-
Connecting over 25 millions NRIs worldwide
Most trusted Name in the NRI media
NRI PEOPLE- OUR NETWORK
 
Punjab News: 2010

-->Click

CM GIVES NOD TO DECENTRALIZATION PLAN OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
BADAL FOR FREE HOUSING SCHEME FOR RURAL POOR

 

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 1, 2010:

In a bid to decentralize the process of urban development, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave in principle approval to extend the jurisdiction of six developmental authorities of Mohali, Ludhiana , Jalandhar, Amritsar , Patiala and Bathinda to cover the entire state.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal during a meeting with the Chief Administrators of various authorities held here at Chief Minister's residence this evening.

Taking part in the deliberations Mr. Badal asked PUDA to soon launch a housing scheme for rural poor to provide them free residential houses in the state. He also gave approval to develop urban Estate over 139 acres of land in Gurdaspur.

The Chief Minister was apprised by the Secretary Housing and Urban Development Mr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu that Greater Mohali Area Development Authority would now also look after Ropar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Rajpura in the Patiala district besides Mohali. Likewise, the jurisdiction of Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority had been extended to Moga, Nawanshahr, Ferozepur and Phillaur in Jalandhar district.

Likewise, the Jalandhar Development Authority would cover Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala. Amritsar Development Authority would cover Amritsar , Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran, Patiala Development Authority would encompass Patiala, Sangrur and Barnala and Bathinda Development Authority would now have jurisdiction over Mansa, Muktsar, Faridkot and Ferozepur apart from Bathinda.

It was also decided in the meeting that these authorities would now provide the services to the public at the local level for the change of land use, licensing of colonies, completion certificates, besides the disposal of grievances of plot holders and regulating process of urban development in the respective areas. Decentralization of development authorities would also enable the concerned officers to focus their attention on the integrated growth of the areas in a cohesive manner, earlier it was difficult for officers at Chandigarh to take care the entire state.

The Chief Minister also directed the Chief Administrators of various development authorities to ensure strict implementation of the master plans in the towns and cities under their jurisdiction to give further impetus to the planned urban development in the state. He hoped that these master plans would not only ensure the integrated and planned development of these cities but also stall their unplanned and haphazard growth.

Mr. Badal further asked PUDA to constitute a Landscaping Panel within a month to facilitate PUDA for maintaining all the vacant land, parks and road sides with proper tree plantation and green cover. He further suggested that this panel would also assist other authorities in the state. It was also approved in the meeting that Kajoli water works to be connected to Mohali and Zirakpur for providing drinking water. The Chief Minister also approved the staff reconstitution of PUDA according to the present requirements of all the authorities.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. K.B.S. Sidhu, CA PUDA Mr. Sarbjit Singh CA GMADA Mr. Vivek Partap Singh, CA GLADA Mr. Ajay Kumar Sinha and Deputy Commissioner Patiala Mr. Dipinder Singh besides other officers of various authorities.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



PUNJAB DGP FLAGS OFF 21 PCR VEHICLES
FOR MOHALI, BATHINDA, PATIALA



Chandigarh September 1, 2010: 

Three State-of-art Police control rooms in Mohali, Ludhiana and Jallandhar to react to any emergent situation are being set to be fully operational. This was stated by Punjab DGP P.S. Gill immediately after flagging off 21 PCR Tavera SUVs, seven each to Mohali, Bathinda and Patiala.

DGP P.S. Gill also said that the new PCR vehicles given to the districts aimed at upgrading the communication infrastructure of Punjab Police to the World class level so that all these efforts could act in complete synergy to respond to any crises in any part of the state. He said that these vehicles were fully equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) and other emergency tools.

Earlier 42 such vehicles were given to Jallandhar, Ludhiana and Amritsar. He said that these vehicles would be deployed at strategic points with GPS connectivity to their respective Police Control Rooms and would respond to any distress call at the earliest. He said that directions have been issued to streamline the PCR duties to ensure
strict vigil in the city by withdrawing all other additional duties. He said that visibility of the police also enhances the level of confidence amongst the residents.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF JANAMASHTMI

 

CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 1, 2010:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today extended warm greetings to the people of Punjab on the sacred occasion of Janamashtmi - the Birthday of Lord Krishana.

In a message on the eve of this auspicious occasion, Mr. Badal said that Lord Krishna was an apostle of peace, saviour of Dharma and symbol of truthfulness and righteousness. His long philosophical sermon contained in 'Srimad Bhagwat Geeta' has a profound impact on the present materialistic society as it was far more relevant in the present times to attain eternal peace on one hand and strengthen the bonds of communal harmony and universal brotherhood on the other.

Mr. Badal appealed the people to celebrate the sacred day in unison and with religious fervour and gaiety rising above the petty considerations of caste, creed and religion. He exhorted the people to follow the path shown by Lord Krishana to attain eternal bliss and prosperity in life.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

SPEAKER, SEKHON AND UPINDERJIT KAUR FELICITATE
PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF JANMASHTMI

 

CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010:

Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Irrigation Minister and Education Minister Dr. Upinderjit Kaur today extended their warm greetings to the people of the State on the eve of Janmashtami.

In their message they said that the birth of lord Krishna stood as symbol of universal love, selfless service and spiritual maturity in the mainstream of life. The eternal values preached by Lord Krishna in 'Bhagavad Gita' are very much significant and relevant to every generation since the times immortal.

They hoped the festival would strengthen the bonds of love and mutual understanding among the people and bring new cheer and prosperity in their lives.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SUD REVIEWS PROGRESS OF SETTING UP OF
GURU RAVIDAS AYURVED UNIVERSITY


Chandigarh September 1, 2010:  

Mr. Tikshan Sud, Medical Education and Research Minister Punjab today reviewed the progress of setting up of Guru Ravidas Ayurved University Hoshiarpur, the third Ayurvedic University of the Country, with the senior officers of the department.

Presiding over the meeting of the Review Committee, the Minister said that the main objective for establishing the Ayurvedic University was to promote the ancient Medical Science of Ayurvedic and to facilitate further research and development in this sector. A Search Committee for the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor would be constituted at the earliest and the Vice Chancellor for the proposed University would be appointed in the month of November. He also said that with the appointment of the vice chancellor, all the Ayurvedic Colleges in the state would be disaffiliated from Baba Farid University of Medical Sciences and be affiliated with this University. The Board of Management and the Senate would also be constituted once the Vice Chancellor is appointed, said the Minister.

The Project Report for the construction and establishment of the University was also discussed at length in the meeting. The Project Report would be submitted to the Central Government for the release of funds, said Mr. Sud. Installation ceremony would be held in the month of December, he added. The Minister also said that till the campus is operational, university would be established and functional from either a rented building or from any institution situated in district Hoshiarpur.

Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Ms. Anjali Bhawra Secretary Research & Medical Education, Dr. Jai Krishan Director Research and Medical Education, Dr. A.S. Thind Joint Director, Dr. Ravinder Shukla Controller of Examinations of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Dr. Pradeep Kapil Principal Ayurvedic College Patiala, Dr. Sanjiv Goyal Registrar, Ayurvedic Board of Unani System, Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Dr. Rohan Sachdeva and Dr. lovleen Kaur Principal Desh Bhagat Ayurvedic College Mandi Gobindgarh.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Gurjinder Singh Sidhu is new President of Exservicemen wing

 

Chandigarh, September 1, 2010:

Shiromani Akali Dal President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has appointed Er. Gurjinder Singh Sidhu as new President of the Exservicemen wing of the party. He was earlier President of the Barnal unit of the wing.

In a statement released from the party headquarter here, party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that due to untimely demise of Col. Partap Inder Singh Phoolka this post was lying vacant. He said Er. Sidhu has worked collectively with Col Phoolka to strengthen the party and has contributed immensely to inspire exservicemen to work under SAD. He said that because of his contribution and his popularity among the Distt. President of other districts, Mr. Badal has promoted him as President of the wing.

Dr. Cheema further disclosed that Er. GS Sidhu has served in Indian Navy after which he served in Merchant Navy as Electrical officer. He has toured more than 54 nations while in service with the Merchant Navy and served the party occupying different posts since 1996.

( Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema)

Secretary& Spokesman

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

HARSIMRAT’S RAISES CALL ATTENTION MOTION FOR
LIFTING 40 LAKH TONNES OF PADDY OF PAU 201
VARIETY

 

  • PRANAB MUKHERJEE ASSURES EARLY SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM
  • 40 LAC TONNES OF PADDY ROTTING IN PUNJAB

 

New Delhi, August 31, 2010: 

The rotting of 40 lakh tones of Paddy of PAU-201 worth Rs. 4000 crores rocked the Parliament as Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal Member Parliament from Bathinda vociferously raised this issue in Lok Sabha. However, leader of the House Mr. Pranab Mukherjee assured Mrs. Badal an early solution to this problem.

In her call attention motion Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal blamed Union Health Ministry officials for deliberately applying stricter provisions of PFA act on PAU-201 variety of Paddy resultantly that 40 lakh tonnes paddy worth over 4000 crores and enough to feed 50 lakh hungry people for one full year was being left to rot and decay in open cap storages since past 11 months.

She brought to the notice of the House that 40 lakh tonnes of paddy that was procured by the state on behalf of the Food Corporation of India FCI in October last year was rejected for lifting by FCI citing that the Health Ministry had rejected the variety as “damaged” because the grains are 1% more broken than the acceptable norm and some grains have a pin point black spot on them. The Member Parliament also quoted the reports of ICAR and FSSAI supporting this variety of PAU 201.

She pointed out that out of the 75 samples that FSS Authority took to test this PAU 201 they declared that 66 out of 75 were absolutely fine and only 9 samples had slightly more damage due to pin-point blackened grains.

Justifying the high moisture content in the samples, Mrs. Badal pointed out that these three elements creep in when the paddy is stored for a longer period in the open. She said that if the paddy was stored in OPEN storage for a long period moisture contents would be more and because of moisture it would be prone to breakage, and all scientists know that aflatoxin is a derivative result of inadequate storage only.

Giving the background of the problem Mrs. Badal pointed out that in order to meet the demand of an increasing population and decreasing agricultural land, the progressive Punjab Agriculture University had developed, an ‘A’ grade variety of rice called PAU 201 that had higher yield than other varieties and consumed less water and due to its short duration is environment friendly. She said that this variety was duly field-tested and approved by ICAR (Indian Council of Agriculture Research), the apex Scientific Research Body under the Agriculture Ministry. She informed that after due clearance and seeing the environmental benefits of this variety, the state of Punjab whose biggest concern today is save its depleting water due to the paddy cultivation during the last 3 decades, promoted this variety as due to its short duration it not only produces higher 11% yield but also consumes almost 20% less water.

Seeking an early action Mrs. Badal pointed out they have to keep in mind. In 3 weeks, the next crop of paddy would be arriving in the mandis. She said that state’s godowns were already full with the previous years stocks, and if urgent measures were not taken to lift this paddy and this paddy was not lifted, not only will this 40 lakh tonnes would rot but the next 140 lakh tonnes expected in the month’s time would also rot but in the open due to lack of storage.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Two days All India Literary and Cultural Meet organized at Jaipur

PUNJAB TO ORGANIZE NATIONAL EVENTS TO SHOWCASE CULTURAL
RICHNESS-KAHLON PUNJABIS MUST RECORD PUNJABI AS THEIR
MOTHER TONGUE DURING CENSUS-UPINDERJIT KAUR

Chandigarh August 30, 2010:

With the motive to keep in touch the new generation with Punjabi language and to provide an insight into the historical cultural richness of Punjab, the Punjab Government would organise National literary and cultural functions in every State every year.

This was stated by Mr Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Speaker Punjab Legislative Assembly while addressing the Punjabi community in Jaipur (Rajasthan) as a chief guest during 28th All India Literary and Cultural Meet organised by the Language Department Punjab. He exhorted the community members especially the children not to ignore their mother tongue as well as rich cultural traditions while contributing a lot in the development of Rajasthan state.

Mr Kahlon lauded the historic role played by Dr Upinderjit Kaur, Education and Languages Minister Punjab for introducing two legislations regarding Punjabi Language in the Punjab assembly that were passed by the legislature unanimously. He asked the Punjabi society to promote, preserve, propagate and popularise the mother tongue Punjabi including rich culture and heritage of Punjab in the State.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Upinderjit Kaur reminded that those who forget their mother tongue and cultural heritage usually disappear in few centuries. She said that language was the very spirit of a people and asked "is there any bigger loss than losing language of our fore fathers"? In order to promote and propagate Punjabi in the world arena, she asked the entire Punjabi community to record Punjabi as their mother tongue during the census 2010.

The Minister affirmed that a language as sweet as Punjabi and a culture as dynamic as Punjabi, could not be driven out, wiped out or killed. She said that Punjabi language revival is sure and each Punjabi must encourage the usage of this incredible subtle and profound language in their domestic chore also. Advising this she further said that the language of Gurus, Sages, Fakirs and some of the greatest scholars of India, Punjabi continues to shine and live in the hearts of its people in the world over.

In this two days literary meet Mrs Beena Kak, Tourism and Cultural Minister and Mr Brij Kishor Sharma Transport and Languages Minster Rajasthan also addressed the Punjabi community and assured their full cooperation for the propagation of Punjabi language in the State. Mrs Kak declared that Rajasthan government would also showcase Rajasthani cultural heritage in other states including Punjab in the coming months. Both the ministers appreciated the Punjab Government's initiatives to apprise the community through by organizing such glittering literary and cultural events.

On the occasion the Languages Department Punjab displayed a book exhibition and Mr Boby Sharma from Malerkotla exhibited his rare photographs on the beauty of Leh region to aware the masses to help the needy by donating in Prime Minister's relief fund. Dr Upinderjit Kaur announced Rs. 50,000-/ for the PM relief fund. The Raja Park Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Rajasthan also honoured her with Siropao (robe of honour) for her historic contribution in promoting Punjabi language.

During the meet well known Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu poets, folk singers and artists also performed. Mr Kewal Dhaliwal also acted a play on Shiv Batalvi's epic 'Loona' which was well attended. Traditional folk dances Bhangra, Giddha and orchestra by girls also enthralled the audience.

Among others former Ministers Mr. Surinder Singh Teetee and Mr Radhe Shayam MLA from Rajasthan, Mr Ajaypal Singh former Chairman Rajasthan Housing Board, Mr Mandeep Singh Sandhu Principal Secretary Higher Education and Languages, Mrs Balbir Kaur Director Languages Department Punjab, Mr Jasbir Singh former Chairman State Minorities Commission Rajasthan, Mr Ravi Nayyar President Punjabi Maha Sabha Rajasthan also spoke on the occasion.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

BADAL SEEKS UPWARD REVISION OF CALAMITY RELIEF FUND ASKS MSP TO BE FIXED ON SWAMINATHAN'S FORMULA

 

CHANDIGARH, August 30, 2010:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called for an immediate upward revision of norms for providing compensation to the farmers affected by the natural calamities from a meager amount of Rs. 1600 to Rs. 10,000 per acre especially in the case of Punjab to compensate the farmers up to the average yield of the crop in the state.

Addressing the 2nd meeting of working group on Agriculture Production constituted by the Government of India here at Haryana Niwas, Mr. Badal further said that the Centre should also permit the states to use up to 10% of the amount available under calamity Relief Fund for flood protection works. He however said that the state government had been providing compensation to the flood affected farmers @ Rs. 5000 per acre from its own budget.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the need to ensure easy availability of agricultural credit at 4% rate of interest to the farmers in order to meet their cash requirements for the purchase of the most modern agricultural equipments, in view of agriculture being a highly capital intensive now-a-days.

Underlining the need to accept the recommendations of the National Farmers' Commission appointed by Government of India under Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, the Chief Minister said the MSP must be fixed by providing a margin of 50% over the cost of production to encourage the farmers to invest in high cost production technology. He also demanded assured procurement of crops at MSP and pointed out although the MSP was fixed for 23 crops but the commitment to procure at MSP was seldom honored except in case of wheat and paddy that too in selected states.

As a result the farmers do not get even MSP, adding he said that remunerative price was the most important incentive to the farmers for adoption of latest technology and therefore the increase in prices of the agricultural produce must keep pace with the increase in the inputs prices, land rent and labour etc.

Highlighting the aspect of mechanization of agriculture in Punjab due to intensive cultivation, Mr. Badal said that it had led to over capitalization of agriculture, which ultimately resulted in the enhancement of cost of production and thus rural indebtedness. Mr. Badal said most of the expensive machinery remained under utilized due to small farm holdings and therefore the establishment of Agro Service Centers was the need of the hour to make latest machinery like lazer levelers available to the farmers on custom hiring basis. He said Punjab State Farmers Commission had pioneered in the establishment of a net work of Agro Service Centres across the state.

On the marketing aspect of agriculture, Mr. Badal said that in order to motivate the farmers to adopt cultivation of pulses and oil seeds, it was far more important to ensure that the farmers get almost the same income from these crops as from the other competing crops like wheat and paddy under irrigated conditions. He said the majority of the poor farmers in the less developed areas were deprived of this facility and GoI must ensure efficient procurement of all crops at MSP. Likewise, scientific storage was mandatory to avoid damage and also to smoothen the supplies therefore sufficient modern storage capacity must be created, said Mr. Badal.

Delivering his welcome address, the Chairman of the Working Group on Agriculture Production and Chief Minister Haryna Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that the group would submit its final report, which was likely to be ready within a week, to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Mr. Hooda personally extended an invitation to Mr. Badal to accompany him and other members for the presentation of the final report to the Prime Minister after seeking a prior appointment from PMO. He hoped that the report would prove useful in rejuvenating the agriculture sector and ensuring food security on a sustainable basis.

Mr. Hooda revealed that the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) methodology of calculating cost of cultivation is highly flawed and unscientific. He underscored the need to revisit to make it realistic either on the lines of Bureau of Industrial Costs and Prices (BICP) formula used for estimating industrial costs or, in the alternative, the MSP should be 50% higher than the cost of cultivation.

Considering the poor progress of Debt Swap Scheme and with the objective of protecting farmers from the clutches of moneylenders, Mr. Hooda said that there was a need to further liberalize the ambit and scope of the Scheme so as to make it more acceptable to the stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Secretary Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperation, GoI Mr. P.K. Basu made a brief presentation of the recommendations in the form of draft report based on the  discussions held in the first meeting of the Working Group within the ambit of its terms of reference.

Taking part in the deliberations, the Bihar Agriculture Minister Dr. Renu Kumari Khushwaha emphasized the need to encourage cultivation of pulses by giving special incentives in the terms of remunerative prices and assured marketing facility to the farmers as there was a huge gap in the demand-supply of the pulses and a substantial quantity of pulses was being imported to meet its  demand in the domestic market. She also pointed out that the Centre should allocate sufficient quota of fertilizers like Urea and Phosphate etc. to the states as per their requirement otherwise it would adversely hamper the interests of the farmers.

In his address Principal Secretary Agriculture, West Bengal Mr. Anil K. Agarwal who represented the State Finance & Excise Minister Mr. Asim Kumar Das Gupta said the natural calamities have become almost a regular feature and required quick intervention. He said the current drought situation in West Bengal had once again highlighted the importance of providing an optimal and transparent subsidy for diesel and power consumption in agriculture sector.

The Punjab Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. D.S. Guru, Addition Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. N.S. Kang,  Director Agriculture Mr. B.S. Sidhu.

Prominent amongst others who also attended the meeting included Chairman Punjab State Farmers' Commission Mr. G.S. Kalkat, Chairman Haryana State Farmers' Commision Mr. R.S. Proda, Principal Secretary to Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Chhattar Singh, Additional Secretary Agriculture GoI Mr. Ashish Bahuguna, Agriculture Commisioner GoI Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Joint Secretary Agriculture GoI Mr. S.C. Garg, Deputy Secretary Agriculture GoI Dr. M. Subbarayam, Consultant Agriculture West Bengal Mr. Subir Chaudhary, Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary Haryana Mr. Roshan Lal, Vice Chancellor Haryana Agriculture University Hissar Mr. K.S.Khokhar and  Director Agricuture Haryana

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT PROVIDES OF RS. FOUR CRORE TO UPLIFT THE SOCIAL STATUS OF GIRLS UNDER THE KANYA JAGRITI JYOTI SCHEME

 

Chandigarh, August 29, 2010:

To uplift the social status of girls and to reduce school dropout rate, the Punjab government has provided of Rs. 400.00 lac during the financial current year under the Kanya Jagriti Jyoti Scheme in the state.

The official spokesman of social security department said that the girls born on or after 26-1-1996 in the families living below poverty line with annual income below Rs. 20,000/- would covered under this scheme. The family of the beneficiary was required to adopt two child norms and two girl children would be covered.

He further said that the state government would invest Rs. 5000/- for each beneficiary with life insurance corporation. At the age of six years, the child would get a scholarship of Rs. 1200/- per annum up to the age of twelve years which would be increased to Rs. 2400/- per annum up to the age of 18 years.

The Girl child attaining the age of 18 years, a lump sum amount would be paid through LIC at the time of maturity. The beneficiary must get the matric level qualification. The member would have the option to avail the lump sum benefit attaining age of 21 years. Rs. 4.00 Crore had been incurred and 8000 beneficiaries were also covered during the last year under this Scheme.

 




   
NRI News Media

 

Read More