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Punjab News:



HOLLA MOHALLA SET TO HAVE DATE WITH ITS HISTORY AS
WORLD’S LARGEST EVER BLOOD DONATION CAMP BEGINS AT SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB
• MAJITHIA AMONGST FIRST FIVE DONOR
S


Chandigarh, March 10

World’s largest ever blood donation camp targeting to register more than 25000 blood donations in a single day began on the sacred soil of Sri Anandpur Sahib with Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib donating the blood to inaugurate this mega blood donation camp. The camp is all set to cross more than 25 thousand donations in a single day making a new record in Guinness Book.

The first five donors including Patron of organizing committee of camp S. Bikram Singh Majithia, Baba Harnam Singh Ji, Head Damdami Taksal, Jathedar of Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Tarlochan Singh, Prof. Manjit Singh Ji Ex. Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib and President Youth Akali Dal S. Kiranbir Singh Kang marked the beginning of bleeding session that began at 7 a.m. after the Ardas by Jathedar of Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Tarlochan Singh.

The camp organized under the aegis of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib with the leading role of Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee had the stamp of organizational skills of former Minister S. Bikram Singh Majithia, who as patron of Organizing Committee, worked day and night to make this camp a success.
The mega camp has been organized in mega pandal with 700 beds that has 14 blocks with 50 beds each. Such was efficiency witnessed in the camp that there were 2500 donations in one hour averaging 15 minutes per donor.

Over 5000 volunteers including 3000 paramedical staff were deployed for the Camp to ensure smooth working of blood donation camp. A team of 100 doctors was deployed at different investigation counters to oversee the arrangement. More than 110 blood banks from all over the country had assembled to collect blood from this camp. Special arrangements were made to airlift the donated blood to different parts of the country, on that day itself.

To make this mega event a success case, organizers had arranged for accommodation of 20000 donors. Big set up created for refreshment to the donors was a great success as devotees from adjoining villages were also serving refreshments including fruits to the blood donors.
Donors had descended on the Holy soil of Sri Anandpur Sahib from all across the country to become part of this social movement besides also to seek blessings from Almighty. A Special train with 1500 donors had come from Nagpur besides thousands of donors reaching by special buses from all across the country.
Over 150 counters were set up to fill forms of the donors at the base camp at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Anandpur Sahib which made the entire exercise smooth.

After launching concerted drive against female feticide through Nanhi Chaann Program, this camp was another big social cause taken up by the SGPC during last two years. Chief Minister Punjab S. Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Member Parliament S. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and number of cabinet ministers of Punjab visited the camp and appreciated the brain behind this mega exercise.


Badal Asks People For Social Boycott Of Those Indulging In Female Foeiticide
Confident of landslide victory of SAD-BJP in Lok Sabha polls


Anandpur Sahib 10th March:

hief patron of the Shiromani Akali Dal and Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the people of Punjab to boycott the unscrupulous elements who were indulging in the crime of female foeiticide which was a sin against the god and the humanity.

Addressing an unprecedented gathering of the devotees, on the historic occasion of annual Hola Mohalla festival on the 'birth place of Khalsa' here after paying obeisance at Gurdwara Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Sardar Badal asked the people to take a solemn pledge on this auspicious day to bring a social awakening amongst the people against the social evils of female foeiticide and the growing trend of drug addiction amongst the youth.
Sardar Badal announced that 3 memorials would be erected in the memory of martyrs of ‘Chota Ghalugara’ at village Khanuwan in district Gurdaspur, ‘Wadha Ghalugara’ in village Kuppa Raheera of Sangrur district and at village Chapar Chiri in district Mohali in the memory of great warrior Baba Bandha Singh Bahadur aimed at propagating the rich legacy of Sikhism especially amongst our future generations.

Sardar Badal declared an electoral war against the Congress party and asserted that nobody could deter the SAD-BJP alliance from capturing all the 13 parliamentary seats in the state because of the upbeat mood of the people in favour of SAD-BJP alliance. He said Congress party had none of any significant achievement to its credit in the last tenure of full 5 years to face electorate in the Lok Sabha polls except indulging in criticism on one count and another. He lambasted at the Amarinder Singh for being inaccessible not only to the common people but also his party MLAs due to his autocratic style of functioning, far away from the hearts of the masses because he never bothered for the welfare of the people at the grass roots level whereas SAD-BJP government was sensitized to their basic problems and could feel their pulse.

Sardar Badal said that SAD-BJP Government was committed to the development of the Punjab and welfare of its people because our party have come to power due to their mandate in the last assembly elections and were equally confident that the people of Punjab would firmly stand by us to ensure landslide victory of all SAD-BJP candidates in order to install NDA government at Centre so the legitimate rights of the state could be safeguarded and the aspirations of the people be cherished because the Congress government during its rule of over 45 years in Centre, since Independence had ignored the state's interests and virtually exploited the people in one way or the other.

Sardar Badal cautioned now it was the high time to alert Centre to shun its indifferent attitude towards Punjab 's farming community and industry which had been badly hit due to its step motherly treatment. He called upon the Centre to ensure 'level playing field' to the industry regardless of special incentives and concessions as already given to the states of J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand. He said that agriculture was no more a profitable occupation due to the negligible returns on it due to non- remunerative and stagnant minimum support price for which Centre had always adopted an approach of 'negativism'. Our Government had been demanding the linking of MSP with consumer price index since long but Centre always turned down our plea without any rhyme or reason.

Sardar Badal said SAD-BJP alliance had adopted a unanimous resolution to improve upon the lot of farming community in the recently concluded budget session of Punjab Assembly asking the Government of India to waive their entire outstanding debt and fresh loans to them be provided at an interest of 4% and the fixation of MSP to provide a margin of 50% over the cost of production as recommended by the National Farmers Commission. He also said the State Government had also decided to pay compensation of Rs.2 lakh to the each family of the farmer who was forced to commit suicide due to heavy indebtedness. He added it was a testimony to our sincerity for the farming community who had been exploited by the UPA Government due to its negative attitude.

Lashing at the Congress for instigating people for disturbing peace in the state and its indulgence in divisive politics, Mr.Badal said the people had already realized that Congress's policy of 'divide and rule' which it has adopted not only in centre but in the states too pursue its political agenda.
Sardar Badal appealed to the people to vote and support SAD-BJP alliance candidates during the forthcoming general elections. He said to ensure the formation of NDA government at Centre all of us must make concerted efforts for the victory of SAD-BJP candidates so that the legitimate demands of the state could be conceded and the aspirations of the people fulfilled.

Speaking on the occasion SAD President and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal gave a call to all Punjabis to bundle out Congress from the electoral field in ensuing Lok Sabha elections to punish it for mortgaging the interests of Punjab besides playing fraud with the farming community. He also exhorted the party cadre to whole heartedly work for resounding victory of SAD-BJP on all 13 seats to pave way for NDA government at Centre. The unprecedented gathering in the SAD-BJP Holla Mohalla political conference unanimously supported the call given by the Deputy Chief Minister by the war cry of Bole So Nihal, Sat Sari Akal and raising their both their arms as he listed out the injustices perpetuated by the Congress Party on Punjab right from the day one of independence of country. He said that Congress led UPA government in centre which first time in history instead of paying more than minimum support price of Rs. 1000 per quintal for paddy suggested by Central Agricultural Price Commission fixed only Rs 850, robbing the hard earned money of farmers. He said that Cotton Corporation of India under centre government deliberately harassed cotton grower during purchase season to induce distress selling of cotton so as to help cotton mill lobby to purchase cotton at lower rate. Attacking Congress for not decreasing oil prices in proportion to international crude oil prices, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that entire exercise was being enacted to fill the pockets of multi-national oil companies.
Mr. Badal promised that NDA after assuming power will reduce diesel prices by Rs. 10 and would link MSP with price index. He appealed voters to strengthen the party in coming Lok Sabha elections so that party could have good hold at centre as major economic decisions were in the hands of centre.

Comparing Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal against former CM Amrinder Singh SAD president said that on one side Mr. Badal was busy in solving problems of common masses through Sangat Darshan on other side Raja was not only cut -off from people of the state but also from his own party MLAs. He said that Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal was the first CM to launch schemes like Ata-Dal, Shagun Scheme, Pension Schemes etc to help poor people of the state. He said that committed for the overall development, Chief Minister Badal approved setting up of 4 new Thermal plants in state, Rs. 3200 Crore project for revamping Canal irrigation system, 20 KM new roads in every assembly area etc. whereas former congress CM has nothing in its bucket to be proud of. He said that coming Lok Sabha elections is a war of every individual of the state against Congress party which looted the nation for past 60 years.He also apealed for record victory of Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema.
Later talking to media Mr. Badal confirmed that as he is also Home Minister of the state he will ensure law and order and protection of democratic rights of the people of the state.

Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included Jathedar Avtar Singh, President SGPC, Mr.Avinash Rai Khanna, MP from Hoshiarpur, Capt. Kanwaljit Singh, Finance Minister, Sant Ajit Singh, MLA Anadpur Sahib, Gurdev Singh Badal, Vice President and Tara Singh Ladal, ex-Minister & Distt President SAD Ropar, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, SAD-BJP nominee from Anandpur Sahib seat, Gurinder Singh Gogi, Member SGPC and other senior leaders and party workers were also present on the occasion.


SUKHBIR BADAL SHARES HIS VISION OF ECONOMIC GROWTH WITH CII- PROMISES WORLD CLASS INFRASRUCTURE, RADICAL REFORMS & GOOD GOVERNANCE TO INDUSTRY

CII presents 10 point Agenda for Economic Growth of Punjab

Punjab State Annual Session of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) today began with Mr Sukhbir Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab reiterating the resolve of the State Government to accelerate the industrial growth in Punjab by strengthening infrastructure, simplifying procedures through radical reforms, besides the State Government acting as facilitator in development process.

Urging CII to anchor and facilitate investment for the State and join hands with Government in PPP mode to put the state on a growth trajectory, Mr Badal stated that the State Government is all geared up to address a gamut of issues which affect industrial investments in the State by capitalizing on the State's strengths and ensuring rapid growth of its thrust sectors, overcoming its weaknesses, putting in place policies and mechanisms to provide fast approvals and requisite infrastructure to new projects, providing the necessary incentives to attract entrepreneurs and making Punjab a preferred investment destination.

Giving a very insightful presentation to the distinguished industry captains of the State, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed his involvement with every mega project, be it the Expressways or International Airports or upcoming four Mega Thermal plants at Giddarbha, Talwandi Sabo, Rajpura or Goindwal Sahib or upcoming institutes of higher studies in Punjab, explaining even minutest details of each project.
Detailing on each projects, Mr Badal explained to the industry titans how these projects with a capital cost of multi-thousand crores have been planned, to be completed within next three years. He explained them that how the intricate issue of land acquisition, becoming hindrance in initiation of any development project the country was solved. The farmer-friendly acquisition policy with 30% displacement allowance, in addition to market rate has made the farmers partners in industrial growth, Mr. Badal informed.

While interacting with the young and enthusiastic CII members on one to one basis, he shared their aspirations besides assuring them that State Government was ready to be equal partner with then in their dream of Industrial growth. Fully understanding the fact that cumbersome government procedures, red tape and fast changing government policies were the stumbling block in the industrial growth, Mr. Badal said that new industrial policy would be only announced after getting a feedback from industry on it. He said that new Punjab Governance Reforms Commission was all set to make governance a facilitator and catalyst of growth rather than the hiderance in the growth process.
On this occasion Mr. Badal also released Punjab Vision 2022, a report developed by CII listing the aspirations of the people of Punjab.

Voicing the persistent concern of the industry in global meltdown, Mr Salil Singal , Chairman , CII , Northern Region, mooted the participatory and hand holding approach with the Government in revitialising the Agri Business and bridging the skill deficit . Mr Singal highlighted the need to design and develop a shared, agreed vision for developing human skills to foster envisaged growth in industrial sector and attain higher level of prosperity towards development of the state. MR Singhal , illustrating the effectiveness of CII ‘s cluster invention for MSME s , shared the outstanding work on clusters in Punjab which translated into a saving of Rs 9.5 crores in one year .

Earlier welcoming the Chief guest Mr. Harpal Singh, Deputy Chairman, CII Northern Region said that with the global meltdown, the pivot of power is fastly shifting eastward and with India especially northern India to be major beneficiary. He said that with the consumption pattern also shifting eastward, Punjab must revitalize its Industries especially agro based industry to make most of new opportunity. Focusing on value addition of agriculture sector and non- renewable and nuclear energy, Mr. Harpal Singh said that Punjab must improve its brand name to attract investment in the state. He also advised industry to rise above subsidy culture and become state’s partner in growth.

To take Punjab on the next level of development and reforms, CII proposed 10 point development agenda Agend with Governemnt to chalk out ways & means for development of State :

# Need to Promote Brand Punjab to attract investment

# Kick Start the industrial Revolution for Punjab

# Harnessing Punjab Potential in Agro & Processing Sector

# Adopting sustainable agricultural processes among the farmers

# Opportunies in Tourism Sector to develop in state with religious, healthcare and rural tourism

# Revival of Sustainable Sick Industrial units

# Need of major initiatives for development of education and health in the state

# Reforms in power sector to make Punjab a Power surplus in another 2-3 years

# Development of Urban & Industrial infrastructure in the state to increase connectivity

# Implementation of SEZ Policy and making land available for Industry to grow

#Pragmatic steps needed to address Taxation issues

# clearing impediments for doing business in Punjab


Giving a pan view to make Punjab a Model State in every aspect, Mr JR Singal , Chairman , CII , Punjab State Council and Mananging Director , Eastman cast & Forge Ltd highlighted the various path breaking initiatives taken in last couple of years which included recommendations on policy issues such as IT & ITES Policy, Agro & Food Processing Policy and Tourism policy, Upgradation of ITI’s by Industry and starting of new vocational courses in polytechnics in the state , mapping of Skill Gaps , skilling of youth belonging to under privileged section of society , and social issues such as conserving river systems, sensitizing society on female foeticide and HIV / AIDS .