV/AIDS. PSACS provided counseling & free testing of HIV and treatment of STI/RTI patients during the stay of the train at various stations. During this PSACS moved in the remote interior of the state with 2 IEC Buses supported by Nukkad Natak Troupes.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

KHALSA HERITAGE COMPLEX TO BE DEDICATED TO
THE NATION DURING AUGUST 2011-DR UPINDERJIT KAUR

Chandigarh December 1: The Punjab Government has directed the officers of Anandpur Sahib Foundation to complete the interior exhibit designs of the Khalsa Heritage Complex by July 30th so that the prestigious project could be dedicated to the Nation during August 2011. This was stated by Dr Upinderjit Kaur Finance Minister Punjab and Chairperson Anandpur Sahib Foundation here in the executive committee meeting of the Foundation.

She said that this project was a unique endeavour of the Punjab Government to showcase the different facets and various aspects of 500 years of Sikh history for the future generations about their rich Punjabi culture and glorious traditions. She asked the officers to complete its interior exhibit designs at the earliest in a transparent and fair manner by ensuring and maintaining its quality and standard also.
The Finance Minister said that the architectural grandeur of Khalsa Heritage Complex (KHC), being built at a cost of Rs. 254.84 crore, would enable it to become one of the wonders of the modern world in propagating the basic tenets and philosophy of Sikhism besides the fusion of culture highlighting the concept of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat. She also advised to incorporate and change some gurbani couplets and vocal sounds in the audio-video aids and textures.

Dr Upinderjit Kaur briefed that the brief story to be told through audio-video aids within the Museum’s monumental architectural exhibits would be deeply spiritual, passionate and emotional on 500 years of Sikh heritage. "The visitor to the Khalsa Heritage Museum will not only leave better informed but will also be emotionally moved. Cutting edge communication technologies juxtaposed with original artefacts have been seamlessly integrated with the vernacular aesthetic to highlight a robust, living culture as the historical galleries have been conceived to project the history, culture and restage of Sikhs on an international scale" she added.
Among others Mr S.C Aggrawal Chief Secreatry, Mrs. Geetika Kalha CEO and Principal Secretary Tourism, Mr V.K Singh Secretary Expenditure, Mr Dilip Kumar Special Secretary Finance and Mr N.S Sangha OSD to Chief Minister Punjab also participated in the deliberations.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ENGLISH VERSION OF "YES; WE CAN!" RELEASED
STRUGGLE OF BLACKS AGAINST SLAVERY WAS CATALYTIC FOR FREEDOM STRUGGLE -- SUKHBIR

Chandigarh December 01:
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that struggle of blacks against the practice of slavery was catalytic for whole humanity to strive for freedom.
Speaking after releasing the English translation of "Yes; we can!" a book authored by MDMK General Secretary Vaiko at New Delhi today, Mr. Badal said that struggle of blacks for basic human dignity was game changer for whole society that prompted them to launch a sustained struggle for freedom from colonial rule. He said that British Empire that extended in all continents, has got contained in U.K alone, with all countries getting freedom.
Mr. Badal appreciated Mr. Vaiko tremendous fight for the cause of Tamils and world over the sacrifices he had made.
Paying rich encomiums to Mr. Vaiko, who "is a born fighter and has never given up his struggle for a cause,” for bringing out the book, Dr. Abdullah said that work referred to the suffering of the blacks not only in the United States for over 200 years but also the world over and how they fought against oppression and gained their rights and independence. Referring to the struggles faced by India to come to this level of development, the Minister said that country never wanted enemies and it was never indulged in aggression.
"India's soul in one, we have to protect it and it we don't do it, India will disintegrate, "he said adding that Indians should be grateful for the nation they belonged to. The former Finance Minister, Yashwant Sinha, hoped that the book would bring about the change in the mindset of the United States.
The message sent by U.S. President Barack Obama to blacks world wide was that if one had the determination one could achieve the goal, come what may.
Mr. Viako recalled an instance where he, in an interview, declared that Mr. Obama would occupy the highest post of the U.S. one day but everybody ridiculed him. Now he was proved right.
Prominent amongst who were present included Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, MP Bathinda, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Mr. Rattan Singh Ajnala , Mr. Najma Hibdullah , Mr. Tirlochan Singh, all MPs, Mr. M.Thambi Durai Leader AIADMK parliamentary leader ,Mr. Nama Nageswara Rao Leader TDP Parliamentary and Mr. Om Parkash Chautala former Chief Minister Haryana participated in the function.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PRAFUL PATEL TO LAY FOUNDATION STONE OF BATHINDA DOMESTIC TERMINAL ON JANUARY 20, 2011

· ALSO GIVES NOD FOR RESTORATION OF DIRECT AMRITSAR-TORONTO AI FLIGHT

CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 30:

The Union Minister for Civil Aviation Mr. Praful Patel today gave an in-principle clearance to the direct Amritsar-Toronto link with an Air India flight. An assurance to this effect came at the end of an hour meeting the minister had with an SAD-BJP delegation led by the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal at the former's residence in New Delhi this morning.

The Union Minister also declared that the foundation stone of the domestic terminal at Bathinda will be laid on January 20 next year to provide global air-connectivity to the Malwa belt of the state. Mr. Patel himself would fly down to Bathinda for the ceremony.

The delegation included Navjot Sidhu, Dr. Rattan Singh Ajnala, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Naresh Gujral and Avinash Rai Khanna (all Members of Parliament). Mr. Patel asked the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Air India Mr. Arvind Jadhav, specially called in for the meeting, to expedite the resumption of the Amritsar-Toronto flight within a "definite and narrow time frame."
Later, Chief Minister's Media Advisor Mr. Harcharan Bains, who accompanied the delegation, told newsmen that starting of the Bathinda air terminal and resumption of direct flights to major international destinations form Amritsar and Mohali were a part of Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal's agenda of full-scale global air-linkage to the state.
The flight had been discontinued from October 2010. Mr. Patel also apprised the Deputy Chief Minister that all the requisite defense, environment and other clearances for setting up Bathinda domestic terminal had already been secured.
A memorandum submitted by the delegation to the minister stated that following discontinuation of the Amritsar- Toronto flight, NRIs from all over world are utterly resentful. The memorandum described the government of India's decision on discontinuance of the flight as "an affront to the millions Sikh and Punjabi Diaspora settled abroad who invariably travel by this particular flight to and from Amritsar for religious tourism and pay obeisance at the Golden Temple which is the highest Spiritual Seat of the Sikh Religion".
The memorandum further said that cancellation of this flight is causing harassment to the passengers as they now travel at least 7-8 hours to reach Delhi by road and will have to pay huge amounts of money to the private taxi / tour operators. "As is evident from the records available, the flight was operating at FULL PAX CAPACITY load. Discontinuation of the flight is not only loss of huge revenue to the National Carrier Air India but also compromises the viability of the Amritsar Airport which would also lose about 8-10 crore per annum. Needless to mention at Amritsar Airport huge amount of money has been spent by the Airports Authority of India for upgradation and Government of Punjab has also contributed about 204 acres of land free of cost, "said the memo.
Mr. Badal also impressed upon Civil Aviation Minister to immediately introduce direct flights from Amritsar – Birmingham, Amritsar – New York and Amritsar—Vancouver in addition to the restoration of the AI 188/187 direct flight from Amritsar –Toronto in view of huge potential of NRIs travelling from Europe, UK, Canada and America to Amritsar.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PUNJAB TO OBSERVE WORLD AIDS DAY ON DECEMBER 1

CHANDIGARH November 30: World AIDS Day is being observed throughout the state of Punjab on 1st December 2010. Necessary instructions have been issued to all Civil Surgeons in the State to observe the day at the District level.
Disclosing this here today Health and Family Welfare Minister Punjab Prof. Mrs. Lakshmi Kanta Chawla said that the Punjab State AIDS Control Society has released grant to all the districts of Punjab with the instructions to observe this day in order to disseminate the theme of World AIDS Day so that new infection in the State of Punjab could be stopped and care and support could be provided to the people living with HIV/AIDS without any discrimination.
The theme for World AIDS Day ‘10 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights-Light the Rights'. Global leaders have pledged to work towards Universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, recognizing these as fundamental human rights. This theme is to emphasis that access for all to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support is a critical part of human rights.
It is now more than 29 years since AIDS was first detected. At that time, in 1981, no one could have anticipated that this infection would become a global problem of extra ordinary scope and unprecedented ramifications. Even till a decade ago, HIV and AIDS was regarded primarily as a serious health issue. Today, it is clear that AIDS has become a developmental disaster and evidence suggests that the trend, if not reversed, will erode the development gains achieved so far.
As per global estimates, a total of 33.3 million people are living with HIV; nearly half of them are women. In 2009, around 2.6 million new HIV cases were detected globally out of which 50% cases are of people from 15-24 years of age group. More than 1.8 million people died of AIDS related illness in 2009.
As per the HIV estimations 2010, India is estimated to have 23.9 lakh people infected with HIV in 2009 at an estimated adult prevalence of 0.31%. Adult HIV prevalence among men is 0.36%, while among women, it is 0.25%. HIV/AIDS continues to be one of India’s most complex
epidemics- a challenge that goes beyond public health, raising fundamental issues of human rights and is threatening developmental achievements in many areas. The epidemic is unfolding rapidly, with heterosexual transmission playing the predominant role. HIV infection is no longer confined to high risk group population in India but is spreading from population with high risk group to the general population, and is also moving from urban to rural areas. The need to prevent further spread of the epidemic and also to provide care and support for those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS calls for a joint effort from all sections of the society.
Punjab is estimated to have 60,836 people infected with HIV in 2009 at an estimated adult prevalence of 0.32%. Adult HIV prevalence among men is 0.37%, while among women, it is 0.26%. The increase in HIV estimates of Punjab is primarily due to increased HIV prevalence among Injectable Drug Users (IDUs). As per the mapping estimates (2009), there are around 23,000 IDUs in the state with HIV prevalence of 26.1% (HSS 2008) whereas the national prevalence among IDU is 9%.
At present, Punjab State AIDS Control Society
(PSACS) is reaching out to the IDUs with HIV prevention services through twenty five Targeted Intervention projects in 18 districts of Punjab. Recently PSACS has started five Opioid Substitution Therapy Centers in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Batala, Jalandhar and Ludhiana as part of the harm reduction services. The services will be expanded in time to come in other districts as per the program requirement.
Efforts are being made to reach out to the IDU population with the requisite HIV prevention and treatment services so that new infection among the population could be prevented.
A crusade against drug dependence has been initiated under the dynamic leadership of Prof. Luxmi Kanta Chawla, Hon’ble Health & Family Welfare Minister, Punjab.
Red Ribbon Express project launched by NACO helped in generating awareness on HIV/STI and general health issues among the general masses. The train was in Punjab from 20th October to 24th November covering 8 districts and 9 railway stations.
For early diagnosis of HIV cases, PSACS has established 152 Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers across the state which includes 71 stand alone facility, 2 under Public Private Partnership, 65 CHC/PHC and 15 mobile medical units. There are 6 Anti Retroviral Treatment
(ART) Centers is the state to provide free treatment for people living with HIV /AIDS.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PUNJAB TO BROADCAST 15 MINUTES FOOD AND NUTRITION PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN

CHANDIGARH: 30 NOVEMBER
Punjab Government, on the directions of Central Government would broadcast 15 minutes radio programme on every Wednesday and Sunday at 12.15 noon on nutrition and health of women and children.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the government said that this type of plan was especially chalked out to generate awareness amongst women about their health and nutrition.
Adding further, he said that radio being the most popular electronic media was chosen mainly because it could be accessed even while women are doing their household chores. Similarly type of more such short duration type of more such short duration programme would be planned, he added.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

DISABLED DAY FUNCTION POSTPONES

CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 30:
State level disabled day function scheduled to be held on December 3, 2010 at Jalandhar has been postponed till further orders .
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the State Welfare of Women and Child Development Department Punjab said that the function has been postponed due to some administrative reasons.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

130.13 LAKH TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB`

Chandigarh, November 30: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 13013649 tonnes of Paddy till last evening.
A spokesman of Punjab Govt. said here today that out of total procurement in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 12829619 tonnes (98.6%) whereas private traders procured 184030 tonnes (1.4%) of paddy. Till October 29, PUNGRAIN had procured 4035664 tonnes (31.5%) whereas MARKFED procured 2679338 tonnes (20.9%), PUNSUP procured 3004080 tonnes (23.4%), PSWC procured 1481316 tonnes (11.5%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 1114429 tonnes (8.7 %) of paddy.
The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 514792 tonnes (4.0%).
The spokesman added that District Ludhiana with 1510995 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Sangrur with 1456088 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Patiala 1207858 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.
The State Government has set up almost 1700 procurement centers and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

14 years of Badal rule is the true mother of all scams….. Jassi Khangura

Sukhbir Badal is truly deluded if he thinks that the display of support at Captain Amrinder Singh’s Patiala road show is artificial.

Sukhbir Badal simply does not understand that this is genuine affection from the people for a person that they wish to see as the next CM of Punjab.

Sukhbir today reminds one of "Chemical Ali" declaring in Baghdad that the Iraqis were winning the war just as allied troops were about storm the heart of the capital.

Sukhbir Badal is as far removed from reality as you can get. Therapists advise that this is a common problem for people who assemble great wealth without hard work!

Whereas in the last assembly elections the outcome was genuinely uncertain until the count, this time the trend is clear some 15 months before voting. Congress will return convincingly.

Those Akalis who even a month ago were hoping confidently about some strategic electoral magic that Sukhbir all today all silent faced with certain defeat.

Sukhbir alleges scams at the centre but is oblivious to the real mother of all scams: the 14 odd years that S. Parkash Singh Badal has ruled Punjab.

Sukhbir's claim that he does not fear anti-incumbency ignores the fact that S. Parkash Singh Badal has singularly failed to be elected for consecutive terms on each of the 3 previous occasions that he has been CM of Punjab.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Punjab Government promotes Five Deputy Controller (F&A)

Chandigarh: 29.11.2010

The Punjab Government has promoted five Deputy Controller (F&A) to the post of Joint Controller (F&A). Accordingly to an order issued here today by the Punjab Finance Department Mr. Dharam Pal, Mr. R.K.Anand, Mr. Gurdial Singh, Mr. Suresh Kumar and Mr. Darshan Singh Saini had been promoted as Joint Controller (F&A). Besides, 21 Assistant Controller (F&A) and 28 Section Officers had also been promoted to the post of Deputy Controller (F&A) and Assistant Controller (F&A) respectively.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


SCHEDULE OF INTERVIEW FOR PROs & APROs CHANGES

Chandigarh November 29:-

Due to some administrative reasons schedule of Interview for the posts of Information & Public Relations Officers and Assistant Public Relations Officers in the Department of Information & Public Relations Punjab, has been changed.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Public Relations Department Punjab said that interviews schedule for the candidates to be held on December 3 and 4, 2010 now would be held on December 7 & 8, 2010 respectively at the same venue and time as already published in the advertisement published in various newspapers on 25-11-2010. There will be no change for interview of the candidates schedule to be held on December 6, 2010, the spokesman added.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

MANPREET SHOULD COME CLEAN ON GURDAS BADAL'S STUNNING DISCLOSURES – GREWAL

Chandigarh November 29: Shiromani Akali Dal General Secretary and party spokesman Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal today dared the former Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh to break his deafening silence and come clean on the startling revelations made by his father Mr. Gurdas Singh Badal on the reasons that led to former's exit from the Punjab government and the party.
In a press statement issued here today, Mr. Grewal said now the cat was out of the bag after Mr. Gurdas Singh Badal's recent interview appeared in a Punjabi Daily published from Sirsa. He said nobody should have any doubt regarding Manpreet's narrow political over ambitions which had led to compelling circumstances for his ouster from the party and the government.
It is pertinent to mention here that Mr. Gurdas Singh Badal revealed in the interview, "I and Parkash Singh Badal decided to keep Sukhbir in the Central politics and Manpreet to be the Chief Minister of the state, but with the induction of Sukhbir in the state politics, the way for Manpreet's becoming the Chief Minister had been blocked and he (Manpreet) was left with no other option except to quit the government as well as the Shiromani Akali Dal".
Mr. Grewal said that these sensational disclosures by Gurdas Badal had vindicated the stand of Shiromani Akali Dal that Manpreet's political over ambition was behind his collusion with Congress party to topple the government.
Mr. Grewal said Manpreet's father Mr. Gurdas Singh admitted in his interview that Mr. Parkash Singh Badal loved him too much and he even introduced him in the politics. He said "But it is really disgusting that Manpreet had even totally ignored this fact while betraying the party and Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.
Gurdas Badal’s saying, in the interview, that Manpreet would not resign his Gidderbaha seat as he knew of his defeat in the by-election, all spoke volumes of Manpreet's selfishness and lust for political power, said Mr. Grewal. Mr. Dass had also exposed the nefarious designs of Mr. Manpreet Singh to destabilize the Shiromani Akali Dal by contesting the SGPC general elections in league with the Congress.
Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal said the sensational disclosures made by none other than Manpreet's father should silence those who had been claiming that Manpreet felt 'suffocated' in the party on grounds of policy decisions, debt waiver and subsidies. “This interview has exposed the real face of tall claims of morality, idealism and nationalism as the reasons cited by Manpreet for his decision to quit the party. Everybody in the Punjab now knew that it was Manpreet's over-ambition and political selfishness under the garb of idealism,” said Mr. Grewal.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

SUKHBIR’S MAJOR INITIATIVES FOR TRANSPARENT ADMINISTRATION

· 27 CITIZEN SERVICES BY SUVIDHA CENTRES BY JUNE 2011
· ALL LAND RECORDS TO BE ON WEB BY 31ST MARCH , 2011
· DISCRETION OF TEHSILDARS IN PROPERTY REGISTRATION TO BE MINIMISED
· ONLINE STANDARDISED PROPERTY REGISTRATION FROM JANURY 1
· TEHSILDARS BARRED TO CHARGE MORE THAN COLLECTOR RATE
· STAMP DUTY ON CONSTRUCTED BUILDING STANTDADISED
· UNIFORM PROPERTY REGISTRATION DOCUMENT ON ANVIL
· MAJOR SIMPLIFICATIONS OF REVENUE ACTS TO BE NOTIFIED WITHIN ONE MONTH
· DISCRETION OF D.T.O ON IMPOSING FINES DONE AWAY
· STCKERS FOR EVERY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SOON
· LEARNER’S DRIVING LICENCE TO BE ISSUED BY COLLEGE PRINCIPALS
· REGULAR LICENCES TO BE ISSUED BY NOTIFIED ENGINEERING/POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES

· TRAUMA SERVICES IN 120 HOSPITALS TO BE UPGRADED

Chandigarh, November 28 : The Punjab is all set to witness major initiatives for making citizen services transparent and corruption free with Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister pushing the pedal to actualize all these initiatives by June 2011. The Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the status report of various reforms suggested by Governance Reform Commission in a marathon meeting lasting till midnight last evening.
Mrs Romila Dubey Financial Commissioner Revenue listing out the reforms on anvil said that due to series of steps taken by the Department, the stamp duty collection that was Rs. 1430 crore last year, was all set to touch Rs. 2500 crore this financial year. She said that focus of revenue department was to minimize the discretion of Registration Authority in property deals by rationalising collector rates, notifying collector rate for each zone and educating the public regarding this. She said that revenue department is all set to implement new software for registration of property from January 1st, 2011 in which by filling the details of the property, there would be discretion of registration authority left to lower or enhance stamp duty. She said that according to the new formula, discretion of Authority in fixing stamp duty for building portion of property has also been done away. She said that now in case of building cost of construction would be 10 percent cost of land for the ground floor and 5 percent additional for every consecutive floor. She said that a standardised property registration document has been drafted by the Department that would be implemented from January 1st, 2011 and that would save buyers and sellers from litigation. She also informed that all affidavits to be filled at the time of property registering have been done away with and has been replaced by self declaration. She said that all land records would be on web by 31st March 2011 and two districts including Sangrur and Barnala stand fully computerised.
Giving the details of the amendments in archaic Revenue acts, she said that Punjab would witness major amendments in Punjab Land Reforms Act 1972, The Punjab Security of Land Tenure Act 1953, PEPSU Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act 1955, Punjab Land Revenue Act 1887 and these amendments besides reducing litigation, would bring down the levels of appeal from 15 to 5, making the litigation simpler and faster. The Deputy Chief Minister asked her to give due publicity to collector rates so that ordinary public could be made aware about them.
The Deputy Chief Minister asked the Secretary Transport Mr. SK Sandhu to explore the possibility of empowering college Principals for issuance of learner’s vehicle licence after fulfilling the legal formalities. Similarly he asked the Secretary Transport to identify Engineering/ Polytechnic colleges where driver’s learning schools could be opened in association with mechanical/auto mobile engineering department of the college and after that these driving schools should be notified as a licensing cum motor vehicle authority for issuance of regular license and passing of vehicles for checking their road worthiness. He said that the harassment of truck and bus drivers has to be minimized and transport department should issue stickers to such vehicles after checking their required documents, If any vehicle was moving with sticker displaying that all its documents were complete, nobody should be authorised stop and harass this vehicle. He also asked the Secretary Transport to notify commutation of minor traffic offences and fix fine for each offence. He said that discretion of DTO of charging variable fines for variable offences done away and public may notified about fixed fines for each offence.
The Secretary Transport said that registration of vehicle by the dealers would start by June 2011 positively and all DTO offices would be computerised and inter connected within six months.
It was informed in the meeting that by August 2011 all cities including Sub tehsils would have Suvidha Centres that would provide over 27 citizen services including water and electricity bills, telephone bills, VAT collection, birth and death certificates, permission for tents, loudspeakers, application for water and sewerage connection etc. Non judicial Stamp Papers would also be available for sale in these Suvidha Centres.
Reviewing the status of reforms in health department, Mr. Satish Chandra Secretary Health informed that 92 ambulances would be operational by March 2011 and by June 2011 every constituency would have more then two ambulances to shift the emergency medical cases to the hospital within 20 minutes. It was informed in the meeting that trauma centres in the 120 government hospitals would be upgraded with six months. Besides Chairmasn Reforms Commision, Dr. Parmod Kumar, Chief Secretary, Mr. S.C. Agrawal Secretaries of allconcerned departments also participated in the meeting.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Punjab to organize North Zone livestock show

Chandigarh, November 28:
Punjab is all set to host National zone livestock show at Muktsar during Maghi Mela from January 8 to January 12, 2011 in which quality livestock from all states for Rs. 1.25 crore collective prize money. Animal Husbandary Minister Punjab S. Gulzar Singh Ranike disclosed this here today.
He said that Punjab Government has released Rs. 4 crore for various competitions at District level, Zonal level and National level to promote livestock breading, horse breeding, equestrian sports, sale and Tourism in Punjab in a big way. These competitions would also motivate livestock farmers to opt for high milk yielding, Buffaloes, cows, crossbreeds cows, goat, sheep, pig and poultry.
Mr. Ranika said that Punjab must introduce registration of its productive livestock so that it could monitor the growth of livestock sector in a planned way and come out with schemes to help livestock farmers.
Livestock Registration Authority after registering the animals would issue a certificate to its owner, stating the age, breed, estimated value, vaccination details of the conceived animals. This certificate would be acceptable by loaning authorities while doing the valuation of animals. Medical assistance would be provided at the camp site and competitions area.
Show and milking competition would be held at Muktsar during he Maghi Mela from January 8 to January 12, 2011.
In the fair various events including best stallion, best mare best Dog breed competition, Adult bull, best cow ( in milk) best buck, best duck, turkey best domestic Fowl, Buffalos, would be organized.
Minister disclosed that there would no entry fee.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

My response to junior Badal’s cowardly statement issued from Patiala yesterday urging me to debate with Sarpanch of V. Lambi.

Sukhpal Singh Khaira,
MLA, Bholath

The coward in Sukhbir Badal has been exposed as he chickened out from his offer to an open debate on development, while speaking to reporters at Patiala yesterday.

This is the second time that the junior Badal has shied away from a public debate after making lofty challenges to the opposition.

Asking me to debate with the Sarpanch of V. Lambi is a perfect example of his weak character unable to face his political rivals. It only goes to show that he does not have the confidence to enter into a public debate with me.

In so far his credentials of seniority in politics are concerned, he should not forget, that like me he too is a first time MLA and that to with a lesser term. He should also not forget that he is playing politics from the lap of his beleaguered father, while I have struggled to become the people’s representative on my own. He should not forget that his coward father sent him to safer havens in USA on pretext of education during terrorism, while thousands of innocent Punjabi’s lost their lives due to emotional issues raised by his father.

The junior Badal’s political career is blotted with dark spots of mega corruption; he has bled the people of Punjab to own 7 star hotels like Trident in Gurgaon. He has hijacked the trades of sand quarrying, cable network, bulk liquor and have thrown out small bus operators from the trade of transport.

His statement today is nothing but a panic reaction of meek surrender by a weak General, urging me to debate with the Sarpanch of Lambi by doing so he has degraded the status of an elected representative.

Therefore, if you have the courage to face me and want to know the painful truth of Punjab, I will wait for you at the Press Club Chandigarh Sector 27 on 3rd Dec. Friday at 11.30 am, in case you fail to turn up, it would be presumed you have accepted defeat like a coward and surrendered well before a fight.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BANKER TO RAISE CREDIT DEPOSIT RATIO-STRESSES FM UPINDERJIT KAUR

"urgent need for financial awareness as well as credit counseling for financial inclusion initiative "Chandigarh November 27: The Punjab Finance Minister Dr Upinderjit Kaur stressed that to boost the farming sector there was an urgent need to raise credit deposit ratio in order to provide impetus and stability to agriculture based economy. She was addressing on the occasion of the 18th triennial delegate session of the Federation of Bank of India Officers’ Associations at Tagore Theatre here on Saturday.
While appreciating the role played by Public sector banks in India in minimizing the impact of the recession in our country, she said that the recent global meltdown had proved that Indian Public sector banks have solid fundamentals who were least affected and stood like a rock, defending the economy of the Nation.
The Minister further said that the PSU banks had played their role very well in boosting the farm sector of Punjab but still there was an urgent need to raise credit deposit ratio in this sector for which special campaign would have to be launched by the bankers to provide impetus to its agriculture based economy. Dr Upinderjit Kaur also urged upon the bankers to give priority to trade and export credit to boost this industry further, to its optimum.
Stressing upon the financial inclusion initiative the Finance Minister said that as about half of Indian population was still deprived of banking facilities so there was an urgent need for financial awareness as well as credit counseling to include them into the banking fold for the comprehensive growth of social index also. "Liberal financial assistance through microfinance schemes should be targeted for the women self help groups (SHGs) for their overall upliftment, she opined.Describing tiny, small and medium enterprises (SME) as the backbone of the Punjab's industry, she stressed that banks must open more SME focused branchs at different MSE clusters which could act as counseling centers for entrepreneurs.
Dwelling upon the important wheels of Nations' progress the Finance Minister asked the bankers to provide specific financial assistance schemes for development of infrastructure and power. "Besides this, education, health and housing are also the core sectors that need more intensive attention of banking sector for all-inclusive progress and growth of our society, Dr Upinderjit Kaur stressed.
The Finance Minister further said that the intermediation costs of banks in India still tend to be higher than those in developed banking markets. "The government is in favour of cost-effective technology solutions, implicit and explicit incentives and commitment to increase financial penetration of affordable banking services, particularly in the rural and unorganised sectors,” she said.
She further added that the bank employees should be computer literate so as to become information literate for better customer relationship management and to improve risk management also. "Banks should not merely implement core banking solutions (CBS) but also ensure that the technology implemented is more customer focused and the banking services should be accessible to all leading to coverage of whole population", said Dr Upinderjit Kaur.
Commending the social services of banking officers the Finance Minister said that in an era of participative management, the constructive role played by the representatives of the Federation in the development of the bank, serving the nation and the society, as well as for improvement of the working conditions of its members was appreciable. She asked the bank officers to provide all banking services to the rural customers in their mother tongue Punjabi so that they could easily understand and avail of benefits of agri and social welfare schemes launched by the government.
On the occasion Mr. A.K. Motayed, President, Federation of Bank of India officers' Associations, Mr. N. Seshadri, Executive Director, Bank of India and Mr. G.D. Nadaf, General Secretary, All India Bank Officers’ Confederation and Director, State Bank of India also spoke.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

SUKHBIR ORDERS SIMPLIFICATION OF RELEASE OF SEIZED/STOLEN VEHICLES
VEHICLES TO BE RELEASED BY POLICE ALONE

Chandigarh, November 26: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has ordered the simplification of release of stolen vehicles recovered by Police or seized by it after accident.
The Deputy Chief Minister has directed Director General Police Mr. P.S. Gill to immediatly the issue instructions to all Police stations to exercise greater discretion for releasing seized property to the general public as longer retention of vehicles/property by the Police was causing great difficulty to the public. He said that Police should use the discretion given by amendment in CRPC brought in 2005 to release that property that was not considered necessary for the purpose of investigation.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that SAD-BJP government was committed for the welfare of people and governance reforms initiated by the government were meant to reduce the harassment of general public. He said that police should release the seized property after securing and undertaking from the owner that they would produce the property before the court when ever required.
Mr. Badal has asked the DGP to ensure that all case property rotting in the premises of various Police stations was handed over to their respective owners after fulfilling the required lagal formalities without any delay.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

COMPANIES ASSURED MR. KAIRON FOR SUPPLY OF LPG TO CONSUMERS IN TIME

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 26:
The senior officers of the Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Gas and Hindustan Petroleum, today assured Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Punjab of supplying uninterrupted cooking gas within a week to the Punjab Consumers.
The Minister has especially convened the meeting of these three major gas companies in order to check the ongoing shortage of gas cylinders in the State.
While explaining the situation of shortage of LPG, Mr. R.K.Arora, General Manager, IOC said that the shortage was due to the closure of IOC plant at Panipat. He said that IOC Plants at Jalandhar and Nabha have been working in two shifts a day. The supply was being ensured through the trucks as there was a shut down of Pipe Line at Panipat. He also assured that the problem in gas supply would be dealt with on priority and the backlog would be convered within a week.
The supply of Hindustan Petroleum at Hoshiarpur and Ludhiana has been properly maintained, informed the offices of the Hindustan Petroleum. Although the supply was a little slow in the month of October but now the gap has been covered. The offices of Bharat Gas said that there was no shortage in the Lalru Plant, but keeping in view the rising demand of the people, even Sundays were working. All the three major gas companies have assured the minister of supplying uninterrupted gas to the consumers.
Those who attended the meeting included Sh. D.S.Grewal Secretary, Food and Suppy Deptt. Punjab, Ms Alka Nanda Dyal Director Food & Supplies Punjab and Sh. S.P.Singh Chairman Pungrain.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
PUNJAB PAVILION TURNS TO BE A GRAND SHOW- KALIA
CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 26

Industries and Commerce Minister Punjab Mr. Manoranjan Kalia said that Punjab Pavilion presented a unique and grand look among all the pavilions put up by various states at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) held at Pragati Maidan New Delhi.
Divulging the details, Mr. Kalia said that the Punjab Pavilion during IITF-2010 had especially focused on the products of solar energy from non-conventional sources to provide an alternate source of cost effective and non-pollution energy. Mr. Kalia lauded the role of Punjab in the Industrial development despite the fact of granting special package to its neighbouring states which had certainly slowed down the pace of industrialization in the state. Mr. Kalia also presided over the function on the Punjab Day celebrations in which the prominent Punjabi singers Sarbjit Cheema regaled the audience. On the occasion Mr. Kaila honoured the Lt. Governor of Pudduchery Mr. Iqbal Singh.
Principal Secretary Industry Mr. S.S. Channy, M D PSIEC Mr. S.S. Rajput, Chairman PSIDC Onkar Singh Thapar and Vice Chairman PSIEC Mr. Sukhvinder Singh Grewal were also present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the Chief General Manager of Punjab Pavilion Mr. Sanjiv Bawa informed that special efforts had been made to highlight the state's initiative to popularize the concept of solar energy amongst the masses. Kiosks had been set up to demonstrate the conversion of Hydro energy into power generation besides, the live demo of solar energy for the domestic use in villages and towns. Solar panels had also been installed to show the running of motor for irrigation purposes.
Trade enquiries were made from the interested entrepreneurs and businessmen for different products at the counters of Markfed and PEDA.