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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO CONSTRUCT COMMUNITY CENTRE OF VALMIKI AND RAVIDAS SAMAJ AT A COST OF RS. ONE CRORE ON ONE ACRE LAND IN LUDHIANA

Chandigarh, October 2:

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today agreed in principle to allot one acre land in Ludhiana for the construction of the community centre for Valmiki and Ravidas Samaj at a cost of Rs.
One crore.
An assurance to this effect was given by Mr. Badal to the twenty- one members Dr. B. R Ambedkar Yadgar Sangarsh Committe, jointly formed by different Dalit Organizations led by Mr. Vijay Danav in a meeting held here at the chief Minister's residence this evening.

Meanwhile, Mr. Badal also offered Juice to Mr. Ramanjit Lally, a Sr. leader of the action committee along with many other members who were on hunger strike in support of their demands. Mr. Danav also thanked the Chief Minister on behalf of the Valmik Community for this benevolent gesture on his part.

Mr. Badal assured the delegation that SAD-BJP Government was fully committed for the welfares of all the down trodden section of the society.

Chandigarh, October 2-The State Rural Development and Panchayats Department (RDP) has categorically said that not even a single Gram Panchayat in the State had passed any written panchayati resolution in favour of ETT teachers to forgo its supervisory control over the elementary school in their village.
Stating this, a spokesman of the RDP Department informed that ETT teachers union was agitating illogically and unreasonably. The teachers had made untrue, fallacious and inflated claims about the support of more than five thousands Gram Panchyats in their favour who have consented to their demand to shift the teachers posted in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to the Education Department as they were unable to run the school administration at their own.
Ardently denying the false assertions being made by the teachers, he claimed that all the field officers of department has confirmed that no Gram Panchayat in the state had endorsed through resolution that it was willing to relinquish its duty or inept to control the elementary school administration mechanism. "Without passing a written resolution in the proceedings book of Gram Panchayat, signatures of any panch or sarpanch on a plan paper has no legal sanctity under Punjab Panchayats Act", he added.
Blaming the variable stance of ETT teachers, he clarified that they were employed purely on the predefined stipulated conditions to serve in the PRI schools and they were countersigning signatory to the visibly laid down service conditions at the time of their joining to PRI institutions. Besides, the teachers were also given more benefits and concessions despite not mentioned in their job letters, he added.
He advised the ETT teachers to give more attention to the teaching profession and not to resort to such illogical demonstrations because it causes loss to the studies of disadvantaged and poor village students who were unable to pay hefty fees in the private schools.

Ayurvedic Medical Camps on Gandhi Jayanti

02 October 2010, Chandigarh
Punjab’s Ayurveda Department held special medical checkup camps for Anemic patients on the eve of birthday of Mahatma Gandhi on 02nd October, during which 6044 patients were examined. These camps were held on the directions of Prof. Laxmi Kanta Chawla Health & Family Welfare Minister.
Official spokesperson of the Health Department informed that special Ayurveda camps were organized in 10- ISM Wings in district hospitals, 10- Primary Health Centres and slum areas of the state. 6044 patients including males, females, pregnant ladies and children were examined and free Ayurvedic Medicines were given. During medical checkup, blood tests of pregnant ladies were conducted and those found anemic, were given free medicine.
Civil Surgeons of the districts provided laboratory facilities during the camps and senior officers of Health Department inspected these camps in different areas.

BADAL GIVES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PARDUMAN SINGH BEDI AND HARINDER SINGH BHANGU

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 30:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave financial assistance of Rs.1 lakh each to an eminent Punjabi Writer Mr. Parduman Singh Bedi for his treatment suffering from heart ailment and Mr. Harinder Singh Bhangu who lost his son Mr. Satvir Singh Bhangu in a road accident recently in Melbourne (Australia) from Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Mr. Badal had approved the said the financial grant to the celebrated Punjab writer and editor Mr. Bedi for his outstanding services towards the promotion of Punjabi literature on the request of Punjabi Sahitya Akademi Ludhiana. The case of financial assistance to Mr. Bhangu was recommended by the Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana to the Punjab government.
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BADAL ASSURES HOUSE OF CLEANING OF RIVER WATERS BY NOVEMBER 2011
APPEALS FARMERS NOT TO BURN PADDY HUSK
APPRECIATES JAIRAM RAMESH'S SPECIAL INITIATIVE FOR RIVER CONSERVATION PROJECT IN PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 30:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today categorically assured the House that all the on-going works relating to the cleaning of river waters in Punjab would be completed by 30th November, 2011 and not even the treated water would be allowed to discharge in these rivers.
Replying to a resolution moved by the Member Mr. Ishar Singh regarding the industrial pollution in major towns, Mr. Badal said that the government was conscious of the issue and had taken proactive measures regarding industrial pollution and cleaning of rivers. The waters of the rivers Satluj, Beas and Ghaggar were being polluted by the untreated effluents of the factories and Sewage of the cities and villages. This water was being used for irrigation and drinking by the people living down stream, which could be one of the reasons for chronic diseases like Cancer, Hepatitis etc. The state government had decided to cleanse its river-waters of all the pollutions in a big way, so as to provide to its citizens, clean and potable water for drinking and irrigation. The state government had drawn up a project for setting up lying of Sewerage System and Sewage Treatment Plants in the 44 towns that were discharging their waste into the rivers at a cost of Rs.2054 crore. The drinking water facility in these towns would also be provided or upgraded as required.
Mr. Badal apprised the House the state government had already spent Rs. 238 crore and the balance funds were being tied up. He said that treated water from all the Sewage Treatment Plants would be used for Irrigation. In addition, waste water from three villages namely village Dholran, Bassi Gujaran and Garhi Tarkhana which was earlier being discharged into river Satluj had also been stopped.
Referring to the cleaning of river Satluj & Beas, the Chief Minister said that 28 towns had been selected under the project at a total cost of Rs.1540 crore of which work was in full progress in 14 towns and for 13 towns tenders have already been invited. Besides, the work at Sri Anandpur Sahib had been completed. Likewise under the cleaning of river Ghaggar project, 16 towns had been identified, out of which work was in progress in 5 towns and Sewage Treatment Plant had been installed at SAS Nagar. Besides, these projects were under sanction in 10 towns.
On the measures taken by the state government to combat the menace of industrial pollution along with river Satluj, the Chief Minister informed the House that no waste water was being discharged from National Fertilizer Ltd. Nangal. He also pointed out that treatment plant had been installed in Punjab Alkalies Chemical Ltd., Naya Nangal. He said that the industry there had also committed that even the treated water would be stopped from flowing into Satluj. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) had installed a treatment plant and thus the treated water would be used for Irrigation. Similarly, the treatment plant in coal handling section had also been installed at the Ropar Thermal Plant. In addition two more sewerage treatment plants had been commissioned for domestic discharge. Resultantly, now no water was being discharged into Satluj.
Outlining the steps taken to check the pollution caused by the industries based in Ludhiana, Mr. Badal informed the House that a common treatment plant had been installed at phase VIII Focal Point Ludhiana to cater the needs of 482 Small Scale electroplating industries. He said that no waster water was being discharged into Sewerage system and consequently into Buddha Nallah. As far as six large scale electroplating industries were concerned, Mr. Badal informed that all these six units have installed RO system and the process of achieving zero liquid discharge was in progress thereby, preventing the treated water to be discharged into sewerage or river Satluj.
Referring to the Small & Medium Dyeing Units in Ludhiana, Mr. Badal apprised the House that two Common Effluent Treatment Plants of 138 MLD capacity at a cost of Rs.255 crore had been proposed for five clusters of these units. He said that land at Tajpur road in Ludhiana had been arranged for the CETP by the government and another chunk of land was being acquired for the second one. Both these CETPs would be made functional by 30 November, 2011. Besides, individual treatment plants had also been installed in 17 Large Scale Dyeing Industries in Ludhiana and now only the treated water was discharged into the sewerage. Three industries have been provided individual treatment plants in Phagwara and the Punjab Bone Mills at Phagwara had been asked to function only after upgradation which was in full swing.
Highlighting the action taken by the government to check pollution in the industries of Jalandhar, Mr. Badal informed the House that a treatment of plant at a cost of Rs.18.50 crore had been installed at the Leather Complex comprising 51units. Out of 132 other industrial units, 84 have already installed treatment plants and 48 had been were lying closed. He also mentioned that all the three industrial units along river Beas had already installed their treatment plants and none of these units were discharging its treated water in the river Beas. Likewise, there were 49 industrial units in the PSIEC Focal Point Derabassi along with river Ghaggar, only 10 industries had been identified which required treatment plants and these were already operational. Besides, 3 other industries have also provided treatment plants and no discharges were flown into river Ghaggar.
Divulging the measures taken by the state government to tackle the problem of air pollution, Mr. Badal said that out of 1436 industrial units 1429 have provided air pollution control devices in Ludhiana. Similarly, out of 516 industrial units 506 have provided air pollution control devices in Jalandhar and out of 438 industrial 428 have provided air pollution control devices in Amritsar. Air pollution control devices in remaining industries were being installed and the entire process would be complete by March, 2011 in addition the steps have been taken to reduce pollution from vehicles. City Bus service had already been started in Jalandhar which would soon be launched in Ludhiana and Mohali.
On the issue of burning of paddy husk, the Chief Minister appealed to the farmers through the House not to resort this unhygienic practice as it was not only health hazardous but also resulting in large scale air pollution.
The Chief Minister also appreciated Union Minister of Environment Mr. Jairam Ramesh for taking special initiative for allocation of 22% of the total central funds to Punjab under the river conservation project. On Mr. Badal's suggestion, the Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon agreed to convey thanks to Mr. Ramesh in writing which was approved by the House unanimously.
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15 NEW DEGREE COLLEGES FOR PUNJAB APPROVED-SUKHBIR

• PUNJAB SCHOOL OF SPORTS AT BATHINDA TO NURTURE SPORTS TALENT FROM VILLAGES
• MANSA DISTRICT TO HAVE ANOTHER DEGREE COLLEGE SOON
• NEHRU COLLEGE STADIUM TO BE UPGRADED TO OLYMPIC LEVEL

Sardulgarh (Mansa) September 30: Punjab would soon have 15 more Degree colleges to be located in the most backward and remote regions of Punjab, offering courses in Science, Commerce and Humanities to provide employable education to the budding youth of the state.

Addressing the students after giving away prizes to winning contingents of winning colleges in the Zonal Youth Festival at Balraj Singh Bhundar Memorial Government College here today, Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister said that education system in the country needs drastic reforms to encourage students to opt for those courses which could give them employment in the upcoming areas of service sector. He said that 15 new colleges approved by the government, besides offering courses in traditional science, commerce and humanities would also give opportunity to students to opt for courses like retail management, financial services management, IT enabled services etc. to increase their employability in the new economy. He said that Mansa district has been also selected for one new college and its location would be finalized soon.
Exhorting the students to focus on Sports, Mr. Badal said that it was matter of great regret that previous government has neglected the sports infrastructure forcing the students to opt for other states. He said that as a Sports Minister his primary mission was to restore the lost glory of Punjab especially in the traditional games of Hockey and Kabaddi.
Giving the details of new Sports Policy, Mr. Badal said that it was for the first time that any state government has come out with the comprehensive Sports Policy with the single aim of identifying the sports talent in the remote villages and nurture them into players of international standards by providing them proper infrastructure, coaching, boarding and lodging besides normal education. He said that with this aim Punjab was setting up Punjab School of Sports at Bathinda that besides school and college would have Astroturf synthetic track and playing infrastructure of Olympic level. He said that 13 more stadiums would be upgraded to International level with flood light facilities in 10 stadiums at the cost of Rs. 123 crores which would be completed by 15 August, 2011.
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhundar, MP, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, former Minister, Mr. Sukhvinder Singh Biroke, ex-MLA and Mr. Dilraj Singh Bhundar, Chairman Zila Parishad.


SURPRISE INSPECTION BY SUKHBIR TAKES DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OFF GUARD
· PULLS UP CONSTRUCTION AGENCIES FOR TARDY PROGRESS OF WORKS


Budhlada (Mansa), September 30: The sudden raid of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal on the development works being executed in this sleepy town took the District Authorities and construction agencies by surprise. Mr. Badal today paid surprise visit to various sites where sewerage and water supply works were being executed besides also local bus stand.
The young Deputy Chief Minister was on the steering his vehicle himself while returning from a college function at Sardulgarh and suddenly turned his vehicle towards the sewerage and water works being executed by various agencies, taking even pilot and escort vehicles by surprise. The sudden appearance of Deputy Chief Minister on work site took the contractors by surprise as Mr. Badal himself physically inspected the quality of work being done by the construction agencies.
Mr. Badal pulled up the representative of construction agencies for not sticking to the schedule and gave them targets to complete various development works. He also told the supervising agencies to maintain a strict quality control on development works.
The Deputy Chief Minister was not satisfied with the sanitation level at the bus stand and asked the local government authorities to improve sanitation besides providing proper signage to facilitate the passengers.

PUNJAB TO FLOAT RS. 500 CRORE LOAN

Chandigarh, SEPTEMBER 30: The Punjab government in consultation with Reserve Bank of India(RBI) today floated Rs. 500 crore (nominal) loan to finance part of Capital Expenditure of Plan Schemes and other development schemes under execution.
According to an official spokesman the State government today notified the sale of Punjab Government Stock (Securities) of 10 year tenure for a aggregate amount of Rs. 500 crore (Nominal). The spokesman said that consent of Central government has already been obtained to the floatation of this loan.
The spokesman said that the government stock would be sold through RBI Mumbai by auction which would be conducted by them in its Mumbai office on October 05, 2010. The application form duly filled in with the Competitive bids should be submitted in electronic format, on the Negotiated Dealing System (NDS)to the RBI, Mumbai on October 05, 2010 between 10.30 A.M to 12.30 PM while the non-competitive bids should be submitted electronically on NDS between 10.30 AM to 11.30 PM on the same day. Result of auction would be displayed on the same day and successful bidders would make payment on October 06, 2010
The spokesman added that this 10 year tenure loan would be repaid at par on October 06, 2020. He said that interest will be paid every half yearly on April 06 and October 06 and cut off yield determined at the auction would be the coupon rate percent per annum of the stock sold at the auction.

SCHEDULE FOR QUARTERLY LOK ADALTS ANNOUNCEDCHANDIGARH,

SEPTEMBER 30:
Punjab Legal Services Authority has issued schedule of Quarterly Lok Adalats to be held in all over Punjab for the period from October 2010 to December 2010.
Stating this here today, a spokesman of the Punjab Legal Services Authority said that Lok Adalats would be held at Amritsar, Patti, Ajnala, Baba Bakala, Tarantarn on 23-10-2010 (Saturday); Labour Court Amritsar, Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala on 29.10.2010 (Friday); Gurdaspur, Batala, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Jagraon, Khanna, Samrala, Jalandhar, Nakodar and Phillaur on 30-10-2010 (Saturday); Kapurthala, Sultanpur Lodhi, Phagwara, Nawanshahar and Balachaur on 13.11.2010(Saturday); Hoshiarpur, Garhshankar, Dasuya, MukerianRopar, Mohali, Anandpur Sahib, Kharar, Derabassi on 20-11-2010 (Saturday); Sangrur, Moonak, Barnala, Malerkotla, Dhuri, Sunam, Fatehgarh Sahib and Amloh on 27.11.2010 (Saturday); Bathinda, Talwandi Sabo, Rampura Phul, Patiala, Rajpura, Nabha, Samana on 04-12-2010 (Saturday); Mansa, Sardulgarh, Budhlada, Faridkot and Moga on 11.12-2010 (Saturday); Ferozpur, Abohar, Fazilka, Zeera, Jalalabad West, Muktsar, Malout and Gidderbaha on 18.12.2010 (Saturday).
The Spokesman further said that the main objective of the Lok Adalats was to dispose of litigation on the spot and make it hassle free. It also saved the precious time and money spent on the litigation by public.
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JUDGEMENT ON AYODHYA- HIGH ALERT BY PUNJAB POLICE

Chandigarh, September 29: Punjab Police is maintaining a high alert status regarding any possible fallout of the decision of the Hon’ble Court on Babri Masjid-Ram Janam Bhoomi dispute to be announced tomorrow.
According to an official spokesman, inputs of intelligence and law and order arrangements have been provided to all districts from time to time and additional force has been mobilized. He said that Police was maintaining an active watch on all developments. It has mounted appropriate patrolling in sensitive areas besides maintaining contact with community leaders of all communities.
He said that Punjab Police was taking adequate steps to maintain law and order in the state. He stressed that the Punjab Police would ensure the security and protection of the person and property of all citizens.

CM WRITES ALAGIRI TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF DAP AND UREA FOR TIMELY RABI SOWING

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 29:
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Mr. MK Alagiri seeking his personal intervention to direct the concerned authorities for timely allocation of adequate supply of DAP and Urea to ensure smooth sowing of Rabi crops in the State.
In a letter to the Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Mr. Badal raised the demand of atleast 2.5 lakh MT of DAP and 3.00 lakh MT of urea on priority basis for pre-positioning before 30th October, 2010 and another 1.5 lakh MT of DAP and 2.00 lakh MT of urea up to 15th November, 2010 to ensure timely sowing of Rabi corps, otherwise the delay in wheat sowing due to shortage of urea and DAP would seriously affect its production, thereby impairing its production and procurement.
Showing deep concern about the likely shortfall of this crucial input during the forthcoming Wheat sowing season, the Chief Minister informed Mr. Alagiri that the supplies were not being received as per supply plans prepared by Department of Fertilizers. Our State agencies i.e. Markfed and Punjab Agro were in touch with major suppliers/manufacturers and have placed orders for the same, but the pace of supply of DAP was much slow. Further, even the supply of the urea which was a partially controlled fertilizer had not been as per the proposed supply plan during the last two months. The Chief Minister also apprised Mr. Alagiri that Wheat was a major Rabi crop in Punjab and was sown on an area of approximately 3.5 million hectares. The total requirement of DAP for sowing of Wheat was approximately 5.00 lakh MT. DAP was an essential input for ensuring optimum production of Wheat and it was to be applied at the time of sowing as a basal dose.
The letter further stated; "The major consumption of DAP happens within a small time-span i.e. from last week of October to third week of November, when about 80% of area under wheat is sown. Since the consumption during October alone is more than 3.5 lakh MT, it is not physically possible to transport such a large quantity in a single month. It is therefore necessary to preposition DAP in different parts of the State by middle of October i.e. before start of sowing to avoid any shortage and panic buying by the farmers".
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BADAL INAUGURATES RENOVATED PB VIDHAN SABHA BHAWAN

CHANDIGRH SEPTEMBER 29:
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today inaugurated the Vidhan Bhawan of the Punjab State Legislative Assembly after renovation at a cost of Rs.1 crore.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the total amount of Rs.2.5 crore had been approved for renovation of the entire Punjab Vidhan Sabha to be executed by PWD (B&R) department.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Deputy Speaker Mr. Satpal Gosain, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal and Parliamentary Affairs, Medical Education & Res and Forests Minister Mr. Tikshan Sood.
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PUNJAB USING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO TAKE GOVERNANCE TO THE PEOPLE - SUKHBI · IT HAS BECOME TOOL TO CHECK CORRUPTION BY EMPOWERING CITIZENS · INVITES IT MOGULS TO INVEST IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, September 29: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that Punjab was taking the maximum benefit of Information Technology to bring transparency in the Governance System, streamlining and reducing the interaction of citizens with the government departments and empowering and dignifying every citizen, by providing him all citizen services at the click of the mouse.
Presiding over the inaugural session of two day e-Revolution-2010 here today, the young Deputy Chief Minister said that unless and until we take the benefits of information technology to the people living in remote rural areas, IT Revolution in a diverse country like India was meaningless. He said that he started his tenure with a resolve to empower all citizens by ensuring transparency in the government systems, brining out reforms in archaic British era feudal rules, hitting at the dignity of every citizen, at every step. He said that he has used Information Technology as a major tool to take governance and citizen services at the door step of people, benefiting even those living in far flung and remote areas.
Accepting the fact of bringing out change in the attitude of government machinery was as difficult as climbing Mount Everest, he said that he took the task of implementing governance reforms in all departments, as a mission of his life and thanked Chief Secretary Mr. S.C.Agrawal and Chairman Reforms Commission Dr. Pramod for making this task easier for him.
Listing out the reforms undertaken by the government Mr. Badal said that Punjab would be the first state with all land records computerized by 31st March, 2011, enabling citizens, even those living abroad to access their records online and get a print of land record with digital signature of Tehsildar. Right from doing away with attestation of certificates by gazetted officers to abolition of unnecessary affidavits, the life of ordinary citizen would be much comfortable now. He said that e-tendering of all projects and procurement of government supply, e-project management system, e-payment in PWD, Irrigation and Industry department has been able to break the caucus of Engineer- Contractor lobby that was cornering the projects, denying equal opportunity to all contractors. Mr. Badal said that by 31st March, 2011, people will witness perceptible change in governance, with availability of 54 citizen services under one roof in up coming e-Sewa Kendras in each ward of each city besides 3000 e-grams in the villages. Mr. Badal said that right from providing registration of vehicles with the dealers, ensuring online national permits of heavy vehicles, computerizing Excise and Taxation department completely, amending age old revenue law to reduce steps of litigation, the Punjab government was trying to make the life of citizen comfortable.
Seeking investment from IT moguls, Mr. Badal said that he was fully aware that he was competing with coastal states on one hand and with hill states and J&K enjoying tax concessions besides Haryana encashing its proximity to Delhi. He said that he was seeking investment, with the promise of best road and air connectivity with three International Airports, World class road infrastructure besides his resolve to make Punjab power surplus by October 2011, with the completion of three upcoming mega Thermal Plants.
Earlier Dr. Pramod spoke on governance reforms. Chief Secretary Mr. S.C. Agrawal, Principal Secretary Industries Dr. S.S. Channy, Director IT Mr. R.K. Verma, Professor M.K.Surappa and Mr. Yogesh Khattar were also present on the occasion.


WILD LIFE WEEK TO BE OBSERVED FROM OCTOBER 02

Chhatbir Zoo closed for public on October 02,2010

Chandigarh September 29:
The Punjab government would observe a Wild Life Week from October 02 to October 08, 2010 coinciding with birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. To educate and involve the people and to motivate young generation towards the cause of wildlife and nature conservation main purpose to observe the week. In this regard a State level function would be held on October 03, 2010 in Van Chetna Kendra, Bassijana, District Hoshiarpur at 11.00 AM. Disclosing this here today, a Spokesman of the department of Forests and Wild life Punjab said that Sh. Tikshan Sood, Minister, Forests and Wildlife Department, Punjab would be the Chief Guest on the occasion. The entry during this week would be free for the visitors at M.C.Zological Park, Chattbeer, Deer Park, Patiala and Deer Park, Bathinda. Chhatbir Zoo would be closed for public on October 02,2010 on occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, added the spokesman.

GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO COORDINATE WITH INDIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY TO TACKLE H1N1 CASES IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh September 29:-

The Punjab Chapter of Indian Red Cross Society together with the department of Health and Welfare Punjab organised a state level action plan workshop on 'Humanitarian Pandemic Preparedness Project' (H2P) and activities to control the transmission of H1Ni in the state of Punjab.
Dr. J.P. Singh, Director Health and Family Welfare Department Punjab while presiding over a workshop said that the preparedness of state regarding logistic etc was observed to be satisfactory as sufficient quantities of tamiflue, syrups and other material were available with the state. He also said that after having a nod from the Drug Controller of India, the Serum Institute of India Ltd Pune, has introduced the Intra nasal swine flu vaccine in the state and the country at large. Nasovac, the intra nasal swine flu vaccine has been made available in all the major cities like Patiala, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Mohali and one time dose has been administered as precautionary measure to the people and remaining districts would also be provided with this vaccine very shortly, he added.
The Director emphasized upon the need to generate more awareness about this need to generate more awareness about this disease and ensure proper hygiene at public places, educational institutions etc. He has called upon various departments to come forward and coordinate with the state health department in the prevention and early detection of swine flu.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Deepak Bhatia, State Nodal officer H1N1 said that although there has been a drastic decrease in the number of positive H1N1 cases, the state health authorities were fully equipped with all the required medicines and infrastructure in the state government hospitals. He also said that the treatment given to the patients by the health department was free of cost even the clinical tests were free for all the patients. He said that due to the constant following of the infected patients by the department authorities has resulted in successfully tackling the disease in the state.
Dr. R.P. Verma State Coordinator of ' Humanitarian Pandemic Preparedness Project' of the Indian Red Cross Society said that all the departments like Rural Development and Panchyats, School and College Education, Public Health, Local Bodies, Social Welfare, Disaster Management and Information & Public Relations were being approached to ensure their effective participation tackling swine flu in the state.


CM WRITES ALAGIRI TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF DAP AND UREA FOR TIMELY RABI SOWING

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 29:
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Mr. MK Alagiri seeking his personal intervention to direct the concerned authorities for timely allocation of adequate supply of DAP and Urea to ensure smooth sowing of Rabi crops in the State.
In a letter to the Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Mr. Badal raised the demand of atleast 2.5 lakh MT of DAP and 3.00 lakh MT of urea on priority basis for pre-positioning before 30th October, 2010 and another 1.5 lakh MT of DAP and 2.00 lakh MT of urea up to 15th November, 2010 to ensure timely sowing of Rabi corps, otherwise the delay in wheat sowing due to shortage of urea and DAP would seriously affect its production, thereby impairing its production and procurement.
Showing deep concern about the likely shortfall of this crucial input during the forthcoming Wheat sowing season, the Chief Minister informed Mr. Alagiri that the supplies were not being received as per supply plans prepared by Department of Fertilizers. Our State agencies i.e. Markfed and Punjab Agro were in touch with major suppliers/manufacturers and have placed orders for the same, but the pace of supply of DAP was much slow. Further, even the supply of the urea which was a partially controlled fertilizer had not been as per the proposed supply plan during the last two months.
The Chief Minister also apprised Mr. Alagiri that Wheat was a major Rabi crop in Punjab and was sown on an area of approximately 3.5 million hectares. The total requirement of DAP for sowing of Wheat was approximately 5.00 lakh MT. DAP was an essential input for ensuring optimum production of Wheat and it was to be applied at the time of sowing as a basal dose.
The letter further stated; "The major consumption of DAP happens within a small time-span i.e. from last week of October to third week of November, when about 80% of area under wheat is sown. Since the consumption during October alone is more than 3.5 lakh MT, it is not physically possible to transport such a large quantity in a single month. It is therefore necessary to preposition DAP in different parts of the State by middle of October i.e. before start of sowing to avoid any shortage and panic buying by the farmers".
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Punjab Government warns against unauthorized use of National Emblem in Punjab Territory

Chandigarh September 28:-
Taking a strong note of the unauthorized use of the National Emblem by some people, associations/organizations, in the Punjab Territory, the Punjab Government reiterated that this national symbol commands highest respect and its misuse is punishable under the law.
An official spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the government has already issued detailed guidelines regarding its use and safeguards for checking the misuse of the National Emblem.
The spokesman further said that as per the provisions in the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper use) Act 2005, the Government has specified the list of constitutional or Statutory Authorities, Ministries or Departments of the Central Government or Union Territory Administrations and other Government Functionaries for use of the National Emblem. The schedule-I states that the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Governors, Lt. Governors, Administrators of Union Territories, Office and Officers of Parliament of India, Judges and Office and Officers of Judiciary, Office and Officers of Planning Commission, Chief Election Commissioner of India etc, can use the National Emblem.
Clarifying further he said that the authorities which can display the Ashok Chakra which is the part of the Emblem on Tri-angular metal plaques on their cars included cars of the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha when traveling anywhere in India, Chief Justice of India, Judges of the Supreme Court and Chief Justices Judges of High Courts within their respective Territories and cars of Cabinet Ministers in states, Ministers of States in States, Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the State Legislative Assembly, Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Council of States.
He also said that no person shall use the Emblem for the purpose of any trade, business, and profession or in the title of any patent or in any trademark or design. Any person violating the laid down norms shall be punished under the Act.
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FOUR LANING OF AMRITSAR-SRI GANGANAGAR ROAD APPROVED
NOD FOR FOUR LANING OF HOSHIARPUR-JIND ROAD ALSO· SIX LANING OF PANIPAT JALANDHAR ROAD SET TO BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER, 2011
· ROAD ALONG SIDHWAN CANAL TO BE COMPLETED BY NOVEMBER, 2011

Chandigarh September 28: The Inter State road connectivity of Punjab with Haryana and Rajasthan is set to get a big boost with Union Government giving its nod to Punjab's proposal of four laning of Amritsar-Sri Ganganagar (NH-15) and Hoshiarpur-Jind to be completed at the combined cost of Rs.1950 crores. The Union Government today conveyed its approval in a communiqué to Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal who had been constantly following up these projects with the Union Minister for Surface Transport.
Reviewing the progress of the on going projects, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, asked Chief Engineer highways, Mr.R.P.Singh to complete these two prestigious projects by October, 2011 positively. The 290km long Amritsar-TarnTaran-Zira-Faridkot-Kotakpura-Goniana-Bathinda-Giddarbaha-Malout-Abohar-Sri Ganganagar road link would streamline the traffic flow on this crucial road, giving a relief to the people. It was decided that in the first phase 16 Km stretch from Amritsar to Tarn Taran, 10 km stretch from Faridkot to Kotakpura, 8 km stretch from Goniana to Bathinda, ROB near Gurudwara Shahidan Amritsar ,ROB near Thermal Plant at Bathinda and ROB at Kotkpura be completed on priority as traffic density on these stretches was quite high.
The meeting also decided to expedite four laning of 350 km long National Highway from Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar-Nakodar-Moga-Barnala-Sangrur-Jind to be constructed at the cost of Rs.1050 crores to facilitate traffic flow Haryana.
Mr.Badal also reviewed the progress of six laning of Panipat-Jalandhar National Highway with the representative's executing construction agency. The Agency sought Mr. Badal's intervention in sorting out land acquisition of small stretches at Rajpura, Fatehgarh Sahib, Payal, Ludhirana East and West, Phillaur, Phagwara and Jalandhar. The Deputy Chief Minister asked the Principal Secretary to ensure transfer of possession of land to the NHAI after announcing the award and paying the compensation within fifteen days positively. It was informed in the meeting Rs.148 crores compensation would be disbursed within next week. The Deputy Chief Minister informed that he would personally drive from Ambala to Jalandhar to monitor the progress of constructionof this prestigious project.
Reviewing the progress of road along Sidhwan Canal, Mr.Badal asked the department to expedite construction of 5 bridges on Sirhind and Sidhwan Canal, Flyover at Malerkotla Road, ROB over Dhuri railway line, flyover at Dugri road and flyover-cum ROB at Pakhowal road junction, Ferozepur Rail line and BRS Nagar besides on two underpasses to cross Ferozepur road junction.The company assured the Deputy Chief Minister to complete this project by October 2011.
Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Mr. Viswajeet Khanna, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr.Kulbir Singh, Secretary (PWD), Mr.A.K.Sinha, Commissioner, Ludhiana Municipal Corporation, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Additional Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Dev Raj Chief General Manager NHAI, Col.Rajat Rastogi VSM, Project Director NHAI, Col. Sanjiv Puri, General Manager, Soma Enterprises, Mr. Naresh Kachhwah Vice President, Supreme Infrastructure India Ltd.
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Pleaded to expedite the pending projects of Railways

NEW DELHI SEPT 28: Mr. Manoranjan Kalia Local Govt. and Industries and Commerce Minister Punjab and Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu M.P. Today called on Mr. E. Ahamed Union Minister of State for Railways In his office at Rail Bhawan and strongly pleaded to expedite the pending projects of Railways the Over and under bridges (ROB’s and RUB’s) in the Punjab particularly Demoria Bridge Jalandhar, Rigoo Bridge Amritsar and Lakkar Bride Ludhiana and also road widening related with the railways.
They requested while informing the Railway Minister that Punjab Government has already completed all the works and financial liabilities related with the Punjab Govt of these ROB’s and RUB’s and the railways portion related with all these railway bridges are pending. They requested to expedite these projects from the Railway Ministry.

Mr. Manorajan Kalia also presented a new proposal of road widening 120ft road to connect main Bye-Pass and with the Railway Station Jalandhar. He said that this land belongs to Railways and it is also helpful to the railway station. He strongly requested to the Railway Minister to sanction this project keeping in view the importance and basic requirement of the local people and the Jalandhar Railway Station.

Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu M.P said that all these bridges of the major cities of Punjab, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana were not only connecting the peoples and transporters with the main roads and railway stations it also connecting with the National High Ways and it would be definitely helpful in the transportation facilities of the North India. He also informed that he will personally follow up the railways projects to complete within shortest time.
Mr. E.Ahamed Union Minister of State for Railways gave a sympathetic hearing and assured Mr. Manoranjan Kalia Punjab Minister and Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu M.P to look into the matter seriously and ensure the completion of all these railways bridges at the earliest possible in near future.
Prominent among others who participated in the meeting included Mr. S.S. Rajput, Secy Local Govt. and Senior Officers of the Local Govt Deptt of Punjab and Railways.
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Review the arrangements and meet the dengue patients


A team of the State Surveillance Unit of the Health Department, Punjab visited Jalandhar on Monday to oversee the status of Dengue cases in Jalandhar. The team comprising Dr. Deepak Bhatia, Project coordinator, IDSP and Dr. Gagandeep Singh Grover, State Epidemiologist visited Civil Hospital, Jalandhar to review the arrangements and meet the dengue patients. District Jalandhar has so far reported highest number of cases throughout the State.
The team informed that till present there have been 246 confirmed Dengue cases across the state, out of which Jalandhar alone has reported 145 cases. The team observed that in view of many more suspected cases being reported in Civil Hospital, Jalandhar thereby necessitating the deployment of extra manpower and extra equipments to detect and treat the epidemiological related suspected cases of Dengue. The team however added that all suspected cases don’t turn positive for the disease.
Giving further detail in this regard, Dr Ashok Nayyar, Director Health Services, Family Welfare, Punjab said that additional arrangements have been made to accommodate maximum number of cases in the wards of the hospital. He added that 2 additional wards have been identified in the adjoining ESI hospital for treatment of dengue patients. 2 additional Aphaeresis Machines have been requisitioned from other districts and all 3 units were functioning round the clock to extract platelets from the donors and its smooth transfusion into the patients requiring platelets. Besides the equipment, additional manpower has been deployed at civil hospital Jalandhar, which includes 5 Medical Specialists, 2 Medical Officers, 9 Lab Technicians and 22 Staff Nurses for providing round the clock facility to the patients. He told that broadly the trend as of now reflects a comparatively controlled situation since till monday evening only 250 patients were tested for Cell Blood Counter (CBC) test in comparison to 650 patients reported on Saturday.
Dr Ashok Nayyar further said that symptoms of dengue are pain in retro orbital region, dizziness, vomiting and body ache etc. He stated that the surveillance team contacted all the patients admitted in Civil Hospital, Jalandhar. Mosquito nets on beds have been provided to the more susceptible patients in the wards and a regular spray is being done in the hospital premises for further prevention from mosquito bites. He stated that the team members also held meeting with the anti larva staff as well as local health officials and further motivated them to put in their best efforts for controlling the situation.