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Punjab News: 2010

OCTOBER 22

Union Home Minister, Chidambram hopes for better trade links with improvement of relations with PakLays the foundation stone of visitor gallery at joint check post Hussainiwala



Sukhbir seeks opening of hussainiwala border , special industrial and infrastructure package for border areas Hussainiwala (Ferozepur)


October 22 :

Mr. P.Chidambaram, Union Home Minister today laid the foundation stone of Rs. 6.22 crore expanded viewers gallery at Joint Check Post to Hussainiwala to facilitate more and more tourists to visit this Indo – Pak border and witness the famous Retreat ceremony in which BSF Jawans and Pak rangers simultaneously lower the flags of their respective countries, ceremonially every evening. Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal present on the occasion submitted a memorandum to Mr. Chidambaram seeking opening of Hussainiwala border on the pattern of Wagha Border to establish trade link with Pak besides also seeking special infrastructure and industrial package for rapid development of border belt.

Speaking on the occasion the Union Home Minister hoped for improvement of relations with Pakistan, in times to come and subsequent consolidation of trade links with the neighboring country. Reacting to the demand of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, the Union Home Minister hoped that “as things improve we could go more than half way to have better relations with Pak. Trade must resume with Pak. I sincerely hope it will come sooner than later”.

The Union Home Minister conceded that people living in border “carry with them a special burden and responsibility” he said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister had been raising the problems of border villagers including problem faced by farmers in sowing on land beyond fencing and Union Home Ministry was addressing these issues. Reacting to the demand for extended working hours for farmers during summers, Mr. Chidambram asked DG BSF to go for new timing of 6 am to 6 pm instead of present timing of 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. He also asked DG to explore the possibility of providing power connection for tubewells installed beyond fencing.

Paying glorious tributes to martyrs Bhagat Singh , Sukhdev and Rajguru, the Union Home Minister described Hussainiwala as “Punya Bhoomi” sacred land. He said that he was delighted to lay the foundation stone of viewers gallery where Bhagat Singh , Rajguru and Sukhdev were cremated. He said that on this land Batukeshwar Dutt was also cremated in 1976 and Punjab Mata Vidyawati mother of Saheed Bhagat Singh was also cremated on this land. Mr. Chidambaram said that people and land of this area have suffered a lot and we have to rebuild and recreate. He said that much more needs to be done and we are proud of sacrifices made by freedom fighters for the freedom of our country.

Union Home Minister said that expended viewers gallery could accommodate 3000 viewers and whole area around gallery would be landscaped and beautified. He said that the new gallery would have modern canteen , toilets and children park to attract more and more tourists in this area.

Earlier the Deputy Chief Minister sought Union Home Ministers intervention in opening Hussainiwala border for trade link with Pakistan, special central infrastructure package for upgrading schools colleges and roads in border area. Industrial package on the pattern of hill states to the border areas, linking Amritsar with Ferozepur with rail link and introduction of Ferozepur – Bathinda new daily Shatabadi. He also sought Mr. Chidambaram intervention in releasing compensation to the farmers @ Rs. 5000 per acre per year from the year 2002 onward, extended working hours for the farmers with land beyond fencing, release of Rs. 29 crore compensation for land acquired for 17 foot road along the fencing.

Before laying the foundation stone Mr. Chidambaram laid wreathes on the Samadhi of Bhagat Singh, Rajgur and Sukhdev. Later he took Guard of Honor form the full contingent of BSF on Zero line. Mr. Chidambaram handed over a basket of fruits and sweets to the Pak rangers stationed at the joint check post.

The Director General BSF Mr.Raman Srivastawa also spoke on the occasion. Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon , Irrigation Minister ; Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya MP ; Mr. Sukhpal Nannu Chief Parliamentary Secretary ; Mr. Gurtej Singh and Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi both MLAs and Mr. P.S.Gill DGP Punjab .
Brief points for 22/10/2010 function at Hussainiwala

Ferozepur is land of warriors and martyrs.
This area always faced the invaders and foreign attacks.
In 1897, in battle of Saragarhi, the soldiers of this area shown their bravery and courage. We still pay our regards to all those soldiers on 12th September every year.
In Indo-Pak wars of 1965 & 1971, this area remained unsafe and insecure due to its location but it always shown the killer instinct for enemy.
The development of this fertile and prosperous area came to halt, when it found itself on international border after partition of India. Till 1971 war, the trade route was open at Hussainiwala and it played crucial role in development of Ferozepur town. Trade route from Hussainiwala can be re-opened on Wagha pattern. This will going to boost the development scenario of this area.
Farmers having land across border fencing are facing great hardships due to time limit and restriction on movement of man and material. They were compensated for this during the year 1999-2000 by Rs. 2500/- per Acre. After this no amount was allotted by the Central Govt. but during the year 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2003-04, Punjab Govt. allotted Rs. 4.31 Crore every year from its own budget for the said purpose. It is demanded that the farmers of this 1200 Acre may be provided compensation of Rs. 5000/- per Acre per annum by Central Government.

Land of some farmers has been used for providing 11 ft wide track along the international border. Compensation (29.47 crore for 4 border districts of Punjab) for this land may be paid to the farmers of the border area.
Fence along international border is required to be shifted at 150 yards along international border. By this decision, the area between international border and fence will reduce and it will further reduce the problem of farmers in this area.
Punjab is having long international border with Pakistan and this area along border is deprived of basic infrastructure facilities. It is demanded that "Infrastructure Development Package" for this border area be declared by Central Govt. to provide basic amenities of better Road Transport, Educational Institutions and Govt. Hospitals.
Due to uncertainty of relationship with neighboring country, industrial development of this border area is not taking place. For development of this area, it is demanded that "Industrial Package" in shape of Incentives be declared by Govt. of India.
Amritsar-Ferozepur rail link is crucial for strategic movements of Army and Para Military Forces and it will also for residents of this border area. It is demanded that Ferozepur and Amritsar be connected through Rail link. Survey report of Mallanwala-Patti rail link is showing positive rate of return for Railways. It is demanded that Central Govt. provides sanction of this project.

Memorandum

  • Ferozepur is land of warriors and martyrs.
  • This area always faced the invaders and foreign attacks.
  • In 1897, in battle of Saragarhi, the soldiers of this area shown their bravery and courage. We still pay our regards to all those soldiers on 12th September every year.
  • In Indo-Pak wars of 1965 & 1971, this area remained unsafe and insecure due to its location but it always shown the killer instinct for enemy.
  • The development of this fertile and prosperous area came to halt, when it found itself on international border after partition of India. Till 1971 war, the trade route was open at Hussainiwala and it played crucial role in development of Ferozepur town. For the development and welfare of this area, our few demands are given below:- · Trade route from Hussainiwala can be re-opened on Wagha pattern. This will going to boost the development scenario of this area.
  • Farmers having land across border fencing are facing great hardships due to time limit and restriction on movement of man and material. They were compensated for this during the year 1999-2000 by Rs. 2500/- per Acre. After this no amount was allotted by the Central Govt. but during the year 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2003-04, Punjab Govt. allotted Rs. 4.31 Crore every year from its own budget for the said purpose. It is demanded that the farmers of this 1200 Acre may be provided compensation of Rs. 5000/- per Acre per annum by Central Government.
  • Land of some farmers has been used for providing 11 ft wide track along the international border. Compensation (29.47 crore for 4 border districts of Punjab) for this land may be paid to the farmers of the border area.
  • Fence along international border is required to be shifted at 150 yards along international border. By this decision, the area between international border and fence will reduce and it will further reduce the problem of farmers in this area.
  • Punjab is having long international border with Pakistan and this area along border is deprived of basic infrastructure facilities. It is demanded that "Infrastructure Development Package" for this border area be declared by Central Govt. to provide basic amenities of better Road Transport, Educational Institutions and Govt. Hospitals.
  • Due to uncertainty of relationship with neighboring country, industrial development of this border area is not taking place. For development of this area, it is demanded that "Industrial Package" in shape of Incentives be declared by Govt. of India.
  • Amritsar-Ferozepur rail link is crucial for strategic movements of Army and Para Military Forces and it will also useful for residents of this border area. It is demanded that Ferozepur and Amritsar be connected through Rail link. Survey report of Mallanwala-Patti rail link is showing positive rate of return for Railways. It is demanded that Central Govt. provides sanction of this project.

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SUKHBIR REJECTS WHEAT MSP –
DEMANDS RS. 1600 TO 1800 PER QUINTAL MSP FOR WHEAT

· 400 X 4 RELAY GOLD MEDALIST MANJIT KAUR PROMOTED AS DSP
· WARDS OF MARTYR POLICEMEN TO BE POSTED IN HOME DISTRICT WITHIN FORTNIGHT- FAMILIES TO GET RED CARD

Jalandhar, October 21: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister today rejected the meager Rs. 20 hike in MSP of wheat from Rs. 1100 to 1120 describing it as a cruel joke by the Congress led UPA government with the farmers exposing its real anti-farmer face. He demanded that wheat MSP should be in the range of Rs. 1600 to 1800 to make agriculture a viable profession for the farmers.

Talking to the media after Commemoration Day function held here today Mr. Badal who is also the President of Shiromani Akali Dal said that SAD had been demanding the implementation of Swaminathan Commission report linking MSP with wholesale price index and the announcement of MSP has not taken into consideration the steep hike in the price of agriculture inputs including diesel, fertilizers, pesticides besides seeds. He said that on one hand union government has decontrolled the price mechanism on fertilizer industry and raise the price of diesel but Rs. 20 hike in MSP does not even absorb 20% inflation. Mr. Badal said that Shiromani Akali Dal along with the likeminded parties would raise this issue in the ensuing session of Parliament and force the UPA government to enhance MSP to Rs. 1600-1800.

Announcing the promotion as DSP to Inspector Manjit Kaur, who won Gold Medal in 400 x 4 women relay in Commonwealth Games, Mr. Badal said that immediately after assuming the charge of Sports Minister, he had sanctioned Rs. 25 lakh for the special training of Manjit Kaur abroad. Inspector Manjit Kaur present on the occasion profusely thanked Deputy Chief Minister for taking personal interest in getting her training expenditure sanctioned. She said that without specialized training, she could not have won this medal.
When asked about progress in implementation of Governance Reforms, Mr. Badal said that next month Sangrur would become first district with all land records online and by March, 2011 land records of whole state would be put on web. Mr. Badal said that drastic changes in revenue laws were in offing, to reduce the red tape and levels of appeal in Revenue cases.

Answering a query regarding former Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, the Deputy Chief Minister said that he would not speak any thing of this issue as he was his younger brother. However, no political party can tolerate indiscipline and any cadre questioning the supremacy of Party has to face disciplinary action.
Meeting the families of Police Martyrs, Mr. Badal asked DGP to ensure that wards of martyrs employed in Police on compassionate ground were posted in their home district within a fortnight. He said that all families of martyrs be also issued red cards within 15 days.

SUKHBIR PAYS GLORIOUS TRIBUTES TO POLICE MARTYRS

Earlier, at a State Level Police Commemoration Day Parade organized here today at PAP complex, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister paid glorious tributes to all those Punjab Police martyrs who laid down their lives protecting the unity and integrity of the country. He also reiterated his commitment to make Punjab police, a world class force through its modernization as well as technological up-gradation.

Mr. Badal said that this day gives us an opportunity to remember all those martyrs who sacrificed their precious lives to ensure that we all could live in peace. Commending Punjab Police for its exemplary role in wiping out more than decade long militancy in the State, Mr. Badal said that it was the professional approach, dedication and commitment of the state police that saved the Country from the nefarious designs of inimical forces across the border. He expressed confidence that the state police would never allow terrorism and anti social elements to raise their ugly heads.

Underlining the need to chalk out a long term plan to modernize State Police, Mr. Badal said that equipping force with modern technologies, weaponry would enable it to face the challenges of emerging high-tech crimes. He said that keeping in view the changing trend of crimes modern equipments as well as protective gears could play an important role in saving the lives of jawans. He asked Punjab DGP to put up a perspective integrated plan for modernization of force besides suggesting welfare measures and categorically said that there would be no paucity of funds.

Exhorting the young police officers to learn a lesson from the dedication and sacrifice of martyrs, Mr. Badal said that it was just because of their sacrifice; Punjab was again touching the pinnacles of glory and development. He also urged the younger generations to inculcate the spirit of patriotism and nationalism amongst themselves by making these martyrs as their role models.

Speaking on the occasion Mr P.S. Gill, Director General of Police, Punjab said that the State Police has always proved its professional competency as well as exemplary courage to counter any challenge posed by the anti national elements. He said that the State force was the only force in the world that proved its professional mettle and commitment by successfully curbing the menace of decade long militancy that was being supported by the inimical forces across the border. He informed that while fighting the militancy the state police had sacrificed its 2 DIsG, 3 SSsP,12 DSPs, 32 Inspectors, 61 SIs, 111 ASIs, 268 Head Constables, 817 Constables, 294 PHGs and 180 SPOs. Besides this, 262 members of families of Police personnel were also killed by the militants to demoralize the force. He further said that during last year 786 Police officers and Jawans of various police and para military forces laid down their lives while performing their duties out of which 57 were of Punjab Police.

The DGP said that the state police was fully committed to redress the problems being faced by families of martyrs and assured to initiate more welfare measures for their betterment in near future.

On this occasion a Commemoration Parade was held as a mark of respect to brave police martyrs, who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The arms were reversed and two minutes silence was observed in the honor of the departed souls. The names of police martyrs were also read out, to acknowledge with pride the supreme sacrifices made by them. The Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also floral tributes at Police Martyr’s Memorial.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included; Mr Ajit Singh Kohar, Revenue Minister, Mr. Sarwan singh Phillaur and Mr Avinash Chander, both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Mr Sarabjit Singh Makkar, Mr K.D.Bhandari, Bith MLAs and Mr. Shashi Kant, DGP/Armed Battalions besides senior Civil and Police officers.

On this occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal released a booklet regarding Privileges of Martyrs’ families prepared by welfare branch of Punjab police containing various notifications of facilities for such families along with required forms.

Police Anthem released Later on, Mr Badal released the CD of ‘Police Anthem’ adopted by Punjab police at G.O. Mess in a simple but impressive ceremony. It may be mentioned here that the song titled, ‘Police Punjab di’ is written by eminent lyricist Babu Singh Mann and sung as well as composed by renowned film play back singer Sukhwinder Singh appreciates the achievements of state police and acknowledges the selfless sacrifices to render glorious service in the interest of peace, communal harmony and nationalism. The brain behind this novel initiative was Mr. Rajinder Singh ADGP Rules wing. He said that this Police Anthem was meant to motivate and inspire police personals to discharge their duties with commitment and dedication. The police anthem would become significant part of historic conventions of Punjab police and it would be played on ceremonial functions of the department.
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  • BADAL REVIEWS PADDY PROCUREMENT OPERATION IN THE STATE
    Asks FCI to expedite procurement process in its allotted Mandies


    CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 22:
    The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the on going Paddy procurement operation in the state for Kharif season 2010-11. He was presiding over a meeting of the senior administrative secretaries here at his residence in which Food and Civil supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon was also present.

    While reviewing the status of paddy procured by all the procuring agencies till 21st October as per their allotted share, Mr. Badal asked the GM of FCI Mr. Neelkanth to expedite the procurement process in the Mandies under their control to save the farmers from undue harassment. He further asked the Government officers to closely monitor the procurement in all the districts and regularly visit their assigned Mandies till the entire exercise was completed.

    Mr. Badal directed all the Deputy Commissioners to involve their district field officers and staff in the procurement process for making paddy lifting smooth and hassle free till the last grain left in the Mandies. He further said that no laxity while performing duties would be tolerated at any cost.

    Food and Civil supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon said that to avoid any inconvenience to the farmers, he along with his staff was keeping strict vigil on procurement through out the state. Expressing satisfaction over the procurement process, except in few Mandies, Mr. Kairon informed that till last evening 57.96 lac tonne of paddy had been procured in the state. Giving the details he said that PUNGRAIN had procured 16.08 lac tonne of paddy (28.4 %), Markfed 11.93 lac tonne (21.0%), PUNSUP 13.64 lac tonne (24.1%), Punjab Warehousing 7.12 lac tonne (12.6%) and Punjab Agro had procured 5.10 lac tonne(9.0%) of paddy, whereas Central Government Agency FCI had purchased 2.82 lac tonne (5%) of paddy. Millers had purchased only 1.25 lac tonne(2.2%) of paddy, he added.

    Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr.DS Guru, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary, Food and Civil Supplies, Mr. DS Grewal, Secretary Agriculture Mr. Ashok Gupta and Director Food & Civil Supplies Ms. Alak Nanda.
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    Subsidies are an International phenomenon-Sukhbir· SAD-BJP Government committed to bail out the deserving and needy sections of the society

    Chandigarh, October 22:
    Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that subsidies are an International phenomenon and Union Government is one of the biggest providers of subsidies. He ruled out the possibility of withdrawal of any subsidy being provided to any section of society in the state as these were the outcome of SAD-BJP government’s commitment to the people of State.

    In an informal interaction with media persons at PAP Complex helipad, the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that in comparison of Union government and other state governments, our State was providing too less subsidies and all these subsidies were being provided to the deserving and needy sections of the society. He said that the hard working farmers of the State deserved its due to their continuous and concerted efforts for ensuring the food security of the country. Similarly, in the present backbreaking inflation, the BPL population was struggling to get even two squares meal. ‘Is it a crime to bail out such needy persons by providing them Atta –Dal at Rs Four and twenty per kg and 200 units of free power’, he questioned ? He further clarified that 99 percent of the farmers having free power facility were marginal farmers as the few farmers having some reasonable holdings belonged to Malwa region, where most of them were dependant on canal water irrigation.

    He revealed that the State government’s main focus was on more revenue generation and the substantial increase in VAT as well as Excise collection was the result of relentless efforts put in by the State government. He said that with better economic planning the State was making rapid strides on the development front. Creation of world class infrastructure, be it a complete revamp of road network with four/six laning of all major highways, setting up of five power plants, international as well as domestic air ports, construction of RoBs and setting up of world class education institutes reflects the State government’s development vision, he added.

    Replying to a query regarding former Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal’s futuristic plans, the Deputy Chief Minister said that every person has his own perspective and he don’t want to comment further. Regarding MLA Manjinder Singh Kang’s apprehension about his security, Mr. Badal described it as his frustration as he had nothing new information to offer media to remain in news. He said that Mr. Kang had almost double security than he was entitled.

    He informed that earlier in the day during his meeting with Union Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram, he urged him to take initiative for opening of Hussainiwala border as it could make a significant contribution in overall development of the region as Kasur, the adjoining City of Pakistan was an industrial hub. Besides this, regular compensation of Rs. 5000 per acre for those farmers having land across the fencing, wherever possible, shifting the fencing towards International border, acquisition of 11 meter land being used by BSF for patrolling, resumption of Ferozepur-Amritsar rail link and starting a Shatabadi train from Ferozepur to Delhi were the other major demands put forth before Home Minister, he added. He further asked Mr. Chidambaram to take up the issue of release of polluted industrial water especially of Kasur tanneries with Pak government.
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