12-MEMBER BASMATI DEVELOPMENT BOARD CONSTITUTED

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 07:
The Punjab Government today constituted a 12-member Basmati Development Board to ensure better development of Basmati crop and to facilitate its marketing in state.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s office said that the Board would consist of Financial Commissioner Development, Secretary Food & Supplies, Secretary Mandi Board, Managing Director Markfed, Director Agriculture, Director Research PAU besides three members each amongst the progressive farmers having experience in growing basmati and from distinguished basmati processors and exporters including the President of Punjab Rice Millers Export Association.

The major activities of the board would; to examine and review the status of cultivation of basmati crop in the state and to suggest measures for its development, to coordinate the activities of research and development for improving the productivity and production of basmati and upgradation of its quality through propagation of appropriate crop production technologies, to evaluate the existing storage and milling practices and suggest measures for improving the milling processes and upgradation of industry as to minimize the milling losses, to establish a positive brand image for Punjab basmati, inter alia through promotion campaigns and participation in prominent trade fairs, exhibitions and food expos for development of a niche market in domestic and international markets and to organize exchange visits for this purpose. To act as a professional platform between basmati growers, industry and the state government for interaction regarding development of basmati crop and resolution of issues if any and to arrange studies & research to help plan, evaluate and suggest medium & long term strategies for development of basmati crop in view of fast occurring changes in national and international markets, resulting from agreement on agriculture under WTO.

The board would be at liberty to invite eminent agricultural scientists with background of basmati development or its milling and outstanding entrepreneurs associated with basmati processing as special invitees to its meeting held from time to time.
The secretarial assistance for the board would be provided by the Punjab Mandi Board. An amount of Rs.5 crore would be provided to board from the Rural Development Fund for undertaking various activities. The board has been asked to devise its own procedures to regulate its functioning.

PUNJAB CABINET OKAYS NEW INDUSTRIAL POLICY-2009
APPROVES CHESS TO BE INCLUDED IN SPORTS GRADATION POLICY

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 06:
The Council of Ministers today gave nod to the new Industrial Policy-2009 (included IT and agro industries) with an objective to push the state’s economy and ensure level playing field to all investors and entrepreneurs being the stake holders in the economic process of development and growth in Punjab.

A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at Punjab Bhawan this morning.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that the new industrial policy was an outcome of the strenuous efforts of SAD-BJP government after seeking vital inputs from United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) based on its experience and expertise that has the exposure to global scenario in the process of industrial policy formulation and a series of deliberations with the representatives of FICCI, CII, PHDCCI and other industrial associations.

It may be recalled that the state government had formulated industrial policies in 1978, 1982, 1989, 1992, 1996 and last industrial policy of Punjab was notified in March, 2003.

The thrust of the new industrial policy-2009 would be to play the role of facilitator and hand holding being investor friendly, lessen the government control while outsourcing regulatory measures, bring administrative reforms under the aegis of Punjab Social Development & Governance Reforms Commission, attract investment in the private sector and under the PPP mode, create Dedicated Fund for the development clusters, Common Facilities Centers and providing infrastructure support under the initiatives of Centre and state government. Besides, it would also focus on promoting competitiveness and cutting costs for the industry, stimulating economic growth and industry & service sector being the main engines of growth. Apart from this the new policy would aim at promoting IT & IT enabled services, value addition to the resources of the state while promoting agro based and food processing industry, emphasis on fresh employment generation and skill upgradation, revival of sick industry by way of One Time Settlement Scheme and to provide mechanism for debt restructuring and to address and take care of environmental issues.

The Council of Ministers also gave green signal to bring the game of Chess within the ambit of Sports Gradation Policy to enable the state government to issue Sports Gradation Certificates to those sportspersons who had participated and represented Punjab State in Olympic Games, World Cup, Asian Games, Common Wealth Games, Afro Asian Games and Asian Championship in 33 disciplines already notified under Sports Gradation Policy. Besides first three positions holders of International /National /Inter University/ State and district level competitions were also given Sports Gradation Certificates, provided competitions were recognized by International/ National Sports Federations/ Indian Olympic Association/ Association of Indian University/ Sports Authority of India/ School Federation of India/ State Sports Association/ Punjab Olympics Association and Punjab Sports Department.

It may be recalled that the game of Chess has not so far been included in the Sports Gradation Policy of the State though the game has gained tremendous popularity in the state and country in recent years. Even the Punjab Olympic Association has already granted recognition to the Chess. The state government’s recognition to the game of Chess is likely to open several new opportunities for the Chess players in the state and would also lead to marked improvement in standards of the game.

The Council of Ministers also approved to extend benefits to the dependents of martyrs/disabled soldiers after January 1, 1999 and remove the condition of the Defence Services Personnel having been disabled or killed in “Notified Operations” with retrospective effect i.e. 1.1.1999 and consequently, the appointment of honour and gratitude and other financial benefits admissible under rules and instructions of Punjab War Heroes Family Relief Fund would be given in all cases of “Battle Casualty” as declared by the Army Authorities, irrespective of any operation or any “Specified Area of Operation”.
It may be recalled the benefits given to the families of War Heroes on account of their death or disability included ex-gratia grant of Rs.2 lac and a plot at the reserve price of Rs.5 lac in lieu of plot and a job in case of death or disability from 75% to 100%, Rs.2 lac ex-gratia grant and a job in case of disability from 50% to 75% and ex-gratia grant of Rs.50,000 for disability from 25% to 50%.

The Council of Ministers also approved to amend the Punjab Recruitment of Ex-servicemen Rules, 1982 in order to give benefit of annual increments and pension, to those ex-servicemen who joined Military Service during the Second Emergency between December 3, 1971 to March 25, 1977, for a period during which they rendered the Military Service and subsequently joined the Punjab Government Civil Services on regular basis.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO BEAR EXPENDITURE ON TREATMENT
OF NOTED LYRICIST & FILM SCRIPT WRITER HASSANPURI

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 06:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced that the State Government would bear the entire expenditure on treatment of noted poet, singer, lyricist and film script writer Mr. Inderjit Singh Hassanpuri, who had been admitted in Dayanand hospital at Ludhiana for treatment. Mr. Hassanpuri rendered outstanding contribution towards the promotion of Punjabi language and literature through out his life.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s office said that Mr. Badal had assured that the Punjab government would ensure proper medical treatment and care to the ailing Hassanpuri.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government was committed for the welfare of the literary personalities who had relentlessly served the cause of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat. He said it was a humble gesture on the part of government to extend free medical aid to Mr. Hassanpuri, the celebrated littérateur.

It may be recalled that several prominent literary organizations had approached Education and languages Minister Dr. Upinderjit Kaur to provide free of cost treatment to the ailing writer. She had also deputed Director Languages Department to enquire well-being of Mr. Hassanpuri and extend all possible help to him in this hour of crisis.

411400 TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, October 6: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 411400 tonnes of Paddy till last evening Out of total procurement of 411400 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 381896 tonnes of paddy (92.8%) till date whereas private traders procured 29504 tonnes (7.2%) of paddy. Till October 5, PUNGRAIN had procured 117710 tonnes (30.8%) whereas MARKFED procured 77626 tonnes (20.3%). PUNSUP procured 76054 tonnes (19.9%) , PSWC procured 46341 tonnes (12.1%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 31474 tonnes (8.2 %) of paddy.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 32691 tonnes (8.6%).
The spokesman added that District Muktsar with 94358 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Tarn Taran a 69812 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Faridkot with 56940 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.

The State Government has set up 1600 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT RECASTS BET AREAS ADVISORY COUNCIL

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 5:

In the partial modification of its notification, the Punjab government has reconstituted the Punjab State Bet Areas Advisory Council with the following members of Legislative Assembly and Parliament as official and non official members.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal would be the official members of the Bet Areas Advisory Council.

Amongst Members of Parliament Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa (Gurdaspur), Mr. Mohinder Singh Kaypee (Jalandhar), Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya (Ferozepur), Mr. Ravneet Singh (Rupnagar), Mrs.Santosh Chowdhary (Hoshairpur) and Mr. Mansih Tewari (Ludhiana) besides the Members of Legislative Assembly including Mrs. Rajwinder Kaur Bhullar (Nurmahal), Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan (Kahnuwan) and Mr.Jasjit Singh Bunny (Banur) would be the non-official members of the Council. Other terms and conditions of the Council would remain unchanged, added the Spokesman.

PUNJAB TO IMPLEMENT AMENDED COOPERATIVE SOCIETY ACT FOR DECENTRALIZATION

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 5:

The Punjab Government would soon implement the amended Cooperative Society Act, to ensure decentralization of the powers to facilitate the milk unions/ societies in the state to function far more efficiently.

An assurance to this effect was given by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting held here late last evening under his chairmanship to address the various issues related to Milkfed, Punjab in general and Milk Plant Mohali in particular.

Responding to the demands put forth by the management of the Milkfed, the Chief Minister also gave go ahead to recruit various categories of employees against 253 vacant posts in different Milk Plants in the state. He directed the MD Milkfed to immediately initiate the process of recruitment by filling about 50% vacancies of Technical staff and Veterinary doctors in Milkfed Mohali in first phase after completing various formalities with in next one-and-a-half month.

Mr. Badal asked all the Co-operative Societies to setup Agro centers for which the state government would extend all its support and cooperation. He asked the Board of Directors of all the Milk plants to equip themselves with veterinary mobile vans for providing veterinary services to the dairy farmers at their doorsteps. He further added that it was the high time when the agriculture societies should be converted in to Multi purpose societies, to make then financially more viable on one hand and people friendly on the other.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Advocate General Mr. HS Mattewal, Chairman Milkfed Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babehali, Principal Secretary Cooperation Dr. BC Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Registrar Cooperative Societies Mr. G Vajralingam, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, MD Milkfed VK Singh and Chairman Milk Plant Mohali Mr. Parminder Singh Chlaki.

Chandigarh, October 5:
The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Kharif Season through Canal water from 7-10-2009 to 14-10-2009. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on priority basis from Patiala feeder, Abohar Branch, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch and Bist Doab Canal respectively.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the Irrigation department said that Ghaggar link and its off taking channels i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B' being in the first preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available would be utilized in direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' respectively.

The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and distributaries in Group "B" being in the First preference would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available would be utilized in direct distributaries of Group 'A'.

The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Main Branch Lower with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies available would be utilized in Lahore Branch, Sabraon Branch, Kasur Branch Lower, with their distributaries respectively.

INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPTT.PUNJAB POLICE ISSUES LICENSES 61 PRIVATE SECURITY AGENCIES INSTITUTIONS ADVISED TO ENGAGE ONLY LICENSED AGENCIES

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 5: The Punjab Police today issued licenses to 61 private security agencies that fulfilled the broad parameters of stipulated Act.

According to an official spokesman Punjab Government based on the Government of India Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act 2005 framed rules knows as Punjab Security Agencies Rules 2007 under which every private security agency was asked obtain licenses from the Government to operate. He said that under that Punjab Government had appointed ADGP/Administration as Controlling Authority for the purpose of implementation of the Act.
He said that Punjab Government had received 80 applications by the security agencies for grant of license and 61 eligible applicants have been issued licenses. The spokesman informed that before issuing the license to the eligible applicants the submission of affidavits from Partners and Directors of the concerned agency, EPF number, ESI Number, Service Tax Number, latest Income Tax detail, residence proof , License from Labour department and PAN/TAN number had been ensured, besides this, their verification has been done through concerned district police chiefs.
The spokesman further added that the list of licensed agencies included: M/s Terrier Utility Services Pvt. Ltd. , Ludhiana, M/s LYNX Security Services Pvt. Ltd., Chandigarh , M/s Prehari Protection Systems Pvt. Ltd., Kapurthala; M/s Gem Security Services, Mohali, M/s SDS Security Pvt. Ltd., Jalandhar, M/s Guardian Security and Placement Services, Chandigarh, M/s Hawks International Security Services Pvt. Ltd., Mohali, M/s Eagle Eye Security & Allied Services, Ludhiana, M/s Fireball Securitas and Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Mohali, M/s Jai Jawan Security Services, Jalandhar, M/s Virasat Security Services, Patiala, M/s Max International Security Services, Ludhiana, M/s Nova Security Services Pvt. Ltd. Chandigarh, M/s old Navy Security Services, Amritsar, M/s Navy Securities, Amritsar, M/s J.J. Securities Services, Amritsar, M/s Krishna Security Service (Regd.) Ludhiana, M/s Valiant Security Guards Pvt. Ltd., Jalandhar, M/s Group 7 Guarding Pvt. Ltd., Ludhiana; M/s M.S.S. Security Services, Mohali, M/s Premier Shield Pvt. Ltd., Chandigarh; M/s Loyal Guards Security Services Abohar, M/s Capital Security Services Chandigarh, M/s JoJo Industrial Security, Amritsar, JoJo Security Services Pvt. Ltd. Amritsar, M/s Datar Security Services Group, Patiala, M/s Indian Security Services, Ludhiana, M/s Sanchi Security Corporation Pvt. Ltd., Chandigarh, M/s Ranker Security Services, Bathinda, M/s Checkmate Industrial Guards Pvt. Ltd., Mohali, M/s Pyrex Integrated Security Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Mohali, M/s Hawks Security Services, Jalandhar, M/s Knight Detective and Security Services Pvt. Ltd., Mohali, M/s Black Cat Securities, Mohali, M/s Z Security Services, Ludhiana, M/s Warrior Security Services , Mohali, M/s Eagle's Eye Security & Allied Services (Regd), Patiala, M/s Hawks Eye Security Services Pvt. Ltd. Chandigarh, M/s Golden Security Services, Amritsar, M/s Uniforce India Security & Allied Services, Patiala, M/s Interface Enterprises Pvt. Limited, Mohali, M/s Vigil Securities, Mohali, M/s Seven Seas Security Services Patiala, M/s City Services, Mohali, M/s Magic Eye Securities and Allied Services, Chandigarh, M/s EIDOS Security Services Pvt. Limited, Mohali, M/s ASIADS Security Agency, Mohali, M/s Reliable Guards & Allied Services Pvt. Limited, Mohali, M/s Keshav Security Services Pvt. Limited, Mohali, M/s Safeguard Security Corporation Chandigarh, M/s Selage Hammer Security Services , Mohali, M/s Associates Group Security Services Pvt. Limited , Chandigarh, M/s Black Cats Protection Private Limited, Chandigarh, M/s Jai Bharat Security Services Ludhiana, M/s Duvedi Security Agency, Ropar, M/s Pooja Security Agency Ropar, M/s Tusri Security Agency Mohali, M/s Surjit Security Services, Patiala, M/s Orian Safety and Security Services, Chandigarh , M/s SRT Innovision Services Pvt. Limited, Mohali and M/s Ex-Servicemen Security Services, Patiala.
Meanwhile, all the institutions in the state have been advised against hiring the services of non licensed security agencies.

PR JOINT DIRECTOR SAT NARAIN BEREAVED OFFICES ASSOCIATION CONDOLES SAD DEMISE OF NARAIN’S BROTHER

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 5: The Punjab Information Public Relations Officers Association today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad and untimely demise of Mr. Barjinder Singh, the younger brother of Mr.Sat Narain, Joint Director Public Relations at Punjab Bhawan New Delhi.

Mr. Barjinder Singh, 46 was serving as government primary school teacher and passed away at Patiala after a brief illness on Sunday last. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. The association observed two-minute silence in the memory of the deceased and prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to the family to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Mr. Harcharan Bains, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister & Information & Public Relations Mr. DS Guru and Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister & Director Information & Public Relations Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar also mourned the death of Mr. Narain’s brother.

According to the family sources the Bhog and antim ardas would be held at gurdwara Gangsar Sahib at Jaiton on Sunday

CHINNA TAKES OVER AS CHAIRMAN PSIEC

Chandigarh October 5: Mr. Rajinder Mohan Singh Chinna , senior BJP leader and former Secretary Punjab unit of BJP today assumed charge as the Chairman, Punjab State Industrial Export Corporation here today. After taking over the charge, Mr. Chinna said that setting up small scale industrial units in the state and providing adequate opportunities to the youth to become economically independent would be one of his top most priorities. He said he would ensure the effective implementation of the programmes and policies of the government in accordance with the New Industrial Policy to be announced in the state. Punjab would be developed as a major Export Centre of India. Agro based industrial units would be given preference in the state, he said.

Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Industries Minister Punjab while congratulating Mr. Chinna said that the state government would revamp the infrastructure of all the focal points set up in the year 1997. An amount of 41 crores would be spent on setting up of new focal points and maintaining the existing ones. New Industrial Policy benefiting Punjab in general and Industrialists in particular was on anvil, said Mr. Kalia.

Mr. Rajinder Bhandari, President Punjab BJP, Mr. Balram Ji Das Tondon, Senior BJP leader, Mr. Bir Devinder Singh Former Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha and hundreds of supporters from Amritsar and leaders from various political parties graced the occasion.