• Chandigarh, Oct 13: Finished with Akali Dal, Sukhbir should resign: Manpreet Badal..Read

• Chandigarh, Oct 13: MANPREET DROPPED FROM CABINET...CM

  - the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today dropped Mr. Manpreet Singh from the Punjab Cabinet. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Punjab finance minister suspended from Akali Dal (Lead)  - Chandigarh, Oct 12- The ruling Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab Tuesday evening announced that the state's Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal has been suspended from the party....Read

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Photos will be linked Soon----???????

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"KHEDO PUNJAB PROGRAMME"-UPINDERJIT KAUR CALLS FOR
CONCERETED EFFORTS FOR SPORTS AT SCHOOL LEVEL

Chandigarh October 11: Furthering the "Khedo Punjab" programme launched by the state education department, Dr Upinderjit Kaur has asked the officers to effectively utilize the services of physical teachers by setting apart at least one period every day for physical education and sports in schools

While presiding over a high powered committee meeting convened especially to develop sports in the schools, she directed that at least one period a day should be compulsorily set apart in school curriculum for physical activities, right from the elementary level. She stressed that the health and well being of each child admitted in the schools is my utmost concern leading to healthy society.

To ensure proper participation of students, the Minister directed that each school must send atleast one team in the block level tournament. "The performance of physical teachers would be evaluated on the basis of achievements of the players produced by them to be monitored by the concerned District Assistant Education Officer", she added.

With a view to promote sports and games in the schools, Dr Upinderjit Kaur asked the local authorities to adequately maintain school playgrounds. She directed the school heads to ramp up their games infrastructure and physical education teachers must be equipped with the latest information trough refresher courses to train the budding players.

To harness, available and potential sporting talent among students, she emphasized that a well designed competition structure from the block level be planned by the education department in consultation with experts in the field including higher academic institutions for providing optimum exposure to youngsters.
The Minister said that the sports is a common cultural phenomenon shared by the whole of mankind, responds to man's inherent desire for physical and mental activity. Besides, it imparts a sense of fulfillment and richness to human life. "It also contributes to the national economy and promotes mutual harmony, friendship, co-existence leading to better international understanding. It is therefore of the greatest significance that people should engage in sports throughout their lives,' she added.

To make Punjab a vibrant leading edge state in the sports arena, Dr Upinderjit Kaur advised to exploit talent at the grass root level, synergies the activities of Sports and Education Department and nurture the probable sportspersons to achieve excellence at National and International level in the sports.

She informed that diet money of the school athletes has also been enhanced for camps and competitions. Besides this, summer coaching camps would also be made a regular feature during the vocations. To promote and popularise traditional sports especially Gatka, a martial art sport, she directed all the educational institutes to organize competitions at different levels.

Among others Mr C. Roul Principal Secretary School Education, Mr Krishan Kumar DGSE, Mr Devinder Singh DPI (SE), Mrs Amarjit Kaur Deputy Director (School Sports), Dr Kanwaljit Singh Director Sports GNDU Amritsar, Dr Charnjit Singh Grewal Director Sports Panjab University Chandigarh and Dr Bhupinder Singh Joint Director Sports Punjabi University Patiala were also present in the meeting.

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Ferozepur District leads in Procurement of Paddy
Chandigarh, October 11:

Ferozepur District with 390217 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Tarn Taran with 253442 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Jalandhar 232779 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.

A spokesman of the Punjab Government said here today that Government agencies and private millers procured more than 2182053 tonnes of Paddy till last evening against 1673330 tonnes procurement till date during previous year 2009-10.

The spokesman further said here today that out of total procurement in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 2110290 tonnes (96.7%) whereas private traders procured 71763 tonnes (3.3%) of paddy. Till October 10, PUNGRAIN had procured 566672 tonnes (26.9%) whereas MARKFED procured 451848 tonnes (21.4%), PUNSUP procured 519604 tonnes (24.6%), PSWC procured 282286 tonnes (13.4%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 187008 tonnes (8.9 %) of paddy.
The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 102872 tonnes (4.9%), the spokesman added.
The State Government has set up almost 1700 procurement centers and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy.

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GURU MONITORS PADDY PROCUREMENT AND LIFTING OPERATIONS IN MANDIES OF THE STATECHANDIGARH

OCTOBER 11: To ensure smooth procurement and lifting of Paddy in the state, Principal Secretary/Chief Minister, Punjab, Mr. D.S Guru today started visiting Mandies in the state.Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the state government said that after visiting Mandies of Kapurthala and Jalandhar districts today Mr. Guru would visit Amritsar and Tran Taran districts on 12th October, Ferozpur and Faridkot districts on 13th, Bathinda and Muktsar on 14th October 2010 whereas he would visit Bathinda and Mansa on October 15,2010. He will meet farmers, agents and representatives of procurement agencies during his visit.It may be recalled here that state government had already made adequate arrangements of paddy procurement and its prompt lifting to facilitate the farmers for getting timely payment of their produce on one hand and save them from undue harassment on the other.
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REVISION OF PUNJAB ELECTORAL ROLLS AS QUALIFYING DATE 1.1.2011 WILL START SOON -CEO PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 11,

Chief Electoral Officer Punjab Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu disclosed here today that Summary revision of Photo Electoral Roll as per qualifying date January 1, 2011 would start soon.

She further said that the photo campaign has been started from 04.10.2010 and will continue till 19.10.2010 for preparation of Elector Photo Identity Cards of residual voters and for those voters whose photo is not available in the photo electoral rolls published on 15.09.2010. The photography teams had already sent to those polling stations where the percentage of photo available in the photo electoral roll is less than 90%. The BLOs have been asked to collect the photographs through the 001B form. The photography schedule is available with the Electoral Registration Officers concerned. The eligible voters are advised to submit 001B form to the BLO or to the Electoral Registration Officer of the concerned Assembly Constituency as soon as possible.

Ms. Sidhu appealed to all the citizens of the state in general and political parties in particular to cooperate the election machinery to achieve 100% target of photo electoral rolls.
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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHRIFF SEASON ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, October10:
The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Khriff Season through Canal water from 10-10-2010 to 17-10-2010. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala feeder, Bathinda Branch , Bist Doab Canal and Sidhwan Branch, respectively.

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

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

The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Lahore Branch with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies water available would be utilized in, Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch, Sabraon Branch, Lower with their distributaries respectively.
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NATION CELEBRATES 300TH YEAR OF INCEPTION OF KHALSA RAJ IN COUNTRY


• SUKHBIR LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF MEMORIAL OF CHAPPR CHIRI
BATTLEGROUND TO PERPETUATE THE MEMORY OF SIKH WAR HERO BABA BANDA SINGH BAHADUR

Chappar Chiri (SAS Nagar), October 9

The whole Nation today led by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal , Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, SGPC President Mr. Avtar Singh ,Convener Sant Samaj Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma and Punjab Industry Minister Mr. Manoranjan Kalia today celebrated the 300 years of inception of first Sikh Rule in India, that marked a beginning of struggle for freedom.

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, President Shiromani Akali Dal laid the foundation stone of Rs 48 crore Memorial to be built at the historic battle ground that was witness to Sikh Warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, defeating the most cruel Mogul Governor Wazir Khan. The establishment of Sikh War memorial to be constructed by L&T, was the initiative Punjab Chief Minister, to perpetuate the unparalleled bravery of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and his 5 Generals including Fateh Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Sikh history was replete with the sacrifices of Sikhs, who were always on forefront to fight against injustice and cruelty. He said that our young generation was oblivious of sacrifices made by Sikhs in getting our nation freed from the clutches of foreign invaders. He said that the sole purpose of erecting this memorial was to perpetuate the historic role of the Banda Singh Bahadur, in establishment of Sikh Rule and make our younger generation aware about it. He said that this memorial, one of its own kinds in the world would have 300 feet tall ‘Burj Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’, marking the 300 years of this epic war. He said that it would also have five mini museums indicating the sacrifice of 5 Sikh Jarnails.

Giving the details of memorials, Mr. Badal said that this memorial would be set up on a piece of 21 acre land acquired at the cost of Rs
25 Crores and was being erected at the cost of Rs 27 crores by Larsen and Tubro, a world renowned infrastructure company. Mr. Badal said that the nation that doesn’t recognize their war heroes can’t survive.

He said that SAD-BJP government always took initiatives to project the rich soci-cultural history of Punjab. Mr. Badal said that on 18th October foundation stone of another memorial was being laid at Kup Rohira, the site of ‘Wadda Ghallughara’ where, 35000 Sikhs were butchered, within the span of two- three days. He said that it was biggest massacre of Sikhs as half the Sikh population was killed by Moguls. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the third memorial was being built at Kahnuwan, the site of ‘Chota Ghallughara’ where 15000 Sikhs with their wives and children were killed by Moguls. He said that foundation stone of this memorial was being laid on 23rd October and all the three memorials would be constructed by L&T within span of
1 year.

Giving a call to the people to launch a war against narcotics and habit forming drugs, Mr. Badal said that after defeating foreign invaders, Punjabis would have to fight against narcotics smuggling, that was weakening the roots of our society. Mr. Badal said that SAD-BJP government toeing the welfare policies of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur has given ownership rights to evacuees and bazigars.

In a message read out in function, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab, who is recuperating in PGI after an injury on eye, apologized for not being able to attend this historic event. He recalled the pro-people, pro-poor policies of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur led Sikh Rule and said that it was first non-mogul government that gave ownership rights to poor farmers. Expressing happiness at realization of his dream of erecting historic memorials, Mr. Badal said that these memorials would spread the message of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s bravery to international shores.

Earliar Mr. Badal laid the foundation stone of memorial . He also met religious personalities came from different parts of the world to witness history being recreated and saught their blessings for accomplishment of this historic mission.Mr, Badal also met decorated soldiers who came to become part of this historic event.

Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included; Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa,MP ,Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, , Mr. Ranjit singh Brahmpura, Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, all Cabinet Ministers, Jathedar Avtar Singh Makkar, President, SGPC, Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, Head, Damdami Taksal and Mr. A.K. Chhatwani, Senior Vice Chairman, L&T. Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Advisor to Chief Minister conducted the stage.

Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Mr Janmeja singh Sekhon, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr. Tikshan Sud, Mr. Sucha Singh Langah and Ch. Swarna Ram , all Cabinet Ministers, Mr. Harish Rai Dhanda, Mr. Raj khurana, Ch. Nand Lal, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur and Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, all chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Bibi Jagir Kaur and Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, both former Presidents,SGPC, Mr. Ujjagar Singh Badali MLA, Mr. Jasjit Singh Bunny MLA, Mr. N.K. Sharma, President District Planning Committee and Mr. Sukhwinder Goldi, District President BJP were also present on the occasion.

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From
(Sukhpal Singh Khaira)MLA, Bholath

Dated : 08.10.2010

Mr. P.S. Gill, IPS
DGP, Punjab.
Subject : Request to review my security cover to prevent any threat to my life from political-business-criminal mafia in the state, due to my aggressive political activity.
Sir,

As you are aware, I am a known critic of the present state govt. both within and outside the Vidhan Sabha. I have had to face the wrath of Chief Minister and his Dy. Chief Minister son for speaking against them during the last three and half years. A well planned drive of political vendetta was unleashed in my constituency and over 100 false cases have been registered against myself and important congress workers. A case of theft U/s 382, 341, 294, 427, 147, 149 IPC in FIR No. 54 dated 18.04.07, P.S. Subhanpur was registered against me which was subsequently quashed by the Hon’ble High Court. I have been detained and arrested thrice during the tenure of present SAD-BJP Govt.

It is pertinent to mention here that, my political adversary Bibi Jagir Kaur is known to have criminal propensities and is facing a trial in the Harpreet murder case before the Special CBI Court at Patiala.

Besides, I have been taking up cases of poor people against various types of mafia in the State. Only recently, I have vehemently spoken against politically well connected business tycoon Sh. Balbir Singh of Laxmi Energy and Foods Khamano, during the just concluded Vidhan Sabha session. I was demanding registration of FIR in the roof collapse incident in his mill on 12.09.10 in which five workers were killed but the govt. failed to act.

I have often raked up the issue of hijack of important trades of sand quarrying, cable network, transport and bulk liquor by political-business mafia in the state, at the behest of the CM and his son.

Lastly, but most importantly, I am on record of sending complaints to various authorities such as the Election Commission of India, against Sh. Sumedh Saini, IPS Chief Director Vigilance demanding his suspension for his involvement in heinous criminal cases.

All the above mentioned political activities, statements, discussions in Vidhan Sabha, demands for various inquires have irked the mighty and the powerful of the State. I have been receiving tacit and indirect messages from various quarters to be careful with my security, and that my life may be in danger.

Therefore, I would request that the threat perception to me be reviewed in the light of my above mentioned circumstances and needful preventive measures, be taken at the earliest.
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NO OFFER ON DEBT RELIEF FROM GoI TILL DATE - CS

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 8:

The Punjab Government has not yet received any letter or official written communication from the Government of India regarding the debt waiver whether it was giving any relief, if so then what is the quantum and the conditionalities attached to it.

Addressing the media persons at Punjab Bhawan here today this evening, the State Chief Secretary Mr. S.C. Aggarwal said that there was no offer from the GoI regarding any debt relief or waiver or rescheduling or the proposed quantum, if any. He categorically stated that debate regarding the debt waiver whether it would be in the interest of the State to accept these presumed conditionalities was therefore, meaningless at this stage.

It may be recalled that the State Government has accumulated a debt of about Rs. 65,000 Crore till the end of the last financial year. A significant portion of the same is on account of the loans raised by the State during the period of militancy when the State was under Presidents Rule and thus being governed directly by the Centre Government. The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal had taken up the issue of debt waiver on different platforms to seek relief in this regard and specific mention in this respect had also been made to the 13th Finance Commission, while its deliberations were on. When the team of State Government, lead by the Chief Minister held bilateral consultations with the Planning Commission of India earlier this year to finalize the State’s Annual Plan, this request was reiterated. The Chief Minister has taken up this matter repeatedly in his meetings with the Prime Minister, Union Finance Minister and the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.

The Chief Secretary further stated that if and when any offer is made by the Government of India, regarding debt relief, only then the State Government can examine such an offer. He however said that any debate at this point of time in the absence of any offer from Government of India was unwarranted
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Chandigarh, October 8 :

Senior SAD leader and MLA Amarpal Singh Bony and General Council Member Mann Singh Garcha have said that they are loyal soldiers of the SAD and fully committed to it.

Addressing a joint press conference here at party headquarters both the leaders said that Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister and party President S. Sukhbir Singh Badal are their leaders and they were fully committed towards them. They clarified that media reports published today regarding press conference of finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal were not based on real facts. They said that when they came to know that finance minister was suffering from dengue they went to his residence to enquire about his well being. But when they reached there they were surprised to see the press conference and soon they realized that this activity was not in accordance with the party discipline.

They said that neither they were part of the activity, nor could they even think of going against the party discipline as they belong to old time Akali families and Chief Minister S. Badal, particularly party President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal have always given them outmost respect and their political stature today is because of them.

Both the leaders said that they could not think of damaging the image of the party. They have remained loyal to the party in the past and will remain in future too.
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Text of the statement of Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon released at press conference. One of the newspaper has published my name that I was present in the press conference of Manpreet Singh Badal yesterday. I want to clarify that I had gone their before the press conference to enquire about the well being of Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal. I and my family are loyal workers of the SAD for three generations and is serving the party according to the policies of the party. I and my family obey every order of the party President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal. I want to clarify that I had nothing to do with the press conference of Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal.
Ranjit Singh Brahmpura appointed Chairman of SAD disciplinary panelChandigarh, October 8 : Deputy Chief Minister and SAD President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today constituted a five member disciplinary panel of the party to maintain discipline in the party.

Disclosing this in a statement released from the party headquarters here party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that party Senior Vice President Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpur has been appointed Chairman of the panel and it would have party Secretary General S. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Senior Vice President Gurdev Singh Badal, Senior Vice President Jatherdar Tota Singh and General Secretary S. Balwinder Singh Bhunder as its members.
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INDISCIPLINE WOULD NOT BE TOLERATED AT ANY COST AS NONE IS ABOVE THE PARTY-CM

Chandigarh October 7:-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today categorically said that none would be allowed to create indiscipline in the party as no body was above the party and an action by anybody to undermine the prestige of the party would not been tolerated at any cost.

In a statement issued, Mr. Badal said that no individual had any right to issue a statement on any issue which had not been discussed and approved by the party. Referring to the issue of debt waiver, Mr. Badal stated that he had taken up this issue with GoI as this debt was raised by the state government during the period of Militancy to fight the terrorism which was the Nation's war.

The Chief Minister further said that he had discussed this matter with the Union Finance Minister also but the state has received no official response on this issue till date.

Mr. Badal further said that there was no question of discussing the so called debt waiver by the GoI, without any positive response from the GoI. If and when any such offer is received from the government of India, it shall be discussed and decided by the SAD & BJP parties and if approved by them, then only the Government of Punjab shall respond in appropriate manner.

The Chief Minister stated that the SAD had a long history of standing up for the people and has stood by certain principles and commitment made to the public.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the party stands by its promises made to the people and no body would be allowed to break the party discipline as no individual is higher than the party.

The chief Minister called upon the leadership not to issue any statement and rake up any issue which was against the stipulated party policy guidelines.
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Chandigarh, October 7: Punjab Chief Minister S.Parkash Singh Badal has given nod to amend Section 19 of the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 envisaging restoration of the right of Gram Sabha for bringing no confidence motion against Sarpanch, as per practice prevalent before 2008. It may be recalled that during the year 2008, an amendment was made in Section 19 of the Panchayati Raj Act 2008 which envisaged that 2/3rd of the Panches of a Panchayat can pass no confidence motion against a Sarpanch leading to his/her removal from the office. It has been observed that this practice introduced with this amendment was misused in some Gram Sabhas leading to groupism in the village. Keeping these factors in view, the Government has contemplated the old practice in the larger public interest and proposed amendment is therefore being made. As per this provision, under Section-19 in the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act 1994, prevalent before 2008, it is stated as follows:

"No Confidence motion against Sarpanch (i) An application regarding intention to move a motion of no- confidence against a Sarpanch to be made to the Block Development and Panchayat Officer by a two-thirds majority of the total number of Panches of the Gram Sabha concerned.

"Provided that no such application shall be made unless a period of two years has elapsed from the date on which the Sarpanch assumed his office.
(2) The Block Development and Panchayat Officer shall, within a period of fifteen days of receipt of application under sub section (i), convene a meeting of the Gram Sabha by giving seven clear days in notice for discussing and taking decision on the no confidence motion.

If the no-confidence motion is carried in the meeting convened under sub section 2 which shall be presided over by the Block Development and Panchayat Officer or an Officer not below the rank of Social Education and Panchayat Officer authorized by the Block Development and Panchayat Officer in this behalf, by a majority of the Gram Sabha present and voting concerned, the Sarpanch shall be deemed to have been removed from his office, and a new Sarpanch shall be elected in his place.

Provided that if the no confidence motion is lost another such motion shall not be moved against that Sarpanch before the expiry of two years from the date of its having been lost."

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CM SATISFIED WITH MANPREET BADAL'S VERSIONCHANDIGARH OCTOBER 07:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal has personally clarified to him saying, his recent statement in a section of the press was nothing against the SAD-BJP government. Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal also apprised the Chief Minister that he holds the party and its discipline along with the government in the highest esteem.

The Punjab Chief Minister said that he had accepted the version of Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal and he had not breached the party discipline as such. Mr. Badal appealed to all the party leaders not to issue any statements in the media on this issue and he would sort out the issue, if any, amicably soon after being discharged from the PGI, where he is admitted now.
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PUNJAB TO INTRODUCE TAGORE'S POEM ON BANDHA BAHADUR IN VIII CLASS SYLLABUS
CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 07:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal directed the State School Education department to include the 'Bandhi Bir' – a poem penned by Noble Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore, in Punjabi translated by Prof. AS Shant depicting the saga of the assassination of great Sikh warrior Baba Bandha Singh Bahadur along with 700 Sikh soldiers in Delhi by the Mughals to be included in the syllabi of class VIII.

Disclosing this here today the spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that a decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting with a delegation of Ex-servicemen from the state on Tuesday. This decision would be a befitting tribute to the great martyr especially in the wake of recently concluded the Tercentenary Celebrations of Sirhind Fateh Diwas in commemoration of the establishment of 'Sikh raj'. The Chief Minister was apprised that the poem was being taught in the schools of West Bengal since long and now its Punjabi translation would be part of the syllabus of VIII class in the schools of Punjab.
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CM ABSOLUTELY FINE SAYS PGI DOCTORS ATTENDING ON HIM
CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 7:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today slipped in the stairs while going for his routine morning walk at his official residence and sustained mild lacerations above the right eyebrow and soft tissue injury in the chest region.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Punjab government said that the Chief Minister accompanied by his son Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal immediately reached the PGI for treatment. Chie Minister's daughter-in-law Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal was looking after Mr. Badal in the hospital since morning.

According to Director, PGI Dr. KK Talwar the Chief Minister was given two stitches for the eye laceration and was admitted in PGI. As per the routine tests all his vital functions are normal. X-ray and CT scan of head do not show any injury. Doctors attending him said that Sardar Badal was absolutely fine as he came walking from his car to the lift.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil called on Mr. Badal to inquire of his well being and presented a bouquet and wished him a speedy recovery. Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court Mr. Justice Mukul Mudgal also sends bouquet wishing Mr. Badal best of health.

Prominent amongst others who visited the PGI to inquire the well being of the Chief Minister included President SGPC Jathedar Avtar Singh, Local Government Minister Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Rural Development & Panchayats Minister Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, PWD (B&R) Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. DS Cheema, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. Sukhpal Singh Nannu and Ch. Nand Lal, former Minister Mr. Bikramjit Singh Majithia, besides several Ministers, MPs, MLAs and party leaders of SAD-BJP. Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, DGP Mr. PS Gill, ADGP Intelligence Mr. Suresh Arora, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SS Sandhu and Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar were also inquired the well being of the Chief Minister.
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Ist Installment of Arrears to be paid with November Pension

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 7:
The Punjab Government has announced the implementation of the recommendations of payment of arrears of pension/family pension/extraordinary pension of the 5th Pay Commission.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the government said that the arrears of pensions for the period from 1.1.2006 to 31.7.2009 would be payable in three equal installments. The first installment would be paid along with the pension for the month of November, 2010.

Adding further, he said that the second and third installments would be paid in November, 2011 and November, 2012 respectively.
A notification has been issued in this regard and all the district treasury officers/treasury officers and public sector banks have also been directed to disburse pensions according to the new orders, he added.
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Education to employability programme launched in Punjab-Upinderjit Kaur

Chandigarh, October 7: The Punjab Government has launched an ambitious plan to implement skill development courses and teachers education programmes to hone their skills and to make the educated youth employable in upcoming industry to create a concept of education to employability.

This was disclosed by the Education Minister Dr Upinderjit Kaur while speaking on the concluding day at a training programme conducted for college teachers and principals at Infosys Chandigarh on Friday. She emphasized that the state government recognizes skill development as an important strategy for empowering state's youth. "The SAD-BJP government was committed to impart vocational training to the unemployed youth to enable them to be gainfully employed not only in the country but overseas also", she added.
She informed that the higher education department has initiated Project Genesis in the colleges, with the active help of Infosys BPO and Punjab Infotech, aimed at aligning the teaching and course curriculum at graduate schools to the industry requirements so the students have an edge as far as employability was concerned. "The project focuses on creating awareness and educating the teaching fraternity on global skill sets that includes communication skill enhancement training and analytical skill enhancement training to the students as well as college teachers and principals," she added.

The Minister further said that during this 10 days training programme, 48 faculty members from 14 govt. colleges and 10 affiliated colleges were sensitized at Chandigarh Infosys campus about their responsibility to implement the programme at college level. Besides, Infosys would train batches of 100 students in each college and help in getting employment through special recruitment drives", she added.
The Minister called upon the Vice Chancellors and Principals of all universities and colleges to start add on job oriented courses at the graduation and post graduation level to improve the chances of employability of the youth in context of the state government's vision for employment generation. "There is a common interest between students and teachers because students have concerns about the extent to which their courses increase their employability. Besides, higher educational institutes have a new duty to prepare students for the world of work by teaching them employability skills, she added.

Dr Upinderjit kaur further added that the Punjab Government would fully finance NAC test for 3000 students to be conducted in association with NASSCOM in the next month which would ease of benchmarking for individuals against the industry standards and help to create a concept of education to employability. "To meet the challenges of globalization and market demand, the emphasis of higher education must be a skilled manpower development, Upinderjit Kaur added.

She further said that the economic development and progress of any nation depends on its higher education system. "The progress, prosperity and accelerated growth in economy require support from the higher education system in providing an uninterrupted supply of a skilled and efficient workforce, she added.
Speaking on the occasion Mr Mandip Singh Sandhu Principal Secretary Higher Education said that universities must build relationships with industry and collaborate with them in designing the requisite curriculum for supplying employable graduates in the industry and business organizations. "Introduction of soft skills and language skills would certainly improve the employability of our graduate students. Besides, the higher education would enhance earnings of the individuals and contribute to economic development of Punjab, he added.

Among others Mr R.K Verma MD Infotech and Mr Vikas Ahuja head Infosys Development Center Chandigarh also spoke on the occasion.
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PUNJAB POLICE WINS 14th ALL INDIA POLICE GOLF TOURNAMENT

Chandigarh, October 7:

Punjab Police team won the 14th All India Police Golf Tournament. The team comprising of Sh. S.K. Sharma, IPS, ADGP/HRD & CP and Sh. Rupinder Singh, PPS, Deputy Director (Outdoor), Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur were declared the winner in the net category. The duo carded net score of 18 under over two days. The tournament was organized by the Meghalaya Police at Shillong Golf Course and was held on 28th & 29th September-2010. The Shillong Golf Course is the second oldest golf course in the Country and was built in 1896. Total of 92 officers from all State Police Forces and Para-military Forces participated in the tournament.

The second team of Punjab Police comprising of Sh. Davinder Singh Garcha, IPS and Sh. Swinder Singh, PPS were declared the runner-up in the net category and carded combined score of 13 under during two days play.

After applying the double peoria system based on the gross score of the first days play, the participants were given the handicaps and the final scores were declared on the basis of allotted handicaps.

In the individual category Sh. S.K. Sharma, IPS of Punjab Police was declared the winner in the net category and Sh. Rupinder Singh, PPS was declared runner-up in the gross category. The team participated under the captaincy of Sh. S.K. Sharma, IPS.

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Punjab and Uttrakhand signed inter-state Transport Agreement

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 7:

A meeting was held here today under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary, Transport Punjab, Mr. D.S.Jaspal at Punjab Bhawan Chandigarh for reciprocal agreement for operation of stage carriage busses between the state of Punjab and Uttrakhand.

Agreement had been finalized and signed by both the states after detailed discussions. Mr. R. Ramaswamy, Secretary transport Uttrakhand and Mr. D.S.Jaspal Principal Secretary, Transport Punjab, stated that this agreement shall be enforced w.e.f. November 1, 2010 for smooth operation of state carriage buses of both states. Public traveling by bus will get quality facilities on inter-state routes. It will not only beneficial for the passengers by also strengthen the said Mr. Jaspal. Inter-state economic ties officers from the transport department of Punjab and uttrakhand were also present.
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11.36 LAKH TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB`

Chandigarh, October 07: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 1136992 tonnes of Paddy till last evening.
A spokesman of Punjab Govt. said here today that out of total procurement in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 1106141 tonnes (97.3%) whereas private traders procured 30851 tonnes (2.7%) of paddy. Till October 06, PUNGRAIN had procured 297882 tonnes (26.9%) whereas MARKFED procured 237823 tonnes (21.5%), PUNSUP procured 283311 tonnes (25.6%), PSWC procured 154131 tonnes (13.9%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 102875 tonnes (9.3 %) of paddy.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 30119 tonnes (2.7%). The spokesman added that District Tarn Taran with 186669 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Ferozepur with 186576 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Jalandhar 125333 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.

The State Government has set up almost 1700 procurement centers and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added.