Mr. Peter Milliken, Speaker of the House of Commons Parliament of Canada calls on Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha

Chandigarh, January 09

      A delegation led by Mr. Peter Milliken, Speaker of the House of Commons, Parliament of Canada today called on Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon here at Punjab Vidhan Sabha. Dr. Gurbax Singh Malhi Member Parliament of Canada also accompanied the visiting delegation. 

      Taking part in the deliberation Mr. Kalhon impressed upon the delegation to make investments in India in general and in Punjab in particular in the field of Agro Processing, Information Technology, and Infrastructure. Mr. Kahlon assured the delegation of all support and cooperation to the prospective investors and entrepreneurs from Canada as the state Government was committed to insure investor friendly climate in the Punjab in view of the new Industrial policy-2009 announced recently. 

      He further said that Punjab known for skill and laborious nature, the people of Punjab have marked their presence everywhere they have gone including the Canada. They have remarkably contributed towards the economic growth of their adopted lands. Though Punjabi’s have adopted customs and culture of Canada but they did not want to disconnect with their roots. He hoped that Canada government would take care well our people in terms of protection to their social and religious believe which some times become a matter of concern. He wished that relationship between both the countries would be best forever and this visit would help in strengthening the relations between both the democracies.

      Mr. Kahlon presented mementos and Shawls to the visiting dignitaries.

 

CANADIAN SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

CALLS ON BADAL

CHANDIGARH JANUARY 09 

      Mr. Peter Milliken Speaker of the House of Commons , Parliament of Canada along with  Canadian MP Mr. Gurbax Singh Malhi here today called on Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and expressed his gratitude toward the religiously and culturally rich Punjabi community that was participating enormously for the economic development of Canada. Mr. Peter further hoped that the on-going development process on the basis of bilateral sharing of technology, expertise and rich experience in the fields of agriculture, IT and bio-technology would mutually benefit both the Indian as well as Canadian economy.

            Taking part in the deliberations Mr. Badal said that his government through introducing new industrial policy and creating world class infrastructure had successfully provided a congenial atmosphere to attract forging players to start their new ventures in Punjab. He also assured full support and cooperation of the state government in this regard.

          Mr. Peter Milliken also narrated his thrilling experiences of his resent visit to Punjab to the Chief Minister and invited him to visit Canada. Mr. Badal had also hosted a lunch in the honour of the Canadian Speaker.           

            Prominent amongst others who were present on this occasion included Former Deputy Speaker Lok Sabha Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Former MP Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Deputy Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Satpal Gosain, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. DS Guru.

 

 

CM orders to examine cases of land allotment to gallantry awardees  

Chandigarh January10

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today ordered to examine the entire cases of land allotment to the gallantry award winners following the alleged cases of discrimination in such allotments to the awardees by the revenue authorities.

           An assurance to this effect was given by the Chief Minister here in a meeting to the delegation of War Decorated India led by its President Brigadier (Retd) Sant Singh, MVC & Bar. 

      The delegation informed the Chief Minister that the State Government entitled a PVC winner to 15 acres of land, a MVC winner to 10 acres and a VrC winner to five acres. In case of non availability of land inadequate cash grants have been fixed. In some cases the district revenue authorities wrongly intimated to an award winner that land was not available and asked him to take the cash grant whereas the land was actually available and was still available. A few awardees accepted the cash grant on wrong advice of revenue authorities. The delegation asked the Mr. Badal  to order   the grant of land by taking the cash grant back after seeking a detailed report on the issue.  

   The delegation also urged Mr. Badal to remove an anomaly to consider the Vr Chakra awardee senior to a Miltary Cross, whereas the Punjab Government was paying an allowance of Rs. 7,500 per month to a MC winner and Rs 5,500 per month to a Vr Chakra. The delegation also demanded to incorporate a provision in the Punjab Tenancy Act which existed in the erstwhile PEPSU’s Tenancy Act and had exempted lands owned by them from the said Act but there was no such provision in the existing Punjab Tenancy Act. The delegation urged the Chief Minister to incorporate such a provision in the Punjab Act preferably for all armed forces personnel (both serving and retired) but in case it was not possible, it may be done for the gallantry award winners and their widows.  

      The Chief Minster assured the delegation that all the issue raised by them would be examined by the department of Defence Services Welfare in a time bound manner. He also assured the delegation to look into their demand to exempt the real estate both residential and commercial owned by gallantry award winners in particular and armed forces personnel in general from the Punjab Rent Control Act. The Chief Minister accepted the invitation extended by them to preside over the triennial function of War Decorated of India being held at Chandigarh on March 6, 2010.

      Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. D.S.Guru and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. K.J. S Cheema, besides  Brigadiar K.S.Chandpuri MVC, VSM, Lt. Col. H.I.S Dhaliwal, VrC and Mrs. Gurjeet Mangat wife of Late. Air Commodore H.S. Mangat,

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AGITATION BY ETT TEACHERS UNJUSTIFIED & AGAINST THE INTERESTS OF THE RURAL STUDENTS OF THE STATE: IYALI & BHUNDER 

Chandigarh,  Jan. 10

      Strongly criticising the adamant attitude of ETT teachers for shifting their services from Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to the Education department, Mr. Manpreet Singh Iyali, Chairman Zila Prishad, Ludhiana and Mr. Dilraj Singh Bhundar, Chairman Zila Prishad, Mansa along with various other chairpersons of Zila Parishads & Heads of Panchayati Raj Institutions claimed that the existing system has been established under 73rd amendment of the Indian Constitution for strengthening accountability framework and effective control through the grass root level bodies to meet our goal of universal elementary education.

      These elected representatives observed that with the present arrangement, the villages' schools have effective community involvement and in an environment that facilitated the learning process of children & quality school facilities. The demand being pursued by ETT teachers is totally unjustified & their agitational approach is uncalled for & against the interest of rural masses at large.

      Mr. Iyali and Mr. Bhunder further said that as per information from government sources, these 13034 ETT teachers working in 5752 schools have already been granted all facilities at par with other government school teachers and they have been promised to clear all cases of arrears of D.A., Increments, Clearance of probation periods and regular payment of salaries by January 31, 2010.

      They further said that their services have been provincialised and their placements have been made near to their residential places. On their request, their services have been brought under Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeals) Rules 1970.

      The Chairpersons further asserted that the schools under the control of Zila Prishads are providing better quality education to the students on account of effective close liasion and coordination with the representatives of the PRIs who are the real elected representatives of the rural masses. They said that any attempt to disturb the existing arrangements will be against the democratic spirit of the Indian Constitution.  
 

HT journalist Malhotra bereaved

CM , Deputy CM expresses Condolence  

Chandigarh January 10

      Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal  today expressed profound grief over the sad demise of Mr. Sarbjit Singh Narula the brother-in-law of Jalandhar based HT Special Correspondent Mr. Jasdeep Singh Malhotra, who passed away at AIIMS, New Delhi after a multi organ failure. He was 38.  

      In a condolence message, Mr. Badal expressed his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and   grant peace to the departed soul. Former Minister Mr. Bikramjit Singh Majithia also shared his condolences with the bereaved family. 

      Meanwhile, the Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Mr. Harcharn Bains visited the bereaved family at Goraya and mourned the untimely demise of Mr. Narula on behalf of the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister. Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Information and Public Relations Mr. D.S.Guru and Additional Principal Secretary to   Chief Minister and Director Information and Public Relations Mr. Gagandip Singh Brar also expressed their condolences with the members of bereaved family over the tragic demise of Mr. Narula.

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CM LAUNCHES SOHNA BRAND WHOLE WHEAT ATTA OF MARKFED

Chandigarh, January 10

      Punjab Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal today launched Sohna Brand whole wheat Atta of Markfed here at Chief Minister's residence.

      Chairman of the Markfed Mr. Jarnail Singh Wahid apprised the Chief Minister the whole wheat atta had been produced by the Markfed without separating the suji and bran from the quality Wheat so that all the ingredients of wheat could be provided to the consumers.

      He further said that this atta would be marketed by the Markfed not only in the Punjab but also in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir and Rajsthan. He said that the rate of this product had been reasonably fixed as compared other such prevalent brands of atta in the market. The newly lauched atta would be marketed by Markfed on commercial terms and conditions through its network of authorised distributors and retailers.

      Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. Darbara Singh Guru Principal Secretary/CM, Punjab, Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar Additional Principal Secretary/CM, Dr. B.C. Gupta Financial Commissioner Cooperation, Dr. G. Vajralingam, Registrar Cooperative Societies, Mr. Sarbjit Singh, Managing Director Markfed, Mr. H.K. Nagpal Additional Managing Director Markfed and Dr. S.K. Batish.  
 
 
CHHINA AMONG 6 MORE PUNJAB POLICE OFFICERS/OFFICIALS SELECTED FOR DGP COMMENDATION DISCS  

Chandigarh, January 10:  The Punjab Director General of Police   Mr. P.S. Gill has approved the names of six more Police Officers/Officials for award of Director General Commendation Disc on the basis of their outstanding policing achievements and in recognition of their service to the public.

      According to an official spokesman, these awardees include Mr.  Mukhwinder Singh Chhina, PPS, AIG Welfare, Pb. Chandigarh, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, PPS, DSP Ludhiana, Mr. Dharam Singh Uppal, PPS, DSP, CPO, Mr. Satnam Singh, PPS, DSP(D), Ludhiana Rural, Inspector Yogi Raj, No. PR/173, District Ludhiana Rural and SI Gurcharan Singh,  District Roopnagar. With the inclusion of these six names the total list of these awardees now stands at 57. The above mentioned awardees would get elliptical shaped disc made of bronze in golden colour with commendation disc embossed on the obverse, with Punjab Police monogram in the centre.

      It may be added that the DGP Mr. P.S.Gill had in September, 2009 introduced Commendation Disc for Police Officer/Officials for outstanding Policing achievements/practices in the areas of Anti terrorist operations, outstanding investigation and prosecution, community policing, road safety, checking drug abuse and smuggling, implementation of modern IT tools, best practices in police office management, police welfare, best Police Station etc., to boost their morale. 
 

PUNJAB POLLUTIONN CONTROL BOARD

PPCB takes strict action against polluting industries

Chandigarh January 10: In a drive to check pollution, under the directions of Sh. Rajat Agarwal, IAS, Chairman of the Punjab Pollution Control Board has initiated a strict action against half a dozen dyeing industrial units in Ludhiana which are violating the pollution control norms by burning Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and other unauthorized fuels.

      In a press released here today, PPCB Member Secretary Dr. Babu Ram said that on a tip off, the team of PPCB officers made surprise check of dyeing units situated along the Tajpur Road. Two industrial units namely M/S Jai Maa Dyeing and Anmol Dyeing were found burning MSW and Cotton Waste as fuel in their boiler furnaces. He said that strict action has been initiated against these industries under the provisions of Air Act-1981 as toxic gases, emitted in the environment, are very harmful for human health.   The Board has adopted a zero tolerance for the industries which are burning such fuels.

      Dr. Babu Ram further informed that two industrial units-M/s Madhok Dyeing and SS Processor-were closed on the findings of PPCB teams last week, also. These industries were violating the various provisions of Air Act-1981 and Water Act-1974 and five other industrial units which were causing effluents stagnation/non operation of ETP,s, have been given personal hearings before the PPCB Chairman, He further said that the drive of surprise checks will continue as the State Government is very serious to make the environment clean and green. He advised the industries, local bodies and all other concerned establishments to cooperate the PPCB, in controlling the menace of pollution, by complying with the provisions of various Environment Acts.     

    

CM MORNS SAD DEMISE OF SUGARFED CHIEF 

Chandigarh January 10, 2010

      Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed deep sorrow and profound grief over the sad demise of Chairman of the Punjab Sugarfed Mr. Pritam Singh Kounta who died after a brief illness on Friday.

      In a condolence message, Mr. Badal described Mr. Kounta as an able administrator and a true votary of the farmers who always safeguarded their interests and said that in his death a void has been created which was difficult to be filled.  The Chief Minister expressed his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.

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Sukhbir Condoles Veteran Freedom fighter Dewan Jagdish Chander’s demise

Chandigarh, January 9; Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal has condoled the demise of  veteran Freedom fighter Dewan Jagdish Chander(95), who died after a brief illness at Ludhiana early today.

In a condolence message, Mr Badal described Dewan ji an embodiment of sacrifice, selfless service and struggle who had made a great contribution during the freedom struggle, having gone to jail many times during the struggle. Even after the independence he served the people of state as an MLA.

Expressing his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family, Mr Badal prayed to almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss. 

 

PUNJAB TO SET UP STATE COMMISSION FOR NRIs  – SUKHBIR   

New Delhi, January 9:   Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that the Punjab government would set up a State Commission for NRIs. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal’s announcement came during the conclusion of  Parvasi Bharat Plenary Session here today. 

      Mr. Badal said that terms and conditions of the Commission would be finalized in consultation with Punjabi Diaspora. The Commission would be headed by a retired Judge of High Court. The Commission would entertain only those issues that could not be tackled by any department. It was being constituted to provide expeditious relief to the NRIs in their various disputes especially in the matter of property, marital and immigration. 

      Explaining the decisions taken as a follow up measure of previous NRI Sammelans held at Chandigarh and Jalandhar last year, Mr. Badal informed that East Punjab Rent Act has been amended empowering NRIs to get their property on rent vacated from the tenants. Moreover, every district in Punjab was having separate revenue court for the NRIs. 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. The Deputy Chief Minister informed that office of Directorate of NRIs is being shifted from the secretariat to centralized location in sector 17 Chandigarh to make it more accessible to the NRI population.          

Inviting NRIs with open arms to become partner in the progress of Punjab, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the fastest growing economy of Punjab, that offers world class infrastructure including road connectivity, air connectivity with three upcoming International Airports and most importantly the first state in India that was set to become Power surplus in next two years, was the right place for the NRIs to invest.           

Offering single window service for their project clearance, Mr. Badal informed them that the Punjab was only state that has set up separate police stations for NRIs and amended revenue laws to give relief to them in case of forced possession of their property during their stint abroad.  

      Describing Human Resource development as the backbone of new knowledge based Industry; Mr. Badal said that realizing this Punjab was investing heavily in the education sector. He said that 12 Universities, 67 Technical Institutions, 1 proposed Central University in Bathinda, upcoming Indian School of Business, IIT in Ropar and Mohali, National  Agri-Biotech Institute and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research at Mohali besides Indian Institute of Hotel Management in Bathinda offer diversified quality human resource for knowledge based industries including IT Industry. He said that Punjab basically an Agro based economy offers another avenue of setting up power plants using agro waste as fuel. He said that 20 million tonnes agro waste generated every year had a potential to generate 3000 MW Power with negligible investment on inputs. He said that two NRIs have already setup 5MW solar power station in district Amritsar and Hoshiarpur and this was the right investment for NRIs as it requires minimum supervision. 

      Describing NRIs as ambassadors of peace, goodwill and prosperity who had become role model for rest of the world by their sheer hard work, enterprising spirit, Mr. Badal said that time has come when sun would actually rise in the east with India emerging as number 1 economic power of the World.  He said that recent upheavals in the economies of US and other major economics power have again depicted that China and India could survive this and achieve seven plus percentage of growth rate of economy.  Mr. Badal said that NRIs have seen and enjoyed the best possible time of western economies and time has come that they should return to their roots to become active partner in their Nation emerging as number 1 economic super power.          

       Later Mr. Badal had an exhaustive interactive session with over 250 NRIs including Ms. Ruby Dalla. To a query regarding failure of Indian government to allow Pagri to the Sikh children in French school, Mr. Badal regretted that Union External affair ministry could not properly present the case to the French government and convey the hurt religious sentiments of Sikh population all over the world on this sensitive issue. Reacting to a point regarding incidents of racial violence, Mr. Badal said that Punjab state has already lodged protest to the Australian High Commissioner in India and it was for Union government to raise this issue at highest diplomatic level to pressurize Oze government to check such attacks. To the concern shown by NRI delegates regarding increasing incidents of drug addiction in Punjab, Mr. Badal informed that the Punjab state since last 1 year have launched a war on drug peddlers and smugglers and made record recoveries during last 6 months. 

      Earlier, Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Minister for NRI affairs informed that in the projects initiated by NRIs, the state assistance has been enhanced from 50 to 75 percent and NRIs can now setup such projects in urban as well as rural areas          

       Mr. Harcharan Bains, Media Advisor to Chief Minister while conducting the session listed out various decisions taken by SAD-BJP government for the welfare of NRI population. Chief Secretary Mr. S.C. Aggarwal accompanied by Principal Secretaries and Directors of various departments gave reply to the various queries raised by NRI delegates.  
 

CHAWLA URGES THE CENTER TO TAKE EFFECTIVE STEPS TO CONTROL INFLATION

  Chandigarh 8 January : 

      Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister, Prof. Laxmi Kanta Chawla today urged the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and Union Agriculture and Food & Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Sharad Pawar to immediate take effective steps to control inflation as it had adversely effected the life of the common person.

      In a statement, Prof. Chawla said that the central Government should initiate a scheme to open canteens in every city and town to provide food to the people especially the poor at subsidized rate on the pattern of canteens in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas.

      She also mentioned that a poor man could not provide meals secure a day, in view of sky rocketing prices of essential food commodities like sugar which has touched almost Rs. 45/- per kg and Dal Rs. 100/- per kg.

 

ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON    ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, January 8:

      The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Rabi Season through Canal water from 11-01-2010 to 18-01-2010. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Patiala feeder, Abohar Branch, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch and  Bist Doab Canal respectively.

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

      The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and distributries  in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their ident. Balance water supplies available would be utilised in direct distributaries of Group 'A'.

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

 

KOTLA Branch remain closed for 27 days

Chandigarh, January 8:

      Keeping in view the crops and weather conditions, Irrigation Department Punjab has issued a notification to close  the Kotla Branch Off-taking from Patiala Feeder-1 from 15.01.2010 to 10.02.2010 (both days inclusive) for 27 days due to 20% enhanced capacity for carrying out the side lining work on the spot of Kotla

 

DLF TO SET UP INDUSTRIAL PARK OVER 1200 ACRE IN MOHALI DISTRICT AT

RS. 2700 CRORE AMTEK TO SET UP RAILCAR INDUSTRIES AT RS.330 CRORE  IN PATIALA DISTRICT

 

CHANDIGARH JANUARY 07:

        The DLF Home Development Ltd. today evinced keen interest to set up an Industrial Park over 1200 acre in Mohali district at a cost of Rs. 2700 crore under Super Mega Mixed Use Industrial Park Policy.

          Making a presentation to the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at Kapurthala house, New Delhi this afternoon, senior General Manager of DLF Group Mr. Ajay Chug assured the Chief Minister that the group would complete the entire project by December 2010.    He said that the project would provide direct and indirect employment to 275000 persons. 

      In another presentation made by the Director Amtek Auto Ltd, Mr. Sanjeev Bhasin apprised the Chief Minister that Amtek Group had already approached the state government for facilitating in setting up their forthcoming Mega Project “Amtek Railcar Industries Pvt. Ltd. (ARIPL)” for manufacture of different type of wagons for Indian Railways, private operator in India, Southeast Asian Market and Middle East Market.   He said that Phase-I of the project was being set up in Patiala district with an investment of Rs.330 crore with a capacity to manufacture 2400 wagons per annum.  This capacity would be enhanced to 3600 wagons per annum with an additional investment of Rs.220 crore in phase-II of the project.  There was a potential for direct employment of 550 persons and indirect employment of 1200 persons. 

      Mr. Bhasin further informed the Chief Minister that the Indian Railways had decided to have six Dedicated Freight Corridors to improve the speed of goods trains.  Eastern & Western corridors connecting Ludhiana to Dankuni and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) have already been sanctioned.    This would add to the requirement of wagons by Indian Railways.   He further said that ARIPL was being set up at a 50:50 joint ventures between Amtek Transportation System Ltd., a subsidiary of Amtek Group and American Railcar industries of USA who were the world leaders in design and manufacturing of wagons with over 1000 years of experience.  The facilities being set up would be the state-of-the-art world’s best practices and environment friendly. 

      The Chief Minister assured both the DLF and Amtek Groups of fulsome support and cooperation on behalf of the state government in setting up these two prestigious projects.  He said that the new industrial policy-2009 was aimed at attracting investment in the state to ensure hassle free clearances to the prospective entrepreneurs.    He also impressed upon the Chairman of the DLF Group to undertake group housing schemes in different parts of the state for economically weaker sections of the society and assured that the state government would extend all possible help to the group. 

          It may be recalled that Amtek was Rs.6000 crore premier manufacturing group having 39 plants across North America, Europe and Asia to produce wide range of automotive components and assemblies for engine, transmission and suspension exceeding three hundred varieties for use in passenger cars, two wheelers, tractors, light commercial vehicle, medium commercial vehicle and stationery engines.  

      The Chief Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Senior Akali Leader Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce Mr. SS Channy, Secretary Irrigation & Power Mr. Arun Goel, Secretary Housing & Urban Development Mr. SS Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar.  Chairman DLF Mr.Rajiv Singh, Executive Director DLF Mr. Rahul Malik and Director DLF Mr.Mohit Gujral was also present on the occasion.  …

    

CM CALLS ON NDDB CHIEF TO ASSIST PUNJAB FOR PREPARATION OF BLUEPRINT TO MODERNIZE MILK PLANTS

Patel Assures CM for Early Approval of all Pending Projects with NDDB

 

CHANIDGARH JANUARY 7:

      To give a boost to the production of milk in the state, the Punjab government today decided to constitute a high level joint team of the experts of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Milkfed and other national level key dairy institutions to prepare a blue print to undertake modernization of the existing milk plants of Milkfed equipped with latest technology to double the present capacity of milk procurement with in next three years.

      A decision to this effect was taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in a meeting with the Chairperson NDDB Dr. Amrita Patel this morning at Kapurthala house, New Delhi. 

      Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister apprised Dr. Patel that some of the dairy plants at Sangrur, Bathinda, Gurdapsur and Amritsar were not financial viable and the milk unions of these plants had prepared a comprehensive rehabilitation plans with the assistance of NDDB. The plans for milk union, Amritsar and Bathinda had already been approved and approval for other two milk unions of Sangrur and Gurdaspur was still awaited from NDDB.  

      Mr. Badal sought expertise and advice from NDDB to identify new product mix besides assistance in restructuring of Milkfed and milk unions.   He also impressed upon Dr. Patel to expedite the expansion of both cattle feed plants at Khanna and Ghania-ke-Banger on turn key basis for which the NDDB had already agreed in principle to finance this expansion programme at an outlay of around Rs.8 crore.   Likewise, Mr. Badal also urged the NDDB to expedite preparation of state dairy plan for implementation in consultation with Milkfed.  

      Referring to the expansion of milk union Mohali, Mr. Badal asked the NDDB to fund the entire project to the tune of Rs.30 crore on soft lending terms to enhance the milk handing capacity   from 1 lac liters per day to 5 lac liters per day on turn key basis.  He pointed out the milk union Mohali had already initiated a process of signing a MoU with NDDB for execution of the project on the terms and conditions of NDDB.

      Seeking consultancy of NDDB for modernization of cooperative sector milk plants, the Chief Minister impressed upon Dr. Patel to formulate a workable proposal in this regard so that the processing cost was reduced considerably and farmers were ensured remunerative prices.  As most of the milk plants in cooperative sectors were out dated and the cost input in conversion of milk was very high as compared to modern technology plants. 

      The Chief Minister also asked the NDDB to expedite the process of identifying the areas in the milkshed of milk unions of Ferozepur and Faridkot where they could collect milk in consultation with the officers of Milkfed Punjab.  The milk thus procured would be used by Milkfed Punjab.  Similarly, Mr. Badal also urged the NDDB to expedite the proposal to assist the Milkfed in preparation of Wheat Paddy Straw pellet, since the project was of utmost important for the state. 

      Summing up the discussions, Dr. Patel assured the Chief Minister that Punjab had a tremendous potential and scope for the growth of dairy sector and reiterated her commitment to provide the best technology and know-how to boost the dairy development in the state in a big way.  She said that all the pending projects with NDDB would be cleared soon and assured fulsome support and cooperation to assist the Punjab government to bring white revolution in the state. 

      The Chief Minister was accompanied by his media Advisor Mr. Harcharan Bains, Financial Commissioner Cooperation Dr.BC Gupta, Chairman Milkfed Mr. Gurbacahan Singh Babehali, MD Milkfed Mr. VK Singh, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minsiter Mr. KJS Cheema and Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar

 

PUNJAB TO "ADJUST" ENHANCED TARIFF

IN SUBSEQUENT BILLS : GOVT.

One year relief to domestic and six months to commercial and industrial sectors

Relief against Impact of Countrywide Economic Slow Down

  CHANDIGARH JANUARY 7:

      In order to provide relief to the common man in view of the impact of the general economic slow down in the country, the Punjab government today decided to set off the enhanced portion of power tariff in the domestic, the commercial and the industrial sectors in the state, according to an official press release here today. 

         Giving details, Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Mr. Harcharan Bains said that while the outstanding bills for the domestic sector would be reimbursed through this adjustment for the complete one year (March 31, 2009 to April 1, 2010), the relief to the commercial and industrial sectors in this form would be for six months of the revised tariff.

          The adjustment would be made in bills with effect from April 1 this year. The decision would apply to enhancement announced by the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) in September 2009.

 

Prof. Laxmi Kanta Chawla strongly

Condemns the violence in Kashmir valley

Chandigarh 07 January:

      Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister, Prof. Laxmi Kanta Chawla today condemned the incidents of recent violence in Kashmir valley and sought immediate intervention of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to ensure security and safety of both para military forces as well as local residents.

            In a statement Prof. Laxmi Kanta Chawla said that the recent clashes in the valley were a fall out of the reduction in the paramilitary forces deployed in the strife torn valley.

            She urged the Prime Minister to advise the Ministry of Home to take the immediate step to deploy the more companies of para military forces to ensure security of the life and property of the people there and the para military forces.

 

DR.MANMOHAN SINGH GIVEN ANOTHER EXTENSION

AS PRESIDENT PUNJAB MEDICAL COUNCIL

Chandigarh January 7:  Dr ManMohan Singh, MD ,DM Cardiology PGI, Chandigarh has been given another extension of three years for the 3rd time as the President Punjab Medical Council.

      Stating this here today, a spokesman of the government said that one of the leading Cardiologists, Dr. ManMohan Singh is widely acclaimed for his honesty, integrity and dedication towards his work. These were the qualities which weighed the Chief Minister Punjab, S Parkash Singh Badal and Mr. Tikshan Sud, Medical Education and Research Minister Punjab while extending his term for another three years.

      While taking over his new assignment, Dr. ManMohan Singh said he was eager to see the medical profession free from any dishonest practices and moral aberrations. He also said that to generate public awareness against social evils like female feticide, drug abuse and dowry menace would be among the top priorities of the Punjab Medical Council. Stern action would be taken against the doctors who indulge in violation of the provision of the PNDT Act, said Dr. Singh.  Punjab Medical Council was the first state which has taken steps against the negligent doctors and has taken disciplinary action against many doctors, he added.

 
 

HARPREET SINGH SIDHU BECOMES DIG/L&O AND OPERATIONS

 

Chandigarh, December 7: The Punjab Government has posted Mr Harpreet Singh Sidhu ,IPS as Deputy Inspector General Police, Law and Order and Operations with immediate effect.