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BADAL EXHORTS IMA AND STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO FORM COORDINATION COMMITTEE TO IMPROVE HEALTH DELIVERY SYSTEM IN STATE

ASKS IMA TO RECOMMEND NAMES OF EMINENT DOCTORS FOR HONOURING THEM WITH STATE AWARDS ON 26TH JANUARY AND 15TH AUGUST IN RECOGNITION WITH THEIR OUTSTANDING SERVICES TOWARDS SOCIETY

HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO ROPE IN SERVICES OF IMA DOCTORS FOR PROVIDING BEST HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS

UPWARD REVISION IN STIPEND OF MEDICAL INTERNS FROM RS.4500 TO RS.9000 PER MONTH AND HONORARIUM OF HOUSE SURGEONS FROM RS.4800 TO RS.21000 PER MONTH

GoI RATED HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE AS EXCELLENT IN PUNJAB

AAP A PARTY OF FUGITIVES SANS POLITICAL FUTURE IN PUNJAB

LEADER LIKE MANPREET BADAL WITHOUT ANY IDEOLOGY, PRINCIPLE OR STAND CAN’T HELP CONGRESS FOR IMPROVING ITS POLL PROSPECTS 

TERMS SAD-BJP ALLIANCE AS EVERLASTING 

Phagwara (Kapurthala), January 17:

In a bid to provide the best healthcare facilities to the people at the grass roots level, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal asked the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the State health department to form a joint coordination committee under his chairmanship to find out a viable solution to the problems confronted by them besides further improving the health delivery system across the state.

Addressing the doctors during an inaugural function of two days annual conference organized by IMA here late last night, the Chief Minister said that this panel would give vital suggestions to the state government for providing the best healthcare and diagnostic facilities to the people at affordable rates. He also asked the Punjab Unit of IMA to recommend the names of those doctors who were rendering exceptionally outstanding medical and health services to the people for bestowing state awards to them in recognition with their superb services towards society during the state level functions organized on 26th January and 15th August. He also announced to rope in the services of eminent doctors from IMA for utilizing their expertise and vast experience in the government hospitals through providing them suitable remuneration, adding he said that the state health department would soon ink a MoU with the Punjab Unit of IMA in this regard.

Referring to the enactment of Clinical Establishment Act, Mr. Badal categorically said that any legislation related to agriculture, industry and medical & healthcare should ensure level playing field for all the stakeholders by taking them into confidence before the enactment of such laws by the Central government.

The Chief Minister further said that undoubtedly the state government has already taken bold initiatives to provide the best medical and healthcare facilities to the people but even then the desired results could only be achieved with the dedicated participation of medical associations, doctors and voluntary organizations to achieve the mission of ‘health for all’ in the near future. Mr. Badal emphatically said that none should suffer for the want of proper treatment due to penury and thus it was obligatory on our part to provide the best healthcare and diagnostic facilities to the disadvantaged sections of the society. He called upon the IMA to play a proactive role to ensure the best treatment at affordable rates to the general public and hoped they would certainly come up to the expectations of the society in the larger public interest.

Listing the facilities being extended by the state government to the medical fraternity in order to give fillip to the medical education, the Chief Minister said that the state government had already enhanced the stipend of medical interns from Rs.4500 to Rs.9000 per month and honorarium of house surgeons from Rs.4800 to Rs.21000 per month.

Showing deep concern over the ill effects of deadly diseases like Cancer and Hepatitis, the Chief Minister asked the doctors to intensify their efforts in the field of medical research to combat these fatal diseases which were taking a high toll of lives every year. He said that the state government had already declared war against cancer by taking several initiatives including to provide 118 drugs on affordable rates to the cancer patients besides giving a financial assistance of Rs.1.50 lakh to each patient inflicted with cancer from Chief Minister’s Cancer Relief Fund. Till now nearly 27,163 patients had been extended this financial assistance to the tune of Rs.335 crore. Apart from this, two advanced cancer treatment centres, one Homi Bhabha Cancer Centre in the Government Hospital Sangrur in collaboration with Tata Memorial Hospital and another 100-bedded Advanced Cancer Research Centre at Bathinda. Likewise, a world class Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre would soon come up at Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) to provide the latest treatment and diagnostic facilities to the cancer patients.

Mr. Badal further mentioned that several essential medicines were being supplied at free of cost to the patients in all the government hospitals. Besides all the government employees and pensioners have been provided with the facility of cashless treatment in empanelled hospital across the state up to Rs.3 lakh. Mr. Badal also said that the state government had already spent Rs.350 crore to provide the best medical infrastructure in the government hospitals for which the Government of India has rated Punjab state as excellent in terms of medical infrastructure. Similarly, the state government had been conferred with “World No Tobacco Day Award” by World Health Organization (WHO's) for the year 2015 for prioritizing tobacco control and making rapid strides in tackling this epidemic with a comprehensive approach and many innovative interventions. Decks have already been cleared for setting up All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Bathinda.

Lauding the IMA for organizing this conference, the Chief Minister hoped that the useful interaction during the course of proceedings would certainly go a long way to raise the standard of medical education in the state besides chalking out a strategy to provide the best medical facilities to the common man at affordable rates. He appreciated the efforts of IMA for sensitizing the medical fraternity to serve the suffering humanity with professional commitment and devotion. Pertinently, IMA is the biggest NGO, which has 2.5 lakh members in 23 states and seven union territories.

Earlier, the outgoing President of Punjab Unit of IMA Dr. SPS Sooch welcomed the Chief Minister and apprised him about its activities and achievements. The Punjab Unit of IMA also elected Dr. PS Bakshi as its new President.

Later during an informal interaction with the media persons, the Chief Minister said that AAP was a party of fugitives which had no future in Punjab. He said that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has proved to be a biggest failure on all fronts and how such party could dare to befool the innocent electorate in Punjab.

Asked to comment on the merger of PPP party headed by Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal into Congress, the Chief Minister said that he failed to understand how a single person without anyone’s support could help the Congress party in improving its poll prospects in 2017. Hitting hard at Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, the Chief Minister said that how a person could succeed in his life without any ideology, principle or stand.

On another query, the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance was everlasting and both the parties should not be seen as different from each other. He said that the tried and tested alliance between both the parties was a unique phenomenon of the Indian democratic system, which has passed every litmus test in last few decades.

Meanwhile, the National Secretary of IMA Dr. K.K. Agarwal and National Vice President Dr. OPS Kande also put forth the demands and certain issues of the association for the welfare of medical fraternity.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Chief Parliamentary Secretary Local Government Mr. Som Parkash, Chairman Markfed Mr. Jarnail Singh Wahad, Deputy Commissioner Kapurthala Mr. DS Mangat and SSP Kapurthala Mr. Rajinder Singh.

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Sukhbir Singh Badal condoles sad demise of Singer Manpreet Akhtar

 Chandigarh, January 17:

             Punjab Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal has expressed profound grief over the sad demise of renowned Singer Manpreet Akhtar who passed away today due to brain hemorrhage.

In a message, S. Badal said that Manpreet Akhtar was an accomplished folk singer who achieved great success and respect in the film industry also due to her dedication and complete mastery over the art of singing.

S. Badal said that during her illustrious career spanning many decades she had many chartbusters to her credit for which people would cherish her memory forever. S. Badal also said that she carried forward the legacy left by her brother late Dilshad Akhtar in a very dignified manner.

Describing her demise as a void never to be filled, S. Badal has prayed to the almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss.

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ABOVE  16 LAKH CHILDREN   ADMINISTERED POLIO DROPS ON DAY ONE OF NATIONAL PULSE POLIOIMMUNIZATION DAY

Chandigarh January 17:  Over 16.44 lakh (1644899) children, 45.80% of across the state have been administered polio drops on the first day of the National Pulse Polio Immunization campaign launched on January 17 in Punjab.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the government said that for the smooth execution of the task as many as 14367 booths were established and  2873 supervisors and 29,274 teams were appointed to manage the immunization programme in the state. Besides this to ensure perfection during the campaign, about more than 17 senior officers included 2 Directors of  the Health department, and teams of  GOI and WHO   had also been monitored  to keep an overall eye on the campaign.

         India has already been declared as Polio Free Country by World Health Organization (WHO) in its report in March,2014. The country has achieved the targets fixed for the eradication of Polio and has been successfully initiating the National Pulse Polio Campaign in tune with the guidelines of World Health Organization.

          Revealing further the spokesman said that seniors officers observed, cold chain of vaccinations is properly maintained by the teams of  health department and  adequate steps were being taken to cover the maximum of children  in the State under National Pulse Polio Campaign. Monitor

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CM EXHORTS PEOPLE TO PLEDGE FOR GIVING VERDICT IN FAVOR OF SAD-BJP ALLIANCE IN THE STATE FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE TERM

SAYS IT WOULD HELP IN FULFILLING THE PROGRAM OF OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF STATE

TERMS AAP AS A ‘BUNCH OF FUGITIVES AND RUMOUR MONGERS’

KEJRIWAL UNWARE OF RURAL LIFE AND CANNOT EVEN DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN VARIETIES OF CROPS

CAPTAIN AN ‘UNDISCIPLINED SOLDIER’

SLAMS CONGRESS FOR ITS ANTI-PUNJAB STANCE

SAD ACCOMPLISHED WHAT IT PROMISED: SUKHBIR BADAL

(ONLY SAD IS PRO-DEVELOPMENT & CHIEF MINISTER A MATCHLESS LEADER)

(KEJRIWAL MORE OF A DRAMA KING THAN LEADER)

(CONGRESS’ BALLOON HAS BURST)

Rupana (Sri Muktsar Sahib), January 14-

Evoking the rich historical legacy of Maghi, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today exhorted the people to make a firm pledge for forming the SAD-BJP alliance government in the state for third consecutive term to complete the ongoing development works in the state. 

Addressing the mammoth gathering here on the political conference, the Chief Minister said that on this sacred occasion every Punjabi must vow to bring back the alliance to power so that the ongoing work of state's development could be accomplished. Mr. Badal said that due to the pro-people and development oriented policies of the state government Punjab was on the zenith of development and peace. Mr. Badal further said that this could be sustained only and only if SAD-BJP alliance was voted to power for third time. 

Recalling the glorious legacy of Shiromani Akali Dal, the Chief Minister reminded the people that the party had relentlessly worked for safeguarding the interests of the state. He said that each and every worker of SAD was committed for the cause of state due to which they had even suffered many hardships. “Contrary to it the other political parties have harmed the interests of the state for their own motives” added Mr. Badal.

Coming down heavily on Aam Aadmi Party, the Chief Minister said that that it was a ‘bunch of fugitives and rumour mongers’, who were trying to grab power in state by misleading Punjabis. Mr. Badal said that the leaders of AAP were basically braggers who were trying to divert the attention of people from basic issues. He said that though Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal was not aware of basic topography of the state but he was dreaming to capture power in state by raising hollow slogans. “Kejriwal is totally unaware of rural life of state and he cannot even differentiate between the varieties of crop”, added Mr. Badal. 

Terming state Congress Chief Captain Amarinder Singh as an 'undisciplined soldier', the Chief Minister said that despite of his claims that he had served the Army Captain has not learnt anything from highly disciplined force. He said an Army man never disobeys his seniors but Amarinder arm twisted the entire Congress high command to grab Captaincy of Congress. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that despite of two back to back debacles Captain was clinching to post of state Congress Chief, which was not a trait of any soldier.

Lashing out at Captain Amarinder Singh and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Mr. Sucha Singh Chottepur for frequently changing sides to suit their interests, the Chief Minister said that these leaders were once sworn Akalis but have changed sides for the sake of power. He said that these leaders have dejected their mother party for the sake of vested interests, so people could never rely on them. Mr. Badal further said that people of the state would never forgive these politicians who have changed the party just for their personal motives. 

Taking the Congress party to the cudgels, the Chief Minister reminded the people that this party has done lot of injustice with the state by snatching its capital, legitimate share in river waters and Punjabi speaking areas. He said that the Congress party had inflicted a deep wound on Sikh psyche by attacking the Golden Temple and by killing thousands of innocent Sikhs during 1984 Sikh carnage. Mr.. Badal said that Congress had ruined the economy of state by meting out step motherly treatment to Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that the Congress party and the radicals, who were hell bent upon disturbing the hard earned peace of the state, were the two faces of a same coin. He said the Congress party has always pursued the policy of divide and rule for its own interests and now that it has joined hands with for disturbing the hard earned peace of the state. However, he said that SAD-BJP alliance was committed for making any sacrifice to ensure peace, communal harmony and amity in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal made a very strong pitch for development and said that Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is the only party which has accomplished what it preached and promised to the people of the state. He promised that if voted to power again in 2017, the project of concretization of all the streets and drains of more than 12400 villages across the state would be done.

Showering praise on the Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal while addressing a gathering of gigantic proportions on the auspicious occasion of Maghi here, the Deputy Chief Minister greeted the people on the historic occasion and said that S. Parkash Singh Badal is a people’s man and a matchless leader who has always kept the interests of common people uppermost in his mind.

Describing SAD as a party of commoners having also a great legacy of martyrdom, S. Sukhbir Badal thundered that SAD has always fought for the unity and integrity of the country. He said that SAD history is replete with the numerous instances of sacrifices made for the freedom of the country as more than 80 percent of the people imprisoned in ‘Kalapani’ or hanged were Punjabis. S. Badal also elaborated that after independence, the SAD fought for the rights of farmers which resulted in ameliorating their plight to a great extent.

Terming SAD as a development oriented party S. Badal said that it is only the SAD government which has cared for the welfare of all the sections of society. Taking the development plank further, he disclosed that the SAD government had accomplished several pro-people measures for e.g. waving of tubewell bills, making Punjab power surplus, 24 hours power to the consumers and the ‘Dhanis’. He also elaborated that Rs. 1500 crore would be spent on the up gradation of link roads besides Rs. 20,000 crore are being spent on the widening (4 and 6 laning) of roads.

He further said that every assembly constituency would get Rs. 25-30 crore for development projects. Divulging more, the Deputy CM listed out the other people friendly measures of the state government for e.g.--- health and accidental insurance scheme, ‘Mukh Mantri Tirath Darshan Yatra Scheme’, nearly 1,20,000 jobs and commencing of operations by 2174 'sewa kendaras' in next 3 months providing various citizen centric services at their door steps.

In a scathing attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), S. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal cannot be trusted because he didn’t walk his talk. S. Badal said that Kejriwal went back on his promise to not accept political office and fight elections. He said that Kejriwal provided political posts and government accommodations and vehicles to his party legislators in stark contravention of his promises besides enhancing the salary of his MLA’s to the tune of Rs. 2 lakh which is higher than Prime Minister.

Accusing Kejriwal of hobnobbing with congress for the sake of attaining power and not doing anything on development front, Deputy Chief Minister said that Kejriwal is more of a drama king than a leader and so the people must be beware of him and not fall into his trap. He also said that Punjab is witnessing spate of developments and so appealed to the people not to put a spanner in the progress journey by falling for the false promises of other parties.

Taking a strong dig at Congress, S. Sukhbir Badal said that the balloon of the party had burst and elevation of Captain Amarinder Singh to the post of PPCC chief won’t make a difference as the congress is nowhere in the picture.

Exhorting the party cadre to gear up for ‘Battle-2017’, S. Badal said that he has not seen more energetic and youthful workers other than SAD’s. He said that if SAD is strong, so would the Sikhs and Punjab.

Earlier, in his address Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa recalled the sacrifices made by Shiromani Akali Dal in safeguarding the democracy of country by waging protest against emergency imposed  by the then Prime minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi. He also recalled the role played by Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal Badal in safeguarding the interests of the state and its people. 

In his address Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder said that none of the leaders of state could match the stature of Chief Minister, who has devoted in his entire life for the state and its people. He slammed the Congress and AAP for misleading the people by their divisive agendas. 

In his address Lok Sabha MP Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra said that AAP has totally failed in fulfilling the aspirations of people of Delhi ever since formation of their government. He said that the state government had taken a number of measures to safeguard the interests of the people adding that Punjab was only state to give free power to farmers. 

Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Jathedar Tota Singh, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon and Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. NK Sharma, Mr. Mantar Singh Brar, Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas and Mr.Pawan Teenu, MLAs Bibi Jagir Kaur, Mr. Manjeet Singh Mianwind, Mr. Baljeet Singh Jalal Usma, Mr. Deep Malhotra, Mr. Darshan Singh Kotfatta, Bhai Gobind Singh Longowal and Mr. Prem Mittal, former Minister Mr. Sucha Singh Langah and Bibi Upinderjeet Kaur, former MP Mrs Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, Chairman Punjab Agro Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, Chairman Mr. Parkash Singh Bhatti, President Youth Akali Dal Mr. Kanwarjeet Singh Rozy Barkandi, Chairman Mr. Tejinder Singh Middukhera and Member State Women Commission Bibi Veer Pal Kaur Tarmala.

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Agriculture Department opens a call center for the farmers

Center to provide the information for tackling yellow rust

Chandigarh January 14:  To educate the farmers across the state from the attack of yellow rust on the wheat, the state Agriculture Department has set up a call center to provide relevant information to the farmers to combat the menace of yellow rust thus saving their precious wheat crop from this deadly disease.

          Giving details, the Director Agriculture said here today that the department has opened a Kissan Call Centre and any farmer keen for seeking information in this regard could call on this toll free number i.e. 1800-180-1551 from 6AM to 10 PM to tackle the problem of yellow rust. Agriculture experts and farm research scientists would be available during the stipulated schedule to keep the farmers abreast with the necessary precautions to be taken for the protection of their crop from the attack of yellow rust at early stage.

          It has come to the notice that yellow rust has attacked wheat crop in some parts in Ropar District. In order to take requisite precautions, the agriculture department has appealed to the farmers to inspect their fields twice a week.  If anyone finds fungal infection in the form of yellow stripes on leaves or crop turns turmeric yellow, in such case he should immediately inform the agriculture department. After that they should apply the fungicide sprays as recommended by  the experts of the Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana. 

          It may be mentioned here that experts of Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana have conducted a survey recently and suggested to apply fungicides such as Tilt 25 EC or Shine 25 EC or Bumper 25 EC or Compas 25 EC or Stilt 25 EC or Markzole 25 EC@200 ml in 200 litres of water per acre.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT SALUTES THE COURAGEOUS AND BRAVE INDIAN SOLDIERS ON THE 68TH INDIAN ARMY DAY

‘PUNJAB STATE WAR HEROES AND MUSEUM’ TO BE DEDICATED TO THE NATION IN THIS YEAR

HIKE IN ALLOWANCE FOR THE WAR WIDOWS

FREE BUS TRAVEL FACILITY EXTENDED TO DEPENDANTS OF 1965 WAR HEROES OF THE STATE

MAMMOTH HIKE IN GALLANTRY AWARD MONEY

Chandigarh, January 14:

The Indian Army Day is celebrated on January 15th every year in India, to commemorate and in remembrance of the late Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa's taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from Sir Francis Butcher, the last British commander, in 1949.

On the 68th Indian Army Day, Government of Punjab salutes the courageous and brave Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the nation. We are proud of the Indian army that courageously faces all the challenges and difficulties that come their way to save the nation and people, said a spokesman from the Defence Services Welfare Department Punjab. He said that the Indian Army has been of great help not only in defence but even at other times of emergency and crisis like earthquake, Tsunami, elections, rescued people from floods, quelled riots, build schools, bridges, infrastructure and is actively pursuing reforestation. Thus the Indian Army has not only proved its efficiency in fighting wars but also in all fields at times of requirement, said he.

 He went on to say that government of Punjab duly recognizes the services of the daring and bold Indian soldiers and probably the state government is the only government in the country to hold first of its kind function to pay homage to the Armed forces. Punjab Government organised State Level Golden Jubilee Commemoration function of the 1965 Indo-Pak war in September last year.

 It is committed for ensuring the welfare of the families of brave hearts who had sacrificed their lives at the altar of motherland, thereby keeping in pace with the inflationary trends, Punjab Government has enhanced the transport allowance admissible to war widows of 1948, 1962, 1965, 1971, Operation Pawan and Operation Meghdoot from Rs.150 to Rs.500 per month. As many as 801 war widows were entitled for transport allowance at present. The decision entails a financial burden of nearly Rs. 48 lac per year on account of enhanced transport allowance.

Further, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has announced to grant special financial assistance of Rs 2000 per month to war widows (veer naaris) in addition to their existing pension and other benefits.

Moreover, there is also a proposal to enhance the one time grant for the recipient of Param Vir Chakra from Rs.30 lac to Rs.2 Crore,  Mahavir Chakra from Rs.20 lac to Rs.1 crore andVir Chakra from Rs.15 lac to Rs.50 lac. Likewise, the amount of ex-gratia to all battle casualties in case of death is to be increased from Rs.2 lac to Rs.5 lac and in case of disability of 75% and above from Rs.2 lac to Rs.4 lac and similarly it will be increased from Rs.1 lac to Rs. 2 lac in case of disability of 50% and above.

He said that the state government has opened a network of C-Pyte centers to ensure that Punjabi youth were selected in Armed forces and in order to ensure that large number of Punjabis was selected as officers in Armed forces the state government has also opened Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Academy for boys and Mai Bhago Armed Forces institute for girls. 

Added to this is the fact that first of its kind project dedicated to the armed forces of the nation, the ‘Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum’ is being constructed on war-footing and would be inaugurated  in this year. This project aims at showcasing the fortitude, valour and supreme sacrifices of the Armed forces in defending our national borders. He said that services of renowned historians are being taken to assure that storyline to be exhibited in its galleries is authentic and historically correct. Moreover, a 45 meter iconic sword is being installed at memorial at a cost of nearly Rs 5.50 crore, which would add zing to the project. This non corrosive sword is being built with best quality steel and will be totally seismic, lighting and wind protected. Punjab Defence Welfare Services Department is also tying-up with the Department of Advertising & Visual Publicity (DAVP) of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, GoI to procure the documentary films on the Indo-Pak wars to screen in the auditorium of this upcoming prestigious Memorial and Museum at Amritsar    .

Enlisting other achievements of Defence Welfare Services Department, Punjab, the spokesman informed that during a period of nine years between the year 2007 to 2015, the department has disbursed Financial Assistance for 65 Years old ESM/Widows to the tune of Rs. 3903.43Lac, War Jagir amounting to Rs.401.30 lac, Grant in AID as Monthly allowance/Cash to Gallantry Awardees(Defence & Civilians)/ Travelling Allowance to War Widows, Ex-gratia grant to NOK of Martyrs to the tune of Rs.7203.07 lac, Incentive for IMA-NDA cadets @ Rs. 1lac per cadet, Setting up of National Defence University amounting to Rs. 284lac, Financial Assistance to the Parents of Martyrs 118 (Shaheeds) equal to Rs. 181lac, Provision for the Grant of Rs.5 Lakhs each for purpose of Plot/House for the widows of Martyrs, 75% to 100% Disabled Soldiers during the different operations from the period 1.1.1999 onwards to 221 beneficiaries amounting to Rs.1107.02 lac, Training Scheme for the wards of Ex-Servicemen and others for entry into Technical/Non Technical trades of Defence/Para Military Forces amounting to Rs. 5,88,55,375 for 24,800 beneficiaries .

He reiterated that the Department of Defence Services Welfare Punjab will continue to stand by the families of the State’s brave hearts through thick and thin.

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 KOHAR  BATS FOR STRICT APPLICATION OF RULES CONCERNING SAFE DRIVING

PUBLIC ALSO EXHORTED TO REPORT CASES OF RASH DRIVING

Chandigarh, January 14: 

          The Transport Department, Punjab, has been instructed to emphasize the need of proper implementation of  safety regulations as mandated under 'Safe School Vahan Scheme'  to reduce school bus accidents.

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BADAL MOURNS SAD DEMISE OF EX-PUNJAB GOVERNOR LT. GEN. (RETD.) JFR JACOB

DESCRIBES HIM AS A DEDICATED SOLDIER AND AN ABLE ADMINISTRATOR

RECALLS HIS SUPERB SERVICES AS AN ASTUTE MILITARY OFFICER IN 1971 INDO-PAK WAR AND LIBERATION OF BANGLADESH

Chandigarh, January 13:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of former Punjab Governor Lt. General (Retd.) JFR Jacob (92) who passed away at Army Hospital, New Delhi this morning after prolonged illness.

In a condolence message, Mr. Badal described Mr. Jacob as an able administrator, an astute military officer and a dedicated soldier besides a fine human being with the qualities of head and heart, who played a vanguard role in India’s victory in Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 and liberation of Bangladesh. He recalled the outstanding services rendered by Mr. Jacob as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, Mr. Badal prayed to the Almighty to give courage to them, his friends and relations to bear irreparable loss in this hour of grief and grant eternal peace to the departed soul.

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Sukhbir Singh Badal condoles sad demise of 1971 war hero & ex-Governor Punjab Lt. Gen JFR Jacob

 Chandigarh, January 13:

The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, S. Sukhbir Singh Badal has expressed profound grief over the demise of 1971 Bangladesh war hero and former Governor of Punjab Lt. Gen. (Retd.) JFR Jacob who passed away today morning. He was 92.
 S. Badal said that Lt. Gen. Jacob was not only a brilliant army officer who served his motherland in the 1971 war against Pakistan and was witness to the historic surrender by Pakistan army but he also proved his administrative acumen while serving as Lt. Governor of Goa and then as Governor of Punjab.
 The Deputy Chief Minister prayed to the almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss. 

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·        748 OUT OF 1195 DIGITAL SIGNATURE FORMS PENDING

·        OFFICIALS CONCERNED DIRECTED TO IMMEDIATELY TO FILL UP THE FORMS

Chandigarh, January 13:  

All the Senior Assistants and officials of Civil Secretariat Punjab who require marking the files down, up or giving approvals through IWDMS account need to be issued Digital Signatures for the same. It has been observed that out of 1195 eligible officials only 447 have filled up the required forms where as 748 forms are still pending, informed a spokesman from General Administration wing of Punjab Civil Secretariat.

He briefed that all the officials who have not filled in the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) forms must download/get print out of the same by logging in into their IWDMS account using their username and password and there after fill them up and deposit them at TCS associates or the Unified Helpdesk, immediately.

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·        PUNJAB GOVERNMENT FRAMES NEW RULES FOR SHADOW WITNESSES

·        GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE ABOVE 50 YEARS OF AGE CAN NO LONGER BE MADE A SHADOW WITNESS

Chandigarh, January 13:  

Taking an important decision, Punjab Government has decided in principle that a government employee above 50 years of age cannot be made a shadow witness of government during a vigilance raid.

          Giving details, a spokesman from the government of Punjab informed here today that Punjab Government has observed that in cases pertaining to government employees arrested on corruption charges, many a times due to retirement of shadow witnesses during the court proceedings, the conviction of the guilty could not be materialised and they walked away scot free.

          He informed that in view of this hindrance, Punjab Government has framed new rules pertaining to inclusion of two government witnesses during the vigilance raid. According to the new rules, to trap an employee even though he belongs to Group-D, two gazetted officers below 50 years of age are to be made a part of the trap party as shadow witnesses of the government. Besides, after the completion of the raid, they are to report on the same day the complete proceedings of the trap to the officer who had deputed them on to the task and along with that send a copy to the Secretary, Vigilance department Punjab for information and further action.

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CM DESCRIBES AAP AS ‘MIRAGE’

AAP GOVERNMENT IN DELHI HAS FAILED ON ALL FRONTS

OPPORTUNIST LEADERS REJECTED BY PEOPLE TIME AND AGAIN JOINING AAP

TERMS SAD AS THE ONLY PARTY CONCERNED ABOUT THE WELFARE OF STATE AND PEOPLE

EXHORTS PEOPLE TO CHOOSE RIGHT LEADERS TO SERVE THEM

SANGAT DARSHAN IN RAJASANSI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Jonsh Muhaal (Amritsar), January 9, 2016

Terming that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came to power in Delhi by misleading the electorate, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that AAP government has not fulfilled any of its promise and has failed to deliver anything to the people. 

Addressing the gatherings in village Jonsh Muhaal, Othian, Kot Sidhu and Cheena Karam Singh during Sangat Darshan program of Rajasansi assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that it was a fact that AAP was a mirage, which attained power in Delhi by showing green pastures to people. However, he said that AAP has been badly exposed before the people as it has failed to fulfill any promise made to them. Mr. Badal said that AAP was now squabbling to grab power in Punjab but the wise people of Punjab would not fell prey to its tactics. “Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is only party committed for overall development of Punjab and prosperity of its people whereas the opposition is interested only in plundering the state” he added. 

The Chief Minister said that it was on record that AAP was just a ‘bunch of opportunists and defectors’ who have left one party or another to acquire power adding that when doors of all the parties were closed for them they had now joined AAP. He said that the sole aim of these people was just to vest political power in the state. “These defectors, who have been rejected by people time and again, have been frequently changing sides to suit their interests and they are least bothered about the state or its people”, added Mr. Badal. 

Recalling the glorious legacy of Shiromani Akali Dal, the Chief Minister reminded the people that the party had relentlessly worked for safeguarding the interests of the state. He said that each and every worker of SAD was committed for the cause of state due to which they had even suffered many hardships. Mr. Badal categorically said that in contrast to other political parties, who have harmed the interests of the state for their own motives, the SAD has diligently worked for the welfare of the state and its people.

Exhorting the people to make a right choice while giving their mandate, the Chief Minister said that their verdict could make or mar the future of the state. He said that people must verify the antecedents of every political party before giving their vote. “Every single vote of yours matter for development and prosperity of the state so I urge you to exercise you franchise with utmost care, so that only those who care for you are elected”, he added.

Highlighting the significance of Sangat Darshan, the Chief Minister said that it was a flagship program of the state, whose sole motive was to give boost to development in the state by virtually bringing the government at the doorsteps of people. He said that there was no political agenda of this program as it was totally aimed at the welfare of the people. Mr. Badal said that Sangat Darshan has proved to be a boon for people by solving their long pending problems.

Listing the major initiatives taken by the state government, the Chief Minister said that the alliance government has decided to double the pensions given to people under the social security schemes besides hiking the honorarium of the Nambardars. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that in a pro-poor initiative to provide far better health care services to economically weaker sections of the society to further improve their quality of life, the state government has decided to enhance the existing limit of free treatment in government and private hospitals to nearly 28.50 lakh blue card holders from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 annually under ‘Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Beema Yojna’.

The Chief Minister further said that apart from this in case of accidental death or incapacitation of a head of registered family under this scheme, the affected family would get compensation of Rs.5 lakh. Mr. Badal said that all the farmers would be provided a health insurance cover of Rs.50,000 and an insurance of Rs.5 lac in case of accidental death or incapacitation of head of family. He said that a novel scheme ‘Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme’ for providing free pilgrimage to sacred cities of Sri Nanded Sahib, Varanasi, Katra (Mata Vaishno Devi) and Ajmer Sharif has been started under which state government would organize free trains to these cities for the people from Punjab and also provide other logistic facilities to pilgrims.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chairman of District Planning Committee Mr. Veer Singh Lopoke, Youth Akali leader Mr. Ranbhir Singh Lopoke, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ravi Bhagat and Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Jasdeep Singh.  

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8TH NATIONAL LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONSHIP AND EXPO 2016

- SEMINAR HELD REGARDING COMMERCIAL DAIRY FARMING, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

-PUNJAB GOVT GAVE RS 20 CR SUBSIDY FOR COMMERCIAL DAIRY FARMS

-DAIRY FARMERS TO BE ENCOURAGED FOR REARING SAHIWAL COWS

Sri Muktsar Sahib, Jan 9

            On the second day of 8th National Livestock Championship and Expo 2016, the animal husbandry department held a seminar on commercial dairy farming and animal husbandry and the financial support available.

         During this maiden seminar today the director dairy development department Dr Inderjit Singh said the Punjab government has crafted a number of schemes to encourage commercial dairy farming in the state. Last year the farmers were given milking machines, bulk milk coolers and were given Rs 20 cr worth subsidy on construction of modern sheds for animals etc. Similarly to impart modern education about the animal husbandry a dairy training center has been set up at Sangrur worth Rs 2.5 cr.

           Dr PK Uppla, advisor, Punjab government said that now the state government has also planned out a scheme to start commercial dairy farming of the Sahiwal cows and also to encourage the marketing of milk form this cow, the Chief Minister Mr Parkash SIngh Badal has charted out a strategy.

           The joint director animal husbandry department Dr Amarjit Singh gave information about milking machines, milking parlors, milk meter, pedo meter etc. He said that the milk meter gives information about the temperature of milk, which gives exact detail about the health status of cows. The pedometers attached to the feet of cows gives information about cows entering into puberty.

           Dr B Prakash, director CIRC Meerut, Mr Anirban Dev, head South Asia Dairy and Agriculture Secor, Dr Harish Kumar Verma director extension education GADVASU Ludhiana also imparted various information to the farmers.

 for box:

Australian delegates too participate:

DISTRICT INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB

8TH NATIONAL LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONSHIP AND EXPO 2016

- MORE THAN 1.5 LACS FOOTFALL RECORDED AT LIVESTOCK EXPO SO FAR

- VARIOUS COMPANIES, BANKS, GOVT DEPT PUT UP STALLS

-FARMERS EXPRESSING INTEREST IN AMERICA, ITALY MADE FODDER CUTTING MACHINES

 Sri Muktsar Sahib, Jan 9

           The 8th National Livestock Championship and Expo 2016 has witnessed a footfall of 1.5 lacs people so far who have thronged to the venue to be a part of this gala event being held in collaboration with FICCI. Visitors have evinced keen interest in ways to improve the cows' breed and are watching various competitions in different categories.

           Director animal husbandry Dr HS Sandha said that people have shown keen interest in the various parts of this event. Besides holding competitions of animal in different categories, color is being added to the mela with special arrangements. The artists of North India are presenting various folk dances and the horse riders have stolen show with their daredevil acts.

        FICCI regional head Mr G B Singh said that this event was one of the main attractions of animal husbandry held at the national level wherein 175 companies, banks, government departments, self help groups have put up their stalls bringing products, services and information under one roof. The government department stalls are disseminating information about various policies and schemes of government. The Sahiwal Cattle Society is also giving information about the indigenous variety of cows and farmers are showing keen interest in this stall. People are also being made aware against adulteration of milk that causes sever health problems. Similarly, the drug manufacturing companies are educating farmers on lines of prevention is better than cure. Companies related to feed and fodder are giving information about the animal's diet. The American and Italian companies have reached with tools meant for fodder cutting, which are helpful even for the small farmers. Similarly, people are also being made aware of the communicable diseases that are passed from animals to human beings.

          Similarly institutes related to banking and insurance have put up their stalls. Giving information in this context IDBI Bank's CGM Mr Ajay Sharma said the show was a very constructive initiative of the Punjab government wherein farmer related issues have been clubbed together on same platform.

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Ajit Doval calls Up Sukhbir SIngh Badal

Chandigarh January 8 - National Security Advisor mr Ajit Doval today " lauded the most effective and commendable Punjab response to a most difficult challenge thrown at the country by terrorists at Pathankot." The National Security Advisor, who was one of the key figures on top of managing India's "befitting reply" to the terror attack, phoned Mr Sukhbir SIngh in what is seen as center's acknowledgement and appreciation of the excellent response of the Punjab Government, especially of the  Punjab Police, whose prompt inputs and zero-time coordination with the central forces had earlier drawn appreciation from the Union Home Minister, Mr Rajnath SIngh also.

In his telephone conversation with Mr Badal, who also handles the Home portfoio in the Punjab government, Mr Ajit Doval had a special word of praise for " the commendable courage, professional competence and preparedness of your boys and senior officers. " Mr SUkhbir SIngh Badal, who was visibly moved by this gesture from the NSA, thanked Mr Doval and the Prime Minister for this "touching gesture of encouragement to Punjab's patriotic, brave and thoroughly professional men in uniform who have a reputation for making supreme sacrifices for the country, as was seen in a similar terror attack at Dina Nagar earlier last year.Your gesture will further steel the resolve of our brave constabulary and officers. "

Mr Badal emphasized that Pathankot attack, like the Dina Nagar terror attack, needed to be seen as “acts of barely disguised   foreign aggression. In Punjab, we have been fighting the nation's war carried out by our enemies through proxy means. But we must regard it as acts of war and our response needs to be firm not in just words but in the form of better and professional preparedness and willing to take the enemy on."

The Deputy Chief Minister also whole heartedly patted his men in uniform and said that the entire country was proud of the manner in which they had stood up to the challenge both at Pathankot and earlier at Dina Nagar."We are proud of our force and its patriotic, highly motivated and professional trained and skilled boys in uniform."

The Deputy later told newsmen that he was pursuing with the center, with considerable zeal and vehemence,  his proposal  to set up a second line of defence behind the BSF to latch on to any element that escapes the BSF net at the international border. “Considering the enormity of the task, we certainly need assistance from the center. We have the manpower and we the courgae and competence. What we fall short of is additional resources, and we expect the center to meet that part of the requirement."

He said that the  Punjab Police has the willingness, the experience and the professional competence to answer the need for such an impregnable fortress-wall to block any kind of invasion, open or disguised, " said Mr Badal.

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Chief Minister Office, Punjab

Sukhbir Singh meets Rajnath Singh

“Direct CBI to put Bargari on priority and fastest mode” Sukhbir Singh to

Rajnath Singh

Act fast so that we punish culprits in an exemplary manner under the

Law: Sukhbir Badal

Sukhbir Badal on Punjab Border with Pak:

“Need Numerical reinforcements and strategic up gradation of BSF along

Punjab border”:  Sukhbir Badal

“No dividing line between internal and external security:

Treat terrorism at par with war for better preparedness: Sukhbir Badal

 “Reinforce, equip and modernize BSF and other forces at and near the border “

Punjab home minister calls on Rajnath Singh

Chandigarh, January 8:

            The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today called on the Union Home Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh and urged him to direct the CBI to put the sensitive ‘Bargari’ case involving sacrilege of Holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on “the fastest, most expeditious and priority mode so that culprits in the case are identified, apprehended and given exemplary punishment under the law.”

“This must be deemed a national priority as it involves the profound and sacred sentiments of millions of people all over the world, Sikhs as well as all right thinking people in every community everywhere. ,” said Mr Badal while talking to Mr Rajnath Singh.

 Mr. Badal, who is also the Home Minister of the state, further urged the home minister to strengthen, reinforce and ‘completely modernize’ the functional capabilities and   combat-response vigil of the Border Security Force (BSF) all along the border with Pakistan adjoining Punjab.

Mr Badal said although “the BSF and other forces tasked with the sensitive responsibility of blocking infiltration of hostile element including terrorists had always stood up to the challenge in a most commendable manner, yet there have been instances that left something to be desired so that  the border is not  breached ,  as it had been  done by  highly trained terrorists who attacked Dinanagar and now Pathankot.  Mr. Badal said that the numerical strength of the BSF and other forces had  been shown to be  inadequate and insufficient to deal with the rising specter of cross-border terrorism. Mr. Badal said that in view of the highly motivated, sophisticated and technologically advanced nature of the threat from cross border terrorism, our forces on the border need only to the significantly increased numerically but they also need to be given state –of-the-art combat and communication weaponry and equipments so that they are always ahead of the terrorist.

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the Punjab Police had always dealt with the cross border terrorists in a most courageous and professionally competent manner. He said that the Dinanagar attack was effectively neutralized by the brave constabulary and officers of the Punjab Police.  Similarly, he said in Pathankot the most timely intelligence sharing and combat response of the state police had resulted in prompt deployment of the National Security Guards (NSG), The Army and the Air Force personnel. He said that it was only because of this timely deployment that the terrorists were not allowed at all to inflict any damage on the most sensitive strategic and technical assets and equipment including invaluable fighter and bomber planes.

Giving details of the meeting between Mr. Badal and Union home Minister, Mr. Harcharn Bains Advisor to Chief Minister on National affairs said the Punjab Deputy CM   had on several occasions in the past repeatedly emphasized the need for a complete re-look at the internal security capabilities of various central and state government agencies and forces.  “Mr Sukhbir  Singh has always felt and said at the national plat forums that the dividing line between internal and external security had vanished in view of the new and highly developed technology which terrorists all over the world had accessed. Mr. Sukhbir  Singh  had personally highlighted to Mr P. Chidambram when the latter was the Home Minister of the country  the various inadequacies and weaknesses in weaponry, strategic training and availability and access to the state of the art  counter-terror technology   including the highly sophisticated communications gadgetry to remain one step ahead of the  terrorists with superior intelligence.,” said Mr Bains

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal had been demanding that the central budgetary layout on modernisation of police and Para military force. “Police modernization budget is   abysmal at the present and does not reflect the deadly nature of the threats posed to the country from terrorism. This budgetary outlay needed to be enhanced manifold.” This is particularly true now the terrorists always manage to acquire the most sophisticated and the deadliest fighting gadgetry both in terms of weapons and hi–end communications apparatus, using the state-of-the-art information & technology.“

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Punjab to witness unprecedented sports extravaganza in February

(Shaheed-E-Azam S. Bhagat Singh State Games to be held from14th-19th February)

(Events to be held across many districts)

(Prize money of Rs. 15 Lakh per sport)

(Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal endeavours to make Punjab no. 1 in sports)

(More than 9000 players expected to take part)

 Chandigarh, January 8: Punjab Sports Department is all set to unleash the sports extravaganza in the form of Shaheed-E-Azam S. Bhagat Singh Punjab Games which would be in keeping with the endeavor of Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal to make Punjab, a sports powerhouse.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of state sports department said the inaugural ceremony of state games would be held on 14th February and conclude on 19th of February. He informed that the competitions during the games would be open to both men and women and to be hosted in different towns across the state.

Divulging more details, he said  the Basketball, Football, Handball, Cycling (men & women) competitions would be held in Ludhiana where as Jalandhar would host the Hockey( men), Badminton and Shooting (men and women). Patiala would organize the events of Weightlifting, Volleyball, Gymnastics along with Rythmic, Archery (men & women) and competitions in Boxing, Wrestling (Greeco and Roman style) including Judo (men and women) would be held in Sri Anandpur Sahib and Rupnagar. He further added that S.A.S. Nagar would host Swimming, Table Tennis (men & women) and Hockey (women) where as the events in Kabaddi (national style), Athletics and Roller Skating (men & women) would be held at Sangrur.

Giving more details, he said that more than 9,000 players and officials are expected to take part in the games. He said the winning teams in the games would get richer by Rs. 15 Lakh prize money per sport.

Throwing light on the sports policy of the state government, the spokesman said that it has always been the earnest desire of Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal to see Punjab in the numero uno position in terms of sports and for that purpose the government has left no stone unturned in creating top quality infrastructure in the state. He added that the efforts of the department in league with the state government has resulted in the coming up of 7 multipurpose stadia, 7 Hockey stadiums and 1 sports school. He also informed that the state government had provided jobs to sportspersons earning laurels for the state as well as holding 2 world cups to popularize the game of Kabaddi. EOM

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 CM ASKS OPPOSITION TO SPARE SENSITIVE ISSUES INVOLVING NATIONAL SECURITY FROM CHEAP POLITICS

SLAMS OPPOSITION FOR POLITICIZING THE GRAVE ISSUE OF PATHANKOT TERROR ATTACK

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTED FOR BAILING OUT FAMILIES OF SECURITY PERSONNEL KILLED IN TERROR ATTACK

URGES GOI TO BEEF UP SECURITY ALONG WITH BORDER TO CHECK CROSS BORDER TERRORISM

VOWS TO CRUSH NEFARIOUS HEAD OF UGLY FORCES TRYING TO DISTURB HARD EARNED PEACE OF STATE

RECALLS GLORIOUS ROLE OF SAD IN SAFEGUARDING INTERESTS OF STATE

SANGAT DARSHAN IN RAJASANSI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

 Bhittewad (Amritsar), January 8-

 Slamming the opposition parties for politicizing the grave issue of Pathankot terror attack, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that at least sensitive issues involving national security must be spared from cheap politics. 

Interacting with the media persons on sidelines of Sangat Darshan program in Rajasansi assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that it was unfortunate that our political leadership was making baseless statements on this issue involving country's unity and integrity. He said that there were a number of issues for political leaders to debate but they must at least spare such issues where nation's security was concerned. “Our brave soldiers have valiantly protected honour of the country but some political outfits were washing dirty linen on it for sake of vested interests, which is shameful”, he added. 

Reiterating the firm commitment of state government to help the bereaved families of security personnel killed in counter urgency operation at Pathankot, the Chief Minister said that every effort would be made to bail out these families out from the crisis. He said that the state government had already decided a financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to next of kin of martyrs along with a government job as a humble tribute to these brave hearts. Mr. Badal said that apart from it the state government would make all out efforts to help these families in hour of grief. 

The Chief Minister said that he had asked the Government of India to beef up the security at Borders to prevent cross border terrorism. He said that it was the need of the hour to ensure that incidents like Dinanagar and Pathankot should not happen again. Mr. Badal further said that the state government was fully committed for preserving the peace and amity in the state and no one would be allowed to disturb it. 

Earlier addressing the gatherings during Sangat Darshan at village Rajasansi, Ladde, Jagdev Kalan, Harshe Cheena and Bhittewad, the Chief Minister said that some forces inimical to progress of the state were hell bent upon disturbing its hard earned peace. He said that the SAD-BJP alliance government was committed to thwart any such attempt and the ugly head of such forces would be crushed with heavy hand. 

Recalling the glorious legacy of Shiromani Akali Dal, the Chief Minister reminded the people that the party had relentlessly worked for safeguarding the interests of the state. He said that each and every worker of SAD was committed for the cause of state due to which they had even suffered many hardships. “Contrary to it the other political parties have harmed the interests of the state for their own vested interests” added Mr. Badal.

The Chief Minister further said that state government has taken several major initiatives for the well being of people. He said that Punjab was the only state which has initiated pro - poor schemes like Atta - Dal and Shagun. Likewise, Mr Badal said that the state government was providing free power to farmers of the state at a cost of Rs 5000 crore every year.

Apprising the people about ‘Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme’ for providing free pilgrimage to sacred cities of Sri Nanded Sahib, Varanasi, Katra (Mata Vaishno Devi) and Ajmer Sharif, the Chief Minister exhorted them to take full benefit of this scheme. He said that under this scheme the state government would organize free trains to these cities for the people from Punjab and also provide other logistic facilities to pilgrims. Mr. Badal said that Punjab was the only state in the country to take this first of its kind initiative to facilitate the people for undertaking pilgrimage to these holy places.

Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Chairman of District Planning Committee Mr. Veer Singh Lopoke, BJP leader Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, Youth Akali leader Mr. Ranbhir Singh Lopoke, President of Student Organisation of India Mr. Gursharan Singh Chhina, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. S. Karunaraju, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ravi Bhagat and Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Jaspreet Singh.

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DGP DIRECTS TO AUGMENT NIGHT TIME DEPLOYMENT OF POLICE

·       ZONAL IGPS AND CPS TO ENSURE 24X7 AVAILABILITY OF POLICE FOR PROMPT RESPONSE

·       APPEALS TO THE PUBLIC TO IMMEDIATELY REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY/PERSONS ON POLICE EMERGENCY NUMBERS

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 8:

 Punjab Police has introduced various measures to increase professionalism in police working, ensure availability and accountability of police officers posted in the field, and, put into place a Scheme to augment night time deployment of police in the State.

Sh. Suresh Arora, the Director General of Police, Punjab has directed that all SHOs, DSPs/ACPs, SPs/ADCPs and senior officers posted in the districts would be physically present at the stations where they have been posted, and they would not leave the station without prior permission of competent authority.

The DGP has also directed all Zonal IGPs and Commissioners of Police to work-out a scheme to ensure regular presence of police personnel in all the Police stations and Police posts  in the State, especially at night-time, so as to ensure 24x7 availability of police for prompt support and response to citizens of the State.

Disclosing this here today a Punjab Police spokesman informed that on the directions of DGP Punjab, all Zonal IGPs and Commissioners of Police have been asked to prepare a Night Policing Plan for the districts/area in their jurisdiction. Zonal IGPs and CPs would send Daily Reports to the DGP about details of static & mobile police deployment during night. The night time police deployment would be checked by deputing senior police officers from Police Headquarters on a regular basis.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Police has appealed to the public to immediately report any suspicious activity/persons on police emergency numbers ‘DIAL 100’ or on ‘181-Punjab Police Helpline’. Punjab Police remains fully committed and geared-up to ensure the safety and security of citizens of the State, the spokesman added.

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 PUNJAB POLICE

 DGP ORDERS ENQUIRY REGARDING ACCUSATIONS OF BIGAMY AGAINST

SP SALWINDER SINGH

Chandigarh, January 8 : A fact finding enquiry has been instituted by the Director General of Police, Punjab on the news-items regarding the statement of a Tanda-based woman who has leveled accusations of bigamy against Sh. Salwinder Singh, Superintendent of Police.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab police said that Ms. Dhanpreet Kaur, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Hoshiarpur has been asked to conduct a fact finding inquiry into the allegations and submit a report at the earliest.  

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TOTA SINGH EXTENDS GREETINGS TO NRI PUNJABI ON PRAVASI BHARTIYA DIWAS

·        MINISTER FOR NRI AFFAIRS LIST OUT INITIATIVES OF THE SAD-BJP GOVERNMENT FOR THE WELFARE OF NRIs

·        PUNJAB GOVERNMENT HAS SET UP EXCLUSIVE NRI POLICE STATIONS

·        FAST TRACK REVENUE AND JUDICIAL COURTS HAS BEEN SET UP NRIs

·        10% RESERVATION ACCORDED TO NRIS IN RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PLOTS

Chandigarh January 8:

Jathedar Tota Singh Minister for NRIs Affairs, Punjab today extended hearties greetings to the Punjabi Diaspora on the occasion of Non-Resident Indian Day (Pravasi Bharatiya Divas). He said that it is matter of great pride for Punjabi with their sheer dedication and hard work has scaled new heights in every sphere all over the world. 

The Minister while enumerating the various initiatives of the Punjab Government undertaken for the welfare of the NRIs said that 10% reservation is being given for NRIs in allocation of Residential and Industrial plots. To recognise NRI status of Punjabi NRIs government is also providing them NRI Priviledge Card for various government and non-government facilities like discount/ reservation on various Shops, Malls, Hospitals, Schools, Jewellary Shops. Now NRIs can easily get Mobile Sim Card while on visit to India. Punjab government is also providing the accreditation to NRIs Journalists.

He said that Fast Track Revenue Courts has been set up for speedy disposal of NRIs cases in respect of Revenue, the power of Assistant Collection of the first grade have been conferred to all the District Revenue Officers in the State in their respective districts to decide the cases. Likewise Judicial Court for NRIs has been made functional at Jalandhar similar courts in other districts would also be set up soon.

    Jathedar Tota Singh further said that the most noble initiative by the Punjab Government has been the establishment of 15 exclusive NRI Police Station in districts of Amritsar, Bhatinda, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar (Rural & City), Kapurthala, Ludhiana(Rural & City), Moga, S.A.S Nagar(Mohali), Patiala, Sangrur and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. To help NRI’s in getting their Urban properties evicted in an easy and quick manner amendments have been made in Punjab Urban Rent Control Act for eviction of multiple properties for multiple times.

He said that now NRIs can get their multiple properties vacated from tenants under the Punjab Rent Act, 1995 (as amended by the Punjab Rent (Amendment) Act, 2013 on April 10, 2013. Punjab government also amended Act under the new Punjab Security of Land tenures (Amendment) Act, 2013 and the PEPSU tenancy and Agricultural lands (Amendment) Act,2013, and now NRIs can get their ancestral agricultural property and property purchased by NRIs within five years vacated from tenants.

     The Minister said that other Acts enacted by the Punjab government to safeguard the interest of NRI Punjabis has been to save Punjabi youth from migration related frauds and harassment, the prevention of Human Trafficking/ Smuggling Act has been enacted (Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act,2012 and Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Rules,2013). To safeguard NRIs and daughters of Punjab from marriage related frauds, the compulsory Marriage registration Act has been enacted.( Punjab Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act,2012; Punjab Compulsory Registration of Marriages rules, 2013). To facilitate and expedite the registration of NRI marriages the power of marriage registration has been given to Deputy Commissioners, District Revenue Offficers, Tehsildars and Naib Tehildars. To facilitate quick disposal of  power of attorney made by NRIs, the powers for stamping/embossing of power of attorneys has been given to Deputy Commissioners for properties falling under that district; to Divisional Commissioners for properties falling within that division; and to Financial Commissioner Revenue for propertied falling under more than one division.

Minister said that to resolve the grievance of the NRIs at the spot Sangat Darshan programmes have also been conducted and a dedicated online Web Portal www.nripunjab.gov.in has already been launched to address all the NRI grievances.

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VIGILANCE NABS CONSTABLE RED HANDED ACCEPTING BRIBE

CHANDIGARH, January 8 :

Vigilance Bureau has today nabbed a Constable Satroop singh Reader to Station House officer canal colony Bathinda, red handed while accepting bribe of Rs. 50000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that Constable of the Punjab police batinda    was nabbed on the complaint of Sukhjinder singh resident of House no : 32660 Parasram Nagar Bathinda. In his complaint Sukhjinder singh has alleged that Jeet singh Station House officer canal colony Bathinda and his reader Satroop singh was demanding Rs. 60,000 as bribe in lieu of equating falsely implicated his Swift car in a case and his friend Lovedeep Sharma’s name from a case . At last the deal was struck at Rs. 50,000 .

Acting on the tip off the complainant a trap was laid by the Deputy Superintendent Of Police (vigilance) Bhupinder Singh and the Constable Satroop singh Reader to Station House officer canal colony Bathinda  was nabbed red handed while receiving the bribe of Rupees 50,000 form the complainant.

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MILKFED PERFORMS EXCEPTIONALLY WELL DURING 2014-15

·       ACHIEVES ANNUAL SALES TURNOVER OF RS. 2371 CRORE

·       26 ULTRA MODERN VERKA MILK BOOTHS OPENED IN THE MOHALI CITY

·       54 MILK BOOTHS TO BE OPENED IN THE TEHSIL/DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS ACROSS THE STATE

CHANDIGARH, January, 08

MILKFED has performed exceptionally well during the year 2014-15 with its annual sales turnover to the tune of Rs 2371 Crore.

               Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab Government said that by adopting various focused strategies Milkfed  has procured on an average 12.87 lac kg. of milk per day as procured during the year 2014-15  as against procurement of 11.60 lac kg. per day during the year 2013-14.

               He said that Milkfed has opened 26 ultra modern Verka Milk booths in the Mohali City where all Verka Products are available and this move has got a huge response from the Public during the year 2014-15.

During the on going year, Milkfed is in the process of installing 54 Milk Booths in the Tehsil/District Headquarters in the state. Besides, Milkfed is also in the process of installing Milk Booths in various Universities, Courts/DC offices in the State.

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 ·       LIMITS OF NAGAR COUNCIL BALACHAUR EXTENDED – JOSHI

·       PROPOSAL FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WORTH Rs.19.77 CRORE IN THE AREA

Chandigarh, January 8:

The limits of Nagar Council Balachaur have been extended by the inclusion of remaining areas of Balachaur, Siana and Mehindipur in it, informed Mr. Anil Joshi, Local Bodies Minister,Punjab. He said that a notification in this context would soon be issued.

Mr. Joshi added that this inclusion would facilitate provision of basic requirements in these areas like water supply, roads, lanes, street lights etc, rendering a huge relief to the people of these areas. Besides, there is also a proposal to strengthen and improve upon the basic infrastructure in the existing schools along with setting up of new schools in these areas.

Local Bodies Minister said that a proposal for development projects worth Rs.19.77 crore in the area, is also under consideration.

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FFICE DISTRICT PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB 2016

8TH NATIONAL LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONSHIP AND EXPO 2016

-MINISTER FOR ANIMAL HUSBANDRY INAUGURATES INDIA’S LARGEST LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONSHIP

-LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONSHIPS HAVE ENCOURAGED IMPROVING ANIMAL BREED, RANIKE

-GOVT GAVE SUBSIDY WORTH RS 20 CR TO ENCOURAGE ANIMAL REARING-

-WINNER ANIMAL REARERS TO BE GIVEN RS 1.5 CR PRIZES

Sri Muktsar Sahib, Jan 8                                     

           The Punjab government’s initiative of holding livestock competitions has gone a long way in encouraging the animal rearers to improve the breed of animals and has increased their income. The Minister for Animal Husbandry, Fishery and Dairy Development Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike said this while inaugurating the 8th National Livestock Championship and Expo.                            

         Mr Ranike said that the Punjabis have got animal rearing as a part of their heritage and to encourage the animal husbandry the state government has provided several schemes and has held competitions at district, state and national level to encourage spirit of competition by means of improving their breed. He added that the neeli ravi buffalo worth Rs 50 lacs and bull worth Rs 8 cr are consequences of such spirit of competition. Welcoming the participants and guests on first day of this mega event he said that giving the fair a new look, the government is holding polo matches this time.

      The Minister for Animal Husbandry said that Punjab accounts for just 2 percent of the total animal population of country, but its milk production is 10 percent of that of the entire nation, which has been possible due to good services of the animal husbandry department. He said that the Punjab government was giving large subsidies to encourage animal husbandry and special scheme has been charted out to encourage breeding of indigenous Sahiwal cows in the state. He added that the National Gokul Mission was being implemented in state. He said that during the year 2014-15, farmers of state were given subsidy worth Rs 20 cr. Government has spent Rs 20 cr on erecting 209 veterinary hospitals in state and set up 14 fish seeds farms worth Rs 14 cr that are being modernized at cost of Rs 26 cr . He added that during the fair people will be given prizes worth Rs 1.5 cr

     The rural development and panchayat department, Punjab is holding this 8th national 5 day mega event in collaboration with the Federation of Industrial Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). After inaugurating this mega event, the Minister Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike said that the Punjab’s farmers have risen to unprecedented heights and carved a niche for themselves by being the largest contributor towards the country’s granary. But due to increasing farm input, the agriculture no more remains a profitable business. In such times, dairy farming has emerged to be the most important allied business under which many families are successfully running their households with dairy farming.

     Addressing a huge gathering during this Pushkar Mela of Punjab Mr Ranike said that animal husbandry has improved economic situation of many farmers. He called upon maximum number of farmers to associate themselves with animal husbandry. He added that the main motive of fair was to create spirit of competitiveness to have the best animal and make animal rearers about the latest advances in technology.

      Earlier, whole presiding over the function, CPS animal husbandry, Government of Punjab, Mr Des Raj Dhugga appreciated the efforts of Punjab government in promoting animal husbandry and called upon the farmers to take it up for supplementing their income.

       Punjab Agro chairman Jathedar Dyal Singh Koleanwali especially thanked the CM Mr Parkash Singh Badal and deputy CM Mr Sukhbir Badal for holding this event. Earlier director animal husbandry Dr H S Sandha welcomed the guests. The animal husbandry department also released its magazine on the occasion and the officers and animal rearers were also honored. He also saw the exhibition put up and interacted with the animal rearers sharing his experiences of animal husbandry.

                                           Prominent among others present included DC Sri Muktsra Sahib Mr Jaskiran Singh, ADC (D) Mr Kulwant Singh, ADC (G) Mr Kuljit Pal Singh Mahi, advisor animal husbandry department Dr P K Uppal, director dairy development Dr Indejrit Singh, VC Rajasthan Veterinary University Dr A S Nanda, nagar council president Harpal Singh Bedi, Sant Singh Brar, Sukhwinder Pal Singh Garcha, Dr Amarjit Singh joint director, SDM Ram Singh, FICCI representative Dr GB Singh and others. 

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PANCHAYATS EARNED Rs. 279.05 CRORES FROM LEASING 1.40 LAKH HECTARES SHAMLAT LAND DURING 2015-16

 Chandigarh, January 4:

The Rural Development and Panchayat Department, Punjab, has earned Rs. 279.05 crore in 2015-16 by leasing 1.40000 hectare shamlat land belonging to gram panchayats of the state.

Disclosing this, an official spokesman said that in Patiala Rs. 35.64 crore were earned by giving 19024 acre land on lease. In Gurdaspur Rs. 19.21 crore were earned by giving 13586 acre shamlat land on lease. Ludhiana saw Rs. 22.63 crore being fetched by leasing 10136 acres, Amritsar saw Rs. 19.32 crore earning from leasing of 9719 acres, Sangrur saw Rs. 26.36 crore income from leasing out 9030 acres, Ferozepur saw earnings of Rs. 22.73 crore from 8899 acres, Kapurthala witnessed Rs. 13.98 crore earnings from lease of 8798 acre land. The spokesman further said that in Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, earnings of Rs. 17.52 crore were made from lease of 8112 acres, In Fazilka Rs. 13.35 crore were earned through leasing of 6291 acres, In Jalandhar an income of Rs. 11.53 crore was effected through lease of 6661 acres while Hoshiarpur saw Rs. 9.58 crore being earned from lease of 6608 acre Panchayat land.

Divulging more, the spokesman said that Tarntaran saw an income of Rs. 9.73 crore from leasing of 5583 acres, Mansa witnessed earning of Rs. 8.82 crore through lease of 4397 acres, Sri Muktsar Sahib saw an earnings of 9.97 crore through leasing of 4396 acre, In Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar Rs. 7.21 crore were earned through giving 3918 acres on lease, In Bathinda , an earning of Rs. 7.61 crores was made from lease of 3479 acres, In S.A.S. Nagar, Rs. 3.36 crore were earned through giving  2904 acre on lease, In Moga, an earning of Rs. 8.70 was effected through leasing of 3143 acres and Pathankot saw Rs. 2.56 crore being earned through lease of 2035 acres. Similarly, Barnala saw earning of Rs. 4.81 crore from leasing of 1701 acre while Rs. 1.49 crore were earned in Faridkot from leasing of 699 acres.

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ANIMAL HUSBANDRY IMMENSELY CONTRIBUTED TO ECONOMIC GROWTH OF STATE -RANIKE

•         ANNUAL MILK PRODUCTION OF STATE PEGGED AT 10351 THOUSAND TONNES

•         EGG PRODUCTION STANDS AT 4264 MILLION

•         60 VETERINARY DISPENSARIES CONSTRUCTED AT A COST OF RS. 1729.50 LAC, REPAIR OF 47 VETERINARY HOSPITALS AND 25 NEW HOSPITALS CONSTRUCTED

•         UNDER NATIONAL DAIRY PLAN-1, SEMEN BANK NABHA STREGHTHEN INVESTING RS.1420.73 LAC

•        8TH LIVESTOCK EXPO TO COMMENCE FROM 8th to 12th JANUARY, 2016 AT SRI MUKATSAR SAHIB

Chandigarh, January 4: The Animal husbandry department has contributed immensely to improve the economy of the State in the year 2015.

            Disclosing this Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Minister for Animal Husbandry said that there was a dire need of diversification in the agriculture sector and their department had given a solution to it by encouraging the farmers to opt for subsidiary occupations like Dairy Farming, Piggery, Poultry and Sheep rearing as the agriculture sector had already reached at a saturation point not only in the state but across the country.

Expressing satisfaction over the efforts of the state government, he said that it was a matter of pride that the Punjab had achieved a target of producing 10351 thousand tonnes of milk annually. With only 2% of the livestock, the Punjab had managed to contribute 8% of the total milk production of the country, he added.

       The Minister further said that Punjab had produced 10351 thousand tonnes milk that is  three times more milk than the national average which further resulted its consumption to the tune of 993 gram per person per day in the state. Likewise state had produced total 4264 million eggs which was 2.5 fold more than that of national average, besides 236.87 thousand tonne meat was produced in the year 2015 by the state.

        The Minister Said that in order to boost up animal farming in the State,  the Punjab Government has organised  five day Progressive Punjab National Livestock Expo and Championship at Sri Muktsar Sahib from 8 to 12 January 2016 and efforts are being made to attract international tourists to this most colourful and vibrant show on the pattern of Pushkar Mela.

        The Minister further said that the department had also done a commendable job to upgrade the various services at the all veterinary hospitals in the state. The state government had spent Rs. 20 crore for the renovation and repair works of 209 Veterinary Hospitals and 372 Dispensaries.  A special project of Rs. 1729.50 crore had been approved under different Schemes of the Government of India, besides as many as 60 new Animal Dispensaries were built and 47 hospitals were repaired during 2015 under special programme. He further mentioned that under this scheme building of 25 new Veterinary Hospitals were being constructed and some were being equipped by latest gadgets.

              He said that under National Diary Plan-1, Semen Bank Nabha was being strengthened at a cost of Rs. 1420.73 lakh which would help to enhance the semen production from 30 lakh to 60 lakh vaccines. For the preservation of Sahiwal breed of cows, the state government had also earmarked Rs. 30 crore special fund and sent to the central government for approval. He said that Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University was also contributing immensely in the field of research besides producing veterinary doctors of international calibre, Minister said.

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PUNJAB EXTENDS TIME LIMIT FOR THE SUBMISSION OF FORMS UNDER PGEPHIS

·        NOW FORMS CAN BE SUBMITTED TILL JANUARY 15, 2016

Chandigarh, January 4: The Punjab Government has extended the last date for the submission of forms under PGEPHIS (PUNJAB GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONERS HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME) till January 15, 2016. The Punjab Government employees/Pensioner could now submit forms till January 15 at district Suvidha centers.

          Disclosing this an official spokesman said that it has been brought to the notice of the Government by district authorities and insurance companies that employee/Pensioners were still coming to submit their forms under PGEPHIS Scheme. So he said that now the Government in order to facilitate these employees/ pensioners who could have not submit the forms, the Punjab Government under round–II, has extended the date for the submission these forms till January 15, 2016.

              He said that the insurance cover for the forms received up to December 24, 2015 under round –I will start from 1st January 2016 and the forms which will be received by 15 January, 2016  under  round-II will start from 1st February 2016.He said that the employees who will submit their forms under round –II will be given medical reimbursement on the existing pattern up to 31 January 2016.

             He said that the forms can be submitted under round –II in the Suvidha Centers of the districts and in Main/Mini Secretariat Chandigarh as well as in the office of Oriental Insurance Company sector-35-A, Office No.15, Chandigarh.

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CM DESCRIBES AAP AS A PARTY OF ‘DEFECTORS’

SAYS AAP LACKS ANY CONCRETE POLICY OR PROGRAM FOR DEVELOPMENT OF STATE AND WELFARE OF ITS PEOPLE

SLAMS DELHI CM FOR RUNNING AWAY FROM PROMISES MADE TO PEOPLE

RECALLS GLORIOUS RECORD OF SAD IN SAFEGUARDING INTERESTS OF STATE

ASSAILS OPPOSITION FOR OPPOSING SANGAT DARSHAN PROGRAM

VOWS TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF FARMING COMMUNITY

SANGAT DARSHAN IN QADIAN ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Sathiali (Gurdaspur), January 4-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today described the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a party of defectors which was bereft of any ideology for public welfare. 

Addressing the public gatherings during Sangat Darshan program at village Sathiali, Gunnopur and Bhaini Mian Khan here today, the Chief Minister said that the turncoat leaders who had been rejected by the people time and again were joining AAP, which was a clear indication that party was not having any concrete ideology or program for welfare of state and its people. He said that contrary to that the Shiromani Akali Dal has a glorious history of relentlessly struggle for the cause of Punjab and its people. 

Quipping at AAP Chief and Delhi Chief Minister, Mr. Badal said that he has ran away from the promises made to people. Citing an example, the Chief Minister reminded the people that his Delhi counterpart had announced to hold Janta Darbar for resolving the issues of public. However, he said that instead of keeping his words the Delhi Chief Minister abandon his well publicized program. 

The Chief Minister said that it was on record that Punjab was the only state where government comes at doorstep of people through Sangat Darshan. He said that this pro - people initiative extensively aimed at welfare of people was a flagship program of SAD-BJP alliance government. Mr. Badal said that no other Chief Minister of any other state undertakes such exercise to redress the grievances of people in such an elaborate manner. 

Coming down heavily on former President of state Congress Mr. Pratap Singh Bajwa for issuing baseless statements against state government, the Chief Minister said that it would be better that Mr. Bajwa should focus more on his party affairs. He said that rather than wasting his energy on posing question to state government Mr. Bajwa should seek answers from his party Chief Captain Amarinder Singh. 

Slamming the state Congress leadership for opposing his Sangat Darshan programs ‘tooth and nail’, the Chief Minister said that the state Congress leaders were envious of the state’s overall development and prosperity of its people. Mr. Badal said that it was on record that besides giving a major fillip to the overall development of the state, the Sangat Darshan programs has also been instrumental in mitigating the woes of common people. He further said that the concept of Sangat Darshan was an integral part of state’s governance as it virtually brought the government at the doorsteps of people thereby bridging the communication gap between the masses and the administration, which normally hindered the process of progress.

The Chief Minister said that besides acting as a catalyst for redressing the grievances of people, the Sangat Darshan programs were also helpful for the state government to adjudge the working of officers of the various departments. He said that nobody including the Congress leaders could deter him for holding Sangat Darshans to ensure the well being of people. “The Sangat Darshan helps us to evaluate the performance of the officers which further facilitates us to provide effective, accountable and transparent governance to the people” he added.

Meanwhile, in a major reprieve for the people of the region, the Chief Minister announced to start a major drive for cleaning of the drains in the chambh area.

Interacting with a delegation of cane growers from the region at village Gunnopur, the Chief Minister assured them that the state government was firmly committed to bail out the farming community from any sort of problem. He said thatRs 540 Crore arrears has been already paid to sugarcane growers by Government besides arranging Rs 200 Crore loan to Private Sugar Mills for sugarcane arrears. Likewise, he said that Punjab Government has also decided to give  Rs 295 per quintal for sugar cane against Rs 220 fixed  by the Centre.

Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included former Cabinet Minister and Chairman Punjab State Technical Education and Industrial Training Board Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Youth Akali leader Mr. Jagroop Singh Sekhwan, his Special Principal Secretary Dr. S Karunaraju and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Abhinav Trikha. 

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CM VISITS BEREAVED FAMILIES OF SECURITY PERSONNEL KILLED IN PATHANKOT TERROR ATTACK TO SHARE DEEP CONDOLENCES

·        PROMISES ALL POSSIBLE HELP TO THE NEXT OF KIN ALIKE HIS OWN FAMILY

·        ASSURES FULSOME SUPPORT AND COOPERATION FROM STATE GOVERNMENT TO BAIL THEM OUT FROM THIS HOUR OF GRIEF

·        RECALLS SUPREME SACRIFICE OF BRAVE HEARTS TO PROTECT COUNTRY’S UNITY, HONOUR AND INTEGRITY

 Jhandewal Khurd (Gurdaspur), January 4:

Describing the families of security personnel killed in Pathankot terror attack alike his own family, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to take every possible step to bail out the bereaved family members of these martyrs from this hour of grief and agony.

The Chief Minister visited the families of honorary Captain Fateh Singh and Havildar Kulwant Singh, who were martyred while combating the terror attack at Pathankot, in their native villages Jhandewal Khurd and Chak Sharif to express condolences with them. He said that it was bounden duty of state government to make every effort for helping these bereaved families. Mr. Badal said that both Fateh Singh and Kulwant Singh have sacrificed their life at the altar of their motherland for protecting its unity and integrity. 

The Chief Minister said that the entire country was highly indebted to these brave hearts for laying down their lives and thwarting the dastardly act of terrorism, which could have jeopardised our nation’s security beyond anyone’s imagination. Mr. Badal said that these brave sons of the soil have upheld the glorious tradition of self sacrifice and valour inherited from our great martyr and patriots, who made supreme sacrifices for the sake of our country since time immemorial. Mr. Badal said every Punjabi was proud over the gallantry deeds of these valiant sons of motherland, who foiled the nefarious designs of foreign intruders. 

Striking an emotional chord with the grief stricken families, the Chief Minister said that they should also feel proud on the gallantry deeds of these great souls, who have protected the country during the counter insurgency operation. Mr. Badal assured the families that he would take full care to safeguard their interests. “Being the head of family it is my responsibility to protect your interests besides bailing out you from this difficult time”, he added. 

The Chief Minister was accompanied by former Cabinet Minister and Chairman Punjab State Technical Education Board Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan and his Special Principal Secretary Dr. S Karunaraju.

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-         PUNJAB GOVT WILL DEMAND SENSITIVE STATUS FOR STATE’S INTERNATIONAL BORDER ON LINES OF KASHMIR, SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL

-         AT PATHANKOT DIG LEVEL OFFICER TO BE DEPLOYED FOR BORDER SECURITY

-         PUNJAB GOVT TO START SCHEME FOR SECOND LINE OF DEFENCE IN BORDER AREA

-         SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL AND UNION MINISTER HARSIMRAT BADAL FLAG OFF SECOND TRAIN UNDER TIRATH DARSHAN YATRA

-         FOUR BUSES FLAGGED OFF FOR SALASAR DHAM

-         PUNJAB GOVT TO INCREASE NUMBER OF TRAINS, BUSES AND ROTATION OF VEHICLES FOR PILGRIMAGES

Bathinda, Jan 4

      The Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that the Punjab government will demand sensitive status for Punjab’s international border on the lines of Jammu-Kashmir. He batted for providing thick security cover on Punjab international borders, the way it has been done for the Jammu-Kashmir international borders.

      Deputy CM said this while interacting with media persons after flagging off a train from Raman Mandi to Sri Nanded Sahib and four buses to Salasar Dham in Rajasthan under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Darshan Yatra Yojana. Talking to the media persons the Deputy CM said that in order to strengthen security along the international borders of Punjab lying in Pathankot, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Fazilka and Ferozepur districts, state will demand from center government deployment of more battalions of BSF. He added that Punjab government was also chalking out a strategy to prepare second in line of defence security cover on Pakistan borders.

      Answering a media query he said that Punjab police played bravado role in the episode of terrorist attack on Pathankot air base and for strengthening its borders, the Punjab government will deputy DIG level officer. Responding to a question, the Union Minister for Food Processing Industry Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that the Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi had convened a high level review meeting of the Pathankot episode and all steps were being taken to safeguard the country. She said that the union government will step up vigil on the international borders and the terrorists will be given befitting reply.

      Earlier, at Raman Mandi, the Deputy CM flagged off train to Sri Nanded Sahib. He said that as per the demand of pilgrims the number of trains, buses and their trips will be increased to ensure that maximum people are able to visit their respective places of worship. He said that there was immense enthusiasm in the people of Punjab regarding Mukh Mantri Tirath Darshan Yatra Yojana and as per the need the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal will be consulted on increasing the number of trains, buses and their trips. He said that trains will also be run for Ajmer Sharif and Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.

      Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal and Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal also talked to the pilgrims sitting in train. 65 years old pilgrim Gurdev Singh said that this initiative of Punjab government was indeed appreciable and due to this scheme he would be able to visit Sri Huzoor Sahib for the first time ever. Another elderly pilgrim Mr Hardev Singh said that he was going to the holy place with his wife for the first time and blessed the Chief Minister for enabling this journey through the scheme. He added that this initiative of Punjab was worth appreciation.

      Later at Bathinda, before flagging off buses for the Salasar Dham, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal and Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal paid obeisance at Baglawali Dharamshala, Sri Hanuman Mandir. Around 200 pilgrims are travelling in these buses. A large number of women were also present amongst the pilgrims bound for Salasar Dham. A pilgrim Deepika Bansal said that she was planning to visit Salasar Dham since long. As soon as she came to know about the scheme for yatra, she contacted the persons concerned and was today travelling with her two children.

      CPS Mr Sarup Chand Singla, MLA Talwandi Sabo Mr Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu, principal secretary Transport Department Mr R Venkatratnam, Deputy Commissioner Bathinda Dr Basant Garg, SSP Bathinda Mr Swapan Sharma, ADC (D) Mr Varinder Kumar Sharma, ADC (G) Mr Sumit Kumar Jarangal, SDM Talwandi Sabo Mr Narinder Singh Dhaliwal, SDM Bathinda Mr Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, SAD press secretary Dr Om Prakash Sharma, Ranjit Lambi, Manjit Lalbai and others were also present.

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NO COMPROMISE WITH QUALITY EDUCATION: CHEEMA

·        EDUCATION MINISTER STARTS PROCESS FOR THE ALLOTMENT OF STATIONS TO THE NEWLY PROMOTED MASTERS

SAS NAGAR, JANUARY 4:

The Punjab state has notched a special mark in the education sphere in India and the Punjab Government is fully committed to maintain the high standards of the education and no compromise would be made in ensuring the delivery of quality education in all the Government schools of the state. It was disclosed by Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab while kick starting the process for the allotment stations to the newly promoted teachers as per their choice here Punjab School Education Board Auditorium today.

Dr. Cheema was addressing the teachers and exhorted them to work with full diligence and dedication to make the state no. 1 in education. He said that the government would also sympathetically consider all the concerns of the teachers and newly promoted teachers would be allotted stations as per their choice. He said that within two working days 907 promote teachers would get stations as per their choice.

D.P.I. (SS) Mr. Balbir Singh Dhol said that the Education department today allotted stations to 365 Punjabi, 22 Science and 98 Math teachers. He said that this process would also be continued tomorrow and remaining teachers of Hindi, Social Science, D.P.E., Agriculture and Sanskrit would get posting at new stations of their choice.

Prominent among others who present at the occasion included Mr. Sukhdev Singh Kahlon, Director, SCERT, Mr. Baljinder Singh, Assisatnt Director and Dr. Ginni Duggal, Deputy Director.

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JATINDER KUMAR KALRA SWORN IN AS MEMBER OF PSSSB

Chandigarh, December 30- 

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Jatinder Kumar Kalra as member of Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) at a simple but an impressive ceremony here at Punjab Bhawan this evening.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that with the induction of Mr. Kalra, the total strength of the board had gone upto 13.

Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal conducted the proceedings of the swearing-in-ceremony of Mr. Kalra.

          Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Chairman of Punjab State Subordinate Services Selection Board Jathedar Santa Singh Umaidpuri, state BJP chief Mr Kamal Sharma, Advisor to Chief Minister Mr Tikshan Sud, Assistant Media Advisor to Punjab government Mr Vineet Joshi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr SK Sandhu, Secretary Personnel Mrs Raji P Srivastva, Special Secretary Mrs Gurpreet Kaur Sapra besides several other members of the board.

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VERKA TO LAUNCH PREMIUM BRAND OF HEALTHY MILK OF INDIGENOUS COWS

CM GIVES NOD TO THIS DECISION AIMED AT PROMOTING THE SALE OF INDIGENOUS (DESI) COW’S MILK IN THE STATE

BADAL ANNOUNCES 75% SUBSIDY ON SHEDS TO SET UP CLUSTER OF MINIMUM 200 INDIGENOUS COWS

50% SUBSIDY TO PRIVATE DAIRY FARMERS OF INDIGENOUS COW BREEDS FOR SETTING UP MILK DISPENSERS OR PURCHASING ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT

STATE COOPERATIVE BANK TO PROVIDE PROMPT LOANS TO DAIRY FARMERS

Chandigarh, December 30-

In a bid to promote the sale of indigenous (Desi) cow’s milk in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the MILKFED to introduce a premium brand of this healthy milk under its popular brand name of Verka. 

A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister while presiding over a high level meeting to encourage rearing of indigenous cow breed in the state, here at Punjab Bhawan this morning. 

Taking part in deliberations, the Chief Minister said that there was huge demand of this milk amongst the health conscious residents of the state, which could help in turning the fortunes of Dairy farmers of the state. Mr. Badal said that this would fulfil twin objective of supplying nutritious milk to the consumers besides increasing the earnings of the dairy farmers. He further asked the MILKFED to start a vigorous marketing campaign for popularising this brand of milk.

The Chief Minister asked the MILKFED to introduce a price support mechanism for purchasing this milk from the farmers and then market it under its brand name Verka to popularise it amongst the people. He said that MILKFED must procure this milk from dairy farmer at no profit basis adding that the loss incurred by it would be compensated by the state government. Mr. Badal also asked MILKFED to set up separate processing unit in the state for processing and marketing of this milk and its products. 

In another significant decision, the Chief Minister also announced to set up special milk booths for sale of this milk in big cities across the state. He said that the state government would provide these booths to the dairy farmers who would sell their produce through these booths. Mr. Badal also announced that state government would provide 75% subsidy to farmers for constructing sheds to set up cluster of minimum 200 indigenous cows. He also announced that the state government would give 50% subsidy to private dairy farmers having indigenous cow breeds for setting up milk dispensers or purchasing any other equipment. 

The Chief Minister also said that the state Cooperative bank would provide prompt loans to these dairy farmers for dairying activities. He also said that the state government would organise free educational tour abroad for the young students aspiring to open dairy farms of indigenous cows. 

CM CLEARS NOMINATION OF GHUMAN AND HAYER AS MEMBERS OF PUNJAB STATE COMMISSION FOR NRIs

Chandigarh, December 30-

The Punjab Government today nominated Mr. Karan Singh Ghuman (Sangrur) and Kamaljeet Singh Hayer (Jalandhar) as members of Punjab State Commission for NRIs.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file in this regard this morning.

The formal orders regarding the appointment of Mr. Karan Singh Ghuman and Kamaljeet Singh Hayer would be issued shortly.

Project worth Rs400 crore sent for approval to centerto eradicate waterloggingproblem:  Sukhbir Singh Badal

(Captain Amarinder Singh devoid of practical issues)

(Announces grants worth crores for development projects during sangatdarshan)

Fazilka, December 30:The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that state government has chalked out a project of Rs. 300crore to tackle the problem of waterlogging and the plan had been sent to the central government for approval.

Addressing a mammoth gathering here at village SaJrana on the last day of his ongoing sangatdarshan program the Deputy Chief Minister said with the efforts being made by the Punjab government, the area affected by waterlogging had been reduced to a mere 60,000 acre from 1,06,000 acre earlier. He said the project would be implemented soon to eradicate the waterlogging after its approval from the centre.

Mr Badal said the PPCCpresident Captain Amarinder Singh has not got many tricks up his sleeve and is behaving like a frustrated man as he is devoid of any realistic and practical issues. Launching a scathing attack on the state congress chief, Mr. Badal said Captain Amarinder is playing politics of very low level over the name of revered martyr like-Shaheed Bhagat Singhon the international airport issue.

The Deputy CM further said that he had observed during his two day sangatdarshan programs that the people of the state are extremely satisfied over the development works carried out by the SAD-BJP government.

Earlier, Mr. Badal conducted sangatdarshanat villages namely- JourkiAndhewali, ChakBanwala, ChakDabwala, KheowaliBodla, Chahlanwali, TahliwalaBodla and Sadrana and redressed the issues of the local people. He also announced grants worth crores for development projects e.g.--- Concretization of boundary walls,dharamshala’s, anganwadi centers, sports kits for youth, construction of marriage palaces and street lights. He also announced to construct a bus stop at village TahliwalaBodla and R.O. system for village Sadrana.

On the occasionhealth ministerSurjit Kumar Jyani, DC Ravinder Singh, SSPIndermohan Singh Bhatti, Special Principal Secretary to Deputy CM Manvesh Singh Sidhu,halqainchargeSatinderjit Singh Manta and O.S.D. to Deputy CM Charanjit Singh Brar were also present. EOM

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CLERK OF NAGAR COUNCIL NABS RED HANDED WHILE ACCEPTING    RS.10, 000

Chandigarh, December 30: The Vigilance Bureau today nabbed clerk of Nagar Council Rampuraful red handed while accepting bribe of Rs. 10,000.

    Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Vigilance Bureau said that Mr. Gobind Singh s/o Mr. Makhan Singh has   alleged that clerk Mr. Lachman Das posted at  Nagar Council of Rampuraful had demanded bribe of Rs.17,000 to issue equitable mortgage certificate and the deal was settled at Rs.10,000.

     A spokesman said that a trap was laid by Vigilance Bureau and Mr. Lachman Das was nabbed red handed while accepting bribe of Rs.10,000.

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 IN 2015, L G DEPARTMENT TOOK BIG STRIDES TO PROVIDE BETTER CIVIL AMENITIES TO THE CITIZEN

 Chandigarh, December 30:

The Local Government Department has big achievements to its credit in the year 2015. The focus of all the major projects initiated and completed by the department was the better management of the Urban Local Bodies to deliver all the basic civil amenities to the citizen.  Some of the ambitious projects commenced and completed by the Local Government Department in this include the completion of state of the art Municipal Bhawan at cost of Rs. 38 crore in sector 35. This Bhawan which is equipped with ultra modern facilities, all branches of LG, PMIDC, Town planning offices have been converged under one roof. Bhawan is slated to be inaugurated in first month of 2016.

Under the Union Government’s Smart City scheme, the state of Punjab has submitted proposal for Amritsar, Jalandhar & Ludhiana to develop them as the Smart Cities. The proposal has been submitted to the MOUD. Likewise 16 cities have been finalised under AMRUT scheme.

The department has taken a major step forward to provide the safety cover to the cities against the incident of fire. In this direction the LG department has ordered 96 new fire tenders which would be stationed strategically at the all the major towns of the state to cover whole of the state in the event of any eventuality. Fire tenders would be purchased incurring cost of Rs.46 crore. On the other hand to strengthen the fire brigade cell of all ULBs around 150 additional posts of Firemen & Drivers have been sanctioned by the LG department.

The Local Government Department also took pride in executing Swachh Bharat Mission by all ULBs with religious zeal and missionary spirit. By the end of October 2019 Rs.382.66 crore has been spent under Swachh Bharat.  The target of the construction of 1, 96,000 personal toilets by the end of 2019 has been fixed and this year alone construction of 65,000 personal toilets has been completed.

For the welfare of the workforce the LG department has rolled out various schemes. Prominent to worth mention here is the insurance cover of Rs. 10 Lac provided to each Safai Sewak. Creation of MC welfare fund for class IV employee and sewer men. On the other hand record numbers of employees were promoted through DPCs. The department has also launched 1% Municipal Welfare fund scheme for the benefit of employees.

            In the year 2015 the LG Department has also initiated a massive recruitment drive, written test result for filling up 682 posts in the departments is finalised and the process of selection and issuing of appointment letters to the successful candidates is underway. Similarly creation of 700 new additional posts in the town planning cell has been approved with the motive to strengthen and improve the working of the cell.

The department also took big strides to curb the corruption by the strengthening of Vigilance Cell.  Minister has took resolve to check the corruption by all means and by adopting zero tolerance towards the corrupt employees. To provide a platform to the citizen against corruption single Toll free number for complaints relating to all ULBs in the state has already been launched.

This year the department distributed Rs. 1084 crore to the ULBs for the various development works whereas Rs.23 crore got released from Central Schemes for SUDA. On the other hand Rs.17 crore received as MDF for development works.

Another important project where the department has achieved remarkable progress include Solid waste management project.  Water Meter policy which has been launched to give big relief to the residents of the state. Policy for Poles/Masts etc. by Telecom Companies has also been implemented. Quality control compendium and Standard Operating Procedure was launched for development works to be undertaken by all ULBs. Old cinema houses were allowed to be converted into multiplexes.

PUNJAB DAIRY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZES 6 WEEK PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Chandigarh, December 30: Punjab Dairy Development department has organized professional training for cattle rearer in their educational centers. Disclosing this here today Dairy Development Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike said that it is mandatory to impart professional training to cattle rearer to opt farmer for commercial dairy units to supplement their income.

In a Press communiqué, Mr. Ranike said that in the present economic scenario where farming was fast becoming unviable economic venture, it was imperative for farmers to go for diversification in dairy sector to sustain themselves. He said that dairy development department has designed a six week Dairy Entrepreneurship Training course for farmers to impart modern training in Dairy sector.

       Minister Said that it is need of hour  that  farmers should be educated and having  knowledge of   modernize techniques. For this exercise, dairy development should impart practical training  from   11 January 2016 at their training centers. He said that education regarding breeding, standardize milk, feed and milch animals should provide to trainees  in this ambitious professional training,

     Mr. Inderjit Singh Director, Dairy Development said that   “Besides, giving information on different techniques of dairy farm management, the candidates would be imparted  6 week training in artificial insemination, pregnancy diagnosis and milk handling etc” he said. First batch would be initiated  from 11 January 2016 in training centers of Bija(Ludhiana) , Chtamali (Ropar), Gill ( Moga), Abbul Khurana ( Sri Mukatsar Sahib) , Sardulgarh (Mansa), Tarn Taran, Phagwarha ( Kapurthala) and Verka ( Sri Amritsar Sahib).He said that interviews would be conducted for training course by 4 January 2016  on 10 am at the training centers . A candidate should be  matric  passed  between age of 18 to 45 and having farm of  minimum five milch animals is eligible for training. Interested candidates would get prospects from the Deputy Director Diary / Diary Development Officer and also from the training centers .

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 SUSTAINABLE GROWTH OF AGRICULTURE RURAL ECONOMY IS CORE ISSUE- JATHEDAR TOTA SINGH

·        AGRICULTURE MINISTER LIST OUT VARIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SAD-BJP GOVERNMENT IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR IN THE YEAR 2015

·        PADDY PRODUCTION DURING 2015 PEGGED AT 180 LMTs, 9 PERCENT  MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR

·        BASMATI PRODUCTION TOUCHED 32.46 LMTs AND AREAS UNDER BASMATI CULTIVATION HAS RISEN TO OVER 2 LAC HECTARES

·        GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH PERI-URBAN VEGETABLE CLUSTER IN SEVEN DISTRICTS

·        AREA UNDER MAIZE CULTIVATION INCREASED BY 22 PERCENT

        EXPECTED FOOD GRAIN PRODUCTION 2015-16 IS OVER 300LMTs

Chandigarh December 30: Jathedar Tota Singh Agriculture Minister Punjab today reiterated the firm commitment of the Punjab government to ensure growth and sustainability in the agriculture sector along with the conservation of natural resources specially land, Soil and water. “Diversification of agriculture remains the key objective”, said   the Minister was today addressed the media at Kissan Bhawan, he said that the Punjab Government has continued to give greater thrust on development of agriculture during the year 2015. The State had achieved production of 266.68 LMTs of Foodgrains during the year 2014-15. The paddy production during kharif 2015 was about 180 LMTs which was 9 percentage higher than the previous year. The basmati production during kharif 2015 was 32.46 LMTs, though lesser than kharif 2014 but was still 40 percent higher than the production during 2013-14. The area under basmati had risen to over two lac hectares during the last two years. Likewise, the area under Maize had also increased by 22 percent during the last two years. The expected foodgrain production during 2015-16 is over 300 lac LMTs.

                   He said that alongside the enhanced foodgrains production  the State has also done well in the horticulture sector also. The area under horticulture crops i.e. fruits and vegetables had gone up by 23,200 hectares during the last two years and the value of horticulture produce in Punjab has grown up by 14 percent approximately. It is worthwhile to mention here that area under horticulture crops is only 3.96 percent of the total cropped area, but the horticulture is contributing 10.17 percent of the share of State's GDP.

                   The Minister said that the State Government has decided to establish peri-urban vegetable clusters in seven districts namely Sangrur, Hoshiarpur, Patiala, Jalandhar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana and Amritsar. These clusters would be developed in collaboration with APEDA. The farmers would not only be provided technical knowhow, but would also be assisted in marketing of their vegetable crops in these centres

          For development of cotton, the Department of Agriculture had initiated two major programs including establishment of Centre of Excellence on Cotton at Bathinda and the launching of Cotton Mechanization Program at Malout. These programmes were made to provide the farmers latest technology support and ensure mechanization of cotton picking, reducing their dependence on manual labour. However, the State's cotton growers had gone through a bad time with a huge loss of crop as a result of pest attack. Although the pest attack had been widespread in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat, the State was first to reach out to the farmers not only to guide them about the measures that need to be taken to save the crop but also to give them timely relief. Rs.644.55 crore had been disbursed to the farmers for the loss of their cotton crop.  It has been decided to give Rs.64.45 crore to the agriculture labourers who lost their jobs/ employment as a result of loss to cotton crop.

        Furthermore, the State Department of Agriculture has ensured timely supplies of urea and DAP in the State. By December 2015, the State has arranged 11,22,000 MTs of Urea as against the requirement of 10,50,000 MTs.  Likewise, 3,79,000 MTs of DAP has already been received as against total demand of 4,50,000 MTs of DAP.

         Mr. Suresh Kumar Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture divulged the details of the mechanization of the agriculture sector, he stressed in order to encourage mechanization of agricultural operations, particularly at post-harvest stage, 25,988 farmers have been given financial assistance of Rs.66.56 crore during 2014-15. During 2015-16, 24,555 farmers would be provided financial assistance of Rs.72.92 crore to purchase various agricultural implements/ machines. While the Department aims to ensure availability of farm equipment and machines to the farmers, greater thrust continues to develop agriculture service centers in cooperative sector.

          Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Government of India has approved a Mega Food Park at Ladhowal , Ludhiana, with an investment of Rs 100 crore to encourage food-processing industries in the State, ensuring value addition to state's crops. The State Department of Agriculture has also made arrangements for proper running of multi-juicing plants at Hoshiarpur and Abohar. These plants are processing kinnows, tomatoes, guava and other fruits

                    The Minister further added that constant efforts are being made to raise the income level of the farmers by increasing productivity of various crops and reducing the cost of production. In this endeavour the State has established 1585 agro centers in Primary Agricultural Service Societies of the State. The Societies are given 50 percent subsidy on purchase of farm equipment which are rented out to the farmers on a reasonable cost saving them from expensive investment in farm machinery.

                   For promotion of technology and provision of latest knowledge and information to the farmers, the State Department of Agriculture has established a Centre of Excellence in Citrus at Khanaura (Hoshiarpur), a Centre of Excellence in Vegetables at Kartarpur (Jalandhar) and a Centre of Excellence in Potatoes at Dugri (Jalandhar). In addition, a Centre of Excellence in vegetables is also proposed to be established at Charik (Moga) and a Centre of Excellence in Floriculture will be set up at Doraha (Ludhiana). These Centres not only provide technical support to the farmers but also help them to increase their production with the provision safe and affordable inputs.

                   Minister said that the State Government continued to provide free electricity for agricultural tube-wells. During 2015-16, the Department is expected to provide about Rs.5000 crore as power subsidy to agriculturists and during the last five years, the Government had paid Rs. 22,818.18 crore as power subsidy.

                   In order to sustain sugarcane crop in about one lac hectares, the State Government has decided to ensure payment of sugarcane at SAP of Rs.295 per quintal. For this, the farmers would be given 50 per quintal from the State Treasury and arrangements have been made to crush total anticipated production of 750 lac quintal of cane during 2015-16 with provision of subsidy of Rs.600 crore to the sugarcane growers.

                   Supply of quality inputs continued to receive greater attention. During the last 9 months of 2015-16, the Directorate of Agriculture has taken 2204 samples of fertilizers of which 116 samples have failed. Likewise, 3562 samples of agro chemicals were also taken of which 143 samples have failed. Further, legal action with regard to failed samples had continued with launching of prosecution and penalties on the dealers. 98 licences have been cancelled and FIRs have been registered against 33 dealers. The State has achieved a major success in getting the Fertilizers Control Order and Insecticides Control Order amended from the Government of India. The revised orders provide for grant of fertilizers and insecticides licenses to only qualified graduates in agriculture sciences. In pursuance of this notification, the State Department of Agriculture has decided to review all previous licenses to weed out undeserving licensees’. This measure is not only expected to generate more employment for graduates in agriculture sciences, but is also likely to ensure supply of quality inputs.

                   For the current Rabi season, the State Department of Agriculture has given greater attention on timely sowing of wheat in about 35 lac hectares. The estimated production of wheat during 2015-16 is 168.1 LMTs as against 150 LMTs during the previous year. Pursuing a major change in supply of seeds of wheat on subsidy, the State has implemented Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme during Rabi 2015-16. It has given subsidy of Rs.1000 per quintal to the farmers by transferring the same to the bank accounts of the eligible farmers. In all, more than 3,00,000 farmers have availed the benefit. Of this, over 70 percent farmers were small and marginal farmers.

                   The State has given due thrust on National Soil Health Programme. It has so far issued 1,05,444 soil health cards to the farmers to ensure judicious use of fertilizers and agro chemicals.

                   Water and soil conservation continued to be main thrust of the State. The Department of Agriculture provided 80 percent subsidy on drip and sprinkler irrigation, whereas it has provided 90 percent subsidy on community underground pipes being laid in the village. 75 percent subsidy has been provided for micro irrigations system coupled with storage tanks solar pumps.

          Strengthening of marketing infrastructure also received greater thrust attention during the last few years. The Punjab Mandi Board has established a modern AC Fruits and Vegetables Market at Mohali with an investment of Rs.56 crore. In addition, it has also established a fish market at Ludhiana with investment of Rs.8 crore.. The State has established a network of 60,244 kms of link roads, which connect the farmers with over 1821 purchase centres. Of these, the Mandi Board has repaired 8381 kms of roads with an investment of Rs.1385.48 crore during 2014-15. During 2015-16, the Board would repair 7779 kms of link roads with an investment of over Rs.1200 crore.

          Minister said that the Department had notified a new policy to provide relief to the families of farmers who commit suicides on 23.7.2015. It has enhanced the compensation to the affected families from Rs.2.00 lac to Rs.3.00 lac. In addition, the Policy also aims to assist families in their complete rehabilitation by giving them preferential assistance and treatment under various schemes of the Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Education, Social Security and Health.

          For increasing social security of the farmers, the Department of Agriculture has decided to insure all J-form holders i.e. the farmers who sell their crops in the purchase centers established by Punjab Mandi Board, for health insurance of Rs.50,000 and  personal accident insurance of Rs.5.00 lac. 11 lac J-form holders are anticipated to avail this benefit, which would cost nearly Rs.40 crore to the State Mandi Board.

                   In addition, the State Department of Agriculture has also proposed to Government of India to initiate a plot based crop insurance scheme for the farmers. It has conveyed that the existing block/ village based crop insurance schemes do not meet the requirements of Punjab farmers, as a result these have not been accepted by them. Furthermore, the existing crop insurance schemes do not provide insurance cover for total input cost plus margins of the farmers, as a result are considered to be inadequate. The proposal of the State envisages provision of insurance cover for the total output loss which includes inputs costs plus anticipated margins of the farmers.

                   Summing up the achievements of the State, the Agriculture Minister stated that though the State has received Krishi Karman Award and Agriculture Leadership Award for maximum foodgrain production in the country, yet it needs to do everything possible to reach out to the farmers, who are facing extreme financial distress. He stated that the government is committed to take every possible step to ameliorate the farmers' economic miseries. The Chief Minister, added the Minister, has written to the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the Union Finance Minister for one time debt relief to the farmers. On its part, the State Government is considering to enact a legislation to regulate non-institutional financing to the farmers as also to provide ownership rights to the cultivators of evacuee properties in the State.

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 S.D.O. NABS RED HANDED WHILE ACCEPTING    RS.35,000

Chandigarh, December 30: The Vigilance Bureau today nabbed S.D.O. of Punjab Heath Pubic Corporation red handed while accepting bribe of Rs. 35,000.

    Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Vigilance Bureau said that Mr. Rupinder Singh s/o Mr. Jeet Singh has   alleged that S.D.O. of Punjab Heath Pubic Corporation, Mr. Satpal Singh posted at Faridkot had demanded bribe of Rs.35,000  to grant work order to start construction work in Civil Hospital of Faridkot.

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AD will declare candidates for assembly polls at appropriate time: Sukhbir Singh Badal
(2017 assembly contest to be between SAD & Congress)
(Amarinder should prepare himself for 3rd straight defeat)
(AAP cheated people of Delhi)
(Conducts Sangat Darshan & announces development grants)

Fazilka, December 29:

 The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that Shiromani Akali Dal will declare its candidates for the next assembly elections at an appropriate time and winnability would be the criteria for selection of candidates. 
         Addressing a press conference at village Kharunj during sangat darshan in the villages of the area, the Deputy Chief Minister also declared that main contest in the 2017 general assembly elections would be between Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress party. S. Badal categorically dismissed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a major player and said AAP has betrayed the trust and mandate of the people of Delhi by doling out tickets to the tainted persons and bestowing goodies and political posts to each MLA.
         Taking a strong dig at Captain Amarinder Singh, the Deputy Chief Minister exuded confidence that the PPCC Chief would have to face defeat for the 3rd time in 2017 and the famous phrase ‘third time lucky won’t prove to be true in his case’.
       S. Badal also informed that the state government is mulling legal options over a recent judgement of the Supreme Court declaring as null and void the decision of the state government to give ownership rights of lands in the border areas around the riverbeds to the peasants ploughing them.  
         Declaring the SAD-BJP government as farmer friendly, S. Badal said the Badal government has done a lot for the welfare of the farming community and given power worth Rs. 5000 crore free of cost to the farmers. Stating on to the law and order issue, S. Badal divulged that the persons responsible for the Abohar incident would not be spared and soon be brought to the book.
          Earlier, the Deputy CM distributed development grants worth crores to the villages namely Chak Jandwala, Chak Panjkohi, Chak Kabarwala, Roranwala and Kharunj during Sangat Darshans. He announced that the ‘Phirnis’ of all the villages would be concretised and so would the streets and drains. He also announced financial grants to build dharamshalas, sports grounds, anganwadi centers, boundary walls around the schools. In a major announcement, he said that if any village panchayat makes the panchayati land available then the people belonging to the poor sections of the society would be given 5-5  marla lands for dwelling houses.
       He also disclosed that the state government has taken major policy initiatives e.g.  health and accidental insurance cards, tirath yatra scheme and advertising 1.5 lakh jobs for the youth. He also said that the state government officers would visit all the villages and help the people in getting health insurance smart cards made.
     On the occasion, DC Ravinder Singh, SSP Indermohan Singh Bhatti, MLA Gurtej Singh Ghuriana, Halqa Incharge Satinderjit Singh Manta, District President Gurpal Singh Grewal, Chairman District Planning Board Prem Valecha, Vice President Punjab Agro  Ashok Aneja, Vice President Nagar Council Satinder Singh Savi, Jesrat Singh Sandhu, Om parkash Kamboj, Akali leader Jagsir Billu were also present.

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01 IPS Officer TRANSFERRED

CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 29:

The Punjab Government today issued transfer orders of Mr. Mohnish Chawla, IPS, with immediate effect.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that Mr. Mohnish Chawla, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police/CI Punjab, Chandigarh has been transferred and posted as Deputy Inspector General of Police/ Admn., Commando, Punjab, Bahadurgarh, Patiala against the vacant post with additional charge of Deputy Inspector General of Police/CI Punjab, Chandigarh on administrative grounds.

No:PR-15/1715

CM GIVES NOD TO SET UP DESI COW CLUSTER IN ABOHAR AND FAZILKA AS PILOT PROJECT

APPROVES VEGETABLES & FRUITS CLUSTERS IN SEVEN DISTRICTS AS PER CLIMATIC ZONES

MOVE AIMED AT ENSURING REMUNERATIVE PRICES OF MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS TO DAIRY FARMERS

FARMERS TO BE ENORMOUSLY BENEFITTED FROM VEGETABLES & FRUITS CLUSTERS

HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENT INKS MOU WITH APEDA TO FACILITATE FARMERS FOR EXPORTING THEIR PRODUCE

ALLOTS 14 KANAL LAND IN VERKA (AMRITSAR) TO ESTABLISH ‘PEAR ESTATE’

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR VEGETABLES TO COME UP AT BIR CHRIK IN MOGA DISTRICT

CM ORDERS TO RUN PUNJAB AGRO JUICE FACTORIES FROM JANUARY 20 ONWARDS

Chandigarh, December 29: To ensure better remunerative prices of milk to the dairy farmers and of vegetables & fruits to the its growers, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal asked the departments of Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development and Horticulture to set up state-of-the-art clusters of indigenous (desi) cows and vegetables & fruits in accordance with the prevailing climatic conditions in the state.

This decision was taken by Mr. Badal while reviewing the recommendations of the task force on Agriculture here at his residence on Monday evening. He asked the departments of Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development to initiate joint efforts to develop indigenous (desi) breeds of cows viz Sahiwal, Rathi, Tharparkar and Red Sindhi. Mr. Badal asked these departments to make concerted efforts for setting up of clusters of desi cows through Cooperative Milk Societies of indigenous cow breeders and a pilot project would be launched shortly from Fazilka and Abohar and subsequently these clusters would be replicated in other parts of the state depending up on its success. With this initiative the dairy farmers would not only be provided with affordable milk marketing structure by the cooperative sector but the Animal Husbandry department would also provide quality semen of indigenous breeds to these farmers.

It was apprised in the meeting that this step was primarily taken to preserve, conserve and promote our own desi cow breeds, which were capable of producing quality milk and prone to the climatic conditions in the state. Moreover, these breeds give more lactation as compared to exotic breeds and their feed conversion ratio was also far more than the exotic animals.

Apart from this, the quality of desi cow milk was very high as it was more nutritious and fetched higher price to the dairy farmers as several such milk producers were already selling the milk of indigenous cows at a cost of Rs.60-65 per kg and Desi Ghee at nearly Rs.700-750 per kg. Pure desi cow milk and Ghee would be soon launched in the market by state’s premium milk marketing agency ‘Verka’. With this initiative the consumers would get the whole some good quality milk and producers too would get an organized milk market with assured price support.

The Chief Minister desired that these dairy farmers should be provided premium milk prices to motivate them to adopt these breeds more vigorously to ensure faster growth of dairy sector as an alternative to the conventional farming.

Likewise, the Chief Minister also gave nod to set up vegetable & fruits clusters in seven districts of Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Sangrur (Malerkotla), Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib with an objective to promote the concept of green house cultivation of vegetables to ensure bulk sale of vegetables at competitive prices to the consumers in their vicinity. This initiative would also enhance the bargaining power of the vegetable producers to fetch more prices of their produce.

It was also informed it the meeting that the state Horticulture Department had already inked an MoU with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) that these vegetable producers would be facilitated to get their produce exported in the international market besides providing an access to them for assured distant domestic marketing.

Meanwhile, the Chairman Punjab State Farmers’ Commission urged the Chief Minister to sanction dedicated staff to the Horticulture department for this purpose. He also pleaded to rope in the services of top class experts having proven track of experience and expertise in the field of vegetables and fruits cultivation to ensure its quality production as per the international standards.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for installing solar supported drip irrigation system for fruits, vegetables and other crops. Since the area under pea cultivation was gradually increasing, Mr. Badal also underscored the need for mechanization of harvesting and post-harvest operations. Responding to this issue, the Director Horticulture told him that a hi-tech pea harvester had been recently imported from Holland with the facility of de-podding with the support of National Horticulture Mission to extend this facility to the pea growers across the state on rent hire basis through Punjab Agro.

The Chief Minister also approved to allot 14 Kanals of land in Verka (Amritsar) to the Horticulture department for establishing ‘pear estate’ on the pattern of already existing ‘Citrus (kinnow), Lichi and Guava estates’ in Abohar & Hoshiarpur, Sujanpur (Pathankot) and Patiala respectively.

Taking part in the deliberations, ACS Development informed the Chief Minister that Horticulture department have already sent a proposal to the Government of India to establish Centre of Excellence for floriculture at Doraha in Ludhiana district to promote cultivation of flowers amongst the farmers which was likely to be cleared soon. Another Centre of excellence for vegetables would be soon set up at Bir Chrik in Moga district on the pattern of Kartarpur Centre. Strawberry cultivation- another remunerative venture was gradually picking up in the state and the Government of India have already approved a tissue culture laboratory to be set up in Dohar in Jalandhar under the National Horticulture Mission. Efforts were afoot to further promote bee keeping in the state and 17 varieties of shrubs and plants for honey bee flora were being planted over forest’s land in nearly 100 km stretch along with Rajasthan Feeder Canal.

Mr. Badal also directed the ACS (Development) to tie-up with the Punjab Agro Juices Ltd to ensure that the juice mills at Abohar and Hoshiarpur should be made operational from January 20 onwards for extracting juice from the Kinnows to avert the glut of harvested small sized Kinnows for value addition through purchasing directly from the Kinnow growers. This would also ensure better price in the market for the bigger size Kinnow to the farmers besides enhancing its marketability.

Punjab emphasized to boost investment, employment and leads nation in governance reforms

(Launches recruitment of 1.5 lakh youth on government jobs)

(Attracts investments to the tune of Rs 119,000 crores during 'Investors Summit')

(Initiates 4/6 lane road projects worth Rs 20, 000 crores)

(Punjab tops in rolling out e-district project across the state) 

Chandigarh, December 29 : The year 2015 is going to conclude on a high note for business investments and governance reforms besides creation of infrastructure and inclusive growth of populace in Punjab. In this year Punjab government has initiated various development projects including construction of highways connecting all major towns at a cost of Rs 20,000 crores. State had also focused on provisioning of all basic amenities in all 165 towns besides strengthening governance reforms in the form of e-district and constructed 2174 'e-sewa kendras' to provide online citizen centric services.

Disclosing this an official spokesman said that Punjab government’s ‘Progressive Punjab Investor Summit-2015’ held at ISB SAS Nagar was a grand success in which investors from across the globe had shown tremendous interest in making investments which would result in strengthening the infrastructure and give impetus to the state economy as well as ensuring job avenues for 2.5 lakh youth.  This summit registered a big success with strong inflow of investments across core sectors and 387 MoUs were signed with proposed investments of approx Rs 119,000 crores. "Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal’s initiatives of interacting with national and international industrial giants and his idea of setting up of one office, one number, one email and one person mechanism at Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion (PBIP) played important role in this grand success", he added.

He informed that state government had announced a slew of tax exemptions for the food processing sector keeping in view that investments in this sector would benefit agrarian state’s farming community. In order to promote and encourage industrialists and businessman of the state, Punjab has announced to come up with a “Make in Punjab” policy thereby providing incentives for growth of local industry. State had also declared to provide VAT retention and power incentives even for expansion of existing units under new industrial policy.

The spokesman further added that State is formulating a new power policy in which existing units would also get the cheapest power which is below Rs 5 per unit keeping in view their present consumption. "Small scale entrepreneurs had been advised to pay lump-sum taxes by adopting “Rahat Scheme” that had already been implemented for the traders to end ‘Inspector Raj’ across the state", he stated.

Elaborating more he said Punjab had also tied up with various companies to setup 150 skill development training centres in rural and urban areas as the government was focusing to train about 1.5 lakh youth per year as skilled force so that they could start their own ventures. With such initiatives Punjab will soon become the most skilled state of the nation. Besides this, 50 skill development colleges for girls were also being established in rural areas.

The spokesman emphasized that Punjab is the only state where every village, town and city is connected through road network and state has the maximum density of roads in the country. The Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal is very keen to provide best connectivity in the state in terms of road, air and rail and stressing upon to strengthen and broaden the state highways from 4 to 6 lanes with an investment of about Rs 20, 000 crores.

He said that Punjab is inviting its farmers to generate power from non-conventional energy resources and residue of crops besides devoting special attention to commissioning new biomass based plants. Solar plants are one of the major sources of production of clean and green electricity and various companies including farmers have shown keen interest in setting up solar plants which will boost the progress and its citizens to a great extent, he stressed.

To carry out developmental works in the rural and urban areas he said that Punjab has chalked out a plan to spent Rs. 6000 crores under its "rural and urban mission" scheme for up-gradation and repair of link roads, clean drinking water, street lights, drainage system, sewerage facilities etc. "The state government also initiated the process to recruit 1.5 lakh youth in keeping with its policy of providing employment to youth", he revealed.

On governance reforms front, he said that Punjab has brought 206 services in the ambit of Right to Service Act (RTS) to ensure time-bound delivery of public services to the citizens as a matter of right. A new 1905 helpline number have been introduced to provide a direct access to the Deputy Chief Minister office for speedy redressal of public grievances after the grand success of email id:sukhbirsinghbadal@punjabgov.in.  State is also leading the nation in implementing e-district project across the state after its successful operation in Kapurthala and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar districts.

The spokesman said that Deputy Chief Minister had announced that “My aim is to make the Punjab ‘not inline but online’ and under this mission the state-of-the-art 2174 sewa kenders have been constructed to deliver more than 200 citizen centric services regarding government to citizen (G2C) and business to citizens (B2C) services in rural and urban areas. Besides this, more than 153 fard kendras, 132 suwidha kendras and 500 saanjh kendras (police outreach centres) had already been established across the state.

He emphasized that indeed Punjab is moving at a rapid pace by implementing every policy effectively and efficiently focusing on the inclusive growth of the state and its citizens. "Punjab government has been emphasizing that in the coming months the state will witness inclusive development on a massive scale as the State had chalked out its unique agenda to develop the state socially and economically" he added. EOM

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WELFARE SCHEMES ‘FRAMED & IMPLEMENTED’ FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS IN 2015

Chandigarh, December 29:

For the welfare of laborers and workers of unorganized sector The Punjab Government during the year 2015 had sanctioned amount of Rs. 185.66 crore against 87764 applications of the beneficiaries under various Welfare Schemes framed for the upliftment of labourers and workers in unorganized sector.

 Punjab Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board has deposited an amount of Rs. 110.00 crore in the Pension Fund created with the LIC under the Pension Scheme for construction workers. During 2015 The Board has also given an advance of Rs. 4.20 crore for construction of 27 Labour sheds-cum-night shelters to Punjab Police Housing Corporation and Local Government department in the state of Punjab. One Labour shed-cum-night shelter in Phase-XI, Mohali has already been completed and inaugurated. The construction at 5 other sites has been completed and the work on other sites is underway.

The Labour Department under ‘Punjab State Skill Development Mission’ has chalked out a prestigious programme  impart Skill Development training to the total 14790 construction workers engaged at 182 construction sites. A schedule for the skill development training which would be given in phased manner and would commence from 1 January 2016..

 The Labour Department has decided to construct four skill development centers at Amritsar, Mohali, Ludhiana and Jalandhar for imparting training to the construction workers. For this purpose after identifying the land, at Amritsar, Ludhiana and Mohali, contract for construction has also been given to the Punjab Police Housing Corporation.

 Punjab Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board during its 18th meeting took important decisions like the amount of Ex-gratia under the Ex-gratia Scheme due to accidental death/ 100% disablement of a registered construction worker has been enhanced from Rs. 2.00 Lakh to 4.00 Lakh and in case of natural death, it has been enhanced from Rs. 1.50 Lakh to 3.00 Lakh and also proportionate increase thereof in the case of partial disablement on the basis of percentage of such disablement. The financial benefit under the Maternity benefit scheme of the Board has been enhanced from Rs. 5000 to 21000 per child up to two children of female construction worker. Similarly the rate of minimum pension under the Pension scheme of the Board has also been increased from Rs. 5000 to 12000 per annum, and by increasing Rs. 1000 after every year, it may go up to Rs. 25000 per annum according to the length of membership of construction worker. The Mobile Van Scheme for detection of Silicosis and other diseases of registered beneficiaries of the Board and their families has also been approved by the Board.

 The Punjab Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board in another meeting has enhanced the scholarship amount for the children of workers from 1st   standard to post gradation and medical /engineering courses for different classes from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 60,000 (for Boys) and Rs 4000 to Rs. 70,000 (for Girls), this scholarship was earlier ranges from Rs. 2800 to Rs. 58000. Besides this the grant for the cremation has also been increased from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000.

Consent has also been accorded to enhance the insurance cover upto Rs. 5 lakh for the construction worker in case of death due to accident. Decision to provide advance of Rs. 10 lakh to the Punjab Health System Corporation has also been taken to provide free tooth care and to fix dentures.

KOHAR RELEASES ROADWAYS UNION KARAMCHARI DAL  DIARY AND CALENDAR-2016

Chandigarh, December 29:

          Punjab Transport Minister   S. Ajit Singh Kohar today released Punjab Roadways Karamchari Dal Diary and Calendar- 2016  here at his office.

          After releasing the  Diary and Calendar- 2016 , Mr. Kohar congratulated  all  the employees of   roadways and wish them a very happy and prosperous life in the new year.

          On this occasion State President of Karamchari Dal S. Fateh Singh, State General Secretary S. Salwinder Singh Gaghria and Mr. Rachpal Singh Moga, Mr. Sucha Singh Batala, Mr. Satnam Singh Hoshiarpur, Mr. Sukhpal Singh Jagroan,  S. Naib Singh and S. Harjit Singh  of various district representatives and senior officers of the roadway were present.

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BADAL ALLOWS ONE MONTH MEDICAL LEAVE WITH PAY TO ANGANWARI WORKERS

ASSURES ANGANWARI DELEGATION TO FLAG UP ISSUE WITH GOI FOR GETTING WORK EXPERIENCE REDUCED FROM 10 TO THREE YEARS FOR PROMOTION OF ANGANWARI WORKERS TO SUPERVISORS

ASKS FINANCE DEPARTMENT TO RELEASE RS.18 CRORE FOR COMPLETION OF UNFINISHED ANGANWARI CENTRES

Chandigarh, December 28: Conceding the long pending demand of the Anganwari Workers, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today allowed medical leave for one month along with pay as a welfare measure to them.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal during a meeting with the delegation of All Punjab Anganwari Mulazim Union led by its President Smt. Hargobind Kaur here at Chief Minister’s Residence this morning.

It was informed in the meeting that earlier the Anganwari workers were only entitled for medical leave for 10 days and now they could avail medical leave for one month with pay.

The Chief Minister also asked the Finance Department to immediately release second installment of Rs. 18 crore to the Social Security Department for the completion of nearly 800 unfinished buildings of Anganwari Centres so that they could be made functional at the earliest. It may be recalled that the state government had already released Rs.18 crore as first installment for the construction of these buildings. He also gave nod to start the construction of 68 new Anganwari Centres shortly with the funds of Rs.4 crore already released by the NABARD.

The Chief Minister also assured the delegation that he would soon take up the issue to reduce the work experience from 10 to three years for the promotion of Anganwari helper to Anganwari workers. Mr. Badal also asked the Social Security Minister to get the issue of transferring the eight Anganwari blocks jointly run by the Social Welfare Advisory Board and the Punjab Child Welfare Council thoroughly examined to streamline the functioning of Anganwari Centres in a result oriented manner.

Mr. Badal also directed the Secretary, Social Security to immediately initiate the process for issuing appointment letters to nearly 20 candidates placed in the waiting list for the posts of Supervisors against vacant posts in the department. Pertinently to mention here, as many as 286 Anganwari workers were promoted to Supervisors after following the prescribed procedure during last year.

Responding to another demand for appointing teachers amongst 50-60 Anganwari workers who have already cleared Teacher’s Eligibility Test (TET), the Chief Minister asked the Social Security Department to take up this issue with the Education Department for giving special relaxation in age in this regard.

Referring to another demand for reserving 10% posts of ANMs from amongst the Anganwari workers having with requisite qualifications in the State Health Department, Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare informed the Chief Minister that after getting approval for the amended service rules in this regard from the departments of Personnel and Legal Remembrancer (LR) the matter would be sent to the Cabinet for its final clearance.

Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for accepting their major demand, the delegation assured Mr. Badal that they would make all out efforts at the grass root level to make Anganwari as a mass movement to ensure overall development of women and children.

Prominent amongst other who attended the meeting included Social Security & Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jyani, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare Ms. Vini Mahajan, Secretary Expenditure-cum-Social Security Mr. Jaspal Singh and Director, Social Security Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.

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BADAL REVIEWS CONSERVATION OF HOLY BEIN WITH SANT SEECHEWAL

REITERATES HIS FIRM COMMITMENT TO REVIVE SANCTITY AND PRISTINE GLORY OF HOLY BEIN

DEPUTES PSCM AND VIJRALINGAM TO COORDINATE WITH ALL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES TO ACCOMPLISH THIS TASK IN TIME BOUND MANNER

SANCTIONS RS.1 CRORE FOR STONE PITCHING TO ENABLE RELEASE OF ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY FROM MUKERIAN HYDEL PROJECT TO HOLY BEIN

Chandigarh, December 28: In a major step to further intensify efforts for revival of the sanctity of holy Bein, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the status of ponds and STPs to be constructed in Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar districts to check direct as well as indirect discharge of untreated water into holy Bein with the renowned environmentalist Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal.

Presiding over a high level meeting with the senior functionaries of the state government besides the Deputy Commissioners of Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar here at his residence this morning, the Chief Minister directed the Chairman, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to personally visit the concerned areas where work related to construction of ponds and installation of Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs) had been halted due to some technical issues. He also asked the PPCB Chairman to coordinate with other departments for the arrangement of land in few villages where it was needed for installation of STPs and construction of ponds.

The Chief Minister also directed his Principal Secretary and Principal Secretary, Science, Technology & Environment to hold a meeting with the Deputy Commissioners and Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal to resolve all the contentious issues which were creating a blockade in the way of gigantic challenge of cleaning holy Bein. Realizing the lack of coordination amongst various implementing agencies, Mr. Badal deputed both these officers to have detailed interaction with the concerned Panchayats and other officers to ensure timely implementation of this prestigious project.

Acceding to the request of Sant Seechewal, the Chief Minister also asked the Chairman PSPCL to immediately release electric connection to lift the pond water wherever needed, to accomplish this major task without any further delay.

The Chief Minister was apprised in the meeting that out of 28 villages in district Kapurthala where untreated water was directly flown into holy Bein, water ponds had been constructed in 23 such villages besides 15 villages out of 25 villages in Kapurthala district where untreated water was being discharged indirectly into holy Bein, have been provided with such ponds. Likewise, water ponds had already been constructed in 12 out of total 18 villages in Hoshiarpur district having direct discharge of untreated water into holy Bein. It was also informed in the meeting by the Chairman PPCB that trade effluent sampling of mills of M/s JCT Ltd., Phagwara, M/s Sukhjit Startch & Chemicals and M/s Wahid Sandhar Sugar Mill were carried out and found the concentration of various pollutants within the limits prescribed by the board.

Mr. Badal also asked the Chief Conservator of Soils to issue instructions to the Divisional Soil Conservation Officer, Jalandhar to be in touch with Sant Seechewal before laying the underground pipes in the region so that the vital inputs and expertise from the ecological angle could also be incorporated while finalizing the soil conservation project. This would enhance far more cohesion and synergy to achieve better implementation of such environment projects by saving lot of time, money and energy.

The Chief Minister also agreed to immediately release Rs.1 crore to the Drainage Wing of Irrigation Department for the execution of stone pitching work to ensure adequate release of water to holy Bein from the Mukerian Hydel Project so that the quality of water in the holy Bein and its sanctity could be maintained at every cost.

Taking part in the deliberations, Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal informed the Chief Minister that of 7 bridges over holy Bein, four have already been fitted and the work on the remaining three would begin soon after getting the requisite material from the Irrigation Department. He profusely thanked Mr. Badal for taking personal pains for this pro-people initiative aimed at reviving the pristine glory of holy Bein in the right perspective.

DALBIR SINGH DHILLON APPOINTED AS DIRECTOR WORLD PUNJABI CENTRE

Chandigarh, December 28: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today appointed the former Chairman of Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) Dr. Dalbir Singh Dhillon as Director, World Punjabi Centre in Punjabi University, Patiala.

Sukhbir Singh Badal directs DCs to enroll beneficiaries under blue cards scheme by February

 (Ministers and CPSs to convene district and sub divisional committees respectively)

  (Deputy CM reviews welfare plans and cashless health insurance schemes)

 (CS to supervise blue card and health insurance schemes)

Chandigarh, December 28: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today ordered to expedite the process of enrollment and distribution of 28.50 lakh blue cards under Atta Dal scheme by February this besides initiating preparation of smart health cards under cashless health insurance schemes launched for farmers, traders, labourers in the state.

Reviewing all the welfare and developmental schemes in a meeting with DCs here at Punjab Bhawan, Deputy Chief Minister ordered them to take necessary steps for enrollment and distribution of smart blue cards under atta dal scheme also to be used under Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima Yojna. He informed that recently Punjab government has launched a cashless health insurance scheme which would benefit approximately 2 lakh labourers, 2 lakh traders and 10 lakh farmers of the state.

Mr Badal instructed the concerned departments to expedite the process of making proper arrangements of to cover all the beneficiaries giving them prior intimation besides involving elected representatives in the process.

He also directed that the meeting of district level advisory committees and district grievance committees should be convened in the first week of every month by the cabinet ministers. He also asked the Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal to issue orders regarding this and also directed that Chief Parliamentary Secretaries would head the advisory committees and divisional grievance committees at sub-divisional level every month.

Reviewing the progress of 'sewa kendars' being setup in the rural and urban areas Mr. Badal revealed that the 2174 sewa kendars would be launched on Baisakhi this across the state and asked the chief secretary to take stock of the preparations. Concentrating on the skill development sector, Deputy CM asked the Secretary Technical Education and Industrial Training Mr. R.K. Verma to fasten the pace of constructing 150 skill centers in villages and towns which would cost Rs. 25 lakh per center.

In an important decision, Deputy Chief Minister appointed the chief secretary as the nodal officer to supervise the blue card and cashless health insurance card schemes. He also made the DCs and SDMs the nodal officers of welfare schemes at district and sub-divisional level and further instructed the DCs to review progress of all welfare schemes every Monday and send a consolidated report.

He also asked the DCs to carry out a comprehensive review of the empanelled hospitals under cashless health insurance scheme and recommend the inclusion of any reputed out hospital if any besides asking for those hospitals to be struck off the list which don’t have adequate facilities. He also asked the health department to design a logo for the empanelled hospitals so that the beneficiaries could easily able to recognize the health institutions. Deputy CM also instructed them to convene meetings of committees constituted under rural and urban missions every Monday.

On the occasion MP Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Chief secretary Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary to CM SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary finance DP Reddy, Principal Secretary Labour and Housing Vishwajit Khanna, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Vini Mahajan, Special Principal Secretary to CM Gaggandeep Singh Brar and Special Principal Secretary to Deputy CM Manvesh Singh Sidhu were also present in the meeting.

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WARD ATTENDANT   NABS   RED HANDED ACCEPTING RS.10,000

Chandigarh, December 28:

 The Vigilance Bureau today nabbed a ward attendant red handed while accepting bribe of Rs. 10,000.

            Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Vigilance Bureau  said that Ward Attendant Mr. Parminder Singh  posted at Rajindra hospital  was nabbed on the complaint of Mr. Gagandeep Singh of village Uddampur Khuda, district Patiala.

            The complainant has alleged that ward attendant was demanding bribe for fabricating the document to change the grounds for the medical report of his father Mr.Surjit Singh and Uncle Mr. Jarnail Singh. They were injured during the clash at Truck Union Patiala.   He has demanded Rs.60,000 and the deal was settled  at Rs. 25,000 and first instalment of Rs.15,000 had already  been given to the ward attendant .

         A Spokesman said that on the tip off of the complainant, a trap was laid and ward attendant was nabbed red handed while accepting the second instalment of Rs.10,000 from the  complainant.

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 PUNJAB CM, DCM CONDOLES SAD DEMISE OF KARNAIL SINGH BROTHER OF JATHDEDAR DIAL SINGH KILLIANWALI

CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 28:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal  and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukbir Singh Badal  expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of  Karnail Singh brother of Jathdedar Dial Singh Killianwali ,Chairman, Punjab Agro Foodgrain  corporation Ltd and Executive Member SGPC.

            In a condolence message the Chief Minister said that  due to his death void has been created which was difficult to be filled .Deputy Chief   Minister  also expressed his heart felt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and pray to the Almighty to give strength to bear this irreparable lose and grant peace to the departed soul.

            It is mentioned that Atim Ardarsh would be held on January 02, 2016 at Killianwali

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Sukhbir Badal hails PM visit to Pakistan, says a path breaking step

(Urges Modi to create pilgrim corridor up to gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib)

 Chandigarh December 25 : Hailing Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi visit to Pakistan as a path breaking step Punjab deputy chief minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said this initiative will certainly strengthen the bilateral relations and bring people of India and Pakistan closer to each other.

In a statement issued here today Mr Badal wished that this is beginning of a constructive and uninterrupted dialogue. "This is indeed a sign of statesmanship as 'rashtraneeti is above raajneeti'. National interest is paramount and it should never succumb to partisan politics," he added.

Deputy CM said that PM had visited several countries for the sake of improving bilateral relations between nations which would eventually boost economic ties, enhance educational cooperation and technical assistance then he should go ahead and do so.

Raising the issue of a corridor to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, Mr Badal said this historic gurdwara of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, was located on the Pakistani side in Punjab, just 2 km away from border in the Dera Baba Nanak sector.

He said the Punjab government and the SGPC had been requesting the Union government and Pakistan to create a pilgrim corridor up to the gurdwara sahib so that Indian pilgrims could have uninterrupted access to the shrine. Deputy CM said the sentiments of the Sikhs were attached to the gurdwaras in Pakistan and Prime Minister should ask Pakistan's federal government to give free access to them to pay obeisance there.

Mr Badal said Pakistan's government should honour the sentiments of the Sikh masses and provide such a corridor in coordination with India. Expressing concern over visa hindrances being faced by Sikh pilgrims, Deputy CM said Mr Narendra Modi should ask the Pakistan PM to ensure an easier visa regime for pilgrims. He also sought the opening of visa offices in Amritsar and Lahore for the convenience of pilgrims, traders and industrialists. EOM

SAD-BJP ALLIANCE EVER PREPARED TO FACE ELECTIONS AT ANY MOMENT- CM

KHAIRA'S ENTRY IN AAP HARDLY ANY ISSUE

SLAMS CONGRESS FOR ISSUING BASELESS STATEMENTS

STATE GOVERNMENT FIRMLY COMMITTED TO DEAL WITH ANY INCIDENT INVOLVING LAW AND ORDER IN PUNJAB

LIST PRO-POOR INITIATIVES TAKEN BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT

ASKS PEOPLE TO TAKE FULL BENEFIT OF FIRST OF ITS KIND ‘MUKH MANTRI TIRATH YATRA SCHEME’

SANGAT DARSHAN IN LAMBI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Bhai Ka Kera (Sri Muktsar Sahib), December 25-

Amidst media reports pertaining to possibility of early elections for the state assembly, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that SAD-BJP alliance was ever prepared fully to face hustings at any moment. 

Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan program in Lambi assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that in democratic set up political parties were always ready for elections and Shiromani Akali Dal was not an exception to it. He said that they were ever ready to face the elections any point of time. 

Asked to comment on Congress spokesperson Mr. Sukhpal Singh Khaira's entry in Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Chief Minister said that it was hardly any issue for them as it doesn’t make any difference whether Mr. Khaira joins AAP or remains in Congress. He said that Mr. Khaira would have in any case contested election either on Congress or now on AAP's ticket. However, Mr. Badal said that the candidate of SAD-BJP alliance from Bhoolath assembly segment would remain the same. 

Refuting the allegations of Congress regarding anti-democratic decisions of state government, the Chief Minister said that these were totally baseless and irrational. Mr. Badal said that opposition was criticizing the state government just for the sake of criticism. He said that there was hardly any ground of allegations leveled by the opposition.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that state government was committed to firmly deal with any incident involving law and order in Punjab adding that in Abohar incident also the state government was taking every step to deliver justice to the victims. He said that almost all the main accused involved in this heinous crime have been nabbed and law was taking its own course in the case. “Our government has always acted swiftly to deal with such cases and nobody will be allowed to take the law in their hand”, he added. 

Earlier addressing the public gatherings in village Dabwali Malko Ki, Kangan Khera, Mahni Khera, Rasulpur and Bhai Ka kera, the Chief Minister said that state government has taken several historic initiatives for the well being of people. He said that Punjab was the only state which has initiated pro - poor schemes like Atta - Dal and Shagun. Likewise, Mr Badal said that the state government was providing free power to farmers of the state at a cost of Rs 5000 crore every year.

Apprising the people about ‘Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme’ for providing free pilgrimage to sacred cities of Sri Nanded Sahib, Varanasi, Katra (Mata Vaishno Devi) and Ajmer Sharif, the Chief Minister exhorted them to take full benefit of this scheme. He said that under this scheme the state government would organize free trains to these cities for the people from Punjab and also provide other logistic facilities to pilgrims. Mr. Badal said that Punjab was the only state in the country to take this first of its kind initiative to facilitate the people for undertaking pilgrimage to these holy places.

Highlighting the significance of Sangat Darshan programs, the Chief Minister said that Sangat Darshan was a flagship program of the SAD-BJP alliance, which was very helpful in ensuring on the spot redressal of the grievances of the people. He said that these programs were also helpful to the state government for judging the performance of the officers/ officials of the state government. Mr. Badal said that Sangat Darshan was held only in Punjab and that too during alliance government’s rule. “No other Chief Minister in the entire country conducts such an extensive exercise of visiting each and every village to resolve the problems of people” he added.

Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Chairman PUNCOFED Mr. Kulwinder Singh Bhai Ka Kera, Circle President SAD Mr. Avtar Singh Vanwala, Mr. Satinder Jeet Singh Manta, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Basant Garg and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mr. KS Chahal.

Punjab implements 'e-district' project across the state

(Punjab’s e-district project adjudged the best among all states)

Chandigarh, December 25 : Ambitious e-district project of Punjab state had entered into the second phase as it has been implemented across the state to provide varied numbers of services that had already been made live at all districts and sub divisional headquarters.

Disclosing this, an official spokesman said after successful operation of pilot project under first phase in Kapurthala and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar districts, this project had helped the officials enormously through standardization of service workflow and enabled them to monitor service requests at highest level.

Under phase-II of e-district project, the required IT infrastructure of more than 2000 desktops, 1200 network printers, 1400 scanners and other basic infrastructure have been provided across 959 locations covering 1500 offices at district, tehsil and sub-tehsil level across 20 non pilot districts. All these offices have been provided internet connectivity and more than 9000 officials have been trained as part of capacity building to enable them delivery of efficient services under this project.

He added that till date, out of the total 42 planned services in the disposal of official work, varied numbers of services have already been made live across the state and are running successfully. The governance reforms department has planned a comprehensive target to achieve 100 percent roll out of all G2C (Government to Citizens) and G2G (Government to Government) services by end of January this.

The spokesman said more than 1.3 lakh service requests have been received up to last month through e-district application in 20 non-pilot districts which are at various stages of processing. "Currently these services are delivered through 'Suwidha Centres' and same shall be provided across all the counters at 'Sewa Kendras' being established in the state by April this.

He added that this project has substantially helped in bringing down the timelines for delivery of various services and also acting as a vital tool for facilitating the implementation of Punjab Right to Service Act. "The use of various technological innovations such as use of digital signatures, SMS notifications to citizens, use of electronic workflow for processing of service requests and provisioning of online authentication of services issued through e-district application had not only reaffirmed the faith of citizens in the government service delivery but also helped in curbing various malpractices.

It is pertinent to mention here that Punjab Government’s endeavor to bring administrative reforms in the state achieved another milestone as Union Government had ranked e-governance project of Punjab as number one in the country. Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DEIT), GOI, in its quarterly ranking released on in October 2015 had rated the project as the best in the country.

"This project had been adjudged the best for its effective pilot project implementation, backend computerization of maximum number of services among all states, on-time selection of system integrator, delivery of hardware and connectivity in more than 1,000 field offices, robust governance structure in the form of district e-governance society and other best features, he added. EOM

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EDUCATION MINISTER LAUNCHES 'ROBOMATE +' APP FOR ASPIRANTS OF COMPETITIVE EXAMS

·        Free online facility to students for competitive entrance exams: Dr Cheema

 Chandigarh, December 25:

 Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema today launched a mobile application 'Robomate +' an initiative to provide free online coaching to the aspirants of  competitive exams. Lauding the effort of Lakshaya Group who has developed this mobile app, Dr. Cheema said that lacs of students would benefit from this online facility especially the government school students. 

          Launching the Moblie App 'Robomate +' at his official residence here today, Dr. Cheema said that poor students who were not able to get coaching due to financial constraints, will now be able to avail free coaching facility at their doorsteps. 'Students would be able to download notes and other material regarding their subjects prepared by the experts, added Dr. Cheema. He further said that that app will be very useful for students who want to prepare for entrance tests of Medical, Engineering and Business Management etc with the special feature of video-lectures.

          Briefing about the Mobile application Executive Director of the Lakshaya Group Saahil Harjai said that Punjab is the second state after  Karnataka where this app is successfully launched. He said that they will visit various educational institutes across the state to help the students get this app downloaded and get free coaching facility. 

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PUNJAB SC COMMISSION ORDERS SECURITY COVER TO VICTIM FAMILY & WITNESS OF ABOHAR CASE

·         I.G. CRIME PRESENTS ACTION TAKEN REPORT

·         INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED TO CONSTITUTE FAST TRACK COURTS

 CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 22:

 The Punjab SC Commission has ordered security cover for the victim family of abohar case and sole witness Gurjant Singh undergoing treatment at Amritsar.

 Disclosing this, the Chairman of the commission Mr. Rajesh Bagha said that the commission had issued the orders to ensure that the ongoing investigation in the case is completed at the earliest and without any hindrances. He further said that the commission has also issued instructions regarding constituting fast track courts to solve the case speedily.

 He also added that as per the report presented by I.G. Crime Mrs. Vibhu Raj, the Punjab Police has registered case against 24 persons in the Abohar case. Out of these, 15 have been arrested while the police is leaving no stone unturned to nab rest of the 9 persons at large. He expressed confidence that the main accused would also be nabbed soon.

 Mr. Bagha said that the commission is duty bound to make sure that justice is given to the people of SC category in accordance with the provisions of law. On the occasion, the Deputy Director of the commission Mr. Raj Bahadur and others were also present.

 It is important to mention here that on the orders of the commission a compensation of Rs. 5.62 Lakh has been awarded to the victim family.

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 CM LAUNCHES ‘SAMPOORAN GRAMIN VIKAS’ PROGRAM FOR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF VILLAGES

STATE AND PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES TO BE PARTNER OF PUNJAB GOVERNMENT IN THIS NOBLE INITIATIVE

19 UNIVERSITIES ADOPT 150 VILLAGES FOR THEIR COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT

Chandigarh, December 22-

          In order to make the state and private universities, a partner in the overall development of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today embarked ‘Sampooran Gramin Vikas’ program under which the universities gave concurrence to adopt 150 villages to give fillip to its progress.

          A decision to this effect was taken in a high level meeting of the Chief Minister with the Vice Chancellors of the 19 universities of the state held here at Punjab Bhawan, this morning.

          It was decided in the meeting that every university would submit the list of villages adopted by it within a week after which the experts of these universities would undertake socio-economic survey of these villages to prepare a suitable plan for their development in accordance with the demands of the public. While formulating the plan thrust would be given to education, healthcare and vocational education. As per the guidance of the university, government would try to implement these schemes for the well being of people.

          Describing the universities as ‘lighthouse of expertise and technique’, the Chief Minister said that they could play a pivotal role in the holistic development of the villages. Underscoring the need for a comprehensive survey, he said that it must cover all the aspects related to rural development else this exercise would be totally futile. Mr. Badal said that this task must be completed with missionary zeal so as to get the desired results. “I will personally monitor the development work in these villages after six months” he added.

          The Chief Minister said that there was no dearth of talent in the rural youth but due to lack of proper guidance they lag behind in life. Citing the example of Meritorious schools opened across the state, Mr. Badal said that such efforts were yielding the desired results to empower the students of weaker sections through tool of knowledge. He exhorted the Vice Chancellors of the universities to meet the students of these Meritorious schools in their districts, so as to give proper guidance to them for meeting the future challenges.

          During the meeting Punjab Agriculture University and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary University agreed to adopt 51 and six villages respectively whereas Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar, Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab University Chandigarh, Central University of Punjab Bathinda, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Technical University Bathinda, Punjab Technical University Jalandhar, Lovely Professional University Jalandhar, Chandigarh University Gharuan, Desh Bhagat University, Chitkara University, Ryat Bahra University, Sri Guru Granth Sahib University, Guru Kashi University, Adesh University, GNA University and Sant Baba Bhag Singh University also agreed to adopt five villages each. Likewise, General Manager of NABARD also agreed to adopt five villages.

          Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Advisor to Chief Minister on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, Principal Secretary Higher Education Mr. KAP Sinha, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. Ajoy Sharma, Acting Vice Chancellor of IK Gujral Punjab Technical University Mr. Rakesh Verma, GM NABARD Mr. Krishan Singh besides Chancellors and Vice Chancellors of the universities. 

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PREVALENCE OF TOBACCO USE IN PUNJAB TO BE ASSESSED BY PGI CHANDIGARH

Ø  PUNJAB GOVT PLANS COMPREHENSIVE COMPLIANCE STUDY OF COTPA IMPLEMENTATION IN 10 DISTRICTS

Chandigarh December 22: The Punjab government has decided to assess Prevalence of Tobacco Use in Punjab with the help of School of Public Health PGI Chandigarh.

Revealing this here today an official spokesman of the government said that the state health department in collaboration with PGI Chandigarh would conduct three types of the surveys in different districts of the state. These surveys would assess the effect of various tobacco control activities in the state in last few years.

 Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani during the Civil Surgeons’ conference the directed the senior officials to implement the Tobacco Control Act, Food safety Act and Drug & Cosmetics Act proactively and effectively in the state. Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare has  also issued necessary instructions in this regard.

A review meeting of the National Tobacco Control Programme and training of officials of district Tobacco Control Cell of selected districts was held under the Chairmanship of Dr. Bhag Mal, Director Health and Family Welfare, Punjab. He told that in first phase a house to house survey would be conducted in districts Hoshiarpur, Bathinda and Amritsar following the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) protocol. It would assess the prevalence of tobacco use and impact of ban of loose cigarettes and flavoured chewable tobacco on the tobacco users as well as on tobacco vendors. In the Second Phase a comprehensive compliance study of COTPA in 10 districts (Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur, SAS Nagar,SBS Nagar, Gurdaspur, Roopnagar and Patiala) would be carried out. The meeting was conducted in collaboration with NGO Generation Saviour Association. Dr. S.P Surila President NGO SNEHA and Mrs. Opinderpreet Kaur President GSA were also present in the meeting.

Dr. Rakesh Gupta, State Program Officer, Tobacco Control Cell Punjab added that all the districts of Punjab have been earlier declared as “Tobacco Smoke Free” on the basis of compliance studies conducted by the PGIMER, Chandigarh. Punjab state was awarded and appreciated for good practices in tobacco control by WHO on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2015. A layout of the survey programme has already been sent to the concerned districts in advance.

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HUNAR SE ROZGAR TAK-A BOON FOR THE YOUTH

Chandigarh, December 22:        

Hunar se Rozgar Tak scheme has successfully catered to training of nearly 3000 youth and has simultaneously facilitated jobs for 1000 trainees, informed a spokesman from the Tourism Department of Punjab.

The spokesman said that travel and tourism industry is one of the largest and most dynamic industries in today’s global economy. It is a sun rise industry, an employment generator and a significant source of foreign exchange. He added that tourism has emerged as a significant source of employment that requires varying degrees of skills and allows the quick entry of youth into the workforce. There is an acute shortage of qualified employees in this sector, he opined. In order to tap these opportunities in favour of Punjabi youth, the government of Punjab started the Hunar Se Rozgar Tak Scheme, said he.

The spokesman informed that Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) is implementing the programme ‘Hunar se Rozgar Tak’ since 2011-12 through the selected private institutes of the State. Funds for the purpose are provided by the Government of India as Central Assistance under the scheme ‘Capacity Building for Service Providers’ (CBSP). Giving details of the short term training courses that have been approved by the Government of India for Punjab, the spokesman said that four Hospitality Courses of varying duration namely Food Production (8 weeks), Food and Beverages (6 weeks), House Keeping (6 weeks) and Bakery and pastries (8 weeks) have been approved. Besides, other employable skill generating courses including Basic Fitness Training (8 weeks), Skin care and spa therapy (8 weeks) and Flower arrangements (8 weeks) are also being run.

He said that the target group for these training courses is 8th Pass within the age group of 18-28 years. He said that Government of India has approved training of 2520 persons at 10 institutes in the hospitality courses. In addition, the Government also approved training of 540 persons at 4 institutes in ‘skin care and spa therapy’ course. He said that against the approved strength, under the hospitality courses 2492 students were trained out of which 727 students have been placed and in Skin Care & Spa 540 students were trained out of which 300 students have been placed.

In addition to the above courses, Government of India has also sanctioned 100% Grant in aid under the broad basing scheme for development of infrastructure in six ITIs  (namely Pathankot, Sunam, Amritsar, Patiala Nawanshahr and Kharar) and to five Government colleges (Bathinda, Mohali, Sangrur , Ludhiana and  Amritsar) for starting hospitality courses in these institutes, said he.

The spokesman said that under this scheme, for starting the hospitality courses, a capital grant in aid up to Rs 200 lac is provided to each institute including up to Rs. 50 lacs for the civil works and up to Rs. 150 lacs for purchase of kitchen equipment. The funds are released to the Director Technical Education and Industrial Training for undertaking the works in I.T.Is whereas the funds pertaining to the colleges are disbursed directly to the concerned institutes.

 Director Technical Education has informed that civil works in all the six ITIs has been completed and four colleges into hospitality courses have also completed their infrastructure development works and they are successfully the hospitality courses.

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EDUCATION MINISTERS SUMMONS TEACHERS WITH 8O TO 100 PERCENT RESULT FAILURE

·       BRAINSTORMING SESSION WITH 186 TEACHERS TO SUGGEST WAYS FOR UP GRADATION OF EDUCATION ON JANUARY 6

LUDHIANA/CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 22

With the view to upgrade the education standards in the government schools of the state, the Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema summoned 186 teachers/lecturers who have shown poor performance by delivering 80 to 100 percent result failure in board examinations of 10th and 12th standards. These teachers have been summoned on January 6, 2016 at head office Mohali for a brainstorming session wherein reasons for the result failure would be probed and ways and means would be suggested for the education reform.

Disclosing this here today in a press conference Dr. Cheema said that out of these 186 teachers/lecturers 32 teachers have shown  worst result with 100 percent result failure in 10th and 12th examinations. Likewise the average result failure of 4 teachers is ranging between 95 to 99 percent, 15 teachers with average 90 to 94 percent result failure and average 80 to 89 percent students failed in their examinations taught by 135 teachers.

Dr. Cheema said that the department had sought online data of result of 10th and 12thstandards for the last five years. He said that based on data received a comprehensive data base has been prepared which has revealed the average result of each teachers/lecturers in the previous five years. He said that total 3017 teachers have delivered less than 50 percent result. He said that the teachers with worst result would be summoned in phased manner and a personal meeting with each teachers/lecturers would be held in to improve their performance.

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PUNJAB CM MEETS GADKARI AND JAITELY TO SEEK SPECIAL DISPENSATION FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN PATNA FOR 350th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SRI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI

·        CALLS ON CHAIRMAN RAILWAYS BOARD FOR UP-GRADATION OF PATNA SAHIB AND PATNA GHAT RAILWAY STATIONS

·        ENVISAGES SPECIAL BUDGETARY PROVISION IN NEXT UNION BUDGET FOR GRAND MEGA CELEBRATIONS

·        PAYS COURTESY CALL TO RAJNATH SINGH

0New Delhi, December 21:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought personal intervention of Union Transport and Highways Minister Mr. Nitin Gadkari for sanctioning Rs. 600 Cr. to Bihar government for undertaking four-laning of 4-KMs road from Didar Ganj on NH-30 to Kangan Ghat to enable millions of devotees expected to converge at Patna Sahib for grand celebrations of 350th Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji with ease.

          The Chief Minister accompanied by Union Food Processing Minister Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa called on Mr. Gadkari in his office at Parliament House this afternoon.

          Mr. Badal apprised the Union Transport and Highways Minister that both the Governments of Punjab and Bihar were extensively preparing to commemorate the mega historic event to mark the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji from December, 2016 to January, 2017. He mentioned the large number of people would be traveling by roads along Patna-Bakhtiarpur (NH-30). He said in order to reach the temporary ‘Gobind Nagar’ tented city being erected along the banks of river Ganges abutting Kangan Ghat, there was an urgent requirement to develop the four-lane road having length of 4-KM from Didar Ganj-Kangan Ghat. The Chief Minister also informed Mr. Gadkari that owing to nature of soil along banks of River Ganges, the average per Kilometre cost of four laning was approximately Rs. 150 Cr. which comes to be Rs. 600 Cr. as total cost on account of building this new road.

          Summing up the discussions, Mr. Gadkari assured the Chief Minister of positive outcome and said he would soon get the entire project reviewed from his Ministry before giving a final nod.

Later, the Chief Minister met the Union Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley in his office at Parliament House to impress upon to make special budgetary provision in the next union budget for the celebrations of 350th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji.

Mr. Badal also paid a courtesy call to Union Home Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh at his residence.

          Earlier, the Chief Minister also called on the Chairman Railways Board Mr. Ashok Kumar Mittal in the office of Union Railways Minister at Parliament House and envisaged his direct intervention to ensure timely completion of several railway development works in Patna to enable hassle free and comfortable accessibility to millions of pilgrims expected to converge during the 350th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji.

          Listing the works to be accomplished by the Railways Ministry, the Chief Minister informed the Chairman Railways Board to get up-gradation of Patna Sahib and Patna Ghat railway stations on top priority as majority of pilgrims would be travelling by special trains from Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country.

          The Chief Minister also briefed the Chairman that currently disembarkation facility for persons travelling by rail was available only at Patna Sahib Terminal. Giving the current urban spread of Patna city, it would be virtually impossible for such a large number of devotees to travel to the temporary tented city being erected on the banks of River Ganges. The only viable solution of this was that the train should reach Patna Ghat railway station. This was an old defunct railway line from Patna Sahib Terminal to Patna Ghat railway station.

           The delegation led by the Chief Minister also included Prof.  Prem Singh Chandumajra, Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Mr. Naresh Gujral (All MPs) besides President Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Mr. Manjit Singh GK and General Secretary Mr. Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

          The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.

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Punjab grants big relief to industrial units running in residential areas

(Period of one and a half years given for shifting)

(Deputy Chief Minister announces slew of concessions)

 Chandigarh, December 21 : Providing a big relief to the small scale industry, the Punjab Government has granted a timeframe of one and a half years to the industrial units running in residential localities around SAS Nagar to shift their base. Besides rehabilitation of such existing units various initiatives benefitting the traders and industrialists have also been announced.

Disclosing this, an official spokesman said the state government has chalked out a comprehensive policy after the high court orders taking into consideration the concerns of the local industry. He said that on the directions of the Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Punjab has granted its approval to shift and rehabilitate the industrial units within one and a half years which were located in the mixed land use/residential sectors in villages Balongi, Daon, Badmajra, Landran and Saneta falling under GMADA. A notification in this regard had also been issued.

It is informed that the Punjab and Haryana high court in its judgment had directed that such industrial units must submit an affidavit within 3 months about shifting their operations from rural areas around SAS Nagar.

Revealing the concessions granted to the affected entrepreneurs, the spokesman said the option have been offered to the owners to purchase industrial plots available through PSIEC and GMADA as about four dozen units would be shifted from residential sectors. Under this rehabilitation policy plots would be allotted to the industrialists in accordance with their eligibility.

Elaborating more, he added that fee for change of land use (CLU) would not be charged from the industrialists on purchasing land at their own under regional plan of GMADA or industrial zones formed as per the master plan of SAS Nagar. Besides this, no external development charges (EDC), licence fees and building plan approval fees (without labour cess) would be levied from such entrepreneurs but they had to procure NOC from Punjab Pollution Control Board at their own. EOM

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 MUSHROOM CULTIVATION IN PUNJAB GETS A NEW PUSH- RECORDS 5044 MTs. PRODUCTION DURING THE YEAR

 Chandigarh, December 21: As part of the drive for giving new push to crop diversification plan, the Punjab Government has given special focus for cultivation of Mushroom, both Oyster and Button verities, which resulted in the production of 5044 Metric tonne during the last year in the state. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Horticulture Department said that the growth in production was both in respect of Oyster and Button Mushroom and that Oyster has shown significant increase, as Oyster was produced in 12 adopted villages and Button Mushroom was produced in 261 other units.

  The Spokesman further said that three villages of Ludhiana, one of Gurdaspur, two of Sangrur, two of Sri Mukatsar Sahib, one of Barnala and three from Pathankot were adopted for production of Oyster. In a bid to provide the latest technology to the Mushroom growers across the state, Punjab Government would soon establish a Centre of excellence for the Mushroom cultivation at Punjab Agriculture University (PAU), Ludhiana. This step is aimed at giving further impetus to the state government’s ambitious program of diversification in agriculture.

The centre would cater to the needs of Mushroom growers and primarily focus on the issues related to quality supply of mushroom seeds, marketing support, processing and the new technologies to save their crops from the vagaries of weather.

The Punjab Government had sent a delegation of local Mushroom growers to China to make the Mushroom growers well conversant with the latest emerging technologies in the field. China caters to almost 80% of total mushroom production at global level. Farmers of the state were found to be quite receptive to the new and the latest technologies. This initiative would prove to be very helpful to enhance their income provided the farmers are imparted the necessary information and by the researchers and experts from time to time. The state Government and PAU is providing all facilities to the growers and PAU has set up a modern demonstration plant for mushroom cultivation so as to educate the farmers to establish their own units on the scientific lines. 

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PUNJAB INSTRUCTS ALL ITS DEPARTMENT TO SUBMIT INFORMATION REGARDING NORTHERN ZONE COUNCIL MEETING IMMEDIATELY

Chandigarh, December 21: The Punjab government has instructed all departments to submit information regarding Northern Zone Council’s meeting immediately.

Disclosing this here an official spokesperson said that Punjab government had sought information from all departments regarding Northern Zone Council’s standing committee meeting for onward submission to Inter State Council Department. He said that till date information has been received from few departments including vigilance department, finance Department, Co Operation Department, Chief Election Officer and Director Employment and training.

He further said that all other Departments have been instructed again to furnish its report immediately so that required information sent to northern zone council’s Office.

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PUNJAB BOYS EMERGE CHAMPS IN NATIONAL SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

·        EDUCATION MINISTER DR. CHEEMA SHOWERED HIGH PRAISE ON PLAYERS AND COACHES

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 21:

Punjab has again put up a good show in ongoing 61st National School Games, which are being held in the various parts of the country. The volleyball boys’ team of the state has bagged gold medal in U-17 category of Volleyball event in 61st National School Games.

While greeting the winning Players their Coaches and Parents for this splendid achievement, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister said that this achievement is the result of consistent hard work the players had put in. He said that the Education Department has been giving priority to the sports from the primary level by providing every kind of infrastructure and technical assistance to the players.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Sarabjit Singh Toor, Deputy Director (Sports) said that Punjab Boys’ teams bagged the Gold Medal in the U-17 Volleyball tournament held at Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh). He further said that Punjab team beat host Uttar Pradesh in Final by 3-1.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO CELEBRATE 350 BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SRI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI AS A MASSIVE EVENT OF GLOBAL MAGNITUDE

CM HOLDS REVIEW MEETING

RS. 100 CRORE TO BE SPENT ON THE ORGANIZING VARIOUS EVENTS THROUGHOUT OUT THE ANNIVERSARY YEAR

Chandigarh, December 20-

The 350 birth anniversary of the 10th Master Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji will be celebrated as a massive event of global  magnitude with focus on the Guru's message on peace humanism, love and universal brotherhood and its relevance in the emerging  national and international scenario .

The commemorative events spread over an entire year will future among other things, seminars on the works, history and philosophy of Guru Gobind Singh ji  especially in the context of  major movements of spiritual substance down the ages. In a world where communal hatred and social divisions have come to threaten the very basis of the 'One World' as visualized by great minds throughout human history,  a return to the simple but profound message delivered  by the Sikh Gurus culminating in the most profound  moving and pulsating life and contribution of the tenth master can show the way to a distraught humanity  and guide it out of the dark corner in which it finds itself.

For a start, the state government will make a provision for Rs. 100 crore to be spent on the organizing various events throughout out the anniversary year.

These were some of the key decisions taken at a high level meeting chaired by the Punjab Chief Minister at his residence  here this evening.

Giving details of the meeting,  Mr Harcharan Bains, Advisor to the Chief Minister on National Affairs and Media, told newspersons that a Foundation will be set up  under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, Punjab. Apart from official representatives, the Foundation will include eminent religious personages, Sikh scholars, including historians, religious  and social thinkers etc.  An endowment fund  of Rs  Five crore will be created for the foundation.. The Government proposes to observe the celebrations at a scale befitting the universal saturate of the Guru .

This will also be a great and historic opportunity to educate people, people belonging to different faiths all over the world, about the  humanitarian and cosmopolitan message of the Sikh Gurus as contained in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The Sikh masses all over the world as well people from other communities with a concern for human race on this planet are looking forward to the occasion.

The Chief Minister will be holding a series of meetings with eminent scholars of Sikh religion and philosophy and solicit their help and cooperation in helping the government  carry the message of the Sikh gurus to every corner of the globe, said Mr. Bains.    

 Mr Badal  is going to Delhi tomorrow to meet some central  ministers regarding some of the issues that need to be addressed for a smooth observance of the anniversary. There are issues regarding upgrading and modernizing infrastructure around religous shrine in Patna Sahib as well as un-clogging the traffic arteries in the city for a smooth passage of the procession during the celebrations.

Mr Bains said that the Chief Minister  is firmly of the view that there is a need to create awareness not only about the identity of the Sikh religion among people from other communities and countries  but even more importantly, there is need to realize that the Guru's message, which has always had a relevance for the entire mankind, was never more needed than today when society is fraught with  divisive bitterness, acrimony and mindless violence. Mr Badal believes that the message of peace and communal harmony is the cornerstone of the teachings of the  great Gurus and these ideals  are the need of the hour to save not just India but societies and countries across the globe.

The meeting at the Chief Minister's residence was attended,   by Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Minister for Industries, Punjab, Mr Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Mr Harcharan SIngh Bains, general Secretaries of the SAD,  the state Chief Secretary Mr Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr S K Sandhu, Ms. Anjali Bhawra Pricnipal Secretary Cultural Secretary, Mr KJS Cheema, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister,  Mr Hardeep SIngh Dhillon, ADGP, Law and Order, Mr K D Chaudhary, Chairman , Powercom, and Technical Advisor to the CM General Dhaliwal‡

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CM TAKES UP ISSUE OF HARDSHIPS FACED BY PEOPLE DUE TO CLOSURE OF LEVEL CROSSING AT VILLAGE KHAROTA ON NH- 205 WITH SURESH PRABHU

WRITES HIM FOR CONSTRUCTING A LIMITED HEIGHT SUBWAY IN LIEU OF CLOSED LEVEL CROSSING

MOVE TO FACILITATE PEOPLE BY SAVING THEIR TIME, ENERGY AND MONEY DUE TO REDUCTION IN DISTANCE TO BE TRAVELLED BY THEM

Chandigarh, December 11-

          The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Railways Minister Mr. Suresh Prabhu to direct his Ministry for constructing a Limited Height Subway in lieu of closed level crossing No. 55-C at km. 64/ 15-16 between Station Ghanauli - Bari on Sirhind Nangal Dam Section to mitigate the hardships being faced by the people living in this area.

          In a letter to Mr. Prabhu, the Chief Minister apprised him that level crossing at village Kharota on NH- 205 to Bharatgarh - Kharota Link Road had been closed by the Railways. He said that due to the closure of this level crossing, people of this area belonging to villages Majri, Awankot, Alowal, Himmatpur, Kimatpur and Kharota were facing hardships as they have to travel a long distance to reach the nearest market centre at Bharatgarh Town. Further, Mr. Badal said that people were facing problem regarding transportation of their crops and seeking health & education facilities too.

          Likewise, the Chief Minister said that people have to travel a long distance for availing Bus Service for reaching Tehsil and District Headquarters. He informed Mr. Prabhu that there was a proposal to upgrade the existing link road from NH-205 to Ghanauli to Bara village under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase-Il, due to which the traffic intensity on this road was likely to increase further. Mr. Badal urged the Union Minister that a Limited Height Subway be constructed by the Ministry of Railways in lieu of above mentioned closed level crossing No. 55-C at km. 64/ 15-16 between Station Ghanauli - Bari on SirhindNangal Dam Section to mitigate the hardships being faced by the people living in this area. “The construction of this Limited Height Subway will result in saving a lot of time, energy and money due to reduction in distance to be travelled by the people” he added.

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CM URGES CH. BIRENDER SINGH NOT TO CHANGE THE EXISTING FUNDING PATTERN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLD TOILETS UNDER SWACH BHARAT MISSION

·          STATE GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY ALLOCATED FUNDS FOR ACHIEVING THE FIXED TARGETS: BADAL WRITES TO UNION MINISTER FOR DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION

 Chandigarh, December 11-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought the direct intervention of Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation Ch. Birender Singh for not changing the funding pattern for the construction of individual household toilets (IHHLs) under Swach Bharat Mission (SBM).  

In a letter to Ch. Birender Singh, the Chief Minister apprised him that Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India vide its letter no. S-110100/1/2015-SBM of 10.11.2015 intimated about the revision in the funding pattern in respect of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) components. He said that the funding pattern has been revised as 60:40 against the existing funding pattern of 75: 25 between Centre and State for works under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).

The Chief Minister informed that the Union Minister that the state government has already allocated funds as per State share in its budget for the year 2015-16 for the targets fixed for the construction of 1, 30,000 individual household toilets to ensure completion of entire work of constructing toilets in the remaining 8, 00,000 households by 2019 as per the deadline fixed by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. Further, he said that funds have already been disbursed to all the districts for the construction of 47,182 latrines to meet the commitment for the construction of 1, 30,000 IHHLs fixed for the current year. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that currently State Government was disbursing funds @ Rs 15000 per IHHL (Central share Rs 9000 + State Share Rs 6000) instead of Rs 12000 per IHHL as per SBM (G) Guidelines (9000 by GOI +3000 by State Government) adding that state Government was already paying Rs 3000 per IHHL extra due to high labour and material cost in the State.

The Chief Minister told Ch. Birender Singh that with the revised funding pattern of 60:40 between Centre and States, the share of GOI has slashed to Rs. 7200 per IHHL, meaning there by that State's share would now increase to Rs. 7800 per IHHL i.e. an additional load of Rs. 1800 per toilet or Rs. 23.40 crore for 1, 30,000 toilets to be constructed during the current year. He said that as indicated above, no additional budget was possible for disbursement for this component during the current financial year. Moreover, Mr. Badal said that for timely completion of this ambitious program of Prime Minister, it was strongly felt that the funding pattern for the construction of individual household toilets (IHHLs) under SBM(G) should not be changed. “Such a decision will be a retrograde step and if at all it is required, it may be implemented from the next financial year” he added.

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CM ADVOCATES ACADEMIC COLLABORATION BETWEEN UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE GLOBE

SAYS THAT STUDENT AND FACULTY EXCHANGE PROGRAMS BETWEEN THESE ‘TEMPLES OF EDUCATION’ WERE NEED OF HOUR

DELEGATION OF NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY CALLS ON BADAL

Tarn Taran, December 11-

Batting for academic collaboration between universities across the globe, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the students and teachers around the world could be immensely benefitted from such tie ups.

Interacting with the delegation of the Nottingham Trent University, one of the largest universities of the United Kingdom that called on him here today, the Chief Minister said that with the world swiftly emerging as a global village there was a need for acquainting the students about the emerging fields in the education. He said that in such a scenario the academic collaboration between the universities, which were temples of education, of the different countries could do wonders in spreading the light of knowledge in every nook and corner of the world besides helping in overall development of the students. Emphasizing the need for frequent student and faculty exchange program between the universities of state and Nottingham Trent University, Mr. Badal said that it would be very beneficial for the students of the state.

The Chief Minister said that it was the need of the hour to update the knowledge of students and upskill the teachers in which such initiatives could play a pivotal role. Mr. Badal said that universities of state could initiate measures to collaborate with the Nottingham Trent University for starting this student and faculty exchange program, in which the state government would provide fulsome support and cooperation to them.

The Chief Minister sought the cooperation of visiting delegation for imparting training to students in agriculture, bio sciences, animal husbandry especially in developing the disease resistant varieties of animal breed and other fields, where this University has a strong presence. He also laid thrust on imparting vocational education to the students through bilateral tie up with the twin motive of stamping out unemployment on one hand and providing a pool of skilled manpower to cope up with the need of local industry on the other. Mr. Badal asked the Vice Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University and Dean of Punjabi University, who were present on the occasion to finalize the modalities of academic collaboration with the visiting delegation.

During the meeting Vice Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University Prof. Edward Pek and Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Hely apprised the Chief Minister that the university was established in year 1843. They said that the university was eager to collaborate with Punjab in the field of academics. Welcoming the proposal mooted by Chief Minister regarding student and faculty exchange program, they said that students and teachers from both the sides would be mutually benefitted from this initiative.  

Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Secretary Higher Education Mr. KAP Sinha, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Vice Chancellor Guru Nanak Dev University Dr. Ajaib Singh Brar, Dean Punjabi University Dr. AS Chawla and Additional Honorary Secretary Chief Khalsa Diwan Mr. Inderpreet Singh Chaddha.

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  HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENT ISSUES ADVISORY TO SAVE THE POTATO CROP FROM THE LATE BLIGHT DECEASE

                             Chandigarh December 11:

Due to the inclement weather the apprehension of late blight attack on the late sown Potato Crop is increasing. To protect the crop the necessary immediate precautionary treatment is to be given.

The Horticulture Department had issued an advisory to the farmers in this regard. Dr. Gurkanwal Singh Director, Horticulture while talking about the imminent attack on the Potato crop said that due this attack the edges of the leaves sustain patches which turned black with the passage of time. In the morning, the bottom of the leaves there appears white fungus.

      He advised the farmers that on noticing such symptoms of the attack on the crop, the farmers should administer two sprays of Ridomil Gold or Curzet at M.8 or Sactin 60 WG 700 gram or Eqation Pro 200 ml per acre and after that one spray of Indofil M 45/ Atracol/ Kawach 700 gram per acre.

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DR. ATWAL CALLS ON PRIME MINISTER ON THE ISSUES OF SC/ST COMMUNITY

SPEAKER PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA WAS HEADING A DELEGATION OF 42 MPS/ MLS

                                                                  CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 11:

                        A delegation of the Forum of SC and ST Legislators and Parliamentarians (Regd.) met Shri Narendra Modi,  Prime Minister of India  at new delhi under the leadership of Dr. Charnjit Singh Atwal,  Speaker, Punjab Legislative Assembly and gave a memorandum to him related to Welfare issues of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and also invited him to inaugurate 3rd International SC and ST Convention-2016 in New Delhi.

                        This delegation included Union Ministers, MPs, Ministers of different States, Former Ministers, MPs, Chairpersons of different Corporations and other dignitaries of dalit communities from all over India.

                        The main demands of the delegations were related to the reservation policy, right to education alongwith right education, International day of equality, stopping outsourced contract system, strengthening Implementation of Atrocity Act, 1989, Special Component Plan (SCP) & Tribal Sub Plan (TSP). The delegation also  requested the Hon'ble Prime Minister for withdrawing the Revue Petition filed by Union Government against recent Supreme Court Judgment directing all Nationalized Banks that principles of reservation should be followed while effecting promotion upto grade VI Officers. 

                        It was also pointed out that there are certain obstacles created by various judicial decisions with regard to reservation in promotion which should be removed.

                        The issue of principle of representation equated with the population of SC and ST communities was also discussed.  Forum also requested to implement the 85th Constitutional Amendment. It also requested to issue relevant directions to fill up all backlog.  Provisions should be made for representation to the SC and ST communities in the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Councils in the State.  Due representations should also be given in the Council of Ministers to these communities.  The judgment of Jammu & Kashmir striking down Section 6 of Jammu & Kashmir was also discussed.  The issue of implementation of Reservation Policy in Judiciary, Scientific Establishments and Private Universities besides in Private Sector was also talked about. The outsourcing and recruitment on contract system should be stopped.

                        The Forum also emphasized the need of Right Education alongwith Right to Education and there should be equal syllabus in every school.  Loan facility with lower rate of interest should be provided to children of these communities.  It was  also requested that All Central Universities of the Country may establish Chairs in the name of Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar on diverse subjects.  All unanimously requested to giving of status to Parinirvan Bhumi equivalent to Rajghat.  14th April of year, the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar should be declared International Day of Equality.  The Prime Minister was also urged to strengthen implementation of Atrocity Act, 1989.  Special Component Plan (SCP) should be made statutory for all States and budgetary allocation should be fixed on the basis of area especially for TSP.  The landless and homeless SC and STs should be provided residential plots.

                        The PM strongly assured the Delegation that whatever issues have been raised here would be considered and would be sorted out as early as possible.  The Hon'ble Prime Minister also assured that he would definitely give time to inaugurate  the International SC and ST Convention - 2016

The Following Members were present:

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6 POLICE OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

CHANDIGARH, December 11:

           Punjab Government today has ordered transfer of one IPS and 5 PPS officers with immediate effect.

Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Mr. Jaspreeet Singh, IPS has been transferred and posted as Comdt. 6th IRB Laddda Kothi, Sangrur ,  Mr. Kulwinder singh, PPS as Comdt., 4thIRB, Kapurthala, Mr. Rakesh kumar Kaushal, PPS as Comdt.,-cum Dy. Director (indoor),MRS PPA, Philiaur, Mr. Bhupinder singh, PPS as Comdt., PRTC, Jahan Khelan, Mr Bikramjit Singh PPS as SP/investigation, Bathinda  and Mr. Vinod Kumar, PPS has been posted as SP/investigation Mansa.

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PUNJAB SEEKS INFORMATION ABOUT CURRENT DUTY CHARGE

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 11:

The Punjab Government today issued directions to all the departments to send consolidated information on requisite proforma regarding Current Duty Charge given to officers/officials of their department positively by December 17, 2015.

Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Personnel Department said that earlier personnel department has issued orders to submit compiled report about current duty charge to all the departments but some departments have not submitted the required information.

According to the spokesperson, it must be ensured to take prior permission from the Personnel Department before giving Current Duty Charge (CDC) and current duty charge against the vacant posts must be given on seniority basis to only those employees who are eligible in all respects i.e. having adequate experience as per the provisions made in service rules of the department. The spokesperson also said that the post of employee concerning current duty charge must be approved in accordance with the instructions of the Finance Department. He said that that if in case of special circumstances and keeping in view the public interest there arises a need of giving current charge of any post then it must be handed over subject to the conditions.

The spokesperson further said that the current duty charge of above post could be given to the concerned employee in the pay scale of his own post and the employee wouldn’t be eligible to claim any financial benefits for the experience gained during the time period of the charge/seniority. According to the spokesperson, the continuity of current duty charge given or about to be given, would be reviewed by the Administrative Department through Personnel Department and it would be ensured that the concerned charge is necessary in public interest.

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 PUNJAB GOVERNMENT INSTRUCT ALL DEPARTMENTS TO CLOSE PERSONAL LEDGER ACCOUNTS

Chandigarh, December 10: The Punjab Government has instructed all its departments to close Personal Ledger Accounts with immediate eff.

Disclosing this here an official Spokesperson said that it has come to the notice of government that many departments had opened Personal Ledger Accounts earlier and not closed them despite instructions. He said that these accounts were contrary to the instructions/Finical rules of Finance Departments.

 The Spokesperson said   Government has reiterated its earlier instructions to all its departments to close Personal Ledger Accounts immediately.

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PUNJABECI INVITES APPLICATION FOR NATIONAL MEDIA AWARD 2015

 Chandigarh, December 11:

The Election commission of India has invited entries from media Houses for the best campaign on Voters’ Education and Awareness during the year 2015.

Disclosing this here an official Spokesperson of Election Commission said that Election Commission of India had invited entries from Print and Electronic who have done remarkable job in the field of Voters’ Education and Awareness in Year 2015.

He further said that interested media houses can send their applications directly to Election commission of India. He added that last date submit entries is December 14, 2015.

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PUNJAB APPROVES RS. 3339 CRORE FOR OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF 16 CITIES UNDER AMRUT

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 11:

The Punjab Government today accorded approval of the State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) amounting to Rs.3339 Crore in next 5 years for the development of the infrastructure project components of water supply, sewerage, seepage, storm water drainage, urban transport, green space & parks, reforms management and capacity building for 16 cities selected under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation (AMRUT). A high level committee under Chief Secretary today approved the plan and the same shall now be forwarded to Govt. of India for placing before the Apex Committee for approval and release of funds.

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Anil Joshi Local Government Minister said that the Govt. of India had issued guidelines of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) with basic aim is to provide basic services (e.g. water supply, sewerage, urban transport, etc.) to households and build amenities in cities to improve the quality of life for all, especially the poor.

He said that Punjab Municipal Infrastructure Development Company (PMIDC), the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA) of Punjab engaged M/s WAPCOS Ltd (A Government of India Enterprises) as Consultant for preparing the Service Level Improvement Plans (SLIPS) for approved 16 Cities of Punjab (Abohar, Amritsar, Barnala, Batala, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Khanna, Ludhiana, Malerkotla, Moga, Mukatsar, Patiala, Pathankot and SAS Nagar) having population more than 1 Lakh and State Annual Action Plan (SAAP).

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PUNJAB FINALIZES PROJECT REPORT FOR SMART CITIES

·       AMRITSAR, LUDHIANA AND JALANDHAR TO BE SUBMITTED TO CENTRE

·       EACH SMART CITY TO GET CENTRAL GRANT OF RS. 500 CRORE

·       UNION GOVERNMENT ALL SET TO SHORT LIST 40 SMART CITIES

·       PUNJAB PROMISES GOOD GOVERNANCE EFFICIENT TRANSPORT HEALTH CARE EDUCATION, 24 X 7 POWER AND WATER SUPPLY, ROBUST CYBER CONNECTIVITY TO SMART CITIES

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 11:

The Punjab Government today finalized three consultants to give final shape to the proposals for smart cities Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Anil Joshi Local Government Minister said that a High Powered Steering Committee (HPSC) under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Punjab has accorded approval of the Smart City Proposals of Amritsar, Ludhiana & Jalandhar prepared by Consultants. It may be that Punjab Government had appointed  M/s Jones Lang LaSalle / Tata Consulting Engineer / Townland (Hong Kong) for Amritsar,  M/s AECOM India/ IBM for Ludhiana c. M/s IIDC / UMTC / BDP (UK) for Jalandhar to finalize the proposals to be submitted to Central Government for Smart Cities.

He said that these proposals shall now be forwarded to Govt. of India for inclusion in the Stage II competition at National level. Mr. Joshi said that at an initial stage, 20 Cities are expected to be selected for the financial year 2015-16 and thereafter 40 – 40 Cities shall be selected in the next two stages. The Minister said that the last date for the submission of these proposals was15.12.2015. The selected Smart City under Stage II, shall receive Rs.500 Crores in five years from the Govt. of India and equal amount of Share shall be contributed by the Punjab State for implementation of the Smart City Proposal.

Giving the details of Smart Cities  Union Government  had decided to develop ‘100 Smart Cities’ which is defined as one that makes urban life comfortable and improves living standards through good governance, efficient health care services and education, 24x7 power and water supply, efficient transport, high quality sanitation, employment to the needy and robust cyber connectivity and benefits to all irrespective of income, age and gender. ‘The ultimate objective is building Wealthier, Healthier and Happier cities.

He said that Govt. of India under the Stage-I competition had selected three potential Smart Cities of Punjab namely Amritsar, Ludhiana & Jalandhar. Punjab Municipal Infrastructure Development Company (PMIDC), the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA) of Punjab engaged three Consultants, based on the guidelines issued by the Govt. of India, for preparation of Smart City Proposals for these above indicated three potential Smart Cities.

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 REPORT OF FAILING OF51 OUT OF 52 ITI STUDENTS WRONG-DESCRIBES IT AS COMPUTER ERROR

                                       Chandigarh, December 11: An official spokesman today denied the report regarding failing of 51 of 52 students at I.T.I. (W) Nabha as factually wrong and said that there is a discrepancy in the result and this is not final result of these students.

Clarifying the issue he said that the fact of the matter is when these students appeared in the Final Trade Test of 1st Semester Exam held in January 2015 all these students wrote registration number instead of Hall Ticket Number (Roll No.) on the OMR Sheet (Optical Micro Reader). He said that these OMR Sheets are assessed by the Director General of Training, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, New Delhi and the result is forwarded to the Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training, which is the examining body. As roll numbers were not written on the OMR answer sheets therefore result of these candidates was shown zero. He said that on the receipt of this kind of result of these candidates, the institute approached the Board for correction of the result through DGT.

He said that as the matter is still pending with the Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training and Director General of Training for correction of result, both the authorities are being asked to expedite the matter and declare the correct revised result at earliest possible.

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         PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ISSUES IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SMOOTH CONDUCTION OF TET

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 11:

Punjab Government has issued important instructions for the smooth conduction of Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET), which is scheduled on December 13, 2015 at all districts in the state. Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesperson of the Education Department said that for appearing in the TET, which is being conducted by Punjab School Education Board (PSEB), following Do’s and Don’ts could be adopted by the aspiring candidates.

Do’s

·        Reach the examination centre one hour in advance along with your Admit Card and photo ID.

·        Do sign and make your thumb impression of LTI in the attendance sheet at the given space.

·        Fill all the details on OMR answer sheet and OMR Attendance Sheet carefully.

·        Blind and physically handicapped candidates (from hands only) must carry the printout of the details of writer entered on the panel by them and the proof of eligibility of writer along with the Admit Card.

Don’ts

·        Don’t carry any type of pen, watch, cell phones, pagers, calculators or any electronic devices in the examination centre. Violation may lead to expulsion from the examination and registration of UMC.

·        Don’t sign or make thumb impression on OMR sheet.

·        Don’t fold the OMR Answer Sheet nor make any stray mark on it.

·        Don’t darken more than one circle of options for any question as that will be evaluated as wrong answer.

The Spokesman further said that Punjab School Education Board has made all arrangements for fair conduct of PSTET. If any person/coaching centre claims to help in passing this test then immediately bring this into the notice of police of your

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BADAL POSES SEVERAL IRRIGATION PROJECTS WORTH Rs. 5236.71 CRORE FOR EARLY CLEARANCE FROM MoWR

·        BATS FOR RE-LINING OF RAJASTHAN AND SIRHIND FEEDER AT A COST OF Rs. 2125.69 CRORE

·        SEEKS SPECIAL FUNDS OF Rs. 1375 CRORE FOR THE PROJECT OF REHABILITATION, RENOVATION AND MODERNIZATION OF VARIOUS DISTRIBUTARIES IN BORDER DISTRICTS

·        UMA BHARTI ASSURES CM OF POSITIVE OUTCOME 

New Delhi, December 7

          Urging the Union Minister for Water Resources (MoWR) Ms. Uma Bharti, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought early clearance of various irrigation projects pending with the Ministry at different stages worth Rs. 5236.71 crore including the re-lining of Rajasthan and Sirhind feeders at a cost of Rs. 2125.69 crore.

          Mr. Badal called on the Union Water Resources Minister here in her office at Shram Shakti Bhawan on Monday Morning.

          The Chief Minister also impressed upon Ms. Uma Bharti to immediately sanction and release Rs. 1375 Cr. for the project of rehabilitation, renovation and modernization of various distributaries along with allied works in Punjab (UBDC) system in border districts of Amritsar and Gurdaspur.   

          Similarly, Mr. Badal also sought special funds to the tune of Rs. 918.25 Cr. for the project of renovation and modernization of canals being fed from River Satluj, which had already been sanctioned by the MoWR on November 13, 2015.

          Pleading for the expeditious clearance of various irrigation projects awaiting Ministry’s nod, Mr. Badal also posed a project of Swan River Flood Management worth Rs. 284.98 crore besides seeking funds to the tune of Rs. 161.04 crore for the execution of flood protection project under river management activities and water related to border areas. He also sought approval for the channelization of River Ghaggar by the Ghaggar Standing Committee involving a cost of Rs. 135.63 crore.

          Likewise, the Chief Minister also asked the Ministry to immediately release funds to the tune of Rs. 46.12 crore for carrying out flood protection works along River Beas under Flood Management Project. He also impressed upon Ms. Uma Bharti to give her nod to the project of channelization of Sakki/Kiran Nallah involving a cost of Rs. 190 crore so as to save the life and property of the people residing in border areas from the havoc caused during the floods in the rainy season.

          Responding positively to the issues raised by Mr. Badal in the meeting, Union Water Resources Minister assured that she would get the entire issues thoroughly examined by her Ministry before taking a final decision. She assured Mr. Badal that the requisite funds demanded by the state government under various projects and proposals pending with Ministry would be released at the earliest.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Secretary Irrigation Mr. KS Pannu. Secretary and Special Secretary, Water Resources, GoI Mr. Sashi Sekhar and Dr. Amarjit Singh respectively also attended the meeting.

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PUNJAB NOTIFIES COMPOUNDING POLICY FOR MARRIAGE PALACES CONSTRUCTED AFTER JANUARY 1, 2012

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 7: The Punjab Government today notified a new Policy for regularization of Marriage Palaces constructed without taking permission of the Competent Authority after 01.01.2012.

            According to the spokesperson of Punjab Government in order to bring under the umbrella of planning framework and to provide public safety, security and public conveniences, the Punjab Government had framed a policy on 16.11.2012 and revised for the regularization of Marriage Palaces existing on or before 01.01.2012 and for setting up of new Marriage Palaces in the State of Punjab but still a number of Marriage Palaces have been set up illegally in the State of Punjab after 01.01.2012. He said that these unauthorized Marriage Palaces have to be dealt strictly so as to discourage such illegal constructions in future. Therefore, the Governor of Punjab is pleased to frame a compounding policy for regularization of Marriage Palaces constructed without taking permission of the Competent Authority after 01.01.2012.

The spokesperson said that this policy would be applicable to only those unauthorized Marriage Palaces which have been constructed after 01.01.2012 and not to the Marriage Palaces covered under regularization policy dated 16.11.2012. He said that the building controls and other norms with respect to location, accessibility, plot size, frontage, parking, setbacks etc. as applicable to new Marriage Palaces under policy dated 16.11.2012 or as amended from time to time would be applicable. He said that no relaxation in any of the norms of policy dated 16.11.2012 would be applicable.

According to the Spokesperson the applicant has to pay CLU, EDC, LF/PF, SIF etc as applicable to new Marriage Palaces as notified vide Notification dated 06.05.2013 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development or as amended from time to time. He said that in addition to the above said charges, the applicant also has to pay the compounding fee on illegally constructed buildings of the Marriage Palace in accordance with the compounding policy of the respective Special Development Authority. The compounding fee as applicable to commercial buildings would be payable. Labour Cess at the rate of 1% of the estimated cost of the building would be payable under the Building and Other Construction Workers (regulation of employment and conditions of service) Act, 1996.

The Spokesperson further said that the CLU, EDC, LF/ PF, SIF would be payable in lump sum at the time of approval of CLU and the compounding fee would also be paid lump sum at the time of compounding of the building (s). No rebate would be payable on lump sum payment. He said that Secretary/ Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department would be the Competent Authority to grant CLU under this policy. He said that Director Town and Country Planning would be the Competent Authority to compound the buildings under this policy.

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GRANT WORTH RS 162 CRORE ISSUED FOR UPGRADING GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS & CONSTRUCTING NEW ROOMS: DR. CHEEMA

·       EDUCATION MINISTER REVIEWS T.E.T. EXAM ARRANGEMENTS DURING A HIGH LEVEL MEETING

·       ALL SYSTEMS IN PLACE FOR EVALUATION EXAMINATION OF 5th AND 8th CLASSES BY SCERT

·       5 DAY TRAINING PROGRAMME OF 3000 FIRST BATCH TEACHERS CONCLUDES

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 7:

The Education Minister, Punjab, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema today reviewed the important projects of the department during a high level meeting here. Giving details in a statement, Dr. Cheema said that a sum of Rs. 162 crore has been released for upgrading the Government schools of the state as well as for other construction works of the schools. He said that this financial grant would be instrumental in the strengthening of infrastructure at schools.

Dr. Cheema further said that under the development plan chalked out by the department, 44 middle schools would be upgraded to the high school with the aid of the above grant. Besides this, libraries would be constructed in 132 government schools and 2370 new rooms in the schools would also come up. Directing the officers of the department to complete the works on schedule without compromising on quality, Dr. Cheema reiterated the commitment of the Punjab Government to provide modern infrastructure to the government schools of the state.

Divulging more, the minister also reviewed the Punjab State teachers Eligibility Test (T.E.T.) and said that the T.E.T. would be conducted at 330 centers and a total of 1,76,000 candidates would take the test in T.E.T.-1 and T.E.T.-2. He further elaborated that he would soon take stock of the security arrangements in a video conferencing with the SSPs and DCs.   

Giving more details, Dr. Cheema said that the Education department is conducting evaluation examination this time for the 5th and 8th Classes. He said that all the arrangements have been put in place for this exam to be held under the aegis of State Council for Education Research and Teaching (SCERT) during February-March. He also informed that close co-ordination would be maintained with the Punjab School Education Board and DPI (Secondary Education) to ensure the success of this first time initiative.

Dr. Cheema also said that a review was also conducted of the teachers training programme in the course of the meeting. He informed that the department provided training to about 400 master trainers who in turn trained the teachers in their respective districts. He further added that the 5 day training of the first batch of 3000 teachers has been successfully completed. Elaborating more, he said that the second batch would begin soon and the whole training programme would be videographed. Expressing satisfaction at the teacher training programme, he said that the purpose of this programme is to make teachers aware about the new trends emerging in teaching methodology keeping in view the changing times.

On the occasion, Principal secretary Mr. C. Roul,  Director General School Education Mr. Pardeep Aggarwal, Chairperson Punjab School Education Board Dr. Tejinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Secretary Punjab School Education Board Er. Mr. G.S. Batth, DPI (Secondary Education) Mr. Balbir Singh Dhol, DPI (Elementary Education) Mr. Harbans Singh Sidhu and Director, SCERT Mr. Sukhdev Singh Kahlon were also present.   

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT INVITES APPLICATIONS FROM ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES FOR PROMOTION AS CLERK

·        INTERESTED EMPLOYEES TOLD TO SEND APPLICATIONS TILL 24TH DECEMBER

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 7:

The Punjab Government has invited applications from the eligible employees serving in the Punjab Civil Secretariat for promotion to the post of clerk.

Disclosing this, an official spokesman said that as per Rule 7(1) of the Punjab Civil Secretariat (State Service Rank-3) Rules, 1976, those category-4 and 3 employees (having less pay scale than clerk’s post), who are Matriculate and studied Punjabi up to matric level, have typing speed of 30 words per minute in Punjabi and English with 5 year experience, could be promoted as clerk’s in accordance with the rules. The spokesman also informed that the Secretariat Administration would conduct a typing test of 30 words per minute in English and Punjabi on computer, for promotion to the post of clerk.

The spokesman further said that the eligible & interested Class-3 and 4 category employees having pay scale is less than that of a clerk, fulfilling the above conditions can send their applications through their concerned branch head with details for e.g. Name, Post, Father’s Name, Present Station Of Posting, Educational Qualifications, Date of Joining and Present seniority number to the Establishment Branch-4., till 24Th December, 2015.

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PUNJAB PARTIALLY AMENDS INSTRUCTIONS ON PURCHASE OF OFFICIAL VEHICLES

Chandigarh, December 7:

The Punjab Government partially amended the earlier instructions on the purchase of official vehicles and now all District Magistrates, Deputy District Magistrates and officiating Magistrates have been permitted to buy a new vehicle for official use.

Disclosing this here an Official Spokesperson said that the state government during the review of earlier instructions issued on December 14, 2014 and August 8, 2015 has decided to authorise all District Magistrates, Deputy District Magistrates and officiating Magistrates to buy official vehicles.

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HARVINDER SINGH KHALSA NOMINATED AS THE DIRECTOR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE PUNJAB TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LIMITED

 Chandigarh, December 7:

The Punjab Government has nominated Mr. Harvinder Singh Khalsa  S/o Late Sh. Tara Singh resident of District Bathinda  as the Director of the Board of Directors of the  Punjab Tourism Development Corporation Limited. A notification has been issued in this context, informed a government spokesman.

He further informed that a post of Vice Chairman of Punjab Tourism Development Corporation Limited has also been created.

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BADAL ASKS AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT TO ALLOW CANE GROWERS TO SOW CJ-238 AS EARLY SUGARCANE VARIETY

·        SEKHWAN CALLS ON CM TO SEEK HIS INTERVENTION FOR EARLY RESOLUTION OF FARMERS’ ISSUES

Chandigarh, December 7:

Acceding to the long pending demand of the cane growers across the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the state agriculture department to immediately allow them to sow CJ-238 as early sugarcane variety instead of mid-variety.

This assurance was given by the Chief Minister to the Senior Akali leader and former Cabinet Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, who called on the former at his residence for seeking his personal and direct intervention for quick resolution of various issues, related to the farmers in general and cane growers in particular.

Mr. Sekhwan briefed the Chief Minister that the cane growers across the state had been demanding to declare the sugarcane variety CJ-238 as early variety instead of mid-variety since long. He impressed upon Mr. Badal to permit the cane growers to sow CJ-238 as early variety for a year till the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana finalized its trials to arrive at a concrete conclusion in this regard.

Apart from this, Mr. Badal said that the state government has pro-actively taken special initiatives to clear the outstanding sugarcane arrears due towards the sugar mills expeditiously besides ensuring smooth functioning of sugar mills in the state. He said that the nine sugar mills in the government sector had already made payment to the cane growers worth Rs.540 Cr. Likewise, seven private sugar mills have already released Rs.988 Cr. and the remaining payment would be made to the farmers on account of clearing their cane arrears shortly by the private mill owners as the state government has already got a loan of Rs. 200 Cr. arranged from the banks by furnishing state guarantee. Similarly, the state government has already prevailed upon the owners of the Private Sugar Mills to start bounding in the larger interests of the cane growers.

The state government would ensure payment of sugarcane price @ Rs.295 per quintal by the mills under all circumstances, while reviewing the hardships being faced by the sugarcane growers and sugar mills in view of the depressed sugar market. Meanwhile, it was clarified that the mills would pay Rs.245 per quintal, whereas the government would pay a subsidy of Rs.50 per quintal for the current crushing season i.e. 2015-16.

The Cabinet in its recent meeting also decided to waive guarantee fee of Rs.4 Cr. on soft loan to be arranged for private sugar mills to enable them to clear the pending cane dues of the farmers. The interest on soft loan for three and half years would also be borne by the Government to ensure that private sugar mills pay sugarcane arrears to the farmers.

Expressing satisfaction over the smooth and bumper procurement of Paddy, the Chief Minister revealed that as till date 143 Lac MT of Paddy had been procured in the state against the total 118 Lac MT of paddy procured during the previous year.

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BADAL SALUTES THE MARTYRS, BRAVE SERVING & EX-SERVICEMEN FOR THEIR VALOUR ON THE FLAG DAY

·        RELEASES ‘RANN-JODHEY’ ANNUAL MAGAZINE OF DEFENCE SERVICES

CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 7:

On the occasion of the Armed Forces Flag Day 2015, Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon and Director Defence Services Welfare Punjab Brig.(Retd.) Jatinder Singh Arora today pinned Armed Forces Flag on the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at CM’s residence.

Paying befitting tributes to the martyrs and brave soldiers of our country on the Flag Day, Mr. Badal said that this historic day gave us an opportunity to re-affirm our solidarity with the Armed Forces and to recognize the Services of Ex-servicemen. He also called upon the people to salute the martyrs for their supreme sacrifice and courage, besides contribute voluntarily and generously towards the Flag Day Fund, which would be utilised for the noble cause of the rehabilitation of war widows, disabled defence personnel and Ex-servicemen.  He further said that it was a humble contribution and token of respect towards the outstanding services rendered by our valiant soldiers who zealously guarded our borders around the clock.

The Chief Minister also generously donated towards the Defence Services Welfare Fund on this historic day.

On this occasion Mr. Badal also released a magazine ‘Rann-Jodhey’ published by Directorate of Defence Services Welfare highlighting the various welfare schemes of state and Centre government for ex-servicemen, widows and their wards besides carrying out in-depth perspective 90-minute interview with Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, Padam Vibushan and write-up on Golden Jubilee Commemoration function of the 1965 Indo-Pak war at Amarkot, Tarn Taran.

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TERM OF PUNJABI UNIVERSITY SENATE MEMBERS EXTENDED

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 07:

          The Punjab Government has extended the term of  Brig Kuldeep Singh Kahlon  and Major General Baljit Singh Grewal as Punjabi University Senate Member.

        Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Brig. Kahlon  and Major General Grewal have been given extension upto 20thJanuary, 2017 under Punjabi University Act section 11(1)14.

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·       2-DAY REFRESHER TRAINING COURSE COMPULSORY TO SAVE VALUABLE LIVES IN CASE OF ROAD ACCIDENTS

·       DRIVING TRAINING INSTITUTES TO BE SET UP IN GURDASPUR, KAPURTHALA AND MALERKOTLA

·       RS 1 LAC ACCIDENT INSURANCE FREE MEDICAL CHECK UP AND BOARDING, LODGING AND FOOD FACILITIES FOR HEAVY VEHICLE DRIVERS UNDERTAKING REFRESHER COURSE

 CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 07:

 On the directions of  Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Road Safety Cell) GOI , it is compulsory for drivers of heavy vehicles to undertake  2- day refresher course pertaining to road safety.

          Disclosing this here today a  spokesman of the Punjab Transport Department informed that Punjab Government has issued directions to undertake the refresher course in the state Institute of Automotive and Driving Skills, Mahoana, in District Sri Mukatsar Sahib.

          He informed that Transport Department has issued directions regarding the same to all the District  Transport Officers in the state. He said that no fees is charged for this refresher training course instead the drivers are given accident insurance for Rs 1 lac, free medical check up and an arrangement for boarding, lodging  and food for 2 days.

          He further informed that similar driving training institutes are being set up by the state government in Gurdaspur, Kapurthala and Malerkotla. He said that with the setting up of these institutes the problem of heavy vehicle drivers to obtain training in Sri Mukatsar Sahib alone will be resolved.

          He said that this  provision of  training by the Government  will go a long way in helping to curtain the loss of precious lives in road accidents.

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CPS AVINASH CHANDER ORDERS ACTION AGAINST PRIVATE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES  TO HARASS  SC STUDENTS

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 7:

 A delegation of parents of SC students met Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Higher Education, Mr. Avinash Chander and apprised him  of the effect that  some private colleges/universities of the state are not providing post matric scholarship benefit to SC Students and also harassing the students during semester exams by not issuing them roll numbers. The delegation also brought to the notice of CPS

that the erring colleges demand extra charges before issuing roll numbers.

 The Chief Parliamentary Secretary, listened the delegation sympathetically and assured them for appropriate action  against these private colleges/universities.

He  directed the officers of the department to form teams and conduct checks on all the colleges regularly  and supervise all the aspects and ensure strict action against the erring colleges.

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STATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RE-CONSTITUTED

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 7: 

The Punjab Government has notified the reconstituted State Advisory Committee of Education Department. The new committee would advise in framing and executing policies of these departments for the Year 2015-16.

Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesperson said that Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema would be the Chairman of the Committee. The spokesperson further said that committee would have three official members including Chief Parliamentary Secretary Education, Principal Secretary Education and Head of the education department. Principal Secretary would also be member secretary of the committee.

He said that the committee would have 10 non-official members, five from the Shiromani Akali Dal including Mr. Baljit Singh Jalal Usma, Mr. Manjit Singh Manna Mianwind, Mr. Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Mr. Pargat Singh and Mr. Surinder Singh Bhuewal Rathan, three from the Congress including Mrs. Aruna Chadury, Mr. Ashwani Sekhri and Mrs. Charanjit Kaur Bajwa, one from the Bhartiya Janta Party namely Mrs. Seema Kumari and one independent Mr.Balwinder Singh Bains.

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SEKHON EXHORTS PEOPLE TO LIBERALLY DONATE FOR ARMED FORCES FLAG DAY

Chandigarh, December 7:

Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Defence Services Welfare Minister Punjab today gave a call to the people of Punjab to come forward to donate liberally on Armed forces Flag Day for the welfare of our Jawans who are protecting the frontiers of our country.

In a message to people on the Armed Forces Flag Day Mr. Sekhon said that Punjab is the sword arm of the nation that has given befitting reply to the aggressor enemy in 1962, 1971 and Kargil aggression and it becomes our bounded duty to do our bit for the welfare of those forces that guard our frontiers day and night so that we could sleep peacefully. He said that thousands of Jawans had laid down their lives in the most and inhospitable terrains and it was imperative for the every citizen of the country to extend their helping hand to our protectors.

Earlier in the Armed Forces Flag Day Ceremony at CMR the flag was pinned on to the Minister by Brig JS Arora, Director Defence Services Welfare, Punjab along with staff of the Directorate. The Minister also stressed upon the significance of the Flag Day and urged the citizens to donate generously for the noble cause. “Punjab is the leading state in taking care of the Valiant Ex-servicemen and their widows.” said Mr. Sekhon.

 It is pertinent to mention here that The Armed Forces Flag Day is celebrated all over India every year in order to collect the funds from the people all around the country for the wellbeing of the staff of the Indian Armed Forces.

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SILOS/GODOWNS TO BE EXEMPTED FROM EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT CHARGES

Chandigarh December 7: Aimed at facilitating the companies or individuals setting up silos/godowns meant for storing the agriculture produce and food grains in the, the Punjab government has issued orders of exemption of External Development Charges (EDC).

            Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the government said that the Punjab government besides providing exemption of EDC has also given its approval to the new policy of storing the food grains thereby superseding the earlier notifications issued in this regard.

According to the new policy, the exemption ordered would be implemented only on the Silos/ Godowns used for storing the Agriculture produce and the food grains. The exemption application should be forwarded by the concerned authority certifying that the Silos were being used for storing only food grains. He also said that the exemption policy would not be applicable on the godowns storing non agriculture produce and commercial cold stores. 

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ELECTION COMMISSION DISQUALIFIES SEVEN CANDIDATES TO CONTEST ELECTIONS

Chandigarh December 7: The Election Commission of India has issued orders to disqualify seven candidates for contesting elections for a period of three years as they failed to submit an account of election expenses as required by the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and Rules.

            Giving details of the disqualified candidates, an official spokesman of the government said that Mr. Ajay Kumar Bhagat from Jallandhar, Mr. Tarsem Peter also from Jalandhar, Mr. Akshayabar Nath Mishra, Ludhiana, Mr. Simrejit Singh also from Ludhiana, Mr. Gurdeep Singh, Sangrur, Mr. Gurpreet Singh, Barnala and Mr. Joti Devaji Ansuia, , Sangrur were given time to furnish reason for not abiding the rule of submitting election expense but they failed to submit reply even after being served the due notice by the Election Commission.

            He also said that in pursuance of Section 10 A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission declared the persons to be disqualified for being chosen as a member of either House of the Parliament or of the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a State for a period of three years from the date of issuance of this order.

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AKALI DAL RALLY AT PATIALA ON DECEMBER 15 - SUKHBIR BADAL

* SAYS CAPT AMARINDER ALREADY INTO A "MAHA GATHBANDHAN" WITH HARDLINERS & PRO-KHALISTAN PEOPLE

* ATTENDS SHAGAN CEREMONY OF SGPC PRESIDENT's GRANDSON IN CITY TODAY

 Ludhiana, December 4:

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that the Shiromani Akali Dal would hold its mega rally at Patiala on December 15. He said that the Akali Dal rally would be a grand success and lakhs of people would be attending it. Accompanied by Information & Public Relations Minister Mr Bikram Singh Majithia, the Deputy CM attended the Shagan ceremony of SGPC President Avtar Singh's grandson at Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Model Town Extension, here today.

While speaking to media persons, the Deputy CM said the morale of Akali cadre is boosted with the successful holding of four Sadbhawna Rallies in the state. He said the kind of response the Akali Dal is getting in these rallies is a proof that the public has posed full faith in the able leadership of Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal.

Replying to a question on the possibility of "Maha Gathbandhan" on the lines of Bihar in Punjab by Congress, Mr Badal quipped that newly appointed Punjab Pradesh Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh is already having a "Maha Gathbandhan" with the hardliners and pro-Khalistan people as his congressmen have attended the Chabba congregation and endorsed its resolutions. He further said Capt Amarinder Singh and his close relative SAD (Amritsar) President Mr Simranjit Singh Maan are already in a "Maha Gathbandhan" for their own vested interests.

The Deputy CM was accompanied by Irrigation Minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Advisor to CM Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, former minister Hira Singh Gabria, Deputy Commissioner Rajat Agarwal, besides several others.