CM SEEKS UNCONDITIONAL APOLOGY FROM BRITISH GOVERNMENT FOR HELPING GOI IN ATTACKING SRI DARBAR SAHIB

SEEKS RESIGNATION OF UPA GOVERNMENT ON MORAL GROUNDS

MANPREET RUNNING FROM PILLAR TO POST FOR HIS POLITICAL SURVIVAL

KEJRIWAL MUST SUBSTANTIATE HIS LIST OF CORRUPT LEADERS WITH PROOF

INCREASE IN SUBSIDIZED LPG CYLINDERS A DESPERATE ATTEMPT OF UPA TO AVERT THEIR DEFEAT

‘MODI WAVE’ ALL SET TO THROW THE CONGRESS OUT OF POWER

EXHORTS PEOPLE TO FORM NDA GOVERNMENT AT CENTRE

LAUDS HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL

SANGAT DARSHAN IN MAUR ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Karaarwala (Bathinda), February 5-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought an unconditional apology from the British Government for secretly assisting the Government of India (GoI) in the dastardly act of Operation Blue Star in 1984.

Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan program of Maur assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that both the GoI and British Government had jointly perpetrated the heinous crime of attacking the most revered Sikh shrine- Sri Darbar Sahib thereby hurting the religious sentiments of Punjabis in general and the Sikhs in particular. He said that both the national governments were equally guilty for this unpardonable act and the Sikhs would never forgive them for this sin against humanity. However Mr. Badal said that the British government must tender an unconditional apology for supporting the GoI in this brutal crime in which many innocent people were also killed.

Slamming the Congress party for inflicting a deep wound on Sikh psyche, the Chief Minister said that there was hardly any parallel in the entire world history when a national government had sought the help of some foreign nation to attack its own religious shrine. He said that it was totally wrong on the part of the then Congress Government to take support of British government in dealing with the internal matter of the country adding that on its part the British Government also committed a crime by illegally helping the Indian government on this sensitive issue.  Seeking resignation from the UPA government on this issue, Mr. Badal said that the successors of the Congress government which had attacked a religious shrine of the country by taking foreign support has no moral right to remain in power.

On being asked about the announcement made by Mr. Gurdas Singh Badal that PPP leader Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal would contest the coming Lok Sabha poll from Bathinda, the Chief Minister said that it would hardly make any difference as the former Finance Minister and his party has been rejected by the voters of the state time and again. He said that Mr. Manpreet has betrayed his mother party due to which the people of state do not trust him anymore. Mr. Badal said that the PPP leader neither has any base amongst the people nor he has any ideology due to which he was running from pillar to post for striking an alliance with either the AAP or Congress party, for his political survival.

On another query, the Chief Minister said that the Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal should produce the proof of corruption charges leveled by him against the senior leaders of the country. He said no one becomes corrupt if Mr. Kejriwal puts their name in any list adding that the Delhi Chief Minister must corroborate his claims with the relevant facts.

Replying to a question, the Chief Minister said that sensing their inevitable defeat in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, the Congress party was desperately making every effort to woo the voters and increasing the number of subsidized LPG cylinders was a part of this strategy. However, he said that the people would not get swayed away with such political gimmickries of the Congress led UPA government and would teach a befitting lesson to them in the coming polls. “The days of UPA at Centre were numbered and even such tantrums will not help the Union government in regaining their lost ground amongst the voters as the people were fed up from their misdeeds” added Mr. Badal. 

Earlier addressing the gatherings in Sooch, Bhunder and Karaarwala villages, the Chief Minister said that at present a strong ‘Modi wave’ was blowing across the country to route the corrupt and inefficient Congress led UPA government from the centre. He said that the ‘Modi wave’ was many times stronger than the ‘Janta Wave’ of 1977 and a trailer of it has been witnessed in the recently concluded assembly elections of four states. Mr. Badal said that the fact that former Delhi Chief Minister Mrs. Shiela Dikshit was badly trounced from her seat in Delhi aptly shows the velocity of this wave, which would pave way for the formation of NDA government at the centre.

Soliciting the support of people in the coming general elections, the Chief Minister said that these elections were decisive for Punjab as it would either make or mar the prospects of the state. He said that if NDA government was constituted at the centre then it would usher a new era of unprecedented development in the state but the fortunes of state would suffer adversely if things go other way round. Mr. Badal said that the SAD-BJP government has heralded a new era of unprecedented development in the state and to further put the state on high growth trajectory, the formation of NDA government at centre was the need of hour.

Lauding the efforts made by Lok Sabha MP Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal for ensuring the overall development of Bathinda Lok Sabha segment, the Chief Minister said that her meticulous planning and commitment for well being of people had helped in ensuring the all round progress of Bathinda. He said that Mrs. Badal had carved a niche for herself by proving her mettle in the public service adding that it was time for the Bathinda residents to repay by re-electing her as their representative in Lok Sabha by a margin double than previous elections.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Deputy Commissioner Mr. KK Yadav and Additional Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Sonali Giri.           
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PSTCL TEST MECHANIC CAUGHT RED HANDED WITH RS.4,000 GRAFT 

·      Demanding bribe of Rs.10,000 to clear pension benefits 

CHANDIGARH, February 5:

          The Vigilance Bureau, Punjab (VB) has nabbed Punjab State Transmission Corporation Ltd (PSTCL) Test Mechanic red handed with the bribe of Rs.4,000.

          Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the VB said that the complainant Mr. Jasbir Singh Joga of Nivesh Vihar, Dhandra Road, Dugri, Ludhiana had complained that he had retired from government service on May 31, 2013 and his pension benefits were still unpaid. In this regard, he approached Rakesh Kumar Chopra, Test Mechanic additional charge Superintendent in the office of Superintending Engineer, Punjab State Transmission Corporation Ltd, Ludhiana, who demanded bribe amounting to Rs. 10,000 for getting the work done and received a sum of Rs. 6,000 and the remaining amount of Rs. 4,000 was also to be paid to him.

            The spokesperson further said that a trap has been laid by DSP Mr. Bikrmajit Singh, Vigilance Bureau, Range Ludhiana and a team of DSP Miss Gurpreet Kaur Purewal, Inspector Barjinder Singh and the accused Rakesh Kumar Chopra, Test Mechanic was arrested red-handed, while accepting Rs.4,000 from the complainant and this amount was recovered from him in the presence of government witnesses. A case under section 7, 13 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 at Vigilance Bureau Police Station, Ludhiana has been registered against him.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER RKV YOJNA

 CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 05:

          Punjab Government is providing financial assistance to the farmers of the state for the cultivation of vegetables and fruits under Rashtriya Krishi Vikah Yojna.

          Disclosing this here today Sh. Gurbachan Singh Babehali, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Agriculture said that 50 percent financial assistance would be given for construction of Poly Net Houses, insecticides and plastic crates to the farmers. He said that maximum Rs.1.00 lakh would be given per net house of 500 sqm. upto maximum 2000 sqm. to the beneficiaries.

          Mr. Babehali further said that 50 percent assistance would also be provided for plastic crate for horticulture crops marketing only and for insecticides Rs.6000/- per beneficiary. “40 to 75 percent assistance would be provided for National Vegetable Initiatives, highbred cultivation of vegetables, pack House and Poly House etc. only in the districts of Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala and Sangrur” added Mr. Babehali.

          Mr. Babehali said that under the guidelines of National Horticulture Mission 40 to 50 percent assistance would be given for cold store and pack house for the occupation of bee keeping, mushrooms and machinery for green house in the districts of Ropar, Moga, Barnala and Mansa.

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CM Deputy CM blast congress on op blue star disclosures

Chandigarh February 4 –

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal said here today that the entire nation had been shocked by the disclosure by the British government that late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi not only sought military advice from "perpetrators of Jallianwala Bagh" on the tragic army assault on the holiest of Holy Sikh shrines, the Golden Temple but went to the extreme of ignoring even the British advisor's warning against using the military option
without exhausting the path political and peace solution."

   "I find it hard to believe that the Prime Minister of a sovereign nation would so humiliate her own people and country as to turn fr military advice against its own citizens. This is the gravest sin against the Sikhs, the Punjabis and the people of India," said Mr. badal in a statement here this evening.

  Mr. Badal said that  the incredible disclosure by the British
Governemnt had also proved that the  later Prime Minister and all the
past and present leaders of the Congress party had been "lying through
their teeth" by claiming that the that the then Congress govt never
wanted to attack the Golden Temple and that the decision  on an army
assault was " sudden one", forced by  emergent developments at that
time. The disclosure proves how then rulers carried out a deep-rooted
conspiracy over a long period, always planning to attack the holiest
shrine of the Sikhs at the same time indulging in the hypocrisy of
trying to solve ithe problem through political negotiations."
 "It is shocking beyond belief that Mrs Gandhi went to such absurd and
inhuman extremes as to involve former colonial masters in dealing
with what was essentially a deeply emotional, religious and political
issue involving the most patriotic community."

  Mr. Badal said that the Congress led UPA government should quit
immediately on moral ground. In addition, they owe an immediate and
unconditional apology to the brave and patriotic Sikh community, the
people of Punjab and the entire country for such unbelievable and
unpardonable."

   Meanwhile the SAD president Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal lashed out at
the Congress party which "had carried its hatred of Punjabis in
general and the Sikhs in particular to such unimaginable heights.
"That Mrs Gandhi actually met and discussed the military operation
with the military advisor of the British government well ahead of the
army assault just goes to show how deep the conspiracy to humiliate Punjabis and Sikhs was."

The Deputy CM also said that the disclosure proved how the Congress
government trifle with national interests and humiliate India's
sovereignty. This is the most shocking disclosure of how unsafe
national security and sovereignty is in the hands of the Congress
leaders." news

 The Deputy CM also asked the Congress-led UPA  government at the
center to explain what moral right it had to stay in power for even a
day longer after the sensational disclosure that Mrs Gandhi had
actually compromised all national interests, sought a foreign powers
intervention in  an internal affir of the country and sought advice
from an SAS advisor against her own country's citizens "

  Mr. Sukhbir Singh also said that the explosive disclosures by the
British Government had also proved that the then Prime Minister and
the subsequent leaders of that party had been been indulging in broad
day light lies on the issue .

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CM DARES RAHUL TO ‘TEST THE WATERS’ FROM BATHINDA LOK SABHA SEAT INSTEAD OF CAPTAIN

ASKS CONGRESS TO FIELD ITS NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT FROM BATHINDA RATHER THAN SHIFTING RESPONSIBILITY ON ANY LOCAL LEADER

HARDLY BOTHERED ABOUT WHO CONTESTS ELECTION FROM BATHINDA

SLAMS BAJWA FOR LYING ON THE ISSUE OF CLOSURE OF INDUSTRIAL UNITS

NOT AWARE OF ANY MOVE OF ALLIANCE WITH BARNALA’S PARTY

PROJECT FOR MAKING PUNJAB A ‘WATER LOGGING FREE STATE’ TO COMMENCE WITHIN A FORTNIGHT

RS 453 CRORE TO BE SPENT IN FIRST PHASE

SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB CITY TO HAVE A ROB SOON

RS 4.5 CRORE TO BE SPENT ON CONSTRUCTION OF CITY ROADS

SANGAT DARSHAN IN SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Sri Muktsar Sahib, February 4-

Quipping on the probability of the former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s chances of contesting ensuing general election from Bathinda, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today dared that instead of shifting responsibility on any local leader, the Congress party should ask its national Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi to ‘test the waters’ from Bathinda Lok Sabha seat.

Interacting with the media persons during the Sangat Darshan of Sri Muktsar Sahib assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that they were least bothered about which Congress candidate contests Lok Sabha poll from Bathinda. He further said that the SAD-BJP alliance was fully prepared for giving a crushing defeat to the Congress party in the coming general elections.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the state Congress President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa was lying on the issue of closure of Industrial units in the state. He said that Mr. Bajwa was misleading the people by issuing such irrational statements whereas no such issue had ever cropped up before them. Mr. Badal said that the state Congress President was habitual of making such baseless claims but the people of the state would not get swayed away with his such tantrums.

On media reports regarding the possible alliance between Shiromani Akali Dal (Longowal) headed by former Chief Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the Chief Minister said that he was not aware of any such move.

When asked to comment on surge in the number of cases pertaining to the killing of Punjabis in Philippines, the Chief Minister said that the Union government must flag up the issue with its counterpart in Manila. He reiterated that it was the bounden duty of the Government of India (GoI) to protect the life and property of all the countrymen residing abroad. Mr. Badal said that they would soon take up this matter with the Union government.   

In a big reprieve for the people residing in water logged areas of the state, the Chief Minister while addressing the gatherings in village Maan Singh Wala, Kaniawali, Gulaabewala and Muktsar city announced that the state government would commence an ambitious project to make Punjab a ‘Water logging free state’ within a fortnight. Divulging the details he said that a master plan worth Rs 3277 crore has been prepared by the state government to eliminate the menace of water logging from the state adding that in the first phase of ‘Project proposal for tackling water logging in the South Western districts of Punjab including Sri Mukstar Sahib, Faridkot, Fazilka and Ferozepur’, Rs 453 crore would be spent in the coming years for tackling this menace. Mr. Badal said that out of these Rs 453 crore, Rs 125 crore would be spent on cleaning of existing drains, construction of new drains, construction of mini bridges, water courses and others, for which the work would be initiated within the coming two weeks.

Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to tackle this grave problem, the Chief Minister said that the work on this project would be started on war footing so as to avoid any sort of loss to the public and private property due to water logging in future. He said that due care has been taken to avoid the seepage of water from Rajasthan feeder and Sirhind Feeder for checking the water logging in these districts adding that a massive plan has been approved for the strengthening and upgrading of their banks. Mr. Badal also sought fulsome support and cooperation from the people to implement this ambitious project in true letter and spirit.

In order to tackle the traffic problem of the city, the Chief Minister also announced that the work on construction of Railway Over Bridge (ROB) on Jalaalabad Road would commence soon. He said that to be constructed at a cost of Rs 28 crore this ROB would help in streamlining the traffic moving from within the city. Likewise, Mr. Badal also said that the state government would soon spend Rs 4.50 crore for the construction of major roads of the city besides preparing a master plan to provide basic civic amenities to the local residents.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, former President of Municipal Council Mr. Mit Singh Brar, Akali leaders Mr. Kanwaljeet Singh Rozy Barkandi, Mr. Manjeet Singh Barkandi and Mr. Manjinder Singh Bittu, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Mr. Amar Singh Chahal, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Paramjeet Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mr. Surjeet Singh.    

 

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VIGILANCE NABS TWO NAGAR NIGAM LUDHIANA OFFICIALS WITH RS.25,000 BRIBE MONEY

 CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 3:

          Vigilance Bureau, Punjab (VB) has nabbed two officials of Nagar Nigam, Ludhiana red handed with bribe money of Rs.25,000, which they have received as first installment to transfer the ancestral property.

          Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that the complainant Mr. Sahil Chhabra resident of Upkar Nagar, Civil Lines, Ludhiana has lodged a complained to the VB authorities that the property of his late father and his late uncle was to be transferred to his name in T.S.-I Register of Nagar Nigam. For this purpose, Harwinder Singh Bindra, House Tax Inspector of Zone-A, Nagar Nigam, Ludhiana received a sum of Rs.12,000 but gave receipt of Rs.4,600 only as prescribed fee. He also demands bribe amounting to Rs. 50,000 in two installments of Rs. 25,000 each for getting the work done.

            The spokesperson said that the complainant went to Nagar Nigam Office to pay first installment of Rs.25,000 and Harwinder Singh deputed Balwinder Singh, Helper, Building Branch, Zone-A, Nagar Nigam, Ludhiana to collect the bribe money. Since, a trap was laid by Vigilance Bureau, Range Ludhiana headed by DSP Mr. Bikramjit Singh and a team of DSP Miss Gurpreet Kaur Purewal Inspector Bhupinder Singh and Barjinder Singh, the accused Harwinder Singh and Balwinder Singh were arrested red-handed outside Nagar Nigam Office, while accepting the bribe money amounting to Rs. 25,000, which was recovered from the pocket of Helper Balwinder Singh in the presence of witnesses. In addition, money amounting to Rs.9,000, Rs.4,000 and Rs.2,500 wrapped in the forms of Nagar Nigam was also recovered from his pocket, which was apparently received by the accused from other persons as bribe money. He said that a case under section 7, 13 (1) (d) R/W 13 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 at Vigilance Bureau Police Station, Ludhiana has been registered against him.

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BADAL WAIVES OFF REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION CHARGES ON STATE IRRIGATION TUBEWELLS IN KANDI AND NON KANDI BELT

CONSTITUTES THREE MEMBER PANEL TO PREPARE MASTER PLAN FOR LIFT IRRIGATION IN KANDI AREA

ASKS IRRIGATION MINISTER TO LOOK INTO REASONS FOR DELAY IN ENERGIZING TUBEWELLS IN KANDI AREA

 CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 3:

            In a major decision benefiting the millions of farmers of Kandi area across the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today waived off the maintenance, repair and operation charges and its outstanding arrears on the state tubewells in the kandi and non-kandi belt for irrigation.

            A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting with the MLAs and senior leaders of SAD-BJP in the kandi region here at Punjab Bhawan this morning. 

            Acceding to the long pending demand of these leaders representing kandi area in the state especially Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr), Rupnagar, SAS Nagar (Mohali) and Pathankot district, Chief Minister waived these charges amounting to Rs.6.50 crore including arrears on these tubewells installed by the Punjab Water Resources Management and Development Tubewell Corporation.  Meanwhile, the Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon apprised the Chief Minister that in future to ensure proper maintenance and operation of state tubewells to be installed by the bidder for next seven years, a condition to this effect has already been incorporated in the tenders invited for this purpose.  It may be recalled that these charges @ Rs.1 and Rs.1.60 ps. per unit was being charged from the consumers as maintenance and operation charges in kandi and non kandi belt respectively. 

            Taking a strong exception to the laxity shown by the PWRMDTC for inordinate delay of more than a year for energizing these tubewells, the Chief Minister directed the Irrigation Minister to look into the reasons for this lapse and fix the responsibility accordingly to ensure this should never be repeated in future.  The Chief Minister also decided to form a three member panel comprising the Irrigation Minister, Industries and Technical Education Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal and Principal Secretary Irrigation Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal to prepare a master plan for the lift irrigation in the kandi area as a viable alternative to the traditional mode of tubewell irrigation. 

            Mr. Badal asked the Irrigation Minister to personally visit the kandi areas to take stock of the situation about the scanty irrigation facilities there so that the ongoing tubewell and lift irrigation schemes could be augmented to relive the people from the hardships faced by them in this regard.  He also directed Mr. Kaushal to visit these difficult areas along with the team of engineers so as to hasten the completion of these irrigation projects and latter assured the Chief Minister that he would personally check each and every tubewell so that all non operational tubewells could be energized by installing motors at the earliest.   

            Mr. Badal was also informed in the meeting that the 30 KM stretch of second phase of kandi canal would be commissioned by the end of current fiscal and the complete project of kandi canal stage II comprising length of 70 KM and five lift irrigation schemes having irrigation potential of 29,000 hectare area by March 2015. 

            Assuring the Chief Minister that he would too visit the kandi area and hold a joint meeting of all MLAs and senior leaders at Hoshiarpur in the third week of February, Mr. Sekhon said that he would resolve all issues related to the augmentation of irrigation schemes in the region to their satisfaction. 

            Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Chief Parliamentary Secretary Irrigation Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, CPS and MLA Sham Churashi Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Political Advisor to Chief Minister  Mr. Tikshan Sud, MLA Garhshankar Mr. Surinder Singh Bulerathan, MLA Dasuya Mrs. Surjit Kaur Sahi, CPS and MLA Balachaur Ch. Nand Lal, MLA Ropar Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, CPS and MLA Dera Bassi Mr. NK Sharma, MLA Pathankot Mr. Ashwani Sharma and MLA Sujanpur Mr. Dinesh Singh. 

The meeting was also attended by Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary Expenditure Mr. Jaspal Singh, MD PWRMDTC Mr. Gurdev Singh Syan and Chief Engineer Kandi area development Mr. Harvinder Singh.   

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MARSHAL OF AIR FORCE ARJAN SINGH BESIDES THREE EX-ARMY CHIEFS AND TWO EX-NAVY CHIEFS TO ATTEND THE HISTORIC WAR MEMORIAL FUNCTION AT AMRITSAR ON FEBRUARY 12

BADAL REVIEWS PREPARATORY ARRANGEMENTS TO MAKE THIS FUNCTION AS MEMORABLE EVENT

CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 3:

            As a befitting tribute to the gallantry services rendered by the Army personnel in the post independent era, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the arrangements for laying the foundation stone of prestigious Punjab State War Heroes Memorial & Museum at Amritsar on February 12. 

A high level meeting with the top brass of the state government and renowned personalities from armed forces presided over by Mr. Badal gave the final touches to this historic event in which nearly 25000 ex-servicemen and 40-50,000 people from across the state were expected to participate to pay glowing tributes to the defence personnel for their heroic deeds.  The Chief Minister asked the officers of Defence Services department to ensure elaborate arrangements for organizing this state level function as a grand success. 

Mr. Badal was informed in the meeting by the Director Sainik Welfare department Brig. (Retd) Manit Singh that Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC, General Shankar Rai Chaudhary, General Deepak Kapur and General JJ Singh (all Ex-Army Chiefs) besides Admiral Madhvender Singh  and Admiral VS Sekhawat both Ex-Navy Chiefs have consented to attend this mega event.   

It was decided in the meeting that students in uniform from Sainik School Kapurthala, PPS Nabha, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Institute Mohali and NCC cadets of senior division of Amritsar would also enthusiastically participate in the function.  All the ex-defence personnel including former chiefs and awardees of Parmveer Chakar, Mahaveer Chakar and its equivalent awardees would be honoured by the Chief Minister.  The Chief Minister also gave nod to lay the foundation stone of State-of-the-art War Memorial by unveiling the plaque at the site of the function. 

Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Advisor to CM on National Affairs & Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Coordination Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary Defence Welfare Mr. SR Laddar besides Deputy Commissioners of Amritsar Mr. Ravi Bhagat, Jalandhar Mr. Varun Rujham, Kapurthala Mr. DS Mangat and Tarn Taran Mr.Balwinder Singh. 

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V.K. SINGH ASSUMES CHARGE OF CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, PUNJAB

 CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 3:

            Punjab cadre Senior IAS officer Mr. V.K. Singh today assumed the charge of Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab (CEO).

            Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Chief Electoral Office, Punjab said that the notification with regard to the appointment of Mr. V.K. Singh as CEO, Punjab, has earlier been issued by the Punjab Government. He said that the orders were issued in pursuance of Notification of the Election Commission of India. Mr. V.K. Singh belongs to Indian Administrative Services Batch of 1990. He was earlier posted as Finance Secretary, Chandigarh administration.

            Prominent amongst other, who were present on the occasion included; Mr. Raminder Singh, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Sukhdev Lal, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer and Mr. Yadwinder Singh Bhalla, Assistant Chief Electoral Officer.

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BADAL MOURNS TRAGIC DEMISE OF TARN TARAN ADC

DEPUTY CM AND MAJITHIA ALSO CONDOLES THE DEATH OF KULBIR SINGH

CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 3:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad and tragic demise of Tarn Taran Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mr. Kulbir Singh, who died in a fatal road accident near Goindwal Sahib this morning.

In a condolence message, the Chief Minister recalled the distinguished services of Mr. Kulbir Singh during his long bright career as an able and dedicated administrator with the qualities of humility, sincerity   and professional commitment. 

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also condoled the passing away of Mr. Kulbir Singh. 

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PUNJAB TO SHOWCASE POTENTIAL AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION SUMMIT

·        TECHNICAL EDUCATION & SKILL DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT 2014’ TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 08

Chandigarh, February 03:

The Punjab Government is organizing ‘Technical Education & Skill Development Summit 2014’ to enhance the availability of skilled manpower in the state.

The summit is being organized by Department of Technical Education & Industrial Training and would be held at the Indoor Sports Complex, Mohali on February 08, 2014. The summit would be inaugurated by Mr. Prakash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab and Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Minister-in-charge Department of Technical Education & Industrial Training would be the Guest of Honour.   

Addressing a press conference to announce the summit, Mr. Mittal said that “We wish to showcase the quality initiatives taken by the Department to promote technical education in Punjab at this summit. Besides, it should also serve as the perfect platform for exhibiting the potential and achievements of technical institutions in the state. We intend making Punjab a global hub of higher education such that it attracts investment and students from other states and countries. This has been our long-term endeavor.”  Dr. Rajneesh Arora, Vice Chancellor, PTU, also addressed the media and added that, “The state has all the wherewithal required to emerge as a winner on the global higher education map and such summits shall help this cause. We, as one of the leading technical education universities, support its objectives wholeheartedly. We have been laying stress on greater industry-academia collaboration, entrepreneurship and placements. We shall highlight all of this at the forthcoming summit.”

The inaugural session of the Summit would be attended by various dignitaries and students from different PTU affiliated colleges across Punjab besides technical universities from other states. This would be followed by a detailed session on challenges and opportunities in the field of technical education.

       The Summit organizers have invited participation from University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Technical Education Council (AICTE), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), National Association of Software & Services Companies (NASSCOM), Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) as well.

Prominent among others who were present in the press conference included Mr. A.R. Talwar, Principal Secretary Technical Education, Mr. Rakesh Verma, Secretary Technical Education, Mr. B. Purusarta, Director Technical Education, Mr. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Mr. Manjit Singh, Chairman, Doaba Group, Mr. Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of colleges & convener, PUTIA and Mr.Gurvinder Bahra, Chairman, Rayat Bahra Group.

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TOBACCO CONTROL CELL & CESSATION CENTERS TO BE SET UP IN 12 DISTRICTS
OF THE STATE: VINI MAHAJAN
17 DISTRICTS IN THE STATE DECLARED TOBACCO SMOKE FREE
ENTIRE PUNJAB TO BE TOBACCO SMOKE FREE IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS
DC JALANDHAR & MANSA  HONOURED FOR GOOD COMPLIANCE OF COTPA

Chandigarh, February 3:

Improve inter departmental co-ordination for effective implementation
of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) in the state.
Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Departments of Health & Family
Welfare and Medical Education Punjab said this while presiding over
State Level Co-ordination Committee meeting for effective
implementation of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA)
2003. She said that district tobacco control cell and district
cessation center is being established in Bathinda this year under
National Tobacco Control Program and in next 3 years similar
activities will be undertaken in12 districts.
She said that 17 districts in the state are declared Tobacco Smoke
free and the department is determined to make entire Punjab Tobacco
Smoke Free in the next few months. She said that 3-4 of the top 5
cancers in most cancer registries are caused by tobacco, which can
also lead to many other non-communicable diseases. She further added
that by the year 2030, the developing world will account for 70% of
the estimated 10 million deaths caused by Tobacco and become the focus
of the Global Tobacco Control Movement.
She said that in Punjab about 24 lakh persons above the age of 15
years are tobacco users, out of which one third of them that is about
8 lakh are under threat that they will die of diseases related to
tobacco use.
Sh. Hussan Lal secretary Health-cum- Managing Director, National
Health Mission,  added that Chewable tobacco has already been banned
in the state of Punjab since one and half years.
On this occasion Sh. Varun Roojam, DC Jalandhar & Sh Amit Dhaka, DC
Mansa were honoured for very good compliance of COTPA 2003 in their
respective districts.
Prominent others who attended the meeting included Dr. Karanjit Singh,
Director Health & Family Welfare Punjab, Dr Rakesh K Gupta, state
Program Officer, Tobacco Control Cell, Punjab and representatives of
Departments of Finance, Factories, Transport, Law, Public Relations
and Local Bodies and Deputy Commissioners of district Jalandhar &
Mansa.

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BADAL VISITS CHAPPARCHIRI TO MONITOR THE ARRANGEMENTS OF PROGRESSIVE PUNJAB AGRICULTURE SUMMIT

·        10 CHIEF MINISTERS AND SEVERAL NATIONAL LEADERS LIKELY TO ATTEND THE SUMMIT

·        ELABORATES ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR THE PARTICIPATION OF NEARLY 50,000 FARMERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY

·        FIRST EVER SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN PUNJAB OVER 135 ACRES

·        250 LIVESTOCK WINNERS OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TO BE EXHIBITED

Chapparchiri (Mohali), February 2

          The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today visited the site at Baba Banda Singh Bahadur War Memorial to oversee the arrangements of the upcoming Progressive Punjab Agriculture Summit (PPAS) to be held here from February 16-19, where nearly 50,000 farmers from across the country and abroad are expected to attend this first ever mega event in the state.

As many as ten Chief Ministers from various states and other senior national leaders of different political parties besides top agriculture experts were expected to attend the function on the inaugural day of the Summit, to set the agenda on several issues confronting farmers and farming in India.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal reviewed the arrangements on the spot with the senior officers of the state’s civil and police administration so that this historic Agriculture Summit was organized successfully especially to benefit the farmers of the country to learn from each others’ experience in their varied fields of interest in agriculture and allied farming with a thrust on crop diversification.

The Chief Minister was apprised that the entire Summit has been planned to be held 135 acres of land where apart from exhibition, seminars and technical sessions on various aspects of agriculture with a special focus on the emerging technologies and strategies in agriculture would be organized to keep the farming community abreast with the modern farming practices and technological advancements through detailed deliberations by the Agri-experts, technocrats and progressive farmers.

 Mr. Badal stressed on the need to ensure comfortable stay of the farmers besides transportation facilities to them so that they could attend the Summit in a hassle free manner. The Chief Minister also asked the Financial Commissioner Development to invite the leading world class agriculture equipment/machinery manufacturing companies to display their products in the exhibition so that the farmers could be immensely benefited. The Chief Minister also informed that nearly 250 livestock would be exhibited, which have won awards/prizes in National championships during the last five years.  

Mr. Badal said since Punjab was a leading state in the agriculture and it should be our endeavor to encourage the countrywide farmers to make use of latest farm practices to enhance their productivity both qualitatively and quantitatively besides opting for agriculture diversification through allied farming by holding such Agriculture Summits regularly. He was confident that the forthcoming Summit would prove to be a milestone in evolving a blue print to put our conventional agriculture on a hi-tech track besides transforming the destiny of our millions of farmers especially the small and marginal ones by turning their fortunes.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rajiv Bali, the Chairman of the PHD Chamber of Commerce, Punjab Chapter being the partner of the summit briefed the Chief Minister about the logistics of the event.

Later, the Chief Minister visited the Ultra-Modern Fruits & Vegetables Air Conditioned Market constructed by Mandi Board at a cost of Rs. 50 crore in Sector-65 A, Mohali.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, FCD Mr. Suresh Kumar, Special Secretary Agriculture Mr. KS Pannu, Vice Chairman Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Ravinder Pal Singh Cheema, Co-Chairmen PHD Chamber of Commerce Mr. Mr. RS Sachdeva and Mr. Pranav Gupta.

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 SPECIALIZED TRAINING ON GOVERNMENT PROCESS RE-ENGINEERING ORGANISED

 Chandigarh, February 2:

Punjab Governance Reforms department organized a three day Specialized eGovernance Training Programme (STeP) on ‘Government Process Re-engineering for e-Governance Projects’ (S2- GPR) at Hotel Shivalikview.

Mrs. Kavita Singh, IAS, Special Secretary Cum Director Governance Reforms, Government of Punjab inaugurating the workshop said that this workshop was organized to equip the officers of the Punjab Government with skills and knowledge on Government Process Re-engineering for e-Governance Projects’ (S2- GPR) for State level e-Governance initiatives and e- Governance projects being implemented in the state under National e-Governance Plan (NeGP).

She said that this training was organized in coordination with National Institute for Smart Government (NISG), Hyderabad to build State Capacity Building as per guidelines of Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DeitY), Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, Government of India. The training  was attended by senior officers/ Officials from various Departments and District Offices of State of Punjab.

She further said that During the 3 days program on Government Process Re-engineering for e-Governance Projects’ (S2- GPR), participants were provided knowledge on Understanding Government Process & Service Quality , Overview of Process Re-engineering , Definition of the Vision & Understanding Service Prioritization , Understanding of Process Maps , Exercise on Creation of Vision Statement And Service Prioritisation , Collecting Data for Process Mapping , Government Process Analysis , Identifying solutions for the challenges in Government Process Environment and Optimization of the Processes, Optimization the Processes .

The specialized Training Programme on Government Process Re-engineering (S2-GPR) was conducted by Sh. BG Gupta and Prof.J.C.Kapoor from NISG.

 Distinguished officers also performed in various activities on Government Process Re-engineering.

Mrs. Kavita Singh also distributed participation certificates to distinguished officers / officials of various Departments and district Offices of State of Punjab on the concluding day of the workshop.

Spokesperson said that Director/Joint Director/ Additional Director, Deputy Director, In charge of IT initiatives, Govt. representatives in State/Project e-Governance Mission Teams (SeMT/ PeMT) , Nodal officers for e-Governance initiatives leading / managing GPR engagements and are expected to lead / play crucial role in e-Governance implementation of state Government attended this three day programme.

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CM ASKS FARMERS TO JOIN HANDS FOR SAVING AGRICULTURE

TERMS DIVERSIFICATION OF AGRICULTURE AS ‘PANACEA OF ALL THE ILLS OF FARMERS’

INAUGURATES KISAN SCHOOL AND SCIENTIST HOME IN GADVASU

LAYS THRUST ON PRESERVING PEDIGREE OF TRADITIONAL COWS AND BUFFALOES

Ludhiana, February 1-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave a clarion call to the farmers to unite on a single platform for the noble cause of saving the agriculture from the ongoing crisis.  

Interacting with the progressive farmers after inaugurating Kisan School and Scientist Home here at the Guru Angad Dev Veterinary Sciences University, the Chief Minister bemoaned that the regressive policies of the Union government has made Agriculture a non profitable venture due to which the need of the hour was to join hands for facing this turbulent period. He said that the due to exorbitant hike in agriculture inputs coupled with the non remunerative MSP the margins of profits of the farmers have been squeezed, which has in turn broken their backbone. So, Mr. Badal said that in this crucial hour the farmers must adopt the allied farming activities so as to supplement their income on one hand and save the agrarian economy of the state on the other.

Laying thrust on the need for diversification of agriculture in terms of adopting the Allied farming activities, the Chief Minister said that it was the panacea of all the ills of farmers. Mr. Badal impressed upon the GADVASU to play a proactive role in this regard by strengthening their extension services. He said that the scientists of the universities must go to the villages and educate the farmers about the merits of adopting Dairy farming, Piggery, Fishery, Bee Keeping and other activities, which would help the beleaguered farming community in enhancing their income.

The Chief Minister also underlined the need to encourage the landless farmers especially those belonging to the weaker and downtrodden sections of the society to adopt dairy farming. Likewise, he said that the state government was also focusing on promoting the Dairy farming by offering 50% subsidy to the women Dairy farmers. Mr. Badal also asked the university authorities to adopt ten villages for developing them as model villages with state-of-the art agriculture and animal husbandry infra structure so that they could act as source of inspiration for the other villages.

The Chief Minister also said that in a bid to curtail the huge expenditure meted out by the farmers on agriculture implements the state government has already approved to enhance the subsidy on the purchase of such implements by Agro Service Centers, for giving it to the farmers on custom hiring basis, from prevalent 33% to 50%. He said that instead of making heavy expenditure on agriculture implements the farmers must take the benefit of this scheme.

The Chief Minister also said that the state government was formulating a time bound action plan for providing quality breed of cows and buffaloes to the farmers to boost Dairying in the state. He said that need of the hour was to preserve the pedigree of traditional cows and buffaloes in the state, for which the university must play a key role. Mr. Badal also lauded the Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) and GADVASU for their commendable work in encouraging crop diversification.  

Earlier the Chief Minister also visited a number of stalls installed by the progressive farmers and had a detailed interaction with them about their projects.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Mr. Manpreet Singh Aiyaali, former MP Mr. Amrik Singh Aliwal, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, VC PAU Dr. BS Dhillon and VC GADVASU Dr. VK Taneja. 

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CM URGES MUSLIM COMMUNITY TO NOT GET SWAYED AWAY BY MALICIOUS PROPAGANDA OF CONGRESS REGARDING MODI

CONGRESS WAS CREATING FEAR IN THE MINDS OF MINORTIES TO FULFILL ITS OWN VESTED INTEREST

RAHUL’S ELEVATION AS PM WOULD BE DISASTROUS FOR THE NATION 

INVITES MUSLIM BRETHREN TO ATTEND MODI’S ENSUING RALLY IN PUNJAB

TERMS DENIAL OF ECONOMIC PACKAGE TO PUNJAB AS UNFORTUNATE

TELLS KEJRIWAL TO STOP ACTING AS JUDGE

STATE GOVERNMENT TO LAUNCH HEALTH AWARENESS SCHEME

LUDHIANA CIVIL HOSPITAL TO HAVE ICU

LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF MOTHER-CHILD HOSPITAL, ISLAMIA SCHOOL AND ROADS IN THE CITY

Ludhiana, February 1-

          Terming the SAD-BJP alliance as true secularists of the country, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today exhorted the Muslim community to not get swayed away with the malicious propaganda of the Congress party regarding BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Mr. Narendra Modi.

          “Sensing their inevitable defeat, the Congress party is leaving no stone unturned to create a fear in the minds of minorities regarding Mr. Modi, which is totally wrong” said Mr. Badal in a massive public gathering after laying down the foundation stone of Islamia Public School here today.

The Chief Minister said that the Congress has always pursued the policy of ‘Divide and Rule’ for fulfilling its vested political interests and distorting the image of Mr. Modi was a part of this strategy. Impressing upon the community to vote for making Mr. Modi as the Prime Minister of the nation, Mr Badal, amongst a huge applaud from the public, said that only a seasoned politician and able administrator like Gujarat Chief Minister could lead the nation efficiently. He said that if the Congress leader Mr. Rahul Gandhi was elected to the coveted post of the Prime Minister then only ‘God could save the country’ from the ensuing disaster.

The Chief Minister further said that the SAD had been votary of communal harmony and peace in the country and once the NDA government assumes power in centre, they would ensure that the all round development of Muslim community was ensured in true latter and spirit. He said that the community has supported the SAD in every thick and thin adding that the party was committed for safeguarding the interests of the community at any cost. Mr. Badal also urged the Muslim community to attend the upcoming rally of Gujarat Chief Minister in a huge number so as to clear the mist about the popularity of Mr. Modi amongst the minorities.

The Chief Minister also announced that the state government would soon make the necessary amendments in the rules to make a representative of the community as the Vice Chairman of Punjab Minorities Commission. He also announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh for the upcoming school so as to impart quality education to the students of the community. Mr. Badal said that he had issued necessary directions to the Rural Development and Local government departments to provide land to the Muslim brethren in the villages and cities for the grave yards adding that in case of scarcity of land the state government would purchase such land for them.

Later on interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister said that by denying the industrial package to Punjab, the Congress led UPA government has proved that it was totally anti-Punjab. He said that due to the recently concluded Progressive Punjab Investor’s Summit an atmosphere of industrial development was created in the state. However, Mr. Badal said that by denying a package, awarded to other neighboring states, the Union government has tried to derail the economic progress of the state.

Replying to another query regarding the list issued by Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal regarding the corrupt political leaders of the country, the Chief Minister said that before indulging in such acts, his Delhi counterpart must remember that he was an elected representative of the people and not a judge. He said that it does not suit a person of Chief Minister’s stature to indulge in such acts which do not have any locus standii.      

Later on addressing a gathering after laying down the foundation stone of upgrading and strengthening of roads on Tajpur Road, the Chief Minister urged the people to form the NDA government at the centre for ushering a new era of unprecedented development in the state. He said that winds of change were blowing across the country as the people were fed up from the wrong and ill conceived policies of the Congress led UPA government at the centre. Mr. Badal said that due to the misrule of the Congress party, the nation was confronting a large number of social maladies like unemployment, corruption, poverty and starvation.

Earlier in the day interacting with the Doctors of the local Civil Hospital here today, the Chief Minister said that the state government would soon prepare a roadmap for launching an ambitious scheme of generating ‘Health awareness’ amongst the people. Laying stress on the need of making the people aware about the health, he said that the callous attitude of people towards this important aspect of life was resulting in a number of vexed problems for them in the future. Giving the slogan of Healthy Punjab, Prosperous Punjab, Mr. Badal said that the main motive of this scheme would be to disseminate more and more information to the residents of the state for maintaining a good health. He said that this comprehensive scheme would cover all the age groups and special focus would be laid on educating the young people about the benefits of good health, so that the future generation could be caught at young stage to prevent diseases in the future.

          Approving the setting up of an ultra modern Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the local Civil Hospital, the Chief Minister asked the Health department to prepare the estimates by conducting the entire planning of this ambitious project to impart quality Health services to the people. He said that the state government would soon sanction Rs 2 crore for this project besides sanctioning the posts of the medical and para medical staff for this ICU. Mr. Badal said that necessary clearances would be given by the state government shortly.

          Retreating the commitment to develop Ludhiana city as a hub of quality Health services, the Chief Minister said that the master plan for this purpose was almost ready and soon-state-of the art Community Health Centers along with the Primary Health Centers would come up in the periphery of the city to impart world class medical facilities to the people. He said that the local Civil Hospital would also be developed into an ultra modern hospital to facilitate the residents of the region.

          The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mrs. Farzaana Aalam, MLA Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon, Chairman of Punjab Waqf Board Mr. Izhaar Aalam, Principal Secretary Health Mrs. Vinnie Mahajan, Director Punjab State Health Service Corporation Mr. Hussan Lal and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.         

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BRTS AND MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE PROJECTS TO BE LAUNCHED THIS MONTH-SUKHBIR BADAL

·        COMPANY BAGH TO HAVE AUDITORIUM AND LIGHT & SOUND PROGRAM

·        TOWNHALL WOULD ALSO WITNESS TRADITIONAL FACELIFT

·        MAJOR ROUNDABOUTS TO HAVE HUGE SCULPTURES OF GREAT PERSONALITIES  

Amritsar, February 1: Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said the work on prestigious Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) would start by mid February which would be completed by 2016. Besides, Municipal Solid Waste Management System would also be kicked off this month.

Reviewing the status of ongoing development projects in holy city after paying obeisance at Golden Temple, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Amritsar city would be made top tourist destination of South-East Asia. In a bid to attract more tourists and ease the traffic congestion being faced by the tourists, the BRTS project costing Rs. 491 crore is being initiated by the state government. He also informed that physical work on Municipal Solid Waste Management project at the cost of Rs. 72.49 crore would also be launched in this month with a view to keep the city clean. 

In a high level meeting the Deputy CM accompanied by Local Bodies Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, directed the concerned officers to ensure the completion of both projects within stipulated time frame. He said Amritsar has already got a fleet of 40 city buses while 110 more buses would be added in the fleet for the facilitation of commuters. To rejuvenate and conserve the traditional ambience of Company Bagh, Mr. Badal asked the Municipal Corporation and Tourism Department to make arrangements for light and sound, installation of musical fountains, pathways, tree plantation and land-scaping in the historical Bagh.

Reviewing the status of restoration and conservation of Town Hall building at a cost of Rs. 65.5 crore, Mr. Badal asked the implementing agency to construct world class convention center and exhibition hall besides good quality food court, craft bazaar and open air theatre. He also directed to maintain the traditional ambience of Town Hall building as holy city is widely regarded the focal point of tourism in India and abroad. Adding further he said that its maintenance and housekeeping services should be awarded to a reputed company. He also informed that there would be no paucity of funds for the ongoing development projects of Amritsar city.  

Earlier Deputy CM also visited the site of 'Entrance Plaza' in Golden Temple and asked the Tourism Department to expedite the remaining work of underground plaza. He said that the plaza would give a big boost to pilgrimage activities since the project have redesigning and refurbishing of the open space in front of entrance of Golden Temple. It would also have world-class auditorium depicting rich cultural heritage of Sikhism to be displayed through an audio-visual information system.

Stating that Amritsar city would get have a complete facelift, Mr. Badal said huge and attractive sculptures of our great personalities would be installed at all major roundabouts in holy city. He asked the Municipal Corporation to submit a draft plan at the earliest, which would be implemented in this year. He also said all major roads leading to Amritsar would have underground electricity cables and thickly populated areas to have overhead cables instead of electricity poles. He said designer poles would be erected for street lights on these roads to give traditional look to the holy city.

Meanwhile, Deputy CM also inspected the ongoing work at historic Gobindgarh Fort, a legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and asked the concerned officers to complete its first phase at the earliest so it could be thrown open for the tourists. Mr. Badal also informed that light and sound program depicting the historical background associated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh, would also showcase the historical aspects of Punjab.

Prominent amongst present in the meeting Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, Mr. NPS Randhawa, Director Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Ravi Bhagat, Deputy Commissioner and Mr. DPS Kharbanda, Municipal Commissioner.

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NOW HARSHER PUNISHMENT FOR FOOD ADULTERATION IN PUNJAB

CM ANNOUNCES TO BRING THE BILL REGARDING IT IN THE ENSUING SESSION OF STATE ASSEMBLY

INCREASE IN NUMBER OF SUBSIDIZED LPG CYLINDERS, A ‘FACE SAVING’ EXERCISE OF UPA

WELCOMES ADMISSION OF BHULLAR’S MERCY PETITION BY SC

ANY SIT OR PROBE ON SIKH KILLINGS OF 1984 WOULD FURTHER DELAY JUSTICE TO ITS VICTIMS

BAHUGUNA MADE SCAPEGOAT TO SAVE THE SKIN OF RAHUL GANDHI

HOLDS CONGRESS RESPONSIBLE FOR BLACK DAYS IN PUNJAB

‘TOWN PLANNING’ FOR OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB CITY ON CARDS

POLICE DIRECTED TO START TOLL FREE NUMBER FOR CHECKING DRUG PEDDLING

INAUGURATES PROJECT WORTH NEARLY RS 15 CRORE IN CITY

LAYS FOUNDATION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF DISTRICT JAIL AT COST OF RS 78 CRORE

Sri Muktsar Sahib, January 31-

          In a bid to check adulteration of food in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the state government would soon introduce a bill for awarding severest of severe punishment to the people indulging in this heinous crime.

          Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan program in Sri Muktsar Sahib assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that the state government was fully committed to check this menace, which was a major health hazard for the residents. He said that the bill for making strict provisions to check adulteration of food would be presented in the coming session of the state assembly. “Harsher punishment will be stipulated in this bill for all those persons indulging in such malpractices” added Mr. Badal.

          Coming down heavily on the UPA government, the Chief Minister termed the recent decision of the Union government to enhance the number of subsidized LPG cylinders from nine to 12 as a ‘political stunt’. Mr. Badal said that it was a ‘face saving’ exercise of the Congress led UPA government. Questioning the motive behind this decision, he said that there was no cap on such cylinders in the past but in an anti-people move the Union government had imposed this limit and now keeping in view the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, the UPA was trying to befool the people by increasing the subsidized cylinders. However Mr. Badal said that the voters would not get swayed away with such tantrums of the UPA and would teach a befitting lesson to the Congress in the coming polls.

          When asked to comment on the admission of Prof. Devinder Pal Bhullar’s mercy plea by the Apex Court, the Chief Minister described it as a welcome step.

          The Chief Minister further said that there was hardly any need for another probe in the killings of Sikhs in 1984 as several earlier enquiries into the matter had already indicted the Congress leaders for their dubious role in the matter. He said that any further enquiry would aggravate the woes of the victims of this massacre by delaying the process of justice for another couple of years. Mr. Badal reiterated that it was totally wrong to compare the Sikh carnage of 1984 with Ghodra riots, as the former was a planned execution of the Sikhs by the then Union government.  

On another query pertaining to the resignation submitted by Uttarakhand Chief Minister on the directions of the Congress high command, the Chief Minister said that though it was an internal matter of the party but frustrated by the ‘Modi wave’ Congress leadership was sacrificing its Chief Ministers in the hope of getting votes of the people. He said that the responsibility of the debacle of the Congress in recently concluded polls in four states lies with the top leadership including Mr. Rahul Gandhi but the frustrated Congress party was making the Chief Ministers as scapegoats just to save the skin of Nehru-Gandhi scion. Mr. Badal said that the crystal clear verdict of the four states was in the favor of Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and was against the Gandhi family.

          Squarely blaming the Congress party for pursuing the policy of ‘Divide and Rule’, the Chief Minister held it responsible for the black days of terrorism in the state. On the other hand he said that the credit of putting the state on the path of resurgence goes to the SAD-BJP alliance government. Mr. Badal said that due to the concerted efforts of the state government Punjab has today emerged as an epitome of communal harmony, peace and amity across the country.

         Earlier addressing the gatherings during Sangat Darshan in various parts of the city, the Chief Minister announced that special town planning of Sri Muktsar Sahib city would be conducted by the government to develop this sacred place on modern lines. He said that the officers of the town planning department would soon visit the city for conducting the entire planning of the city to ensure its overall development.  Likewise, Mr. Badal also said that the state government has already embarked a scheme to provide basic civic amenities to all the towns and cities of the state.

          The Chief Minister also announced that the state government would soon launch a toll free number to check the drug peddling in the state. He said that the Police authorities would launch this number on which anyone could make a call and inform the Police about the drug peddling in their area. Mr. Badal, while soliciting the support from general public, said that the drug menace could be checked only with the active cooperation of the general public and the state.

Earlier the Chief Minister also inaugurated newly constructed office of Municipal Council, Sewerage Treatment Plant on Ballamgarh Road and Water works on Tibbi Sahib Road involving a cost of nearly Rs 15 crore.

Likewise the Chief Minister also laid down the foundation stone of constructing District Jail on Ferozepur Road at a cost of Rs 78 crore.

          The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, former Chairman of Municipal Council Mr. Mit Singh Brar, senior Akali leaders Mr. Manjeet Singh Barkandi, Mr. Kanwaljeet Singh Rozy Barkandi and Mr. Manjinder Singh Bittu, Chairman of Punjab Agro Food grains Corporation Mr. Dyaal Singh Kolianwali, his Special Principal Secretaries Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Paramjit Singh and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Mr. Amar Singh Chahal. 

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YOUTH AKALI DAL STAGES STATE WIDE PROTESTS ON 84 RIOTS COMMENTS OF RAHUL GANDHI

·       YAD SEEKS IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL OF CONGRESS LED UPA GOVERNMENT AND DERECOGNITION OF CONGRESS PARTY

·       RAHUL GANDHI MUST MAKE THE NAMES OF CULPRITS PUBLIC- YOUTH AKALI DAL

 

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 31: Thousands of Youth Akali Dal workers and members of various Sikh organizations today staged massive protests at all district headquarters in Punjab by burning the effigies of Congress Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi and demanded immediate dismissal of Congress led UPA government.

            The YAD leaders as well as members of various Sikh organizations said since Rahul Gandhi had confessed that Congress leaders were behind the pogrom aimed against the Sikh community, he was duty bound to name the leaders who had led the mobs which had massacred thousands of innocent Sikhs in the streets of Delhi. 

            The leaders said if the Congress Vice President had any sense of fairplay and really empathised with the Sikh community he should pressurise the Congress led UPA government to put the guilty Congress leaders behind bars immediately. 

            The YAD leaders also asked Pradesh Congress president Partap Singh Bajwa to clarify his stand on the confessional statement of Rahul Gandhi and tell the people of Punjab whether he would side with the murderers or demand exemplary punishment for them. The protesters also asked Bajwa his stand as a Sikh, saying did he feel he had any moral right to be part of a party which had admitted to killing thousands of innocent and defenceless Sikhs. They also asked whether the PPCC Chief has guts to seek public apology from Rahul Gandhi?

            In different district headquarters in massive protesting demonstration the leaders  emphasized  that they always believed that truth about involvement and complicity of Congress party in 1984 anti Sikh massacre would come out and after the confession of Rahul Gandhi, Congress led UPA government had lost its moral right to continue in government and they pleaded Election Commission of India to derecognize Congress party with immediate effect. The protesters said that what to call of punishing the guilty various successive Congress Government decorated guilty leaders with Ministries and Party posts. They said that by doing so, they have played with the basic spirit of constitution and they have no right to continue in power.

            Describing 1984 anti Sikh massacre as the darkest Chapter of history of India, the leaders said that it is for the first time after independence that the ruling political party in a planned way organized massacre of thousands of Sikhs including children, women and old people, that too in the streets of Capital of India. They said that this massacre while exposing the anti Sikh face of Congress party on one hand, had also lowered the image of India in the polity of nations.

            Seeking a direct answer from Rahul Gandhi, the Youth Akali Dal leaders dared him to get an exemplary action against guilty Congress leaders from the government as he had got turned down even the Cabinet decision on the sensitive issue of Lokpal. They pointed out that whether his father Rajiv Gandhi’s statement that “Earth shakes when a big tree falls” was an impediment in getting justice for the victim families. They said that even after admission on a national channel regarding Congressmen’s direct role in the Sikh massacre, Rahul Gandhi by not apologizing has shown his high headedness along with his hatred against Sikhs and Punjab. They said that in these conditions the apology of Dr. Manmohan Singh was nothing more than a political stunt of Congress. They said that keeping in view the whole scenario, the Youth Akali Dal demands the immediate dismissal of present Union government and de-recognition of Congress party.

 

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WRONG TO DRAW ANY PARALLEL BETWEEN KILLINGS OF SIKHS IN 1984 AND GODHRA RIOTS- BADAL

TERMS KILLINGS OF 1984 AS PLANNED CARNAGE OF SIKHS BY UNION GOVERNMENT

BEMOANS THAT THE CULPRITS OF THIS HEINOUS CRIME WERE STILL ROAMING SCOT FREE

CENTRE SHOULD TAKE EVERY STEP TO SAFEGUARD THE LIFE AND PROPERTY OF PUNJABIS ABROAD

NO INTENTION TO JOIN NATIONAL POLITICS

MALOUT TO BE DEVELOPED AS A ‘MODEL CITY’

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR SEWERAGE PROBLEM OF CITY SOON

SUB DIVISIONAL HOSPITAL TO BE EQUIPPED WITH ULTRA MODERN FACILITIES

SANGAT DARSHAN IN MALOUT

Malout (Sri Muktsar Sahib), January 30-

            The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that it was wrong to draw any parallel between killing of innocent Sikhs in 1984 and the Ghodra riots in Gujarat.

            Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan program of Malout assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that the unfortunate incident that happened in Ghodra city of Gujarat were riots whereas the killings in 1984 was a carnage of the Sikhs undertaken at the behest of then Congress government at the centre. He said that the riots are always a result of clash between two communities whereas what happened in 1984 was a planned execution of Sikhs as the then Union government had used all its might to kill the Sikhs by especially targeting them. Mr. Badal said that the Centre government had deliberately allowed the killings of Sikhs to take place by becoming a mute spectator to this dastardly act.

The Chief Minister further said that due to the inaction of the Union government and the Police, the mob led by the Congress leaders had killed the innocent Sikhs in full public view. He said that even several enquiries conducted for probing the 1984 carnage have time and again indicted the Congress leaders for their dubious role behind the massacre of the innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other parts of the country. However, Mr. Badal bemoaned that despite of several proofs the culprits of this heinous crime were still roaming free and instead of taking any action against them the Congress party has been rewarding them with the coveted posts. 

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister, while expressing concern over the killings of the Punjabi youth in various foreign countries like Philippines, said that the Union government must take steps to safeguard the life and property of Punjabi youth settled abroad. He said that it was the bounden duty of the Centre to protect the lives of countrymen residing in any part of the world.

            Earlier addressing the gatherings during the Sangat Darshan in various wards of the city, the Chief Minister categorically said that he was committed for ensuring the welfare of the residents of the state at any cost. Mr. Badal said that there was no question of joining the national politics and he would continue to serve the residents of state in the future also. The Chief Minister said that he was fully satisfied while serving the people of state and do not have any desire to move to centre even to assume any bigger responsibility.

            The Chief Minister further said that the state government was duty bound to solve the chronic problem of choked sewerage system in the city for which a comprehensive plan would be chalked out in the coming days. Mr. Badal said that he had already deputed a high level team of the officers to look into the matter adding that a team of engineering experts would soon conduct complete survey of the city to find some viable solution for this problem. He also impressed upon the people to give fulsome support and cooperation to the team of officers and engineers to sort out this problem.

            Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister said that the Sub Division hospital of the city would also be developed into an ultra modern hospital equipped with state-of-the art medical facilities, which would be available to the patients round the clock. He said that the best Doctors would be deployed in the hospital to provide quality treatment to the patients and soon a blood blank would also be established in it. Mr. Badal also announced that the hospital would also be provided an Ambulance van for facilitating the patients.

Earlier striking an emotional chord with the people, the Chief Minister, while recalling the age old ties of his family with the city, said that his wife late Bibi Surinder Kaur Badal had special affection for the city. Mr. Badal said that the city has special place in his heart and he respected the people of Malout because they had stood by his family in every thick and thin. The Chief Minister further said that he was committed to develop Malout as a ‘Model city’ to fulfill the aspirations of late Bibi Badal.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, MLA Mr. Harpreet Singh Kotbhai, Chairman Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation Jathedar Dyaal Singh Kolianwali, Chairman PUNCOFED Mr. Kulwinder Singh Bhai Ka Kera, Chairman District Planning Committee Sri Muktsar Sahib Mr. Hardeep Singh Dimpi Dhillon, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Managing Director Punjab Health System Corporation Mr. Hussan Lal, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Paramjit Singh, Deputy Inspector Geenral of Police Mr. Amar Singh Chahal and Sub Divisional Magistrate Mr. Kumar Amit.          

Sukhbir to Kejriwal: "Don't depend on killers to punish them" Running with the hare and hunting with the hound will not work...

 

Chandigarh January 29 - The SAD President and Punjab Deputy Chief
Minister Sukhbir SIngh Badal said here today that the AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal must establish his credibility on probing the Congress-engineered and government-sponsored massacre of Sikhs in 1984 by dissociating himself from the party widely held guilty of the heinous crime.

    “An SIT to probe the inhuman 1984 massacre of Sikhs formed by a government that depends on the Congress for its very survival will have no credibility. You can not depend on killers’ support  to punish the same killers. And you can not run with the hare and hunt with the hound. Mr. Kejriwal must end this contradiction of  being friends with criminals and sympathsing with their  victims at the same time,” said Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal in a statement here.

   The SAD president also said that an SIT formed by the Supreme Court alone can have carry any conviction with the people. “Everyone is well aware that no justice could be expected from any agency that is formed, monitored and controlled by a Congress govt or a Congress-supported regime.

 
             People have a right to expect the AAP leader  and Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal to prove the sincerity of  his demand for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into 1984  massacre by refusing to accept support from the guilty Congress party.

"In the absence of this, the demand for an SIT will appear to be a mere political stunt. Kejriwal must go beyond playing to the gallery on an issue of such grave sensitivity,  " said Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal in a statement here .The SAD president said that he saw a serious contradiction between asking for a probe against the killers belonging to the Congress  while at the same time accepting support from the same party to stay in power.

 Mr. Badal asked Mr. Kejriwal to take a clear stand on the issue and not just reduce an extremely sensitive matter to a mere political stunt, which it will remain as long as the AAP government depended on Congress for its very survival.

              Mr. Sukhbir Singh further said that even for an SIT formed by  court to succeed, it will have to depend on inputs from the government machinery in Delhi. If that machinery is a puppet of the Congress, how can it  be expected to cooperate with the court in conducting an honest probe against the Congress goons ?

  Mr. Badal pointed out that there was no doubt in anyone’s mind about the identity of the killers and about the party which supported and sponsored them. These culprits have been roaming the corridors of power in Delhi for so many decades now. If Mr. Kejriwal still allows them to remain stake-holders in these corridors, he can not expect to be trusted on the sincerity of his demand.

"Now, even  Mr. Rahul Gandhi has  had to openly admit  that Congressmen were involved in  the brutal and senseless dance of death and destruction in the streets of the national capital in 1984.After this confession, is Mr. Kejriwal still in doubt about the credentials of the party whose support he enjoys ?Can he still honestly expect his government to be allowed to move against these Congressmen.

. The whole idea seems so unrealistic and weird.”

             "The massacre took place in Delhi where Mr. Kejriwal is now the Chief Minister. For an SIT to function in an atmosphere completely free of political interference, Delhi must not have government supported by the Congress. Otherwise the whole purpose of the probe will  be lost.

      Mr. Badal said that while his party and the SAD-BJP  govt in
Punjab welcome  Mr. Kejriwal's  intentions, "we only want the exercise to look and be genuine. Otherwise, even the victims may not have the confidence to come forward and depose against the criminals as they would still be controlling the reigns of government  in Delhi. “

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PUNJAB TO ORGANIZE TECHNICAL EDUCATION SUMMIT IN FEBRUARY

Chandigarh, January 30:              

The Punjab Government would organize a Technical Education & Skill Development Summit-2014 on 8th February at Indoor Sports Complex, Mohali.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister, Punjab said that Technical Education Department would showcase its quality initiatives in this Summit. The Summit is sponsored by PTU and PUTIA jointly. Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab would be the Chief Guest on this occasion.

Mr. Mittal said that the Summit would aim at exhibiting the potential and achievements of Technical universities and technical Colleges of Punjab and at same time it would attract investment and students of other states. He further said that more than 400 colleges would combine their efforts to make Punjab the educational priority for national and international students. He further said that there are many states like North East, Bihar, Jharkhand etc. and many countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Africa etc. where there are large number of students but less number of Colleges. He added that department of technical education, PTU and PUTIA would work together to get students from other states and countries.

He said that representatives of technical educational institutions and prominent personalities from industry sector were the special invitees including Mr. Sunil Munjal from Hero Group, Mr. Kamal Oswal from Oswal Group, Mr. Rajinder Gupta from Trident Group, Kamna Raj from CII and Mr. Dalip Kumar from PHD chamber.

Prominent among others who were present in the meeting including Mr. A.R Talwar, Principal Secretary, Technical Education, Punjab, B. Purushartha, Director,technical education, Mr. Rajneesh Arora, VC, PTU, Prof Arun Kumar Grover, VC, PU, Dr. J S Dhaliwal, President, PUTIA, Mr Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, CU, Mr Manjeet Singh, Chairman, Doaba Group, Dr Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges.

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PUNJAB NOTIFIES STATE LEVEL COORDINATION COMMITTEE TO IMPLEMENT NTCP & COTPA ACT

 

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 30:

          The Punjab Government has notified a State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) headed by Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare to implement the National Tobacco Control Program COTPA ACT, 2003.

          Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Health and Family Welfare Department said that the committee has been constituted in pursuance to the operational guidelines National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) issued by GoI for overall implementation of NTCP and Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COPTA 2003). He said that the other members of the SLCC would be Principal Secretary, Home or his nominee, Principal Secretary, Rural Development or his nominee, Principal Secretary, Finance or his nominee, Principal Secretary, School Education or his nominee, Principal Secretary, Higher Education or his nominee, Secretary, Transport or his nominee, Secretary, Public Relations or his nominee, Secretary, Local Government, Secretary, Labour, Divisional Manager, Ambala Cantonment and Ferozepur from Department of Railway, Ms. Bhawna Mukhopadhyay, Executive Director, Voluntary Health Association of India, Mr. Varun Roojam, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar, Mr. Amit Dhaka, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Mansa, Legal Remembrance and Secretary, Health-cum-MD, NRHM would be Member Secretary of the committee.

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 PANCHAYATS AND OFFICERS TO GET SPECIAL TRAINING-RAKHRA

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 30: The Punjab Government has decided to impart Special Training to panchayats in Punjab and officers concerned with Panchayats and their functioning. The Training would be imparted in the month of February and March.

          Disclosing this here today, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister said that in this Special Training Program more than 48000 representatives of Panchayats and officers would be participated, who would get the training on block level.

          The Minister informed that the Resource Persons of State Rural Development Institute would impart training to Sarpanches, Panches, Block Samiti, Zila Parishad chairmen and members besides officers through block level training camps. He said that Rs. 20.54 crore has been set aside for this training program. The Minister also exhorted the elected representatives of Panchayats, Block Samitis, Zila Parishads to actively participate in these block level program for proper implementation of rural schemes and to witness world class development in the rural belts of Punjab. He said that experts from NABARD and Co-operatives and Panchayats would also give their valuable views.

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PUNJAB NOMINATES 34 NON OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF SBS NAGAR GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL COMMITTEE

 Chandigarh, January 30:

 Punjab Government has nominated non-official members of District Redressal Grievances Committee of District SBS Nagar. A notification has already been issued in this regard.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that 34 non official members have been nominated from recognized political parties and communities of District SBS Nagar.

He said that amongst the nominated non official members were Satinder Kaur Bisla from SAD, Sanjiv Negi from BJP, Surjit Singh Soita from INC, Parmjit Singh Gosal from BSP, Gurmit Singh from Nationalist Congress Party, Comrade Kapoor Singh Jadli from CPI, Comrade Ram Singh Noorpuri from CPM, Panna Lal from Freedom Fighters, Sainik Singh from Ex-servicemen, Madan Lal from BC, Sohan Singh from SC, Satinder Kaur from women category, Sham Sunder from Youth, Sarvan Ram from Bazigar category, Tarsem Singh from Rai Sikh, Sukhdev Singh from ST, Surjit Singh from Kamboj category, Sai Mohammad from Muslim community, Amandip Singh from Christian community, Sohan Lal and Ashwani Dhir from Social Sector, Sanjiv Bhardwaj from Business Category, Sucha Singh from Industry, Balbir Singh, Santokh Singh and Balram from Agriculture, Sukhdip Singh from BKU, Malvinder Singh from Nambardaar, Harmesh Puri from NRI category, Arud Ghai from Balmiki, Mahinder Singh from Mazbi Sikh and Harjinderpal from Special Invite.

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FOREST BLOCK OFFICER NABBED RED HANDED WITH RS.8,000 BRIBE

 

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 30:

          In a major breakthrough, the Vigilance Bureau, Punjab (VB) has nabbed Forest Block Officer red handed with the bribe of Rs.8,000.

          Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the VB said that the complainant Mr. Shamsher Singh s/o Mr. Jetha Singh resident of Village-Jhakian, Ropar has lodged a complained that he has applied for permission from forest department for mining since he has to level the land of his residential plot, which was very low. He said that Gurdas Singh, Block Officer in the Office of District Forest Officer, Ropar demanded bribe amounting to Rs.10,000 for granting permission for mining and he received Rs.2,000 on January 29, 2014 as part payment.

            The spokesperson further said that a trap has been laid by VB, Range Ludhiana headed by Inspector Paul Singh, VB Unit-Ropar and the accused Gurdas Singh was arrested red handed, while accepting the bribe money amounting to Rs.8,000. A case under section 7.13 (1) (d) R/W 13(2), PC Act 1988 at Vigilance Bureau Police Station, Ludhiana has been registered against him.

 

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SHOCKED AT RAHUL'S REFUSAL TO APOLOGIZE DESPITE CONFESSION: SUKHBIR

“EVEN AS A CHILD, RAHUL SAW WHAT HE AND HIS PARTY DENIED FOR 30 YEARS: THAT RAJIV GANDHI GOVT CARRIED OUT THE MASSACRE” : SUKHBIR

SAD prez asks  Punjab Congmen to follow voice of conscience and resign

Questions UPA’s moral right to stay in govt

                           Chandigarh January 28 – The Shiromani Akali Dal president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said here today asked what moral and constitutional right the Congress led-UPA  had to stay in power  at the center  after the  AICC vice president and Congress party campaign in-charge Rahul Gandhi  had openly admitted  the involvement of his party in  Independent  India’s worst and most  brutal massacre  in  1984.

            “The cat is finally out of the bag.  After thirty years of denial by his party and family, Rahul has finally spoken what the entire world has always known as the truth: that the  Congress party and the Union government  led by his father late Mr. Rajiv Gandhi had presided over  the execution of the most beastly massacre of innocents in the streets of the national capital in 1984.”

             ” Mr. Rahul Gandhi says that he was a child when the 1984 massacre took place. It is significant that even as a child, he (Rahul)  was able to observe the involvement of his partymen in this massacre - so open , unashamed and widespread was the Congress party’s  involvement , ” said Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal in a statement here this evening.

             Mr. Sukhbir Singh said however that  he  had been shocked by Mr. Rahul Gandhi’s stubborn refusal to apologise to the Sikhs, the nation and entire mankind despite his confession of  his party’s  self-confessed guilt of torching and hacking thousands of innocent men, women and children in Delhi’s streets.

               The Deputy Chief Minister also asked all Punjab Congressmen to resign en masse after Rahul Gandhi’s open admission that Congressmen were involved in the massacre of thousands of Sikhs in 1984. “What are you doing in the Congress whose principal figure admits to party’s hands being red with the blood of innocent Sikhs. Thousands of innocent Sikhs were  brutally torched and hacked to death on the streets of the national capital.   If the likes of Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa have any conscience at all, they should step down and offer apologies to the people for their continuance in that party for so many years,” said Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal .

             On Mr. Rahul Gandhi’s observation that Mr.Modi was responsible for the Gujarat riots because he was the Chief Minister of the state when the riots happened,   Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal reminded Mr. Rahul Gandhi that when thousands of Sikhs were brutally murdered  in national capital, his father , the late          Mr. Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister.  ”Unlike Mr.Modi, the Rajiv Gandhi Government and the Congress party have  not been given a clean chit by the Courts. Rahul Gandhi  may have been a child in 1984, but the whole world knows and has repeatedly provided evidence how the government at that time had actually planned and executed the killings of Sikh men, women and children. It became a mad government of killers, looters , arsonists and looters, and Rahul Gandhi must have enough evidence by now,” said the SAD president and Punjab Deputy CM in his statement.

            Mr. Badal also described as ridiculous Mr. Gandhi’s assertion that the government tried to stop the massacre of Sikhs.    “They were the killers, as shown by Rahul’s own confession. The entire world, eminent jurists,  commissions and independent and respected voices from the media and the civil rights and liberties organizations have given conclusive proof of how the government led by Rajiv Gandhi itself organized the pogrom. Even his own party had to bow to pressure and drop its mainstream leaders like Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar from the candidates’ lists. And yet, Rahul insists that the government tried to stop the massacre.”

            The Congressmen, including  late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, AICC President Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh  maintained a criminal silence on the role of their party in executing the most inhuman horror against the Sikhs. Now, after Rahul Gandhi has been cornered into making this confession by the media, the Congress and its leaders  owe both an apology and an  explanation to the nation,” said the SAD president.

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CM ANNOUNCES TO CONSTRUCT STATE-OF-THE ART COLLEGE IN MEMORY OF SANT BABA DAYA SINGH JI

PAYS TRIBUTE TO DEPARTED RELIGIOUS LEADER ON HIS BHOG

ANNOUNCES RS 25 LAKH FOR UNDER CONSTRUCTION STADIUM

DEPUTY CM ANNOUNCES RS 51 LAKH TO DEVELOP SURSINGH WITH ULTRA MODERN CIVIC AMENITIES

EXHORTS PEOPLE AND SANT SAMAJ TO HELP THE STATE GOVERNMENT IN ELIMINATING DRUG MENACE FROM STATE

MAJITHIA PAYS FLORAL TRIBUTE TO SANT BABA DAYA SINGH JI

Sursingh (TarnTaran), January 28-

          In order to pay befitting tributes to the great spiritual and religious personality Sant Baba Daya Singh ji, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced that the state government would soon construct a state-of-the art College here in his fond remembrance to perpetuate Baba ji’s legacy in every nook and corner of the state.  

Paying homage to Sant Baba Daya Singh Ji, the 11th successor of great lineage of religious leader Baba Bidhi Chand, on his Bhog and antim ardaas here, the Chief Minister, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, said that the upcoming college would be a befitting tribute to this great religious leader, who rendered selfless service to the masses. He said that the state government would bear the entire cost of the construction of this ultra modern college to impart education to the students in this far flung area. Mr. Badal said that opening of the college was a long pending demand of the residents of the area as it would open new vistas of excellence for the younger generations.

Paying glorious tributes to Baba Daya Singh Ji, the Chief Minister said that it was a huge personal loss for him as he often used to take the advice of Sant Ji on vital issues concerning the state. Mr. Badal said that he hardly had any words to condole the death of this great humanitarian religious leader. He said that with the death of Sant Baba Daya Singh Ji a void had been created in the religious fraternity, which could not be filled in the near future.

Recalling the services rendered by Sant Baba Daya Singh Ji, the Chief Minister said that the state and panth would ever remain indebted to him for the selfless services rendered by him for the well being of the public especially in the Majha region. He also said that Sant Baba Daya Singh had always stood behind the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in every thick and thin adding that Baba Ji actively took part in various morchas lodged by the party. Mr. Badal also lauded the role played by Sant Ji in propagating religious education and martial arts amongst his followers.

The Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs 25 lakh for the under construction stadium in the village. He also said that the state government would take every step for propagating the legacy of this great spiritual leader.

In his address the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal while paying tribute to Sant Baba Daya Singh ji exhorted the people and the Sant Samaj to play a proactive role in curbing the menace of drug addiction in the state. He said that the state government has waged a war against the drugs in the state and more than 20000 drug peddlers have been put behind the bars by the state government. However Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the efforts of the state government would put forth desired results only if the people of state extend fulsome support and cooperation to them for this noble cause.

The Deputy Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs 51 lakh for equipping the village with the ultra modern civic amenities. He said that the state government would make all out efforts to ensure that the world class infra structure was provided to the village where such a great religious leader had disseminated the noble teachings of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood to the masses.

In his address the Revenue, Information & Public Relation Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also lauded Sant Baba Daya Singh Ji for his immense contribution in spreading the message of love and communal harmony amongst the people. Striking an emotional chord with the gathering, Mr. Majithia said that he had been visiting this place ever since his childhood adding that he had no words to express the demise of revered Santa Baba Daya Singh Ji. The Minister said that Sant Baba Daya Singh Ji would ever live in the hearts of millions of people who had converged here to pay tribute to him.

Addressing the gathering Cabinet Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon also recalled the decades long association of his family with this holy place adding that death of Baba Daya Singh Ji was a huge loss to the entire humanity. He described Baba Ji as an oasis of peace, communal harmony and brotherhood besides a fountain heads of spirituality which soothes the hearts of millions of devotees with his holy sermons.

In his address President of SGPC Jathedar Avtar Singh also paid floral tributes to Sant Baba Daya Singh Ji.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Lok Sabha MP Dr. Rattan Singh Ajnala, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Prof. Virsa Singh Valtoha and Mr. Harmeet Singh Sandhu, Secretary SGPC Bhai Manjit Singh, Executive member Jathedar Rajinder Singh Mehta, Members SGPC Jathedar Bawa Singh Ghumanpura, Mr. Jodh Singh Samra and Jathedar Bhagwant Singh Sialkaka, President of District Akali Jatha Mr. Upkar Singh Sandhu, Mr. Talbeer Singh Gill and Mr. Gursharan Singh Cheena.  

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SIKH COMMUNITY SHOULD BOYCOTT CONGRESS-SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL

·        COURT MUST TAKE SUO-MOTO ACTION AGAINST CONGRESSMEN

·        SAD WILL ALSO EXAMINE THE POSSIBILITY OF LEGAL COURSE OF ACTION AGAINST CONGRESS

·        AMRITSAR CITY BUS SERVICE INAUGURATED

·        HOLY CITY TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CITY WITHIN TWO YEARS

    Amritsar, January 28:

          Punjab Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal toady called upon the the Sikh community to boycott the Congress in the wake of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's brazen admission that Congressmen were involved in the 1984 riots.

          Talking to newsmen after inauguration of the city bus service here today, Mr Badal said it was condemnable Rahul Gandhi did not even bother to tender an apology to the community for the genocide. He said while Rahul Gandhi had added insult to the injured sentiments of the Sikh community, his utterances had given a ground to the court to take suo moto action on his confessional statement which was nothing short of a self admission of the barbaric crimes of Congressmen in anti Sikh genocide. 

          The SAD president also asked if the Congress government was aware of the involvement of Congressmen in the 1984 riots why it had not bothered to put them behind the bars? In reply to a question he said that Shiromani Akali Dal would examine the possibility of legal course of action against the Congress.

          Ridiculing Mr Gandhi for his hollow claims to punish the guilty Congress leaders who were involved in the riots, Mr. Badal said the ones who were actually the prime movers behind the Sikh carnage were always intentionally shielded and defended by the Gandhi clan. “Failure to punish the guilty of 1984 massacre and rewarding killers with high offices shows the real side of the Congress”, he said.

          Earlier, Mr. Badal informed that within a period of two years the holy city of Amritsar would be transformed into the most beautiful city with the state of art infrastructure. He said an investment to the tune of Rs. 2,000 crore would be made in the city in two years to achieve this transformation.

          He said that in the coming month foundation stone of the prestigious Rs. 600 crore project of Metro Rapid Bus Service would also be laid. Adding further he informed that the tenders for the same have been floated and within a year and a half the Metro Buses would run overhead as well as on ground in the city.

            Inaugurating the Amritsar city bus service, Deputy CM said that in the first phase of this project costing Rs. 48 crore, 41 buses out of total 150 buses, would ply on 3 routes in the city. The fleet includes AC low floor buses, Semi Low Floor, non-AC and Standard AC and non-AC Buses.

The buses of the Amritsar City Transport Service Ltd. would run from Doburji to India Gate via bus stand, Hussianpura Chowk, 4S Chowk, Rattan Singh Chowk, Distt. Courts, Circuit House, Railway Station, Putlighat, Khalsa College Chowk, Chheharta Chowk; Doburji to Meera Kot via Sultanwind Chowk, Dharm Singh Market, Railway Station, Sadar Thana, Saroop Rani Govt. College for Women, Hartej Nursing to Meera Kot and the third route will be from Indian Oil Corporation Petrol Pump Verka to Mandir Baba Mulla Ji, Byepass Verka, Bijli Ghar Verka, Vijay Nagar, Dental College Chowk, Bus Stand, Ram Bagh, Durgiana Mandir,  Khazana Gate, Chattiwind and back.

            Mr. Badal was accompanied by Local Bodies Minister Punjab Mr. Anil Joshi, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Mayor Mr. Bakshi Ram Arora, Mr. Sunil Chatra Director ACTL Company, Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Ravi Bhagat and Commissioner Corporation Mr. DPS Kharbanda.

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PUNJAB INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR CHAIRMAN OF VAT TRIBUNAL 

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 28:

          The Punjab Government has invited applications for the post of Chairman, VAT Tribunal, Punjab.

Giving the details a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that applicant should either be a retired judge of the High Court or a retired or serving officer of the rank of Chief Secretary to the State government or Secretary to Government of India.

He further said that the applications duly completed in all respects should reach in the office of Financial Commissioner (Taxation) and Secretary to Government of Punjab, Department of Excise & Taxation on or before 10thFebruary, 2014. The terms and conditions would be applicable as mentioned under sub-section of the section (4) of the Punjab value added tax act, 2005.

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VIGILANCE BUREAU NABS PATWARI WITH BRIBE MONEY OF 20 THOUSAND

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 28:

        The Vigilance Bureau Punjab has trapped a Patwari with the bribe money of Rs. 20 thousands.

        Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that Patwari Maninder Singh was nabbed on the complaint of Mr. Rachpal Singh resident of village Nadiawala Patti, Gurdaspur.

        He said that Rachpal Singh lodged a complaint against Patwari Maninder Singh for demanding bribe of Rs. 20 thousand from him for mutation of land.

The spokesman further said that Pardip Kumar. SP vigilance bureau unit Gurdaspur made a raid and arrested him with the bribe money of Rs. 20 thousand.

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RTS COMMISSION ORGANISES USERS TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR PILOT DISTRICT MOHALI FOR MONITORING THE SERVICE DELIVERY ONLINE

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 28 :

          A two day Training programme is being organised by the Punjab Right To Service Commission to train the officials associated in the implementation of the RTS Act, 2011. These officials are sensitized about the functionality of the new online monitoring software developed by NIC- Punjab which give the automatically indication regarding the status of services being provided by the departments under Punjab Right To Service Act, 2011.   A website regarding the online monitoring of services being delivered under RTS Act in the Punjab is being launched soon which can be accessed at  'www.prscpunjab.gov.in'.

          While addressing the media persons on the first day of the programme Mr. Dalbir Singh Verka, Commissioner Punjab Right to Service Commission informed that a new software under the name and style of Right To Service Information System (RTSIS) has been got developed from the National Informatics Centre. With use of this software, the MIS Report of the services delivered will be generated and the real time pendency in the delivery of services related to the applications received under Punjab Right To Service Act will be tracked online. The status of the appeals at first and second level could also be monitored.

          He explained that the services are being delivered through different delivery points i.e. Suwidha Centres, Saanjh Kendras , Fard Kendras and other offices of 18 departments by adopting manual procedure. Till today, Punjab Right To Service Commission is receiving the status report i.e. MIS report monthly from all the Districts manually. At present, there is no online mechanism available to monitor the status of different applications received at these centres and other offices. To ensure the timely delivery of services, transparency and accountability while delivering the service, online mechanism is must. This software will maintain all the information of services being delivered by these centres & all the offices of Designated Officer under Punjab Right To Service Act-2011 and status of appeals at 1st and 2nd appellate level as well.

          With the onset of this software, Service Delivery centres and other offices of 18 departments can start digitized entry of the records of applications received under RTS Act, 2011. The applicants will get the acknowledgement receipt containing unique Receipt Number for the applied service and further, they can track the status of their applications online with the help of this unique Receipt Number. The applicants will also receive a SMS on their mobile once the service is ready for delivery. This software will generate the common MIS reports by Integration of data from all SUWIDHA Centres, Fard Kendras, SANJ Kendras and the departments under RTS. There is a provision in the software for auto escalation of service request records to higher appellate authorities once the stipulated time is over i.e. auto generation of 1st and 2nd appeal will be one of its features.

Certainly, the RTSIS will be a very helping hand in generating confidence in good governance by increasing the transparency and accountability while delivering the service to people of Punjab

                        Disclosing this here in the press conference held in MGSIPA Complex  today, Mr. Verka said that earlier 69 services of 11 departments had been identified under this Act, whereas 80 more services has been included by the department Governance Reforms recently to facilitate the general public. He further mentioned that Punjab Right to Service Act had been enacted with sole aim to provide hassle free service to the public in a stipulated time.

Mr. S M Sharma emphasized on the monitoring of delivery of services through Information Technology. He also explained the monitoring system for the services under Punjab Right To Service Act, 2011 and delivery of services on stipulated time.

Mr. Sajay Puri, Scientist-C, NIC-Punjab gave the power point presentation on the RTSIS software and also gave the demonstration on functioning of RTSIS software. In the evening session, he also gave the hands on training to the technical persons from Mohali District.

The Commission has organised many training programmes to highlight the initiatives taken by the state Government and to ensure the effective compliance of this Act in the field of e-Governance. This two-day training programme was also the part of the efforts of the Commission, under which training Programme for Master Trainer's nominated by the Deputy Commissioners and Home Department has been scheduled. 

          Giving performance detail RTS Commission, Dr. Verka said that  upto the month of December, 2013, as many as 1,63,29,028 persons have availed services in various districts under Punjab Right to Service Act. Moreover, 135 Suo-Moto action cases have been initiated besides,202 complaints those were not covered under Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011 have also been disposed off. As many as 739 appeals were filed First Appellate Authority and 697 were disposed off whereas, 10 appeals were filed before the Second Appellate Authority and 7 has been disposed off and all 14 Revision petitions received have also been disposed off.  In the interaction session, Mr. S M Sharma, Dr. Dalbir Singh Verka,  Mr Iqbal Singh Sidhu, Mr. H S Dhillon  and Mr. Jaspal Mittal answered the queries of the officials on various aspects of the Act and monitoring software.

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SA ENVOY FRANCE MORULE CALLS ON PUNJAB CM

OFFERS TECHNICAL KNOW-HOW IN JUICING OF KINNOW AND GUAVA TO PUNJAB

BADAL SEEKS TECHNOLOGY FOR UPGRADATION OF JUICING PLANTS AT ABOHAR AND HOSHIARPUR

CALLS UPON MORULE TO SWIFTLY ACT ON THESE PROPOSALS RATHER just LEAVING THEM ONLY ON PAPERS

 CHANDIGARH JANUARY 27:

            South African Envoy France Morule today evinced keen interest in setting up of joint ventures in the agro-processing industry especially in the field of packaging and marketing of kinnow juice as Punjab was the major producer of kinnow in the country and SA was too a leader in the production of citrus fruits besides having enviable dominance in the segment of fruit juice processing. 

SA High Commissioner Mr. Morule accompanied by the Honorary Consul General called on the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at his residence this afternoon. 

Mr. Morule invited the Chief Minister to lead a business delegation to SA to explore untapped potential in agriculture, coal, food processing, textile and hosiery as there was a tremendous export potential from there to other parts of the world as SA was a duty free zone. 

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal urged the visiting Ambassador to lead a high level delegation of progressive farmers from SA to attend the four-day progressive agriculture summit at Mohali from February 16-19, 2014 and also extended a formal invitation to him in this regard.  He hoped that both Punjab and SA could be mutually benefitted from each other’s experience and expertise in the field of agriculture and food processing.  The Chief Minister also asked Mr. Morule to send a team of experts from agro-processing industry to Punjab for studying and exploring ways and means to enhance the value addition of kinnow through packaging and marketing its juice besides other juices from guava, peach, lemon etc.  He told Mr. Morule that the Punjab government could undertake these ventures in PPP mode in order to supplement the stagnated income of kinnow growers.  He also showed keen interest in some viable tie-ups in the field of agro-forestry and tourism through developing amusement parks here as these were quite successful and profitable ventures in SA. 

The Chief Minister implored Mr. Morule that these proposals should not merely be left on paper rather they must be concertized by implementing them on the ground in right earnest.  Mr. Badal assured him that the state government has already set up a bureau of investment promotion to boost investments in the states and now all the requisite clearances were being given in a fast mode under one roof.  Mr. Badal also offered him to work out some viable strategy to upgrade the existing juicing plants of Punjab Agro at Abohar and Hoshiarpur so as to enhance their capacity besides packaging and marketing the same in an attractive manner by showcasing these products through branding. 

Mr. Morule highly appreciated the investment proposals put forth by the Chief Minister and said that he would certainly take up with the SA government to set up these ventures in agro-processing besides manufacturing potato chips and wafers from potato because Punjab was also a major producer of quality potato.  He also mentioned few other areas of interest like infrastructure, toll management where SA could actively participate in any mode of investment mutually consented upon. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Sawhney apprised the Chief Minister that 80% of agriculture produce in SA was processed where as only 2% of was processed in Punjab.  He said the value addition was the only answer to enhance the profitability of the farmers here and SA could play a pro-active role.   He assured the Chief Minister that he would make use of his good offices to get these proposals through for bringing investment in Punjab especially in the agro-processing. 

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar.  Third Secretary Political Luthado E Maranjana, Senior Advisor-cum-Trade & Commerce Consular Mr. SC Pradhan were also present in the meeting. 

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SUKHBIR TO CENTER-LINK MSP WITH PRICE INDEX

·        SAND/GRAVEL TO BE AVILABLE ON ALL DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS ON AFFORDABLE RATES FROM FEBRUAY 1

·        NDA TO COME WITH UNIFORM POLICY TO CURB DRUG MENACE

·        CONGRESS TO FACE CRUSHING DEFEAT ON ALL 13 LOK SABHA SEATS

·        BATHINDA TO GET CHILDREN ENTERTAINMENT PARK

·        APPROVES BATHINDA-MALOUT AND BATHINDA-DABWALI ROBs

·        HOLDS SANGAT DARSHAN AT 22 VILLAGES

GILL PATTI (BATHINDA), JANUARY 27: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today asked Congress led UPA government at Center to link the Minimum Support Price of wheat crop with the price index since the rates of agri-inputs have been increased manifolds and the farming sector has become an uneconomical profession.

          Answering media queries after holding Sangat Darshan here for villages Gill Patti, Goniana Khurd, Nahianwala, the Deputy CM said that the rates of fertilizers, diesel and other agri-inputs have increased several times in few months resulting increase in cost of production of wheat and other crop. He said that it was the call of the hour to link MSP for Wheat with Price Index as per the recommendations of Swaminathan commission.

          While answering a query regarding rates of sand/gravel, Mr. Badal said Punjab Government has already finalised to make available sand and gravel to the common people at affordable rates from February 1. He said sand and gravel would be available through Mandi Board at all district levels with a record reduction in existing rates so as to provide a big relief to the common masses.

          When asked about the announcement of candidates for ensuing general elections, Deputy CM said SAD-BJP will take lead in fielding the candidates in the state immediate after the announcement of elections. On opinion polls, Mr. Badal said SAD-BJP will register record margin victories on all Lok Sabha seats in Punjab while NDA would touch the figure of 300 at national level. He said Congress would have to face the wrath of electorates for its ill-deeds with a crushing defeat on all 13 seats.

          Holding Congress led UPA government responsible for prevailing drug smuggling in states, Mr. Badal said Punjab was the most suffered state due to absence of uniform policy on national level. Quoting the example of Rajasthan as the poppy husk and opium farming was under license system there, the Deputy CM assured it would be the top priority of SAD-BJP to enact a uniform policy on drugs with stringent provisions against cross border smuggling, if NDA comes to power. “Punjab would witness highest scale of investment besides extreme level of development after formation of NDA Government at Center,” said he adding there was single solution to save the country from all menaces and diseases of scams that was to wipe out Congress from the national political scene.  

          Announcing to develop world class ‘Children Entertainment Park’ at Bathinda, Mr. Badal said the process in this regard has been initiated. He said houseboats, waterfall and other world class entertainment features would be installed in the Entertainment Park. The Deputy CM informed Bathinda residents that Bathinda-Malout and Bathinda-Dabwali ROBs have been approved and the construction would be started soon.

          Answering a query regarding the promise of SAD-BJP to provide laptops to higher secondary students, Mr. Badal said the promise would be fulfilled immediate after starting of 4G connectivity in the state. He said that within 6-7 months all the villages of Punjab would connect with 4G services.

          While presiding over the Sangat Darshan, Mr. Badal informed Powercom would release all tube well connections with 15 days to the pre-2007 applicants. He said under this drive more than 70000 connections would be released while the remaining connections would be given in next one year.

           He also announced Rs. 25 lakh for construction of Sports Stadium at Nahinwala, Water Works for Gill Patti at the cost of Rs. 1.25 crore besides RO system at the cost of Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 3 lakh for cemented streets. He also gave away Utensils for common use to the panchayat of Gill Patti village.

           Meanwhile Mr. Badal also inaugurated state-of-the-art Short Stay Home for the attendants of Cancer patients with a cost of Rs. 3.15 crore and World Class Girls Hostel in Giani Zail Singh PTU Campus, Bathinda at the cost of Rs. 6.30 crore. The Deputy CM also laid the foundation stone of Sewerage system for Sanjay Nagar, Udham Singh Nagar and Bangi Nagar localities in Bathinda.   

          Prominent amongst those present on the occasion, Mr. Sarup Chand Singla, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Balkar Singh, Youth Akali Dal district president, Mr. Kamal Kishor Yadav, Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Harjinder Sidhu, Assistant Media Advisor to Deputy CM.  

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PUNJAB TO COVER THE CHILDREN OF MIGRANT LABOURERS FOR EDUCATION -MALUKA

 Chandigarh: January 27

               In a major step, the Punjab government has decided to enroll all the out of school children, especially children of migrant labourer including brick kiln.

        Today Education and Language Minister Punjab Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said that The Punjab Government  is committed to achieve the goal of Universalization of Elementary Education (UEE) by bringing all out of school children i.e. working children, street children of migrant labourers/families, deprived children, street children in Urban slums, bonded child labour, children of beggars, girls of minority community, girls involved in domestic chores/sibling care and other vulnerable sections of the

Society, in the schools.

            Minister said that to bring them into the mainstream, the Punjab government would impart special training to bridge the gap in their learning level as well as health by the department concerned. The minister also said that the School Management Committee or the Local Authority shall identify children requiring special training and also organize such special training which would be based on special designed age specific learning material, which shall be approved by the academic authority.

            According the minister Web based Child tracking system has already been developed for follow up action to ensure that the children go to school regularly. This system would be updated from time to time, he added.

            Mr. Maluka also said that training would be imparted under the supervision of the regular school head teacher or by the teachers specially appointed by the school management committee (SMC)or the local authority. The duration of such training shall be for a minimum period of three months, which may be extended further, based on periodical assessment of learning progress of the children up to maximum three years. The child upon induction into the age specific class after obtaining the special training shall continue to receive the special attention of the teachers to enable him or her to successfully integrate with the rest of the class, academically and emotionally.

            Mr.Maluka added further that for the children from small villages, dhanies or abadies, as identified by the State Government, where no school exists within the area or limits of neighborhood, the State Government or the local authority would make adequate arrangements, of free transportation, residential facilities, for providing elementary education to such children in a school. Minister also said that in the areas with high population density, the state government would consider the desirability of establishing more than one neighborhood schools. Department of School Education through Sarva Shiksha Abhayan Authority, Punjab or the Local Authority would conduct continuous and comprehensive evaluation of these children, said Mr. Maluka.

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PUNJAB’S SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION CROSSES 62971 CRORES MARK

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 27:

          Punjab has achieved a new milestone in the Small scale Industrial sector as the Small scale sector has crossed the production of Rs. 62971.24 crore during the financial year 2012-13 registering an increase Rs. 2971.24 crore as compared to previous year.

          Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Industry and Commerce Minister, Punjab appreciating the role of small scale industry in the economy of the state said that it was possible due to the industry and trader’s friendly policies of the Punjab government and industry including the small scale and large/ medium scale industry were rapidly growing in the state.

Giving the details of small scale industrial production he said that the record production was achieved due to jump in production in small scale industry which includes eatable goods, Clothes, Sports goods, Handicrafts, Machine Tools, Auto Tools, Engineering and Electronics products, Drugs and Spare Parts.

  It may be mentioned here that presently more than 1 lakh and 70 thousands Small scale industrial units were operating in the state and providing employment of 10, 77616.

          Mr Mittal also said that keeping in view the contribution of small scale units in the economy of state, Punjab government has announced various incentives to set up new units worth Rs one crore in new industrial policy, which would further give a big push to this sector.

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 MEDIA SHOULD PLAY A LEADING ROLE IN CURBING TOBACCO EPIDEMIC: VINI MAHAJAN

·        16 DISTRICTS DECLARED TOBACCO SMOKE FREE IN PUNJAB

·        JALANDHAR TO BE TOBACCO SMOKE FREE WITHIN A WEEK

SAS Nagar/Chandigarh, January 27: The media can contribute significantly towards curbing the tobacco epidemic as there is overwhelming evidence across many countries. Mrs Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Departments of Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education, Govt. of Punjab while inaugurating the State Level Advocacy workshop on Role of Media and civil society in Tobacco control here today said that the developing world will account for 70% of the estimated 10 million deaths caused by Tobacco and become the focus of the Global Tobacco Control Movement by the year 2030.

She said that studies in different countries have concluded that ban on surrogate advertising have resulted in reductions in consumption up-to 4 to 9 %. In Addition to the bans, it is imperative that the media be mobilised to advocate the public health and economic argument against tobacco. The challenge therefore, is to make the media a partner and a champion of the Tobacco Control Programme.

Mrs Mahajan told that the objectives of the workshop were to sensitize media and civil society regarding the importance of tobacco control and their roles. She said Punjab is a perfect example, where Anti-Tobacco act COTPA has been quiet effectively implemented with the close cooperation between Govt., Media and Civil Society. She added that Chewable tobacco has already been banned in the state of Punjab since one and half years. She said that already 16 districts are declared Tobacco Smoke free and the department is determined to make entire Punjab Tobacco Smoke Free in the next few months.

Sh. Hussan Lal, Secretary, Health-cum- Managing Director, National Health Mission gave a presentation regarding Advancing Tobacco Control under NHM Framework. He told that district tobacco control cell and district cessation center is being established in Baatinda this year under National Tobacco Control Program. In next 3 years similar activities will be undertaken in12 districts. 

Dr. Karanjit Singh, Director Health & Family Welfare Punjab told about the achievements of tobacco control in the state of Punjab. He said 16 out of 22 districts have already been declared as tobacco smoke free on the basis of compliance studies by PGI Chandigarh. Compliance study has also been completed in district Jalandhar that is likely to be tobacco smoke free within a week. Dr Rakesh K Gupta, State Program Officer, Tobacco Control Cell, Punjab shared an overview of the challenges faced in implementation of tobacco control act and maintenance of tobacco smoke free status of the districts.  

Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, Professor and Surgeon at Tata memorial hospital presented the data of the population based cancer registry. He said that 3 -4 of the top 5 cancers in most registries are caused by tobacco. He emphasized on putting ban on packaged/processed flavoured chewing tobacco.

Eminent print as well as electronic media personalities and representatives of the civil societies also attended the workshop.

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TWO ASIs NABBED WITH THE BRIBE MONEY OF 60 THOUSAND

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 27:

        The Vigilance Bureau Punjab has achieved a major breakthrough when two ASIs were trapped with the bribe money of Rs. 60 thousands.

        Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that ASI Munish Kumar, and ASI Harmanjit Singh, Police Station PSPCL, Ludhiana was nabbed on the complaint of Mr. Jagjit Singh resident of Ludhiana.

        He said that Jagjit Singh lodged a complaint against ASI Munish Kumar, and ASI Harmanjit Singh for demanding bribe of Rs. 1 lac from him for not arresting in his favour in a case which was filed against him. He said that finally the deal was matured for Rs. 60 thousands. The spokesman further said that Bikramjit Singh DSP made a raid and arrested him with the bribe money of Rs. 60 thousand.

 

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Sukhbir greets Yuvraj Singh for Padma Shri

Chandigarh, January 25

The Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has congratulated Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh on being conferred with Civilian award Padma Shri for his remarkable achievements in the field of sports.

In his message, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Yuvraj Singh has set the high standards of fighting skill and commitment in game and no one can forget his contribution in India's victory in 20-20 and 2011 world cup besides the match when he hits 6 sixes in one over against english pacer.

 Calling Yuvraj as a great finisher in the cricket world, The Deputy Chief Minister said that he is a true ambassador of india and especially of Punjab across the globe, who has inspired million of youth towards game.

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 CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE, PUNJAB

BADAL EXPRESSES SHOCK OVER TRAGIC ACCIDENT BETWEEN A BUS AND AUTO-RIKSHAW CARRYING SCHOOL CHILDREN NEAR PATHANKOT

EDUCATION MINISTER ALSO CONDOLES THE ACCIDENT

 Chandigarh, January 25-

 Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed deep shock and anguish over the tragic Auto Rikshaw-Bus collision on near Pathankot, in which two school going children were killed and 6 injured including auto-Rikshaw driver.

 Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved families, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give them courage to bear huge loss in this hour of crisis and grant peace to the departed souls.

Mr. Badal also directed the Civil and Police administration to extend all possible help to ensure best and free treatment to all the injured.

 Meanwhile, Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka also shared his heartfelt condolence over this tragic incident.

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CM GIVES APPROVAL FOR EXTENDING THE TERM OF CHAIRMAN OF PUNJAB STATE MINORITIES COMMISSION

MASSIH REAPPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION FOR THREE YEARS

Chandigarh, January 25-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave his nod to grant an extension to the Chairman of Punjab State Minorities Commission Mr.Munawar Massih for another term of three years.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the file pertaining to this appointment was cleared by the Chief Minister this morning. As per the orders, Mr. Massih has been reappointed as the Chairman of the Commission w.e.f. January 22, 2014 to January 22, 2017.

The formal orders regarding this appointment would be issued soon, added the spokesperson.    

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PRESIDENT’S POLICE MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO ONE IPS AND ONE INSPECTOR OF PUNJAB POLICE

v PRESIDENT’S POLICE MEDAL FOR GALLANTRY TO LATE ASI GURDIAL SINGH POSTHUMOUSLY

v 13 POLICE OFFICERS/OFFICIALS TO GET POLICE MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE

Chandigarh, January 25:  Mr. Gurdev Singh Sahota, IPS, ADGP, Armed Batallions, Jalandhar and Inspector Harpal Singh Mansa have been awarded President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service on the occasion of Republic Day-2014. Late Gurdial Singh, ASI has been awarded President’s Police Medal for Gallantry posthumously.

          According to a spokesman of Punjab Police  Mr.  Arun Pal Singh, DIG, Jalandhar, Punjab ,  Mr. Shive Kumar Verma, DIG, Patiala, Punjab , Mr. Rajeshwar Singh Sidhu, SP, Mansa, Punjab , Mr Chand Singh, DSP, Patiala, Punjab , Mr. Rattan Lal, Inspector, Chandigarh, Punjab , Mr. Gurjinder Singh, Inspector, Amritsar, Punjab, Mr.  Nirmal Singh, Inspector, 1st Cdo Battalion Patiala, Punjab, Mr.  Slamudeen , Inspector, CID Punjab Chandigarh, Punjab, Mr. Iqbal Singh, SI CR, RTC PAP Jalandhar, Punjab , Mr. Gurpinderpal Singh, SI CR, CIA Staff Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, Mr. Bahadur Singh, ASI, SSG SAS Nagar, Punjab, Mr. Balwinder Singh, ASI, Punjab Police Election Cell Chandigarh, Punjab , Mr Amar Chand, ASI, DPO Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab have been awarded Police Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion. 

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BIG RELIEF TO RESIDENTS OF JAGRAON

CM GIVES NOD FOR CREATING THE POST OF ADC IN JAGRAON

Chandigarh, January 25-

In a move to facilitate the people residing in and around Jagraon, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave his nod for creating the post of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in Jagraon.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the file regarding to this was cleared by Mr. Badal this morning. As per the orders, the Chief Minister has gave his approval to create the post of ADC in Jagraon. Ex-post facto approval for the creation of new post of ADC would be sought in the next Cabinet meeting.

It might be recalled that the residents of Jagraon had been demanding the deployment of ADC in the city since long as they had to rush to Ludhiana for their routine administrative works. This citizen friendly decision would help the local residents of the region to save lot of their time, money and energy.    

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BADAL FELICITATES NEWLY APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF PUNJAB SAFAI KARAMCHARI BHALAI BOARD

REITERATES COMMITMENT OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO SERVE THE WEAKER AND DISADVANTAGED SECTIONS OF SOCIETY

EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE THAT ATIKAYE WOULD BE INSTRUMENTAL IN SAFEGUARDING THE INTERESTS OF SCHEDULE CASTE COMMUNITY

SAS Nagar (Mohali), January 25-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the newly appointed Chairman of Punjab Safai Karamchari Bhalai Board Mr. Raj Kumar Atikaye on occasion of the assumption of charge, here at its office in Forest Complex Sector 68.

Addressing the supporters, friends and relatives of Mr. Atikaye who had converged here on this occasion, the Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to ensure the welfare of the weaker and disadvantaged sections of the society, for which it has initiated a number of pro-poor welfare schemes. He said that it was for the first time in the history of Punjab that in order to safeguard the interests of the Scheduled Caste community the state government has constituted the Dalit Vikas Board and Punjab Safai Karamchari Bhalai Board, with the representatives of the community as its Chairpersons. Lauding Mr. Atikaye for his unflinching commitment to serve the disadvantaged sections of the society zealously, Mr. Badal hoped that he would play a pivotal role in ensuring the well being of this stratum of society besides protecting their interests.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Members of National Executive of Adhi Dharm Samaj (AADHAS) Mr Aadi Parkash and Mr. Kailash Pursharthi, Vice President Aadhi Ambedkar Samaaj Mr. Surinder Makkar, former Director Punjab Pollution Control Board Mr. Ramesh Joshi, Mr. Darshan Mand, Mr. Satpal Takshak and Mr. Anand Rakshak besides senior officers of the civil and Police administration of the district.     

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BADAL FOR SETTING UP OF SOCIAL SECURITY COMMISSION FOR FARMERS AND FARM LABOURERS

ASKS PSPCL TO CLEAR THE BACKLOG OF TUBEWELL CONNECTIONS UNDER GENERAL CATEGORY EXPEDITIOUSLY

WORK OUT MECHANISM FOR GIVING COMPENSATION TO THE FARMERS WHOSE LAND IS WASTED FOR INSTALLATION OF HIGH TENSION LINES

ASKS FCD TO HOLD INQUIRY TO GET INTO THE BOTTOM OF FAKE DISTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURAL INPUTS TO THE FARMER BENEFICIARIES ON SUBSIDY

 CHANDIGARH JANUARY 24:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Financial Commissioner (Development) to explore the possibility of establishing a Social Security Commission for the farmers and the landless labourers in the state to enable them to meet their financial exigencies during their old age. 

            A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting with the high level delegation of Bharti Kisan Union led by its President Mr. Balbir Singh Rajewal here at Punjab Bhawan this evening. 

            Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister asked the FCD to examine the Karnataka model in this regard so as to grant financial assistance to the farmers and landless labourers during the evening of their life.  He said that it was our bounden duty to help the hapless farmers and landless labourers by extending this facility so that they could spend their lives, especially the phase of old age with self respect and dignity. 

            Conceding another demand of the delegation, the Chief Minister asked the Principal Secretary Power to immediately clear the case regarding the expenditure to be finalized for the Voluntary Disclosure Scheme (VDS) to enable the farmers to enhance their load capacity of the AP connections.  The Chairman PSPCL informed Mr. Badal that he would implement the VDS scheme from the date of issuance of notification to this effect.  The Chairman also told Mr. Badal that he will get the electronic meters installed outside the houses of the consumers in the villages through random checking to their satisfaction.  In case the checking staff found some faulty meters giving wrong readings would be immediately changed.  The Chairman also assured the members of the delegations that he would personally hold a meeting with them and his senior functionaries of PSPCL to reduce the backlog of the tubewell connections due for release under general category. 

            The Chief Minister also asked the PSPCL to chalk out some policy for giving adequate compensation to the farmers, whose land was being wasted for the installation of high tension tower lines.  The delegation informed Mr. Badal that one to two kanals of their agricultural land was rendered unfit for cultivation due to these tower lines under which they could never plant trees or construct houses.  Mr. Badal also asked the Financial Commissioner Revenue to get the issue of charging stamp duty on the transfer of land from the owner to his legal heirs thoroughly examined. Likewise, the Chief Minister also directed the Principal Secretary Forests to cover all the sanctuaries with the barbed fence so as to protect them from the loss of life and damage caused to their crops by the wild animals.  He asked the PSF to constitute a joint committee of forest officials and representatives of the farmers so as to complete the work of fencing these sanctuaries in a time bound and transparent manner. 

            Showing deep concern over the fixing of high collector rates across the state, the delegation demanded these rates to be reviewed immediately.  On this issue the FCR informed Mr. Badal that the revenue department had already asked all the Deputy Commissioners to review these rates and submit their report by the end of the current financial year.  He also asked the representatives of the delegation to be in touch with the DCs to get these rates rationalized, where they felt these were on higher side. 

Acceding to another demand to hold inquiry into the complaints of open sale of seeds, pesticides, fertilizers and agro-chemicals meant for the distribution to the farmers on subsidy in the market instead of giving it to the genuine beneficiaries, Mr. Badal asked the FCD to look into the entire case so that the erring officials involved in this scandal could be brought to be book.  The Chief Minister also desired that to ensure proper distribution of these agricultural inputs to the beneficiaries, the agriculture department should come out with the 24x7 helpline telephone number on which the complainants could register their complaints/grievances in this regard besides getting the lists of beneficiary farmers pasted at strategic points in the villages to arrest this trend of fake disbursement of agricultural inputs.  Mr. Badal reiterated his government’s commitment to implement the pro-farmer initiatives in right earnest so that the benefits meant for poor farmers must accrue to them at the ground level without any pilferage or siphoning into wrong hands. 

            Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included FCR Mr. NS Kang, FCD Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary Forests Mr. DS Bains, Chairman PSPCL Mr. KD Chaudhry, Secretary Expenditure Mr. Jaspal Singh, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.

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ALL PRE 2007 APPLICANTS TO GET TUBE WELL CONNECTIONS WITHIN ONE MONTH-SUKHBIR BADAL

·  SAD-BJP GOVERNMENT TO LIBERALY GRANT LOANS TO SCHEDULED CASTES

·  40 PECENT WELFARE BUDGET TO BE ALLOCATED FOR SC SECTION

·  BHATTI, DANAV AND KAHLON INSTALLED AS CHAIRMEN OF RESPECTIVE CORPORATIONS AND BOARD

 CHANDIGARH/MOHALI, JANUARY 24: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today announced that Punjab Government has decided to release tube well connections to all pre 2007 applicants within one month.

            Speaking to media persons after installing Mr. Ravi Karan Singh Kahlon as Chairman of Punjab State Tube Well Corporation here, Mr. Badal accompanied by Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister Punjab, said that it was SAD-BJP Government that had been clearing the pendency of tube well connections to the farmers whereas previous Congress Government never bothered to release even single connection. He said that he has already approved installation of more than 300 deep tube wells in the kandi and bet areas of Punjab besides approving major program for optimum utilization of existing tube wells.   

            While installing Mr. Parkash Singh Bhatti, former MLA from Balluana as Chairman of Punjab State Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation, Mr. Badal said that the corporation was focusing on giving easy credit to SC population to start their own ventures. Calling upon youth to focus on self employment ventures, Mr. Badal said that in the era of economic growth and industrialization there was a great future for budding entrepreneurs. He directed Mr. Bhatti to properly publicise the schemes of the corporation so the SC population can take full advantage of schemes.

          Meanwhile, enthroning Mr. Vijay Danav as Chairman of Punjab Dalit Vikas Board, Mr. Badal said that the SAD-BJP Government was committed for the overall welfare of Dalits in the state. He said that 40 percent of welfare budget would be spent for the welfare of dalit population.  

         Prominent amongst those present on the occasion Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister, Mr. Pawan Kumar Tinu, Chief Parliamentary Secretary.

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BADAL APPROVES RS.10.5 CRORE PROPOSALS FOR THE REMAINING WORKS OF THE ONGOING MEMORIAL PROJECTS OF PUNJAB

DIRECTS THE CONCERNED DEPARTMENTS TO ACCELERATE THE PACE OF WORK

ASKS DEPARTMENT TO PLAN LIGHT AND SOUND PROGRAMME AT ALL MEMORIAL TO ATTRACT PUBLIC

CHANDIGARH JANUARY 24

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave approval to the proposals works nearly Rs.10.5 crore to carry out the remaining works of the ongoing memorial Projects in the state.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal while presiding over a high-level review meeting of the Cultural Affairs Department here at Punjab Bhawan this morning.

          Reviewing the progress of the various ongoing as well as other announced memorial projects which are under initial stage, Mr. Badal directed all the concerned departments to strive hard for the timely completion of these projects initiated by SAD-BJP government to perpetuate the rich legacy of the state. He categorically said that the paucity of funds would not be allowed to hamper the progress of these projects. The elevator project of Rs. 1.65 crore for the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur memorial at Chapparchiri besides Immersive Experience, Auditoriums, Short duration documentary films and other remaining civil works related to the Wada Ghalughara (Kuprahiran), Chotta Ghalughara (Kahnuwan), Bassian Kothi (Raikot) and Bhai Randhir Singh (Narangwal) memorials had been approved after a detailed discussion with the senior officers of the departments and local district administrations. Mr. Badal also directed the department to plan light and sound programmes at all memorial to attract public.

It was informed in the meeting that SGPC had also approved to transfer its land measuring 5 acres at Fatehgarh Sahib in the name of the Department of cultural Affairs for setting up of Baba Moti Ram Mehra Memorial. The concept paper for this memorial has also been finalized. Regarding Bhai Jaita ji Memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib and Guru Birjanand Memorial at Kartarpur tender document for the empanelment of the architects for the designing of the memorial was being issued, whereas for setting up of Guru Ravi Dass Memorial at Khuralgarh in Hoshiarpur district land was being arranged. It was also informed in the meeting that the process for  the setting up of Swami Vivekanand Memorial at Kapurthala, Bhai Mardana ji Memorial at Ferozpur and Shaheed Udham Singh Mennorial at Sunam has also been started. The cultural affairs department has also initiated the move to include Theme Park at Sri Chamkaur Sahib in the Sikh Religious Circuit with GoI.

On the occasion, Mr. Badal also release the Punjabi translated version of seven books regarding the teachings of Swami Vivekanand ji.

Prominent amongst those were present in the meeting included Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, State BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma, Senior SAD leader Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Secretary SGPC Mr. Dalmegh Singh, Former Minister Mr. Tikshan Sood, Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas & Mr. Som Parkash (all CPSs) Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. NS Kang, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs Mr. SS Channi, Principal Secretary Local Government Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta,  Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, MD PIDB Mr. Anurag Aggarwal,  Vice-Chancellor Punjabi University, Patiala  Dr. Jaspal Singh, Deputy Commissioners of Kapurthala, Sangrur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar and Amritsar and other senior officers of the State Government , besides the representatives of some social organizations.

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CM, DEPUTY CM FELICITATES KOLIANWALI

KOLIANWALI REWARDED FOR HIS UNFLINCHING COMMITMENT TOWARDS PARTY- BADAL

EXPRESS HOPE THAT NEWLY APPOINTED CHAIRMAN WOULD PROVE HIS CREDENTIALS TO BENEFIT THE FARMERS

Chandigarh, January 24-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today felicitated the newly appointed Chairman of Punjab Agro Food Grains Corporation Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali on occasion of the assumption of charge, here at its office.

          Addressing the supporters, friends and relatives of Jathedar Kolianwali, who were converged here on this memorable event, the Chief Minister said that Jathedar Kolianwali has been duly rewarded for his unflinching trust, loyalty and honesty besides rendering relentless services to strengthen the party at the grassroots level in varied capacities ranging from a humble worker, a committed leader and above all a trusted lieutenant of the party. Mr. Badal said that he was all the more happy for the reason that Jathedar Kolianwali 'never asked him or the Deputy Chief Minister for this office' rather he unequivocally said that Jathedar Kolianwali had been appointed Chairman of one of the coveted organizations of the state government in recognition of his stupendous efforts to boost the morale of rank and file of the Shiromani Akali Dal in the state especially in the Malwa region. Lauding Jathedar Kolianwali for his sheer dedication to serve the people zealously, he expressed confidence that now the Jathedar Kolianwali would prove his credentials as an able administrator to help the farmers in smooth, prompt and hassle free procurement of food grains.

          Prominent amongst other who attended the ceremony included Member Rajya Sabha & General Secretary SAD Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Revenue and PR Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majihtia, MLA Mr. Harpreet Singh, Akali leader Ms. Veerpal Kaur Tarmala, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary Agriculture Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu and Additional MD Punjab Agro Food grains Corporation Mr. Upjit Singh Brar.  

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR CELEBRATIONS OF REPUBLIC DAY

·     No restriction on the general public for hoisting national flag at their rooftops on Republic Day

 CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 24:

            The Punjab Government has issued instructions to all the Commissioners of Divisions and Deputy Commissioner for the celebrations of Republic Day (January 26, 2014).

            Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state government said that Hon’ble Governor of Punjab would unfurl the National flag at Patiala in the state level function. After inspecting the parade, he would participate in the ‘At home’ function at Patiala. On the same day, Hon’ble Governor would host ‘At home’ function at Punjab Raj Bhawan, Chandigarh. Similarly, Punjab Chief Minister, Speaker, Deputy Chief Minister, Cabinet Minister and Chief Parliamentary Secretaries would unfurl the national flag at different locations in the state. Commissioner of Divisions and Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to make liaison with Special Secretary/Secretary/Private Secretary of the Chief Guest. The spokesperson further said that on this auspicious occasion, national flag would be unfurled over all the government buildings. There would not be any restriction on the general public for hoisting national flag at their rooftops.

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PUNJAB TO RECRUIT 670 DPE MASTERS AND LECTURER PHYSICAL EDUCATION

 ·        FEBRUARY  10 IS THE LAST DATE FOR RECEIVING

·         

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 24:     

     The Punjab Government has invited applications for the recruitment of 670 DPE Masters and Lecturer Physical Education in the Education Department

 Giving the detail of the recruitment process, a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that 645 posts of DPE Masters and 25 posts of Lecturer Physical Education to be filled by the education department on contract basis.

            The recruitment process would start from January 27, 2014  and the  eligible candidates can apply online by February 10, 2014 which is the last date to apply for these posts. Candidate could also  log on to the official website www.recruitmentboard.com  to submit on line application form. Application received through any other means would not be entertained. he added.

 The spokesman further said those candidates who had already applied would have to be re-applied online and process fees would be refunded later.

The spokesman also informed that the department has relaxed the condition of Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) Test for the eligible candidates.

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       INSTRUCTIONS TO MAINTAIN ACCOUNTS OF IAS/PCS OFFICERS AS PER NEW CONTRIBUTORY PENSION SCHEME

 CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 24:

           The Punjab Government has issued instructions to all the departments to maintain the accounts of IAS and PCS officers as per new Restructured Defined Contributory Pension Scheme (NDCP).

          Disclosing this here today, an official Spokesperson of the Personnel Department said that the accounts of those officers, who have joined the government service on or after January 1, 2004, would be maintained under new Restructured Defined Contributory Pension Scheme (NDCP). He further said that it has also been instructed to send the original schedule/challan of deduction of CPF to Deputy Director (Pension), Finance Department, Tower-4, 5th floor, Sector-68, SAS Nagar.

          He also said that instructions in this regard have already been sent to the heads of all the departments.

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CHIEF JUSTICE ADMINISTERS THE OATH OF OFFICE TO JUSTICE RAINA, DHINDSA AND SANDHAWALIA

CHANDIGARH JANUARY 24:

 Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul Chief Justice Punjab and Haryana High Court today administered the oath of office to Mr. Justice Rajiv Narain Raina, Mr. Justice Tejinder Singh Dhindsa and Mr. Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia as the Permanent Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in a simple but impressive ceremony here today.    The ceremony was attended by the several Judges and Advocates of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

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STATE/DISTRICT LEVEL COMMITTEES FOR EARLY CLEARANCE OF ‘GRANT OF SANCTION’ CASES

·       Punjab government’s Initiative to accelerate the process to accord sanctions in the cases graft

 

 CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 24:

            The Punjab Government has constituted state and district level committees to clear the pendency of ‘grant of sanction’ cases. These committees would expedite the process of providing sanction to initiate action against officers/employees indulged in corruption.

            Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Department, Punjab Government said that the state level committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Secretary, Vigilance, in which representative of the Vigilance Bureau, has been inducted as Member Convener and representative of the concerned department, would be Member. The state level committee would deal with the cases pertaining to class A and B officer.

            The spokesperson further said that for clearing the cases of class C and D employees, district level committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner. SP, Vigilance Bureau, In-charge of Range/representative, not below the rank of DSP, would be Member Convener, whereas the Member of the concerned department would be its Member.

            He said that formed under the instruction of Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court, these committees would review all the pending cases of ‘grant of sanction’ on monthly basis. Representative of Vigilance Bureau would provide detail of pending cases, whereas the concerned department would clarify its position regarding the pendency of the case.

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STATE LEVEL COORDINATION COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED TO IMPLEMENT CPOTA

Chandigarh, January 24:

Punjab Government has constituted a state level coordination committee under the chairpersonship of chief secretary for the overall implementation of National Tobacco Programme and Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act including section 5& 7 in the state.

Disclosing this here today Punjab Government Spokesperson said that committee includes Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare or MD NHRM as Member secretary and Principal Secretary Home, School/Higher Education, Finance or their nominees as members. Committee also includes Secretary labour/ labour commissioner, Secretary Transport/ Transport Commissioner, Secretary Information & Public Relations, Secretary Law and Secretary Panchayati Raj or their nominees as members and Ms. Bhavna Mukhopadhyay, Executive Director Voluntary Health Association of India and Divisional Manager Railway (Ambala Cant & Ferozpur) are also made members of this committee.  Mr. Varun Roojam (IAS) & Mr. Amit Dhaka (IAS) have also been included in the committee and would represent district administration in implementation of COPTA. 

Spokesperson said that this committee would have meetings to review the steps being taken to implement COPTA in the state. He further said that all members have been assigned specific roles to implement COPTA and their progress report would be reviewed during the meetings of the state level committee.

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Co-ordinated Punjab Police- Mumbai Police Crime Branch operation

SEARCH OF PHARMACEUTICAL FACTORY PREMISES IN MAHARASHTRA YIELDS RAW MATERIAL FOR SYNTHETIC DRUGS AND PRECURSOR CHEMICALS

v    INCINERATION OF 3500 KG KETAMINE RAW MATERIAL

Chandigarh, January 23:

The Co-ordinated investigations of the Punjab Police in association with the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, into the Devinder Singh @ Dev masterminded international synthetic drug racket had led to the arrest of Dr. Sanjay Goel from New Delhi and Basant Srivastav from Mumbai. After effecting these arrests, search warrants for conducting search of premises of pharmaceutical factories were obtained and searches were conducted in a co-ordinated manner along with the Crime Branch.

Disclosing this here today, Sh. Dinkar Gupta, ADGP/Security stated that search and seizure of the premises of M/s Medicraft Pvt. Ltd in Thane, Maharashtra carried out on January 17 and 18, 2014 has yielded large quantity of raw materials for synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals. Investigations have also revealed that large quantity of raw material for manufacture of precursor chemicals has been incinerated in a suspicious manner. He revealed that The Police party has recovered 42 litres of Monomethyl Amine (raw material for methamphetamine), extremely potent raw material from which ICE is manufactured directly and 881 Kg of Diphenoxylate Hydrochloride, being used for manufacturing lomotil, phenotil, momotil- widely misused in Punjab, while 3500 kg of O-Chlorophely  Cyclopentyl Ketone- incinerated in December 2013. It is raw material for manufacturing ketamine, the licenses for which were cancelled on May 30, 2006.

He said that the police remand of arrested persons Dr. Sanjay Goel and Basant Srivastav has been obtained till January 25, 2014. They are being questioned for establishing cross-linkages, corroboration of inputs and further unveiling the modus operandi of the synthetic drug racket. He further said that Dr. Sanjay Goel was M.D. in Radiology and left clinical medicine to join the pharmaceutical industry. He is widely travelled and maintains an affluent lifestyle with a palatial bungalow in Mumbai. Dr. Sanjay Goel is the owner of the Sanvin Group of Companies which comprises the six companies namely Medicraft Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Pioneer Agro Industries Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd. , Sanvin Laboratories , Sanvin Exports, Medigraph India Pvt. Ltd. and Sonica Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.- a collaborative joint business venture. Further investigations are ongoing, he added.

 

CHIEF CANE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER NABBED WITH THE BRIBE MONEY OF 1 LAC

Chandigarh, January 23:

        The Vigilance Bureau Punjab has achieved a major breakthrough when chief cane development was trapped with the bribe money of Rs. 1 lac.

        Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the vigilance bureau said that Mr. Jarmej Singh Rara, Chief Cane Officer B Fazilka, Co-operative Sugar Mill, Modiwala Pitha was nabbed on the complaint of Mr. Jaspinder Singh s/o  Surjit Singh resident of Daulatpura, Tehsil Abohar, district Fazilka.

        He said that Jaspinder Singh lodged a complaint against Jarmej Singh for demanding bribe of Rs. 1.50 lac from him for registering statement in his favour in a case which was filed against him (Jaspinder Singh) during Panchayat election 2013. He said that finally the deal was matured for Rs. 1 lac. The spokesman further said that Jagdish Singh DSP made a raid in to the house of Jarmej Singh and arrested him with the bribe money of Rs. 1 lac.

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SHARANJIT DHILLON WOULD NOW UNFURL NATIONAL FLAG AT SRI MUKATSAR SAHIB

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 23:

          The Punjab Government has slightly changed the schedule of flag unfurling ceremony of Republic Day. Now Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister would unfurl the National Flag at Sri Mukatsar Sahib instead of Barnala.    Similarly Mr. Parkash Chand Garg, Chief Parliamentary Secretary would unfurl the National Flag at Barnala instead of Sri Mukatsar Sahib. Whereas at Dera Baba Nanak, SDM would unfurl the National Flag as Mr. Harmeet Singh Sandhu, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, would not be able to present at the occasion at Dera Baba Nanak due to certain urgency.

          It was disclosed by an Official Spokesman of the Punjab Government.

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PUNJAB TO BOOST POPULAR CULTIVATION

·       FOREST DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE FREE SAPLINGS TO FARMERS

·       MODERN LAKKAR MANDIS TO PROVIDE READY MARKET 

·       AREA UNDER POPULAR PLANTATION EXEMPTED FROM FOREST LAWS

Chandigarh, January 23:

The Punjab Government today announced a new scheme to encourage popular plantation in the state to motivate farmers to go for crop diversification.

Disclosing this here today, Forests Minister Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat said that to bring maximum farmers under the ambit of this scheme it has been decided to provide free saplings of popular to the farmers.

He said that at the initial stage Doaba, Majha and Bisat regions have been identified to encourage the farmers for popular plantation as ecologically these areas were most suitable to these plants. To assist the farmers, forest department would provide free saplings at all district headquarters on the first come first serve basis and all District Forest Officers have been asked to provide technological knowhow to all those interested farmers on priority basis.

Besides that the land covered under popular plantation would also be exempted from all forest laws and farmers would remain the sole owner of produced wood with the assistance of forest department. 

 To ensure the zero loss in cash crop production, the department would facilitate the farmers with technical advice for inter cropping during first three years, he added.

The Minister has also said that except from paddy and wheat generally farmers faced the shortage of market for alternative crops and to overcome from this the Punjab Government has sanctioned to set up the modern lakkar (wood) Mandis across the state, where farmers would be able to sell their production.

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181 PUNJAB POLICE HELPLINE RECEIVES RECORD 1.17 LAKH CALLS IN FIVE MONTHS

(Helpline achieves 78 per cent caller satisfaction)

(Deputy CM asks other departments to start similar helplines)

Chandigarh, January 23: The 181  Punjab Police Helpline has achieved the unique distinction of receiving a record 1.17 lakh calls within five months with a satisfaction level of 78 per cent.

Reviewing the status of the 181 programme here today, Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed satisfaction that the 181scheme had not only taken off immediately but had received over one lakh calls, a record for any such public service. He said he had himself checked satisfaction level of a number of complainants all of whom had praised the service. 

Giving the details about the helpline, Mr. Dinkar Gupta, ADGP/Security informed that out of the total 1.17 lac calls about 38,000 calls were related to various police related inquiries and suggestions, and about 54,000 calls were feedback and follow-up calls. He said over 16000 complaints were received on the Helpline, which were promptly conveyed to the concerned district police authorities for necessary action and were acted upon in a time bound manner.

Mr Dinkar Gupta revealed that since the launch of the the service, the satisfaction level of the citizens vis a vis the police response had shown a steady increase from 70% in September to 73% in October, 74% in November and December 2013 and finally to 78% in January 2014.

He said this Helpline had made a significant contribution to the ongoing Punjab Police campaign regarding zero tolerance to crimes against women. With the active assistance of the general public, which provided valuable inputs on the Helpline like gathering of hoodlums and ruffians outside schools/colleges, absence of street lights etc., the police ensured effective and timely action in such cases also.

He dislosed that about 42% of the complainants (6802) were women, who called to report domestic violence (1177 cases), dowry related harassment (521 cases), obscene calls/SMS (458 cases), rape and rape attempt (170 cases), eve-teasing (134 cases) and sexual harassment (63 cases). All these cases were given top priority and were dealt with due sensitivity, care, diligence, and mostly by women police officers.

Besides this, neglected and socially abused senior citizens who called at the helpline also got prompt support and assistance. 797 senior citizens were provided relief through active intervention of the police, as well as through counseling by Clinical physiologists based round-the-clock at helpline. Many of them (142) were facing harassment, humiliation, and even cruelty at the hands of their sons, daughters, and relatives over property and other issues while others had been thrown out of their houses by their sons and daughters and some others were facing harassment from their drug-addicted sons, he added.

The ADGP said 91% of the cases/complaints received on the Helpline till date were closed within the given time-frame (turnaround time), which was a maximum of 30 days. He said 90% of callers who contacted 181 Helpline in emergencies, crises or distress situations expressed their satisfaction with the police response. Around 84% of callers who contacted the Helpline regarding women related issues also expressed satisfaction in follow-up calls made by trained Case-coordinators and Councillors.

The ADGP/Security said that for determining the satisfaction level, all complainants receive feedback calls from independent Helpline Case-coordinators and Councillors. It may be mentioned here that calls can be closed only after feedback calls are made to each complainant, and their satisfaction level elicited from them. He informed that Indian School of Business (ISB), Mohali has been approached to carry out an independent third-party evaluation of the functioning of the Helpline. 

Mr Gupta said from November 15  Punjab Police had started soliciting feedback from citizens about traffic accidents, jams and obstructions on highways. The citizens provided inputs to the police (170) regarding traffic problems like traffic jams, and unauthorized parking, accidents which were promptly dealt with by the police. He said as many as 139 callers (82%) reported their complete satisfaction with the police response in such traffic related cases.

The Deputy Chief Minister has asked other State government departments, including Revenue and Health departments to start similar Helplines to improve the delivery of services to the community, and to make the employees accountable to taxpayers.

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PUNJAB ALL SET TO HOLD PROGRESSIVE PUNJAB AGRICULTURE SUMMIT-2014 BADAL REVIEWS THE ARRANGEMENTS

FARMERS, AGRICULTURE EXPERTS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE TO PARTICIPATE

 CHANDIGARH JANUARY 23:

          The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal approved the program and plan of 'Progressive Punjab Agriculture Summit -2014' being organized by the state government fromFebruary 16 to 19 at Chappar Chiri (Mohali).

          The Chief Minister was presiding over a meeting held here at his resident late last evening with the top brass of the state administration to review the arrangements of this forthcoming mega agricultural event of national level being held for the first time in the history of the Punjab.

          Mr. Badal said that the main aim of this Summit was to find out the ways and means to boost the Agro-economy of the state to elicit maximum participation of renowned agriculturists, agri-experts and progressive farmers from across the globe. He said that this Summit would help the farmers to update their knowledge from the lively discussions and interaction with the agri-experts during various technical sessions.  The Chief Minister also dwelled on the technical aspects recently introduced in the agricultural sector through live demonstration exhibition and Cattle Farm stalls etc. to be exhibited over an area of about 100 acres during this summit.

          The Chief Minister also approved the site plan of main function, exhibition and seminar halls for technical sessions, besides stages for different cultural events. Mr. Badal also reviewed the Media plan prepared by the Information & Public Relations Department and directed to implement it in an effective manner to aware the entire peasantry especially the Punjabi farmers. He also asked the Technical Committee already in action under the chairmanship of Punjab Farmers Commission Dr. GS Kalkat to work out the modalities to finalization various Technical sessions. The Chief Minister was apprised in the meeting that teams from Canada, US, Holland, Italy, Israel, Taiwan are expected to participate in the summit and all the appropriate arrangements for the stay of guests from abroad and other states had been made.       

          Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Chairman Punjab State Farmer’s Commission Dr. GS Kalkat, Advisor to CM on National Affairs & Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, FCD Mr. Suresh Kumar, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr. G Vajralingam, Principal Secretary to CM and Financial Commissioner Co-operation Mr. SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, besides senior officers of the state government.     

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POLISH AMBASSADOR CALLS ON BADAL

SHOWS KEEN INTEREST TO UNDERTAKE JOINT VENTURES IN FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY

BADAL EXTENDS INVITATION TO POLISH AGRO EXPERTS AND FARMERS TO PARTICIPATE IN AGRO-SUMMIT

 CHANDIGARH JANUARY 23:

Polish Ambassador Prof. Piotr Kodkovsky called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at Chief Minister's residence late last evening and evinced keen interest to initiate agro-sector activities of bilateral benefits with Punjab.

Mr. David who was accompanied by his official team and Senior officers of CII offered to work with the state Government in the sectors of Horticulture, food processing and trade. He mentioned that Poland had 60 years long cordial relations with India and was now looking forward to further strengthen these ties. Appreciating the efforts of the state government to boost the Industrialization in the state particularly after organizing a successful Industrial Summit recently, the Polish Envoy enthusiastically offered to explore the possibilities to initiate new ventures of mutual interests and benefits.  

The Chief Minister desired for a serious and meaningful cooperation with Poland to mutually explore the potential in Agriculture and Agro-processing sector.  Mr. Badal apprised the Polish Ambassador that Punjab’s economy was predominantly an agrarian like Poland and the state government was organizing an International level Agricultural Summit in next month with an aim to find out the ways and means to further boost its agrarian economy through forging alliances and seeking joint ventures in agro-sector besides opting for new vistas in allied farming and agro-forestry.  Mr. Badal also extended invitation to the Envoy to send their team of experts and farmers to participate in this summit.

Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce Mr. Karan A Singh and Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema besides other officers of the state government and representatives of CII.

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OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER PUNJAB

 Shapoorji Pallonji group evinces interest in taking up development and maintenance of civic amenities in towns and cities in Punjab

(Also evinces interest in establishing 10,000 mw solar park following offer made by Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal)

 Chandigarh, January 22 – Shapoorji Pallonji  group evinced interest in developing and maintaining complete civic amenities in both corporation cities and smaller towns, partnering with PUDA to build group housing besides establishment of a mega solar park following suggestions made by Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal here today.

The Shapoorji Pallonji delegation led by Shapoorji P Mistry besides others also expressed interest in the Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) planned for Amritsar city besides agreeing to construct mass housing for the economically weaker sections across the State.

Briefing the delegation about the opportunities available for investment in Punjab, Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal said he believed in holistic development of cities in the State and that the State government was envisaging giving the complete development and maintenance of sewerage, water supply and road network in a city or town to one company. He said under this plan, the company concerned, would not only create the infrastructure but also maintain it for a ten year period.’

The Deputy CM said besides outsourcing maintenance of all civic infrastructures to private companies in the four corporation cities, the government was keen that companies take up development and maintenance of civic infrastructure in all 140 towns in the State in the next three years.

Mr Badal also briefed the delegation that it could participate in the bidding process for group housing projects being taken up by PUDA (Punjab Urban Development Authority). He said the agency was in the process of inviting bids for construction of 900 flats at Ludhiana and 700 flats at Bathinda. Mr Mistry requested that the projects could be offered to investors by following the Swiss Challenge mode, saying his company wanted to take them up from the design. He also agreed to construct group housing for economically backward sections after Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal said the State government had decided to construct one lakh affordable houses.

The Deputy CM also mooted a proposal to the group to establish a 10,000 mega watt mega solar park, saying the government was ready for a unique partnership to make it possible. “We pay an Rs 6,000 crore subsidy to Powercom as part of free power given to farmers for tube well operations. We can evolve a mechanism whereby you can supply power to farmers and be paid for the same”, The Deputy CM said this was a win win situation for both the State and the company as after a few years the State subsidy bill would start reducing once the investment cost was realized.

Mr Mistry lauded the Deputy CM for his visionary idea and said his company would be keen to establish the solar park as it had more than 25 years of experience in establishment solar parks. Calling the Shapoorji group to invest in world class exhibition and conventional centers to be built in Mohali, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Jalandhar having ultra modern facilities, the Deputy CM said that the first exhibition centre would be set up at Mohali, near International Airport in 50 acres with the estimated cost of Rs 235 crore.

Downtown projects in Ludhiana and Mohali were also took the centre stage during the talks, in which Mr. Badal told them that Punjab was also all set to establish downtown in Mohali in 80 acres and 31 acres in Ludhiana.“The proposed downtown places are generation-next concept that will provide all basic amenities and common facilities to the citizens”, said Mr Badal.

Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included CPS Sarup Chand Singla, Principal Secretary Transport S.S. Channy, K.A. Singh Principal Secretary Industry, A. Venu Prasad, Principal Secretary Housing, D.P. Reddy Principal Secretary Finance, Anuridh Tiwari Principal Secretary Power, P.S. Aulja Principal Secretary to Deputy CM Manvesh Singh Sidhu and Ajay Mahajan Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy CM. EOM

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BADAL FOR A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN PUNJAB

GIVES NOD TO COVER PERSONAL ACCIDENT RISK UNDER REVISED SBBY

100 ATMs TO BE INSTALLED IN COOPERATIVE BANKS ACROSS THE STATE

 CHANDIGARH JANUARY 22

In a bid to strengthen the cooperative movement in the state the Punjab Government would soon evolve a comprehensive plan to make all the Cooperative societies across the state financially more viable and sustainable.

A direction to this effect was given by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal while presiding over a high-level review meeting of the Cooperative Department here at his residence late last evening. He directed the officers of the department to work out a strategy for bringing out, all the 1040 loss making cooperative societies out of the total 3533 in the state, from this financial mess by initiating a vigorous campaign, intensifying business activities, clubbing them with other profit making societies in the form of clusters. 

Expressing concern over the Agricultural stagnation in the state Mr. Badal said that these cooperative societies could also play a vanguard role in promoting other allied businesses for the peasantry. He further said that it was the need of the hour to reduce the crop input costs for which the state government had established Agro- Centers across the state from where Farmers could get agricultural implements on hire basis instead of purchasing on their own. For promoting this trend amongst the farmers, Mr. Badal asked the department to develop at least one such big center in each district as a Model, where all types of Agro equipment be made available in abundance to attract the farmers.

Mr. Badal also asked the Cooperative department to provide good quality PAU recommended fertilizers and other agro Chemical at cheaper rates to the farmers at their doorsteps through Cooperative societies, besides availing them cooperative banks loans as per their requirements thereby saving them from the intricacies of Private loans.

The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the recent up gradation of the Punjab State Cooperative Bank that had implemented CBS has in its all 842 branches / Head Offices besides availing  RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement system) and NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer system) services in 19 District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) and Punjab State Cooperative Bank (PSCB) and it had also been included in the member list of National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI). With the concerted efforts of the cooperative department 3 DCCBs which were in losses till 31.03.2012 have been brought in profit this year i.e. 31.03.2013 and now PSCB and all the 20 DCCBs are in profit as on 31.3.2013. The net profit of PSCB is Rs. 18.91 crore and total of DCCBs Rs. 36.84 crore (Total Rs. 55.75 crore).

The Chief Minister also give approval to revise the Sehkari Bank Bima Yojna  (SBBY) Scheme for the account holders to cover Personal Accident Risk. Presently under the existing SBBY Scheme the account holders with minimum balance of Rs. 1500/- in their accounts has a personal accident risk cover of Rs. 1.00 lac but now under revised SBBY the account holders would have an option of having Personal Accident Risk Cover of Rs. 3.00 lac (for a minimum balance of Rs.3000/-) and Rs. 5.00 lac (for a minimum balance of Rs. 5000/- in their accounts).

               It was also informed in the meeting that State Cooperative Bank had also become a member of Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS).  Road Map has been prepared for the installation of 100 ATMs and sites have also been identified.

Prominent amongst those were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, RCS Mr. AS Miglani, MD Punjab State Cooperative Banks Mr. Kamaldeep Singh Sangha and Additional Registrar Cooperative Societies Mr. Muneshwar Chander, besides other senior officers of the State Government.

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CM CONDOLES DEATH OF NARINDERJEET KAUR ARORA

Chandigarh, January 22-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today deeply mourned the sad demise of Mrs. Narinderjeet Kaur Arora (82), the mother of Mr. Harpal Singh, Editor Day and Night News Channel, who passed away at Delhi, this morning.

Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family in this hour of grief, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to bear this irreplaceable loss to the inconsolable family.  

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FOREIGN NATIONALS/NRIS/PIOS/OCIS NOW ELIGIBLE FOR A DOMESTIC NON-SUBSIDIZED LPG CONNECTION

Chandigarh, January 22

In a major decision, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has decided that foreign nationals/NRIs/PIOs/OCIs would now be eligible for a domestic non-subsidized LPG connection after the matter was examined in the Ministry in consultation with Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs & Ministry of External Affairs in wake of the notice issued to these ministries by the NRI Commission, Punjab on the complaint of Baldev Singh & Vijay Kumar Saria.

A spokesman of the Commission said that Baldev Singh & Vijay Kumar Saria have made a complaint with the Commission that they cannot live without having a Gas cylinder for cooking, for which one has to apply with a declaration that “I am an Indian Citizen” and since they are not, they cannot apply for a Gas cylinder, which frustrates their intention to stay in India for a longer period.

               He further said that a notice was issued by the Commission to the Indian Oil Corporation, who informed that the Regulating Ministry is the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. He said that after that the Commission had issued notice to Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to look into this issue.

Now, Under Secretary (Marketing) Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has submitted a report that the matter was examined in the Ministry in consultation with Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs & Ministry of External Affairs and it has been decided that foreign nationals/NRIs/PIOs/OCIs would now be eligible for a domestic non-subsidized LPG connection.

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CM SETS UP AN EXPERT PANEL FOR RATIONALIZING EXISTING SUBSIDIES IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR

COMMITTEE HEADED BY DR KALKATT TO SUBMIT ITS REPORT WITHIN A FORTNIGHT

NOD FOR INSTALLING SMALL MAIZE DRYERS IN GRAIN MARKETS

SUBSIDIZED SEEDS TO BE GIVEN TO COTTON GROWERS

SUBSIDY TO PAC FOR PURCHASING FARM EQUIPMENTS ENHANCED TO 50% FROM EXISTING 33%

PILOT PROJECT FOR SETTING UP PACS FOR LANDLESS FARMERS OKAYED

BREEDING CENTER FOR TRADITIONAL COWS AND BUFFALOES TO BE SET UP IN STATE

IBDC TO BE IMPLEMENTED ACROSS THE STATE

Chandigarh, January 22-

          To promote the state's flagship program of crop diversification in the right earnest, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod for setting up an expert panel to rationalize the prevalent subsidies in the agriculture sector to benefit the farmers across the state.

          A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister in a high level meeting held under his Chairmanship to review the performance of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry departments here at his residence.

          Showing concern over the less allocation of funds by the Union government to improve the lot of villages in general and farmers in particular, the Chief Minister underlined the need to streamline subsidies to enable the beneficiaries to reap maximum benefits from them on one hand and put the crop diversification program on a strong pedestal. Mr. Badal said that the expert panel headed by Chairman of Punjab State Farmer's Commission Dr. GS Kalkatt would meticulously examine the existing subsidies given to the farmers for the mechanization of agriculture and supplying pesticides to genuinely benefit the farmers. He also asked the Committee to submit its report within a fortnight to enable the state government for disbursing subsidies in a rationalized manner.

          In order to encourage crop diversification in the state, the Chief Minister also gave nod to install small Maize dryers in the grain markets across the state so as to facilitate the small and marginal farmers for selling their produce at remunerative prices. He also asked the Agriculture Department to promote the Maize farming in the traditional Maize belt of the state so as to reduce the area currently under water intensive paddy crop. Mr. Badal said that it was the need of the hour to give fillip to the crop diversification program in the state by enhancing the area under alternative crops like Maize, Cotton, Sugarcane, Soyabean, Pulses and others.      

          In another significant decision, the Chief Minister also asked the Agriculture department to work out the modalities for giving subsidized seeds, certified pesticides and agro-chemicals to the Cotton growers under the flagship program of crop diversification. He said that besides facilitating the farmers of the region this would also help the state government in enhancing the area currently under the cotton cultivation. Mr. Badal also asked the Agriculture department to evolve a strategy for ensuring that only the genuine beneficiaries could avail this scheme.

          In a bid to curtail the huge expenditure meted out by the farmers on agriculture implements, the Chief Minister also approved to enhance the existing limit of purchasing the farm equipments by the Primary Agriculture Centers (PACs) run by Cooperative Societies from existing Rs 10 lakh to 15 lakh. He also gave approval for increasing the subsidy on the purchase of such implements by PACs, for giving it to the farmers on custom hiring basis, from prevalent 33% to 50% with a maximum cap of Rs 6 lakh. Mr. Badal also asked the Cooperative department to initiate a project of setting up two such centers for the landless farmers in every district across the state on pilot basis.

          The Chief Minister also asked the Animal Husbandry Department to formulate a time bound action plan for providing quality breed of cows and buffaloes to the farmers to boost Dairying in the state. He also asked the department to set up exclusive breeding farms in the state for preserving the pedigree of traditional cows and buffaloes in the state. In a bid to provide the facility of artificial insemination along with free veterinary service to the farmers at their doorsteps, Mr. Badal also gave a go ahead for implementing the Integrated Buffalo Development Corporation (IBDC) Program across the state by setting up 800 more centers across the state.   

          Prominent amongst those who attended the meeting included Chairman Punjab State Farmer's Commission Dr GS Kalkatt, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr. G Vajralingam, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, MD MILKFED Mrs. Alaknanda Dyaal, Special Secretary Cooperation Mrs. Kanwalpreet Kaur Brar, Director Agriculture Mr. Mangal Singh and Director Animal Husbandry Dr. HS Sandha.

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 X-RAY MACHINE, METAL DETECTORS AND JAMMERS TO BE INSTALLED IN ALL PUNJAB JAILS: PHILLAUR

·         MEASURES INITIATED TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY OF ALL JAILS

·        JAIL MINISTER TO PERSONALLY CHECK ALL JAILS IN THE COMING DAYS

Chandigarh, January 22: The Punjab Government has taken strict measures to check entry & usage of mobile phones, drugs and other prohibited gadgets in jails. For this an extra force from Punjab Ex-Servicemen, Home Guards and Punjab Police of about 1100 persons has been deployed for this purpose. This has resulted in more checking and recovery of prohibited items from the prisoners.  

Disclosing this here today Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur Jails Minister Punjab said that with the deployment of extra security persons number of surprise & routine checking is increased which is showing good results. He said that during the month of December 36 various drugs 68 mobile phones have been recovered from the prisoners in jails.

He said that jail authorities are also strictly instructed that in addition to this action would also be taken against the persons showing laxity in their duty in allowing entry of prohibited items into the jail premises.  

Mr. Phillaur said that to stop the entry of prohibited gadgets into the jail premises X-Ray machines and Metal detectors are being installed in the jails. He added that mobile jammers have already been installed at Nabha and Sangrur and jammers are also being installed at Gurdaspur jail. He further said that Punjab Government is in a process to install mobile jammers in all the jails in the state.

Minister said that more funds are being provided to the jail authorities to provide better medical & Security facilities in the jails. To overcome the problem of overcrowding in jails 5 new jails are being built in the state which would help in providing better security and facilities to the prisoners, ‘said Phillaur’.

Minister said that he has personally checked some jails but now he has planned to check all the jails of the state in the coming days therefore all the things should be put in place before his visit starts. He has given clear cut instructions to the officials that no excuses would be tolerated if things are not in proper place during his visit.  

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PUNJAB TO E-AUCTION 27 QUARRIES IN FEBRUARY

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 22:

The Punjab Government has all set to E-Auction the 27 quarries next month to ease out the supply of sand and crusher in the state.

 Disclosing this here today the spokesman of the Punjab government said that all these 27 quarries in the district of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Ropar, Mohali and Patiala and Jalandhar to be E-auctioned on February 6 and 7, 2014.

          He said that with the auction of these quarries, people of Punjab would get sand and crusher on very nominal rates as quarries has an area of 705.58 acre, which would produce huge quantity of these natural sources mainly used for construction.

He said that industries and commerce minister, Punjab has ordered the department officials to auction these quarries in an honest and transparent manner so that the common man would be able to get sand and crusher in an easy way besides giving a big push to the development works across the state.    

The spokesman further said that detailed information regarding E-auction could be downloaded from official website www.pbindustries.gov.inand anyone could avail this information from concerned general manager cum mining official at district industrial centre. He said that interested bidders could register at Punjab government official websitewww.etender.punjabgovt.gov.in.\

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DCM AND MIPR EXPRESS GRIEF OVER THE PASSING AWAY OF MRS. NARINDERJEET KAUR ARORA

 

Chandigarh January 22:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab has expressed profound grief over the sad demise of Mrs. Narinderjeet Kaur Arora (82), the mother of Mr. Harpal Singh, Editor Day & Night News Channel, who passed away at Delhi in this morning after an illness.

        Meanwhile, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Information and Public Relations Minister has also expressed his heartfelt condolences over the demise of Mrs. Arora. They prayed to the Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family to bear this loss.

 

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SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL PACKAGE TO ADJOINING STATES WITH AN EYE ON LOK SABHA ELECTION- SUKHBIR

·       BRAR ASSUMES OFFICE AS CHAIRMAN, PUNJAB HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION

SAS Nagar,   January   21, 2014

The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that the congress led UPA Government has extended the special industrial package to adjoining states with an eye on the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

He was interacting with media persons after installation of Mr. Barjinder Singh Brar as Chairman, Punjab Health Systems Corporation here today. Taking congress to the task, The Deputy chief Minister pointed out that the Punjab Congress has never dared to take up the issues of the interest of the state with their Party High command and the recent extension of Industrial Package to congress ruled hilly states, Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand was a violation of federal structure of the country. He said that Punjab congress leaders have limited themselves to beg before high command only for party posts and never bothered to raise any genuine demand right of the state.  He said that the anti people policies of congress led UPA Government has taken the country to the brink of economic disaster resulting in ever increasing unemployment and roof piercing inflation. He said that the people of country has already made up their mind to bring back Mr. Narinder Modi led NDA Government.

          Replying a query regarding impact of Apex Court judgment regarding commutation of death sentence of Rajiv Gandhi assassins on the case of Prof. Davinder Pal Singh Bhullar, Mr. Badal said that he was hopeful of positive outcome as SGPC had already taken up this issue with the President of India.

Rubbishing the demand of Congress demand for CBI inquiry into drug seigeures, Mr. Badal said that PPCC's President was making this demand to derail the ongoing campaign of Punjab Police against drug mafia and we would not let their nefarious designs to succeed.

          Later on addressing the function, Mr. Badal described Mr. Barjinder Singh Brar as a hard working young leader of Shiromani Akali Dal and wished him all success.

          Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue & Public Relations Minister, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jyani, Health Minister, Jathedar Tota Singh, MLA, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, MLA and Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Advisor to Chief Minister.

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CM TERMS ONGOING CHAIN HUNGER STRIKE BY CONGRESS AS A 'POLITICAL STUNT'

SAD TO LODGE PROTEST IN CHANDIGARH AND PARLIAMENT OVER DENIAL OF INDUSTRIAL INCENTIVES TO STATE

SLAMS CONGRESS FOR ITS SHADY PAST TO MET OUT STEP MOTHERLY TREATMENT WITH THE STATE

ADVISES KEJRIWAL TO FOCUS ON PUBLIC ISSUES RATHER THAN WASTING TIME ON TRIVIAL MATTERS

HIT ASSUMES CHARGE AS PSIDC CHAIRMAN

Chandigarh, January 21-

          Terming the ongoing chain hunger strike by the Congress leaders as a 'political stunt', the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that in dearth of any tangible issue against the state government, the Congress leaders were resorting to such gimmickries.  

          Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of a function regarding assuming the charge of office by newly appointed Chairman of Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation (PSIDC) Mr. Avtar Singh Hit here at Udhyog Bhawan, the Chief Minister said that the state Congress leaders were politicizing the revelations made by a person who has been accused of a heinous crime of drug trafficking. He said that a shrewd criminal like Jagdish Bhola could name any person just to save his skin but it was unfortunate that the Congress leaders were trying to take political mileage out of it. Mr. Badal said that every step in this multi crore drug case was being taken after the meticulous enquiry by the state Police and even the Director General of Police of the state was personally monitoring the entire case, so there was hardly any need for handing over this enquiry to the CBI.

          Reiterating that the Industrial concessions given by the Centre to other neighboring states were deliberately aimed at giving a fatal blow to the industry of the state, the Chief Minister said that they would not be a mute spectator to this grave injustice meted out by the state and soon a massive protest would be lodged in Chandigarh. He said that the Shiromani Akali Dal would also raise this issue in the coming session of the Parliament besides giving memorandum to the Union government over this issue. "The Congress has a shady past of discriminating with Punjab but this is the height of their apathy towards the state and we will resist the fresh move of centre by lodging our protest at the highest level" added Mr. Badal.

          Replying to a query regarding the protest lodged by Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi, the Chief Minister said that rather than protesting against the Union government after a spat with an ASI of Delhi Police, the entire Ministry of Delhi should have concentrated on other vital issues of larger public importance.

          Hailing the newly appointed Chairman of PSIDC, the Chief Minister described Mr. Hit as a committed worker of the party, who has served the party in several capacities. He hoped that under able guidance of Mr. Hit the PSIDC would scale new heights in promoting Industrial development in the state.

          Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, former Minister and Chairman of District Planning Committee Ludhiana Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, former MLA and Chairman of District Planning Committee Kapurthala Mr. Sarabjeet Singh Makkar, Delhi MLA Mr. Manjinder Singh Sirsa, President of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee Mr. Manjeet Singh GK and Director Industries Mr. Vikas Partap.   

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BADAL APPROVES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OF RS. 1.10 CRORE FOR THIKRIWALA VILLAGE

GIVES NOD FOR A COLLEGE, A STADIUM AND A PARK FOR BARNALA

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 21:

            In a befitting tribute to the supreme sacrifice of the legendry leader of the Parja Mandal Movement Shaheed Sewa Singh Thikriwala, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved a development plan of Rs. 1.10 crore for the facelift of Thikriwala - the native village of the great martyr in Sangrur district.

            A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal during a meeting with a deputation of Thikriwala village Panchayat led by its Sarpanch Mr. Gurdial Singh accompanied by the Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa here at Chief Minister's residence this morning.

            The deputation put forth its various demands for the development of the village related to the departments of Education, Sports, Rural Development, Public Health and Water Supply.  Conceding the demands after detailed deliberation, the Chief Minister directed various Heads of the departments present in the meeting to work out all the modalities and initiate development works at the earliest. The various development works which were approved by Mr. Badal included brick lining of village streets (Rs. 33 lacs), approximately two kilometer pipe connectivity of village pond with the drain for proper discharge of ponds treated water (Rs. 52 lac), Sports Stadium (Rs. 10 lac), Dharamshalas (Rs. 10 lac) and Village common sitting places (Rs. 5 lac).  Mr. Badal further directed the public health and water supply department to ensure piped water supply for every house besides the construction of Latrines in the remaining houses along with a proper drainage of waste water in the Thikriwala village.

            On the pursuance of Senior Akali SAD leader and Member Rajiya Sabha Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, the Chief Minister also approved the proposals of upgradation of sports stadium, setting up of Government College besides developing a Nature Park over an area of 3 acres at Barnala city.

            On the occasion the Sarpanch of Thikriwala village Mr. Gurdial Singh on behalf of the entire village expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for showing magnanimity for the development of their village.

            Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. K.J.S. Cheema, Secretary Mandi Board Mr. Deepinder Singh besides the senior officers of state government. The deputation included the entire village Panchayat and prominent personalities of the area.

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STEEL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS THANKS SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL 

Chandigarh January 21-Several representatives of major iron and steel industry associations from steel town Mandi Gobingarh today expressed their gratitude and thanked the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal for providing an economic package to revive the sector and introducing insurance scheme for business community in the state.

Accompanied by Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, General Secretary, Shiromani Akali Dal, Senior SAD leader Mr. Iqbalinder Singh Atwal, Mr. Jagdeep Singh Cheema, District President Fatehgarh Sahib more than dozen representatives from iron, scrap, furnace, rerolling, foundry and steel industry today met the Deputy Chief Minister  at his residence and honoured him with sword, shawl and presented bouquets.

On the occasion the industrialists’ delegation expressed that an economic package for the industry would provide major relief to this sector which had been passing through rough weather for past several years. 

The industrialists also said that it was for the first time that Punjab Government has introduced the social security scheme for business community that would benefit about two lakh dealers/ businessmen.

It is mentioned here that Punjab has slashed rate of VAT from 4.50% to 2% besides reducing advance tax on finished goods to 2.50%. Besides, new scheme Input Tax Credit has also been restricted to only two stages.

Among others present on the occasion included Gobindgarh Steel Chamber President Bharat Bhushan Tony Jindal and Secretary, Krishan Kumar Jindal, Punjab Beopar Mandal President Parkash Chand Garg, Steel Town Furnace Association Secretary Subash Singla, Iron and Scrap Dealers Association President Som Nath Dua, acting President Jaspreet Nayyiar, Steel Traders Association President Vinod Kansal, Sponge Iron Traders Association Secretary Rajiv Gupta, Foundry Association Mandi Gobindgarh Harpreet Singh Khalsa, North India Importers Association President Ved Diwan, Transport Association, Mandi Gobindgarh Amandeep Singh, BJP District Industry Cell, Fatehgarh Sahib Pargat Singh, BJP IT Cell Vice President Ravinder Singh Padam.

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EX-MD, CO-OPERATIVE BANK CONVICTED IN THE CASE OF GRAFT

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 21:

            The Hon’ble court of Additional Sessions Judge, Amritisar convicted Mr. Surinder  Pal  Singh  Chinna,  Ex-MD, Co-operative Bank in the case of bribery.

            Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the vigilance bureau, Punjab said that Surinder  Pal  Singh  Chinna,  Ex-MD, Co-operative Bank was trapped while taking bribe amounting to Rs. 13.25 lacs. He said that FIR No. No. 25/2002 and 26/2002 under Prevention of Corruption Act was registered against him by Vigilance Bureau, Amritsar.  He said that the Hon’ble court found Surinder  Pal  Singh  Chinna,  Ex-MD, Co-operative Bank guilty of receiving bribe amounting to Rs. 13.25 lacs for enrolling ‘Data Entry Operators’ and ‘Peons‘ in Co-operative Bank, Amritsar

 15 MEGA PROJECTS WORTH Rs. 2267 CRORE COMMENCED PRODUCTION IN PUNJAB: MITTAL

 Chandigarh, January 21:

The Punjab today took a baby step towards becoming most industrialized state with the commercial  commissioning of the 15 mega projects that have been completed at the cost of Rs.2266.67 crore.

          Disclosing this here today, Industry & Commerce Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal said that the timely commissioning of all these mega projects could be ensured by micro planning at every level besides follow up and monitoring of their clearances at every level. He said that he was regularly monitoring the implementation of all projects in the state and this review was also being conducted at the highest level. He said that Punjab government has activated total administrative machinery to ensure timely completion of these projects.

He said that among the mega projects which have started their operations included Arti International of 242.06 crores’investment,   Shiva Fibers of 145.71 crores’ investment, Valabh Textiles Company of 124.71 crores’ investment, Kaur Sen Spiners of 120 crores’ investment, Vardhman Texgarments of 25.45 crores’ investment (all situated at Ludhiana), Madhav Oils, Patiala of 110 crores’ investment, Chadda Sugars, Gurdaspur of 300 crores’ Nahar Spinning Mills, Jitwan Kalan, Malerkotla of 253.22 crores’ investment, Max India, Nawan Sahar of 145 crores’ investment, Garg Acrylics, Ludhiana of cost 210 crore investment, Sportking India, Bathinda of cost 121.95 crores’ investment, Valabh Inplate, Rajpura of cost 121.95 crores’ investment, Piccadly Hotel, Ludhiana of cost 155 crores’ investment, H K Inter Continental Unit of Deluxe Leasing of cost 10.35 and Alstonia Unit of Nijjer Hotels, Amritsar of cost 11.07 crores’ investment.

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JOSHI BATS FOR TRANSPARENT ADMINISTRATION IN LOCAL BODIES

·        ORDERS TO PUT UP SPECIFICATION BOARD AT THE SITE OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 21:

The Punjab Local Government Minister Mr. Anil Joshi today issued strict instructions to the department to ensure specification board on all project sites to ensure quality control in the execution of works besides bring transparency in the project administration.

            Disclosing this here today Mr. Anil Joshi said that this move is aimed at enabling the general public to know the specification like the material being used, design, costing and address and contact number of the contractors working on the particular development projects. The specification board must also carry the name and address of concerned XEN, SDO and JEs. He said that the written instructions in this regard have been issued.

             Mr. Joshi expressed hope that this initiative would ensure the public participation in the government work. He said that the specification board would also enable the public to get the know-how of the particular development project. They could also lodge their apprehensions and complaints regarding the development project to his office.

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PUNJAB APPROVES RS.557.36 CRORE PLAN TO REVAMP LINK ROADS OF THE STATE: DHILLON

·        3651 KM LINK ROADS TO BE REVAMPED BY SEPTEMBER

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 21:

The Punjab government today approved a comprehensive plan to revamp the 3651.12 KMs arterial network of link roads in the state with an estimated budget of Rs.557.36 crore.

            Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon PWD Minister said that tenders have been already floated to upgrade 3263 Kms to be completed at the cost of Rs.460 crore and PWD department has imposed strict quality control measures to ensure quality accomplishment of this gigantic task. He said that it is for the first time that such a large sum has been set aside for repair of link roads that are considered to be backbone of rural economy of the state. Mr. Dhillon said that tenders for 388.12 Kms link road upgradation at the cost of Rs.97.36 would be floated within next week. He said that completion deadline for this job has been fixed as September 2014.

            Disclosing this here today Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon said that strict instructions to the officers have been issued to achieve the deadline without delay. He said that in Punjab total length of Link Roads falling under 149 Market Committees is 58703 Km. Out of it 29922 Link Roads under 78 Market Committees falls under the jurisdiction of PWD (B&R) Punjab.

            Mr. Dhillon further said that the state of the art link road network in Punjab would provide much needed impetus to the proliferation of industry and trade in the state. He said that the better road network would also ease the traffic congestion of the roads.

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PUNJAB DISBURSES RS. 280.81 CRORE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS TO SC STUDENTS

 CHANDIGARH, January 21: The Punjab government has disbursed Rs.280.81 crore on account of various scholarship schemes to Scheduled Caste students studying in various degree and professional courses for the year 2013-14 for non-refundable fee.

Disclosing this here today, Punjab Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Minister S. Gulzar Singh Ranike said that an amount of Rs. 1, 29, 5789, 287/- has been transferred into the Bank Accounts of 2476 Institutions and Rs.59, 43, 92,751/- has been released to 1, 76,413 students and rest of the amount would be disbursed within a month. He said that for the first time the state government has adopted a transparent and hassle free approach to facilitate the beneficiary students under which students can apply for the scholarships online through the portal and inter departmental sanction is also achieved online.

S. Ranike said that parents’ having annual income of 2.50 lakh would be eligible to get these scholarships.  He said that 2.64 lakh students of 2000 institutions were being given scholarship for the year 2012-13 from out of the sanctioned amount of non-refundable fees. He also said that Rs.31.75 crore has also been released during the year 2013-14 for this purpose which would be disbursed after the lists of beneficiaries are received from the line Departments.

The minister further said that Rs.230 to Rs.1200/- per month to the students have been disbursed as scholarship amount. Besides this, Rs1600/- for Educational Tours, Rs.1600/- for Thesis Writing and Rs.1200/- for Books was also being given by the Punjab government. The demand of scholarship was sent to Welfare Department by the concerned institutions. Fees amount was sent though on-line bank management system to the concerned institutions and maintenance amount of the students transferred to their bank accounts.

            The Minister further said that on-line scheme under Ashirwad Portal has been launched from 2013-14 for Post Matric for the students of SC and OBC. Under this scheme which students could submit their application on-line on their own and all process, sanction and payments have been made on line. 3.65 lakh students have been registered with portal till now where as 3.11 lakh applications have been received on line. As many as 206927 students belonging to Scheduled castes and 68429 students from OBC are registered with this portal which would get benefit during the current financial year.

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PUNJAB BAGS 2ND POSITION IN MID-DAY MEAL SCHEME – MALUKA

·        NGOs TO RUN MID-DAY-MEAL SCHEME IN FIVE DISTRICTS

Chandigarh January 21:- In a major achievement, Punjab has bagged second position in implementing Mid-Day-Meal Scheme across the country.

            Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka said that under the mid-day meal scheme, over 19 lacs students are covered during current financial year which include 13723 primary schools and 6656 upper primary schools of Punjab.

            Mr. Maluka further said that the government has provided an amount of Rs. 275.81 crore under the mid-day meal scheme for cooking cost, food grain, transportation of food grain and honorarium to cook-cum-helper and management. Besides this Rs. 8.60 crore have also been provided for utensils in all the government and government aided schools of the state. Minister also said that Mid-Day-Meal Scheme was being implemented efficiently in the schools of state and   students were being provided with a balanced diet for lunch in all the primary and upper primary schools. As a pilot project, schools falling in municipal limit of Mohali, Sangrur, Moga, Bhatinda and Nawanshehar the scheme is implemented through Non-government-Organizations (NGOs) that teachers could devote their full time for teaching.

      The Minister said that the concerned officers have already been directed to ensure quality and quantity before lifting the food-grains. They would be held responsible if any complaint received regarding the quality of food grains. No laxity would be tolerated in this regard.   

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3 DAY SPECIALIZED TRAINING FOR E-GOVERNANCE PROGRAMME ORGANISED

Chandigarh, January 21:

Directorate of Governance Reforms, Punjab has conducted 3 Days Specialized eGovernance Training Programme (STeP) on ‘Information Security Management for e-Governance Projects’ (S2-ISM). This workshop was organized for IT Secretaries, Directors and key personnel in the Information Technology Departments at State and Local government level, Project Managers designated for e-Governance initiatives at State/Local government level, and Information Officers identified for the Government from various Departments and District offices of State / members in SeMT/ PeMT of Punjab who are expected to lead / play crucial role in e-Governance implementation of state Government.

Mrs. Kavita Singh, IAS, Special Secretary Cum Director Governance Reforms, Government of Punjab welcoming the experts and participants laid focus on importance of Information Security Management in various e-Governance projects. She said that this workshop was organised to equip the officers with skills and knowledge on Information Security Management for e-Governance Projects’ (S2-ISM) for State level e-Governance initiatives and e- Governance projects being implemented in the state under National e-Governance Plan (NeGP).  

This training was organized in coordination with National Institute for Smart Government (NISG), Hyderabad to build State Capacity Building as per guidelines of Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DeitY), Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, Government of India. The training was attended by senior officers/ Officials from various Departments and District Offices of State of Punjab.

During the 3 days program on Information Security Management, participants were provided knowledge on Introduction to e-Governance and e-Governance Project Life Cycle , : Information Technology & its role in e-Governance , Introduction to Information Security in e-Governance , Security in end user environment , Physical, Network & Environmental Security , Operating System Security , Legal Frame Work and IT Act 2000 , Securing Business Applications, Information Security Audit – Concepts &

 Importance, Models and Frameworks for Information Security Management , Disaster Recovery Planning , Cryptography & Concept of Digital Signatures , Security Policies, Institutional Frame Work - CERT India .

The specialized Training Programme on Information Security Management was conducted by Sh. BG Gupta and Sh. Raghu Patri from NISG.

Distinguished officers also performed in various activities on Information Security Management. Sh. Manpreet Singh, Sr. Consultant, PM from Punjab SeMT (DGR) gave Presentation on Progress of eGovernance Projects in the state.

In the end Mr. BG Gupta distributed participation certificates to distinguished officers / officials of various Departments and district Offices of State of Punjab.

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