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CM TERMS MANISHANKAR AIYAR’S DEROGATORY ‘CHAI WALA’ REMARK AS UNFORTUNATE AND UNWARRANTED IN A MAD RACE TO TARGET MODI, CONGRESS LEADERS HAVE FORGOTTEN ALL THE MORALITY REMARK REFLECTS THE MYOPIC MINDSET OF THE CONGRESS LEADERS SAD WORKERS IMPRISONED OR MARTYRED DURING VARIOUS AGITATIONS PRIDE OF PARTY AND STATE CONGRESS’S FALL UNDER RAHUL GANDHI INEVITABLE MODI ALL SET TO BECOME PM OF THE COUNTRY SANGAT DARSHAN IN GIDDERBAHA ASSEMBLY SEGMENT Gidderbaha (Sri Muktsar Sahib), January 18- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) workers who were either martyred or had undergone confinement in struggle to upheld Democracy or in various other agitations lodged in public interest were the pride of party and the state. Honoring such party workers or their kin during the Sangat Darshan program of Gidderbaha assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that he was highly indebted to these workers, who had made countless sacrifices for the cause of the party. He said that the SAD has scripted the golden chapter in the history due to the enormous contribution of these workers and their families, as they had put their sweat and toil to bring the party in power. Mr. Badal said that most of these workers either attained martyrdom or faced rigorous imprisonment during the protest lodged by the SAD to safeguard the democracy when Emergency was clamped in the country. The Chief Minister said that not only this but these workers also played a vanguard role in various other agitations lodged by the party in the larger public interest. Mr. Badal said that the SAD in general and his family in particular could never forget the supreme contribution of these workers towards the party. “Whatever I am today, I owe it to these party workers” he added. Making a scathing attack on the Congress party, the Chief Minister said that due to the ‘misrule’ of the Congress for several decades, the nation was confronting a large number of social maladies like Unemployment, corruption, inflation, poverty, illiteracy, starvation and others. Exhorting the people to give a crushing defeat to the Congress, he said that this was the only way to eradicate the social maladies faced by the country. Mr. Badal said that this was the right opportunity to wipe out the Congress as it was not having any powerful leader to lead them. The Chief Minister said that the Congress was facing a number of problems which has broken the backbone of the grand old party of the country. Likewise, he said that due to its anti-people stance the Congress party was having no mass base in the country. Mr. Badal said that in dearth of any powerful leadership an inexperienced person like Mr. Rahul Gandhi was at the helms of the affairs in the party due to which the fall of this party was inevitable. “The pitiable condition of the Congress was in the favor of the country and its people because they can easily get rid of it” he added. The Chief Minister further said that active support and cooperation of the public was the basic element for the overall development of the country. He impressed upon the people to exercise their franchise carefully so that only those people were elected in the coming general elections, who had been fighting for their cause. Mr. Badal said that it was writing on wall that the BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Mr. Narendra Modi would become the Prime Minister of the country. “When Mr. Modi will become the Prime Minister of the country then an era of unprecedented development will be ushered in the state” he added. The Chief Minister said that it was on record that the Congress led UPA government has meted out step motherly treatment to the state. However, he said that despite of this the state government has initiated a number of welfare schemes from its meager resources. Mr. Badal said that the schemes like Atta-Dal, free power to farmers, Dr Hargobind Khurana Scholarship and others have given a major relief to the economically weaker sections of the state. Later on interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister termed the ‘Chai Wala’ remark of senior Congress leader Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyer as unfortunate and unwarranted. He said that in the mad race to target Mr. Modi for scoring brownie points before their bosses, the Congress leaders have forgotten the entire morality in the political arena and this derogatory remark reflects their myopic mindset. Mr. Badal said that the former US President Mr. Abraham Lincoln, who had created the history in world, has also risen from the slums to become the President of United States. “Rather than making such remarks we must respect the great people” he added. The Chief Minister also expressed profound grief and sorrow over the death of people during stampede in Mumbai. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, former Union Minister Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, Akali leader Ms. Veerpal Kaur Tarmala and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema. --
Bathinda, January 18- Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Mr Sanjay Kishan Kaul expressed that the newly adopted system ofAlternative Dispute Resolution Centre (ADR) would bring a new rays of hope for common men engaged in protracted litigation to seek timely justice by saving time and money to settle their issues. After inauguration of the first ADR centre of the state along with Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal at Judicial Complex here today, Justice Mr Kaul addressing a seminar on “Access to Justice-Role of ADR Mechanism” said that mutual dialogue could play abig role in resolving the civil disputes like land, matrimonial and accidental cases in a time bound manner besides benefiting economically to the litigants in an inexpensive justice. He said thata vibrant panel would assist the parties to make them compromise and settle their disputes to satisfaction of both and an agreement reached by the parties on settlement of the issue would be legally valid and binding. Giving details about pendency of cases in the High Court, Justice Kaul told that target has been fixed to decide all 5000 cases pending since ten years till March 31 this. Besides, 54000 more cases have also been identified which are older than 5 years would be pronounced till July31. Stressing upon the necessity for strengthening infrastructure to judiciary, Justice Kaul informed that Punjab and Haryana state governments have always played a leading roles in this regard and the judicial courts never faced any kind of financial crunch. In his address the Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal stressed to eliminate the age old laws enacted by the Britishers that have become totally irrelevant and unnecessary in the present times. He said that due to the growth in population, emergence of technology and expansion in urbanization, nature of cases being transformed day by day besides registering a hefty increase in litigations, which could only be solved through mutual and coordinated systems like ADR centers. Adding further Dy CM said that keeping in view the changing patterns of society, Punjab is the first state in the country to have Administrative Reforms Department that have proposed to eliminate many unnecessary practices being followed in the delivery of services. He asserted that in the next 8 months, state government would provide online redressal of grievances and thereby reducing interaction between common man and public offices. Calling ADR a futuristic mechanism for lowering pendency of court cases, Mr Badal also announced to set up ADR centers in all the districts in the next one and half year. He also assured the government would provide better amenities to lawyers and litigants on the court premises. Fulfilling the demand of Bathinda Bar Association, Mr Badal also announced Rs 2 crore grant to the advocates association. On the occasion Chief Justice Mr Kaul and Deputy CM Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal also laid the foundation stone of Block-C in Judicial Complex Bathinda for industrial and consumer forum. Earlier, Justice Mr Jasbir Singh, Executive Chairman Punjab Legal Services Authority, Justice Mr S.K. Mittal, Executive Chairman Haryana Legal Services Authority and Justice Mr Jitendra Chauhan also spoke on the occasion. Prominent amongst present on the occasion included Justice Rajesh Bindal, Justice K.C. Puri, Justice R.K. Garg, Justice M.S. Sullar, Justice Paramjit Singh, Justice S.P. Bangar, Justice Jaspal Singh, District and Sessions Judge Tejwinder Singh, CJM-cum-DLSA Secretary Daljeet Singh Ralhan, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sarup Chand Singla, Divisional Commissioner R.K. Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Mohamad Tayyab and Assistant Media Advisor to Deputy CM Mr Harjinder Sidhu.
STATE LEVEL REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION AT PATIALA Chandigarh, January 18 The State level Republic Day Celebration would be held at Patiala where the Governor of Punjab Mr. Shiv Raj Patil would unfurl the national flag and take the solute on January 26th. S. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab would unfurl the flag at Ludhiana. S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab would unfurl the flag at Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) where as Mr. Charnjit Singh Atwal, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha would unfurl the flag at Fatehgarh Sahib. Stating this her today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that all the Cabinet Minister namely Mr. Chuni Lal Bhagat at Amritsar, Mr. Sarwan Singh Philour at Jalandhar, S. Ajit Singh Kohar at Kapurthala, Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike at Tarntarn Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal at Hoshiarpur, Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa at Sangrur, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon at Firozpur, Mr Surjit Kumar Jiyani at Fazilka, Mr.Bikram Singh Majithia at Roop Nagar(Ropar), Mr. Sikandar Singh Malooka at Bathinda Mr Anil Joshi at Gurdaspur, Mr Surjit Singh Rakhra at Sheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawan Sher) and Mr Sharnjit Singh Dhillon would unfurl the flag at Barnala. The Deputy Speaker Mr.Dinesh Singh would unfurl the national flag at Dharkalan, District Pathankot and the Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal-Moga, Choudhary Nand Lal-Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas-Mansa, Mr Des Raj Dhugga-Baba Bakala, Mr Harmeet Singh Sandhu at Dera Baba Nanak, Smt Mohinder Kaur Josh- Pathankot,, Mr. Avinash Chandar-Philour, Mr K. D.Bhandari- Phagwara,Mr. Inderbir Singh Bollaria at Patti, Mr Amarpal Singh Ajnala-Ajnala Mr Gurbachan Singh Babbehali-Batala,Mr Virsa Singh Valtoha at Jagron, Mr N.K Sharma- Derabassi, Fatima Nasira Khatoon-Malerkotla, Mrs Navjot Kaur Sidhu-Khdoor Sahib, Mr Parkash Chand Garg- Sri Mukatsar Sahib, Mr Pawan Kumar Tinu-Nakodar, Mr Sarup Chand Singla-Faridkot and Mr Som Parkash would unfurl the flag at Dasuya.
SYNTHETIC DRUG RACKET COORDINATED PUNJAB POLICE- MUMBAI POLICE CRIME BRANCH OPERATION NETS TWO ACCUSED – ARRESTED FROM NEW DELHI AND MUMBAI FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS INTO DEVINDER SINGH DEV MASTERMINDED INTERNATIONAL SYNTHETIC DRUG RACKET REVEAL MASSIVE TRANSACTIONS OF PRECURSORS Chandigarh, January 17: A major break-through has been effected in the drive against drug trafficking with further coordinated investigations of the Punjab Police in association with the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, into the Rajasthan-based Canadian national Devinder Singh @ Dev masterminded international synthetic drug racket leading to arrests of two key operatives from New Delhi and Mumbai respectively. The Punjab police have arrested Dr. Sanjay Goel s/o Ram Niwas Goel r/o ‘Shiv Ashish House’, H.No. 565/6B, Golf View Park, Dr. A.Soares Road, Chembur, Mumbai- (arrested from hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi on 16-01-2014) and Basant Srivastav s/o Shiv Nandan Srivastav r/o Flat No. 78, Plot No. 11, Sector 17, Vaashi, New Mumbai- (arrested on 16-1-2014 from his residence in New Mumbai) Disclosing this here today, Mr. Dinkar Gupta, Additional DGP/Law & Order informed that this important and major break-through in the drive against drug trafficking follows systematic and meticulous investigations by the Punjab Police with the objective of exposure of drug networks in a complete and end-to-end manner from source of supply to the distribution network. He revealed that the Punjab Police had started a two-tier interrogation of drug smugglers from October 14, 2013 onwards, with the smugglers being questioned firstly by the district police, followed by sustained interrogation by officials of the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) in the Joint Interrogation Center at Amritsar. This two-tier interrogation was being carried out under the supervision of the Counter Intelligence Wing of the Punjab Police. So far, over 100 smugglers have been interrogated. These interrogations have yielded valuable information about the various cogs in the different drug networks so as to enable the Punjab Police to smash these drug networks in an end-to-end manner, from source of supply to the distribution network. The focus was not limited to the State of Punjab. Networks operating in other parts of the country were also being detected and action being taken, he added. He pointed out that the investigations in this massive international synthetic drug racket led by Devinder Singh @ Dev had revealed that precursor chemicals Katamine, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine were procured by the drug racketeers from Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi etc. after diverting from medicinal sectors and smuggled into Canada. The processing of the precursor chemicals to manufacture synthetic drugs was done mainly in Canada by Chinese and Vietnamese nationals. He said that developing the investigative leads, police parties were sent to New Delhi and Mumbai to nab the persons figuring with criminal liability. An advance police party headed by Inspector Bikramjit Singh Brar, SHO, PS Banur reached Mumbai on January 13, 2014. They did the ground work for locating and conducting reccee of the wanted persons. Through Punjab Police Headquarters, liaison was established with Mumbai Commissionerate for providing assistance. After the completion of initial ground work by the advance party, a police party headed by Superintendent of Police Jaskiranjit Singh and Deputy Superintendent of Police Arshdeep Singh and Drug Inspector Sh. Jai Jaikar Singh with 17 police personnel, including two lady constables and accused mastermind Devinder Singh @ Dev who was on police remand reached Mumbai on 16-01-2014 and established liaison with the Mumbai Crime Branch and Sh. Niket Kaushik, Additional Commissioner, Crime Branch, Mumbai. He said that the arrest of Dr. Sanjay Goel was effected from hotel Taj Palace, Sardar Patel Road, New Delhi as he had gone to New Delhi for a day. The arrest of Basant Srivastav have been effected from his New Mumbai residence. Dr. Sanjay Goel is the owner of the Sanvin Group of Companies which comprises the following six companies : (i) Medicraft Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. (ii) Pioneer Agro Industries Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd. (i) Sanvin Laboratories (ii) Sanvin Exports (iii) Medigraph India Pvt. Ltd. (iv) Sonica Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.- a collaborative joint business venture He said that investigations have revealed that the Mumbai module had provided 4,500 kgs of precursor chemicals Katamine to Devinder Singh @ Dev. Search warrants for conducting search of premises of two factories i.e. Pioneer Agro Industries Pharmaceuticals and an adjoining factory have been obtained from the judicial court in Mumbai and search of the premises would be carried out tomorrow. Dr. Sanjay Goel was being produced before court of competent jurisdiction where police remand for his further questioning was being sought. Basant Srivastav was being produced before judicial court in Mumbai for seeking his transit remand for his production before the court of competent jurisdiction in Punjab. Further investigations are ongoing, he added. --------- CM INVITES CONGRESS LEADERS TO ATTEND SANGAT DARSHANS FOR SOLVING THEIR PROBLEMS PUBLIC MONEY WAS BEING APTLY USED FOR THEIR WELFARE CALLS UPON PEOPLE TO ROUT THE CONGRESS FROM THE CENTRE SANGAT DARSHAN IN LAMBI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT Lambi (Sri Muktsar Sahib), January 17- Despite stiff opposition by the Congress leaders towards the Sangat Darshan programs in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave a clarion call to the leaders of the opposition to attend the Sangat Darshans for the redressal of their grievances. Addressing the gathering during the Sangat Darshan program of the Lambi assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that before vehemently opposing the Sangat Darshans by terming it as a sheer wastage of money, the Congress leaders must realize that this money neither belonged to him nor to the Congress leaders. He said that it was a fact that the money belonged to the public and was being aptly utilized for their welfare. Mr. Badal said that the top most priority of the state government was to uplift the standard of living of people by providing them the best environment to live. Lashing out at the Congress party, the Chief Minister said that the people have drifted away from Congress party as its leaders have always opposed the pro-people policies adding that even today the Congress leaders have not leant any lesson from their mistakes. Mr. Badal said that he had been holding the Sangat Darshan ever since the inception of his political career, without any discrimination adding that in these programs he listens to the problems of the people and try to solve them. The Chief Minister impressed upon the Congress leaders to sink their political differences and come in the Sangat Darshan programs for getting their pending matters resolved. Mr. Badal said that there was no Chief Minister in the entire country who conducts this democratic exercise to fulfill the needs of the people. “The Sangat Darshan helps us to evaluate the performance of the officers which further facilitates us to provide effective, accountable and transparent governance to the people and nobody including the Congress leaders could deter me from holding Sangat Darshans to ensure the well being of people” he added. Making a scathing attack on the Congress party, the Chief Minister said that the Congress party was the mother of all the social maladies like unemployment, corruption, illiteracy, starvation and others faced by the country. He said that the ‘panacea of all these ills’ was to wipe out the Congress from the country. Mr. Badal said that the state government has initiated a number of welfare schemes to benefit the weaker and disadvantaged sections of the society. Announcing to widen the ambit of the Atta-Dal scheme, the Chief Minister said that now the small and marginal farmers of the state would be included under it. He said that the number of beneficiaries of this scheme would be doubled from the existing 16 lakh to 32 lakh. Mr. Badal also said that now the beneficiaries would now get the facility of Atta at Re 1 instead of Rs 4 per kilogram. Likewise, the Chief Minister said that all out efforts were being made by the state government to impart quality education to the poor and meritorious students studying in the government schools. He said that on one hand these students were being given Rs 30000 per month under the Dr Hargobind Khurana Scholarship scheme and on the other six special schools were being opened to provide world class education to them with free boarding and lodging facilities. On the occasion the Chief Minister also gave Rs 5000 from his personal account to the students of villages securing more than 80% marks. In village Panjawa Mr. Badal also disbursed 50 bicycles to girls under the Mai Bhago Istri Vidya Scheme. He also said that till now the state government has distributed 1,50,000 bicycles amongst the girl students across the state. During the Sangat Darshan, the Chief Minister addressed the gatherings at village Bhagu, Mehna, Chack Middu Singh Wala, Vanmala, Dhani Telian Wali, Sikhwala, Panjawa and Tarmala. The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Akali leader Mr. Tejinder Singh Middu Khera and Ms. Veerpal Kaur Tarmala. --------- PUNJAB DIRECTS TO REMOVE MULTI-TONED HORNS FROM VEHICLES WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT Chandigarh, January 17: The Punjab government has asked the owner/users of vehicles fitted with multi-toned horns, other than those allowed to use such horns under law to immediately remove and directed all the Commissioners of Police and SSPs to initiate action against the erring persons in the form of strict penalties, including: heavy fines, impounding of vehicle and cancellation of driving licence.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Dinkar Gupta, Additional DGP Law & Order and Traffic said that these directions have been given in compliance of orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India of dated 10.12.2013, in Special Leave Petition 25237 of 2010 - Abhay Singh versus State of Uttar Pradesh and others, where directions have been issued to all “the owner/users of vehicles fitted with multi-toned horns, other than those allowed to use such horns under Rules 119 (3) of the 1989 Rules or corresponding rules framed by the State Governments and the Administration of the Union Territories, shall remove multi-toned horns within one month i.e. by January 10, 2014”. He further said that the Central Motor Vehicles Act and the Rules framed there under by the Central government have laid down that “no motor vehicle, including agricultural tractor, shall be fitted with any multi-toned horn giving a succession of different notes or with any other sound producing device an unduly harsh, shrill, loud or alarming noise”. He added that only police vehicles, fire brigades and ambulances were permitted under law to use multi-toned horns etc and that also in the course of their duties. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 17: The Punjab government has issued instructions to all the employees working in Punjab civil secretariat 1 & 2 at Chandigarh to update their address and contact numbers. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the general administration said that it has been noticed that the home address and contact numbers of many employees have changed and they have yet not updated their new address and contact numbers. He said that wrong addresses cause hindrance while contacting an employee during emergency. He said that employees have been asked to send a hard copy of complete updated information to the civil control room, room no. 4 and soft copy at ccr_pcs@yahoo.com within one week. He said that those failing to comply with these instructions would disciplinary action. ------------- 3 YEAR IMPRISONMENT TO REGIONAL SEEDS CERTIFICATION OFFICER FOR GRAFT CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 17: The court of Smt Navjot sohal, Additional Sessions Judge, Amritisar convicted Mr. Kabul Singh, Regional Seeds Certification Officer in the case of bribery and has awarded sentence of 3 year imprisonment and Rs. 2,000 fine. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the vigilance bureau, Punjab said that Kabul Singh was trapped red handed while taking bribe amounting to Rs. 10,000. He said that FIR No.3 dated 28.1.2011 under Prevention of Corruption Act was registered against him by Vigilance Bureau, Amritsar. He said that the Hon’ble court found Kabul Singh guilty of bribery and has convicted him for an imprisonment of 03 years and Rs. 2,000 fine.
- BADAL CALLS UPON THE PEOPLE TO SHOW DOOR TO THE CONGRESS IN THE FORTHCOMING LOK SABHA ELECTIONS · LEADERS EMERGES FROM MASS MOVEMENTS CAN SOLVE PUBLIC ISSUES EFFICIENTLY-BADAL Gidderbaha (Sri Muktsar Sahib), January 16 Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that only those leaders who emerged from the people's struggles and constantly remained connected with the general public could resolve their issues far more diligently as they were well aware with the ground realities. Mr. Badal who was addressing a series of Sangat Darshan functions organized in different Local Wards here today satirically said that Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal could not fulfill his big promises that he had made with the public before the election. Even they had tried to organize 'Janta Darbar' imitation of our 'Sangat Darshan program' had failed on the very first day. Mr. Badal said that it had happened due to the fact that Mr. Kejriwal was neither a leader of the masses nor he emerged through any long struggle of the people. He said that only the leaders who dedicate themselves for the welfare of the public and remained the part of their lives as a close associate could understand problems and hardships being faced by the public in reality and consequently became capable of sorting out these issues of great concern. Mr. Badal further said that he had opted for Sangat Darshans just with the start of his political carrier and had kept the same discipline till date. Criticizing the Congress party, Mr. Badal said that it was the solely responsible for all the ailments in the country like corruption, inflation, unemployment, illiteracy etc. and these could only be cured by eradicating the congress from the political scene in the forth coming elections. He called upon the people to show the door to the Congress and welcome NDA to form a new pro-people government at the Centre, which could further be instrumental for the development of the state as it would be more easier for the Punjab Government to get various development projects approved as per the desire and the need of the state being an allied partner. He further said that UPA government had never bothered to resolve any issue related to the state, whereas SAD-BJP government had always strived hard for the overall development of the state despite the hindering attitude of the Congress. On the occasion, Mr. Badal handed over 838 bi-cycles to the girls students of Government Senior Secondary School, Gidderbaha under Mai Bhago Vidhya Scheme, besides Rs. 5000 each to the 9 students of the same school for scoring 80% or above marks in Matric. It may be mentioned here that these students had already been awarded Rs. 30,000 (each) scholarship under the Dr. Hargobind Khurana Scholarship Scheme. Later, replying to the media persons regarding their query about the agitation (Chakka Jam) of the Congress, Mr. Badal categorically said that in a democratic set up, everyone has a right to register his or her protest but hindering the life of general public by blocking roads and rails was totally unlawful and the violation of the rights of a common man. He said that the state government had earmarked places in the districts for such protests. Replying another question regarding the internal tussle in AAP, Mr. Badal said that it was their internal matter. Regarding the approval of Industrial Package for neighboring states, Mr. Badal said that Centre had always discriminated Punjab that could only be sorted out with the change at the Centre. On this occasion, Mr. Badal honored the persons who were imprisoned during different SAD agitations. The Chief Minister accompanied by Chairman Punjab Agro Jathedar Dyal SIngh Kollianwali and Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema. -------------------- ECI ISSUES DETAILED INSTRUCTION FOR POSTINGS AND TRANSFERS IN VIEW ON LOK SABHA ELECTIONS · OFFICERS SERVING IN HOME DISTRICTS OR WHO HAVE COMPLETED THREE YEAR SERVICE IN A DISTRICT TO BE SHIFTED OUT · GOVERNMENT TOLD TO COMPLY BY INSTRUCTIONS BY FEBRUARY 15 CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 16: The ECI today issued detailed guidelines to all chief secretaries of the states regarding postings and transfers of officers in view of Lok Sabha election 2014. According to Mr. Raminder Singh chief electoral officer, Punjab instructions have been issued that no officer connected with elections, directly or indirectly, should be allowed to continue the present district of posting if she or he is posted in her/his home district or if she/he has completed three year in that district during last four year or would be completing three year on or before 31-05-2014. The state government has been asked strictly follow the cut-off date and accordingly three year period may be reckoned backward from 31-05-2014 The CEO clarified that these instructions cover not only officer appointed for specific duty like district election officers, deputy election officers, returning officers and assistant returning officers but also other district officers like additional district magistrates, deputy collectors, SDMs , Tehsildars, BDOs or any other officer proposed to be deployed for election work. Clarifying position regarding officers of police department Mr. Raminder singh said that these instructions would be applicable to Range IGs, DIGs, Commandants of state armed police, SSPs, SPs ,Additional SPs, Sub Divisional Head of Police, Inspectors or equivalent rank who are responsible of deployment of police force in the district at the election time. The police official who are posted in the fictional departments like computerization, special branch training are not covered under these instructions. He said that apart from these police officer of level sub inspectors should not be posted in their home assembly constituencies and they should be transferred not only out of police sub division but also out of assembly constituency. The commission has asked the state government to conduct a detail review in all district and all such officers be posted out of home district or out of the district on the aforesaid date immediately. He said that while moving such officers’ care should be taken that they are not posted to their home districts. The CEO said that while calculating the period of three year promotion to a post with in a district has to be counted. However these instructions do not apply to officers posted in the state head quarter or department concerned, he clarified. He said that no officer /official against whom a criminal case is pending in any court of law be associated with election work or election duty. Taking seriously the issue of individual circumventing the directions, the CEO said that commission has in past has received complains that while the state government transferred official in the above categories in pursuance of directions of ECI, Mr. Raminder Singh said that the individuals try to circumvent the objective by proceeding on leave and physically not moving out of district from which they stand transferred. He said that the commission has viewed it seriously and desires that all such officials who stands transferred in pursuance of instructions should be asked to move physically out of the district of which they stand transferred immediately on receipt of transfer order. He said that while implementing these instruction commission desire that CEO shall invariably be consulted in posting the new persons in place of present incumbent who stand transferred in pursuance of these instructions. The copies of orders issued under these instructions shall be given to CEO without fail. Any officer who is due to retire within in coming six month will be exempted from the instructions and they shall not be engaged for performing the election duty. Clarifying on re employed officers the state has been asked that all such officers who are on extension of service or re employed in different capacities would not be associated with election duty. The commission has sought action taken report from all states by February 15. ------------ CM SLAMS UPA GOVERNMENT FOR EXTENDING SPECIAL PACKAGE OF INDUSTRIAL INCENTIVES TO HP AND UTTRAKHAND · UNION GOVERNMENT HAS BACKSTABBED PUNJAB BY DENYING THIS PACKAGE TO IT · TERMS IT AS A CONSPIRACY TO DERAIL THE PLANS OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO ATTRACT INVESTMENTS IN THE STATE · SAD WOULD NOT BE A MUTE SPECTATOR TO THIS INJUSTICE- SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL Chandigarh, January 16- Slamming the Congress led UPA Government for extending industrial tax concessions to Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal said that the Congress has backstabbed the state by keeping it out of the ambit of the package, despite repeated and earnest pleas of the Punjab government. In a statement issued here, the Chief Minister said that the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for extending the Special Package of Industrial Incentive for the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from January 7, 2013 to March 31, 2017 was clearly aimed at further derailing the industrial growth of Punjab. He said that by denying the incentives to Punjab, the Union government has hatched a conspiracy for sabotaging the plans of the state government to usher in an era of unprecedented industrial development by firming up investments worth more than Rs 65000 crore in recently concluded Progressive Punjab Investor’s summit. Mr. Badal said that the UPA Government was clearly working to a plan for inflicting economic devastation of the sensitive border state of Punjab through its deliberately ruinous policies. The Chief Minister said that Punjab being a land-locked state along an active and hostile international border, had a much better claim on the tax concessions being given to its neighboring states. However, he said that by denying this status the Union government has once again proved that they inimical to the interests of the state. Mr. Badal asked the PPCC Chief Partap Singh Bajwa to conserve some of his lung power to speak against injustice to his state by his own party. “Or is your politics limited to providing a verbal cover-fire for the deadliest assault by the Congress-led government at the center to destroy the economy of your state, root, branch and fruit?” Mr. Badal asked the PPCC Chief. The Chief Minister clearly said that he was not against concessions being given to any state but only against the denial of similar concessions to Punjab which sits in the jaws of a hostile neighboring and in proximity to disturbed conditions along our internal borders with J & K. Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also assailed the Congress led UPA government for denying the Industrial package to state. He said that even though Punjab deserves a special package because of several historical and geographical factors, they only demand a level playing ground. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the Shiromani Akali Dal would not be a mute spectator to the injustice of the Union government against the state and they would take up this matter at the highest level to seek the similar package for the state. ------- BADAL LAUNCHES THE MOVE TO COLLECT SOIL OF HOLLY PLACES AND AGRI IMPLEMENTS FROM PUNJAB FOR THE LIFE SIZED STATUE TO BE INSTALLED OF SARDAR PATEL IN GUJRAT · NDA MUST BE VOTED TO POWER TO ENSURE WELFARE OF INDIA AND ITS COUNTRY MEN · STATUE OF SOIL AND IMPLEMENTS TO BE COLLECTED FROM ALL 12500 VILLAGES FOR ‘STATUE OF UNITY’ –KAMAL SHARMA BADAL (SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB) JANUARY 16: The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today launched a campaign by collecting soil from different sacred places and agriculture implements here and handed over the same to BJP State President Mr. Kamal Sharma for the installation of the life sized statue in the memory of Sardar Patel, the great freedom fighter and popularly known as the ‘Iron man of India’. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Iron man of India Sardar Patel played a pro-active role in the unity and nation building and as a symbolic to his true character we have started collecting this material from nearly 12500 villages across the state. Mr. Sardar Patel as an able administrator included 562 provincially states in the national main stream. He said Sardar Patel belong to a family of agriculturists and got higher education due to which he could easily feel the pulse of people. Sardar Patel made an outstanding contribution in the national freedom struggle and became the first Union Home Minister in the post independence era. He said that this statue would be 182 meters high and would be double in height from the ‘Statue of Liberty’ in USA. He said nearly Rs. 2500 crore would be spent on this statue and it would be the highest statue in the world, adding he said this statue was being installed near Kewaria in Narmada district at a place Sadhu Baid Island nearly 3.5 kilometer from Sardar Sarovar Dam. Mr.Badal said that this statue would be a symbol of unity. He further said that a Agriculture Research Centre and Museum also be constructed on this place to disseminate the views and ideology of Iron Man of India to enable our younger generations about the towering personality of this great leader. Mr. Badal said that a person who does not comprehend the problems of the villages, he could neither understand the country nor he could formulate policies for the welfare of country’s poor and oppressed farmers besides other section of the society. He bemoaned that Congress gave away the legacy of Sardar Patel and was now suppressing the poor section of the society. He said a party which can forget such a great leader like Sardar Patel, how people can expect their welfare. He appealed the people to show the door to Congress in the forthcoming elections for its anti-people policies. He said Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi was the true successor of Sardar Patel’s legacy as he could only run the country to fulfill the aspirations of the people and therefore NDA should be voted to power to ensure overall development and welfare of its people. Speaking on the occasion, BJP State President Mr. Kamal Sharma said that this campaign has been launched from village Badal and would be continue across the state for a month to collect soil from sacred places and agriculture implements for the statue of Sardar Patel. He said these implements of Iron would be re-casted for making its use in the statue. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chairman Punjab Agro Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali and Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema. ------------ DHINDSA INAUGURATES STATE LEVEL BANKERS’ COMMITTEE OFFICE CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 16: Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister Punjab, today inaugurated new office of the Convener, State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), Punjab at Sector 17-B, Chandigarh. On this occasion Sh. Harpal Singh, Field General Manager (PNB, Punjab) and Convener (SLBC), while addressing august gathering of various Govt. Functionaries, Bankers and others, explained that new office at Chandigarh is being established for ensuring easier coordination and liaison with State Govt. Authorities to provide better support and handle Govt. Business more effectively. He further informed that PNB has successfully developed and implemented an in-house Online Property Tax Collection Module at Mohali and looking into its acceptability by the Public, the same is being implemented in other towns/cities of Punjab for speedy and effective collection of Property Tax. Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, while appreciating the role of SLBC in financial administration of Punjab, made special mention of PNB’s contribution and conveyed his best wishes. -------------- PULSE POLIO IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM ON 19TH JAN & 23RD FEB Chandigarh, January 16: National Immunization Days would be conducted on 19th Jan and 23rd Feb 2014 covering all the children in the age group 0-5 years. Disclosing this here today official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that in no Wild Polio Virus case is reported in Punjab since 2010. Spokesperson said that under National Immunization Day (NID) Campaign first round would be conducted 19th January 2014 under which Pulse polio campaigns would be conducted in all the districts in the state which would be monitored by state observers from DHS office and NRHM, Rotary and NPSP. Spokesperson said that for January National Immunization Day more than 15,000 booths will be allotted and more than 30,000 house to house teams would cover 37.69 lacs children between the age of 0-5 yrs. He added that these teams will be supervised by more than 3000 supervisors. In all more than 70 thousand vaccinators will be involved in service delivery in each NID round. --------- PUNJAB GOVERNMENT INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR RECRUITING 399 SENIOR RESIDENTS · JANUARY 17 IS THE LAST DATE TO APPLY ONLINE Chandigarh, January 16: Department of Medical Education & Research, Punjab has invited online applications for 399 posts of Senior Residents in all the departments of Government Medical College Patiala and Amritsar. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that Punjab Government has recently sanctioned 327 posts for Senior Residents in addition to already existing posts, to give them teaching experience and also to strengthen and improve the functioning of both the Medical Colleges. He said that till now 458 applications has been received out of which 172 applications are from PCMS cadre with rural service experience, 15 are from PCMS cadre with less experience, 23 are from PCMS cadre without rural service experience, 89 are from other PCMS/NRHM candidates, 18 are from other service candidates and 141 are applications are from other cadre. He said that for online submission of application candidates could log on to www.punjabmedicaleducation.org and www.pbhealth.gov.in and send scanned copy of their relevant documents on e.mail.I.D. srdrme2014@gmail.com. He said that the last date for applying online is 17/01/2014 till 5.00 P.M. ------- Primary School Games to be held in February, 2014-Maluka Disabled students participates in Primary School Games CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 16: The Punjab Government has provided a sum of Rs. 5 lac for holding Primary School games from 21st, February to 23 February, 2014 in which 2904 students of Government Primary Schools of the State will participate. Besides about Five hundred disabled students under Eleven, Fourteen, Seventeen and Nineteen Years would also take part in these games. Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education & Language minister Punjab has said that this is the first time that disabled students from all over the state will participate in the Primary School Games. Minister further said that all the District Education Officers have been directed to send the list of selected students along with requisition of sports kits, shoes etc by 31st January, 2014 to the Head Office, so that proper sports kits could be provided to all the students. Minister also said that Rs. 125/- per day will be provided to every participant students for diet and arrangement for travel of the students will be made by the Assistant Education Officers (sports) of the concerned district. All the participant will be awarded with the certificates and the winners will get trophies. The Minister further said that the government is taking keen interest to encourage the students from the primary level to take active part in sports and games.
- CM SLAMS UPA GOVERNMENT FOR EXTENDING SPECIAL PACKAGE OF INDUSTRIAL INCENTIVES TO HP AND UTTRAKHAND UNION GOVERNMENT HAS BACKSTABBED PUNJAB BY DENYING THIS PACKAGE TO IT TERMS IT AS A CONSPIRACY TO DERAIL THE PLANS OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO ATTRACT INVESTMENTS IN THE STATE SAD WOULD NOT BE A MUTE SPECTATOR TO THIS INJUSTICE- SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL Chandigarh, January 15, 2014 Slamming the Congress led UPA Government for extending industrial tax concessions to Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the Congress has backstabbed the state by keeping it out of the ambit of the package, despite repeated and earnest pleas of the Punjab government. In a statement issued here today, the Chief Minister said that the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for extending the Special Package of Industrial Incentive for the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from January 7, 2013 to March 31, 2017 was clearly aimed at further derailing the industrial growth of Punjab. He said that by denying the incentives to Punjab, the Union government has hatched a conspiracy for sabotaging the plans of the state government to usher in an era of unprecedented industrial development by firming up investments worth more than Rs 65000 crore in recently concluded Progressive Punjab Investor’s summit. Mr. Badal said that the UPA Government was clearly working to a plan for inflicting economic devastation of the sensitive border state of Punjab through its deliberately ruinous policies. The Chief Minister said that Punjab being a land-locked state along an active and hostile international border, had a much better claim on the tax concessions being given to its neighboring states. However, he said that by denying this status the Union government has once again proved that they inimical to the interests of the state. Mr. Badal asked the PPCC Chief Partap Singh Bajwa to conserve some of his lung power to speak against injustice to his state by his own party. “Or is your politics limited to providing a verbal cover-fire for the deadliest assault by the Congress-led government at the center to destroy the economy of your state, root, branch and fruit?” Mr. Badal asked the PPCC Chief. The Chief Minister clearly said that he was not against concessions being given to any state but only against the denial of similar concessions to Punjab which sits in the jaws of a hostile neighboring and in proximity to disturbed conditions along our internal borders with J & K. Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also assailed the Congress led UPA government for denying the Industrial package to state. He said that even though Punjab deserves a special package because of several historical and geographical factors, they only demand a level playing ground. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the Shiromani Akali Dal would not be a mute spectator to the injustice of the Union government against the state and they would take up this matter at the highest level to seek the similar package for the state. -- CM OFFERS KEJRIWAL TO LEARN BASICS OF SANGAT DARSHAN FROM HIM · TERMS DELHI CHIEF MINISTER AS A CREATION OF MEDIA · EVERY POLICY OF AAP AN EMULATION OF SAD · UPA GOVERNMENT THE MOST INEFFICIENT AND CORRUPT GOVERNMENT OF INDIAN POLITY · QUESTIONS ABILITY OF RAHUL GANDHI, EXCEPT A SCION OF NEHRU-GANDHI DYNASTY · EVERY VOTE TO MODI IS A VOTE FOR THE PROSPERITY OF THE STATE · SANGAT DARSHAN IN LAMBI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT Lohara (Sri Muktsar Sahib), January 15, 2014 Quipping on Delhi Chief Minister’s failure to implement his poll promise of holding ‘Janta Durbar’ for redressing the grievances of people, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that Mr. Arvind Kejriwal should learn the basics of this program from him as he had been holding the ‘Sangat Darshan’ ever since the inception of his political career. Addressing the gathering during Sangat Darshan program of Lambi assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that Mr. Kerjriwal has failed because this interactive program for redressing the public complaints could be successfully held by only those public representatives, who were well aware of the problems of the masses. He said that there was a huge difference between Sangat Darshan and Janta Darbar as in the former the public representatives go to the people whereas in the latter the people go to the rulers. Taking a strong exception to the nomenclature of Janta Durbar, Mr. Badal said that the Durbars were held by the Kings whereas in Democracy Sangat Darshans were conducted by the representatives of people for the prompt solution of public grievances. Describing Mr. Kejriwal as the creation of media, the Chief Minister said that it was ironical that the media was giving huge coverage to the meager subsidies announced by the Delhi Chief Minister whereas they were not throwing any light on the Rs 6000 crore subsidy annually given by the Punjab government to bail out the farmers of the state. He bemoaned that for the reasons best known to them, the media was shying away from highlighting the pro-poor welfare schemes of the state government like the Atta-Dal, Dr. Hargobind Khurana, Mai Bhago Istri Vidya and others. Mr. Badal said that it was on record that every program of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was more or less an emulation of the policies and programs started by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) decades back but unfortunately they have not been given the credit for taking these pro-people initiatives. Lashing out at the Congress led UPA government; the Chief Minister said that this government would go down in the annals of the Indian polity as the most corrupt and inefficient government. Holding the UPA government guilty of ruining the farmers of the state, he said that due to the exorbitant hike in agriculture inputs coupled with the non remunerative MSP, the peasantry of the state was on the verge of economic disaster. Mr. Badal said that on one hand SAD-BJP government has started a number of welfare schemes for the well being of weaker and disadvantaged sections of the society and on the other the Congress has always misled them by showing ‘green pastures’. Making a scathing attack on the Congress leaders for projecting their Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the party, the Chief Minister said that a mad race was going on between the entire Congress leadership to score brownie points before the Nehru-Gandhi scion. He said that there was a huge leadership crisis in the Congress party due to which they were ready to accept anybody as their leader. “Can the Congress leaders tell me what was the ability of Rahul Gandhi except the fact that he was a member of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty” questioned Mr. Badal. Exhorting the people to exercise their franchise in the coming General elections with utmost care, the Chief Minister said that this was the most decisive elections for the people as it was the opportunity for them to either make or mar the future of the state. He said that if Mr. Narendra Modi becomes the Prime Minister of the country then a new era of unprecedented development would be heralded in the state whereas the Congress led government at centre would further unleash an era of step motherly treatment with the state. Every vote to SAD-BJP alliance would be a mandate for the progress of the state and prosperity of its people, added Mr. Badal. Later on interacting with the media persons at village Roranwali, the Chief Minister said that it was unfortunate that the British Army helped the Indian Government led by the Congress party under the Prime Minister ship of Mrs. Indira Gandhi launched a major military offensive against the innocent people in terms of ‘Operation Blue Star’ in 1984. He assailed the Congress for this barbaric attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib which not only hurt the sentiments of Sikhs but also exposed the Congress stooping too low to shatter the ethos of humanity. The Chief Minister said that the startling revelation regarding this has once again exposed the anti-Sikh stance of the Congress party adding that this action has inflicted a deep wound on the Sikh psyche, which has left its imprint forever. This act was highly condemnable and the Punjabis in general and the Sikhs in particular could never forgive the Congress for this act, added Mr. Badal. Earlier at village Ghumiara, the Chief Minister also felicitated a bright student Beant Kaur by a cash prize of Rs 5000. The girl has also recently received Rs 30000 under Dr. Hargobind Khurana scholarship scheme started by the state government. At village Roranwali a number of Congress workers joined the SAD. Welcoming them to party fold, the Chief Minister said that this would further strengthen the party. The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Chairman Punjab Agro Jathedar Dyaal Singh Kolianwali, Akali leaders Mr. Tajinder Singh Middu Khera and Mr. Satinder Jeet Singh Manta. - SUKHBIR BADAL CASTIGATES CONGRESS FOR SEEKING UK's SUPPORT FOR OPERATION BLUE STAR · AAP DEVIATING FROM ITS ELECTION MANIFESTO · BAJWA SHOULD STOP DAYDREAMING TO RULE PUNJAB · GAJJANMAJRA AND CHANDUARAIAN JOINS SHIROMANI AKALI DAL · RS. 23 CRORE TO BE SPENT ON REMODELING OF IRRIGATION DISTRIBUTARIES · CCTV CAMERAS TO BE INSTALLED IN WALLED CITY MALERKOTLA MALERKOTLA, JANUARY 14: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today accused the then Prime Minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi for seeking assistance and strategic plan from Britishers to carry out a well-planned devastating attack on pivot of Sikhism Darbar Sahib Amritsar in 1984. Describing this extremely unfortunate and shameful act, Mr. Badal accompanied by SAD Secretary General and Rajya Sabha Member, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said revelations in this regard had proven that Congress was desperate to devastate the religious and holiest shrine of Sikhism at the cost of sacrificing the internal security of nation. He said "we could gauge the credentials of Congress from the approach adopted by Mrs. Indira Gandhi since our great martyrs and freedom fighters fought a relentless freedom struggle against slavery and atrocities inflicted upon Indians by the Britishers but it was very unfortunate that then Congress PM sought assistance from Britishers to attack the sacred Golden Temple in '84. Talking to media persons Mr. Badal said that Aam Aadmi Party has failed badly in its prelim tests by deviating from its election manifesto and predicted that it could not succeed in its political future. He said on the first day of AAP's much publicized Janata Darbar, its party chief failed completely and ran away without addressing the public grievances and even withdraw his decision to hold Janata Darbar in future. Mr. Badal said that there would be no affect of AAP in Punjab as it came to power in Delhi due to bad governance of Congress Party. Coming down heavily on PPCC Chief Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa, the Deputy CM described him a biggest 'rogue' since Bajwa family had been indulged in smuggling, drug peddling, and land grabbing. Mr. Badal reminded Congress chief not to have daydreams to rule Punjab having masters in smuggling, drug peddling and land grabbing and he should reconcile the fact that Congress could not come to power in Punjab for next three decades. Earlier inducting Congress leader Mr. Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra and PPP leader Mr. Ajit Singh Chanduaraian to their parent party Shiromani Akali Dal, Mr. Badal said in coming months there would be fury of exodus in Congress Party as hundreds of leaders were eager to join SAD fold. Welcoming the both leaders in the SAD fold, Mr. Badal said they would be rewarded with due respect and status in party. He also exhorted the massive gatherings at induction ceremony of both leaders to wipe out the Congress led UPA Government for country, state and in the interests of Countrymen. He appealed to the masses to elect SUkhdev Singh Dhindsa in the ensuing parliamentary election for better progress of Punjab. Meanwhile, presiding over a Sangat Darshan program, Mr. Badal after hearing a detailed demand charter of prominent citizen of Malerkotla made significant announcements to mark exemplary development of the city. Mr. Badal on the spot announced Rs. 23 crore for remodeling of Rohira and Kangniwal irrigation distributaries besides upgrading Government High School, Malerkotla and development projects worth Rs. 100 crore. In a significant announcement Mr. Badal said that law and order was the top priority of SAD-BJP Government and it would be maintained at all costs. On the demand put forth by Mr. Izhar Alam to install CCTV Cameras in the city to maintain law and order, Mr. Badal announced that Malerkotla would have CCTVs in coming months as he has cleared the file in this regard. He also announced to construct a world class bus stand in Malerkotla. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. Iqbal Singh Jhundan, MLA, Abdul Gaffar and Nusrat Ikram Bagga Khan both ex-ministers and Rajinder Singh Kanjla. - CONGRESS AND AAP TWO SIDES OF A SAME COIN- BADAL CM CAUTIONS PEOPLE AGAINST THE POLITICAL GIMMICKRY OF BOTH THESE PARTIES KEJRIWAL TO PROVE FLOP SHOW AFTER TWO TO THREE MONTHS EXHORTS PEOPLE TO WAGE “SECOND WAR OF FREEDOM” FOR OUSTING CONGRESS FROM POWER AT CENTRE A WAVE SIMILAR TO ‘JANTA WAVE OF 1977’ BLOWING ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO SHOW DOOR TO CONGRESS DEPUTY CM TERMS BAJWA AS THE ‘BIGGEST SMUGGLER’ OF THE STATE 25000 DRUG PEDDLERS PUT BEHIND THE BAR BY STATE GOVERNMENT WATER LOGGING ERADICATION TO BE MADE NATIONAL MISSION AFTER FORMATION OF NDA GOVERNMENT AAP IMITATING SAD Sri Muktsar Sahib, January 14- Terming the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as the ‘two sides of a coin’, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cautioned the people of the state to beware of the cheap political gimmickry of both these parties. Addressing a massive gathering during the political conference to mark the Maghi festival here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that the tactics being adopted by both these parties were detrimental for the people. He said that both these parties resort to such cheap tactics just only to befool the voters as all their promises prove mere lip service, later on. Mr. Badal said that since decades the Congress leaders have befooled the public by raising hollow slogans and now AAP leader Mr. Kejriwal was walking on the footsteps of the Congress. Making a scathing attack on the AAP leadership, the Chief Minister said that they were entirely confused about their policies and programs adding that Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal would prove to be a flop show after next two-three months. He said that Mr. Kejriwal has become the Chief Minister of Delhi by chance due to which he was utterly confused about what to do. Taking a dig at ‘Janta Darbar’ of Delhi Chief Minister, Mr. Badal said that Darbar were being held by the Monarchs whereas the representatives of the people hold ‘Sangat Darshans’, like one done by him since decades. Coming down heavily on Congress led UPA government at the centre, the Chief Minister said that the time has come when this most corrupt and inefficient government of the country must be shown the door. Exhorting the people to rout the Congress in the coming general elections, he said that the need of the hour was to wage a ‘second war of freedom’ to oust this government, which has made the life of every person miserable. Mr. Badal said that this war was utmost important not only for cherishing the aspirations of our great forefathers who had laid down their lives for freeing the country from the clutches of British imperialism but it was also required to safeguard the future of our coming generations. The Chief Minister said that the Congress was the mother of all the social maladies confronted by the nation today. He said that due to the misrule of the UPA government the nation was not safe both internally and externally due to which the sovereignty of the nation was in peril. Mr. Badal further said that the anti-farmer’s stance of the UPA government has broken the backbone of the farmers of the state due to which they were reeling under a whopping debt of Rs 32000 crore. The Chief Minister said that on the one hand the Union government was bent upon crushing the peasantry of the state whereas on the other hand the SAD-BJP government in Punjab had given a major relief to them by giving free power worth Rs 6000 crore to the farmers. Likewise, he said that due to the concerted efforts of the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Punjab would soon become a power surplus state. Mr. Badal also listed a number of pro-people welfare schemes initiated by the state government to benefit every strata of the society. ‘Due to our stupendous efforts Punjab was today leading the country in almost every field” he added. The Chief Minister said that the tyrannies of the Congress with the state have surpassed even the record of Mughals and Britishers as this anti-Punjab party has irrelevantly meddled not only in social, economic and political but even the religious matters of the state. He said that the Congress has inflicted a severe blow to the Punjabis by depriving them of their capital, legitimate share in river waters and even Punjabi speaking areas. Mr. Badal said that the people of the state could never forgive the Congress for its sinister moves and would teach it a befitting lesson in the coming general lessons. The Chief Minister further said that the countrymen were fed up from the arbitrary rule of the Congress led UPA government and the coming Lok Sabha polls would decimate this party from the nation. Equating the current anger amongst the public to ‘Janta Wave’ in 1977, he said that even the Congress stalwarts would find it difficult to save their seats in this anti-Congress wave. Mr. Badal said that it was writing on the wall that the BJP led NDA government was all set to form its government at the centre as the people of the country were eagerly waiting for making Mr. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of the country. Reiterating that there was hardly any match between Mr. Modi and Congress Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi, the Chief Minister said that while the former was a respected public leader with proven skills of an administrator, the latter was a novice with no experience of public life. He said that the young Nehru-Gandhi scion was like an inexperienced driver who was bound to topple the bus during the journey. “The countrymen should not take the risk of handing the reigns of country in such immature hands” added Mr. Badal. Assailing the state Congress President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa, the Chief Minister said that by opposing the central grants to the state the former has proved that he was inimical to the interests of the state. He said that by indulging in such activities Mr. Bajwa had done irreparable loss to the state. Meanwhile in his address President Shiromani Akali Dal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal came down heavily on state Congress Chief Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa by terming him the “biggest smuggler” involved in a number of scams and frauds besides indulged in smuggling of narcotics and sex scandal. In an aggressive tenor, he said that Bajwa has been shielding the smugglers and drug peddlers in the state. Mr. Badal also said that Bajwa’s close association with the terrorist outfits was also no longer a secret now and Bajwa’s deceitful antecedents have also been exposed by Party’s former President and former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. Reiterating the commitment of the Punjab government to extensively check the smuggling of narcotics in the state, Mr. Badal said that under the declared war against drugs, the state has nabbed 25000 drug peddlers in the state for the last one and a half years and this campaign would be continued. Nobody would be spared if found indulged in drug smuggling directly or indirectly, he added. Giving a call to the people especially the youth to show the congress a door in the coming general elections, Mr. Badal said that the days of the corrupt scam ridden UPA government headed by the congress party, were numbered and the nation was looking forward to the NDA government with Mr. Narendera Modi as the Prime Minister. He assured that once NDA comes into power, the water logging problem in the Malwa belt of the state would be a national mission and it would be completely eradicated on priority besides addressing other issues which have been constantly ignored by the congress governments. Referring to the hollowness of the Aam Admi Party ruling in Delhi, Mr. Badal said that the programmes and policies of which they were talking about have already been implemented by the Punjab Government headed by S. Parkash Singh Badal 25 years ago. Complementing the 85 year old diligent and determined S. Parkash Singh Badal, the SAD President said that AAP got tired of holding Public Darbars in just one day while the Chief Minister at this age worked for 20 hours a day. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, Advisor to Chief Minister on Media and National Affairs Mr. Harcharan Bains, Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Assistant Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Harjinder Sidhu, State BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma, MLAs Mr. Darshan Singh Kotfatta, Mr. Harpreet Singh and Mr. Gurtej Singh, former Union Minister Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, former President Municipal Council Mr. Mit Singh Brar, former MLA Mr. Sukhpal Singh Nannu, senior Akali leader Mr. Manjeet Singh Barkandi, Youth Akali leader Mr. Kanwaljeet Singh Barkandi, SGPC President Jathedar Avtar Singh and senior leaders of SAD-BJP alliances besides members of SGPC. - VETERAN JOURNALIST SANTOSH KUMAR ACHARYA CREMATED · CHIEF MINISTER, DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER AND MAJITHIA SHARE GRIEF CHANDIGARH JANUARY 14: Octogenarian Veteran journalist Mr. Santosh Kumar Acharya, who died after a brief illness last night, was cremated here today. Mr. Vineet Joshi, Assistant Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, Punjab and Mr. Jangveer Singh Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister laid wreaths on behalf of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively and shared the grief of the family. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Information and Public Relations Minister Punjab Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia expressed grief over the demise of the learned journalist and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul. Mr. Santosh Acharya remained associated with Veer Pratap, Milap, Shiwalik Sandesh, Naya Lokyug, Him Prabha as Editor and News Editor. Prominent amongst others who attended the cremation included Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal, Member Parliament, Mr. Sat Pal Jain, former MP, Mr. Harmohan Dhawan, former Union Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Bajwa, President Chandigarh Press Club, journalists, prominent social and religious leaders and officers of the Punjab and Haryana governments. -------- REGISTRATION DATE EXTENDS FOR TRAVEL AGENTS UP TO JANUARY 31, 2014 Chandigarh , January 14: Punjab Government has extended the date of registration for Travel Agents by January 31, 2014 under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act. It is mentioned that earlier the date was December 31, 2013. This extension is made with the demand of the travel agents associations during meeting on January 9,2014. Disclosing this here today, Principal Secretary Home Mr. D.S. Bains said that directions have been issued to the Deputy Commissioners to keep a tab on the illegal activities of many unscrupulous Travel Agents working unregistered, exploiting many innocent people of the state. To prevent these ongoing mal-practices, the Government has passed the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act with a view to checking and curbing their illegal/fraudulent activities and malpractices. Under the Act,. Travel Agents or Emigration Consultants or Ticketing Agents have got to be registered. He further said that the Act and Rules framed have been uploaded on the website www.punjabgovt.gov.in. He also asked the DCS to ensure that each license would have to bear a unique number to be quoted by the licensees.
- PERFORMANCE, DEVELOPMENT AND SAVING COUNTRY FROM CONGRESS BE POLL PLANK OF SAD-BJP –SUKHBIR
- PUNJAB PROGRESSIVE INVESTORS’ SUMMIT BRINGS DESIRED RESULTS TARGET FIXED TO PRODUCE 1900 MW ENERGY FROM NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES----SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL ü DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF 34 MW SOLAR ENERGY PROJECT WORTH 350 CRORE ü PUNJAB TO BE THE FIRST STATE PRODUCING POLLUTION FREE ENERGY ü NRI SAMMELAN FOR BETTER INTERACTION BETWEEN NRIS’ AND PUNJABIS ü CONGRESS SHIELDING DRUG SMUGGLERS Panjawa (Sri Muktsar Sahib) January 13: The recently held Punjab Progressive Investors’ Summit has started showing desired results especially in the strategies evolved to make Punjab Power first surplus state in the country. This was disclosed by Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab while laying the foundation stone of 34 MW of solar based Power Project to be set up by Azoor Energy Pvt. Ltd at Village Panjawa in Lambi constituency. Speaking on the occasion the Deputy Chief Minister said that MoUs worth Rs. 65000 have been signed during an exalted Punjab Progressive Investors’ Summit held in Punjab in December 2013 aiming at attracting massive investments by the top business houses from within and outside India. The Punjab government has also issued allotment letters to 26 companies for setting up of 250 MW solar energy projects and this present project was also one of such projects worth Rs. 350 Crore, said Mr. Badal. He further said that Punjab government has also formulated an extensive action plan to set up pollution free energy plants and under this plan as many as 26 companies have signed the required documents with the Punjab government. The projects would be commissioned in the state from June to December 2014. The deputy Chief Minster also said that at present 10 MW energy was being produced by the solar based energy projects in Punjab including Solar Energy Plant set up by PEDA at Phulokheri in district Bathinda while total 600 MW power is being produced by the non- conventional energy sources. He said that adequate attention would be paid to achieve the target of producing 1000 MW solar energy, 600 MW from Agro waste/ paddy straw, 250 MW from Mini Hydle Projects and 50 MW from solid waste material from urban areas. He also said that in the coming days major multinational companies like Cargill, Infosys and ITC would start their units as per the MoUs signed during the Punjab Investors’ Summit. Talking to media persons on the occasion, the main aim of organizing NRI Sammelan was not to motivate the NRIs to invest in Punjab but to strengthen the interactive approach between the NRIs and the Punjabis and to ensure spot settlement of their various issues. Replying to another query on the Punjab Congress President Partap Singh Bajwa, Mr. Badal said that everybody knows about the “shady and suspicious background” of Bajwa and because of his unscrupulous affinity he was shielding the drug mafia in the state. He reiterated the strong will of the SAD-BJP government in the state to nab the smugglers and drug peddlers while the congress was protecting them. Earlier, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal was welcomed by Mr. Harkanwal Singh Wadhwa, Chairman Azoor Pvt Ltd., Mr. Inderjit Singh Wadhwa, CEO and Co-founder Mr. Preet Sandhu. Mr. Wadhwa assured that the plant which was being set up in 170 acres of land would be completed within 5 months. As many as 800 people would be given direct employment. Appreciating the efforts of Punjab government to set up solar based power plants in the state, he said that his company has already signed MoUs for setting up of solar energy plants producing 150 MW power. Speaking on the occasion, Director PEDA Mr. Balaur Singh said that the department has evolved strategies, under the guidance of Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Minister for Non-Conventional Energy, to encourage non-conventional energy projects in Punjab. About 1.5 lakh bio-gas plants have been set up and 7000 new such plants would be set up in Punjab. The government has also given subsidy of Rs. 8000 per bio gas plant. Later as a major setback to the Congress party, Mr. Dilraj Singh a congress leader and native to District Congress President’ village along with his hundreds of followers joined the Shiromani Akali Dal at village Khudian Gulab Singh. Welcoming the leaders to the ambit of SAD, Mr. Badal also presented a siropao to Dilraj Singh - IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FROM 14 TO 21 JANUARY CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 13: The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Rabi Season through Canal water from 14-01-2014 to 21-01-2014. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bist Doab canal, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch, Abohar Branch and Patiala Feeder respectively. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Irrigation Department said that the distributaries and branches of BML, in Group ‘A’, being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Direct Distributaries of Group ‘B’. The spokesman further said that Punjab channels and branchs off-taking from Harike and Ferozpur Head Works, Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries, in Group ‘A’ being in first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Direct Distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in Group ‘B’. The spokesman also said that the in the Upper Bari Doab Canal system, Main Branch Lower with its distributaries, being in the 1st preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Lahore Branch, Sabhroan Branch, Kasur Branch Lower and with their distributaries, respectively.
CM GIVES NOD FOR IMPLEMENTING THE HIKE OF ASHA WORKERS BY RS 1000 ASHA WORKERS TO GET REST ROOMS IN EVERY GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING INSURANCE COVER AND HEALTH CARE FACILITIES TO THESE WORKERS Chandigarh, January 9-, 2013 In a major reprieve to the ASHA workers of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod for implementing the hike in their incentives by Rs 1000. Presiding over a meeting with the representatives of the ASHA workers here at his residence, the Chief Minister asked the officers of the Health and Family Welfare department to immediately implement this decision, which would benefit more than 16000 ASHA workers working across the state under the National Health Mission. Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister also asked the Health department to make provisions for rest rooms of ASHA workers in every government hospital of the state, so that they could perform their duty effectively. He further asked the officers to explore the feasibility for providing Insurance Cover and Health care facilities to these workers in the state. Mr. Badal also asked the Health department to take up the matter of giving Mobile allowance to these workers, with the Union government. During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the Health department to provide cloth for uniforms to these workers along with the money to get their uniforms stitched. Likewise, he also asked the officers of the Health department to ensure that these workers should get their incentives on a fixed date through the banks. Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mrs. Vinnie Mahajan and Managing Director Punjab Health Systems Corporation Mr. Hussan Lal. - CM GIVES APPROVAL FOR APPOINTING 10 CHAIRPERSONS OF VARIOUS BOARDS AND CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE AVTAR BRAR APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF PRTC, JOGINDER PAL JAIN AS CHAIRMAN OF PUNJAB STATE WAREHOUSING CORPORATION · BACHI APPOINTED AS MEMBER BOD IN PSPCL · ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF HARBHAJAN MANN Chandigarh, January 9- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave his nod to appoint 10 Chairpersons of various Boards and Corporations of the state government. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the file pertaining to the appointment of these chairpersons was cleared by the Chief Minister this morning. As per the orders, former Minister Mr. Avtar Singh Brar has been appointed as the Chairman of Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC), MLA Moga Mr. Joginder Pal Jain has been appointed the Chairman of Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, SGPC Member Jathedar Dyaal Singh Kolianwali has been appointed the Chairman of Punjab Agro Food Grains Corporation, former MLA Mr. Parkash Singh Bhatti has been appointed Chairman of Punjab SC Land Development and Finance Corporation whereas Youth Akali leader Mr. Ravikiran Singh Kahlon has been appointed Chairman of Punjab Water Resources Management and Development Corporation. Likewise, another Youth Akali leader Mr. Barjinder Singh Brar has been appointed the Chairman of Punjab Health Systems Corporation, senior Akali leader Mr. Avtar Singh Hit has been appointed the Chairman of Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation, Mr. Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh has been appointed Chairman of PUNSEED, Mr. Vijay Danav has been appointed the Chairman of Dalit Vikas Board whereas Mr. Raj Kumar Atikaaye has been appointed the Chairman of Safai Karamchari Welfare Board. Similarly, Mr. Gurbachan Singh Bachi has been appointed as Member of Board of Directors of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has also accepted the resignation of Chairman of District Planning Committee SAS Nagar Mr. Harbhajan Mann, who had resigned from his post on December 18, 2013. The formal orders regarding these appointments would be issued soon, added the spokesperson. - CM CONSTITUTES PANEL TO SOLVE ISSUES OF ETT TEACHERS WORKING UNDER ZILA PARISHAD COMMITTEE ASKED TO SUBMIT REPORT WITHIN A MONTH DIRECTS OFFICERS TO UPGRADE AND STRENGTHEN THE DIRECTORATE OF SCHOOLS RUN BY PANCHAYAT DEPARTMENT WARNS OFFICERS OF STRICT ACTION FOR ANY LAPSE IN IMPLEMENTING DECISIONS TAKEN IN MEETINGS Chandigarh, January 9- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today constituted a high level committee for solving all the issues pertaining to the ETT Teachers, working under Zila Parishads across the state, within a month. A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister during a meeting with the representatives of the ETT teachers here at Punjab Bhawan this morning. Taking part in deliberations, the Chief Minister said that the committee comprising his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Rural Development Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu and Principal Secretary Education Mrs. Anjali Bhanwra would minutely examine all the demands of the ETT Teachers and find some viable solution for them within a month. He also asked the Committee to look into the matter of shifting these Teachers on the vacant posts of Education department in the districts to streamline the Primary Education in the state. Likewise, Mr. Badal also asked the committee to discuss the issue regarding fixing of seniority of these teachers during their merger with the ETT teachers of the education department. The Chief Minister also asked the Committee to study the Rajasthan and Haryana models for merging the ETT teachers of Panchayat and Education department. He also directed the committee to ensure that the infra structure in the newly constituted Directorate for the schools run by the Panchayat Department must be upgraded and strengthened so as to effectively deliver the services to the stakeholders. Mr. Badal asked his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu to regularly update him about the proceedings conducted by the Committee. The Chief Minister, while taking strict view of the inordinate delay in implementing the decisions taken during the meetings, cautioned the officers that from now onwards strict action would be taken against them for any such lapse. He said that the delay in implementing the important decisions led to many complications, which needs to be avoided by the officers. Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra and Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Rural Development Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary Education Mrs. Anjali Bhanwra, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary Expenditure Mr. Jaspal Singh, Director General School Education Mr. Kumar Rahul and Director Rural Development and Panchayats Mr. S Karunaraju. -
CM ASKS PSPCLTO ESTABLISH A SUB-DIVISION AT TARN TARAN TO RESOLVE ALL THE POWER RELATED ISSUES IN THE AREA
CHANDIGARH JANUARY 09: A six-member delegation of Tarn Taran Farmers’ Association led by its President Mr. Satnam Singh Pannu called Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here today at Punjab Bhawan and urged him to resolve various issues related to the peasantry. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that while giving a patient hearing to various demands put forth by the association, Mr. Badal assured them that all their genuine demands under the preview of the state government would be addressed on priority as their government was fully committed for the welfare of farming community across the state. Mr. Badal asked the PSPCL Chief to establish a sub-division at Tarn Taran so that power related issues could be resolve swiftly at the local level without any unnecessary delay. He also assured the delegation that not even a single inch of land would be acquired without the prior consent of the land owner in the state. He also asked the district administration to immediately conduct the demarcation of the land purchased by Soma Company to inquire into the allegation of acquiring extra land of the farmer by the company. Responding to the issues pertaining to the implementation of hike in MSP of various crops based on Swaminathan Commission report, loses due to rapid price hike in diesel etc. which were not in the preview of the state government, Mr. Badal said that the state government would recommend all these issues to the GoI. He also mentioned that it would not be the first time when the state government would raise these issues with the Union government, he added that they had been taking up these issues time to time with the Centre but of no vain. He also mentioned that it was their government that had provided ownership rights of the land to its tillers by announcing the scheme four times in the past thereby benefitting many tillers. Regarding the protest rallies organized by various sections of the society in support of their demands, Mr. Badal said that SAD-BJP government had always upheld the ethos of democracy and different places have been earmarked in various districts for these types of rallies and protest so that no inconvenience was caused to the general public. Regarding Shagun scheme, Mr. Badal informed that at present the scheme had been regularized and advance payments were being disbursed to the district administration besides the backlog up to October, 2013 had also been cleared. He further mentioned that government was providing 30% subsidy to various village based agro-centers on the purchase of agricultural equipment to be used on custom hiring basis by the farmers. Prominent amongst who attended the meeting included the Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. NS Kang, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, DGP Mr. Sumedh Singh Saini, Secretary Power Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, besides other officers of the state administration and the office bearers of the association. - CM FOR BIO- REMEDIATION SYSTEM FOR VILLAGE PONDS REVIEWS THE PROGRESS OF ONGOING RS.15.05 CRORE BUDDHA NULLAH CLEANING PROJECT ASKS ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERT FROM JAPAN PROF. NAKAMURA TO WORK OUT SOME SYSTEM CHANDIGARH JANUARY 09: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the progress of ongoing Rs.15.05 crore Bio-Remedial project first of its kind in the Country for the cleaning of Buddha nullah at Ludhiana here at Punjab Bhawan. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that under this prestigious project, which was initiated with the concerted of the state government total five green bridges would be installed at various points on the buddha nullah. Presently two such bridges have been installed and the work of remaining three would be completed by the March end. An Environmental expert from Japan Prof. Masahisa Nakamura the Chairman ILEC Scientific Committee on Sustainability and Environmental issues was also present in the meeting. On the occasion, Mr. Badal asked Prof. Nakamura to suggest some low cost eco-friendly technology for the cleaning of village ponds. Responding positively Prof. Nakamura agreed to work out an effective system to redress the pond cleaning issue without using expensive organic compounds. He mentioned that he would soon come with some cost effective methodology to redress this grave issue across the state. Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka, Rural Development Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Local Government Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Secretary Expenditure Mr. Jaspal Singh, Secretary Science & Technology Mrs. Seema Jain, Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board Mr. Ravinder Singh, Prof. SP Gautam Ex Chairman CPCB and Member Secretary PPCB Dr. Babu Ram. ... - PUNJAB NOMINATES 21 NON OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF CHAMKAUR SAHIB GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL COMMITTEE Chandigarh, January 09: Punjab Government has nominated non-official members of District Redressal Grievances Committee of Sub-Division Chamkaur Sahib of District Roop Nagar. A notification has already been issued in this regard. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Redressal of Grievances department said that 23 non official have been nominated from recognized political parties and communities of Sub-Division Chamkaur Sahib of District Roop Nagar. He said that amongst the nominated non official members were Jugraj Singh from SAD (B); Roami Kumar Kakkar from BJP; Jaswant Singh Bawa from INC; Dr. Dharam Pal from BSP; Harkam Singh from Nationalist Congress Party; Comrade Kaka Ram from Punjab State Council CPI; Mehar Singh from Freedom Fighters; Rajinder Singh from Ex-servicemen; Dr. Budh Singh from BC; Bakshish Singh Kataria from SC; Mangat Ram from Youth; Gulzar Singh from Nambardar; Kamlesh Verma from Women Category; Ram Singh from Social Sector; Ramesh Garg from Business Category; Kulbir Singh and Amarjit Singh from Agriculture; Manjit Singh Kang from Industry; Karnail Singh a representative of MP S. Ravneet Singh Bittu; Samsher Singh a representative of MLA Mr. Charanjit Singh Channi; Bhag Singh from Valmiki Community; Randhir Singh from Mazbi Sikh and Amarjit Singh Sohi from BKU. - ADC (D) IN ALL DISTRICTS DESIGNATED AS NODAL OFFICERS FOR NRIs CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 9: The Punjab Government today appointed all Additional Deputy Commissioners (Development) as Nodal Officers to attend all issues and matters pertaining to Non Resident Indians relating to different departments in the state. Chief Secretary Punjab Mr. Rakesh Singh issued orders in this regard. - VIRAST-E-KHALSA TO BE CLOSED ON JANUARY 10 FOR GENERAL PUBLIC Chandigarh January 9:- Virsat-e-Khalsa, Sri Anandpur Sahib will remain closed on January 10, 2014 for general public due to hosting of Punjab NRI Samellan. This was disclosed by an official spokesman of the Punjab Government here today. - MAJOR REPRIEVE FOR UNEMPLOYED EGS/ AIE TEACHERS OF THE STATE CM OFFERS TWO YEARS OF GAINFUL CONTRACTUAL EMPLOYMENT TO THEM STATE GOVERNMENT TO PURSUE THEIR CASE OF EXEMPTING OF THEM FROM TET WITH UNION GOVERNMENT Chandigarh, January 8- In a major reprieve to the unemployed EGS/ AIE teachers of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today offered two years of gainful contractual employment to them in the Education department besides take up their case of exempting them from Teacher’s Eligibility Test (TET) with the Union government. Taking part in deliberations with the EGS/ AIE Action committee here today at Punjab Bhawan, the Chief Minister, while taking lenient view of hardships faced by these teachers, said that the state government was fully committed to solve problems faced by all the employees and unemployed persons. He offered that in order to provide economic assistance to the unemployed EGS/ AIE teachers, the state government would provide gainful employment to them for two years on contract basis in the Education department. However Mr. Badal made it clear that the employment would be given for a period of two years during which these unemployed EGS/ AIE teachers would have to appear for the TET so as to get regular service in the Education department. The Chief Minister further said that being a welfare state, the Punjab government was concerned about the future of these unemployed EGS/ AIE teachers due to which this measure was the need of the hour. Mr. Badal said that the formalities regarding the fixing of the salary of these teachers during this contractual service would be decided by a high level committee comprising Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Education and Financial Commissioner Rural Development after consultations with the representatives of unemployed EGS/ AIE teachers. Mr. Badal asked the Education department to complete all the necessary formalities within a month so that the unemployed EGS/ AIE teachers could be provided employment. On a demand of the teachers for exempting them from the TET test for providing regular employment in the Education department, Mr. Badal said that the state government would take up this matter with the Union government in coming days. He deputed the Principal Secretary Education Mrs. Anjali Bhanwra to hold the meeting the Secretary Education Government of India (GoI) for finding a viable solution to safeguard the interests of these teachers. The Chief Minister also asked representatives of the action committee to accompany Mrs. Bhanwra for pleading up their case more efficaciously. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of every section of the society, the Chief Minister impressed upon the agitating unemployed EGS/ AIE teachers of the state to call off their agitation in larger public interest. He said that the state government was fully sympathetic towards them and every step would be taken to bail them out from the crisis. Mr. Badal said that rather than creating inconvenience to the public and even to themselves through such stirs, the unemployed EGS/ AIE teachers should support the state government for solving their problems in accordance to the stipulated norms. Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Cabinet Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Education Mrs. Anjali Bhanwra, Financial Commissioner Rural Development Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary Social Security Mr. Jagpal Singh, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Director General School Education Mr. Kumar Rahul -
PUNJAB GETS HC NOD TO SETUP FIRST DEDICATED NRI COURT –MAJITHIA
NEW DELHI, JANUARY 8: The Punjab Government has received the approval of Punjab & Haryana High Court to setup a first ever Court in the state to deal exclusively with the matters relating with Non-Resident Indians to ensure speedy and hassle free disposal of their cases. This was disclosed by Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, NRI Affairs and Revenue Minister Punjab accompanied by Mr. S.S. Channi, Principal Secretary NRI Affairs, on the sidelines of 12th Parvasi Bhartiya Divas here today. He said that ensuing meeting of Cabinet would clear this proposal and this would fulfill the 50 year old demand of NRIs who had been seeking fast track court for their matters related to them. Expressing concern over increasing attacks on NRIs in other countries, Mr. Majithia said that it was imperative for Union External Affairs Ministry to take up this issue strongly with other countries. He said that we must send a strong message seeking expeditious punishment of guilty in such cases. Concerned over increasing attacks on Sikhs in other countries due to confusion of their identity, Mr. Majithia said that it was a serious issue that post 9/11 scenario, Sikhs were being attacked confusing their identity with Muslims and it Union External Affairs Ministry must launch a global sensitization campaign to educate the people on the identity of Sikhs. He regretted that despite repeated requests by the Punjab Government, Union government has not taken any positive step in this direction. Later Mr. Majithia along with Mr. Tim Uppal, Minister of State for Multi Culturism Canada, Mr. Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Member Parliament, New Zealand and Mr. Stewart G. Beck, Canadian High Commissioner inaugurated the Punjab’s exhibition stall and briefed them about the revolutionary steps taken by Punjab Government to facilitate the Punjabi Diaspora. He said that the state government has recently organized a Progressive Punjab Investors Summit at Mohali and got tremendous response from the bigwigs of the Indian Industry besides Multi National Companies as they were quite impressed with the world class infrastructure and business opportunities available in state. Mr. Majithia pointed out that path breaking decisions have been taken after thorough interaction with elected Punjabi representatives and media representatives across the globe during last year’s Non Resident Punjabi Summit. He informed them that the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has recently launched an interactive website www.nripunjab.gov.in to provide exhaustive information and linkages but also have complaint redressal mechanism. He said that a 24hrs helpline has also been launched, where NRIs can not only get information but also register their complaints. The complaints so registered are monitored and result informed to the applicant. He said that the Punjab government has established a dedicated new NRI Wing of the Punjab Police for the speedy disposal and friendly handling of complaints of NRIs. The NRI Wing of the Punjab Police was headed by an IGP rank officer who functions as the Central Nodal Authority to oversee a State network of dedicated 11 NRI Police stations, with 4 more coming up and more than 1000 police personnel directly reporting to the IGP. The NRI Affairs Minister informed them that for the property related problems of NRIs, amendments have been made in existing laws dealing with rural properties for fast track eviction of tenants. For urban properties, the Punjab Rent Act provides facilities to NRIs for getting vacated multiple properties. He said that the power to stamp/emboss the Power of attorney has been delegated to Deputy Commissioners and Commissioners so that NRIs don’t have to visit FCR office in Chandigarh. He also has an informal interaction with Mr. Mahendera Chaudhary, former Prime Minister of Fiji former Canadian Minister , Mr. Bal Gosal , Canadian Sport Minister, Mr. Herb Dhaliwal, former Premier of British Columbia Mr. Ujjal Dosanjh , Judge Ajit Swaran Singh from New Zealand and renowned US Hotelier Mr Sant Singh Chhatwal and invited them for Non Resident Punjabi Sammelan to be held on 10 and 11 January at Sri Anandpur Sahib and Jalandhar. -------------- INTER-SCHOOLS PRIMARY SPORTS MEET IN FEBRUARY- MALUKA CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 8:
Education Minister also disbursed sports funds amounting to Rs. 75.20 Lac to Seven Senior Secondary Schools of Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar and Sangrur for the development of Sports in the Schools. Minister further said that Punjab government has decided to grant additional marks to those schools students achieving first three positions in State, National, Inter-National Level Schools games. Such students would get 15 marks for their State Level School games achievements and 25 marks for their National as well as International achievements. Minister further said that Govt. was committed to provide all out facilities to promote sports and encourage the students to take part in games from Primary level so that budding talent could be nourished properly. He said that Sports would be included as Compulsory subject in government schools of Punjab.
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KOHAR DIRECTS OFFICERS TO ENSURE REFLECTORS ON VEHICLES APPEALS THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO OBEY THE TRAFFIC RULES Chandigarh, January 8: Punjab Transport Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar today directed the officers of the department to get reflectors fixed on all those vehicles which had no light in front and rear side in continuation to the Punjab Government’s efforts to reduce road accidents in the state, Expressing concern over the rise of fatal road accidents, especially due to foggy season, Mr. Kohar said here today that it was unfortunate that thousands of persons lose their lives every year due to road accidents. He said that the government was taking adequate steps to streamline the road safety measures. Priority of the government was to educate the people and generate a mass movement regarding road safety rules in the state so that road accidents could be reduced, said Mr. Kohar. Stressing an urgent need for reducing the road accidents, Mr. Kohar directed to all District Transport Officers (DTOs) and other authorities concerned to ensure use of reflectors on all the vehicles much before the ensuing foggy winters. He said that vehicle lacking the reflectors like tractor-trolley, bullock-cart, rickshaw; bicycles were mainly responsible for accidents. He also appealed to general public to obey the traffic rules and use reflectors to minimize such accidents. -
CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 8: The Punjab Government today notified the constitution of Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the chairmanship of Mr. M.S. Bali, IPS (Retd) and with Mr. Suresh Arora, IPS, DGP-cum-Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab as member to further probe into the matter of alleged PPSC scam regarding recruitment of doctors. Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of Vigilance Bureau (VB) said that the SIT has been constituted as per the directions of Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court. He said that the SIT is empowered to enquire into the matter within a period of 4 months. All the departments have been issued directions to render assistance to the SIT to complete the task expeditiously. The Spokesperson further said that the SIT would furnish the report to the Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court from time to time after the completion of preliminary enquiry. He said that an operational team as required, would be at the disposal of SIT, He said that this operational team would be consisted of 1 Inspector General of Police (IGP), 4 Superintendent of Police (SPs), 3 Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSPs), 5 Inspectors, 4 Sub Inspectors, 5 Assistant Sub Inspectors (ASIs), 5 Head Constables and 20 Constables. He said that other infrastructure and logistics support including; vehicles with drivers, ministerial staff, office equipment and residence accommodation would also be provided to the SIT. He further said that this operation team would consist of serving/retired officers/rank from the CBI, Chandigarh Police, the Central Police Organizations and Punjab Vigilance Bureau. The Spokesperson said that headquarter of the SIT would be Patiala. He said that to ensure the speedy completion of preliminary enquiry, Mr. Suresh Arora, IPS, DGP, Vigilance Bureau and Member of the SIT, has been authorized to issue necessary orders regarding empanelment/cooption/ attachment/deputation of officers and vehicles to the SIT. - PUNJAB TO CELEBRATE BIRTH CENTENARY OF ACHARYA SRI TULSI JI IN FEBRUARY Chandigarh, January 7:- The Punjab Government will celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Jain Acharya Sri Tulsi Ji the ninth head of Swetamber Terapanth order in the month of February 2014. A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting with Muni Vinay Kumar Alok, who called on Mr. Badal at Chief Minister’s residence this afternoon along with Muni Abhay Kumar. Mr. Badal assured Muni Vinay Kumar that to perpetuate the legacy of the great social reformer Acharya Sri Tulsi ji Maharaj, who had dedicated his entire life for the welfare of the society, a state level function would be organized on February19 at Chandigarh. Mr. Badal also directed his Principal Secretary to make necessary arrangements in consultation with the representatives of Jain community deputed by Muni Vinay ji for the purpose.
MOHALI, JANUARY 7: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said wild allegations made by a notorious drug lord recently were part of a diversionary move scripted by Pradesh Congress president Partap Bajwa to take the mind of the people away from the ongoing ‘spree of resignations tendered by senior Congress leaders’ threatening his leadership. Answering a media query regarding Bhola’s allegations after dedicating Punjab Olympic Bhawan at Mohali, Mr. Badal said “Eradication of drugs is our top priority as we are committed to end this menace in the State. He also asked if any criminal levelled hypothical charges without any substantial evidence against investigation agencies and influential politicians after arrest, could it be construed as authentic. Mr. Badal also questioned that if any criminal or mentally imbalanced person accused Mr. Rahul Gandhi or Mrs. Sonia Gandhi of being involved in criminal activities, will Punjab Congress demand a probe from CBI or any other central agency into the allegations?" EOM --- SUKHBIR BADAL ANNOUNCES 100 ‘A’ CATEGORY JOBS YEARLY FOR INTERNATIONAL MEDAL WINNERS · Rs. 100 CRORE PUNJAB INSTITUTE OF SPORTS TO HAVE TWO SUB-CENTERS AT JALANDHAR AND BATHINDA · EVERY DISTRICT WOULD HAVE WORLD CLASS SPORTS SCHOOL IN NEXT THREE YEARS · DEDICATES PUNJAB OLYMPIC BHAWAN TO SPORTS FRATERNITY AND PEOPLE OF PUNJAB AT MOHALI
SAS NAGAR (MOHALI) JANUARY 7: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that State Government would provide 100 jobs annually to those sportspersons, who would bring laurels for the state and nation during international sports events. Besides scientific training, expert and professional coaching including software and hardware for the players would also be provided so that Punjab could regain its glory once achieved in Sports. Dedicating first-of-its-own kind in the country Punjab Olympic Bhawan to sports fraternity of the state here, Mr. Badal accompanied by Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, President Punjab Olympic Association, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister and Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister said these yearly jobs would be apart from 3 percent reserved quota for sportspersons in the state. Mr. Badal said the players achieving excellence at International level by bringing laurels for nation the players would be awarded with Category ‘A’ posts. He said state has finalized its unique sports plan to impart world class training and sports techniques to the players under which Mohali would get Rs. 100 crore Punjab Institute of Sports on the pattern of National Institute of Sports. He added this Sports Excellence Center would have two sub-centers at Jalandhar and Bathinda, where best possible modern techniques would be provided in the coming two years. He said all types of sports infrastructure, scientific instruments software and hardware sports requirements would also be available for sportspersons of all games. Mr. Badal, who is also sports minister of Punjab, informed that state had already been running successfully a Sports School at Ghudda in Muktsar where all training facilities in major games have been provided to the budding players. Reiterating his resolve to take Sports at new high, Mr. Badal also announced to setup state-of-the-art Sports School in every district of Punjab with an aim to develop sports culture amongst students from their childhood. Adding further he said under its “Sports Mission” Punjab would have sports school in every district within three years and there would be an unprecedented transformation in the field of sports. Mr. Badal also informed the gathering that Punjab would emphasise on traditional and individual games and events since it has immense potential and sports talent in the games of wrestling, archery, boxing, shooting, cycling, swimming and athletics. The Deputy CM further added that to provide incentives to the players Punjab has enhanced its Sports Budget to Rs. 142 crore in 2013-14. He pointed out that Rs. 200 crores have been spent on creation of world class sports infrastructure with construction/renovation/up-gradation of 13 international level sports stadiums besides 6 Hockey Stadiums with provisioning of modern Astroturfs. Mr. Badal also ridiculed the Sports Budget of Union Government, which was a too meager to provide incentives to Sportspersons in country whereas Punjab has taken lead by setting aside a record budget for games to improve the tallies of medals in Asian, Commonwealth and Olympics. Earlier Mr. Dhindsa thanked Punjab Government especially Punjab CM Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy CM for allotting a chunk of land for Punjab Olympic Bhawan. He also demanded to provide Sports Infrastructure for this bhawan besides facilitating expert and professional coaches for sports wings. Mr. Kanwarjit Singh Sidhu (Raja Sidhu) also informed the Deputy CM that despite launching of Olympic Movement in the state since 1924, the Punjab has got such a complex after nine decades. He informed that photographs and busts of Olympians would be center of attraction in the ‘Hall of Fame’ of Olympic Bhawan. Mr. Balbir Singh (Senior), who won Gold medals in Olympics 1948-52 and 1956 also spoke on the occasion. Meanwhile, Deputy CM assuring all possible cooperation and financial assistance from Punjab Government said the Punjab Olympic Association (POA) to come with a detailed estimate and proposal and it would be done. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion Mr. Brahm Mahindra, vice president POA, Olympians Mr. Abhinav Bindra, Mr. Pargat Singh, MLA Mr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Mr. S.S. Channi, Principal Secretary along with Arjuna Awardees and Dronacharayas Awardees. - Bikram Majithia ready for impartial probe into allegations made by Punjab Congress Chandigarh, January 7 – Punjab Revenue and Public Relations minister Bikram Majithia today said he was open to any impartial probe and even ready to be hanged if he had done any wrong but would not be deterred from his duties by the black mailing tactics of the Punjab Congress. Explaining the background behind the allegations levelled by the Punjab Congress, the Revenue minister said he was paying a price for exposing the land scams committed by senior Congress leaders including Pradesh Congress President Partap Singh Bajwa. The senior akali leader said “My conscience is clear; I have done no wrong. My only fault is that I have consistently taken the Punjab Congress head on.It is because of this that I am constantly targeted by the State Congress”. Speaking about the role of the Punjab Congress leaders, the akali leader said the former seemed to be siding with criminals and drug smugglers against the police. “This amounts to trying to sabotage the State government’s war against drugs”, he added. EOM ----------- Inter-Schools Primary Sports Meet in February- Maluka CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 7:
Education Minister also disbursed sports funds amounting to Rs. 75.20 Lac to Seven Senior Secondary Schools of Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar and Sangrur for the development of Sports in the Schools. Minister further said that Punjab government has decided to grant additional marks to those schools students achieving first three positions in State, National, Inter-National Level Schools games. Such students would get 15 marks for their State Level School games achievements and 25 marks for their National as well as International achievements. Minister further said that Govt. was committed to provide all out facilities to promote sports and encourage the students to take part in games from Primary level so that budding talent could be nourished properly. He said that Sports would be included as Compulsory subject in government schools of Punjab. - AAP IMITATING SAD’S AGENDA LOKPAL IS NOT SUFFICIENT TO ERADICATE CORRUPTION, NEED TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 6: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said after the formation of NDA Government the country would witness historic Administrative Reforms as Punjab had shown the way to ensure efficient delivery system by transforming the system. Interacting with media persons here today, Mr. Badal accompanied by Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Public Relations Minister, asserted that the Lokpal was not a solution to check corruption rather the prevailing complicated official mechanism need to be overhauled according to the fast changing scenario. He said he was not opposed to the constitution of Lokpal but was a strong votary of out of box administrative reforms to minimize the interaction between common masses and government offices. He said these changes which would reduce citizen interface with the government was the only way to eradicate corruption. Replying a query regarding the agenda of Aam Aadmi Party, Mr. Badal said AAP was imitating the style of functioning of Shiromani Akali Dal and was yet take even 10 percent of the initiatives implemented by the SAD. Giving the example of Sangat Darshans of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Mr. Badal said that the initiatives taken by AAP now were the 50 years old and tested style of functioning of Punjab CM. He informed that SAD would announce the names of its candidates for the general elections after the announcement of Lok Sabha polls. Taking a dig at the ongoing infighting over announcement of office bearers in Punjab Congress, Mr. Badal said that Punjab Congress was in total disarray and heading for disastrous performance in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. He said part of the infighting could be due to corruption in doling out party offices. Mr Badal said the the way the Congress led UPA Government had ruined the country, Mr. Narendra Modi was a last hope for bringing back the derailed economy on track and providing an efficient and decisive regime to the country. He said that Mr. Modi has already proved his mettle in Gujarat by taking his state to higher orbit of overall development. --------------- PUNJAB ALL SET FOR NRI SAMMELAN ONJANUARY 10-11 · SUKHBIR BADAL LAUNCHES WEB PORTAL FOR NRIS · PUNJAB TO SETUP SEPARATE CIVIL SETUP TO ADDRESS THE GREIVANCES OF NRIS LIKE SEPARATE POLICE WINGS · 3 UNION MINISTERS, 15 MPs, 7 MLAs, MAYORS AND 32 SCRIBES BESIDES 11 CHIEFS OF GURDWARA COMMITTEES TO ATTEND CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 6: Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today launched a single click solution web portal dedicated to the Punjabi diaspora on the eve of NRI Sammelan-2014 which will be held on January 10 and 11 at Sri Anandpur Sahib and Jalandhar. Launching www.nripunjab.gov.in web portal, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal accompanied by Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, NRIs Affairs Minister informed that on January 10 there would be an interactive session at Virasat-E-Khalsa complex, where elected representatives from all six continents would participate to give suggestions and feedback on the policies and programs of the Punjab Government. He informed that 3 Union Ministers of Punjab origin from Canadian Government would take part in the NRI Sammelan besides 15 MPs , 7 MLAs, Mayors, 32 Journalists and 11 chiefs of Gurdwara committees. He said an open session would be held at Bath Castle Jalandhar on January 11, where NRIs from various continents would deliberate on NRI issues. The Deputy CM said the NRI Sammelan this year would witness three times more participation than last year. He also lauded the quality of participation of the Sammelan which he said was better than that of the centre's Pravasi Bhartiya Sammelan. He gave credit for the same to the "young and dynamic NRI minister Bikram Majithia". Disclosing that the Punjab government was contemplating to establish a dedicated and separate civil setup for the facilitation of civil matters pertaining to NRIs, Mr. Badal said they had initiated the proceedings in this regard and Punjab would soon have a Special Fast Track Court for the cases of NRIs and civil setup with civil powers to the authority concerned. He said separation of NRI Police wing from main stream brought good results with the increase in cases which were 1200 in 2012 and 3000 in 2013 out of which 2100 complaints had been sorted out. He said in future there would be a complete separate system for civil matters, for which agenda would be brought in the next cabinet meeting. Mr. Badal also informed that the holders of NRP card, introduced by Punjab Government last year, would be entitled for a life insurance of Rs. 5 lakh and this card would also entitle its holder to use of airport lounges. He said NRIs can also apply for NRP on web portal Giving details about NRI Web Portal, Mr. Badal said this would prove a boon for NRIs as it would have all the required and needful information with instant action on their plaints, which would be registered online by NRIs. He said that the portal also contained a photo gallery along with all needed information on Punjab. Mr Badal also motivated the NRIs to participate in development of their villages. He said the Punjab government had introduced a Mera Pind Mera scheme under which NRIs would have to give only 25 percent of total matching grant. He said that a 24X7 call center has also been established for NRIs 0172-672301. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, all Cabinet Ministers, Mr. Mahesinder Singh Grewal, Political Advisor to CM, Mr. Tota Singh, former Ministers, Bibi Jagir Kaur, former Minister, Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, Former Union Minister, Mr. Mantar Singh Brar, CPS, Mr. Pargat Singh, Mr. Gurpartap Singh Wadala, both MLAs, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. Navreet Singh Kang, Mr. S.S. Channi, Principal Secretary NRI Affairs and Mr. D.S. Bains, Principal Secretary Home.
---------- PUNJAB TO HOST NATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL -SUKHBIR BADAL Chandigarh, January 6 The Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that Punjab would host the 18th National Youth Festival from January 12 to 16 at the campus of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Today addressing the media person's here, Mr. Badal said that more than 5000 participants from all states and union territories would take part in 18 competitive events. The Opening Ceremony would be held at PAU, Ludhiana on 12th January where Governor of Punjab would grace the occasion. The Closing Ceremony would be held on 16th January at Open Air Theatre, PAU, Ludhiana where he himself would preside over the event. Mr. Badal has also informed that state government has earmarked Rs.4 crore for the event as it would provide a rare opportunity of cultural exchange and interaction of youth activities. Earlier Punjab had organized 14th national youth festival with a great success in the year 2009. He also added that more than 2000 young artists would also exhibit their folk arts including competitive events like folk dance, classical dance, one act play and musical instruments. Besides this conference, seminars and debates on various current topics would also be the held. The Department of the youth services, Punjab would organize the event with the collaboration of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. ------------- PUNJAB GOVERNMENT INKS MoU WITH PGIMER · AGREEMENT TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN SUPER SPECIALTY OF CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY
CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 6: The Government of Punjab, Department of Medical Education and Research and the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) Chandigarh signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to develop further and strengthen the super specialty of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Government Medical College, Amritsar. The MoU has been signed by Mrs. Vinni Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Medical Education and Research and Dr. Yogesh Chawla, Director, PGI, Chandigarh on behalf of the Government of Punjab and the Institute respectively in the presence of Mr. Anil Joshi, Minister of Medical Education and Research, Punjab and Dr K.K.Talwar, Advisor to Government of Punjab, Health and Medical Education. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Government Medical College, Amritsar, though fully equipped with space and infrastructure, is short of qualified surgeons, anesthetists and perfusionists. The PGIMER Chandigarh, which is a leading international Institute, is fully equipped and performs all types of open heart surgeries. It has enough expert manpower to contribute and help develop and start the facility of open heart surgery at the Government Medical College, Amritsar. It has been agreed that the expert team from the PGIMER, Chandigarh will visit the Government Medical College, Amritsar, periodically to help and guide to strengthen the infrastructure, equipment and arrangements to rectify any shortcomings and help start conducting open heart surgeries there so that the people of Punjab from that region may get the benefit of the service of this super specialty there itself. This arrangement is likely to go a long way in reducing the burden and the waiting list at the premier institute at Chandigarh. Prominent among others who were present on the occasion included Dr Tejbir Singh, Director, Research and Medical Education, Punjab, Dr Karnail Singh, Principal, Government Medical College, Amritsar, senior faculty from the PGIMER Prof T.Shyam K.Singh, HOD, CTVS, Prof S.S.Rana, Professor of CTVS and Prof G.D.Puri, Professor of Cardiac Anaesthesia and Prof Kuldip Singh Sidhu.
VIGILANCE BUREAU NABS 4 CORRUPT OFFICERS RED HANDED IN DECEMBER
CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 6: During the December month in the previous year, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab (VB) nabbed 4 corrupt officers red handed, while accepting bribe. On the other hand, various courts sentenced 5 corrupt officers in the cases filed by the VB. Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the VB said that Harjinder Singh A/LM, Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. Dhandhowal, District Jalandhar, Bhajan Lal Kumar, PAS-1 Divisional Soil Conservator Officer Patiala, Balwinder Kumar, Patwari Revenue, Chalelan, Distict Patiala, Harmesh Lal, Kanoongo, Circle Chamiari and Parmjit Singh, Patwari Revenue, Vichhoya have been apprehended by the Vigilance Bureau red handed, while accepting bribe. He said that during December 2013, five new vigilance inquires have been initiated, whereas one criminal case has also been lodged. He said that the various courts sentenced five corrupt officers in the cases filed by the Vigilance Bureau. The bureau has also filed 18 challans in different cases in the courts. - Maluka Greets people on the eve of Birthday of Sri Guru GobinD Singh Ji Chandigarh, January 6: Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education & Language Minister Punjab extended his warm greetings to the Punjabis on the Birthday of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji- the tenth Guru of the Sikhs and exhorted them to follow the noble teachings and precious legacy of great saint soldier. He appealed the people to celebrate the birth day of Guru Ji collectively. ----------- SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL & MAJITHIA GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF PARKASH UTSAV OF SRI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 6: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today greeted all the Punjabis living in India and abroad on the eve of Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji- the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. In a message, they said that by creating Khalsa Panth in 1699, the great Guru gave the Sikhs, a separate identity. Guru Gobind Singh Ji infused the spirit of both sainthood and soldier in the minds and hearts of his followers to fight oppression in order to restore justice, peace, righteousness (Dharma) and to uplift the down-trodden people in this world, they added. They exhorted the people to follow the teachings of compassion, oneness of mankind and universal brotherhood as preached and practiced by the Great Guru. They appealed the people to celebrate this sacred occasion collectively besides renewing their resolve to carve a casteless and harmonious society as preached by Guru Ji. -------------------------------------------------------------- PUNJAB CM FELICITATES PEOPLE ON 348th ‘PARKASH PURB’ OF SRI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI
CHANDIGARH JANUARY 06: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the Punjabis living in India and across the globe, on the 348th ‘Parkash Purb’ of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji and exhorted them to follow the noble teachings and rich legacy of the great “Saint Soldier”. In a message on the auspicious ‘Parkash Purb’ of the tenth Guru of the Sikhs and the founder of the ‘Khalsa Panth’, the Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji preached and practiced the ethos of love, oneness of mankind and universal brotherhood throughout his life. Mr. Badal said that the creation of the Khalsa by great Guru in 1699 had a universal relevance by which he raised a unifying force in the world ever ready to make self sacrifice for achieving the goals of justice, equality, social good and protection of human rights. The Chief Minister called upon the people to collectively strive hard for carving out an ideal and egalitarian society by treading on the path shown by Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji and celebrate this sacred occasion rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour and creed. PM DECIDED TO ‘HANG UP HIS BOOT’ IN WAKE OF INEVITABLE DEFEAT IN ENSUING LOK SABHA POLLS - CM NEVER SEEN ANY PM CALLING OFF HIS DAY IN SUCH MANNER UPA GOVERNMENT WOULD BE REMEMBERED AS ONE CONTROLLED BY STRINGS DAYS OF DISCRIMINATION WITH PUNJAB TO END AFTER MODI’S ELEVATION AS PM AAP COULD NOT EVEN THINK WHAT SAD HAS DONE FOR WELFARE OF PEOPLE CONGRESS TO BECOME A PART OF HISTORY AFTER GENERAL ELECTIONS Bathinda, January 5- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that anticipating the inevitable defeat of Congress party in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has preferred to ‘hang up his boots’ in advance. Addressing the gathering during Sangat Darshan program of Bathinda city here today, the Chief Minister, accompanied by Lok Sabha MP from Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, said that though he held the Prime Minister in high esteem but it was on record that the UPA government led by him has failed miserably on all the fronts. He said that in his entire political career he had never seen any Prime Minister calling off his day in such a manner adding that by doing so Dr. Manmohan Singh has accepted the defeat of his party. Mr. Badal said that it was on record that the Congress has nothing to count for facing the electorate the country. The Chief Minister said that sensing well that their defeat was on cards, the UPA government has ceased to function and was rather taking irrational decisions to further accentuate the woes of common man. He said that this government would go down in the annals of the history as the one which was controlled by ‘strings’ by those extra constitutional authorities, who hardly had any experience of running the administration. He said that a decade long ‘misrule’ of the UPA government has further aggrieved the situation for common man as during these ten years inflation, corruption, poverty and other social maladies have crossed all limits. Making a scathing attack on the Congress party, the Chief Minister said that in void of a capable person to lead the party, the Congressmen were pinning hope on their Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi by projecting him as their Prime Ministerial candidate. However he said that Mr. Gandhi, who was not having any experience of running the government, would be totally rejected by the wise electorate of the country. Equating the Nehru-Gandhi scion with a novice driver, Mr. Badal said that the bus driven by such an inexperienced person was bound to tumble. “Therefore the countrymen will not even think of electing such an immature person to the coveted post of Prime Minister of nation” he added. The Chief Minister further said that the ensuing General elections would mark an end to the step motherly treatment meted out with the state by the UPA government as the wise voters of the country would form the NDA government at centre, with senior BJP leader Mr. Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister. He said that Punjab would witness an era of unprecedented development after Mr. Modi assumes office as Prime Minister of the country. Mr. Badal impressed upon the people to carefully exercise their franchise in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls as their decision would either make or mar the future of the state. Terming Sangat Darshan as a flagship program of the SAD-BJP alliance government, the Chief Minister further said that Sangat Darshan was an integral part of the state’s governance as it enabled the government to redress the problems of the people besides judging the performance of the officials/ officers. He said that the Sangat Darshan virtually brought the government at the door steps of the people thereby bridging the gap between the executive and the people. Mr. Badal said that due to the huge success of this program, it was being emulated by other parties. Later on interacting with the media persons on the side lines of Sangat Darshan, the Chief Minister said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) could not even think of what the Shiromani Akali Dal has done for the welfare of the people. He said that besides initiating a number of pro-poor welfare schemes, the SAD-BJP alliance government had given free power to the farmers of the state by itself incurring an additional burden of Rs 6000 crore. Mr. Badal said that not only this but due to the concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab has today become the only state of the country to become power surplus besides leading the nation in almost every field. When asked to comment on the internal bickering in the Congress after the constitution of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), the Chief Minister said that it was an internal matter of the Congress. However he said that after the coming Lok Sabha polls, the name of Congress party would figure only in the books of history as it would be completely wiped off from the country. Mr. Badal said that the countrymen were eagerly waiting for the general elections to teach the Congress party and its leaders a befitting lesson. Answering another query, the Chief Minister said that the matter pertaining to the PIIMS would be solved within a week. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Sarup Chand Singla, Assistant Media Advisor of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Harjinder Sidhu, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Director Local Government Mr. Priyank Bharti and Deputy Commissioner Mr. KK Yadav. X x
BADAL GIVES GO AHEAD FOR IN-SITU MANAGEMENT OF PADDY STRAW · LAYS THRUST TO DEVELOP MECHANISM FOR REINCORPORATION OF PADDY
· BATS FOR ENHANCING THE AMBIT OF AGRICULTURE SERVICE CENTERS
· INVITES FARMERS TO ATTEND AGRICULTURE SUMMIT AT MOHALI · FAVOURS LIVE TELECASTS OF SUCH CONFERENCES FOR WIDE PUBLICITY CHANDIGARH JANUARY 04: Endorsing the majority consensus emerged after the detailed deliberations with progressive farmers and Agriculture experts from across the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave a go ahead to fine tune the policy for ‘Management & Utilization of Paddy Straw’ with a thrust on a multi-pronged integrated approach backed by full support for providing necessary farm machinery to farmers on subsidy to promote the concept of in-situ management of paddy straw. Concluding the two-day ‘Stakeholders’ Consultative Conference on Management and Utilization of Paddy Straw’ jointly organized by the Departments of Science & Technology and Agriculture, the Chief Minister said that the concept of re-incorporation of paddy straw would enormously help the farmers to retain the fertility of soil besides ensuring a environment-friendly solution for efficient disposal of paddy residue which otherwise was posing a major threat to the ecology of the state. He said this farmer friendly approach would relieve them of the problem of paddy burning thereby enabling them to sow the next crop without any hardships. Mr. Badal revealed that according to the Agriculture experts and Soil Scientists, the in-situ mechanism of paddy straw would result in 25% reduction in the fertilizers consumption thereby accruing a profit of nearly 400 crore annually to the state farmers. Conceding the demand of farmers, the Chief Minister agreed to convene a meeting of combined harvesters manufactures to ensure the installation of Straw Management System (SMS) on the harvesters to facilitate the farmers for making use of happy seeder for sowing wheat without any glitches as the SMS would beneficial in uniform dispersal of paddy straw in the fields. He also directed the Financial Commissioner Development (FCD) to take up the issue of getting modification done as per the requirements of the local farmers in the farm equipments such as Paddy Straw Reapers, Mulchers, Choppers and Shredders to promote the technique of in-situ management of paddy straw in a result-oriented manner. He also asked the Dean Research of GADVASU to suggest ways and means of making optimum use of paddy straw as fodder for the cattle as it was not only enriched with several vitamins and nutrients needed for enhancing the milk production but also for improving the health of animals in general. The Chief Minister asked the agriculture department to launch a vigorous publicity campaign to familiarize the farmers with the various ongoing schemes/projects especially related to subsidy on agriculture machinery, drip & sprinkle irrigation besides solar power tubewells so that majority of farmers could be benefitted from these farmer-oriented schemes. Likewise, he also emphasized the need to live telecast of such conferences so that several farmers could update their knowledge by sitting at homes with the experiences and expertise of various progressive farmers and agriculture scientists. He also asked the FCD to examine the demand for giving subsidy on the cane crusher for jaggery (gur) making on the prevalent norms of subsidy extended on other agriculture equipments. Mr. Badal also asked the Chairman Punjab State Farmer’s Commission to broad base the ambit of agriculture service centers by purchasing heavy agriculture machinery including several 60 and above HP tractors, mulchers, balers, combined harvesters fitted with SMS to enable the majority of farmers to avail these agro services. He also asked the FCD to look into the proposal for extending easy credit facility especially for the youth who were interested in purchasing agro machinery/farm equipment for custom hiring. Mr. Badal also directed the Punjab State Farmers’ Commission to grant subsidy to all the applicants for the purchase of farm implements especially happy seeders, paddy straw reapers and rotavators. The Chief Minister also directed the agriculture department to get installed small maize dryers across the state so that small and marginal farmers could be immensely benefitted. The Chief Minister called upon the farmers to attend the five-days agriculture summit to be organized at Mohali on 16-19 February where all the stakeholders associated with agriculture right from farmers to agriculture experts, scientists, economists, policy makers and agro industrialists would deliberate on the new emerging technologies and strategies in the farm sector. He said that it would be a healthy platform for the Punjabi farmers to share their experiences, success stories and problems in the current agriculture scenario. Later, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. GS Babehali presented a cheque of Rs.26,64,272 towards Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included former Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. NK Sharma, Chairman Punjab State Farmers Commission Dr. GS Kalkat, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary Science & Technology Mrs. Seema Jain, Commissioner Agriculture Dr. BS Sidhu, Director Agriculture Dr. Mangal Singh Sandhu, Chairman Punjab State Pollution Board Mr.Ravinder Singh, and Director Horticulture Dr. Lajwinder Singh Brar. ... - THE GOVERNING BODY OF PIMS REVIEWS THE PRESENT SITUATION AND EXPRESSES CONCERN TAKES NOTE OF THE ASSURANCE GIVEN THE PIMS MEDICAL AND CHARITABLE SOCIETY TO RESOLVE ALL OUTSTANDING ISSUES SOON CHANDIGARH JANUARY 4:- An emergency meeting of the Governing Body of Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, held here today at CM's residence. Disclosing this here a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that the Governing Body of PIMS expressed serious concern over the recent developments including the non-payment of salaries to faculty members and other staff, besides the severe inconvenience caused to patients and the disruption of classes for the medical students. The Governing Body of PIMS was of the unanimous view that urgent remedial measures are required to be taken in the matter. The Governing Body of PIMS also took note of the letter dated 3rdJanuary,2014 from the PIMS Medical and Education Charitable Society explaining the organizational changes the Society has made to strengthen its functioning and management. The said letter further stated that the process of salary disbursement to all categories of employees would be completed on 7thJanuary, 2014 and College & Hospital would start functioning normally again immediately thereafter. The Governing Body of PIMS in the interest of the Students, Faculty members, staff and the overall development of the Institute took note of the assurance given the PIMS Medical and Charitable Society to resolve all outstanding issues and unanimously decided to re-convene the Governing Body meeting on 10th January, 2014. Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Medical Education and Research and Local Government Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Advocate General Mr. Ashok Aggarwal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. S.K.Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Principal Secretary Medical Education & Research Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Secretary Expenditure Mr.Jaspal Singh, Prof.(Dr.) K.S.Chugh, Prof.(Dr.) S.B.S.Mann, Dr.S.P.S.Grewal, Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar, Mr. Varun Roojam, Director Medical Education Dr.Tejbir Singh, Principal Medical College Amritsar Dr. Karnail Singh and Director PIMS Dr. Vimal Sikri. ------ MAJITHIA AND MALUKA ATTENDS CREMATION OF SHARAN JAGDISH SINGH ITTEN · LAYS WREATH ON BEHALF OF STATE GOVERNMENT Chandigarh, January 4: Mortal remains of renowned glass technologist Sharan Jagdish Singh Itten were consigned to flames at cremation grounds Sector 25 Chandigarh today amidst thousands of mourners and sympathizers who reached here to pay homage to the departed soul. Mr. Itten was father-in-law of Mr. Jangveer Singh, Media Advisor to Deputy CM Punjab who have passed away yesterday after a brief illness. Mr Itten is survived by daughter Gurvinder Kaur. The Revenue, Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia and Education Minister Mr Sikandar Singh Maluka laid wreaths on the behalf of Punjab Government during Mr Itten's last rites and also shared heartfelt sympathies and condolences with Mr Jangveer Singh. They also prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of grief. Bhog and Antim Ardas to pray for the eternal peace of the soul will be held on January 12 from 12 PM to 01 PM at Gurdwara Sahib Sector 34 Chandigarh. Mr Itten, who worked with several multinationals, was known as a glass technologist of international stature. He had set up several glass plants on turnkey basis for various Indian companies. He also worked on honorary basis for several organisations including UNIDO. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema MLA, Mr Suresh Arora Chief Director Vigilance Bureau, Mr Dinkar Gupta ADGP Intelligence, Mr Munish Tiwari Editor Daily Post, Mr Ashwani Kumar Director Information and Public Relations besides several media persons, officers, prominent personalities from social and religious organisations. ------------------ CM RELEASES DIARY AND CALENDAR - 2014
CHANDIGARH JANUARY 4: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal released the diary and calendar of the Punjab Government for the year 2014 at Punjab Bhawan . Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the layout design of the calendar and diary had been conceptualized and prepared by the Information & Public Relations Department and printed by the Controller Printing & Stationery Punjab. On the occasion, Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babehali accompanied the Chief Minister. Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Director Information & Public Relations Mr. Ashwani Kumar Sharma and Additional Secretary Information & Public Relations Mr. Gurwaryam Singh.
PUNJAB TRAVEL AGENTS ASSOCIATION & ACOS REPRESENTATIVES CALL ON MAJITHIA, ASSURE TO COOPERATE IN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF ACT DESCRIBES THE ACT THE NEED OF HOUR TO CHECK UNSCRUPULOUS ELEMENTS CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 3: The representatives of Punjab Travel Agents Association (PTAA) and Association of Consultants for Overseas Studies (ACOS) today called on Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia to make a detailed representation along with suggestions regarding the registration of Travel Agents, Immigration Agents and Overseas Studies Consultants under Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act 2012. Presiding over the meeting, Mr. Majithia pointed out that the Act was aimed to identify the unscrupulous elements, who were fleecing the innocent people under the garb of travel agents by issuing fake advertisements in media. He said that the Government after thorough consultations at various levels has enacted this act to regulate this industry so that the genuine persons shouldn’t suffer. He said that after registration the persons and companies having registration number could operate in the state. He said that the State government was always open to address issues of industry pertaining to this act to make it more effective as well as to simplify the registration process. He said that this Act could only be implemented in true letter and spirit with cooperation from the industry and he was fully satisfied with the response of the industry. During the meeting the representatives of PTAA and ACOS while welcoming the licensing regime introduced by the state government and described it as need of the hour to regulate the profession of providing Visa related consultancy and other travel and ticketing services. They raised the issues of power for search and seizure, complaints disposal system, submission of monthly reports, simplification of the process of license application, reduction of licensing fee, mandatory license for any company or individual soliciting business from Punjab besides an awareness campaign for both the industry as well as the individuals. Appreciating the representatives’ assurance for full cooperation to make this Act more effective, Mr. Majithia informed them that their suggestions would be discussed with Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy CM Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal so that all the issues raised by them should be sorted out with mutual understanding. He said that the state government would soon launch an awareness campaign at state level to create awareness amongst common masses and would also launch an advertisement campaign regarding the genuine stakeholders in this industry. Earlier Mr. D.S. Bains, Principal Secretary Home briefed about the Act and allayed the apprehensions of industry regarding the act. -------- MEDIA ADVISOR TO DEPUTY CM BEREAVED FATHER–IN-LAW PASSES AWAY · CM, DEPUTY CM AND PUBLIC RELATIONS MINISTER CONDOLE THE DEMISE OF ITTEN CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 3: The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia mourned the demise of renowned glass technologist Sharan Jagdish Singh Itten (80), father-in-law of Mr. Jangveer Singh, Media advisor to Deputy CM. Mr. Itten today passed away after a brief illness. Mr Itten, who worked with several multinationals, was known as a glass technologist of international stature. He set up several glass plants on turnkey basis for various Indian companies. He also worked on honorary basis for several organisations including UNIDO. Mr Itten is survived by his daughter Gurvinder Kaur, who is the wife of Mr Jangveer Singh. Sharing their heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family, Punjab CM, Deputy CM and Public Relations Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss. The mortal remains of the deceased will be consigned to flames at the Sector 25 cremation ground in Chandigarh tomorrow i.e. 4 January 2014 at 11 am. Bhog and Antim Ardas to pray for the eternal peace of the soul will be held on January 12 at the Sector 34 gurdwara in Chandigarh. ------------ BADAL FOR ECONOMICALLY VIABLE AND FARMER FRIENDLY POLICY TO TACKLE PROBLEM OF PADDY STRAW BURNING · DESCRIBES IT AS A NATIONAL PROBLEM AND TO TAKE UP THIS ISSUE WITH PM & UNION MINISTERS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT · EVINCES KEEN INTEREST TO SET UP JOINT VENTURES OF BIOMASS POWER GENERATION IN PPP MODE · SEEKS TECHNICAL COLLABORATION FROM NATIONAL AGENCIES LIKE TERI, IIT, DBT & SARDAR SWARAN SINGH NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY KAPURTHALA FOR DEVELOPING BIOMASS PROJECTS JOINTLY WITH PEDA AND PSSTC · MAJITHIA FOR MOUNTING PRESSURE ON CENTRE FOR UPWARD REVISION OF BIOMASS POWER GENERATION RATES FROM RS.6.24 TO RS.7.50 · BATS FOR LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL STAKEHOLDERS IN THE UPCOMING POLICY FOR UTILIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF PADDY STRAW IN PUNJAB CHANDIGARH JANUARY 03: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced that the state government would soon evolve a economically viable and farmer-friendly policy to permanently address the problem of paddy straw burning across the state to protect the environment from pollution hazard on one hand and ensure handsome returns to the farmers on their huge stock of paddy straw by ensuring its optimum utilization for power generation as a renewable source of non-conventional energy. Inaugurating a two-days Stakeholders’ Consultative Conference on Policy for Utilization and Management of Paddy Straw in Punjab jointly organized by the Punjab State Science & Technology Council (PSSTC) and Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. Badal said that Punjab had an abundant stock of biomass especially of paddy straw which could be optimally used for producing power in the state. Mr. Badal emphasized that a farmer friendly-policy should be formulated for an effective management and disposal of paddy waste in a productive manner to benefit the peasantry who were now left with no other option but to burn the paddy straw recklessly, which not only posed a major health hazard due to environment pollution but also resulted in the loss of soil fertility to an amazing extent. Declaring the issue of paddy straw burning as a national problem, the Chief Minister said that he would soon take up the matter with the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Union Ministers of New & Renewable Energy and Environment & Forests to flag up this issue to bail out the state by sanctioning a project to deal with this problem permanently. He categorically said that state alone could not cope up with this problem rather the Union government should come forward to the rescue of Punjab government so that this problem could be tackled on the top priority in an efficacious and result-oriented manner. Likewise, he also desired that he would soon take up the issue of enhancing the quantity of blending ethanol produced from biomass in petrol from the existing content of 5% to atleast 10%. The Chief Minister highly appreciated the vital inputs put forth by the leading experts and technocrats associated with the technologies and solutions for effective disposal of paddy in a scientific manner. Mr. Badal later in the afternoon session interacted with the industrialists and other stakeholders to seek their inputs and feedback from the biomass based power generation and co-generation industrial units. Several applications of paddy straw as biomass were discussed in detail by these stakeholders such as manufacturing of paper, eco panels and straw boards, briquettes as a major source of combustible energy as an alternate fuel to coal being used by the brick kilns besides mushroom cultivation. The Chief Minister unequivocally said that the state government could not merely resort to punitive and legal options while tackling the situation arising out the paddy burning rather it would have to come out with the concrete and sustainable solution keeping in view the interests of all stakeholders. Mr. Badal also evinced keen interest to set up joint ventures of biomass power generation in PPP mode and asked the PEDA - the nodal agency to facilitate the grant of clearances in this behalf expeditiously. He said that the state government had already offered liberal concessions in terms of 50% subsidy on agricultural machinery and farm equipments such as happy seeder, rotavators and especially on balers for effective management and disposal of paddy straw. Conceding the demand of the industry, the Chief Minister asked the Industries department to prepare a comprehensive proposal to extend the facility of giving 50% subsidy on the balers to the interested entrepreneurs making use of biomass for different purposes. The Chief Minister also sought technical collaboration from national agencies like TERI, IIT, DBT & Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Renewable Energy Kapurthala for developing biomass projects jointly with Punjab Energy Development Agency and Punjab State Science & Technology Council. Taking part in the deliberations Non-Conventional Energy Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia fully endorsed the view point mooted by Mr. Badal that any policy to be framed for the proper management and best utilization of paddy straw should be farmer friendly otherwise the entire efforts in this direction would be sheer wastage. Mr. Majithia underscored the need to build pressure on the Centre to revise the existing rates of power generated from biomass and demanded atleast Rs.7.50 from Rs.6.24 per unit to safeguard the interests of prospective investors of biomass power generation, as the prevalent rates were not financial viable and was a major reason for not attracting investment in this field. Once the interested entrepreneurs foresee profit in these ventures of biomass power generation then there was no point of their back tracking, said Mr. Majithia. He further pointed out once the biomass power generation project get scaled up it would be a win-win situation for the farmers too, who were the major contributors of paddy straw as raw material to them. He called for the level playing field for all stakeholders in the upcoming policy for utilization and management of paddy straw in the right earnest. Likewise, untapped potential for the production of ethanol and grain based alcohol could also be exploited through a suitable technology so that the paddy straw could be effectively used to supplement the income of the farmers. Earlier, the Secretary Science Technology & Environment Mrs. Seema Jain welcomed the Chief Minister and made an elaborate presentation on the draft policy for utilization and management of paddy straw in Punjab. Meanwhile, Director Ministry of Environment and Forests GoI Dr. Surinder Kumar, Representative from Central Pollution Control Board New Delhi Mr. Tarun Darbari, Prof. & Principal Scientist Indian Agriculture Research Centre New Delhi Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director DBT, ICT Energy Center Mumbai Dr. Arvind Lali, Consultant IIT Ropar Dr. Sudhakar, Director Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Renewable Energy Kapurthala Dr. YK Yadav, Director Thapar Center for Industrial Research & Development Yamunanagar Dr. R.Varadan, Director Mushroom Cultivation Solan Dr.Manjit Singh, Dr.P.Raman Consultant and Dr.Reena Singh Fellow & Area Convener TERI New Delhi besides experts from school of Energy Studies and department of farm machinery PAU Ludhiana, Executive Director National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute Dr. SP Singh put forth their views by making forceful presentations on the issue of scientific disposal of biomass. Mr. Rajiv Khaitan from Kuantum Paper Mills, Mr. SR Soni, Indian Glycol Ltd. Kashipur, Mr. Karthik Raghwan from Agro Pulping Machinery, Mr. HS Dhaliwal from MD Group manufacturing Paper & Board, Mr. Harbans Singh from Brick Kiln Owners Association, Mr. Vikram Ahuja from Farm Solutions and Mr. Ravi Lat from Biomass Plants Association also shared their experiences and expressed views on the draft policy. Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babehali, Chairman Punjab State Farmers Commission Dr. GS Kalkat, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Vice Chancellor Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana Dr.BS Dhillon, Vice Chancellor Guru Angad Dev University of Veterinary Sciences Dr. VK Taneja and Principal Secretary Power Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, Commissioner Agriculture Dr. BS Sidhu, Director Agriculture Dr. Mangal Singh Sandhu, Chairman Punjab State Pollution Board Mr.Ravinder Singh, CEO Punjab Energy Development Agency Mr. Balour Singh and Director Horticulture Dr. Lajwinder Singh Brar... - CANADIAN SPORT MINISTER BAL GOSAL CALLS ON PUNJAB CM · CONTRIBUTION OF PUNJABIS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES CANNOT BE OVERLOOKED-GOSAL · CM EXPRESSES GRATITUDE FOR EXTENDING COOPERATION TOWARDS THEIR MOTHERLAND
CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 3: Canadian Minister of State (Sport) Mr. Bal Gosal today called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and discussed the possibilities to further strengthening of sports, trade, education, agriculture, cultural, tourism and business ties between both Punjab and Canada. Apprising Punjab CM accompanied by Punjab NRIs Affairs Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, about the role played by Punjabis in the unprecedented development of Canada, Mr. Gosal said that the immense and appreciable contribution of Punjabis in North America cannot be overlooked. He said Punjabis have put several milestones in all spheres in Canada and they can give a big push to the ongoing development fury in Punjab by replicating the Canadian models in Industry, Farming, Education, Medical and Tourism sectors. Mr. Gosal also assured the CM for needful cooperation from Canadian government. Mr. Bal Gosal accompanied by his wife Mrs. Pawanjit Gosal was here to participate the ensuing NRI Sammelan to be hosted by Punjab Government on January 10 and 11 at Sri Anandpur Sahib and Jalandhar. Mr. Badal thanked Mr. Gosal and his wife for remaining intact with their roots and motherland. He also thanked visiting Canadian Sport Ministr for showing magnanimity to motivate the Canadian immigrants to invest in Punjab in a big way being a son of soil and icon of resilient Punjabi community. - RAKESH AGGRAWAL PROMOTED AS DIG CHANDIGAR: January,3 Punjab Government has promoted Sh Rakesh Aggrawal, IPS (PB:1999), who is presently on central deputation, in the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police in the pay scale of Rs 37,400-67000 + Grade Pay of Rs. 8900 w.e.f.01-01-2013. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Home department said that orders has already been issued in this regard. -- CM RELEASES DIARY AND CALENDAR - 2014 CHANDIGARH JANUARY 3: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today released the diary and calendar of the Punjab Government for the year 2014 at Punjab Bhawan this afternoon. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the layout design of the calendar and diary had been conceptualized and prepared by the Information & Public Relations Department and printed by the Controller Printing & Stationery Punjab. On the occasion, Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babehali accompanied the Chief Minister. Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Director Information & Public Relations Mr. Ashwani Kumar Sharma and Additional Secretary Information & Public Relations Mr. Gurwaryam Singh. ----------- Punjab nominates 23 non official members of Sultanpur Lodhi Grievances Redressal Committee Chandigarh, January 03 Punjab Government has nominated non-official members of District Redressal Grievances Committee of Sub-Division Sultanpur Lodhi of District Kapurthala. A notification has already been issued in this regard. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Redressal of Grievances department said that 23 non official have been nominated from recognized political parties and communities of Sub-Division Sultanpur Lodhi of District Kapurthala. He said that amongst the nominated non official members were Jathedar Gurdip Singh Bhago Raian from SAD (B); Rakesh Kumar Nittu from BJP; Manu Bhadari from INC; Tarsem Singh Dola from BSP; Kulwant Singh from Nationalist Congress Party; Rajinder Singh Rana from CPI; Com. Jatinder Pal Raju from CPI (M); Nazzar Singh from Freedom Fighters; Bhajan Singh from Ex-servicemen; Jasbir Singh from BC; Viki Chohan from SC; Balwinder Singh Tur from Youth; Pandit Parshotam Dass from Nambardar; Bibi Sukhjit Kaur from Women Category; Sat Pal Manchanda from Social Sector; Tejwant Singh from Business Category; Harjinder Singh from Industry; Baldev Singh from Agriculture; Gurnam Singh a representative of MP; Kuldip Singh Japani a representative of MLA; Charanjit Sahota from Valmiki community; Diwan Singh from Mazbi Sikh and Balwinder Singh from BKU. - COMPLETE TRANSFORMATION OF RURAL AND URBAN PUNJAB IN NEXT 2 YEARS-SUKHBIR BADAL · NDA MUST AT CENTER FOR COUNTRY AS WELL AS STATES DEVELOPMENT-HARSIMRAT KAUR · SUKHBIR BADAL & HARSIMRAT KAUR PRESIDE OVER SANGAT DARSHAN RAMA MANDI (BATHINDA), JANUARY 2: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today asserted that there would be a massive fury of development in the state and Punjab would witness unprecedented and complete transformation of rural and urban areas in next two years. Reiterating his resolve to make Punjab a number one state in the country at all fronts, Mr. Badal accompanied by local Member Parliament Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal while talking to media persons after presiding over a ‘Sangat Darshan’ here said that in coming two years there would be record progress in both urban and rural Punjab. He said Punjab had made country self-reliant on food security front, now state has also made itself self-reliant in Power besides having best road and air-connectivity and world class infrastructure in all sectors. Answering a query regarding national political scene Mr. Badal said if Congress is willing to come with the name of Mr. Rahul Gandhi as PM Candidate then this singular step would be sufficient to drown the sinking ship of Congress Party in ensuing general elections. He said that Congress has recently faced massive debacles in states and now electorates of the country would repeat the same mandate in national polity. Meanwhile in a query regarding NDA, Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal said neither country nor states can witness development and growth without formation of NDA government. “Formation of NDA must in the interests of nation and Indians”, said Mrs. Badal adding national political stage was fully ready to decimate the Congress led UPA Government. Talking about the development projects in Bathinda district Mr. Badal said that more than 80 percent works have been completed and they have directed the administration and concerned authorities to expedite the rest ones for the facilitation of general masses. Mr. Badal also exhorted the beneficiaries of welfare schemes launched by Punjab Government to come forward to take the full benefits of such schemes. He said the beneficiaries can avail Shagun, Scholarships for meritorious students, Atta-Daal, Pension Scheme, Ashirwad scheme etc and if they have to face any difficulty they can directly approach the head of the respective departments or Deputy Commissioners in this regard. He also assured the public that pending development of roads, streets and street lights would be completed in few months at Rama Mandi. ------------ CM EXHORTS PEOPLE WIPE OUT CONGRESS FOR ACHIEVING SET TARGETS OF NEW YEAR DEFEAT OF CONGRESS MUST FOR WELFARE OF STATE AND PROSPERITY OF ITS PEOPLE CONGRESS TALKS ABOUT POOR, BUT SERVES THE RICH HARSIMRAT LASHES OUT AT RAHUL FOR THIN ATTENDANCE IN PARLIAMENT Talwandi Sabo, January 2- The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today exhorted the people to rout the Congress from the power at centre for achieving the set targets of the New Year and to further boost the development of the state. Addressing the gathering during Sangat Darshan of the Talwandi Sabo assemble segment here today, the Chief Minister said that the Congress party was the ‘mother of all the social maladies’ confronted by the country whether it was unemployment, corruption, illiteracy or poverty. He said that owing to the misrule of the Congress party the nation has lagged behind in various sectors. Mr. Badal said that the only solution to get rid of all these problems was to wipe out the Congress from the country by giving a crushing defeat to it in the coming Lok Sabha elections. Lashing out at the Congress, the Chief Minister said that it was ironical that through the Congress had always claimed itself to be votary of the common man and the poor whereas in reality it has worked for safeguarding the interest of the rich. He said that all the policies of the Congress were aimed at benefiting the affluent class, whether directly or indirectly, that too at the cost of common man. Mr. Badal said that the Congress has made it difficult for the common man to survive due to which the people were feeling insecure. “The Congress party has miserably failed on all the fronts due to which the internal and external sovereignty of the country was in deep peril” he added. Impressing upon the people to give a crushing defeat to the Congress in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, the Chief Minister said that the general elections play a vanguard role in the development of any state because the Union government provides economic assistance for development to every state. However he said that the incumbent UPA government at the centre was stalling the projects of the state and was not even giving its legitimate share in the taxes. So Mr. Badal said that to give major fillip to the development of the state the UPA government must be shown a door by forming NDA government at the centre. “If Mr. Narendra Modi becomes the Prime Minister of the country than it will benefit Punjab in a big way” he added. The Chief Minister further said that rather than solving the problems faced by countrymen, the Congress has always lingered on such vital issues. He said that the Congress leaders frame the policies while sitting in cozy rooms which were far away from the ground realities. On the contrary, Mr. Badal said that, he himself interacts with the people to draft policies which suit their need. The Chief Minister said that it was on record that the Congress has always pursued the agenda of ‘divide and rule’ whereas the SAD-BJP alliance has worked hard to ensure the development of all the sections of the state. He said that in order to perpetuate the rich legacy of the state, their government has erected world class memorials like that Baba Banda Singh Bahadur War Memorial, Chotta Ghalughara and Wadda Ghalughara memorials and Virasat-e-Khalsa at Sri Anandpur Sahib. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the state government would soon construct memorials in memory of Bhai Jaita Ji, Baba Moti Ram Mehra and Guru Ravidass Ji besides constructing Jang-e-Azaadi memorial at Kartarpur near Jalandhar. The Chief Minister said that their government has always implemented pro-poor agenda by formulating a number of welfare schemes like Atta-Dal, Mai Bhago Istri Vidya, Dr. Hargobind Khurana scholarship, Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima and others. He said that the state government would soon double the beneficiaries of Atta-Dal scheme from existing 15 lakh to 30 lakh. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that in order to impart quality education to the bright students of rural areas six special schools were being constructed by it where these students would be given free boarding and lodging facilities. In her address Lok Sabha MP from Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that the Union government has ditched the countrymen due to which the electorate has made up their mind to defeat this anti-people party in the Lok Sabha polls. She said that the Congress Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi was not aware of the problems faced by the people as he had never gone amongst them. Mrs. Badal said that even the attendance of Nehru-Gandhi scion in the Lok Sabha was below 50% adding that if a person can’t attend the sessions of the Parliament then how could he solve the problems of people. Mrs. Badal said that it was writing on the wall that the NDA would form the next government at the centre and nobody could stop it. She avowed that no stone would be left unturned to provide better civic amenities to the residents of Talwandi Sabo adding that till now Rs 250 crore have been spent on the development of this historic town. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Akali leader Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu, Media Advisor of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Harjinder Sidhu, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Mr. KK Yadav. Later on paying floral tributes to former Union Minister Mr. Dhanna Singh Gulshan, the Chief Minister described him as a great philanthropist and an educationist who played a pivotal role in spreading education amongst the weaker and disadvantaged sections of the society in the region. He said that Mr. Gulshan rendered selfless service to uplift the poor sections of the region besides being a disciplined and committed soldier of the party. Mr. Badal also lauded Lok Sabha MP Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan for carrying forward the legacy of her great father by serving the people. 0---0---0 DEPOSIT APPLICATION FORM FOR ADDITIONAL PUNJABI PAPER SUBJECT EXAM TILL JANUARY 15 CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 02: The Punjab Government has announced to conduct exam for additional Punjabi subject of 10th level on January 28 and 29, 2014, for which interested candidates would have to deposit application forms till January 15, 2014 at Head office, PSEB Mohali. A spokesman of the Punjab Government today said that the paper-A would be conducted on January 28 whereas Paper-B would be on January 29, 2014. He further said that the willing candidates should bring original certificates of 10th class alongwith attested photocopies. He further said that for any further information and application form candidates may visit the PSEB website www.pseb.ac.in. --------- SCHOOL TIMINGS WOULD REMAIN THE SAME CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 02: The Punjab Government has already changed the timings of all the Government and Aided schools in the state w.e.f. December 19. The school timings would remain the same. An official spokesperson of Punjab Government has clarified that the timings of the Primary schools would be 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, while the timings of the Middle, High and Sr. Sec. schools would be 9:45 AM to 3:45 PM. ---------- KHUBI RAM PROMOTED AS IGP Chandigarh, January 2: The Punjab government has promoted Mr. Khubi Ram, DIG/Security (absorbed officer) as IGP in pay scale Band-4 Rs. 37400-67000 plus grade pay 10000/- under Rule-6 of Punjab Absorption of Officers of the Para Military Forces ( Group-A) Service Rules, 2005. It may be mentioned here that Mr. Khubi Ram was 1984 batch CRPF Officer who joined Punjab Police on deputation in 1991. -- NRI SAMMELAN TO FOCUS ON STRENGTHENING EMOTIONAL CONNECT WITH NON RESIDENT PUNJABIS-SUKHBIR SUKHBIR, MAJITHIA REVIEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR NRI CONFERENCE OVER 400 DELEGATES FROM ALL FIVE CONTINENTS SET TO PARTICIPATE IN TWO DAY MEGA CONFERENCE JALANDHAR, JANUARY 1: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that two day NRI Conference to be held at Sri Anandpur Sahib and Jalandhar on January 10 and 11, 2014 would focus on strengthening emotional bonds with our Punjabis, who have made their niche in various countries by sheer hard work and entrepreneurship. The Deputy Chief Minister along with Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, NRIs Affairs Minister were here at Jalandhar to review the arrangements for second day of NRI Conference to be held at Bath Castle. Mr. Majithia informed the Deputy CM that over 438 delegates from 19 countries virtually located in all five continents have confirmed their participation in the NRI Conference. He said that representatives of management of 1009 various groups NGOs in various countries have also been invited to participate this time. He said that invitations have also been extended to representatives of 145 Non Resident Medias including from Press, Online Radios, Channels and NRI Websites. Giving the details of the Sammelan Mr. Majithia said that the first day of the Sammellan on January 10 would be delegate session only by invitation in which Punjab Government would educate the NRIs regarding steps taken by Punjab Government for their welfare. He said that Special Literature on various Legislative Enactments of Punjab Government to help NRIs would also be distributed amongst them. He said that Special Helpdesk of NRI Police, Revenue and other concerned departments would be setup at the venue of Sammelan to redress the grievances of NRIs. Giving details of first of its own kind Interactive NRI Website developed by the NRIs Affairs Department, Mr. Majithia said that Punjab is only state in which NRIs would be able to lodge their grievances online, which would be redressed in a time bound manner under intimation to them. He said that NRIs can also apply for NRI Privilege Card online on the website. The Deputy Chief Minister said that that NRI Sammelan was the right forum to get a feedback from NRIs and inform them about the initiatives taken by Punjab Government for their welfare. Mr. Majithia informed that a detailed presentation would be made regarding promises made to them during last NRI Sammelan and steps taken by Punjab Government to fulfill most of the promises. - Focusing on historic Legislative Amendments enacted by Punjab Government, Mr. Majithia said that Punjab Government has published a comprehensive booklet on these amendments to educate the NRIs. Mr. Majithia informed that delegates are coming from USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Norway, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal. Later, Deputy CM and Mr. Majithia reviewed at Bath Castle. Instructions were issued that the number of registration counters should be doubled to ensure that every NRI coming to NRI Sammelan should be registered so that Punjab Government would publish a comprehensive NRI directory. ---------- *DISTRICT PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, BATHINDA* *UPA STALLING VITAL PROJECTS IN PUNJAB: HARSIMRAT* *BATHINDA: JANUARY 1* Bathinda Member Parliament Member Parliament Harsimrat Kaur Badal strongly lashed at the Congress led UPA government at the Centre for deliberately stalling the developmental projects in the state in order to pursue its vested political interests. Interacting with the media-persons at Bhisiana village, She said a number of important projects of huge public importance were hanging in fire despite the completion of the entire work just because the Union government was not granting the permission to operationalise them.
Citing an example she said the total civil work of the Bathinda Air port has been completed but the Union Civil Aviation Ministry was not granting the permission for starting the flights from it. Harsimrat said she along with Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal had personally taken up this matter with the top brass of the Union government but of no avail. The Bathinda civil airport has been built at a cost of Rs 25 crore with state government acquiring and providing 40 acre of land belonging to village Virk Kalan and surrounding villages. She also blamed the UPA government for causing undue delay in setting up new projects in Punjab and laying down stringent conditions to deprive the Punjab from central grants. She said "This has vindicated our stand that the Congress has always adopted an anti-Punjab stance. There is an unending list of such instances which depicted the Congress party's step-motherly treatment meted out with the state". She further said it was a record that Congress party was jealous of the progress of the state due to which it has always made persistent efforts to derail its developmental process. "The Congress leadership must desist from stooping too low because the wise people of Punjab will never spare them for these sinister activities," Bathinda MP added. She also addressed a series of Sangat Darshan programmes at Bhisiana, Virak Kalan, Jhumba and Baho Yatri villages of Bathinda Rural constituency and listened to the grievances of the people. She also disbursed grants worth lakhs in these villages. Prominent among those accompanied MP include Bathinda Rural MLA, Darshan Singh Kotfatta, Deputy CM’s Assistant Media Advisor, Harjinder Sidhu Deputy Commissioner, K.K.Yadav, SSP, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, ADC, Sonali Giri, Youth leader Sukhman Sidhu among others. *End. * - *BATHINDA: JANUARY 1* Congratulating the people of Punjab on the eve of New year, Bathinda Member Parliament Harsimrat Kaur Badal said “Punjab’s prosperity and development have been on top of our agenda. I want peace, social and communal harmony on the eve of New Year. My vision for 2014 and even beyond is to see Punjab become self reliant in all respects. I want the rural and urban areas to flourish alike,”. Harsimrat further said, “My primary fight and that of my NGO Nanhi Chhaan is to empower every woman . I look forward to see Punjab free from the maladies like female feticide, dowry and drug addiction, besides we promise to generate more employment opportunities for youth, provide better healthcare and educa tional facilities to the people of Bathinda as well as rest of the state,” said Bathinda MP in her message on new year. - CM APPROVES PROJECT WORTH RS 2200 CRORE FOR EXPANDING AND REMODELING RURAL WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION FACILITIES IN WATER LOGGED AREAS GOVERNMENT TO FORWARD PROPOSAL TO GoI FOR FURTHER RECOMMENDING IT TO WORLD BANK PIPED 'SOLID FREE SEWERAGE SYSTEM' TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN 800 VILLAGES RO SYSTEM AND OTHER SUITABLE TECHNOLOGY OF WATER PURIFICATION TO BE INSTALLED IN 250 VILLAGES Chandigarh, January 1- In a bid to expand and remodel the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation facilities in the water logged areas of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod for sending a proposal worth Rs 2200 crore to the Government of India (GoI) for further recommending the case to the World Bank under Rural Water Supply Sanitation Project Phase-2. Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that main objective of this ambitious project was to provide quality water supply and sanitations facilities in the rural areas of the state. Under the proposed project, the State Government has laid special emphasis on providing the Water Supply and Sanitation facilities to water logged areas of the state. The Punjab Government has sought expansion and remodeling of 70 existing schemes of rural water supply and sanitation in the 108 villages of Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka districts at a cost of Rs. 175 crores. Likewise, in order to provide water connections to all the households of the 800 villages, the state government has proposed the up gradation of the service level of 800 water supply schemes from 40 to 70 litre water per person per day with an investment of Rs. 300 crore. He further said that the state government has also desired to improve the operational performance and efficiency of existing water supply schemes in 1000 villages with Rs 125 crore which were already functioning at service level of 70 litre per capita per day. The Punjab government has also proposed the implementation of piped 'solid free sewerage system' in 800 villages with effluent treatment as per guidelines of pollution control with an investment of Rs. 1300 crore. It has further desired to install RO system and other suitable technology in 250 villages with the cost of Rs 50 crore where undesirable contaminants were more than the permissible limits, he said. The Punjab government also proposed to strengthen the Information Education Communication (IEC), Capacity Building and Engineering support activities with establishment of state Level Training Institute in the state. It might be mentioned here that World Bank Support Mission had reviewed the ongoing rural water supply and sanitation schemes of PRWSS Project under implementation with cost of Rs. 1280 crores last month and expressed full satisfaction on its progress and implementation. --------------- Punjab to conduct Counseling for allocation of departmentS to newly SELECTED officers CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 1: The State Government, in order to bring transparency in the process of allocation of departments to candidates selected in the Punjab State Civil Competitive Combined Examination, 2012, has decided to hold counseling. A spokesman of the Punjab Government said that as per the guidelines of the personal department, All the selected candidates are requested to be present for the counseling on 4-1-2014 at 9.30 AM in Panjab University Auditorium, Department of English studies, Chandigarh (Near Gate-1) along with original certificates/documents. In the event of extreme unavoidable exigency, if any candidate is unable to attend the counseling, he should inform about his willingness to join the post being allocated to him/her, at the E-mail ID pp3branch@punjab.gov.in or through Fax No-0172-2740553. The spokesman has also made it clear that if no information is received before the date of counseling, it will be presumed that he/she is not inclined to join the post being allocated to him/her and the next candidate in the merit list would be considered for that post as per his/her preference. - NRI COMMISSION ASKS THE UNION MINISTRIES TO TAKE ACTION NRI WOMAN ALLEGES UNLAWFUL DETENTION AND HARASSMENT AT IGI AIRPORT BY POLICE AND IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS
Chandigarh, January 1: The NRI Commission, Punjab today asked the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Protector of Immigrants and Bureau of Immigration to look into the allegation made by NRI Rupinder Kaur and Dr. Harmandeep Rai against immigration and the police officials at IGI International Airport, New Delhi regarding wrongly detention and harassment at IGI International Airport. A spokesman of the NRI Commission today said that in her complaint through North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), which is stated to be a global organization with chapters in several countries, Rupinder Kaur highlighted an incident of 29.09.2013 wherein she and her friend – co-passenger Dr. Harmandeep Rai, were mistreated, wrongfully detained, harassed, used derogative remarks by the immigration and the police officials at IGI International Airport, New Delhi. In her complaint Rupinder Kaur said that she along with her friend arrived at IGI International Airport, New Delhi on 29.09.2013 where she was detained at the airport in a room and there was no woman officer of immigration and police departments. She has also alleged that she was threatened besides being asked personal and offending questions with unprofessional looks amounting to harassment and a violation of privacy of a woman. She was interrogated unprofessionally by male immigration officers without any women officer present there. The questions regarding her intimate relations with her friend and co-passenger Dr. Harmandeep Rai, were offensive, humiliating and nothing to do with her identity and charges against her. She when asked to know the charges for her detention, the officer told her that they have to check her credentials alleging similarities with some fugitives. Their look was more or less only to harass her, she alleged. When her friend - co-passenger Dr. Harmandeep Rai, after having waited for three hours, wanted to know her whereabouts, he was also physically manhandled and also detained on fabricated charges of causing hindrance in the official investigation along another false charge that during that time, Dr. Rai was drunk. She was released without any charge, but a case was registered against Dr. Rai and he was detained in the Police-station till he got bail. His medical examination revealed that he was manhandled and beaten by the officers. The spokesman further said that the Commission has asked the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Protector of Immigrants and Bureau of Immigration to inquire the case and apprise this Commission about the action taken in this regard, as referred to above, on or before the February 7,2014.
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