-
-
VISHWNATH SINGH APPOINTED AS MEMBER OF PUNJAB PARVASI BHALAE BOARD
CHANDIGARH JANUARY 21:
The Punjab Government today appointed Mr. Vishwnath Singh as the Member of the newly constituted ‘Punjab Parvasi Bhalae Board’ with immediate effect.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s office said that the 7-member Punjab Parvasi Bhalae Board had been constituted under the chairmanship of Mr. Ram Charan Yadav to safeguard the interests of the migrants from the other states.
The board would examine the working of various safeguards provided in the constitution and in the laws passed by the Central and State Legislature for the protection of the migrants from other states and make recommendations with a view to insuring effective implementation and enforcement of all the safeguards. The board would also look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguards of migrants from the other States and take up such matter with the appropriate authorities, added the spokesman.
CHAUDHARY GRANTED ONE YEAR EXTENSION AS MEMBER DISTRIBUTION PSEB
CHANDIGARH JANUARY 21:
The Punjab government today decided to give one year extension to Mr. KD Chaudhary, Member Distribution of Punjab State Electricity Board.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file for extending the term of Mr. Chaudhary for a year w.e.f. 3rd February, 2010.
MUNAWAR MASIH APPOINTED AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NEWLY CONSTITUTED STATE MINORITIES COMMISSION
CHANDIGARH JANAURY 21:
To safeguard the interests of the minority communities in the state, the Punjab government today constituted the state Minorities Commission with Munawar Masih as its first Chairman.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said that with the setting up the Commission the long pending demand of the minorities had been fulfilled. The Commission would also give a due representation to the minorities in the process of development programmes and policy formulation aimed at the welfare of the minorities in the state.
…
PUNJAB GOVT. GEARS TO LAUNCH A SPECIAL CAMPAIGN FOR COMMEMORATION OF THREE YEARS
Media Advisor Charts Celebration Plans
CHANDIGARH JANUARY 21:
The Punjab government will be gearing up to launch a special campaign for public awareness about the policies, performance and unprecedented achievements of the past three years of SAD-BJP alliance.
According to the Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Mr. Harcharan Bains this period saw initiatives which could not be even dreamt of only three years ago. The brave vision and development agenda rolled out by the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and his Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has brought the state to a position where it is ready for take off into the next generation pace of progress.
Meanwhile, Mr. Harcharan Bains today chaired a meeting of the senior officials and media heads of the department of Information & Public Relations to prepare a comprehensive plan for awareness campaign. It was decided in the meeting to launch an emphatic campaign to highlight the major achievements of the government through print as well as electronic media. A week long campaign would witness laying the foundation stones and inaugurations of various prestigious development projects across the state by the concerned Ministers of the state. The Information & Public Relations department would also publish special publications to highlight the achievements and development schemes of the SAD-BJP alliance during the period of eventful three years.
Mr. Bains further said that the report submitted to the government by two member committee of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Local Government Minister Mr. Manoranjan Kalia to suggest recommendations for mobilization of additional financial resources would also mark a turning point in the history of development and fiscal management in the state. This aspect would also be aptly highlighted in the campaign, said that Media Advisor.
The meeting was attended by the OSD to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Nirabhjit Singh Dhanoya, Additional Director Public Relations Mr. Jarnail Singh besides other media heads and senior officials of the department.
…
REPUBLIC DAY STATE LEVEL FUNCTION AT FATEGARH SAHIB
Chandigarh, January 21:
The State level Republic Day Celebration would be held at Fatehgarh Sahib where the Governor of Punjab would unfurl the national flag and take the solute on January 26th. S. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab would unfurl the flag at Ludhiana,. S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab would unfurl the flag at Amritsar where as Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha would unfurl the flag at Patiala.
Stating this her today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that all the Cabinet Minister namely Mr. Manoranjan Kalia at Gurdaspur, Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura at Jalandhar, Mr. Manpreet Badal at Tarn Tararn, Mr. Tikshan Sud-Hoshiarpur, Smt. Upinderjit Kaur –Saheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawan Shahr), S. Adesh Partap Singh-Sangrur, Smt. Laxmi Kanta Chawla-Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali),Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar-Kapurthala, Master Mohan Lal-Ropar, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike- Ferozepur, Mr.Parminder Singh Dhindsa-Moga, Mr. Swarna Ram-Faridkot,, Mr. Sucha Singh Langah-Bathinda, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon-Muktsar, Mr. Hira Singh Gabria- Mansa and S. Sewa Singh Sekhwan-Barnala.
Mr. Jagdish Sahni-Batala, Mr. Harish Rai Dhanda-Pathanakot, Mr. Jagdeep Singh Nakai-Rampuraphul, Mr. Sheetal Singh –Nihal Singh Wala, Mrs.Mohinder Kaur Josh-Dasuya, Mr. Arunesh Shakar-Mukerian, Mr. Bikramjit Singh Khalsa-Jagraon, Mr. Avinash Chander-Khanna, Mr. Sukhpal Singh-Jalalabad, Mr. Raj Kumar Khurana-Rajpura, Mr.Desh Raj Dhugga-Phagwara , Ch. Nand Lal-Nakodar and Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal-Philaur would unfrl the National Flag on Republic Day.
Deputation of Rajpoot Community calls on CM
Chandigarh, January 20:
Punjab Government would construct Rajpoot Bhawans at Jalandhar, Bathinda and Patiala in a phased manner for which state government would provide land to the Rajpoot community at collector rates.
An assurance to this effect was given by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting with 15 member delegation of Rajpoot Community led by S. Surjit Singh Garhi and Jathedar Pritam Singh.
Appreciating the role and efforts of Rathore-Rajpoot Community for the development of the state, Mr. Badal said that Rajpoot community was the back bone of Shiromani Akali Dal and SAD-BJP government was fully committed for the welfare of this community. He further assured all cooperation and support of the state government to them.
------
CM FOR EXPEDITE COMPLETION OF GOBINDGARH FORT
SEEKS RS. 60 CRORE FROM CENTRE AND 10 CRORE FROM ADB FOR ITS COMPLETION
PHTPB GIVES NOD TO OBERAI GROUP TO RUN LUXURY TRAIN PROJECT IN PUNJAB
Chandigarh January 20:-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Cultural Affairs & Tourism Department to expedite the conservation project of prestigious historic Gobindgarh Fort at Amrtisar.
While Presiding over a meeting today to review the master plan of Gobindgarh Fort prepared by the Tourism Department, the Chief Minister was informed by the Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs & Tourism Mrs. Geetika Kalha that the state government had already sent a proposal to the Centre and demanded Rs. 50 crore for the entire project of Gobindgarh Fort, besides Punjab Government had also demanded Rs. 10 Crores from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The entire conservation work would cost about Rs. 25 crore which included Rs. 5.2 crores for the conservation of boundary walls of the fort. Rs. 3 crores each for the four bastions, Rs. 2.5 crore for darbar hall and remaining would be spent on the other buildings in the Fort which had rich cultural and heritage and monumental values. Central circular buildings of the fort which is known as dyer bungalow would be restored as artifacts based museum. Apart from this two other museums would be developed to depict the history of Maharaha Ranjit Singh period, Anglow Sikh war and British period at the two bastions. It was also informed in the meeting that a car parking would also be constructed outside the fort, whereas inside the fort a 20 room Heritage Hotel along with ten Tent Houses would also be developed. Darbar Hall would be developed as a big restaurant and Toshakhana as a cafeteria.
The Chief Minister also asked the Tourism Department to chalk out the possibilities to start boating in the moat around the Fort. He also directed the department to seek expert advice in this regard.
In a separate meeting of Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) under the Chairmanship of Mr. Badal, board gave in principal approval to the Oberai Group, the single bidder for the luxury tourists train project of Punjab for which group would pay Rs. 90 lac per annum to the state.
Prominent amongst others who were persent in the meeting included Agriculture Minister S. Sucha Singh Langah, Cultural Affairs & Tourism Minister S. Hira Singh Gabria, Chief Secretary Punjab Mr. S.C. Agarwal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. D.S. Guru, both Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister S.S. Sandhu and Mr. K.J.S. Cheema.
------------------------------------
Punjab remembers unsung heroes of Sikh History
PUNJAB CONSTITUTES 15 MEMBERS JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE TO COMMEMORATE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF BABA MOTI RAM MEHRA
Chandigarh, January 20: The Punjab government today constituted a 15 member joint action committee under the Chairmanship of Dr Manmohan Singh Bhagowalia to mobilize masses from the state for the state level function on 14 February, 2010, to commemorate the Martyrdom day of Baba Moti Ram Mehra, an unsung hero of Sikh History. He was a relatively unknown servant in the Hindu kitchen of Sirhind Faujdar, who sacrificed his whole family to serve milk to the Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri during their imprisonment.
Presiding over a meeting of more than 15 social and charitable organisations set up in the memory of Bhai Moti Ram Mehra and Bhai Himmat Singh this here today Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Information & Public Relations Minister said that 15 member body besides giving representation to all sections of the Society has given due representation to Mehra Clan. He said that humanity was indebted to Baba Moti Ram Mehra, his wife Bibi Bholi ji and his mother who despite the diktat of Wazir Khan, issuing strict warning the residents of Sirhind, not to serve any type of food to Sahibjadas of tenth Guru, dared to sneak in the prison chamber, to serve fresh water and milk to hungry Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri ji for three consecutive nights. The Minister said that when this came to the notice of Sirhind Faujdar, after the martyrdom of Sahibzadas, the whole family of Baba Moti Ram Mehra including his mother, wife and seven year old son were done to death by squeezing them in Kohlu (oil press).
The Minister said that Sikh history was replete with such innumerable examples of unparalleled sacrifices by unsung heroes and this was first o function of such series. He said that Punjab government would organize functions to educate the present generation regarding the importance of their sacrifices in protecting the secular fabric of our country, by organizing panel discussions, declamation contests in schools and colleges and also in broadcast media. The Minister said that Punjab government would publish literature on the life and history of Baba Moti Ram Mehra and distribute it through out the state.
Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Baljit Singh, President, The Chandigarh Kashyap Rajput Sabha, Balbir singh Pahra, Parshotam Singh, Mewa Singh, Prof Jang Singh, H.Pal Singh, Karanjit Singh, Prem Singh Deewana, Yadav Singh Dukhiya, Narinder Kashyap. Sarwan Singh Bholi, Dr Prem Singhand Gurdev Singh Nabha.
-----------------------------------------------
POLICE BRUSHES UP PR NETWORK TO KEEP A PACE WITH TIME
DGP FOR POLICE SPOKESMAN AT EVERY OPERATIONAL COMMAND LEVEL
Chandigarh, January 20:
The three day workshop on Media Relations in Crises Situation concluded here today with Punjab DGP Mr. P.S.Gill giving a call to the force to brush up Public Relations network of the Force to keep a pace with the changing requirements of media.
Presiding over the valedictory function of the Workshop the DGP today said that besides setting up institutionalized system for media relations to disseminate information in the Force, we must bring a basic change in our attitude toward media being looked down as rival. Describing media as Fourth pillar of Indian democratic system, Mr. Gill said that rather than opposing each other, both should supplement each other’s role.
Speaking regarding the growing importance of media relations, the DGP said that police department would have institutionalised system of media relations, both at Headquarter besides also at district headquarters. Each operational command would have a separate PR set up, he announced.
Asking the District Police Chiefs to be precise, factual in briefing the media, the DGP also underlined the growing importance of transparent and credible media relations especially in view of proliferation of electronic media channels. He said that it was imperative for the police authorities to pass on authentic but crisp information expeditiously to the media at the earliest to keep a check on rumor mongering. He asked the district police chiefs to designate one nodal officer in each district to brief the media at regular intervals.
Appealing to the media to exercise utmost restraint in reporting the sensitive events, Mr. Gill said that in the multi-cultural, multi-racial society like India, there was an added responsibility on media.
Prof. K. M. Srivastava, of Indian Institute of Mass Communication gave a detailed presentation on dos and don’ts in dealing with media art. Mr. Gautam Kaul, former DGP ITBP, and Mr. Arvind Uttam shared their experience regarding problems and opportunities in handling media relations, especially during crises.
Mr. S.K. Sharma, ADGP proposed vote of thanks.
SIKH EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY
CHANDIGARH, January 20, 2010: The Sikh Educational Society (SES) bestows Awards, in the memory of Panth Rattan Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra (as in the past years), upon two prominent personalities, namely, Dr. Gurbhagat Singh and S. Jagdev Singh Jassowal, this time. The SES is a prestigious organization, which is managing over half a dozen prominent educational institutions in Chandigarh and Punjab.
Disclosing this in a press note released here, today, Col (Retd.) Jasmer Singh Bala, Secretary, SES, said that these awards would be given in a special function, being organized in Guru Gobind Singh College, Chandigarh on 23 January 2010(Saturday). Dr. Jaspal Singh, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University Patiala will be the Chief Guest, while Jathedar Avtar Singh, President, Shormani Gurdawara Prabhadak Committee, Amritsar will be the Special Guest on the occasion.
Col. Bala intimated that Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra was associated with the SES as its President for a long time. Under his able and dynamic leadership, the SES and its educational institutions achieved highest achievements in education & sports and also made valuable contributions in the spheres of religion, culture, literature, etc. He said that the SES instituted these Awards in 2005 in the memory of Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra who had set the example of selfless service & value based way of life.
He informed that Dr. Kharak Singh Mann, Prof. Manmohan Sehgal, Dr. JS Grewal, Dr. Kirpal Singh, Prof. Prthipal Singh Kapoor, Dr. Balkar Singh, Dr. Sarup Singh Alag, Dr. Gurnam Singh ,Dr. Madamjit Kaur, Dr. Gurbakhash Singh, Prof Harinder Singh Mehboob and Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal have been honored with these awards so far.
Col. Bala stated that Dr. Gurbhagat Singh is an erudite Scholar and a veteran teacher, who has participated in many International Seminars/Conferences, besides being a reputed author, whereas S. Jagdev Singh Jassowal has carved a niche for himself by promoting cultural activities under the banners of Prof Mohan Singh Foundation and other fora.
MANPREET REPRESENTS PUNJAB ON JYOTIDA’S LAST RITES
Chandigarh January 19: Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal Finance Minister Punjab represented the Punjab Government at the last rites of Mr. Jyoti Basu, 24 times elected Chief Minister of West Bengal at Calcutta. Mr. Badal laid wreaths on the body of Mr. Basu on behalf of the Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.
Paying tributes to the greatest icons of Indian Political firmament, Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal said that Mr. Basu was a dedicated true statesman with a patriotic approach and made a stringent attack on Emergency, just like the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab. The history of agrarian reforms in India was incomplete without Jyoti Basu’s progressive ideals. Adding further he said that Mr. Basu had already empowered the West Bengal villages much before Panchayati Raj became a part of the Indian Polity, said Mr. Badal. Remembering Jyoti Basu’s deep association with the state of Punjab, Mr. Badal said that when the Emergency was declared in India he stayed at the farm of Akali Leader Kuldeep Singh Wadala in a village at Jallandhar. He would always be remembered not only in his own state but in the entire world for his unmatched dedication commitment and integrity.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BACKGROUND
- Better and efficient tax management increased VAT collection as the result Punjab State rank 23rd in the VAT collection growth rate is today 3rd in the country
- Economic slow down, implementation of Pay Commission recommendations adversely affected the fiscal health of the State.
- Fiscal management is to refocus on expenditure in support of social and economic life of marginalized sections; creation of essential economic and social infrastructure; to preserve natural resources and make environment sustainable.
- Subsidies shall not be withdrawn, but rationalized.
- Innovation lies in taxing preferably the profits and not income.
- Progressive thrust to taxation by following the principle ‘each according to its capacity and need’.
- Resource mobilization has been undertaken by raising resource from those who have the mans and exempted those who do not have adequate means.
- Exemption in stamp duty in case of transfer by a persons to his legal heirs for commercial and industrial properties.
- Conveyance deed for the first time at the original allotment rate for all types of plots. Stamp duty for sale deed in favour of women reduced from 4% to 3%. Deemed assessment extended upto 31.3.2010.
- Building plans sanctioned for perpetuity unless owner wants a change in them.
- Permit fee on taxies plying privately reduced to Rs. 400/- per seat per annum.
- Rationalization of CLU and EDC charges in the State.
- Rationalization of developmental charges within the municipal limits.
- Retrenchment and reduction in government expenditure was the main principle in the last decade much to the disadvantage of the common person. It is proposed that rationalization of expenditure and not expenditure reduction and professionalization of government functioning and not retrenchment should be the main focus of governance reforms.
--------------------------------------
Subsidies not to be withdrawn but rather to be augmented and streamlined: Committee Recommends Social Development Corpus of Rs 500 crore.
Chandigarh January 18 –The two member Punjab Committee on Resource Mobilization today ruled out a withdrawal of subsidies and recommended innovative and sweeping reforms in taxation structure to mop up an additional revenue of Rs.4000 crores without “affecting the common consumers.”
The Committee, comprising Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Loal Bodies Minister Mr. Manoranjan Kklia, which submitted its report to the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at the latter's residence this morning.. BJP president Mr. Rajinder Bhandari was also present on the ocassion.
In its report, the Committee also recommended the setting up of a Social Security and welfare Dedicated Fund of Rs 500 crore.
It called for resource mobilization on the basis of profit rather than income. It advocates “efficient and participator tax collection system to check leakages and wastage.” The committee’s recommendations are driven by the principle of “ each according to his capacity and need., says the report.
The Committee recommends that to bridge the gap of offering services to citizens , the process of filling of vacancies be initiated. As a fulfillment of the commitment made in the SAD-BJP manifestoes during the last assembly elections, the Report recommends the raising of upper age limit for retirement of government employees including boards, corporations and trusts from 58 to 60 years.
The Committee recommended that subsidies, including those for the farm sector “are not be withdrawn. On the contrary, “subsidies shall be further streamlined and augmented for the welfare of the poor and meet the survival needs of the farmers.”
On the crucial issue of subsidies on agricultural inputs like free power and irrigation, the report categorically states that “subsides on the agricultural inputs like free power and water will be rationalized and not withdrawn.” It quotes a report by Economist , London, to reinforce its argument in favour of subsidies. “52 percent of American farmer’s income, 46 percent in European Union and 56 percent of Japanese farmer’s income comes from government subsidies. In contrast, Punjab farmers get only 5% of their income in subsidies.”
In order to streamline and rationalize the farm subsidies, the Committee recommends the introduction of productivity bonus through a system of reimbursement of the power bills directly to the farmers (instead of compensating the PSEB) at rates which would be fixed at Rs. 50 per BHP , as against Rs. 60 being charged 13 years ago when the SAD-BJP government had introduced their abolition The revise format is recommended to get the farmer’s expenditure on power included as a factor for determination of the MSP. At present , this amount is deducted by the ACPC thus fixing a lower MSP.
In order to give boost to the sluggish economy and to encourage further investment in the State in all sectors of commerce, there is an essentiality to review and rationalise External Development Charges (EDC) and Change of Land Use (CLU) charges within and outside the municipal limits (MC). It is proposed that EDC and CLU charges in the State be reviewed and rationalised immediately.
It has been observed that the residential, commercial and institutional properties are being constructed within the Municipa limits without payment of development charges. As an incentive to the people of Punjab, it is recommended that developmental charges on the properties developed/to be constructed within the Municipal Limits be rationalized, so that these properties be regularized on payment of reduced charges. Such a measure will give boost to the economy and relief to the people of Punjab.
Another proposal relates to rationalizing free power facility for domestic BPL and SC families to 100 watts per billing cycle. A major highlight of the Committee’s recommendation is the creation of a Social Development Corpus for education, health, sanitation for the rural and urban poor and for providing potable drinking water.
The Committee recommends an increase in VAT from 4% to 5% as already done in the neighboring states. It also proposes an additional surcharge of 10% on VAT in lieu of Octroi. The Committee also recommends the imposition of entry tax to protect the local industry.
Institutional levy at the rate of Re.1 per square feet is proposed on institutional areas above 5000 sq feet outside the municipal limits to support local infrastructure. It proposes a 10% increase in collector rates, simultaneously recommending conveyance deed at allotment rate of the properties allotted by the state/central government and local authorities.
The Committee recommends major relief for legal heirs of the properties in urban and rural areas in the form of stamp duty exemption. Committee also proposes a major initiative towards women empowerment by recommending the reduction of stamp duty on property purchase by women from 4% to 3%.
In order to improve the quality of life of the citizens and arrest urban decay, the Committee recommends self-assessment for levying property tax with effect from April, 2010. Revenue thus collected would be utilised for providing essential and adequate civic amenities in the urban areas.
For improvement of transport infrastructure in the state, the Committee recommends an increase in the rate of Motor Vehicle tax at the time of grant, extension and increase of trips of the stage carriage permit, in addition to a seven paisa per KM increase in bus fare. The increase in Motor vehicle would increase from Rs 500 per KM to Rs. 1500 per KM. Similarly, to broad-base the private taxi network, the Committee recommends a reduction of tax from Rs750 per to Rs. 400 per seat per annum.
The report proposes a one time regularization of Rs. One lac and annual maintenance fee per tower per operator chargeable at the rate of Rs. 25000 in the Municipal Corporations, Rs20000 in the Municipal Committees and Rs 15,000 in the Panchayat and other uncovered areas. It has also been proposed to tax the DTH service at the rate of 10% per connection per month.
PUNJAB’S MEDIA POLICY BY APRIL 13
SEKHWAN ANNOUNCES FREE BUS TRAVEL FACILITY FOR PROOF READERS ALSO
BROAD BASED ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE TO BE CONSTITUTED THIS WEEK
Chandigarh, January 19: Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Information & Public Relations Minister today announced that Punjab’s Media Policy would be announced by April, 13 this year.
Mr. Sekhwan made this announcement in the ‘Meet the press’ programme organized by Chandigarh Press Club. Mr. Sekhwan said that Media Policy would be state specific keeping in view the requirement of media persons of the state. He said that state government was not going totally according to the model media policy circulated by Union government and has made changes keeping in view the specific requirements of media personnel of Punjab.
The Minister also announced that broad based accreditation committee would be constituted this week that would be set in motion the permanent accreditation of journalists. He said that this time the accreditation committee under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary, Information & Public Relations has been constituted to give representation to all sections of media including electronic media.
Mr. Sekhwan also announced the free bus travel facility to the proof readers working in various newspapers. Answering the question regarding toll exemption to the media persons, Mr. Sekhwan said that he was committed to get this exemption for the accredited journalists and picture would be cleared once the new accreditation committee completes the accreditation process.
Emphasizing the need for strengthening the Public Relations Department, Mr. Sekhwan said that infrastructure as well as human resources of the department has to be strengthened to enable it to keep pace with fast changing requirements of Media. He said that process has already begun to fill all vacant posts of PROs/APROs and other supporting staff. Admitting the fact that district unit of Public Relations department were understaffed and lacked requisite infrastructure, Mr. Sekhwan said that he has today sanctioned 11 new vehicles for the district offices and other infrastructure would be soon strengthened.
Mr. Sekhwan said that Public Relations department has to convey the policies and achievements of the government to the population living in remote rural areas besides also giving the feedback to the government regarding the difficulties being faced by the public. Seeking cooperation from the media in projecting the development initiatives of the government, Mr. Sekhwan said that he would also welcome constructive criticism from the media.
Requesting the media to desist from marketing the news by making it sensational, Mr. Sekhwan said that media must exercise restrain in the larger interest of society.
Earlier Mr. Naveen Grewal, Secretary General, Chandigarh Press Club welcomed the Minister and Mr. Sarabjeet Singh Pandher, President Chandigarh Press Club spoke about the rich legacy of the Club.
SEKHWAN SEEKS REVIEW OF ‘BLACKLIST’
Chandigarh, January 19: Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Public Relations and NRI affairs Minister today supported the plea of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh to have a re-look at the so called ‘blacklist’ (kali suchi) of Sikhs debarred from entering the country.
Giving an answer to the query in Meet the Press programme at Chandigarh Press club, Mr. Sekhwan said that time has come that Union government should review the blacklist because after the restoration of peace in the state, these citizens should be given opportunity to return home and become partner in the progress of state . Mr. Sekhwan said that he had already discussed this issue with State DGP and CM and Mr. Badal would meet soon Union Home Minister and Prime Minister requesting them to review the blacklist.
Speaking about problems being faced by NRIs, Mr. Sekhwan said that Punjab government would soon constitute a commission for NRIs. He 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. Mr. Sekhwan said that the Commission 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. Sekhwan 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 and all districts would soon have separate NRI courts. He informed that office of Directorate of NRIs was being shifted from the secretariat to centralized location in sector 17 Chandigarh to make it more accessible to the NRI population.
SEKHWAN FOR STRENGTHENING GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL MACHINERY
ASKS DEPARTMENT TO WORK FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION OF GRIEVANCES
Chandigarh, January 19
Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Minister for Pensions and Removal of Grievances today called for evolving effective system of removal of grievances both at district and sub-division level.
Presiding over a high level meeting in which Assistant Commissioner Grievances Redressal from all the districts participated, Mr. Sekhwan said that grievances redressal procedure has to be strengthened and concerned officer must be made accountable for timely addressing the grievances of common masses. He said that all districts and sub-divisions must install grievances box at the gate of district and sub-division administrative complexes, which should be got opened in the presence of DC/SDM twice a week. He said that all grievances in the box must be entered into register and complainant be informed about the receipt of his grievance and timeframe in which that would be redressed.
Mr. Sekhwan said that we all were public servants and service of people should be paramount to us. Underlining the need for computerizing the grievances redressal system, Mr. Sekhwan asked the department to come out with suitable software to enable people to register their complaints online from their home.
Mr. H. I. S. Grewal, Secretary Grievances said that he along with a Special Secretary Mr. Sumer Singh Gujjar would be conducting surprise raids in districts and sub-divisions to monitor the implementation of reforms suggested by minister.
MANPREET REPRESENTS PUNJAB ON JYOTIDA’S LAST RITES
Chandigarh January 19: Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal Finance Minister Punjab represented the Punjab Government at the last rites of Mr. Jyoti Basu, 24 times elected Chief Minister of West Bengal at Calcutta. Mr. Badal laid wreaths on the body of Mr. Basu on behalf of the Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.
Paying tributes to the greatest icons of Indian Political firmament, Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal said that Mr. Basu was a dedicated true statesman with a patriotic approach and made a stringent attack on Emergency, just like the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab. The history of agrarian reforms in India was incomplete without Jyoti Basu’s progressive ideals. Adding further he said that Mr. Basu had already empowered the West Bengal villages much before Panchayati Raj became a part of the Indian Polity, said Mr. Badal. Remembering Jyoti Basu’s deep association with the state of Punjab, Mr. Badal said that when the Emergency was declared in India he stayed at the farm of Akali Leader Kuldeep Singh Wadala in a village at Jallandhar. He would always be remembered not only in his own state but in the entire world for his unmatched dedication commitment and integrity.
Master Babu Ram, father–in-law of Sh. Baljit Balli, Editorial Advisor of P.T.C. News Channel expired and was cremated in sector-25, Cremation Ground Chandigarh here today. He was 81 and leaves behind his wife, two sons and three daughters.
S. Darbara Singh Guru, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Punjab and S. Gaggandeep Singh Brar, Director, Information & Public Relations, Punjab attended the cremation and laid wreath on the body of late Master Babu Ram. On behalf of Information & Public Relations Minister, Punjab S. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, the wreath was laid by S. Jarnail Singh, Additional Director Public Relations, Punjab. The cremation was largely attended. The Antim Ardas in the memory of late Master Babu Ram will be held on January 23, 2010 at 1.00 PM in Gurudwara Sahib, Sector-19, Chandigarh.
PUNJAB TO CARRY OUT A DETAILED STUDY FOR SLASHING THE TAX LIABILITY ON THE COTTON GINNING MILLS
Chandigarh, January 18:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Financial Commissioner Taxation, Financial Commissioner Development and Secretary Mandi Board to carry out a joint detailed study to make recommendation for slashing the tax liability on the Cotton ginning mills in the State to safeguard the interests of these mills.
An assurance to this effect was given by Mr. Badal to a delegation of Punjab Cotton Factories & Ginner’s Association (Regd.) led by its President Mr. Bhagwan Bansal here in a meeting at Punjab Bhawan this evening.
Responding to the demand to waive off the Market Fee and Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess on cotton, the Chief Minister assured the delegation to get these demands thoroughly examined by the joint committee before taking final decision in this regard. The Chief Minister also directed the Excise and Taxation department to keep a strict vigil over the illegal buying of cotton by the traders of Rajasthan.
The Association thanked the Chief Minister for giving them an opportunity to place their demands before him and hoped of an early solution of these problems.
Prominent among those who were present in this meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. S.C. Aggarwal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. D.S. Guru, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. N.S. Kang, Principal Secretary Industries Mr. S.S. Channy, Excise & Taxation Commissioner A. Venu Prasad and Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar.
BADAL ASKS DCs TO SETTLE PENDING 84 RIOTS AFFECTED FAMILIES' CASES WITH OPEN MIND
CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 18:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Deputy Commissioners to be liberal while considering the pending cases of the fresh applicants of 84 riot affected families, who could not apply for seeking relief under the 'rehabilitation package' announced by the Government of India.
Chairing a high level meeting to review progress of implementation of 'rehabilitation package' to provide relief to the victims 1984 riots here at Chief Minister's residence this morning, Mr. Badal directed the Deputy Commissioners to consider all the fresh cases of these applicants with open mind so that they could be given adequate relief as per the Centre's policy. Mr. Badal directed the Officers to consider suitable documents as a sufficient proof of residence submitted by these claimants.
The Financial Commissioner Revenue informed the Chief Minister in the meeting that the Punjab Government had invited fresh applications from the victims of 1984 riots who could not apply earlier due to some unavoidable circumstances, positively by January 31, 2010.
It may be recalled that the Union Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram in a letter to Mr. Badal had asked the Punjab Government to dispose off all the cases of pending claims before March 31, 2010 and the eligible claimants would be disbursed enhanced ex-gratia for the death, injury, damaged residential, uninsured commercial/industrial properties and rehabilitation grant accordingly. Mr. Chadambram had already given an Assurance to the House to this effect. The Ministry of Home Affairs had also informed that 435 claims of rehabilitation grants were still pending disposal with the state government.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. D.S. Guru, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mrs. Romila Dubey, Secretary Revenue Jaspal Singh, Commissioner Jalandhar Division Mr. S.R. Ladhar besides the Deputy Commisioners of Ropar Priyank Bharti, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) Prabhjot Singh Mand, Ludhiana Vikash Garg, Taran Taran Khushi Ram, and Deputy Commissioner Gurdaspur Dr. Karamjit Singh Sra.
Badal asks NABARD to provide refinance at 2.50%
Chandigarh, January 18:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the NABARD to provide refinance at the constant rate of 2.50 % to make the District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) financially viable and economically sustainable.
In his inaugural address on the Punjab State Credit Seminar 2010-11 organized by the NABARD here at the Hotel Mountview, Mr. Badal said that to enable the Cooperative Banks to provide agricultural credit @ 7% to the farmers and to save them from incurring losses on account of lower interest margin, NABARD should provide refinance at a fixed rate of interest of 2.50%.
Mr. Badal also raised the issue with NABARD to allow Punjab Agriculture Development Banks (PADBs) to collect deposits under Deposit Mobilization Scheme. At present, only Apex level Agriculture & Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) could raise deposits from public for the period of one year under this scheme and Primary Banks could collect deposits only as agents of Apex level SCARDBs. He therefore, demanded that Primary Banks should also be allowed to collect deposits on their own.
Demanding to raise the quantum of refinance by NABARD, the Chief Minister pointed out that the NABARD had decided to provide refinance to the extent of 45% of ground level credit to be disbursed during the year 2009-10, which was insufficient for the Cooperative Banks to meet the credit requirements of the farmers. To ensure adequate and timely flow of credit to the farmers, Mr. Badal impressed upon the NABARD that the quantum of refinance should be raised to 75% of the advances. Likewise, he also asked the NABARD to increase its present share of refinance from 95% to 100% for all development activities
Mr. Badal further mentioned that the Punjab State Cooperative Banks had sound track record with the NABARD. Keeping this in view, NABARD should do away with the practice of asking for Government Guarantee for floating debentures. At present, this takes away 2.5% from the State’s finances which can be spent on rural development programmes in the state.
Taking up the issue of Interest Subvention to be raised to 3 %, Mr. Badal said though the Government had announced reduction in the rate of interest in Short-term Agriculture loans from 7.0% to 6.0% for the good pay masters but this concession had been granted at the cost of the institutions. In other words, the interest subvention which was available earlier at 3.0% for the year 2008-09 had been reduced to 2.0% during 2009-10, which would cause a loss of Rs. 10.00 crores to the Banks and demanded it should be immediately increased to 3%.
The Chief Minister also asked the NABARD to provide additional funds for the cleaning of village ponds and construction of low cost latrines for the poorest of the poor in the villages, besides opening of skill development centers to impart training to the unemployed rural youth to enable them gainfully employed. He hoped that NABARD could play a crucial role in ruler development and improving the economic prosperity and living standards.
In his key note address Chairman NABARD Mr. U.C.Sarangi said that the credit flow of Rs. 55,522 crore under priority sector in Punjab during 2010-11 spoke volumes of efficient functioning of the lead Banks and State Cooperative Banks in the service of rural sectors. He assured Mr. Badal that he would soon get all the projects cleared in the road sector worth Rs. 422 crore pending with NABARD.
On the occasion, Mr. Badal released the State Focus Paper 2010-11 Punjab.
Earlier, the chairman-cum-managing Director Regional Office NABARD Mr. J.R.Sarangal that the State Focus Paper would highlight on the current concerns of the State on the agricultural front viz. deteriorating soil health, falling groundwater table and the need for crop diversification, agro-processing and other problems related to SHG Bank linkage and Farmers’ clubs.
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Principal Secretary Finance Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Mr. Arun Goel , Registrar Cooperation Dr. G. Vijralingam, Additional Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Chief General Manager State Bank of India Mr. S.K. Sehgal and General Manager State Level Bankers Committee PNB, Mr. G.Banerjee.
CM Constitutes Site selection Committee for installation of CETPs in Ludhiana
Reviews satluj action plan to ensure clean river water for drinking and irrigation
Chandigarh, January 18:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today constituted a site selection committee headed by Tourism & Jails Minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabria for the finalization of 100 acres of land at village Bhattian to provide an alternative land to 27 scattered dyeing units and 10 acres for setting up of Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) at village Bahadurke in Ludhiana district.
Presiding over a meeting with the representatives of the Dyeing Industries from Ludhiana for setting up of CETPs here at Punjab Bhawan this evening, Mr. Badal asked the Committee to submit the report with in a week so that the entire formalities for the possession of land could be completed within a month. The other members of the Committee would be Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Ludhiana and the Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board. Mr. Badal directed the Principal Secretary Industries to ensure the installation of CETPs and shifting of scattered dyeing units at the proposed sites within a time frame.
Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary Industries apprised the Chief Minister that mother Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in the name of Punjab Dyers Association had been registered under section 25 of the Companies Act to facilitate the procedure for setting up of CETPs for dyeing industry. He said that the land thus possessed after selection in village Bhadurke would be transferred to the SPV or the operator on lease basis for the construction of CEPT, the ownership of which vests with Gram Panchayat Village Bahadurke. Likewise, another CETP would be set up at Tajpur road over identified 32 acres of land, ownership of which vests with department of Prisons at village Jamalpur Awana on the same terms and condition.
The Chief Minister asked the Ludhiana based Dyeing Industry Association to cooperate with the State Government for installation of these CETPs to check the water pollution which was creating havoc with the lives of innocent people. He said the State Government was committed to provide safe drinking water to the people and moreover it was the bounden duty of the government to save their lives. Mr. Badal asked the industrialists to adhere to the norms and parameters suggested by PPCB/CPCB to ensure the prescribed limits of BOD at inlet and outlet the dyeing units. He asked the Chairman PPCB to ensure that the treated water be safely utilized for irrigating the crops and vegetables without having ill effects on the crops and vegetables. It was also decided that the soil conservation and irrigation departments would prepare the schemes for utilization of treated dyeing effluent for irrigation of feels in the command area of Budha Nalah and river Satluj.
Later in a separate meeting with the senior officers of the Departments of Irrigation, Industries, Rural Department, Water Supply & Senitation, Water Supply and Sewrage Board, Punjab Pollution Control Board to monitor the progress of Sutluj action plan to effectively combat the menace of pollution caused due to untreated effluents by the Industries and Municipal waste from the town and cities along the banks of river Sutluj and Sarhind Canal. Mr. Badal reiterated that the paucity of funds would not be allowed to hamper the pace of the project and asked his Principal Secretary Mr. D.S. Guru to review the functioning of the plan with the concerned departments on day to day basis so that the entire project could be completed positively by March 2011.
Prominent amongst others who attended these meetings included Chief Secretary Mr. S.C. Aggarwal, Chairman Punjab State Industries Board Mr. Inderjeet Singh Pradhan, Chairman Punjab Agro Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon and MLA Dakha Darshan Singh Shivalik besides Principal Secretary Industries Mr. S.S.Channy, MD Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Mr. Sat Pal Angurala, Chairman PPCB Mr. Rajat Aggarwal besides the Senior functionaries of the State Government Administrative Secretaries of Punjab Government.
POLICE ADVISED TO STRENGTHEN PR NETWORK
ESPECIALLY FOR CRISES SITUATIONS
Chandigarh, January 18
The Punjab Police was today advised to setup institutionalised system for media relations to disseminate information to them that would benefit it especially in crises situations.
A three day workshop on Media Relations in Crises Situation that was inaugurated today by Additional DGP Mr. S. K. Sharma in which District Police Chiefs have been invited to sensitise them regarding the growing importance of media relations, it was consensus view that police department should have institutionalised system of media relations, both at Headquarter besides also at district headquarters. The workshop discussed ways and means to disseminate information to the media.
Inaugurating the workshop, Mr. S. K. Sharma underlined the growing importance of transparent and credible media relations especially in view of proliferation of electronic media channels. He said that it was imperative for the police authorities to pass on authentic but crisp information to the media at the earliest to keep a check on rumor mongering. He asked the district police chiefs to designate one officer in each district to brief the media at regular intervals.
In the academic session, Prof. K. M. Srivastava, of Indian Institute of Mass Communication gave a detailed presentation on proposed PR setup of police department and art of writing press releases. Mr. Gautam Kaul, former DGP ITBP, Mr. Jaideep Bhatnagar, IIS and Mr. Arvind Uttam shared their experience regarding problems and opportunities in handling media relations, especially during crises. Mr. Arvind Uttam of NDTV gave a presentation on media coverage in Arushi case.
In the interactive session, district police chiefs listed out their problems in handling the queries of Media, especially those queries that hamper the investigation.
Punjab Government closes its Offices and INSTITUTIONS ON January 18, 2010 To Pay Respects To Former Chief Minister of West Bangal Jyoti Basu
Chandigarh, January 17:
The Punjab Government has decided to close its all Offices, Educational Institutions and offices of Corporations & Boards for January 18, 2010 throughout the State as a mark of respect to the former Chief Minister of West Bangal and C.P.M Leader Mr. Jyoti Basu, who died at Kolkata today.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that a state mourning would be observed throughout the state for two days from January 17 to January 18, 2010. The National Flag would be flown at half mast through out the State on buildings where it was flown regularly and there would be no official entertainments, added the spokesman.
-
PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO ERECT SUITABLE MEMORIALS IN THE NATIVE VILLAGES OF KUKA MARTYRS
MALERKOTLA JANUARY 17:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today deputed Secretary General Shiromani Akali Dal and Former Union Minister Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and General Secretary Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder to represent the Punjab government and Shiromani Akali Dal as he could not arrive here from Amritsar to attend the state level function to observe the martyrdom of 66 Kuka martyrs due to foggy and inclement weather.
Paying glorious tributes to 66 Kuka martyrs at a state level Shaheedi Conference in their memory here at Martyrs Memorial, Secretary General Shiromani Akali Dal and Former Union Minister Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa announced that the Punjab government would soon develop suitable memorials in the memory of the kuka martyrs in their native villages, to which they belong. He also informed that the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal had already taken up the matter with Centre to get the possession of 67 acres of land in Malerkotla from the Ministry of Defence. He said that once the land was reverted back to Punjab government it would immediately hand over to the kuka memorial trust so that they could develop the same for academic and institutional purposes.
Mr.Dhindsa asked the people of Punjab to draw inspiration from the unparalleled sacrifice of Kuka Martyrs who were blown off in front of canons by the British rulers on this historic day in 1872. He said that SAD-BJP alliance had ensured the welfare of all sections of the society without any sort of prejudice or discrimination. He said that Punjab had made tremendous all round development and progress in every sphere be it agriculture, industry, agro-processing, education and skill development due to the visionary approach of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal. He said that the real tribute to the kuka martyrs would be to rise above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, cread and religion to strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, universal brotherhood, peace and amity. .
While paying homage to the Kuka Marytys General Secretary SAD and former Minister Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder said that the unique sacrifice of Namdhari Sikhs in the history of Indian freedom struggle would be ever remembered by one and all as it was the first ever struggle against the tyranny of British rulers. He said that our future generations should imbibe the spirit of patriotism and self-sacrifice through such sagas of unmatched martyrdom full of valour and courage.
Appreciating the pace of over all development in the state under the stewardship of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Mr. Bhunder said that there was hardly any sphere which remained undeveloped. He said that was the SAD-BJP government was committed to emerge Punjab as the front runner state in the country soon.
Meanwhile Deputy Information Minister of Thailand Mr. Fom Thom Kanchanchana also paid glorious tributes to the kuka martyrs memorial on the occasion.
Earlier, the senior Akali leadership paid floral tributes at the Kuka Memorial and visited the museum at the site. Mr. Dhindsa also released a calendar related to the martyrdom of Kukas published by the Information & Public Relations Department Punjab on the occasion.
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included MLA Dhuri Iqbal Singh Jhunda, Mr. Gobind Singh Kanjla Mr. Nusrat Ali Khan, Mr. Malkiat Singh Dakha (all ex-ministers), Vice President of the Kuka Memorial Trust Surinder Singh Namdhari, prominent kuka leader Mrs.Surinder Kaur Kharl former Minister, President SAD Sangrur Mr.Parkash Chand Garg and besides the party workers of SAD and BJP.