PUNJAB CM CALLS VCs TO CHALK OUT AN ACTION PROGRAMME TO IMPART QUALITY VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Pb. Govt. to Prepare Blue Print to Impart Vocational Training to Nearly 1 Lakh Unemployed Youth

CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 10:

In a major break through to impart quality vocational education and skill development training to nearly one lakh unemployed and less educated youth, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the Vice Chancellors of the universities from across the state to prepare a blue print to launch the training programme positively from the next academic session i.e. April 1, 2010.

Presiding over a meeting of the consultative group of the Vice Chancellors of the state Universities here at Chief Minister’s residence this morning, Mr. Badal asked the Vice Chancellors to identify the key areas where our unemployed youth could be imparted vocational training to enable them to be gainfully employed. Mr. Badal reiterated that it was the endeavor of the SAD-BJP government that none should be left illiterate and uneducated in the state because the growth and development in terms of physical infrastructure was meaning less until we improve our human resource development through imparting quality education to our youth at all levels of schools, colleges and universities.

It was informed in the meeting by the Vice Chancellors that Punjab Technical University would impart vocational training to 10000 students, Baba Farid University of Health Science to 7000 students, Guru Angad Dev University of Veterinary Sciences 4000, Technical Education through its networks of ITIs and Polytechnics 10000, Punjabi University Patiala 10000, Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar 10000, Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law 1000, Punjab Agricultural University 2000 and Panjab University Chandigarh 2000 students during the next academic session. Apart from this other departments like agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries and rural department would also plan their own vocational training courses to train the unemployed youth especially in the rural areas.

The Chief Minister also emphasized on the need to run junior science education colleges in the existing 76 private and 7 government engineering colleges to strengthen the intake base of quality students seeking admission in various graduate and post-graduate courses in engineering. He also appreciated the proposal mooted by Principal Secretary Technical Education of setting up of technical teachers training institute at Jalandhar besides multi-disciplinary academies which were being set up in Punjab to impart state-of-the-art technical education to the students.

Mr. Badal asked the vice chancellors to consult the local industry for starting 'add on courses' in the colleges affiliated to their respective universities to enable the students to get employment in the nearby industry. The Chief Minister underlined the need to motivate the students to bring a paradigm shift in their mind set to opt for professional courses rather than traditional bachelor degrees courses like BA.

The Chief Minister also asked the technical education department to forward the proposals of Guru Angad Dev University of Veterinary Sciences and other universities/departments for approval of skill development initiative schemes from National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). He also said that efforts should be made to seek certification of these courses from the NCVT as the certificate awarded by the institutes having this certification had a wider acceptability even abroad.

Taking part in the deliberations, Education Minister Mrs. Upinderjit Kaur called for drastic changes in the science stream of education and said special emphasis should be laid on the practical aspect of science education to enable them to grasp the subject in a better way while pursuing engineering courses later on.

Vice Chairman Planning Board Prof. JS Bajaj recommended that Baba Farid University of Health Sciences in collaboration with Punjab System of Health Corporation should device short term vocational courses of para medics besides maintenance of medical equipment.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr. GS Sandhu, Principal Secretary Technical Education Mr. Suresh Kumar, Financial Commissioner Development & Employment Generation Mr. NS Kang, Principal Secretary Higher Education Mr. Karanbir Singh Sidhu, Secretary Medical Education Ms. Anjali Bhawara, Vice Chancellor Punjabi University Dr. Jaspal Singh, Vice Chancellor Panjab University Prof. RC Sobti, Vice Chancellor Punjab Baba Farid University of Health Sciences Mr. SS Shergill, Vice Chancellor Punjab Central University Bathinda Dr. Jairup Singh, Vice Chancellor GADVSU Dr. VK Taneja, Vice Chancellor GNDU Dr. AS Brar and Vice Chancellor PTU Mr. Rajnish Arora.

2 CHAIRMEN AND 26 MEMBERS NOMINATED IN MARKET


COMMITTEES OF TAPPA AND BHADOR

• CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 10:

The Punjab Government today nominated 2 Chairmen 26 members in the Market Committees of Tappa and Bhador in Barnala district.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Punjab government had nominated Mr. Gurjant Singh as Chairman of the Market Committee Tappa and Mr. Bhola Singh as Chairman of the Market Committee Bhador in Barnala district under Sub Section (1) of Section 16 of Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets Act, 1961.

Likewise, the Punjab government under Section 12 of Punjab Agriculture

Produce Markets Act, 1961 (Punjab Act No.23 of 1961) had also nominated 26 members in these both Market Committees.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government also nominated Mr. Madan Lal Dhuria and Mr. Hans Raj as vice chairmen of Market Committee Muktsar and Malout besides two members each in these committees.

 

BADAL CALLS FOR PRO-ACTIVE ROLE OF RULING AND OPPOSTION WHIPS TO ENSURE SMOOTH FUNCTIONING OF LEGLISLATURES

• CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 10:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today underlined the need for constant consultation between the whips of the treasury benches and of the opposition parties for the smooth functioning of the legislatures and creating a consensus in the house on the issues of the people and the state.

Addressing on the two-day 15th All India Whips’ Conference 2010 here at Hotel Mountview, Mr. Badal said; “Our democracy finds its true expression through the functioning of the elected representatives in the parliament and the state legislatures”. He mentioned that although India had presented a successful model of parliamentary democracy before the world, some recent trends in our system were a cause for worry. He said there was a widespread feeling that money and muscle power had started playing a part in our democracy. We need to be very watchful against this trend as parliament and the state legislatures were the sacred pillars of democracy.

The Chief Minister further said that the problems of the people were needed to be discussed at length and these must be resolved through in-depth discussions and analysis. Therefore, it was the need of the hour for a constructive and health cooperation between the ruling party and the opposition as the role of opposition was equally important as that of the ruling party. Mr. Badal lamented unfortunately, the proceedings in the houses of people representatives were not always healthy and sometimes, members were seen wasting the precious time of the house by indulging in unseemly conduct which was highly undesirable. “Here comes the role of whips which could keep an eye on members of their respective parties to stop this practice to ensure that the proceedings of the houses were conducted in a dignified and constructive manner, added Mr. Badal.

Delivering in his inaugural address, Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V. Patil highlighted the role of the Whips in the legislative process and said that they were the radars which guided the ship of legislative parties in the choppy waters of legislative activities and proceedings. Apart from carrying out their usual duties, the role of the Whips had become very important in view of the era of coalition politics which had dawned upon our system. They have this difficult duty of ensuring that the coalition, which was a combination of parties having different ideologies and angularities, functions smoothly, he said. The powers of the Whips have also increased tremendously in view of the anti-defection law, he added.

Listing out the essential tools required by the Whips, the Governor said that they should have a strong legal understanding, an equally strong political understanding and finally have an understanding of the psychology of the members. Whips, he said, are the friends, philosophers and guides of the members.

Earlier, in his address, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal highlighted the significant role played by the Whips in smooth functioning of the legislatures. Apart from the traditional function of securing the attendance of Members, they performed diverse functions which keep changing and growing as the society and polity itself changes in consonance with changed internal and external circumstances. The duties of Government Chief Whip were more onerous than those of his counterparts as he had to manage Government Business as well as serve as a link between Members, Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition. Whips performing their roles smoothly symbolized the efficiency of the working of Parliament and the Legislature, he said.

 

Deliberating on the agenda of the Conference, Mr. Bansal said that the Conference also intended to discuss the issues that had emerged from the Conference of Ministers of Parliamentary Affairs held in August last year. He expressed hope that the participants of this Conference would be able to arrive at a broad consensus on the items that have been laid down in the agenda.

Delving on the problem of frequent disorders in the legislatures, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mr.Prithviraj Chavan, in his address, observed that these were generally caused due to an overwhelming eagerness on the part of some members to ventilate their grievances in a way that totally disregarded all the procedures laid down in the rules. This was not to suggest that all the points made out of turn are frivolous but, however valid a point may be, it cannot receive the attention it deserves from other members present in the House, unless it is made with the permission of the Chair, and according to the rules.

He further added that the best way to maintain a healthy Parliamentary System was to recognize its vital factors. Firstly, we must raise the level and quality of debate in the legislatures and secondly we must develop a greater awareness of the need to utilize the time in the Parliament in a more rational and sensible manner.

 

Mr. Chavan also mooted the idea of an orientation programme for the Members of Parliament on specific emerging issues such as climate change, Political Governance, RTI, Indo-Pak relations etc. He proposed that this orientation programme could be held at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy at Mussorie under the aegis of Department of Personnel and Training. Delivering his inaugural address, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon talked in detail about the important role that the Whips have to play. He said that it was their duty to not only make a House but also to keep a House. They have to not only ensure attendance but also to give support to their own chosen Speakers.

On the occasion Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mr. V. Narayansamy proposed the vote of thanks.

It may be recalled that the conference in which 102 delegates including Ministers, Chief Whips and Whips were participating.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Punjab Mr. Tikshan Sood.

 

TIKSHAN SUD REVIEWS ARRANGEMENTS FOR

15TH ALL INDIA WHIPS CONFERENCE

Chandigarh, February 9:

Mr. Tikshan Sud Parliamentary Affairs Minister Punjab today reviewed the arrangements for the two-days 15th all India whips Conference to be held on February 10-11, 2010 at Hotel Mountview Chandigarh. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Government of India (GOI) is Organising this Conference in collaboration with Government of Punjab. The Conference would be inaugurated by H.E. Shri Shivraj V. Patil, Governor, of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, UT on 10th February, 2010. The Conference would be presided over by Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal, Minister of parliamentary Affairs and water Resources, Government of India. Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab and Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Speaker, Punjab Legislative Assembly would also address the delegates. The Conference would also be addressed by the Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, Mr. Prithviraj Chavan and Shri V. Narayanasamy.

Mr. Sud said that during the deliberations matters of mutual interest on the subjects concerning the functioning of Parliament and State Legislatures would be discussed and unanimous recommendations for consideration of Central and state governments as well as Parliament and State Legislatures would also be made. About 180 to 200 delegates are expected to attend the conference apart from the officers/ officials from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India and all the States of the Country. He further said that the Union Ministers, Parliamentary Affair Ministers of all the states, Chief Whips and Whips of all the major political Parties of both the houses of Parliament i.e. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and State Assemblies of all the states would also attend the conference. After detailed deliberations the conference would have a valedictory session.

After the deliberations the Conference makes recommendations on improving the functioning of the parliamentary system in our Country. The recommendations are adopted by the Conference and are pursued by the Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs for implementation at the Centre as well as in the States, said Mr. Sud.

UPINDERJIT KAUR CONDOLES THE DEATH OF DR. SANTOKH SINGH DHIR

Chandigarh, February 9:

The Education and Languages Minister Punjab, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur today expressed her deep sense of shock and sorrow over the sad demise of noted educationist and prolific writer Dr. Santokh Singh Dhir.

In a condolence message, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur condoled that in the death of Dr Santokh Singh Dhir, Punjab as well as literary world has lost a distinguished writer and critic, whose writings gave it a new identity in the field of education and a social purpose. She described Dr. Dhir as a torchbearer of writing with a constructive approach and vision, who has left an elegant mark on the world around him. “He was indeed a great inspiring writer with good heart”, she said.

 

She further added that the demise of this noted writer was an irreparable loss to the State. “He would be ever remembered by one and all in recognising his immense talents as a writer, humanist, and above all as a fine human being”, she said.

The Education Minister expressed heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.

 

Swarna Ram urges Youth remain Away from DRUGS

Chandigarh Feb 9:

Ch. Swarna Ram Technical Education & Industrial Training and Social Security Minister, Punjab has stated that The State Government had chalked out a comprehensive plan to divert the energies of youth towards constructive activities and to ensure gainful employment for them.

The Minister expresses his serious concern over the spread of drugs and intoxicants among youth, said that the government has decided to launch a multifaceted drive involving NGO's and Educational institutions to divert the youth from the menace of drugs. He said that an awareness campaign to educate the youth about the fatal effects of the drugs upon their lives and side by side, the drugs addicts would be given treatment in the de-addiction centers in all parts of state. In Punjab total 32 drug de-addiction centers are running. Among the 7 are in civil hospitals, 3 in government medical colleges and rest are running by NGOs and Red Cross Societies.

The Minister further said that there is an urgent need for the complete revamping of the education systems in rural areas. For this purpose skill development centers were being opened in all parts of state where the less educated youth would be imparted training of small vocational courses so that they could adopt this for their livelihood.

RANDHIR SINGH APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PAFC

CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 9:

The Punjab Government today appointed Mr. Randhir Singh as Chairman of Board of Directors of Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation Ltd. (PAFC).

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government informed that Mr. Randhir Singh had been appointed as Chairman of Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporations Ltd. under the Article 129 (a) of the Memorandum and Article of Association of the Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation Ltd. (PAFC). A notification to this effect had already been issued by the state agriculture department, the spokesman added.

 
 

Punjab to organize a National Level conference about the effects of BT Bringal

Chandigarh, February 9:

Medical Education & Research Minister Punjab Mr. Tikshan Sud said that Punjab would organize a National level conference to idenitify the ill effects of BT bringal and other genetically modify crops. It would also exposed the nefarious designs of the Congress party for promoting the interests of American seeds companies.

In a statement issued here today Mr. Sud appreciated the Central Governments recommendation not to introduce commercial variety of BT Bringal and said that it was due to the effective lobbying done by BJP and popular opinion in exposing the ill effects of genetically modified crops.

 

Mr. Sud further said that BJP alongwith like minded intellectual has foiled the designs of the congress party to mortgage the interests of farming community to the US based seed companies.

He said that the Indian agriculture was well advanced and would not accept any American seeds for the sacred soils of the Nation.

Mr. Sud recalled his recent Kerala visit where while participating in a National level conference, he strongly advocated the organic farming and spoke against the genetically modified crops. He hailed the decision taken by many other states which have already banned BT Bringal. He, however appreciated the role of the media in projecting the ill effects of BT Bringal in the right prospective and in the interests of the people of India.

 



SUKHBIR CONDOLES THE DEATH OF NOTED WRITER SANTOKH SINGH DHIR

CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 08:

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today expressed profound shock over the death of noted Punjabi writer Mr. Santokh Singh Dhir, who expired here at PGI after a brief illness.

In a condolence message, the Deputy Chief Minister said that in his death Punjab has lost a prolific Punjabi language writer who created a specific niche in the literary world. He said that Punjab would always remain indebted to him for his unstinted campaign for the promotion of Punjabi Language.

The Deputy Chief Minister expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed to the God to give peace to the departed soul and strength to them to bear this irreparable loss.

CM ANNOUNCES EX-GRATIA GRANT OF RS.5 LAC FOR TEACHER DIED IN KAPURTHALA

CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 8:

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced an ex-gratia grant of Rs. 5 lakh (five lakh) as an immediate relief to the next of kin of the hapless teacher, who died in a tragic incident at Kapurthala yesterday.

In a statement here, Mr. Badal, "I have been deeply pained and shocked by the tragic incident. This is all the more painful as the whole sequence of events is the result of a tragic misunderstanding. All the demands for which the teachers were agitating yesterday had already been met and the decision put on record after a cabinet meeting. I convey my heart felt condolences and sympathies to the members of the bereaved family." The decision was also in public domain and hence the misunderstanding is all the more saddening.

The Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP government had always kept its doors open for redress of any grievance of any section of society. No government could have gone farther than we have gone in meeting the demands of various sections, even relaxing norms in many cases in view of the hardships of the people at the hands of insensitive regimes."

BADAL CALLS ON UNION DEFENCE MINISTER TO SEEK EARLY CLEARANCE FOR NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY AT MOHALI

Antony Assures CM of a Positive Response

Chandigarh, February 8:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called on Union Defence Minister Mr. A.K. Antony at his residence here at New Delhi this morning and sought his personal intervention to immediately grant approval for setting up of National Defence University at Mohali.

Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister informed Mr. Antony the State Government had already offered to provide land for establishing the Defence University in Mohali. Pursuant to it, a high level delegation from the Army Head Quarter had visited and selected the site comprising 125 acres of land in Sector 92, however thereafter there had been no further development, adding he said Punjab being the Sword Arm of the Country, deserved this prestigious project of National Defence University.

Raising another demand to sanction the setting up of Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) Squadron and Naval Wing of the NCC in Punjab to encourage and attract the students in the state to join the NCC. He mentioned that the students in the state were very enthusiastic to join NCC and this endeavor would go along way in attracting more and more students in this direction, which would further infuse the feeling of patriotism amongst them. He urged the Union Defence Minister to get the reconnaissance conducted for setting up of Naval Wing of NCC in the state on the Ranjit Sagar Dam or the Bhakra Dam. He assured Mr.Antony the requisite land and other infrastructure would be provided by the State Government for both the projects.

Seeking compensation to the tune of Rs.15 crore from the Ministry of Defence in lieu of 300 acres of land acquired by the Army in Rania and Bhadru Seeds Farm in Amritsar District for Defence works, Mr. Badal impressed upon the Union Defence Minister to immediately release the compensation amount.

Summing up the discussions, Mr. Antony assured the Chief Minister of a positive response, adding he said that he would soon convene a meeting of the senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and Army Headquarters to examine all the issues meticulously to address them on the priority for timely implementation of the projects in Punjab.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Media Advisor Mr. Harcharan Bains, Principal Secretary Mr.DS Guru and Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.

15th All India Whips Conference at
Chandigarh on February 10 & 11, 2010

Chandigarh February 8:

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Government of India (GOI) is Organising 15th all India whips Conference on 10-11 February, 2010 in Chandigarh in collaboration with Government of Punjab. The Conference will be inaugurated by H.E. Shri Shivraj V. Patil, Governor, of Punjab and Administrator of UT of Chandigarh on 10th February, 2010. The Conference will be presided over by Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, the Minister of parliamentary Affairs and water Resources, Government of India. Shri Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab and speaker, Punjab Legislative Assembly will also address the gathering in the inaugural session of the Conference. The Conference will also be addressed by the Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, Shri Prithviraj Chavan and Shri V. Narayanasamy.

A spokesman of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs GOI informed here that the All India Whips Conference is periodically held to discuss matters of mutual interest on the subjects concerning the functioning of Parliament and State Legislatures and made unanimous recommendations for consideration of Central and state governments as well as Parliament and State Legislatures.

After detailed deliberations the conference will have a valedictory session. The recommendations made at the plenary sessions will be presented before the Conference for adoption. Shri K. Rahman Khan, Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha will deliver the valedictory address.

Approximately 125 delegates consisting of Ministers of Parliamentary Affairs of States/Chief whips/whips of political parties in the two Houses of Parliament and in the Legislative Assembly/council of the States UTs and other leaders will be participating in the conference.

Organizing the All India Whips’ Conference is one of the functions assigned to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. However, in view of the important role played by Whips in the smooth running of the Parliament, the first All India whips Conference was held in September, 1952 at Indore- in the first year after the first general Election in the country. 14 whips conferences have been held so far. 13th & 14th All India Whips Conference were held in Hyderabad and Mumbai on 4-5 February, 2005 and 4-5 February, 2008, respectively. The 15th all India Whips Conference is being organized on 10-11 February, 2010 in the Hotel Mount view, Chandigarh.

After the inaugural session the Conference will be apprised about the status of implementation of the recommendations of 14th All India whips Conference. Then, the Conference will start discussion on the agenda items. The Conference will deliberate on issues of mutual interest concerning the functioning of Parliament & State Legislature. The recommendation so made aim at achieving conformity in practices and procedures and improvement in the functioning of the Legislative Bodies in the country. There are 7 items on the agenda for discussion in the Conference.

After the deliberations the Conference makes recommendations on improving the functioning of the parliamentary system in our Country. The recommendations are adopted by the Conference and are pursued by the Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs for implementation at the Centre as well as in the States.

CM ASKS UNION HEALTH MINISTER TO IMEDIATELY CLEAR STATUS OF PADDY 201 VARIETIES AZAD GIVES IN PRINCIPLE APPROVAL FOR SWINE FLU LABORATORY IN AMRITSAR.

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 8:

To pave a way for milling of PAU 201 variety of paddy in the state at the earliest, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought the personal intervention of Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad to immediately clear the samples of this variety. The milling of this variety had been stopped by the millers in the wake of prevailing uncertainly thus causing enormous loss to the farmers.

The Chief Minister called on Mr. Azad at his residence at New Delhi apprise him that the samples collected by the Ministry of Agriculture from various places in Punjab and tests were now being conducted by the Ministry of Health. He urged Mr.Azad to send the results to the Agriculture Ministry within next 2-3 days, as the paddy was drying up rapidly which may result in severe weight loss.

Earlier, the SAD Member Parliament from Bhatinda Ms. Harsimrat Kaur Badal also sought personal intervention of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to resolve this matter on the priority, as it was being flared up by some un scrupulous elements to promote their vested interests, which could ultimately lead to an unrest amongst the farming community and therefore this issue should be addressed fort hwith for once and all. Earlier Ms Badal raised this issue with Union Minister for Agriculture and Food Mr.Sharad Pawar asking him to ensure speedy purchase of 201 variety of paddy in view of the clearance given to it by his ministry. She also raised this issue in various other fora including the Parliament expressing concerns over severe situation arising out of the non -purchase of variety .She said that delay in purchase would severely affect the grain as moisture content in the atmosphere would go up.

Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister further appraised Mr.Azad that in spite of severe drought, Punjab had shown record production of Paddy and thereby saving the nation from major catastrophe. However, now the state was facing major problem, as the FCI was not buying PAU 201 variety of rice on the pretext that the grain had more then 4% damage. However Mr. Badal clarified that ICAR and PAU, Ludhiana had already concurred that the sport on the rice grain was on account of iron deposition, which in a way was good for Indian population, as iron deficiency is one of the major hazards amongst the males and females of the country.

Raising another demand to give Rs.1400 and 1200 in Urban and Rural Area respectively to the BPL and SC pregnant mothers in Punjab under Janani Suraksha Yojna on the pattern of UP, Orissa and Rajasthan from Rs.600 and RS. 700. Mr.Badal pointed out this amount was being given from the overall budget of National Rural Health Mission and therefore GoI should come forward having no objection in this regard.

Likewise, the Chief Minister also urged Mr.Azad to immediately release Rs.24.43 Crore for the construction of Guru Teg Bahadur Diagnostic & Superspeciatlity Block in Government medical college Amritsar under up gradation project of Pradhan Mantri Swatsthya Suraksha Yojana. The Chief Minister pointed out that the State Government had already agreed in principle to pay Rs.2.32 crore for the installation of power sub-station in the Medical College.

Responding to the issues raised by Mr. Badal, Mr. Azad also gave nod to set up a laboratory to detect cases of swine flue at government college Amritsar. He also assured Mr. Badal to review the state government’s proposal to raise the share of GoI from 33% to 50% in the state illness fund corpus of the state, as now the state was contributing Rs.67% and share of GoI was 33%. This scheme was applicable to only BPL families for the treatment of life threatening diseases like cancer, heart and kidney transplantation.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Media Advisor Mr. Harcharan Bains, Principal Secretary Mr. D. S. Guru and Special Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.



Abohar Branch remain closed for 10 days

Chandigarh, February 8:

Keeping in view the crops and weather conditions, Irrigation Department Punjab has close the Abhohar Branch from 16.02.2010 to 25.02.2010 (both days inclusive) for 10 days for the closure works to be done on Jaito Distributary and Abohar Branch.

 

CM CONDOLES THE DEATH OF SANTOKH SINGH DHIR

CHANDIGARH February 8:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief over the sad demise of noted Punjabi writer Mr. Santokh Singh Dhir, who died here at PGI after a prolonged illness.

In a condolence message, the Chief Minister said that in the death of Mr. Dhir Punjabi literary world has lost a gem that always worked relentlessly for the promotion of Punjabi Language and served the motherland.

Mr. Badal expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family in this critical hour and prayed to the Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.

Meanwhile Education Minister Dr. Upinderjit Kaur and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Sewa Singh Sekhwan also condoled the sad demise of noted Punjabi Writer S. Santokh Singh Dheer whose outstanding services for the promotion of the Punjabi languages and literature would be ever remembered by one and all.

 

Union leaders took to the path of agitation

CHANDIGARH, February 8:

The Punjab government today clarified that it had gone beyond all established practices and taken unprecedented initiatives to accommodate the demands of the volunteers under the Education Guarantee Scheme (E.G.S) and that all their demands had already been met.

"If their are any misgivings in anyone's mind in this regard, we here to clarify and remove those," said a spokesperson of the Punjab government today. The spokesperson said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash SIngh Badal had personally intervened to allow relaxations in the matter of recruitment, service conditions and examination requirements as demanded by the EGS volunteers.

"There is nothing that the agitators had demanded which the government had not accepted. In fact, the government had gone beyond even their demands and allowed them chance after chance, the latest being the opportunity to fulfill the conditions of clearance of Tests as laid down by the National Council for Teachers' Education by March 2010. We simply do not understand why the Union leaders took to the path of agitation while the government had sympathetically accommodated all the volunteers within the given policy framework, as per their demands. The state government's liberal attitude to the volunteers has no precedent anywhere in the country" said the spokesperson., said the spokesperson, adding that the Chief Minister had always assured the Union leaders that he was open for taking a sympathetic view through negotiations on any of their grievances.

Giving details of the background of the case, the spokesperson said that the EGS Centres were opened in Punjab for a stipulated period and were later closed by the Government of India on 31st March, 2008. The services of EGS volunteers working in these centres were accordingly terminated. In spite of this, the Chief Minister, taking a sympathetic view, ordered all eligible EGS volunteers to be accommodated in ETT courses. Under this liberal dispensation, all eligible 1480 volunteers had already been accommodated.

The Government went a step further for those who could not be accommodated because of their not meeting the eligibility criterion and gave more relaxations to ensure their eligibility for admission to this course, going to the extent of abolishing the condition of two years experience as EGS volunteers. This benefited 639 more candidates out of the remaining lot.

Apart from this, 23 EGS volunteers who had not passed Punjabi up to Matric Standard and later passed this examination were admitted in the course. After this, 46 EGS volunteers who could not deposit the requisite fee were also accommodated later. Similarly, 24 EGS volunteers who were not even domiciles of Punjab State were given the necessary domicile certificates and admitted in the course.

The government's support for these volunteers did not stop there. Even those who had crossed the age bar were given relaxation and admitted in the Course.

But, because of the strict norms laid down by the National Council for Teachers Education (NCTE), 757 EGS volunteers still could not secure admission they did not fulfill conditions including 10+2 with 50% marks for general category and 45% marks for the Scheduled Caste category as prescribed by the NCTE. "The government decided to bail even these volunteers out with a provision for allowing another chance for subsequent clearance of the requisite tests as prescribed by the NCTE. within six months. All states, except the J and K, have to conform to these guidelines of the NCTE as per the national policy. But some of them could not clear the tests even on the subsequent chance allowed to them. But the government still took an extremely sympathetic view and had now given them another opportunity to improve their percentage of marks by March, 2010", said the spokesperson.

In the light of this, he said, the continuing agitation had no rationale. He appealed to the Union leaders to withdraw their agitation and allow the volunteers to benefit by the government's liberal and sympathetic attitude.

 

REMOVE CAUSES BEHIND NAXALISM, MILITANCY

“Review lists of wanted persons”

Wipe out impression of India being a soft target for terrorism: Badal



CM DEMANDS MAJOR PACKAGE FOR PUNJAB TO FIGHT SECURITY THREATS

Chandigarh February 7 – The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal urged the Center to take effective steps to remove the widespread impression that India was a soft target for terrorism. He also pleaded for strong, pro-active socio-economic initiatives from the Center for removing the causes that gave rise to the twin menace of Naxalism and militancy in the country.

The Chief Minister demanded a review of the issue of the negative lists relating to Punjabi immigrants and emigrants and to remove the names of those persons from wanted lists against whom there was no incriminating material. He also said that the names in these lists should be put on official websites of Ministry of Indian Overseas/External Affairs / Home Affairs for the information of the NRIs.

Mr. Badal also wanted the Centre to learn the right lessons form its disastrous policies of the past as in the case of Punjab and to ensure that those blunders were not repeated. He said that peace and communal harmony were the top priorities of his Government and assured the nation that these would be maintained at all costs.

The Chief Minster also demanded a “comprehensive economic package” for Punjab, especially for the border belt, to help in fighting the conditions that bred menace like Naxalism and militancy asked the Centre to grant Rs. 100 crore annually for modernization of police net work. “Punjab takes the greatest impact of any threat to security as it has a long and active international border with Pakistan. And it is also contiguous with J and K. There is a great unrest and violence in both these areas. The situation there always directly affects Punjab's internal security. We have to face cross-border terrorism, trans-border smuggling of weapons, drugs and Fake Indian Currency Notes,” said Mr.Badal.

Addressing the All India Chief Minster’s Conference on Internal Security at Vigyan Bhawan here this morning, where Mr.Badal was given the honour of opening the proceedings in view of his stature as an elder statesman, he said that unlike the United States of America where terror had not been allowed to repeat itself after the 9/11 strikes, India continued to suffer from repeatedly at the hands of internal and external terrorism. “This is largely because of the impression that they can get away with their acts and that the Governments here would be tied down by political constraints. We must unite against common challenges to our internal security,” said the Chief Minister.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Citing Naxalism as the biggest threat to internal security, Mr. Badal however called for a change in the Center’s approach to tackle the menace. He advocated the twin approach of strong police response coupled with concrete steps on economic front to completely overcome the problem. “I strongly believe that peace and internal security can not be maintained only through the use of force. We must understand the factors that help Naxalism. like extreme poverty, unemployment, widening gap between the rich and the poor and a feeling of social, political and economic injustice are the breeding ground for Naxalism,” he said, regretting that these conditions prevailed throughout the country. He cited a recent survey report which said that over 40% Indians live on less than Rs. 60 per day. “It is shocking that even 62 years after Independence, people do not have access to basic necessities of life like clean drinking water, basic health and education facilities. Unless special attention is paid to solving these problems, Naxalism will continue to grow.” said the Chief Minister

Giving a detailed account of the security scenario in Punjab, Mr. Badal said that the main causes of militancy in Punjab were injustice and discrimination in religious, political, economic and geographical matters, despite Punjab being the sword arm and the granary of the country which has made unparalleled sacrifices for the country's independence and defense. He said that Punjab was the only state where capital was denied to the parent state after reorganization, in spite of the most solemn promises made by the then Prime Minister and ratified by the Parliament in the form of the Rajiv – Longowal Accord. Large Punjabi speaking areas were also kept off Punjab. Similarly, Punjab is the only state where the Riparian principle on river waters has been violated. He also said that the brutal army action at the Golden Temple and the inhuman massacre of thousands of innocent Sikhs in November 1984 took militancy to its peak. In addition, interference in religious affairs of the Sikhs, scene in attempts to capture, weaken or bifurcate the SGPC, were the other aggravating factors for militancy in Punjab.

In spite of this, the state government had maintained peace and communal harmony in the state, Mr. Badal listed major steps taken by the state government in this direction. He said Police Commissionerate system had been introduced in three corporate cities of Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar. The Chief Minister asked the Centre to sanction 5 new IR Battalions for effective maintenance of law and order. He also mentioned that modern police act had been enacted besides introducing police reforms.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Media Advisor Mr.Harcharan Bains, Principal Secretary Mr.D.S.Guru, Home Secretary Mr.A.R.Talwar and DGP Punjab Mr.P. S. Gill.



 

J&K GOVERNOR N.N.VOHRA INUAGURATES 13TH PUNJAB SCIENCE CONGRESS

STRESSES ON NEED TO EVOLVE TIME BOUND STRATEGIES TO RESOLVE SERIOUS CHALLENGES INCLUDING FOOD SHORTAGES AND CLIMATE CHANGE

MR V.M.TREHAN, CHAIRMAN, INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS ASSOCIATION (ISCA) , DELHI CHAPTER AWARDED MAN OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD FOR YEAR 2009

Chandigarh, February 7, 2010:

Mr N.N.Vohra, Governor, Jammu and Kashmir today inaugurated the 13th Punjab Science Congress being hosted by the Panjab Univeristy. More than 500 scientists, academicians and climate experts are attending the three day meet to discuss ways and means to meet the challenges of climate change including energy and water resources.

Governor Vohra while inaugurating the three day meet, stressed upon the need for evolving time bound strategies to resolve the serious challenges faced by Indian agriculture including climate change, stagnating yields, decreasing farm lands, poor growth in rural economy, ground water pollution, emergence of drug resistant strains of pests and degradation of the environment.

“Scienctists in the country should help in introduction of biotechnology in agriculture to increase productivity and improvement of post-harvest technology. Experts should adopt a scientific approach to deal with these issues including energy conservation and cut emissions. The effects of climate change and basic science behind it should be simply explained to whole range of people” added Mr Vohra.

Governor Mr Vohra also confered various fellowships and awards including “Man of Science and Technology Award” to Mr V.M.Trehan, Chairman, Mekaster group of Industries and Chairman of Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), Delhi Chapter. Mr Trehan is a known pioneer in the field of telecom and has been playing major role in the development and propagating the cause of Science and Technology in the country.

“The delegates from various parts of the country attending the three day meet will focus on achieving energy efficiency and shift to renewable energy along with a need for food security and to overcome increase in health problems” said Prof R.C.Sobti, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University and who is also the chief patron of the Science Congress while speaking on the occasion.

The other major highlights of the Congress were Bhagwan Das Memorial Award lecture by Dr Vimal K Sikri, Keynote address by Prof P.C.Kesavan and Plenary lecture by Prof G.S.Khush, Univeristy of California, Davis, USA.

PHOTO CAPTION :: J&K Governor N N Vohra confers prestigious "Man for Science and Technology" 2009 Award to VM Trehan, Chairman, Mekastar Group of Industries and Chairman Indian Science Congress, Delhi Chapter at the 13th Punjab Science Congress in Panjab University Chandigarh

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