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Punjab News: 2010

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BADAL HIKES HONORARIUM OF ANGANWARI WORKERS AND HELPERS

CHANDIGARH JULY 30:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved to enhance the honorarium of Anganwari workers and helpers by Rs.150 and Rs.75 per month respectively. 

A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister in a meeting here at Chief Minister's residence with the delegations of Anganwari Mulazam Union Punjab and Punjab Anganwari Employees Union (CITU) led by its Presidents Ms.Hargobind Kaur and Ms. Usha Rani this morning.

With this increase in the honorarium, anganwari workers and helpers would now get Rs.2250 and 1125 per month respectively.

Responding to the other issues raised by the members of the delegations, Mr. Badal agreed in principle to waive off the condition of the maximum age of 44 years for promotion from the anganwari worker to supervisor.  He also asked the Principal Secretary Social Security, Development of Women & Children to put on the list of seniority of eligible anganwari workers for promotion as supervisors on the website and invite objections, if any from them within 15 days from the date of display to ensure transparency in the process of promotions.  The Principal Secretary assured Mr. Badal that the entire process for the promotion to the 288 vacant posts of supervisors from anganwari workers would be completed within 45 days.    

The Chief Minister also asked the Social Security department to make budgetary provision to meet out the expenditure incurred on the construction of anganwari centers and other schemes in the annual budget 2011-12.  He also directed the Rural Development & Panchayats department to issue guidelines to the village panchayats to give due respect to the anganwari workers. 

The Chief Minister also directed the Finance Department to sanction Rs.5.11 crore to provide gas stove and cylinder in all the 25,545 centers for the preparation of food in hygienic and pollution free conditions.   Mr. Badal also asked the department to look into their demand sympathetically to allow leave without pay for improving their educational qualifications.  He also directed the Health and Education departments to explore the possibility of the adjustment of anganwari workers as Auxiliary Nurse Midwifes (ANMs) and ETT teachers, provided they fulfill the minimum required qualifications for these posts.   The Chief Minister also directed to release funds to Center Social Advisory Board and Chief Welfare Council for the payment of honorarium to the anganwari workers and helpers in time.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Social Security, Development & Women Children Minister Ch. Swarna Ram, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Social Security Mr. TR Sarangal, OSD to Chief Minister Mr. NS Sangha, Mr. Ashok Kumar Sharma and Mr. Rajnish Kumar (both Deputy Directors).

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CM APPROVES RS. 63 CRORE FOR CHANNELIZATION OF BHUDHA NALA

 CHANDIGARH JULY 30:

In a significant decision, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave approval for channelization of Budha Nala at a cost of Rs.63 crore. 

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal here today in a high level meeting here at Chief Minister's residence this morning.  

The Chief Minister directed the Drainage Department to complete entire project of 44 KMs. from Kumkalan to Village Walipur Kalan positively within three months. Besides, Mr. Badal also gave nod for the re-structuring and strengthening of 45.73 KMs abandoned canal, starting from Walipur Kalan (Ludhiana) and ending at Head of 6R Minor in the Ferozepur District at a cost of Rs. 60 crore.  This canal with intake capacity of 220 cusecs of treated water of Budha Nala would irrigate area of nearly 40,000 acres of about 80 villages. He asked the irrigation department to prepare a detailed plan of this project to ensure its early execution.

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal directed that the Chief Engineer Canals to ensure the cleaning of all the canals in the state on regular basis every year. 

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board Mr. Rajat Aggarwal,  OSD to the Chief Minister Mr. NS Sangha, MD Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board Mr. Satpal Angrula, Chief Engineer Drainage Mr.Vinod Chaudhary and Chief Engineer Canals Mr. Amarjit Singh Dullet.

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BADAL GIVES NOD FOR RENEWAL OF BHAI GHANHYA SEHAT
SCHEME FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2011

CHANDIGARH JULY 30:

Punjab Chief Minister and Chairman Bhai Ghanhya Trust Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod for initiating the process for renewal of Bhai Ghanhya Sehat Sewa Scheme w.e.f. February 1, 2011 in view of enormous benefits available under the scheme.  The present scheme expires on January 31, 2011.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal while reviewing the progress of the scheme for the previous six months in the meeting of Bhai Ghanhya Trust held here at Chief Minister's residence this after noon.  

Appreciating the efforts of the trust, the Chief Minister said that the scheme proved to be a boon for the people especially living in the rural areas to ensure the best medical care facilities within their reach and that too in a hassle free manner. 

It was informed in the meeting that as many as 8721 beneficiaries have availed cashless treatment to the extent of Rs.12 crore.  45 women beneficiaries have been given an incentive of Rs.2100 each on the birth of girl child in their family besides covering the expenses of maternity and new born child.  Maximum expenditure which was 45% of the total treatment cost has been incurred on heart ailments. Treatment of heart ailments involving huge cost which was otherwise beyond the reach of an ordinary person was available on cashless basis under the scheme. 75% of the beneficiaries availing heart treatment were males.  Of the total beneficiaries who availed treatment, 63% were male and 37% female.

It may be recalled that Bhai Ghanhya Sehat Sewa Scheme providing cashless treatment upto Rs.1.5 lac on family floater basis, to the beneficiaries in nearly 250 approved private hospitals was started afresh w.e.f. February 1, 2010. The approved hospitals include superspeciality hospitals namely Dyanand Hero Heart Hospital Ludhiana, C.M.C Hospital Ludhiana, Guru Ram Dass Hospital Amritsar, SPS Appollo Hospital Ludhiana, Dashmesh Hospital Faridkot and Fortis Hospital, Mohali. Besides, the treatment is also available in Government Hospitals on re-imbursement basis. Any hospitalisation requiring minimum 24hrs admission is covered under the scheme. Few treatment like Dialysis, Lithotripsy, Chemotherapy, Angiography, Cataract etc., where admission was not required were also covered under the scheme. 1.20 lac families covering 2.82 lac lives were the beneficiaries under the scheme. 

Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Financial Commissioner Cooperation Dr. BC Gupta, Registrar, Cooperative Societies Mr.V.K.Singh, Director Health & Family Welfare Dr.JP Singh and Chief Executive Officer Mr. K.S.Palne.

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NO MOVE TO RAISE VAT ON PETROL – PUNJAB GOVERNMENT

CHANDIGARH JULY 30:

The Punjab Government today clarified that there was no move to raise VAT on petroleum products in the state. An official spokesperson described as “incorrect” reports to this effect in a section of the press which said that the Punjab Cabinet had decided to raise the VAT rate from 30% to 35%.

The Cabinet merely discussed the issue of adding an enabling provision to the VAT Act to raise the upper limit of VAT from 30% to 32%. No decision was taken on the actual raise in the rate of VAT on any item in the state. Reports to this effect were incorrect,” said Mr. Harcharan Bains, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, Punjab.

He categorically stated that the VAT on petroleum products would remain 27.5% as at present.

The Cabinet discussed merely the issue of amending the provisions of Punjab VAT Act relating to the upper limit of the rate of VAT.  As per the existing provisions of VAT Act, the maximum rate of VAT on any item specified in the Act would be 30% and the Department of Excise & Taxation had only moved a proposal to increase this rate to 35%.  However, after discussion, the Cabinet decided to increase only the maximum limit of VAT rate from 30% to 32%. This was only an enabling provision and it did not amount to increase of VAT on any item which would remain at 27.5% as at present,” he said.

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BADAL CALLS UPON PEOPLE TO MAKE PUNJAB GREEN
PUNJAB TO START 'PROJECT GREEN' FOR FIVE CORPORATION CITIES

CHANDIGARH JULY 30:

To make Punjab green and clean, Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave a clarion call to all the government, social, non-government and individuals to come forward for protecting and planting trees across the state to ensure pollution free environment. 

While presiding over a meeting of senior functionaries of the various departments, Mr. Badal said that to kickoff a massive campaign was the  needof the hour to motivate our youth for plantation of trees.  He said that every student in the state must plant atleast two trees and nurture them properly, as  only answer to fight with the issue of global warming today was the tree, which had the capacity to produce 4.8 tonne of oxygen and could consume 6.5 tonne of carbon dioxide.  

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal asked the Chief Secretary to chalk out the modalities to make tree plantation mandatory for all the new residential constructions and to be included in the process of passing of the layout plan of any house by the authorities.  Mr. Badal further directed PUDA  to hire the services of the reputed companies for landscaping and plantation in the state in a planed manner.   He said that emphasis should be laid to grow big trees in and around the big cities for which the state government would initiate a 'Project Green' in five corporation cities of Jalandhar, Amritsar, Bathinda, Ludhiana and Mohali.  He also directed the Rural Development and Panchayats department to identify the maximum rural vacant land, where plantation could be done on mass scale.  Punjab has a target to plant 1.3 crore plants this year out of which 41.15 lakh plants had been planned till date, added Mr. Badal. 

The Chief Minister asked the industries department to ensure proper plantation inside and around the premises of industrial units, which was mandatory as per the guidelines laid down by the Punjab  state pollution control board.

Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Forests Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud, Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Financial Commissioner Forests Mr. RC Nayyar, Secretary Rural Development Mr. Jagpal Singh, Secretary PWD Mr. Kulbir Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. BC Bala, Secretary Industries Mr. Viswajeet Khanna, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Advisor PUDA & GAMDA Mr. Hardyal Singh Johal.  Besides, senior functionaries of other departments also attended the meeting.

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BADAL CALLS FOR MASTER PLAN FOR GROUND WATER RECHARGING

CHANDIGARH JULY 30:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Departments of Irrigation and Soil Conservation to jointly prepare a comprehensive Master Plan for recharging the ground water through the construction of injection wells in the low lying areas, check dams in the Kandi region and Low Dams across the state.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a high level meeting here at Chief Minister's residence this evening.

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal asked the Chief Engineer Water Resources Punjab to prepare the Master Plan for Ground Water Recharge with in a month. He also asked the Regional Director Central Ground Water Board Mr. Bhajan Singh to assist the state through their technological guidance and expertise for developing a net work of injection wells in the low lying (bowl) of Kandi area.

Mr. Badal also asked the Drainage Department to identify the areas especially in the flood prone districts of Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Moga and Ferozepur for the construction of injection wells to recharge the ground water in order to check the depleting water table. It was informed in the meeting that 103 blocks have been identified as over-exploited, five critical and four semi-critical. These injection wells along with a series of check Dams and Low Dams would help to recharge the ground water, increasing the irrigation potential besides flood attenuation.

Meanwhile, the Chief Engineer canals apprised the Chief Minister that 12 out of 29 Low Dams had been completed, while the sanction for nine such Dams at a cost of Rs. 368 Crore had been obtained from NABARD and the proposal for remaining eight at a cost of Rs. 342 crore was pending with NABARD.

The Chief Minister asked the Irrigation Department to under take a vigorous exercise for the cleaning and de-silting of canals, water channels and distributaries in the right earnest and assured that there would be no paucity of funds.            

Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon , Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Chief Conservator of Soils Mr. Anil Kumar Sondhi,  Chief Engineer Canals Mr. Amarjit Singh Dullet, Chief Engineer Drainage Vinod Chaudhary, Director Water Resources Punjab Mr. Kuldip Singh Takshi and Chief Engineer Water Resources Harvinder Singh.

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PUNJAB REQUESTS CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO UPGRADE
VIGIL ON INDO- PAK WESTERN BORDER – SUKHBIR

INCREASING DRUG FLOW AND COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY FROM ACROSS THE BORDER, A MATTER OF GREAT CONCERN

PUNJAB COMMITTED TO MAINTAIN PEACE IN THE STATE; TERRORISM WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO RAISE ITS UGLY HEAD

NO PETROL PRICE HIKE IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, July 30:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that that  Punjab government has requested Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today raise vigil on Indo- Pak Border especially  that in Punjab state as increased inflow of drugs and counterfeit currency  from across the border was being used as tool to destabilize the  economy of the country .

Addressing the media persons here today after Shiv Yadgari Mela 2010, Mr. Badal said that he along with Chief Minister called on Prime Minister two days ago and apprised him that there was increased inflow of drugs and currency specially targeted to weaken the economy of India. He said that he apprised the Prime Minister that Punjab police was doing its best to seize the drugs and currency, as seizure during last two years account for more than 60% of total seizure of the country. He said that keeping in view the gravity of the problem Union government must use the latest hi-tech technology to properly seal the porous points in the border.

When asked about the recent arrests of  ultras in the state, Mr. Badal reiterated the commitment of SAD-BJP government to maintain peace and law  & order in the state at all cost. He said that Punjab government would not allow terrorism to raise its ugly head in the state.

When asked about increase in VAT on petrol, Mr. Badal clarified that Punjab government has not affected any increase in the price of petrol in yesterday’s cabinet meeting and news regarding this was factually wrong.

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CABINET APPROVES PROCEDURE TO STREAMLINE EDC
EX-POST FACTO APPROVAL FOR AMENDING RELIEF NORMS FOR
CROP LOSS SANCTIONS 1970 POSTS IN FOOD & CIVIL SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT

 CHANDIGARH JULY 29:

The Cabinet today approved the procedure to be adopted for giving credit to the promoters of mega projects in the External Development Charges (EDC).

A decision to this effect was taken here at a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal this morning. 

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that the procedure had been rationalized in view of the request made by Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India and National Real Estate Development Council to the Chief Minister for reduction in government charges.      

The Cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval for amending the instructions regarding grant of relief for crop loss to the affected farmers due to incessant and torrential rain of Monsoon 2010 from July 3 to July 7.  It was mandatory to amend these instructions in view of the loss caused to a farmer which varied from Rs.13000 to Rs.28000 per acre.  According to the amended instructions, relief on account of damage to crop was Rs.5000 per acre where the loss exceeds 75%, Rs.3000 per acre where the loss exceeds 50% but does not exceed 75% and Rs.2000 per acre where the loss exceeds 25% but does not exceed 50%. The relief would be provided irrespective of the maturity stage of the crop and whether the area can be re-sown or not and the same would be extended to all farmers without any condition of small and marginal farmers.  The upper area limit would also not be applicable on this relief. 

The Cabinet also gave approval for recruitment of 1970 posts included 749 posts abolished earlier, 98 posts against newly created blocks/sub divisions/districts and 1123 posts lying vacant in the department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology Punjab, besides ex-post facto approval of already filled 601 posts of Inspector Grade II.

The Cabinet also approved the amendment of Punjab VAT Act, 2005 to add section 8(4) after section 8(3) on the pattern of Andhra VAT Act.  Under the provision of section 8(4); 'every person executing works contracts shall pay tax on the value of goods at the time of incorporation of such goods in the works executed at the rates applicable to the goods under the Act.  Provided that where accounts are maintained to determine the correct value of goods at the time of incorporation such person shall pay tax at the rate of 12.5% on the total consideration received or receivable subject to such deductions as may be prescribed.  It shall come into force at once'.  The Cabinet also approved to reduce the rate of entertainment duty from 125% to 25% w.e.f. April 1, 2010. 

The Cabinet also gave approval to revive and fill 25 posts of Specialists (Veterinary Officers) for new Polyclinics and asked the department to fill the remaining posts of Veterinary Officers in the Veterinary Polyclinics by making internal arrangement by shifting from the other institutions to make functional both new and old polyclinics.  Besides this the Cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval for the creation of posts for the Fishery College and Dairy Science College to be established at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Science University Ludhiana. 

The Cabinet also decided to enhance the daily diet money for the trainees undergoing pre-recruitment training courses at Vocational Training Centres of the Defence Services Welfare department from Rs.45 to Rs.60 daily. 

The Cabinet also approved to amend Rule 19 (1) of the Punjab State Legal Services Authorities Rules, 1996 to enhance the limit of annual income from all sources from Rs.50,000 to Rs.1 lakh to entitle the persons mentioned in clause (a) to (g) of section 12 of the Act for legal services, if the case is before a Court other than the Supreme Court. 

The Cabinet also gave approval for conversion of the Punjab Value Added Tax (Third Amendment) Ordinance, 2010 (Punjab Ordinance No.5 of 2010) into Act through presentation of a Bill in the coming session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha. 

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BADAL APPROVES MASTER PLANS FOR JALANDHAR, PATIALA  & GOBINDGARH

CHANDIGARH JULY 29:

To give further impetus to the planned urban development in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal gave in principal approval to the master plans of Jalandhar, Patiala and Gobindgarh under the Punjab Regional and Town Planning Development Act. 

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal during the 19th meeting of the Punjab Regional & Town Planning Development Board held here under his chairmanship this evening.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that the master plans for 13 out of 77 cities/towns had been cleared so far with the approval of these three master plans. The master plans prepared for Jalandhar, Patiala and Gobindgarh would not only ensure the integrated and planned development of these cities but also stall their unplanned and haphazard growth. A similar project on the lines of the Aerocity (Mohali) would also be developed in Jalandhar.

It was informed in the meeting by the December, 2010 as many as 40 master plans of different towns and cities would be finalized.   The Board also approved the Free Enterprise Zone for Derabassi as an integrated part of the master plan, as it already existed before the formation of the master plan. The Chief Minister asked the Board to bring the master plan of Zirakpur in the next meeting after incorporating certain amendments as discussed in detail.

The Chief Minister also directed the Country and Town Planning department and the Industries department to jointly formulate an investor friendly policy for IT/Industrial Parks to be developed across the state.

To boost the housing stock in a planned manner, it was decided that the area of residential area under  Punjab Apartment & Property  Regulation Act, 1995 (PAPRA) may be brought down to 5 acres from existing 10 to 75 acres in different parts of the state except the area under  GAMADA.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Local Government and Industries Minister Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, PWD (B&R) Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Agriculture Minister Mr. Sucha Singh Langah, Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Secretary Housing & Urban Development Mr. SS Sandhu, Principal Secretary industries Mr. SS Channy, Financial Commission Rural Development & Panchayats Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Secretary Science Technology & Environment Mr. Viswajeet Khanna, Secretary Local Government Mr. S.S. Rajput, Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board Mr. Rajat Aggarwal, Chief Administrator PUDA Mr. Sarabjit Singh, Chief Administrator GLADA Mr. A.K. Sinha, Advisor PUDA Mr. Rajinder Sharma  and Chief Town Planner Mr. Kuldip Singh.

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EXPEDITE COMPLETION OF ALL NATIONAL HIGHWAYS BY NOVEMBER 2011-
SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL SETS THE BALL ROLLING
NHAI CHAIRMAN SPECIALLY CAME TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED UNDER CHIEF SECRETARY TO REMOVE INTER DEPARTMENTAL BOTTLENECKS

Chandigarh, July 29:

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today set the target November 2011, for completion of all ongoing 6/4 laning projects of National Highways and also constituted a high level committee under the Chief Secretary to regularly monitor the progress and sort out interdepartmental obstacles, if any.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Chairman Mr. Birjeshwar Singh specially came to Chandigarh, on the request of the Deputy Chief Minister and both along with State PWD Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa had a detailed meeting in which the Chief Secretary, Secretaries and Heads of concerned departments participated.

Presiding over the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister said that once a project was given financial approval by the NHAI , it becomes the deemed duty of all departments of the State government to expeditiously remove all bottlenecks, to ensure scheduled completion of National Highways. He said that the National Highways were the ‘national arteries’ and he would not tolerate any department obstructing the work of their construction and expansion.

The Deputy Chief Minister constituted a high level committee under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary Mr.S.C.Agrawal who would weekly hold the meeting of concerned departments at remove all inter departmental bottlenecks in the meeting. The Chief Secretary was asked to depute one special Executive Magistrate to complete the pending acquisition of land on priority basis.

 The Chief Secretary assured that all the concerned departments were working in tandem with NHAI with a single aim of completing various projects on schedule. He also assured the Chairman NHAI that the state Government would provide requisite land for entry and exit points in Ludhiana for Panipat-Jalandhar National Highway

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr.R.C.Nayyar,Financial Commissioner Forest and Wild Life, Mr.Viswajeet Khanna, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr.Anurag Agarwal Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Punjab State Transmission Corporation,  Mr.Kulbir Singh, Secretary PWD, Mr.B.C.Bala, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr.Dev Raj, C.G.M, NHAI, Chandigarh Mr.Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Additional Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr.S.K.Sharma, Director Local Government and Mr. Nirbhjit Singh Dhanoa, OSD/Deputy Chief Minister.

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CM, DY.CM CALLS ON PM TO DECLARE RIVER GHAGGAR AS
NATIONAL PROJECT; SEEKS REVISION OF CRF NORMS
PM Assures of Positive Response on all the Issues Raised by CM

CHANDIGARH JULY 28:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought personal intervention of the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to declare the channelization of River Ghaggar as a 'National Project' to check the recurrence of floods in future and save the people from its fury on permanent basis.

Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Punjab Chief Minister called on Dr. Manmohan Singh in his office at Parliament House here this afternoon. 

The Chief Minister apprised Dr. Singh that the channelization of the River Ghaggar was the need of the hour and should be taken up on the priority to save Punjab and Haryana from devastation as it was responsible for floods leading to heavy losses of life, property and crops in the region.  Mr. Badal informed the Prime Minister that the cost on the channelization of River Ghaggar in Punjab would be approximately Rs.1175 crore and would require construction of embankments, other flood protection works and remodeling of cross drainage works across river Ghaggar in Punjab and Haryana. 

Seeking immediate revision of norms under Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) for crop loss as these were 'too less and far inadequate', Mr. Badal impressed upon the Prime Minister to issue directions to the Ministry of Home for the enhancement in compensation to Rs.10,000 per acre for the entire land holding of the farmers from the current scale of just Rs.1,600 per acre limited only up to two hectares.

emanding one time complete debt waiver or at least debt re-scheduling for another 30 years, Mr. Badal said that Punjab was still reeling under severe financially crisis due to staggering debt and recommendations of the 5th Punjab State Pay Commission.   He pointed out that the total accumulated debt was of nearly Rs.65,000 crore mainly due to decade long militancy and the net borrowingsof the State would be Rs.6,586 crore alone during the current fiscal.  Moreover, the state was in debt trap as debt servicing wasto the extent of nearly Rs.5700 crore every year.

The Chief Minister also urged Dr. Singh to advise the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for allocation of gas at the Government administered price for 1000 MW Gas based power project at Ropar expeditiously, for which the land was already available and the arrangements for gas transportation had been finalized with GAIL.

Mr. Badal also requested the Prime Minister to direct the Ministry of Coal for assured coal supply through allocation of coal block of high quality, since there was a great shortage of power in the state and more over we had already tapped all the hydro potential and now left with only alternative of thermal power.  Likewise, the Chief Minister also sought coal linkage for 2640 MW Gidderbaha Power Project as Central Electricity Authority (CEA) had already recommended Coal linkage. 

The Chief Minister also sought Centre's approval for the execution of 500 KM road project under Pardhan Mantry Gramin Sadak Yojana in the four border districts namely Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur and Ferozepur. 

Responding to the demands put forth by Mr. Badal, the Prime Minister assured the Chief Minister that he would personally review the position of the different projects and proposals sent by the State Government to the Centre for approval with the concerned Ministries.


   
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