------------------------------------

SUKHBIR FOR BRINGING ATTITUDINAL CHANGE IN THE WORKING OF POLICE

• SEEKS WITHDRAWAL OF ALL UNAUTHORIZED GUNMEN BY WEDNESDAY

Chandigarh, May 14: The  Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today listed out his priorities for next five years for  make Punjab Police most professional police force of the country.
Interacting with the SSPs of the districts, Range DIGs, Zonal IGs and Police Commissioners at Police Headquarter here today, Mr. Badal said that he had devoted last three years in fulfilling the aspirations and demands of Police personnel, giving them more what they demanded, just to raise their morale but he has not got from Punjab police force what he desired.
Seeking to change common perception of corruption at Thana level, high headedness of Police force dealing with masses, perception of poor interface of police with common public, Mr. Badal said that Punjab police must instill a sense of security amongst the masses and a scare of law amongst the criminals. Asking for effective traffic control in the Corporation towns Mr. Badal said that he was committed to take war against Drugs to its logical conclusion to save our next generation.
Giving a strong warning to all SSPs Mr. Badal said that it was the duty of the SSP to maintain command and control and to keep all DSPs/SHOs well disciplined. He said that he would not tolerate collusion of any police personnel in illegal possession of property especially of NRIs besides lodging of any false case against any innocent. He said that he has asked DGP to shift out all SHOs/DSPs who were posted in district since last five years and no SSP would be allowed to take his baggage of favorite SHOs/DSPs along with him on his transfer.
Taking strong exception to unauthorized gunmen given to protectees beyond the sanctioned strength of security wing, Mr. Badal asked DGP to ensure that all unauthorized gunmen join back their unit and unit commander would certify that he has not given any unauthorized gunmen to anyone by tomorrow positively.
Reacting strongly to the rising cases of snatching and theft of public property, Mr. Badal said that these cases reflect poorly on the image of police as the affect common persons directly. He also asked DGP to chalk out a plan to check theft of transformers for which he asked DGP to set up a mobile wing on the pattern of 108 ambulance that would reach the spot within 20 minutes.
Asking ADGP traffic to launch a concerted drive against the drunken driving, over speeding, wrong parking, Mr. Badal said that spot challans along with photographic evidence should be sent to the residence of motor vehicle owners within one week. He asked the SSP to hire cranes to toe away vehicles parked wrongly. He said that rules should be amended to heavily fine repeat offenders and fine should multiply after every repeated offence.
Calling for a decisive war against drugs Mr. Badal said that we should not satisfy ourselves with the increase in seizures and go for source of drugs to nip the evil in the bud. He said that it was my personal commitment to people of Punjab to finish this menace of drugs. He also asked SSPs to intensify their efforts against the piracy.
Seeking a specialized investigation wing Mr. Badal said that DGP should put up a proposal to set up a specialized investigation cell especially for heinous crimes.
Thanking the Deputy Chief Minister, DGP Punjab Mr. Sumedh Singh Saini said that he has given the mantra of honesty and fairness to the 72000 strong Punjab police force and he would ensure that by next meeting Deputy Chief Minister witnessed a perceptible change in the working of Police.

-----
HARSIMRAT STRONGLY RAISES THE ISSUE OF BAD PORTRAYAL OF POLITICIANS IN TEXTBOOKS AND MEDIA

• RAISES THE ISSUE IN LOK SABHA DURING ZERO HOUR
• DEMANDS FIXATION OF RESPONSIBILITY AND STRICT ACTION FOR CARTOON CONTROVERSY

Chandigarh/New Delhi, May 14:

Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament from Bathinda today forcefully raised the issue of bad portrayal of politicians in textbooks of NCERT besides constant bashing of politicians in media especially on news channels just to enhance the TRP during zero hour in Parliament.
Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that recent cartoon controversy was not an isolated incident; the politicians were constantly branded as looters, criminals and murderers by media and electronic channels just to enhance their TRP. She said that the movies like Rajniti and Ishaqjaade were the prominent examples. She said that as per public perception there was a wave of revulsion in the country against politicians and anyone who describes them ‘looters, murderers and criminals’, the public seems to love it.
The Member Parliament pointed out that, yesterday, the Hon’ble Speaker said that we were celebrating the 60 years of our democracy, the little plant of parliamentary democracy had now become a big tree but we seriously need to look at what we were doing to the very roots of this parliamentary democracy. Showing her deep concern, she said that what would happen to those ideals set forth by our seniors by giving up all their comforts just to serve the under privileged besides taking up the movements and fights for the common man. Making a scathing attack on UPA government, Mrs. Badal said that this government had made a laughing stock of their own leaders and of revered leaders of other parties. Taking up the issue of a recent cartoon controversy, she lamented that how the UPA government have poisoned the minds of crores of children over the last six to seven years, which can’t be ever set right.
The Member Parliament said that we can’t control what the television shows or newspapers write or the movies show or magazines write. But if impressionable minds of 30 years old were being shown cartoons like ‘the politician treating the voter like a hungry dog, showing him Rotis and then gun-toting politicians’ then who was responsible for that and how we can correct it?
Mrs. Badal said that during the Anna Hazare’s dharna, she noticed that hundreds of school children were actively participating in the movement against corruption and speaking openly against politicians and the political system.  It had not only saddened and disappointed her but also left her wondering as to the reason why they did it. She said that as a 12-year child, she remembers reading about great leaders who were actually role models for us, starting from Pandit ji to Mahatma ji to Maulana Azad. It shocked her that today youngsters were not looking up to politicians but were actually holding them in very poor light.
Sharing her personal experience she said that she recently got a chance to interact with young school children aging between 13 years and 15 years from Class IX to class XII and asked them the reason for this sense of disgust. She started by asking them as to how they would like to participate in nation building and how many of them would like to serve the country as politicians but none of the 100 students present wanted to be a politician and asked “Why would any of us want to be a part of you looters, criminals, murderers and thieves”?
          She said that we were talking about the Right to Education, but if we do not look at the quality of education we were imparting, we were not only harming the country, but also we were weakening this very democracy.
          She urged the august House that the responsibility should be fixed for cartoon fiasco and demanded a time bound strict action.

------
PCI APPROVES PUNJAB ANNUAL PLAN FOR 2012-13 OF RS.14000 CRORE
PCI GIVES IN PRINCIPLE APPROVAL FOR CREATION OF INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN BORDER DISTRICTS AND A CANCER RESEARCH CENTRE FOR MALWA REGION
BADAL FOR DRASTIC RECASTING OF PLANNING PROCESS
MONTEK APPRECIATES SUPERB PERFORMANCE & GROWTH INDICATORS OF ANNUAL PLAN 2011-12 IN HEALTH & EDUCATION
NEW DELHI MAY 14:

The Annual Plan of Punjab for 2012-13 was pegged at Rs. 14000 crore with an increase of 22% over the previous year in a meeting between the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission of India Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at Yojana Bhawan. 

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that the approved plan outlay included one time Additional Central Assistance of Rs.480 crore, comprising Rs.144 crore as 30% GoI grant and Rs.356 crore as 70% state share for the implementation of priority projects especially in the water sector.   It may be recalled the Planning Commission of India (PCI) earlier decided to fix the size of annual plan 2012-13 at Rs.12800 crore at officers’ level meeting held in April this year, which was subsequently hiked to Rs.14000 crore on the pursuance of the Chief Minister.  
On the personal request of the Chief Minister, the PCI gave in principle approval to creation of industrial infrastructure in the border district and training youth in specialized skill, a cancer research centre for Malwa region, greater access to central funds in irrigation and rural development, an expert committee set up by the PCI to look in to crop diversification, support for rehabilitation of 14500 KM long canal network and some relaxation to access funds under RKVY and AIBP.

Taking part in the deliberations, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal called for a drastic recasting of the planning process in the country and said that the unitary form of governance besides the centralized and top down approach to planning had brought the country to the brink of an explosive situation in which one third of the country was afflicted by conditions of insurgency, Naxalism and other forms of violence.
Pleading for decentralization of planning process at the level of the states, Mr. Badal said that the states should be given free hand so that the specific issues related to them could be effectively addressed in accordance with the felt needs of the people.  He bemoaned even after 65 years of independence and planning our country was still one of the poorest in the world.  He asked “Where has our planning in all these years brought us”?  Mr. Badal however said: “If we look the result of all our planning in the past, we get a very dismal picture”.
Mr. Badal said that something seriously went wrong with our planning and approach.  He pointed out that there was shocking poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and inequality. More than 60% of the people live on just Rs. 25 per day, according to GoI survey. They have no access to basic amenities of life house, clean drinking water, sewerage, electricity or other basic amenities.  Large families have to share single unhygienic room.  A majority of our population is living in sub-human conditions in slums, with no access to basic facilities of life.  Consequently, an alarming migration has taken place from rural areas to the cities due to these factors.   
The Chief Minister pointed out that only a truly federal system of   governance and a decentralized approach to the planning process could help us to address the issues in an effective and result-oriented manner.  Too much concentration of power at the Center which was neither had a feel of ground realities nor was directly accountable to the people has led to the present mess. Different areas and states have different needs but we try to impose uniform policies and decisions on the entire country.   Mr. Badal referred to the growing specter of alarmingly growing poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, injustice and social and economic inequalities in the country and said that it was the need of the hour to review our entire system and planning process to ensure overall development of the states and welfare of its people.
Highlighting the major contribution of Punjab in the freedom struggle of the country besides making our nation self-reliant in food production, Mr. Badal said for which the state was aptly known as the ‘sword arm’ and the ‘granary of the country’ and therefore, deserved much justice which had been eluded so far.
   Dwelling on the plight of financially stressed state, Mr. Badal said that Punjab should not be held responsible alone for any wrong doings or inefficiency rather it had fought the nation’s decade long war against militancy and consequently incurred burden of Rs.11000 crore on the central security forces.  Apart from this, industrial concessions to the neighbouring states and heavy interest burden on account of debt servicing further pushed Punjab into debt trap of Rs.77585 crore.  Besides Rs.7120 crore was required merely to service this debt annually.  All these factors responsible for poor financial health of the state were duly acknowledged by the 13th Finance Commission thereby categorizing it as one of the debt stressed states along with Kerala and West Bengal.  He also demanded immediate debt waiver of small saving loan of Rs.23264 crore or moratorium on the repayment of loan for a period of five years.   Mr. Badal also demanded immediate settlement of Rs.7461 crore on account of outstanding dues to FCI.   The Chief Minister also criticized the Centre for deliberately devising stringent parameters and norms to exclude the progressive state like Punjab from the ambit of centrally sponsored schemes.  He cited an example of Gadgil-Mukherjee and other such formulas which worked against the interests of the developed states.
Highlighting the major issues responsible for dwindling margins of profit in agriculture, Mr. Badal also urged the PCI to recommend the state’s long pending case to waive the huge debt on state farmers of Rs.35000 crore as a one time measure regardless of the size of their land holdings.   He also asked the commission to accept the recommendations of noted farm economist, Dr.MS Swaminathan to link the Minimum Support Price to the consumer price index for accounting the cost of production plus 50% as profit.  He also demanded the coverage of all the districts for Wheat & Paddy under National Food Security Mission, as only 10 districts for Wheat and none for Paddy has been covered under this program so far.   In a bid to encourage the farmers for diversification from Wheat & Paddy cropping pattern, Mr. Badal impressed upon the GoI to immediately evolve an effective mechanism in the terms of MSP for the purchase of other commercial crops like maize, pulses and oilseeds.   
Outlining the significant achievements made by the SAD-BJP government during the last five years in the field of power, infrastructure, education, health and social security, Mr. Badal said that Punjab would soon emerge as a front runner state as constant efforts were being made to put the state in the orbit of high growth trajectory.  He said that the state would soon become power surplus within next 1-2 years.  
Summing up the discussions, Deputy Chairman PCI Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia assured the Chief Minister that he would soon send a team of members of the Commission to visit Punjab for seeking their valuable inputs to control the menace of water logging in the Malwa belt besides checking the depleting underground water table and ensuring the quality of potable drinking water.  Dr. Ahluwalia also stressed the need to make optimum utilization of canal water for irrigation purposes in order to check the trend of excessive withdrawal of ground water.  He highly appreciated the efforts of the state government in achieving the growth target in general and performance targets of annual plan 2011-12 in the core sector of health and education in particular.   He also commended the superb Plan performance for the entire 11th Plan Period achieved by the state to the extent of 80%.
Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Union Minister of State for Planning and Science & Technology Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Local Govt. Minister Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat,  Finance & Planning Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Vice Chairman State Planning Board Mr. Rajinder Gupta, Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Finance & Planning Mr. Satish Chandra, Secretary Expenditure Mr. Jaspal Singh, Special Secretary Finance Mr. B Purshartha, Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema and other senior officers of the state government. 
Dr. Narendra Jadhav, Mr. BK Chaturvedi, Mr. Gajendra Haldia, Prof. Abhijit Sen, Dr.(Miss) Syeda Hameed, Mr. Arun Maira, Dr. Maher Shah (all Members PCI) besides Secretary Planning Commission Smt. Sindhushree Khullar, Joint Secretary State Plan/Advisor (FR) Mr. JK Pandey and CEO (Nation Rainfed Authority) JS Samra also attended the meeting. 
…

SATINDERPAL SINGH AND PARVEEN KUMAR APPOINTED AS STATE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER
Chandigarh, May 14:
The Punjab Government today appointed Mr. Satinderpal Singh IAS (Retd.) and Mr. Parveen Kumar IAS (Retd.) as State Information Commissioner of the Punjab state Information Commission.
            According to an official spokesman of the state government the terms and conditions of the appointments as State Information Commissioner shall be determined and notified in due course.
---------------------

CM EFFORTS BRING 14,000 CRORE ANNUAL PLAN: PARMINDER SINGH DHINSDA

CHANDIGARH, MAY 14:
Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance and planning Minister, Punjab today said that it was due to the untiring efforts of the Chief Minister, Punjab Mr. Parkash Singh Badal that Planning Commission of India today approved annual plan of Rs.14,000 crore for Punjab for the 2012-13.
In a communiqué to the media, Finance Minister said that Punjab was hugely indebted bearing the long stretch of militancy. He said that Punjab has to pay @ 11,000 crore per year as installment of the principal amount of the debt. Mr. Dhindsa said that daring all the troublesome situations, Punjab has managed to start mega projects worth thousands of crores in the previous regime of SAD-BJP government.
Finance Minister said that in order to keep the development projects going and to initiate new development projects, Punjab need huge amount. He said that seeking financial aid from Centre is out justifiable right and should not be considered as weakness. He said that the Centre got big chunk, nearly 80 per cent, of the total tax collected in the state, while Punjab got a meager share of 20 per cent.
------

     JET TEST TO BE HELD ON 19 MAY, 2012
ADMIT CARDS/ ROLL NUMBERS FOR JET TEST DISPATCHED

MORE THAN 1,08,000 CANDIDATES TO APPEAR IN JET, 434 EXAMINATION CENTRES.
  Chandigarh, 14 May- Punjab State Board of Technical Education will be conducting JET 2012 on 19 May, 2012 (Saturday) from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. in 434 examination centers.
Disclosing this Punjab Government spokesperson said that a meeting to review the arrangement of JET 2012 was held under the Chairmanship of the Secretary of the Board wherein all the District Education Officer, Principals of all affiliated polytechnics and incharges of all the Examination centers participated.
Spokesperson said that All the JET Admit Cards/ Roll number of more than 1, 08, 000 candidates have been dispatched by the Board. Those candidates who have not received the Roll Number by post can download Admit Card/ Roll numbers from the Boards website: www.punjabteched.net/,  www.punjabteched.com. 
The result of JET 2012 will be declared in the first week of June 2012.  More than 60,000 seats are available in 29 diploma course in 130 affiliated polytechnic colleges.
Spokesperson said that 2500 seats are reserved under fee waiver scheme ( Rs 22,000 exempted from Rs.27,625 Annual Fee)  for economical weaker section whose family income is less than 4.5 lakhs.  All the SC students whose family income is less than 2 .5 lakhs have to pay Rs. 1100/- only for three yeas as tuition fee.
-------

PUNJAB TO SPEND RS. 8500 CRORE FOR OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF CITIES AND TOWNS: BHAGAT CHUNNI LAL

• CM SANCTIONS RS 993.18 CRORE FOR 6 MEGA PROJECTS
•  FIRST INSTALLMENT OF Rs. 363 CRORE HAS BEEN RELEASED
• UNDER PROGRESS PROJECTS PERTAINING TO PROVIDE POTABLE WATER, STREET LIGHTS, SEWAGE AND CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS WOULD BE COMPLETED IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR

CHANDIGARH, MAY 14:

The Punjab Government has introduced a ‘Special Comprehensive Plan’ for the overall development of cities and towns of the state by spending an amount of Rs. 8500 crores to provide 100 percent civic amenities in urban belts.
Disclosing this here today Bhagat Chunni Lal, Local Bodies Minister, Punjab said that the state government has decided to give strength to infrastructure development in the urban belts of state by removing all lapses and completing the ongoing development in urban areas. He said that the supply of potable water to the every nook and corner of the towns would be provided by March 2013 besides strengthening of road networks and sewerage facilitation.
The Minister said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal was paying special attention for the development of urban areas of Punjab and for this purpose he has given nod for 6 mega projects by sanctioning Rs. 993.18 crores to start these projects.

Bhagat Chunni Lal also said that Punjab government has prepared a budget of Rs. 1100 crores for 5 Municipal Corporations and 45 Nagar Councils of state including Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala and Bathinda, out of which, first installment of Rs. 410 crore has been released, while the remaining amount would also be disbursed soon. He also issued directions to the Mayors and Presidents of Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils to use the funds in judicious and transparent way. He also said that any irregularity in using funds would not be tolerated.

------

PUNJAB SCHOOLS START KARATE TRAINING TO GIRL STUDENTS FOR SELF DEFENCE

Chandigarh, May 14:
          The Punjab School Education Department has started imparting karate training to girl students of upper primary classes to give confidence to them for their self-defence.
          Disclosing this here today Punjab Education Minister S. Sikandar Singh Maluka said that under the first phase of this programme 49792 girl students from all over the state were selected for thier training by the experts. He said that karate training was carried out in schedule caste concentrated schools and 54718 students had already been provided this unique training. Besides this, bicycles were distributed to 2537 needy girls of 6th class. The Minister said that Exposure visits were undertaken in selected schools of each district covering 66368 students. He said that competitive exam was conducted on  February this year for girls and scheduled caste children of classes 5th to 8th and first three toppers in every block were awarded with cash awards of Rs. 2000/-, 1500/- and 1000/- respectively.
          He said that SAD-BJP government was focusing on education of girl child and has taken several measures to check  the drop out rate. He said that 1.50 lac class XI and XII and 5480 of class VI girls were given the free bicycles.

-------

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTES CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE IN 20 DISTRICTS- MITTAL

Chandigarh, 14 May-
          The Punjab Government would launch unified integrated child protection scheme in the state to provide safe and secure environment for overall development of the children, in need of care and protection. This was disclosed here today by social security, women and child development Minister Punjab Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal.
          The Minister said that the main objective of the scheme was to bring several existing child protection programme under one umbrella and introduce new initiatives,  contribute to the improvement in the well being of children in difficult circumstances reducing vulnerabilities to situations and actions that lead to child abuse, neglect, exploitation, abandonment and Separation.
          Punjab Government had signed a MoU with the government of India Ministry of women and child development, the central share of funds under this scheme was being released by the central government in two installments every year. The state government would transfer both its share of funds and central share to the bank account of state child protection society.
          The Minister further said that state government had constituted child welfare committees in 20 districts and also constituted juvenile justice board in each districts in accordance with the provisions. The government of India had sanctioned Rs. 818.22 lacs to the state of Punjab for implementation of the integrated child protection scheme in the state for the year 2011-12. Mr. Mittal also stated that central share of funds had been received for the construction of children home Patiala and observation home Faridkot.
          Adding further he said that State government has recognized six NGOs as licensed adoption placement agencies for the country adoption i.e. Nari Niketan Trust, Nakodar Road Jalandhar, Swami Ganga Nand Bhuri wale international Foundation Dham VPO Talwandi Khurd, District Ludhiana, Yadwindra Puran Bal Niketan Lahori Gate Patiala, Pingle Ghar Gulam Devi Hospital Road Jalandhar, All India Pingalwara Cheritable Society Amritsar & Sri Radha Krishan Dham Simiti Kotkapura Road Faridkot.
          Mr. Mittal informed that following 10 schems namely state project unit, state child protection society, state adoption resource agency, adoption coordination agency, District child protection society, Juvenile justice board, child welfare committee, shelter home, specialized adoption agencies and observation special home were being funding by the State Government 7 children home, 4 observation home, 2 special home and 2 state after care home were already working for the welfare of children.

-----

DISTRICT SANGRUR LEADS IN WHEAT PROCUREMENT IN PUNJAB

12293532 TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, May 14:
Wheat Procurement is on full swing in Punjab. District Sangrur with 1198592 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Ludhiana  with 1021118 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Patiala with 1016833  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
        Government agencies and private millers procured more than 12293532 tonnes of wheat till last evening
        The spokesman added that Out of total procurement of 12293532  tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 12210116 tonnes of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 2048 tonnes of wheat. Till May 13, PUNGRAIN had procured 2089581 tonnes (17.00%) whereas MARKFED procured 2709795 tonnes (22.04%). PUNSUP procured 2777498 tonnes (22.59%), PSWC procured 1397739  tonnes (11.37%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 1387848 tonnes (11.29 %) of wheat. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1847655 tonnes (15.03%).
The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.
 -------

PUNJAB FOR COOPERATION FROM US ON DEVELOPMENT ISSUES

• CONSULATE GENERAL POLITICAL, HERRO MUSPHA CALLS ON NRI AFFAIRS  MINISTER , ASSURES TO PROVIDE NEEDFUL COORDINATION

CHANDIGARH, MAY 13: The Punjab Government has sought broad cooperation from the United States of America to further accelerate the pace of ongoing development in the state in various areas such as education, health, industry, business, Information technology, renewal energy besides to strengthen bilateral relations. Mr. Majithia also demanded ‘mutual exchange program’ based on agriculture, industry and education. He said that Punjab Government was ready to follow the required procedures to initiate such program for making Punjab a more prosperous state.
This cooperation was sought by Punjab NRIs Affairs, Revenue and Renewal Energy Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, when Mrs. Herro Muspha, Political Consulate General of America called on him at his residence here.
Welcoming Mrs. Muspha for holding a discussion with Punjab in view of development initiatives, Mr. Majithia informed Mrs. Muspha that Punjab was on a smooth pace of development and this pace could be doubled by enhancing cooperation with the United States of America. He said that Punjab requires America’s coordination in the key development sectors including agriculture, health, education, power, IT, business and renewal energy.
The Minister also said Mrs. Muspha that the Punjab has set-up an IIT near Mohali to make its talented students IT adepts. He said that this IT would produce scores of IT professionals every year, who will contribute towards the development not only of Punjab but also other states of India and foreign countries.
Mrs. Muspha, extending thanks to the minister, promised that America would always be with Punjab on the issues of development and provide necessary coordination for the welfare of duo states. She also invited a delegation of Punjab Government to USA to survey the systems going over there, which could also be replicated in Punjab. 
--------

PUNSUP LEADS IN WHEAT PROCUREMENT IN PUNJAB
·        12249982  TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN STATE
·        DISTRICT SANGRUR BAGS FIRST POSITION WITH 1198306  WHEAT PROCUREMENT

Chandigarh, May 13:

        Wheat Procurement is on full swing in Punjab. State procurement agency PUNSUP achieved first position in wheat procurement. PUNSUP procured 2769240, the 22.61 per cent of the total procurement of the state, till May 12.
        Government agencies and private millers procured more than 12249982  tonnes of wheat till last evening
        Out of total procurement of 12249982tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 12169002 tonnes of wheat till date, whereas private traders procured 2048 tonnes of wheat, Till May 12, PUNGRAIN had procured 2081210 tonnes (16.99%) whereas MARKFED procured 2700708 tonnes (22.05%), PSWC procured 1393838 tonnes (11.38%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 1385228 tonnes (11.31 %) of wheat.
        The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1838778 tonnes (15.01%). 
        The spokesman added that District Sangrur with 1198306  tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations, whereas District Ludhiana with 1018976 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Patiala with 1016506 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.

----

• PUNJAB TO REHABILITATE CHILD LABOUR IN PUNJAB

• 1959 LABOUR CHILD RESCUED FROM COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS THIS YEAR-JYANI

Chandigarh, 13 May- Punjab Government is launching new schemes to save child labourers from the hands of their employers. Giving this information Labour Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani said that to put an end to child labour in the state Labour Week is celebrated twice in a year. He said that 1959 child labourers were released out of which 1284 were doing dangerous jobs.
The Minister said that about 1802 culprits were booked involved in child labour in the various districts. He added that as per government rule a preson booked under this act has to deposit Rs 20000 in Child labour Rehabilitation Fund per child and in addition state government also deposits Rs 5000 per child. He categorically said that state government is committed to provide job in government or semi government sector to the one person of the family of the rescued child labourer.
Giving more information he added that 152 culprit employers have deposited requisite fine in the Child Labour Rehabilitation Fund whereas 895 are still to deposit this money. He told that total amount of 30.80 Lacks have been deposited for the rescued 616 child laborers. The concerned district collectors would collect the fine from remaining 895 defaulter employees in lieu of land revenue.
Minster said that Punjab Government in collaboration with the Central labour and employment Ministry under National Child Labour Project Scheme with the help of NGO's is running 27, 20 and 40 special schools in three districts Julandhar, Ludhiana and Amritsar respectively.
He added that rescued child labourers are given admission in these schools and their primary education is completed in three years in these schools. These children are also provided vocational education here. After completing primary education these students are streamlined. He said that 7484 students have completed their primary education from these special schools and 4271 are presently studying.
No.PR-12/

Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Ex-MLA appreciate the initiative of the Home Minister and the DGP to de-politicize the Punjab Police.

He wrote: I urge them to take it to its logical conclusion in the interest of Punjab.

            I do appreciate the initiative of the govt. to depoliticize the police force in the state. As per the orders field officers are to be posted in accordance with the Police Act 2008, which prohibits any officer with local rank, own ran rank promotee or ad-hoc Sub Inspectors to be SHO’s. As reported 128 undeserving or politically appointed officers including 36 SHO’s and 92 police post incharges have been transferred.
            In order to take this initiative to its logical conclusion, I suggest that the DGP be given complete freedom to post SSP’s of the districts of his choice on merit. Similarly, the postings of DSP’s in all sub-divisions be done in accordance with the chain of command of the police force and not at the behest of politicians or MLA’s.
            Unfortunately at present all DSP’s and SHO’s are posted at the whims and fancies of politicians which renders the police force redundant and such officers often report to their political bosses rather than their superiors, it is here that the chain of command breaks down completely. It is out of such politically sponsored postings that the opposition raises the hue and cry of political vendetta against the govt. In case postings are done meritoriously and officers work fairly, I am sure we would not make unnecessary complaints of victimization against the police.
            I would also suggest that the govt. give complete freedom to the SSP’s of the districts to deal with sensitive situations arising out of the religious or commercial fall outs as well. Punjab has witnessed immense damage to life and property during the Sikhs vs Sacha Sauda clashes, rioting post killing of Sant Rama Nand in Vienna, Sikhs vs Ashusosh Dera followers and more recently brandishing of swords and hoisting of Khalistan flags during the Rajoana hanging matter. The burnt down train at Jalandhar Cantt. Railway station is a monumental example of breakdown of law and order in the state. All this need to be dealt with firmly on merit and not under pressure due to political compulsions.
            I am of the firm opinion that if the Punjab Police can fight terrorism head on, they definitely can fight small time criminals, drug dealers, rioters and those pressurizing it to indulge in political vendetta. What is required is freedom and depoliticization of the force not in words but in practice.
            Therefore, if the govt. genuinely carries out its proposed agenda of complete depoliticization of the police in Punjab to its logical conclusion, I would not only welcome the efforts but would support the govt. on all such positive steps.

-----

PUNJAB DESERVES LIBERAL ALLOCATION OF FUNDS IN CENTRAL SCHEMES AS A SPECIAL STATUS STATE – JAIRAM RAMESH
BADAL LAUDS RAMESH FOR ALL SUPPORT AND COOPERATION IN ALL ROUND DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE
DEMANDS SPECIAL PACKAGE FOR BORDER, KANDI, WATERLOGGED AND BET AREAS
CHANDIGARH MAY 12:

            The Union Rural Development, Sanitation and Drinking Water Minister Mr. Jairam Ramesh today announced that Punjab deserves liberal allocation of funds in the centrally sponsored schemes and programs not as a special category state but due to its unique status for having rendered significant contribution in making India self-reliant in food production. 
            Addressing the MLAs of ruling SAD-BJP alliance and the Congress – the principal party in opposition during a seminar on Rural Development Policies and Programs, Mr. Ramesh reiterated that none could deny the vanguard role played by the valiant Punjabis in the national freedom struggle besides ensuring food security for which it was aptly described as the ‘sword arm’ and ‘food bowl’ of the country.   
            Expressing gratitude to the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal for having invited him to visit Punjab especially the border areas to get first hand information about the problems being faced by the residents, Mr. Ramesh revealed that it was a fruitful journey as he would now be able to address the issues far more efficaciously.  Mr. Ramesh said probably it was the first time that he was addressing a joint session of MLAs of the ruling and opposition during this seminar, as conventionally he had been meeting them separately earlier.  He announced to delink the earlier scheme for upgradation of 1950 KMs of rural roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in all the 22 districts of the state and promised to treat six border districts viz. Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur and Pathankot exclusively in view of the pathetic conditions of the people living there.   He asked the Punjab government to send a comprehensive proposal for the overall development of these border districts in general and for upgradation of rural roads in particular to the ministry of rural development at the earliest.  Mr. Ramesh also mentioned that the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh have also asked him recently to work out a concrete scheme for the development and welfare of the inhabitants of border areas. 
The Union Minister unequivocally stated that he was the true votary for strong federalism and in furtherance of this objective he had already mooted a proposal to place the funds for rural development at the disposal of states so that they could spend money on the schemes according to the felt needs of the people. He said this step would further bring in flexibility in the mechanism of rural development besides bestowing more powers on the gram panchayats to empower them by way of decentralization.
            Responding to another issue raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Ramesh also announced to do away with the condition of BPL/APL families for the scheme of low cost toilets under total sanitation scheme so that the scope of the scheme could be enlarged to benefit more beneficiaries.  Likewise, he also pointed out that he would soon work out the modalities to remove the conditions of BPL/APL families under the Indira Gandhi Awas Yojana so that the majority of genuinely poor families could be accommodated.  He also asked the state government to make concerted efforts to bring majority of its villages under Nirmal Gram Yojana in order to avail of the funds under the scheme.  Admitting the defects in the parameters to ascertain the BPL families in the core network study in 2002, Mr. Ramesh said the present study was under way and the final list of BPL families would be out by September, 2012, which would be far more realistic than the previous one.  Mr. Ramesh also agreed to the proposal of the Chief Minister to relax the norm of population from 500 to 250 to enable the small habitations (dhanis) to avail off financial grants for rural development under central schemes.  He also conceded another demand of right to way by reducing the specified width of the rural roads from 10 meter to 8.38 meter for upgradation under Pradan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana on the pattern of Kerala. 
            Showing deep concern over the menace of water logging which had already affected nearly 4 lac acres in Muktsar and Fazilka districts, Mr. Ramesh announced that he would soon ask the Ministry of Rural Development to set up a technical expert committee for exploring ways and means to tackle this problem effectively on long as well as short term basis.  Mr. Ramesh also pointed out that he had already spoken to Deputy Chairman Planning Commission of India Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia and the concerned member to allow special grant for this purpose in the state annual plan 2012-13 besides formulating a special scheme for allocation of funds to the states affected with this problem.
            Emphasizing the need of audit of MGNREGA, Mr. Ramesh said in future the entire spending done by states on various schemes under it would be duly audited by the Comptroller Auditor General.  The audit would comprise evaluation of the development works both financially as well as performance wise.  All the gram panchayats would be required to submit their utilization certificates duly verified by the Chartered Accountant appointed by CAG.  He said the final report was likely to be submitted by the CAG in October, 2012 after the audit of MGNREGA schemes for last six years. 
            In his address Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the opposition to play a constructive role in securing funds from the Centre.  He appealed to all the MLAs to work sincerely for the overall development of the state, cutting across their political affiliations.  Seeking their whole hearted cooperation from the members of both the ruling and opposition to emerge Punjab as a front runner state in the country, Mr. Badal said that the day was not very far off when Punjab would regain its lost glory over the passage of time. 
            The Chief Minister thanked Mr. Ramesh for showing benevolence for sanctioning adequate funds for the cleaning of the rivers in the state. He said the state legislative assembly had already passed a unanimous resolution to express gratitude to Mr. Ramesh for showing special concern for the state by generously approving development oriented schemes.   Mr. Badal impressed upon the Union Minister to grant a special package of 2000 KMs under PMGSY for the upgradation of rural link road network in the state especially for border, bet, waterlogged and kandi areas.  Apart from this he also demanded special funds to the tune Rs.750 crore for the cleaning and disposal of sullage water from about 10400 village ponds across the state.  He also requested Mr. Ramesh to enhance the allocation Rs.150 crore per year against Rs.89 crore to cover the balance 3481 villages under potable water scheme. Likewise, he also urged Mr. Ramesh to enhance the limit from Rs.3500 to Rs.18500 for the construction of per unit low cost rural toilet. 
            Mr. Badal also urged the Union Minister to enhance the limit to atleast 1,80,000 for new construction of a two room dwelling unit and Rs.50,000 for upgradation as the financial assistance of Rs.45,000 per unit for new construction and Rs.15,000 for upgradation of an unserviceable katcha house provided by GoI was too inadequate under this scheme.  He said that as many as 11000 families were houseless in the state besides 3.3 lac katcha houses.   Mr. Badal also demanded that the condition of BPL must be done away with immediately for both the schemes of low cost rural toilets and houses for houseless. 
            Earlier, the Local Govt. Minister Bhagat Chunni Lal welcomed the Union Minister and said the seminar on the rural development policies and programs would go a long way to enlighten our MLAs to avail benefits under these schemes for the welfare of the people. 
            Speaking on the occasion, the leader of the opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Sunil Jakhar complimented the Chief Minister for offering a joint platform to all the MLAs for apprising them with the various centrally sponsored schemes and programs under the Ministry of Rural Development.  He assured Mr. Badal that his party was all for the state’s development and the welfare of all sections of the society. 
            The seminar was attended by the Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Charanjit Singh Attwal, MLAs of SAD-BJP alliance, Congress besides the Cabinet Ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries.  Deputy commissioners, additional deputy commissioners (development) and the senior officers of the state government were also present on the occasion.  

---- 

PUNJAB CM MOURNS SAD DEMISE OF PARKASH KAUR

CHANDIGARH MAY 12:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of the mother of former special correspondent of ‘The Economic Times’ Mr. Rahul Kumar, Smt. Parkash Kaur, who passed away at New Delhi today after a brief illness.  She was 85.

            Mr. Badal shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, relatives and friends, praying to the Almighty to give courage to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of crisis and grant eternal peace to the departed soul.

----

SUKHBIR, MAJITHIA CONDOLE THE DEATH OF PARKASH KAUR MOTHER OF RAHUL KUMAR

CHANDIGARH, MAY 12: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today expressed deep grief on demise of Mrs. Parkash Kaur (85), mother of Mr. Rahul Kumar, former Special Correspondent of Economic Times, Chandigarh, who expired at New Delhi today after a brief illness. Mrs. Kaur was cremated in the evening at New Delhi.

          Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Information and Public Relations Minister also condole the death of Mrs. Parkash Kaur. Mr. Badal and Mr. Majithia prayed to Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss

-----------

PUNJAB TO START VETERINARY AMBULANCE MOBILE SERVICE SOON: RANIKE

CHANDIGARH, MAY 12: The Punjab Government has decided to start free Veterinary Ambulance Mobile Service soon across the state on the pattern of 108 mobile ambulance services to provide instantly treatment to animals.

        Disclosing this here today Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister, said that this service would be operational soon with an aim to give instant and free treatment to the animals. He said that Veterinary Ambulance Mobile Service would be provided at all 22 district headquarters and also be connected with the whole state through a toll free number. He said that these mobile ambulance vans would be equipped with ultra-modern medical facilities and controlled by Deputy Director of every district.
-------

CM REITERATES THE COMMITMENT OF SAD-BJP ALLIANCE TO ENSURE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE IN GENERAL AND THAT BORDER AND WATERLOGGED DISTRICTS IN PARTICULAR

CUTTING ACROSS THE PARTY LINES THE LEADERS OF ALL THE POLITICAL PARTIES SHOULD IMPRESS UPON THE UNION GOVERNMENT TO POUR MORE FUNDS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE-BADAL

CM, DEPUTY CM AND HARSIMRAT ALONG WITH JAI RAM RAMESH VISIT TWO WATERLOGGED VILLAGES

Lambi (Sri Muktsar Sahib),

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reiterated the firm commitment of the SAD-BJP alliance government to ensure the overall development of state in general and that of the border and waterlogged districts in particular.
Talking to the media persons here today, the Chief Minister said that the sole aim of state government was provide impetus to the ongoing developmental works in the state so that it could emerge as number one state in the country. He said that for this noble cause, they were not even hesitating to take the help of the Union government because being the food bowl of the nation; Punjab certainly has a claim over the grants from the Centre. Mr. Badal further said that all the political leaders of the state should sink their parochial differences and cutting across the party lines they should impressed upon the Union government to pour in more funds for the state so that unprecedented development could be ensured.
When asked to comment about the visit of the Union Rural Development Minister Mr. Jai Ram Ramesh in the state, the Chief Minister said that it was a good step aimed towards having a deep understanding of the problems faced by the people residing in the border and waterlogged districts of the state. He said that this visit of Union Minister would acquaint him with the harsh realities of these areas which would further help in better formulation of policies to find some viable solution for the welfare of the people. Lauding the Union Minister, Mr. Badal said that earlier during his stint as the Union Environment Minister, Mr. Jai Ram Ramesh was very generous in allotting liberal funds for ambitious program of cleaning of the rivers in the state. He also expressed hope that this time also the visit of Mr. Ramesh would prove very beneficial for the people of the state.

The Chief Minister also said that the visit of Union Minister was also significant as in a conference on Rural Development to be held at Chandigarh on Saturday, Mr. Ramesh would interact with all the MLAs of the state and apprise them about the various centrally sponsored schemes and programs run by the Government of India (GoI) under the Ministry of Rural Development.   

Later on the Chief Minister accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Member of Parliament from Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal along with the Union Rural Development Minister Mr. Jai Ram visited two villages Maana and Channu which were facing the problem of water logging. During the visit the Chief Minster, Deputy Chief Minister and Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal apprised the Union Minister about the problems faced by the residents of these villages. Later on talking to the media persons Mr. Ramesh said that it was a serious problem and the Union Government in consultation with the state government, would certainly find some solution for it.

----

SUKHBIR SEEKS DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE FOR BORDER DISTRICTS
·       JAIRAM RAMESH PROMISES TO CONSIDER PUNJAB’S PLEA
·       Rs. 800 CRORE SANCTIONED FOR VILLAGE LINK ROADS WOULD BE EQUITABLEY SPENT IN ALL DISTRICTS
·       PROMISES TO COVER ALL VILLAGES OF PUNJAB UNDER ‘NIRMAL GRAM YOJANA’

MOHAR JAMSHER (INDO-PAK BORDER), MAY 11: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today sought a ‘Special Development Package’ from Union Rural Development Minister mr. Jairam Ramesh, who today made visit to this unaccessible border village circled by Pakistan border on three sides and river on the fourth side. He said that this package must cover the areas of rural roads, village sanitation, ponds desiltation, rural water supply, EWS housing and disposal of sullage in villages that was imperative to bring them at par with other villages.

          The Union Minister, who is on two day visit to Punjab, after meeting the Panchayat Members in village Mouzam, was totally surprised to see the hard life of villagers on the border and promised to sanction a ‘Special Border Area Package’ for Punjab. He said that people of this area have suffered the most as they have been uprooted every time there was a war with the neigbouring country and development in these villages could not get the required focus due to their inaccessibility. He thanked Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for making him tour to such an inaccessible villages to witness the hardships being faced by them. He said that he had visited these villages on the direction of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who was worried about the lack of development in border villages.

          Announcing the sanction of Rs. 800 crore for Rural Link Roads of Punjab, Mr. Ramesh said that he would ensure it this money was equitably spent in all districts of Punjab. He said that it would be ensured that quality of link roads constructed under this scheme was world class and most remote villages were given priorities in sanctioning funds under this scheme.

          Promising to cover every village of Punjab under Nirmal Gram Yojana’, Mr. Ramesh said that performance of Punjab on accomplishments of targets under Rural Santitaions and Rural Drinking Water schems had been exceptional as Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal had personally taken interest in the monitoring these schemes.

          Seeking the cooperation of  village panchayats in monitoring the quality control of all rural development works, the Union Minister said that without the active cooperation of  village panchayats, no village can prosper.

          Thanking Mr. Jairam Ramesh for taking special interest in the development of border villages, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister said that Punjab has paid very dearly for being a border state. He said that besides lack of development in the border villages, investors had always shied away from these area and there could not be any industrial development in this area . He said that problem of unemployment was acute in this area due to lack of employable industry. Mr. Badal said that besides Rural Development Package, Union Government must sanction industrial incentive package especially for border districts, so that industrial house could be lured to set-up industrial units in this area.

          Member Parliament Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, Mr. Gurmeet Singh Rana Sodhi, MLA were also present on the occasion.

Earlier village panchayat of Mouzam and Mohar Jamsher handed over a memorandum to Union Minister highlighting the difficulties being faced by them. 

------

BADAL PATS PUNJABI FARMERS FOR MAKING STATE PROUD IN RECORD WHEAT PRODUCTION
KUDOS FOR SCRIPTING A GOLDEN CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF STATE AGRICULTURE
Chandigarh, May 11, 2012

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today congratulated the hard working farmers of the state for scripting a new chapter in the history of state agriculture by surpassing its earlier all-time high record of Wheat procurement of 112 lakh tones by crossing a new projected target of 120 lakh tonnes.

Lauding the farmers of the state for maintaining the unsurpassed position of Punjab in food Production, the Chief Minister said that the resilient farmers of the state have really done proud to the state by once again proving their mettle through contributing a record production of food grains in the Central pool. Mr. Badal said that the record production of wheat crop in the state despite odds faced by the farmers due to the exorbitant hike in input costs of the Agriculture and the vagaries of weather spoke volumes of their unbounded sincerity, dedication and commitment to make the country self reliant in food production.
The Chief Minister also patted the officers of the State Agricultural department along with the Agri-experts in the state for making concerted efforts to achieve this rare feat. Mr. Badal also complimented the stupendous efforts by the officers and the entire staff of procurement agencies of the state to ensure hassle free, prompt and smooth procurement operations despite the inclement weather at the very start of the arrival of wheat in the Mandis. 
---

Amended press note of Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, the designation of Mr. Scot slessor may be read as Consul General of Canada

MAJITHIA SEEKS BETTER COOPRATION WITH CANADA TO REDRESS NRI DISPUTES

·          CONSUL GENERAL OF CANADA CALLS ON NRI AFFAIRS MINISTER

CHANDIGARH, MAY 11: The Punjab Revenue and NRI affairs Minster Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today sought better coordination with Canada to redress the grievances and disputes pertaining to Non Resident Indians. Mr. Majithia sought this cooperation from Canada when Consul General of Canada, Mr. Scot Slessor called on him at his residence here.
       
Mr. Majithia said that constant and better coordination between Punjab Government and Canadian Government would also create new job avenues for Punjabi youths besides strengthening the ties of both countries in agriculture, business, industrial and skill management and skill training sectors. He also emphasised on the need to initiate joint ventures between young entrepreneurs of both countries.  

He also informed that in view of exchanging agriculture techniques the Punjab and Alberta State of Canada would soon sign a MoU of Agriculture Cooperation. Mr. Majithia said that Punjab can play a major role to establish stronger bilateral relations between India and Canada. He said that Canada was facing a shortage of skilled workers and this problem can be solved by Punjab by providing skilled workers to Canada. He said that Canada should coordinate with Punjab Government to take forward the concept of Twin City for the training of skilled workers.  

Recalling the contribution of Punjabis in the exemplary development of Canada, Mr. Slessor invited the delegation of Punjab Government’s officials from departments like Agriculture, Education and Industry to identify the job opportunities for Punjabi youth according to requirement of Canadian Government. He said that the farmers of Punjab can also replicate the modern techniques of farming in Canada here to make farming sector more earning through scientific and environment frie­ndly methods. He also exhorted the Punjabi youths for their hard work and enterprising spirit for further acceleration Canada’s development.
 Mr. Majithia also requested that the Canadian Government should open information centers in major districts of Punjab in collaboration with Punjab Government for the facilitation of Punjabis.
---------

PUNJAB FARMERS RICHER BY Rs. 14110 CRORE AS STATE CREATES NEW RECORDS OF WHEAT PROCUREMENT FARMERS BEING PAID MONEY WITHIN 48 HOURS

CHANDIGARH, MAY 11: The Punjab Farmers are richer by Rs.  14110 crore as state created new records of 120 lakh tonnes of wheat procurement, thanks to the hard work of state peasantry and favourable weather. The state government has mobilized the total government machinery to ensure hassle free procurement and make certain payment of produce to the farmers within 48 hours of lifting of their produce from the mandis.
A Spokesperson of the Punjab Government today that Sangrur
District was leading in wheat procurement and in this district till now
1481.62 Crore Rupees had been deposited in the farmers accounts.
District Ludhiana was on second place in wheat procurement where 1268.79 Crore Rupees had been deposited in the farmers accounts. District Patiala was third place in wheat procurement where 1268.20 Crore Rupees have been deposited in the farmers accounts.
 The Spokesperson further said that payment of wheat procured in the district Amritsar 587 crore, Tarantaran 698.30 crores, Gurdaspur
500.38 Crore, Pathankot 60.49 crore, Kapurthala 438.81 crore,
Jalandhar 603.23 crore, Hoshiarpur 334.32 crore and Nawan Sehar 283.24 crores was already payed to farmers.
          In addition to this in district Barnala Rs 577.71 Crore, Fatehgarh Sahib 362.10 crore, Agitgarh 159.06 crore, Rupnagar 192.87 crore, Ferozpur 823.06 crore, Fazilka 675.11 crore, Moga 920.11 crore, Faridkot 521.69 crore, Muktsar 883.14 crore, Bathinda 858.77 crore and Mansa 611.37 crore amount has been disbursed to the farmers.
---------

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TRANSFERS EIGHT PPS OFFICERS
Chandigarh, 11 May- Punjab Government has issued transfer and posting orders of 8 PPS officers with immediate effect.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of Punjab Government said that Mr. Gurmail Singh PPS has been transferred and posted DSP/SD/Dhuri, Mr. Navjot Singh PPS as DSP/City/Gurdaspur, Mr. Surinderpal Singh PPS as DSP/Det/ Barnala, Mr. Kamalpreet Singh PPS as DSP/SD/Muktsar, Mr. Harvinder Singh PPS as DSP/ SSOC/ Joint Interrogation Centre Amtritsar, Mr. Sarabjit Singh PPS as DSP Intelligence Wing, Mr. Jagdeep Singh PPS as DSP Intelligence Wing and Mr. Barjinderpal Singh as DSP Intelligence Wing, 
---------------------------------

WHEAT PROCUREMENT IN PUNJAB CROSSES 120 LAC TONNES MARK

• KAIRON CONGRATULATES FARMERS FOR MAINTAINING THE PRE- EMINENT POSITION OF PUNJAB

Chandigarh, May 10: Wheat procurement in Punjab crossed the all time record figure of 120 lac tonne on Thursday, reflecting the hard work of  Punjabi farmers.
Congratulating the farmers of Punjab for maintaining the pre- eminent position of Punjab, Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Punjab said that they have made every Punjabi proud by this.

He said tht by today’s evening all agencies have procured 12027264 tonnes of wheat. Meanwhile, the state agencies have also starting procuring wheat for state food as on Thursday 73016 tonnes were procured in this pool. Till May 10, PUNSUP had procured 2726373 tonnes (22.67%) whereas MARKFED procured 2647571 tonnes (22.05%). PUNGRAIN procured 2636005 tonnes (16.93%), PAIC had procured 1365662 tonnes (11.39%) whereas PSWC was able to procure 1368595 tonnes (11.32 %) of wheat.
          The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1808115 tonnes (15.04%). 
           The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.

12 PCS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

CHANDIGARH, MAY 10:-
            The Punjab Government today issued posting and transfer orders of 12 PCS officers in the State with immediate effect.
            Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Mr. Jaipal singh posted at SDM Dharkalan and in addition Deputy Commissioner (R&R), Ranjit Sagar Dam, Shahpur Kandi and in addition L.A.C, Shahpur Kandi and in addition Commissioner Municipal Corporation Pathankot, Mr. Balwinder singh Dhaliwal posted at ADC (General), Hoshiarpur, Mr. Vinay Bublani posted at Commissioner MC Jalandhar, Mr. Puneet Goyal posted at SDM Chamkaur Sahib, Mr. Amit Talwar posted at Manager (Personnel & Admn.), PUNSUP, Mr. Rajesh Tirpathi posted at SDM Malerkotla and in addition SDM Dhuri,             
Likewise, Mr. Subhash Chander posted at SDM Lehragaga and in addition SDM Moonak, Mr. Paramjit Singh posted at SDM Khandoor Sahib, Mr. Satish Kumar Singla posted at Commissioner Municipal Corporation Phagwara, Mr. Baljit Singh PCS (retd.)posted as ADC (G) Gurdaspur, Mr. Ashok Kumar Sikka PCS (retd.) posted at Dy. Director Urban Local Bodies Patiala and Mr. Gurjit Singh PCS (retd.) has been posted as SDM Ferozepur.

------

SUKHBIR SEEKS RESEARCH PROJECT FOR PAU TO DEVELOP HEAT RESISTANT WHEAT VARIETY

CHANDIGARH, MAY 10:  Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, today demanded a centrally sponsored ‘Special Research Project’ for Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana to develop the heat resistant wheat variety, to maintain the wheat production growth of the country.
Mr. Badal requested Union Agriculture Minister, Mr. Sharad Pawar to take personal interest to get this project sanctioned for PAU, Ludhiana, the University that was catalyst of Green Revolution making India self-sufficient on food security front. Mr. Badal also mentioned the Union Government communication to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) that has predicted that with possible climate change of one degree rise in temperature along with increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would adverse the impact production of wheat in the country unless adaptation strategy were adopted.
He also pointed out that the report has also painted a grim scenario for key sector like water, agriculture, forestry and natural eco systems. Mr. Badal said that Punjab contributes more that 60% in the national kitty in a grain pool and has played a leading role in making India self sufficient on food security front. He said that PAU made sterling research during green revolution and was instrumental in this momentous national task. He said that now Union Government must take pre-emptive initiatives by sanctioning a special research project for PAU to develop heat resistant, high carbon dioxide resistant strains of wheat seeds so that Punjab was able to continue expected to contribute more than 1.20 lakh tonnes of wheat to national pool and Punjab Government was worried about projection of 6 million tonnes drop in wheat production with rise of one degree Celsius temperature.
Seeking an early decision on Research Project, Mr. Badal said that this project was imperative for the whole country and Punjab was looking towards its early approval.
---------

PURCHASE WITH A BILL AND WIN PRIZE-SUKHBIR’S MANTRA TO EDUCATE CONSUMERS REGARDING THEIR RIGHTS

• EXCISE AND TAXATION DEPARTMENT ALL SET TO GO A MAKEOVER-TO RECRUIT 136 ETOs IN NEXT THREE MONTHS

• SUKHBIR FOR ‘ZERO TOLERANCE’ TO CORRUPTION

CHANDIGARH, MAY 10: Retail consumers in Punjab are in for a bonanza as they have a chance to win attractive prizes on their bills of goods purchased in the market as Punjab Excise and Taxation Department would give a handsome prize on a lucky bill through draw of lots.

            In a novel scheme of its own kind in the world, the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is holding the portfolio of Excise and Taxation Department, has mooted a proposal that consumers should be encouraged to insist on bill to make it a healthy consumer movement. He said that draw of lots should be drawn every month on the bills submitted by retail consumers to the excise and taxation department and prizes should be declared district wise and also state wise. He said that this move besides encouraging the compliance, would educate the consumers regarding their rights and duties.

            Earlier addressing the maiden meeting of Excise and Taxation Department, Mr. Badal sought their whole hearted cooperation to meet the revenue targets of the state by plugging the leakages and loopholes. He said that credit goes to the excise and taxation department for raising the revenue of state from Rs 5000 to 15000 crore within a span of five years and he assured that full protection and encouragement in their honest discharge of duties. He said that sole aim was to give a pat to performers and punish the non-performers and corrupt.

            Insisting on Zero Tolerance to corruption, Mr. Badal said that he has already give an orders for strengthening and equipping internal vigilance and enforcement wings of the department besides getting multi-agency feed back from independent sources regarding each and every official working in the department. He said that he was out to protect honest and sincere officers and asked department to work out a special reward and out of turn promotion for performing officers.

            Seeking yearly and monthly reports on the performance of officials, Mr. Badal asked the department to construct state-of-the-art building for Excise and Taxation Department with online paperless atmosphere.

            Emphasising on investing in technology and improvement of work environment, Mr. Badal said that within two years total working of the department should be computerized to facilitate the tax payers.
            Mr. Badal also gave a nod to recruit 136 Excise and Taxation Officers within next three months besides filling up all vacant posts of assessing authorities.

Mr. Sarup Chand Singla, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Excise and Taxation also participated in the meeting. Mr. A. Venuprasad, Excise and Taxation Commissioner, briefed the  Deputy Chief Minister about the working of the Excise department.

-----
PUNJAB TO SET UP ‘HERD REGISTRATION AUTHORITY’ TO COMPILE DATA OF ALL ANIMALS- SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL

• Each block would have a poly clinic within next three years
• Punjab to construct ultra modern mandis for sale and purchase of animals in every district
• Setting up of horse race course and dog racing centre in district Ludhiana under active consideration
• Punjab is all set to emerge as No.1 state in milk production with quality milch cattles’ on national scene- Ranike

Chandigarh, May 10: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced to set up a ‘Herd Registration Authority’ to compile comprehensive data of all animals of the state as it becomes imperative to have such record to show its presence at international milk production scenario.
Presiding over a state level seminar on “New Strategies for the upliftment of Rural Economy, Vision-2017” organized by Punjab State Veterinary Officers Association (PSVOA) to mark the World Veterinary Day here today, the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that dairy sector was rapidly emerging as most viable income alternative for uplifting rural economy. He said that with the growing demand of quality milch cattles, it was necessary to have complete record of such cattles and it could be possible only through Herd Registration Authority. He said that availability of quality veterinary services to animal breeders was another important aspect and keeping in view the encouraging response to the recently set up 19 polyclinics, the state government has decided to cover all 80 blocks with one each such polyclinic in next three years. He further said that Punjab was the only state in the country which had set up 4 ultramodern cattle mandis to facilitate the smooth sale and purchase of animals besides providing the cattle owners a decent place for their trading.
The Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that the state government was also contemplating to set up a horse race course and dog racing centre in district Ludhiana in near future. He said that keeping in view the over whelming response to the concept of animal championships in last few years, the state government has decided to streamline this concept by organizing such championships from block to state and further at national level with record prize money thereby instilling the spirit to breed quality animals amongst breeders. He said that he was also exploring the possibility to organize such championships of 4-5 neighboring countries so that breeders could have an idea of breeding practices of their neighboring countries breeders besides exchanging their technical expertise on this important issue.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that to ensure regular recruitment in all departments the state government was all set to launch its annual recruitment policy so that the efficiency of any department didn’t suffer due to shortage of staff. He congratulated the officer bearers of PSOVA for organizing such a seminar and expressed confidence that the all the participating veterinarians would further enhance their knowledge after listening to the experts of various fields of veterinary science.
Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike said that animal husbandry and diary sectors were all set to change the face of rural economy as they were contributing 5.9% share to the gross domestic production (GDP). He said that it was a matter of pride that our state despite having just 2% of the total cattle population of the country was contributing more that 8% to the total milk production besides leading the nation in per capita availability of milk every day. He informed that the state government has chalked out an ambitious program to set up 200 veterinary hospital and dispensaries in next five years. He hoped that Punjab would get Rs.150 crore share under National Dairy Plan-1 for strengthening of semen banks, production of progeny tested bulls, development of fodder resources, strengthening of village based milk procurement system. He urged the veterinarians to strive hard to improve the quality of milch cattles by providing world class veterinary services so that the dream to make Punjab No.1 state on milk production front could be realized.
On this occasion Mr. Des Raj Dhugga, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Financial Commissioner, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development, Mr. H.S. Sandha, Director Animal Husbandry and Dr. Ashok Sharma, President PSVOA also expressed their views.
The Deputy Chief Minister also released a Vision-2017, a focus paper on Animal Husbandry Sector and Vets bulletin, a PSVOA publication on the occasion.

------ 

 PEPSU DEVELOPMENT BOARD APPROVED RS. 37 CRORE FOR OVER ALL DEVELOPMENT OF RAJPURA

CHANDIGARH MAY 10:
The Punjab Government would spent Rs. 37 crore for the overall development of Rajpura town during this fiscal.
A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, who is also the Chairman of PEPSU Development Board (PDB), during board's meeting held here today at CMO.
Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal directed Administrator PDB to get the works of potable water supply, sewerage and sewage treatment plants executed on priority and ensure its timely completion.  The Chief Minister also asked him to undertake the construction of the roads simultaneously to ensure better connectivity to the residents.
Mr. Badal also approved to constitute a committee for the proper management of newly constructed Community centre-cum-Marriage Bhawan at Tripuri Town at a cost of Rs. 2.68 crore over land measuring 1.25 acre.        
Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Administrator PDB Mr. DD Tarnaich and Assistant Administrator PDB Mr. Gurmander Singh besides former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Raj Khurana.

-----

IIIT TO COME UP AT KAPURTHALA
CM ASKS TECHNICAL EDUCATION DEPTT. TO FINALIZE MODALITIES FOR ITS EARLY COMPLETION
CHANDIGARH MAY 10:
            In a significant development, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod for setting up of the prestigious Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) at Kapurthala. 
            A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting held here at CMO this morning. 
            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the CMO said that Mr. Badal also gave clearance for 50 acres of land for establishing this institute at the suitable site in or around Kapurthala. 
            Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh apprised the Chief Minister that the upcoming IIIT would be developed in PPP mode at a cost of Rs.128 crore with 35% share of state government, 50% GoI and 15% of the private player from industry. He said that the state-of-the-art institute in the advanced studies of information technology would provide enormous opportunities to the local youth for excelling globally besides acting as a catalyst to boost the IT industry in the state. 
            The Chief Minister asked the Technical Education department being the nodal agency to work out the requisite modalities for early completion of the project. 
            Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Food Supplies & IT Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Industries & Technical Education Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr.Gaggandip Singh Brar.
…
EMPOWERED COMMITTEE APPROVES SIX MEGA PROJECTS
OF NEARLY RS.1000 CRORE

BADAL ASKS INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TO HOLD MEETING OF EMPOWERED COMMITTEE ON MEGA PROJECTS EVERY MONTH
CHANDIGARH MAY 10:
The Empowered Committee on mega projects today approved six mega projects worth Rs.993.18 crore in the state.
          A decision to this effect was taken in the first meeting of the empowered committee chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal after taking over the SAD-BJP alliance government for second consecutive term here at CMO this morning.  
Mr. Badal directed the Industries department – being the nodal agency to hold monthly meeting of the empowered committee on mega projects in future to cut down the pendency of the cases besides ensuring timely resolution of other issues related to the implementation of the mega projects.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that it was decided in the meeting to grant first extension of six months to the Letter of Intent/signing of agreement to the concerned minister incharge.  Earlier, this extension was granted by the empowered committee on the recommendations of the screening committee.  This new step would certainly hasten the process for grant of extension thereby cutting short the procedural delay considerably.
The spokesperson further said that the empowered committee also approved four new manufacturing industrial mega projects worth Rs. 580.39 crore besides one each mega project in housing and agro sector with an outlay of Rs.370 crore and Rs.42.79 crore respectively.   These projects were likely to generate direct and indirect employment for about 3000 persons.
The mega projects approved under manufacturing category included the units of M/s Vallabh Tinplate Pvt. Limited at village Beopror near Shambu (Patiala) worth Rs. 121.95 crore, M/s Nirbhai Textiles Pvt. Ltd. at village Hedon (Ludhiana) worth Rs. 127.44 crore, M/s Satish Estates Pvt. Ltd. & Laghu Udyog Bharti at Phagwara (Kapurthala) worth Rs. 156 crore, M/s Oliver Engineering Pvt. Ltd. at village Sandhrasi (Patiala) worth Rs.175 crore.
The empowered committee also approved a mega housing project to be developed by M/s Innovative Housing & Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. at village Togan and Teera in SAS Nagar under Mullanpur Planning Area of Greater Mohali Area Development Authority over an area of 101.18 acre at a cost of Rs.370 crore. 
In another decision, the empowered committee on mega projects also approved an agro based industrial project to be set up by M/s Malbros International Pvt. Ltd. at village Mansoorwal Kalan in Feorzepur district with an investment of Rs. 42.79 crore.
  Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Local Government Minister Bhagat Chunni Lal, Transport Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Food & Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Finance Minister Mr. Paminder Singh Dhindsa, Tourism & Jail Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Industries & Commerce Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Industries & Commerce Mr. NK Sharma,  Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. NS Kang, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. GS Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr.SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce Mr. AR Talwar, Principal Secretary Finance & Planning Mr. Satish Chandra, Excise & Taxation Commissioner Mr. A Venu Parsad, Secretary Food & Supplies Mr. DS Grewal, Secretary Power Mr. Anirudh Tiwari,  Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, MD Punjab Agro Mr. Ashok Gupta, Director-cum-Secretary Industries Mr. SS Bains, Chairman PSPL Mr. KD Chaudhary, CA GMADA Mr. Sarvjit Singh and  CA PUDA Mr. AS Miglani.
…

PUNJAB TO SET ROGI KALIAN SOCIETY FOR NEEDY PATIENTS: BHAGAT CHUNNI LAL

Chandigarh, May 10:
Punjab Government to set up Rogi Kalian Societies for needy patients. Disclosing this here today Medical Education and Research Minister Bhagat Chunni Lal said that these societies would be set up in Government Medical, Dental and Ayurvedic Colleges of Amritsar and Patiala which will be of a great help for needy patients.
The Minister said that Rogi Kalian Societies can be registered under society Act till 31st May. He told that under Rogi Kalian Society get donation for needy patients from donors. These societies will be able to remove all hindrances in the way of donors who want to help needy patients. He said that earlier it was very difficult for donors to help patients as their was no policy for donors. He further told that different account will be opened and donors will also get income tax rebate.
Medical Education and Research Minister told that at Amritsar and Patiala Principal of Government Medical College will be the chairmen of Rogi Kalian Society. Amongst others one medical superintendent and one deputy medical superintendent, one DCFA and one ACFA and one nominee of NGOs will be the members of these societies.

----

GAZZETTED OFFICERS OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT FILE
PROPERTY RETURN TILL MAY 31

Chandigarh May 10:
          Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Health & Family Welfare Minister, Punjab disclosed here today that it is mandatory for all Gazzetted Officers of Health Department to file property return till May 31st, 2012. He said that as per the Punjab Government, Health Department issued instructions to the all Gazzetted  officers in this regard. Strict action would be taken against the officers who failed to file their property return in the given period, he added.
          Mr. Mittal said that promotion channel would be regularized and the meetings of departmental promotion committee would be called at appropriate time to give the dues to all the employees of the health department. He said that to bring transparency in the promotion channel, all possible measures would be taken so that employees of the department would be satisfied regarding their promotions and work with great dedication to achieve the goals of the health department.
---------------

WHEAT PROCUREMENT IN PUNJAB LEAPING TOWARDS THE MAGICAL MARK OF 1.20 LAKH TONNES

Chandigarh, may 10:
Wheat procurement in Punjab is leaping towards the magical mark of 1.20 lakh tonnes with 11887794 lakh tonnes, wheat was procured in 1750 procurement centers of Punjab till Wednesday evening. With 1.63 lakh tonnes of procurement in a single day on Wednesday, the Punjab Government is hopeful of surpassing the newly set target of 1.20 lakh tonnes.
The spokesman said that most of the procurement was by the official agencies as they have procured 11817609 tonnes whereas traders have only picked-up 1923 tonnes. Meanwhile, the state agencies have also starting procuring wheat for state food as on Thursday 68262 tonnes were procured in this pool. Till May 9, punsup had procured 2695882 tonnes (22.68%) whereas MARKFED procured 2620844 tonnes (22.05%). PUNGRAIN procured 2012807 tonnes (16.93%), paic had procured 1353642 tonnes (11.39%) whereas Pswc was able to procure 1346245 tonnes (11.32 %) of wheat.
          The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1788189 tonnes (15.04%). 
          The spokesman added that District Sangrur with 1183512  tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Patiala with 1010360 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Ludhiana with 1005395  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.

------

KHADI BOARD STARTS ONLINE DISBURSAL OF SUBSIDY TO ENTERPRENEURS
Chandigarh, 10 May:
          The Punjab Khadi Board has started online disbursal of subsidy to the beneficiaries taking a major initiative under administrative reforms to cut the red tappisim.
Disclosing this here today Mr. Anil Joshi Industries,Commerce and Technical Education Minister said that this initiative would  benefit  55000 loan beneficiaries of small scale industrial sector directly besides providing  relief to lakhs of workers employed in Khadi units of the state.
Mr. Joshi said that government took the decision of  online transfer of subsidies in the bank accounts of the beneficiaries as it was receiving complaints of unnecessary  delay, harassment and  red tappism from the entrepreneurs. Mr. Joshi said that SAD-BJP government was  committed to provide single window service to investors besides Encouraging Small scale Industries in the state and would not tolerate any laxity.
----------

CLERK SUSPENDED FOR TAKING BRIBE
Chandigarh, 10 May:
Food and Civil Supplies Department, Punjab today suspended a clerk Sandeep Singh on the charge of accepting Rs 3000 as bribe.
An official spokesman today said that Clerk Sandeep Singh, who was posted at head office at Chandigarh, took bribe from Junior Auditor Mrs. Asha for her transfer from Patiala to Mohali.
Mrs. Asha complained about this to the Director Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Mr. Harkesh Singh Sidhu. After investigating the matter Mr. Sidhu found clerk Sandeep Sing guilty and clerk was immediately suspended.

-----

SUKHBIR PROPOSES VOCATIONAL TRAINING OF JAIL INMATES IN SOFT SKILLS OF NEW ECONOMY
·       DUTY OF STATE TO PROVIDE THEM TRAINING IN EMPLOYABLE SKILLS
·       JAIL DEPARTMENT ASKED TO EVALUATE THE PROPOSAL OF MULTI-STORYED, MODERN JAILS

CHANDIGARH, MAY 9: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today proposed vocational training of jail inmates and convicts in soft skills of new economy to enable them to find white collared or respectable jobs after completion of their sentence.

          In a meeting of jail department held here today Mr. Badal said that it was the duty of the government to ensure that Jail inmates were given such a kind of vocational training that helps them in finding rightful jobs. He said that the old kind of trades, in which jail inmates were being provided training including farming, wood work, mason work were not helpful in the new economy in post-reform era and it was imperative that they were provided training in computers, software development, accountancy package etc that would make them employable in new industry.

          Emphasising on improving infrastructure in the jails, Mr. Badal said that Jail Department, while constructing new jails in Amritsar, Ferozepur, Jalandhar and Patiala must focus on improving design and architecture of Jails to give them a modern look. Proposing multi storeyed jails instead of single storeyed, Mr. Badal said that jail department should study the architecture of US and UK Jails and accordingly draw up plans for the convenience of inmates.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to CM, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, Mr. D.S. Bains, Principal Secretary (Home), Mr. N.S. Kang, Financial Commissioner Revenue, Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Secretary Health, Mr. Anurag Aggarwal, MD PIDB and Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Special Principal Secretary to Deputy CM.
-------

SUKHBIR ENVISIONS MEGA PLAN TO PROMOTE ECO-TOURISM

• NIGHT SAFARI PROPOSED AT CHHATBIR ZOOLOGICAL PARK AND AT TWO SITES IN LUDHIANA DISTRICT 

• INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES VYING FOR ECO-TOURISM PROJECTS 

CHANDIGARH, MAY 9:

The Punjab is all set to be on international itinerary of Eco-Tourism with Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal envisioning such major projects at Chhatbir Zoological Park in district Ajitgarh and two others projects in district Ludhiana.  
            Reviewing the progress of Eco-Tourism projects in the state, Mr. Badal said that Chhatbir Zoological Park with a population of 1200 animals of 90 rare species could be a major center of attraction if properly marketed and promoted.  He also suggested that Punjab could also go in for Night Safari on the pattern of Jurong Night Safari at Singapore. Similarly, two more such sites for eco-tourism were identified in Ludhiana district. 
            Impressing upon the need for making Punjab a destination for international tourism, Mr. Badal said that Chhatbir Park and Ludhiana district could be easily brought on international tourist circuit by optimum utilization of resources besides proper marketing and projection of these sites. It was decided that global bids would be invited to seek expression of interest from international agencies for prestigious eco-tourism projects.
            Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to CM, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, Mr. D.S. Bains, Principal Secretary (Home), Mr. N.S. Kang, Financial Commissioner Revenue, Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Secretary Health, Mr. Anurag Verma, MD PIDB and Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Special Principal Secretary to Deputy CM.
-------

CENTRE MUST RETHINK ON REDUCING 63 % KEROSENE OIL QUOTA OF PUNJAB: KAIRON
MUST EVALUATE PUNJAB’S REQUIREMENT ON DATA PROVIDED BY STATE’S FOOD DEPARTMENT

Chandigarh, May 9: Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon, Food and Civil Supplies Minister, PUnjab has pleaded Union Government to review the unjust cut of 63% in the quota of kerosene oil for Punjab and sought reevaluation of cut based on data provided by State Food Department.

          Mr. Kairon pleaded Union Government that this cut of kerosene quota would be a grave injustice to poor people of Punjab. The      Minister said that he recently took up the matter of kerosene oil quota reduction of Punjab with the central ministry and urged them to restore previously given kerosene oil quota to Punjab.
Mr. Kairon said that BPL families of Punjab should be given their due and centre should rethink on this issue. He said that the basis on which central ministry has reduced kerosene oil quota of Punjab is not factful therefore central ministry and state food civil supplies department should jointly re-evaluate the facts.
          Mr. Kairon said that while evaluating this issue one should also keep in mind that is reduction of kerosene oil quota percentage according to the percentage of states BPL families or not. Mr. Kairon further added that Punjab government is committed for providing kerosene oil on low cost to the poor people of Punjab for which they will continuously put pressure on centre and reach every doorstep to restore kerosene oil quota.

-----

CENTRE PROMISES SUPPORT TO BORDER AREA DEVELOPMENT AND DRINKING WATER PROGRAMS OF PUNJAB

·       CHIEF SECRETARY RAKESH SINGH MEETS UNION MINISTER Dr. ASHWANI KUMAR

Chandigarh, May 9: The Union Government today assured support to Punjab Government in various flagship programs including Drinking water/ purification and discharge of contaminated waters in village ponds, Skills upgradation for the youth, Infrastructure Development, Border Area Development and Cancer treatment/ prevention – infrastructure in Malwa area.
          This assurance came in a meeting of Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, who led a team of officers to make a presentation to Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State for Planning, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, who presented the case of Punjab for Union Government’s support in various ongoing and future programs.  Addressing the meeting Dr. Ashwani Kumar said while the Central Government could lend all possible assistance within the framework of extant policies and resource constraints it is essential for the State Government to tone up governance and ensure transparency in administration so that private investors participate in unlocking the economic potential of the State. 
 Chief Secretary, Punjab informed Dr. Kumar that the State Government administration is working to ensure efficiency in the delivery of public services and compliance with the Central Government guidelines in utilization of funds under various schemes and projects funded by the Central Government. It was decided to identify key development projects in the physical and social infrastructure space in the state and to explore avenues for funding under the flagship programmes of the Central government. Dr. Rakesh Singh also sought Union Government’s support in expansion of Bio-technology incubator, for setting up Centre For Industrial Pollution Abatement & Training (Cipat), setting up of Biodiversity based Livelihoods Centre for Shivaliks, Setting up of a Knowledge Centre.
Assuring support the Minister said that he has called this meeting with a view to identify development projects for Punjab requiring technical and financial assistance from the Central Government.
---
The high level meeting was attended by Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology; Prof. Samir K. Brahmchari, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research; Dr. M.K. Bhan, Secretary, Department of Bio-Technology; Dr. Shilesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences; and Shri Rakesh Singh, Chief Secretary, Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Secretary Science and Technology and other senior officers from Government of Punjab.

-----

CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE PUNJAB
JAI RAM RAMESH TO ADDRESS STATE MLA’s ON MAY 12

Chandigarh, May 9, 2012

       Union Rural Development Minister Mr. Jai Ram Ramesh would address a conference on Rural Development policy and interact with all the MLAs of the state here at Punjab Bhawan on Saturday from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm.

       Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, said that during the conference Mr. Ramesh would apprise the Members of the Legislative Assembly about the various centrally sponsored schemes and programs run by the Government of India (GoI) under the Ministry of Rural Development.

------

BADAL DIRECTS PS HOME TO IMMEDIATELY WITHDRAW LETTERS
 ON AG OFFICE & HOLD INQUIRY TO FIX RESPONSIBILITY

STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO UPHOLD CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY OF AG

CHANDIGARH MAY 09:
Reiterating the constitutional sanctity of the post of Advocate General, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the Home Department to immediately withdraw the letters written to the AG against the express authority of the state government.  
Immediately taking cognizance of the news report regarding downgrading the post of Punjab Advocate General in a section of Press, the Chief Minister asked the Principal Secretary Home Mr. DS Bains to personally call on the Advocate General Mr. Ashok Aggarwal to explain the entire position. 
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal also asked the Principal Secretary Home to hold an inquiry into the matter to ascertain the facts and fix the responsibility of the concerned erring officer/officials for this lapse.   Mr. Badal said that the state government was ever committed to uphold the constitutional sanctity and authority of the AG’s office. 

------

National Secretary of the BJP Kisan Morch Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal said that they are

Two members from the Kisan Morcha of the Bharatiya Janata Party from each of the Lok Sabha constituencies in the country will take part in the two-day ‘Farmers' Parliament' beginning on May 12 in Mavlankar Hall, Rafi Marg, New Delhi. It is being organised to protest against the “anti-farmers' policies of the Union government”.

Addressing mediapersons here on Tuesday, All India Secretary of the BJP Kisan Morcha and Punjab Government Small Industry and Export Corporation Vice Chairman Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal said that the Farmers' Parliament would discuss various proposed Bills and what should be included in the Bills to protect the interests of the farmers.
Mr. Grewal said that Land Acquisition Bill, Seed bill, Pesticide Management Bill and Biotechnology Authority Bill were before the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha and unless modifications were made, the proposed Bills would be detrimental to the interests of the farming community.
He said that the morcha wanted prices of crops be fixed scientifically as proposed by the Swaminathan Committee.
Mr. Grewal said that the Kisan Morcha was against acquisition of land in large quantities on the pretext of establishing industries.
He said that the former chairman of the Farmers' Commission M.S. Swaminathan, senior journalist P. Sainath, BJP national president Nitin Gadkari, several national-level leaders of the BJP and Chief Ministers of all the BJP ruled States would be participating in the two-day event. Two members of the Kisan Morcha from each of the Lok Sabha constituencies in the country would be part of the two-day deliberations, he said.
National Secretary of the BJP Kisan Morch Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal said that they are against acquisition of fertile agricultural landfor establishment of industries.

…

CM DIRECTS SOCIAL SECURITY DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE PENSION TO THE BENEFICIARIES AT THEIR DOORSTEPS

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO OPT PENSIONS DISBURSE SYSTEM THROUGH BANKS ACROSS THE STATE
CHANDIGARH MAY 9:
In a bid to ensure timely disbursement of pensions and other financial assistance to different categories of beneficiaries including old, widow, destitute and others at their doorsteps, the Punjab Government has decided to adopt pension distribution system through reputed National banks across the state.
A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a high level meeting held here at the Chief Minister's residence late last evening, for reviewing the present system of disbursing of pensions and Shagun Scheme in the state.
Presiding over the meeting Mr. Badal directed the Principal Secretary   Social Security, Women & Child Development to immediately tie-up with the reputed National banks for streamlining the entire process for facilitating every beneficiary to get the benefits of these schemes at their doorsteps.
During the meeting the Chief Minister was apprised that at present there were about 19,77,000 beneficiaries under the various pension scheme in the  state. Likewise the officers also told Mr Badal that the Department had cleared the pendency of pensions in ten districts of the state by disbursing Rs. 20 crore adding that they would also disburse Rs. 9 crore under Shagun Scheme by the end of July 2012.
Taking part in deliberations Director, Social Security, Women & Child Development informed the Chief Minister that about 4500 branches of different banks were functional in 12500 villages across the state. He said that in its endeavor to facilitate the beneficiaries, the department had already tied up with a few banks for initiating the work of disbursing the pensions and Shaguns in three districts across the state.
Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Planning Mr. Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary Social Security Mr. R. Venkatratnam, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Director Social Security, Women & Child Development Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and Additional Director Social Security, Women & Child Development Mr. Lakha Singh.

------

PUNJAB GOVERNOR ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF TOTA SINGH
CM TO LOOK AFTER AGRICULTURE
CHANDIGARH MAY 09:
Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil today accepted the resignation of Agriculture Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, who stepped down as Cabinet Minister on moral grounds following his conviction by the Mohali court in a case related to the misuse of official vehicle of Punjab School Education Board while he was Education Minister from 1997 to 2002.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Jathedar Tota Singh had tendered his resignation to the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal this morning, which was subsequently forwarded to the Governor for his immediate acceptance.
Meanwhile, the portfolio of Agriculture held by Jathedar Tota Singh would now be looked after by the Chief Minister till further orders, the spokesperson added.  

---------

PUNJAB CONGRESS AGAIN AT THE OLD JOB OF SCUTTLING CENTRAL GRANTS FOR STATE: SUKHBIR

·        THE UNPRECEDENTED DEVELOPMENT OF MOHALI IN NEXT TWO YEARS SET TO PUT CHANDIGARH IN SHADE
·        EXHIBITION GROUND, CONVENTION CENTER, IT HUB TO MAKE MOHALI FOREIGN INVESTORS DREAM DESTINATION
·        BLAMES UNION GOVERNMENT INDECISON FOR STORAGE AND GUNNY BAG CRISIS
·        INSTALLS HARBHAJAN MANN AS NEW CHAIRMAN OF DISTRICT PLANNING COMMITTEE

AJITGARH, MAY 9: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today said that Congress Party was again at the old job of making efforts to scuttle central grants for Punjab.

Speaking to media persons, after the installation ceremony of famous Punjabi folk singer and film artist Mr. Harbhajan Mann as new Chairman of District Planning Committee, here today Mr. Badal said that Punjab Congress unit spent last five years in scuttling central grants, development package for the state with the hope that they would be able to derail the accelerated development campaign of SAD-BJP Government. He said that despite their vicious campaign our government was able to showcase unprecedented development to the electorate, on which they have put their stamp of approval by re-electing the same government. He said that electorates of Punjab have seen through the anti-state game of congress party and had punished them by dumping them in Vidhan Sabha elections. He said that Punjab Congress leaders have not learnt any lesson from their humiliating defeat and was again active to scuttle package or central grants for state. He regretted that whereas in other states all parties join their hands to seek central grants for the states but frustrated Punjab congress party has failed to sense the anger of electorates on this issue.

          When asked about choice of Mr. Harbhajan Mann as new chairman, Mr. Badal said that the SAD-BJP has chosen Mr. Mann as he has ability, vision and international exposure to take the development of Ajitgarh district in the higher orbit. He said that besides continuing old unfinished projects Mohali would soon have international level exhibition center besides a convention center to give a promotion platform to IT companies setting up their units here. He said that in next two-three years Mohali would witness such an unprecedented development that it would put the parent city Chandigarh in shade. He said that with the operationalization of international flights from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport Mohali, the development of this region as international IT hub would get a big boost.

          On the issue of problems of grain storage, Mr. Badal put the blame squarely on the Union Government’s old habit of taking decision when harvest season was over. He said that they had been pleading Union Government to move the old grain stock from the state, increase the storage capacity, allow more silos besides permitting export of wheat to Pakistan and other Central Asian countries through newly inaugurated Attari ICP but Union Government has failed to take any timely step. He said that it was unfortunate that Union Government has failed to provide sufficient gunny bags to all wheat producing states.

          Earlier, Mr. Badal congratulated Mr. Harbhajan Mann on assuming new responsibility and hoped that Ajitgarh area would witness futuristic development under the leadership and guidance of Mr. Harbhajan Mann.

          Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included former Union Minister Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, former MLA Mr. Ujagar Singh Wadali, Punjabi folk singer Mr. Satinder Sartaj and Mr. Gursewak Mann.

-------

PUNJAB ANTI NARCOTIC TASK FORCE FULLY GEARS UP TO COMBAT DRUG MENACE
·        DRUG DETECTION KIT PROVIDED TO FACILITATE AT THE SPOT IDENTIFICATION OF SEIZED NARCOTIC SUBSTANCE
·        PUNJAB TO INITIATE PROCEEDINGS FOR ATTACHMENT OF PROPERTIES OF NARCOTIC SMUGGLERS
·        SPECIAL MULTI-MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO CREATE AWRENESS REGARDING ILL EFFECTS OF DRUGS

Chandigarh, May 9: The Punjab Government has constituted a State Anti Narcotic Task Force to further intensify its systematic campaign and strict action against the drug abuse to enforce the State government’s commitment to eradicate the drug abuse from the state. The task force would provide drug detection kits to field officers for at the spot identification of any seized narcotic substance.

Presiding over a state level meeting of all the Nodal Officers (Superintendents of Police/Detective of all districts) of the State Anti Narcotic Task Force  and representatives of Narcotic Control Bureau, Zonal Officer, Chandigarh here at Punjab Police Headquarters, Mr.B.K. Uppal, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Anti Narcotic Task Force, Punjab directed nodal officers to coordinate with other agencies like Narcotic Control Bureau, Directorate Revenue Intelligence, Intelligence Bureau, Border Security Force to ensure strict and timely action against drug smugglers to wipe out this menace from the state. He also asked them to initiate legal proceedings against drug smugglers for the attachment of their properties acquired through ill-gotten means.
Mr. Uppal underlined the need for organizing visits to education institutes in their respective areas to create awareness amongst the students about ill-effects of the drugs besides educating drivers, labour class, school drop-outs and slum dwellers as they were more prone to the addiction. He asked them to launch multi-media campaign for publicizing the ill-effects of the drugs in their respective areas by involving District Public Relations Offices.
To check the use of synthetic drugs and availability of narcotic substances at chemist shops, he asked them to organize joint operations along with drug inspectors and book the erring chemists and caution them against selling any drug without due prescription of Doctor.
Taking serious note of some instances of pilferages from mall khanas, he directed them to arrange destruction of seized drugs as early as possible.
He categorically said that any kind of connivance with drug mafia of field officials’ would not be tolerated and if any kind of such information comes in their notice, strict action should be taken against the guilty.
On this occasion, the Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB) officers made a demonstration regarding the use of drug detection kit to facilitate at the spot identification of seized narcotic substance. The NCB also agreed to hold educational workshops for Punjab Police officers to make them aware regarding procedure to be adopted in the matter of property attachment. He also emphasized that Police officers seizing the drugs should claim the reward money as per government instructions well in time.
-----
                   A meeting under the chairmanship of Sh. Suresh Arora, IPS, DGP-cum-Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Pb.

Chandigarh May 8:-
A meeting under the chairmanship of Sh. Suresh Arora, IPS, DGP-cum-Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Pb. at Chandigarh. This meeting was attended by all senior officers of Vigilance Bureau, Hqrs., S.Ps of Vigilance Bureau Ranges, SPs of Flying Squad and Economic Offence Wing, all DSPs/Vigilance Bureau Units and the Technical Officers of Vigilance Bureau.
                   The CDVB intimated the officers that an Internal Vigilance Cell has been created at the Hqrs., to keep a watch on the officers/officials of the Vigilance Bureau. The officers were also told that to bring professionalism and educated NGOs/OR in Vigilance Bureau, the induction will be of graduates only and after a written test. The registration of any enquiry on the formal complaints and vigilance enquires shall be centralized and will be registered only after soliciting orders of the CDVB. Similarly, the enquires shall be closed or any other further action shall be initiated only after soliciting the orders of the CDVB. The Officers were also directed to take prior permission of the competent authorities at the Vigilance Bureau, Hqrs. before laying the trap of any public servant and to follow the proper procedure strictly.
                   The Officers of Vigilance Bureau were also directed to send their Monthly achievement reports to Hqrs. to assess their monthly progress in respect of no of traps organized by them, no of source reports generated by them, no of formal complaints and Vigilance enquires finalized by them, efforts made to nab the POs, Parvi done in Vigilance cases in different Courts and efforts made to create awareness in public about anti-corruption campaign. They were also  directed to erect hoardings/boards at prominent public places with telephone numbers of the Vigilance Bureau Officers to made the public aware in case they have to contact the officers if they are harassed by any public servant. They were also requested to give useful suggestion for improving the working in various deptts. as well as in the  Vigilance Bureau.
                   The CDVB also intimated the officers that surprise checkings shall be conducted in various deptts. in the field which are prone of corruption but it will be ensured that no developmental activity is stalled and nobody is harassed. The checkings shall be in a fair manner, impartial and will create confidence in the public.

------

EDUCATION DEPTT.TO INCUR RS. 9 CRORE TO STREANGHTHEN SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE SCHOOLS- MALUKA

Medal winner students would get extra 25 marks
Chandigarh May 9:-
          The Education Department has chalked out a strategy to strengthen sports infrastructure in the schools of the state. Education
Department would incur Rs. 9 crore to provide better guide and modern sports kits to the sports persons.
          it was disclosed by education Minister Punjab Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka while presiding over a meeting of Punjab School Physical Education Development Fund Committees meeting. He said that education department would make every effort to provide the modern sports kits and healthy diet to the sports persons so that they could prepare for competition at every level with full concentration.
          The Minister further said that the education department has also decided to give 25-25 extra marks on the pattern of Maharashtra and Goa governments, to all those students, who would get medal at state level, National level and international level.     
          He further said that the coaching centers in the schools would continue in the evening shift also so as the students could excel at the national and international level sports competition. He said that in every district 30 to 40 sports coaching center would establish. He said that Physical Education teachers would get 2 hours rest from daily school hours so that they could provide coaching to the students in the evening shift after the school timings.
           He said that the education department has also decided to invite online entries for all National and international levels competitions on the pattern of Indian sports school federation and Kerla Government.
          Prominent among other who present in the meeting included Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Inderbir Singh Bularia, Secretary Education Mr. Husan Lal and other senior officers  of the department.

-----

DOCTORS TO GET TRAINING IN MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS LIKE PGI AND TATA MEMORIAL HOSPITALS

CHANDIGARH May 8:
          The Punjab Government has decided to get their doctors trained in technically advanced medical institutions like PGI Chandigarh and TATA Memorial Mumbai.
A decision to this effect was taken today by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during 29th meeting of Governing Body of Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Society Jalandhar held under his chairmanship here. Mr. Badal asked the Medical Education and Research department to tie-up with renowned medical institutions in the country equipped with advanced technology in medical science to train our doctors through short term orientation courses.
It was informed in the meeting that the on-going construction work of boundary wall, landscaping installation of furniture and equipment in PIMS Hospital and Medical College complex at Jalandhar, had been completed. While reviewing the status of the various approved projects which were initiated by PIMS society in Government Medical Colleges of the state, Mr. Badal approved to sanction Rs. 10 crore for the up-gradation and strengthening of Radiotherapy unit in Government Medical College Amritsar, Rs. 20 crore for setting up of comprehensive Cancer diagnostic Treatment Centre at Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot. It was also approved in the meeting that PIMS Society would release Rs. 25 Crore to health department for the construction of five de-addiction Centers in the state.
Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Medical Education Minister Mr. Bhagat Chunni Lal, Chief Parliamentary secretary Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Advocate General Punjab Mr. Ashok Aggarwal, Principal Secretary Finance Mr.  Satish Chandra, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary Medical Education Mrs. Anjali Bhawara, Techical Advisor General (Retd.) B.S. Dhaliwal, Director Medical Education Dr. Jai Kishan, Principal Government Medical College-cum-Director PIMS Dr. K.D. Singh, Vice Chancellor Baba Farid University of Health Sciences Dr. S.S.Gill, Prof. K.S. Chugh, Prof. S.B.S. Maan and other senior officers of the Punjab Government.

-----

VIOLATION OF LABOUR LAWS WON’T BE TOLRATED: JYANI

·       CONSTITUES COMMITTEE TO STREAMLINE THE FUNCTIONING OF THE DEPTT.
CHANDIGARH, MAY 8:
Mr. Surjit Singh Jyani, Labour Minister, Punjab held first meeting of the department here today. Addressing the official and employees of the department, Mr. Jyani said that labour acts are mainly associated with backward classes and economically backward people, therefore the officials and employees should protact their rights on priority basis and any kind of laxity would not be tolerated at any level. He also urged the officials and employees to bring transparency and fairness in their working so that laboures don’t face any hazards.
He said that official should make sincere efforts to protect the rights of employee working in factories. Mr. Jyani further said that Punjab Buildings and Other Constructions Workers’ Welfare Board should register more and more employees, so that these employees are able to facilitate from various government schemes. He also instructed the officials to make labourers aware about the ongoing and new govt. schemes, besides this official also instructed to prepare blue print of new beneficiary schemes for the labourers.
Mr. Jyani called upon to speed up the process of pending judicial cases of labourers regarding compensation and salary etc. He said that the contractors should be issued licenses according to labour act, so that no contractor is able to exploit the labourer. He said that the Inter-State Migrant Labour Act should also be implemented properly.
To smoothen the daily functioning of the department, Mr. Jyani constituted a five member committee, which includes Principal Secretary, Secretary, Labour Commissioner, Additional Labour Commissioner, Additional Labour Commissioner (Factories) of the department. This committee would solve all the departmental problem at their level and reported to the minister.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Chaudhary Nand Lal also spoke on the occasion. Mr. Prabhjot Singh Mand, Labour Commissioner welcomed the guests. Prominent amongst others, present on the occasion were Mr. R.C. Nayar, Principal Secretary of Department, Mr. M.K. Vadhawan, Secretary, Mr. Harish Nayar, Additional Labour Commissioner and Mr. Sodhi Ram, Additional Commissioner (Factories) and other official of the deptt.

------
CAPTAIN’S DEMAND FOR SPECIAL ECNOMIC PACKAGE A MERE POLITICAL STUNT- MAJITHIA
·       TRYING TO SAVE HIS ‘CAPTAINCY’

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH, May 8: Punjab Revenue and Public Relations Minister, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today said that a demand for Special Financial Package by Captain Amarinder Singh led delegation of congressmen from Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was a mere political gimmick and described his silence on grave injustices meted out to Punjab during last 8 years by Congress led UPA Government, a criminal negligence. He said that Captain had not gone to advocate for Special Financial Package but to save his captaincy of Punjab Congress, which was in danger ever since the recent Vidhan Sabha debacle.
          In a statement issued here, Mr. Majithia said that Congress leaders cannot befool the people of state by adopting such publicity stunts on the eve of Local Bodies Elections as they had obstructed the sanctioning of HUDCO loan for Urban Development to Punjab besides scuttling various infrastructural and development projects. He blamed that the congress leaders stooped so low that they pressurized Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh against inaugurating the unique Virasat-E-Khalsa. 
The Minister said that if Captain was sincere to the interests of Punjab, he should press the Union Government to stop discriminatory attitude towards Punjab and to initiate efforts for the release of Special Economic Package, approval of long pending Irrigation Projects worth Rs 3500 crore, Special Financial Aid for the Border belts of Punjab, to match the rates of crops with Price Index besides getting Special Industrial Package for Punjab on the pattern of neighboring states.

          Accusing Captain for his meager demand of Rs 100 bonus on wheat, Mr. Majithia said that Shiromani Akali Dal had been demanding implementation of recommendations of Swaminathan Commission, linking MSP of Agriculture produce with cost of agriculture inputs but congress party to protect the interests of multinational companies was scuttling its proposal. Mr. Majithia said that the Union Government should also waive the Rs 35000 crore debt on the farmers of Punjab, keeping in view their unparalleled contribution in  country’s food security. 
          Strongly condemning the Punjab Congress demand of CBI (Congress Bureau of Investigation) probe in alleged vendetta cases, Mr. Majithia said that Congress Party has been misleading the people of Punjab by alleging vendetta cases since last five years but failed to produce the a list of such cases. He said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal asked the congress leadership on numerous occasions to make public such list but they never released or submit such list.
          Mr. Majithia said that the allegations of Congress Party expressing misuse of central funds was the result of party’s frustration due to its defeat in recently held assembly polls. He said that Congress leader demand for Special Economic Package has nothing new as Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal had always urged the Congress led UPA Government to give Punjab its rightful due as the state has always made a significant contribution in the overall development of the nation.
-------

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS
VIKAS GARG IAS AND FIVE OTHERS

Orders Vigilance inquiry

CHANDIGARH, MAY 8:

    Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today ordered the
immediate suspension of Mr. Vikas Garg, IAS along with other five
officers of revenue department for committing  grave irregularities
for registering  two sale deeds (No. 15901 and 15902)  that were
registered by Joint Sub Registrar, Patiala on 14th. October, 2011.
    Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that the other officers who were suspended included DRO, Patiala Mr. Rajbir Singh (under transfer), Tehsildar Patiala  Mr. A.S.Thind, Naib Tehsildar Patiala, Mr. G.S. Walia, , Kanugo Mr. Priitpal Singh and Patwari Mr. Suresh Kumar. After examining the reports of Commissioner Patiala division, Financial Commissioner Revenue andRevenue Minister, the Chief Minister also marked an inquiry to the

vigilance department to be conducted by Director General of Police
(Vigilance) under his personal supervision besides, departmental
action against all the delinquent officials. Since the
officers/officials concerned had different appointing authorities,
therefore a joint proceeding in this case would be conducted, added
spokesperson.
It maybe recalled here two sale deeds relating to nearly 6000 Sq. Yard of prime land in Patiala City were presented before the Registration authorities in Patiala. In the sale deeds the owner of the land wasshown as Kiraninder Singh and the Khasra No. of the property was
mentioned as No. 104. However the boundaries of the property, as
mentioned in the sale deeds, indicated it to be the land occupied by
offices of the Civil Surgeon, Education Department etc. Since the deed was not being registered the vendors moved the High Court and the Deputy Commissioner-cum-Collector was directed to decide their
representation. Vide his order dated 22nd March, 2011 the
Collector-cum-DC without having any authority decided that no
directions to register the sale deed could be issued to the Sub
Registrar. This order was stayed in by the Commissioner Patiala on
15th April, 2011.

    On 7th October, 2011 the Sub Registrar Patiala put up a note to the Deputy Commissioner mentioning that the sale deed had again been
presented for registration and sought advice in the matter. This note mentioned that the Power of Attorney given by the owner had already been cancelled. The DRO Patiala on 13th October, 2011 recorded that the matter had been discussed with the D.C. and that the  registration could not be refused. A letter to this effect was also written on 14th October, 2011. The sale deed was registered by the Naib Tehsilda Mr Patiala on the same date.

------------------

CM, DEPUTY CM AND HARSIMRAT CALLS ON PRANAB MUKHERJEE; SEEKS COMPLETE WAIVER OF OUTSTANDING LOAN OF RS 22,202 CRORE OR MORATORIUM ON REPAYMENT FOR FIVE YEARS

DEMANDS EARLY SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS OF STATE PROCUREMENT AGENCIES WORTH RS 7461 CRORE RECOVERABLE FROM GOI/FCI

PLEADS FOR FUNDING OF POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM THROUGH NABARD

New Delhi, May 8-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal called on the Union Finance Minister Mr Pranab Mukherjee seeking his personal intervention for complete waiver of the outstanding small savings loan of Rs. 22,202 crore as on March 31, 2012 or else grant moratorium of repayment of principal and interest on the loan for five years from the current fiscal.
          The Chief Minister along with Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal and Member Parliament from Bathinda Mrs Harsimrat Kaur, met Mr Mukherjee in his office here at North Block on Monday late evening. They apprised the Union Finance Minister that Punjab was a revenue surplus state till 1986-87. State finances were adversely affected during the long period of militancy and President’s rule. On the one hand, the state had to incur heavy expenditure on security and on the other little effort was made to mobilize additional resources. Even the industry didn’t find the border state with a hostile neighbor an attractive destination for investment. Besides the tax concessions to neighboring states in 2000-01 rendered the manufacturing sector totally uncompetitive. Above all the state had ruined its soil and water resources and was incurring having expenditure on power in order to ensure national food security.
The Chief Minister also apprised Mr Mukherjee that 13th Finance Commission identified three states of West Bengal, Punjab and Kerala which had revenue deficit in the financial year 2007-08 as debt stressed. Subsequently, the Government of India (GoI) constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Union Expenditure Secretary. The committee held three meetings, two in August, 2010 and 3rd in November, 2011. However, the committee has yet to submit its report. Currently the state has an outstanding debt of Rs.77585 crore as on March 31, 2012. The annual interest liability was about Rs. 6500 crore.
The Chief Minister further mentioned that 13th Finance Commission had recommended only minor interest relief of resetting the rate of interest 9% of small savings loan and waiver of outstanding loans of Rs. 90 crore granted by various central ministries other than Ministry of Finance. The state had already amended its Financial Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act to make its consistence with the fiscal consolidation roadmap recommended by the commission. However, the state was finding extremely difficult to meet these targets.
Mr Badal also urged the Union Finance Minister to immediately release the balance grants of Rs 240 crore @ Rs 80 per year, which had been already earmarked by the 13th Finance Commission for Punjab without any conditionality whatsoever. He pleaded that the said amount being a part of the state’s share in Central taxes, was not only the legitimate right of Punjab but was also required by the state for maintenance of its infra structure in the water sector. The Chief Minister also impressed upon Mr Mukherjee for quick disbursal of this amount to the state without linking it to formation of “State Water Regulatory Authority” as per recommendation of the 13th Finance Commission.    
The Chief Minister also raised the issue of immediate settlement of the claims of the state procurement agencies amounting to Rs 7461 crore from the crop season 2003-2004 onwards, still recoverable from GoI/Food Corporation of India (FCI). Mr Badal also apprised the Union Finance Minister that the state government was paying an interest @ 13% which comes to be a hefty liability of Rs 75 crore per month.
The Chief Minister also requested Mr Mukherjee to include funding for the improvement of Power Transmission system under NABARD loan scheme, as currently it does not provide loan for improving transmission infra structure in rural areas rather provided loans to state power utilities only for establishing power generation plants up to 10 Mega Watt.  He informed the Union Finance Minister that inadequate power infra structure in rural areas had adversely impacted the quality of life and there was a dire need to bring all round improvement in the transmission system in the rural areas through laying far more lines, constructing adequate Grid stations and installing more transformers etc.    
Summing up the discussions Mr Mukherjee assured the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal that he would soon convene a meeting of the senior officers of the Ministry to settle all the pending issues on the priority after getting them thoroughly examined. The Chief Minister thanked Mr Mukherjee for the positive outcome of the meeting.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary Mr KJS Cheema.

------

CM ALONG WITH DEPUTY CM AND HARSIMRAT CALLS ON THE UNION HEALTH MINISTER; SEEKS COVERAGE OF ALL DISTRICTS UNDER NPCDCS AND NPCE

URGES AZAD TO ENHANCE THE AMBIT OF STATE ILLNESS FUND

AZAD APPRECIATE PUNJAB GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVES TO DEVELOP HEALTH SECTOR

New Delhi, May 8-
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal called on the Union Health and Family Planning Minister Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad at his residence here on Monday seeking his intervention for covering all the 22 districts of the state under the National Programme of Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) and National Programme for Health Care for Elderly (NPCE).
            Accompanied by the Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal and Member Parliament from Bathinda Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the Chief Minister apprised Mr Azad that at present only three districts of the state including Bathinda, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur have been covered under these programmes. He said that keeping in view the commitment of the state Government to provide quality health care facilities to the people, the scope of these ambitious schemes should be considerably enhanced thereby covering all the 22 districts of the state.
Raising another issue the Chief Minister urged Mr Azad that in order to provide world class Health care facilities to the poor families the ambit of the State Illness Fund Scheme must be widened. He said that now only 4.44 lac families across the state have been covered under the scheme but it must be made broad based so that more poor people could be benefitted from it. Mr Badal also requested the Union Health Minister to change the funding pattern of this scheme from 67% share of state government and 33% share of Government of India (GoI) to 50% share of both the state government and GoI.
            Mr Badal also urged the Union Health Minister to cover Punjab under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) as already around 22 other states across the country have been covered under the porgramme. In the same manner the Chief Minister also urged Mr Azad to direct the officers of his Ministry to introduce Pentavalent Vaccine, that prevent children from five life threatening diseases, in the state so that immunity could be provided to the Children from fatal diseases. He said that this vaccine has already been introduced in eight states across the country adding that Punjab could be very much benefitted with the introduction of this vaccine.
Likewise the Chief Minister also apprised Mr Azad that the state government had submitted three project reports to the GoI under the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) for Ludhiana, Amritsar and Jalandhar cities but the response of GoI on it was still awaited. He asked the Union Minister to get the matter expedited so that the immediate implementation of scheme for providing world class medical facility to the people in the state could be ensured. In the same manner he also requested the Union Minister that for the sake of people of Punjab, the GoI should continue to fund the Trauma Centres at Jalandhar, Pathankot, Amritsar and Khanna from March 2012 onwards also.  
Referring to the issue of Emergency Response Ambulances in the state, Mr Badal urged the Union Minister to immediately release Rs 21.98 crore for 108 including 22 additional Ambulances covering all the districts.
Mr Azad assured the Chief Minister that he would soon convene a meeting of senior officers of his ministry to resolve all the pending issues on the priority. He also appreciated the initiatives taken by the state government for improving the Health sector in the state adding that GoI was committed to develop the Health being the core sector in the country.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary Mr KJS Cheema.  

-------
5238 COMPUTER LABS SETUP IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS-MALUKA
Chandigarh May:-
            Keeping in view to train students in computer learning special computer aided learning scheme has been launched in the state.
            announcing this here today, Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka said that 5238 computer labs have been set up in upper primary schools.
            Mr. Maluka said, under computer aided learning scheme multimedia content for English, Mathmatics, Science, Social Studies has been developed covering all the hardspots, which would help the teacher to make students understand the difficult concepts resulting in better understanding of the subject. He said this initiative has also helped in increasing the attendance of the students.
            The Minister said with the technical aids like integrated computer cam projector (ICP) and LFT display it has become easier for the teacher to show the pictorial representation of the diagrams. He said 470 integrated computer cam projectors have already been supplied to upper primary schools. Besides this, the minister said that Desktop computers with 32" LFT-TV as a monitor for displaying multimedia educational content have been supplied to 1420 upper primary schools. In order to impart quality education, 12470 subject teachers have been trained and 400 teachers have been provided refreshers training, he added.
------

PROPER MECHANISM IS NEED OF HOUR TO CHECK ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: CHAIRPERSON NRI COMMISSION

INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR MIGRATION POLICY DEVELOPMENT DELEGATION MEETS NRI COMMISSION PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, MAY 8:

To check illegal immigration and address all sorts of problems of NRI's we need to set up a proper mechanism from centre to state level through which such cases should directly be taken up at international level for early solutions. This was stated by Chairperson NRI Commission Punjab Sh. Arvind Kumar during a meeting with a four member delegation from International Centre for Migration Policy Development.

Sh. Arvind Kumar said that Punjab Government is in process of implementing a Prevention of Human Smuggling ACT-2010. He added that with the implementation of this draft act, it will be mandatory for all travel agents to get registered and licensed and their will be a complete check on any type of immigration. 

Sh. Arvind Kumar briefing about the role of International Centre for Migration Policy Development told that this centre is set up to study illegal immigration and provide remedial measures. In the meeting he suggested the delegation that they should thoroughly study the whole administrative and police setup from national to state level before providing any remedial measures regarding illegal immigration. He said that ICMPD should work in pyramid shape for flow of information from centre to state level to get better results.

Presenting his views on illegal immigration ADGP Sh. Siddarth Chatopadiya said that we should have holistic approach to check illegal immigration and set up such a system where added powers should be given to check illegal immigration. He said that whereas cases of international crime are solved with the help CBI but it is very difficult to tackle with other kind of cases at international level rather than crime such as bonded labour etc which are directly not related to crime.  

Delegation from ICMPD lead by Project Officer Mr. Nabeela Ahmed lauded the efforts of Punjab NRI Commission for taking up case of Punjabi labourers working in Nigeria. Briefing about this case Sh. Arvind Kumar told that case of Punjabi labourers working in Nigerian firm in Nigeria was reported to the commission. In this case company was not giving salary and other facilities to the employes and they took up the case with the central overseas ministry and this matter is soon going to be solved.

Amongst others present in the meeting were ICMPD Project Officer Mr. Nabeela Ahmed, Programme Manger Oprations ICMPD Mr. Chantol Lacrox and Member NRI Commission Punjab S. Jagtar Singh.

------

YOUTH POWER BE CHANNELIZED FOR HEALTHY SOCIETY: PARMINDER SINGH DHINDSA

CHANDIGARH, MAY 8:
Youth has an important role to play for the development of the healthy society. That society would finally be emerged stronger, which utilizes its youth power in creative activities.
It was stated by Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance and Planning Minister, Punjab, while delivering key note address in state level function on World Red Cross Day at Tegore Theatre here. He said that the basic aim of Red Cross is selfless service without discrimination. He said that this concept of selfless service was set up by Bhai Ghanaya Ji long back. He said that it has become more important to strengthen the universal brotherhood in the present scenario, which is full of hatred, discrimination of caste, creed and nationality. He urged that the best way to develop universal brotherhood is by engaging the children in social service.
During the occasion, Mr. Dhindsa also felicitates service of eminent personalities who played selfless service towards the society and also present mementos to them. These included SSPs of Patiala, Bathinda, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and Roper Districts including other, who work selfless for humanity.
Prominent amongst others, who were present on the occasion included Mr. A.B.S. Brar (Brig. Retd.), Secretary, Punjab State Branch, Deputy Secretary Mr. A.L. Astha, Account Officer Mr. Harbans Singh Baidwan and Senior Field Officer Mr. K.K. Saini.
­-----

ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHARIF SEASON ANNOUNCED

CHANDIGARH, MAY 8:
            The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Kharif Season through Canal water from 8-5-2012 to 15-5-2012. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala Feeder, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab canal and Sidhwan Branch, respectively.
            Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that Ghaggar Link and its off-taking channels i.e. Ghagar Branch and Patiala Minor 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’, respectively.
            The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries in Group ‘B’ in the first preference would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available would be utilized in direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in Group ‘A’.
                The spokesman also said that the Main Branch Lower with its distributaries being in the 1st preference would run to their indent. Balance water available would be utilized in Lahore Branch, Sabhraon Branch, Kasur Branch Lower with their distributaries respectively.

------

Rs. 200 CRORES SANCTIONED FOR ATTA-DAL SCHEME: KAIRON

·        SEEKS ABOLITION OF CONDITONS IMPOSED ON USE OF OLD GUNNY BAGS BY UNION GOVERNMENT
·        PUNJAB SETS A NEW RECORD IN WHEAT PROCURMENT, FIRSTEVER PROCUREMENT CROSSES 110 LAKH TONNES OF WHEAT
·        TO CALL ON UNION MINISTERS ON TUESDAY TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF KEROSCENE OIL QUOTA AND PROBLEMS REGARDING GUNNY BAGS

CHANDIGARH, MAY 7: The Punjab Government today sanctioned Rs. 200 Crore to the Food and Civil Supplies Department, for the smooth running of ongoing Atta-Dal scheme to ensure the availability of ration to the needy people of the state.

          Disclosing this here today Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon, Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Punjab said that Punjab has created a new record as till date more than 112 lakh tones of wheat has been procured in the mandis of state besides expecting procurement of more than 120 lakh tones of wheat during current season. He said that it was the result of relentless efforts  of Punjab farmers and the subsidies providing by the SAD-BJP government to the farming sector.

          Mr. Kairon said that SAD-BJP Government was fully committed to run Atta-Dal scheme without any interruption and hindrances, for which Rs. 200 crores have been sanctioned to his department by Punjab Government. He said that out of this amount Rs. 110 has been released, while the remaining amount would be disbursed within a day or two. He also every month Rs 50 crore would be released for this flagship programme of SAD-BJP government

          Demanding abolition of conditions imposed by the Congress led UPA Government to use old gunny bags, Mr. Kairon said tht he would call on the Union Minister for Food and Civil Supplies on Tuesday at Delhi to resolve this issue. He clarified that Punjab Government had written to the Union Government to make arrangements of gunny bags for 115 lakh tones of wheat but the Union  government had only supplied for 108 lakh tones. He demanded the early release of remaining gunny bags so that there may not be any hurdles in the way of procurement of wheat. He said that he would also call on the Union Petroleum Minister on Tuesday to enhance the quota of kerosene oil for Punjab.

          Mr. Kairon said that the SAD-BJP Government had put a demand to store 72 lakh tones of grains before Union Government but they got approval for the storage of 42 lakh tonnes. He said that out of the demanded capacity, a godown having storage capacity of 7.5 lakh tonnes has been constructed but the inspection teams of Union Government found some lapses. The Minister also asked to remove such lapses for starting of grain storage.

          Appreciating the hard labour of Punjab farmers, Mr. Kairon said that the farmers of Punjab has set a new record in wheat procurement since the agencies have been procured more than 112 lakh tonnes wheat till date besides procuring more than 10.24 lakh tonnes of wheat in a single day.

          Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Mr. D.S. Grewal, Secretary Food and Civil Supplies and Director Food and Civil Supplies Mr. Harkesh Singh Sidhu besides other senior officials of the department.
-------

CM ACCOMPANIED BY HARSIMRAT CALLS ON PAWAN BANSAL; SEEKS EARLY CLEARANCE OF STATE’S IRRIGATION PROJECTS PENDING WITH GOI

ASKS CWC TO IMMEDIATELY RELASE RS 734 CRORE FOR RENOVATION OF ABOHAR, SIDHWAN, BATHINDA AND BIST DOAB CANAL

BANSAL ASSURES CM OF EXPEDITIOUS RESOLUTION OF LONG PENDING IRRIGATION PROJECTS

New Delhi, May 7, 2012
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today called on the Union Minister of Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal here in his office at Parliament House seeking an early clearance of various irrigation projects in the state pending with the Government of India (GoI) over past many years. 
            Mr Badal accompanied by Member Parliament from Bathinda Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal, requested the Union Minister of Water Resources to immediately release Rs.734 crore for extension, renovation and modernization of Abohar Branch, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch and Bist Doab canal being fed from the river Satluj under appraisal with Central Water Commission (CWC).  The Chief Minister also requested Mr Bansal to direct the Ministry of Water Resources for allotting the project to Punjab under 1:1 principle of Assured Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP). 
Likewise, Mr Badal also impressed upon the Union Minister to immediately direct CWC to clear the pending project for construction of embankment and widening of the remaining portion of river Ghaggar, so that the people of the downstream area of Khanauri in Sangrur district could be saved from the fury of floods.  He also requested Mr Bansal to look into frivolous objections raised by Haryana in the way of execution of this project adding that under phase-I, 22.45 kms of embankment had already been completed and the balance length of 17.55 kms was still required to be constructed.     
The Chief Minister also urged Mr Bansal to direct the CWC to approve the technical appraisal of the long pending project for revamping of the entire canal system and restoring storage capacity of reservoirs of the headwork’s along with allied work amounting to Rs.3769.35 crore so that the Punjab could avail one time grant from GoI to sustain the agriculture growth of the state and the country as a whole.  Mr Badal also sought expeditious clearance for the comprehensive project worth Rs.3498.40 crore to conserve and augment its depleting ground water resources and for judicious use of its share of surface water resources in order to sustain agriculture production and food security of the country.
The Chief Minister also requested Mr Bansal to forward the comprehensive proposal sent by the state government duly recommended by his Ministry to the Planning Commission of India for seeking additional funds on account of enhanced cost of first Patiala feeder and Kotla branch so that the requisite funds could be approved and released for completion of the project during 2012-2013. Mr Badal informed the Union Minister that the initial cost of the project was Rs 123.30 crore, of which funds to the tune of Rs 118 crore (90%) has been already utilized. A revised proposal under the project amounting to Rs 175 crore was resubmitted in October 2011.
On the issue of lining of Rajasthan and Sirhind Feeder, Mr Badal apprised the Union Minister that out of total cost of Rs 1441.26 crore to be spent in four years, the GoI had to release Rs 243.50 crore but till now only Rs 105.80 crore had been released and the balance of Rs 137.70 crore was still awaited. He asked the Ministry to immediately release the balance amount so that the work on project could be started by April 2013.        
The Chief Minister also demanded one-time special grant of 90% from GoI for Sirhind Feeder on the pattern of Rajasthan Feeder thereby asking the Ministry to immediately release the balance amount of 65% to the tune of Rs 159.60 crore against 25% of grant already given for this project. He told Mr Bansal the total project cost of the relining of Sirhind Feeder was Rs 489 crore out of which 55% was Punjab’s share viz. Rs 269 crore and 45% of Rajasthan.     
Summing up the discussions, Mr Bansal assured the Chief Minister that he would soon convene a meeting of senior officers of Ministry of Water Resources and Central Water Commission to review the entire position with regard to the various proposals sent by the state government to ensure its prompt clearance. He also asked Mr Badal to depute both the Chief Engineers Canals and Drainage to personally meet the concerned officers in CWC and Water Resources Ministry to mutually thrash out the pending issues to avoid further delay in implementation of these projects. Mr Bansal assured the Chief Minister of full support and cooperation besides expeditiously execution of the various irrigation projects in the state pending with GoI since long.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Member Parliament from Bathinda Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema, Chief Engineer Drainage Mr Vinod Chaudhary and Chief Engineer Canals Mr AS Dullat. 

------

GOVERNMENT ISSUES GUIDELINES FOR AUTO-RICKSHAW DRIVERS

·       SCHOOL CHILDREN, ONLY AS PER THE CAPACITY, ALLOWED IN AUTOS

CHANDIGARH, MAY 7:

          The Punjab Government has issued detailed guidelines to the auto rickshaw drivers carrying children to schools. They have been directed to carry children as per the sitting capacity of their vehicles. They have also been warned against defying the government directive.

          Stating this here today, a spokesman of the government said that it has came to the notice of the government that the auto rickshaw drivers were in the habit of defying the traffic rules while  taking the children to schools with the result number of accidents occurred frequently.

          The spokesman also urged the parents to resist using auto rickshaw for the children, because it is not a safe mode of transportation. But if they are left with no choice then they must ensure the proper implementation of the government’s directive to the rickshaw drivers in larger public interest.

The state transport department has also urged the enforcement agencies to ensure implementation of these guidelines in both letter and spirit so that accident could be averted. Adding further, he said that adequate action would be taken against the auto rickshaw driver found defying the direction given by the government

-----

PHILLAUR ORDERS ENQUIRY INTO BATHINDA
JAIL WARDEN SELLING DRUGS IN CENTRAL JAIL

Chandigarh May 7: Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Jails, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Punjab has ordered an enquiry into the incident where Nachattar Singh, Jail Warden of Bathinda Central Jail caught red handed while selling drugs to the prisoners in connivance with a jail inmate. Meanwhile a case under NDPS Act has already been registered against the culprits at police station civil lines Bathinda.
          In a statement issued here today, the Minister said that the state government was fully geared up to tackle the unfortunate situation of drug smuggling in the jails and was keeping a hawk's eye on the activities of the jail authorities and inmates and "their activities would be constantly monitored", said the Minister. He also said that the officers from within the department found guilty of breaking the norms would be dealt with firmly and a strict administrative action would be initiated against them. The nexus between the drug peddlers and the jails authorities would be broken on priority, he added.
          Mr. Phillaur further said that modern jails would be set-up in Amritsar, Muktsar, Ferozepur and Bathinda districts on the pattern of Kapurthala Jail. The total cost of the project would be Rs. 500 crore, said Mr. Phillaur. De addiction centers were being set up in jails and as many as 200 jail inmates of Kapurthala jail inmates have been de-addicted with the help of counseling and medicines. The government would also establish eight more prison houses, de-addiction centers meant exclusively for counseling and for the jail inmates fully equipped with medicines and four doctors, one Psychiatrist and five pharmacists in each prison house, added Mr. Phillaur.

------

CM AND DEPUTY CM CALLS ON AJIT SINGH

SEEKS INAUGURAL DIRECT INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT FROM CHANDIGARH TO DUBAI 

GoI GIVES IN PRINCIPLE APPROVAL TO NAME INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT MOHALI AS “SHAHEED BHAGAT SINGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT”

AJIT SINGH DIRECTS AAI TO WORK OUT EXPANSION OF SAHNEWAL AIRPORT AND MAKE DOMESTIC FLIGHTS OPERATIONAL FROM BHISHIANA AIRPORT BATHINDA

NEW DELHI, MAY 7-
            The Government of India (GoI) today gave in principle approval to name the upcoming International Airport at Mohali as “Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport”.
            A decision to this effect was taken by the Union Civil Aviation Minister Mr Ajit Singh in a meeting with the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal and the Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, who called on the Union Civil Aviation Minister, in his office here at Rajiv Bhawan.
During the deliberations the Chief Minister impressed upon Mr Ajit Singh to get the Airport named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh as a befitting tribute to the great legendary martyr, since a resolution in this regard had already been unanimously passed by the Punjab Legislative Assembly. Immediately conceding to this demand put forth by Mr Badal, the Union Civil Aviation Minister directed the senior officers of his Ministry present in the meeting to get the necessary formalities completed in this behalf expeditiously.
            Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also holds the portfolio of Civil Aviation, sought Mr Ajit Singh’s personal intervention to urge the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to lay down the foundation stone of this prestigious project at the earliest, so that it could be completed on its schedule to facilitate the people of region especially from Punjab besides wooing the leading entrepreneurs across the world to make huge investments here. Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal envisioned the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport as a catalyst to propel Industrialization in the state besides showcasing Punjab as the most preferred investment destination.
The Deputy Chief Minister also urged Mr Ajit Singh to immediately take up the matter with Ministry of Defense to allow a daily flight to and fro from Sharjah to Chandigarh by Air Arabia-the designated Airline of UAE as the Chief Minister had already raised the matter personally with the Union Defense Minister Mr AK Antony during a meeting with him at New Delhi recently. Till the final clearance from MoD, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal requested the Civil Aviation Minister to start an inaugural International direct Flight of Air India from Chandigarh to Dubai. He apprised Mr Ajit Singh that the Chandigarh Civil Air Terminal was ready to handle international flights as it had already been declared as a custom notified terminal and an immigration post under the various provisions of Customs and Immigration Act of the GoI.
Taking up other issues with Mr Ajit Singh regarding the commencement of domestic flights from Bhishiana Airport (Bathinda) and the expansion of domestic Airport at Sahnewal (Ludhiana), the Chief Minister urged him for their early resolution to emerge the state on the country’s Aviation map. He pointed out that both the issues warranted Civil Aviation Ministry’s prompt attention in the changed scenario as the prestigious Rs 21,500 Crore, Guru Gobind Singh Refinery had already gone on stream and also give a much needed fillip to the local hosiery Industry in Ludhiana. The Chief Minister also requested him to inaugurate the Bhishiana Airport near Bathinda by starting an inaugural domestic flight from Delhi-Bathinda-Amritsar-Delhi. He however said that it was now all the more important because Bathinda was being projected as a petrochemical hub in the region.   
Mr Badal also sought his personal intervention to advise the MoD to immediately approve the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) already forwarded by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) for all the international flights to be operated from Green Field International Airport Ludhiana being set up by M/s Bengal Aerotropolis projects Limited at a cost of Rs 17500 crore. He said the MoD had already given approval for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) which was meaningless since International Flights Operate according to IFR and without which the operation of International Flights was not feasible during day or night, pending which the project was yet to take off.
           Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Ajit Singh assured them that he would request the Prime Minister to fix the date for laying down the foundation stone of this ambitious project. He also directed the AAI to immediately work out the modalities to start inaugural International direct flight to and fro from Chandigarh to Dubai besides starting domestic flights from Bhishiana Airport (Bathinda). Mr Ajit Singh assured both of them that he would also request the Prime Minister to constitute an empowered committee to amicably resolve issues related to Civil Aviation Ministry with the MoD to put the various civil aviation projects in Punjab on the fast track of implementation so that state could reap the maximum benefits of Air connectivity to ensure overall development and progress.   
            Both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister thanked Mr Ajit Singh for positive outcome of the meeting especially for acceding to their request to name upcoming International Airport at Mohali after Shaheed Bhagat Singh and urged him to address all the other pending issues with his Ministry on the priority.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary Mr KJS Cheema and Principal Secretary Civil Aviation Mr Viswajeet Khanna.   

-----

CM CALLS ON UNION MINISTER OF STATE ASHWANI KUMAR

BADAL SEEKS SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FOR CLEANING OF PONDS

CM URGES THE GOI TO SANCTION MORE FUNDS FOR OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE IN GENERAL AND THAT OF THE BORDER AREAS IN PARTICULAR.

 New Delhi, May 6, 2012

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today called on the Union Minister of State for Science, Technology and Planning Mr Ashwani Kumar here at his residence seeking his personal intervention for getting more funds sanctioned from Centre to ensure overall development of the state in general and that of the border areas in particular.
            Taking part in the deliberations the Chief Minister urged Mr Ashwani Kumar to sanction adequate funds to carry out developmental projects in the state under centrally sponsored schemes. Emphasizing need for devising a scheme exclusively for cleaning of Ponds in the villages Mr Badal said that it would not only facelift the villages but would also ensure clean and pollution free environment in the rural areas. He impressed upon the Union Minister to formulate a special scheme for optimum utilization of the pond water in the villages through making it potable for human drinking and ensuring the scientific disposal of sludge from them in a pollution free manner. The Chief Minister requested Mr Ashwani Kumar that he could play a pivotal role in the all round development to ensure clean and hygienic atmosphere.  
            The Chief Minister also urged Mr Ashwani Kumar, to ensure that the limit of National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) for the state is increased by about Rs 200 crore so that the development of rural areas could be expedited. Raising the issue of problems being faced by the farmers of the border areas, Mr Badal asked the Union Minister to immediately get released the compensation for the farmers having land near the fencing as they were suffering due to nation’s cause. He also asked Mr Ashwani Kumar to impress upon the GoI to give special incentives for setting up the industrial units in the Border areas so that the new avenues of employment could open for the people residing in these areas. Likewise Mr Badal also demanded special facilities for the people residing in the Border blocks of the state who were not able to avail the benefits of the border areas due to the policies of the Union Government.
            Responding to the issues raised by Mr Badal, the Union Minister of state assured him that the GoI would take special care for promoting the development of the state and requisite funds would be allocated according to the felt needs of the people residing in the state. Mr Ashwani Kumar apprised the Chief Minister that in order to find some viable solution for utilizing the pond water in the villages he had specially convened a Secretary level meeting next week to the discuss these issues. The Union Minister also assured Mr Badal of looking into all the other matters raised by him.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary Mr KJS Cheema.        

-----

PUNJAB MAKES ELABORATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR FLOOD CONTROL: SEKHON

·       STRENGTHENING OF THE EMBANKMENTS OF RIVERS TO COMPLETE BY MAY 31
·       DRAINS WOULD BE REPAIRED AND CLEANED BY JUNE 15
·       SPECIAL STRATEGY FRAMED TO CURB THE WATER-LOGGING MENACE

CHANDIGARH, MAY 6:
The Punjab Government has taken elaborate flood control measures to prevent any potential threat of floods in the ensuing monsoon season.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Irrigation Minister, said that strict instructions have been issued to all the divisions to ensure completion of strengthening of the embankments of rivers by May 31. They have been also asked to clean, declog and repair all the canals and drains by June 15. He said that to properly monitor the execution of flood control measures committees have been constituted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioners.
Mr. Sekhon said that separate committees have been formed under the Deputy Commissioners that would also assess the potential threat from the main rivers. He said that the fortification of the embankments of the main rivers would also be the responsibility of these committees. Mr. Sekhon said that the strengthening of the embankments of the rivers would be completed by May 31, whereas the drains would be repaired and cleaned by June 15.
He further said that special strategy had also been chalked out to solve the problem of water-logging in the areas, especially in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Gidderbaha and Faridkot.
Irrigation Minister, while describing the history of floods in the state, said that the main rivers of the Punjab like; Beas, Ravi and Sutlej are the main source of flood during the monsoon season. He said that it is a stark reality that although the water of these main rivers are shared with another states, but Punjab was only state, which has to face the fury of floods during the rainy season.
Lashing at the congress led UPA Government; Mr. Sekhon said that it has always meted-out a biased approach against the genuine demands of Punjab. Accusing UPA Government, he said that the Punjab Government has urged the UPA Government for the package of Rs. 330 crore to maintain the draining system and other related projects.

------

Rs. 3.97 CRORE TO BE INCURRED TO CONTROL THE PROBLEM OF INFERTELITY OF MILCH CATTLES: RANIKE

·        GOVERNMENT WOULD PROVIDE INJECTIONS ON 50% SUBSIDY TO BREED SHECALVES

CHANDIGARH, MAY 6:
The Punjab Government has chalked out a specific program to root-out the problems of barrenness in milch cattles by spending Rs. 3.97 crores to provide Area Specific Mineral Mixture (nutritious fodder).

          Disclosing this here today Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister, Punjab said that the Punjab Government would provide nutritious fodder on 20% subsidy on per kilogram, which would be prepare according to the need of the different areas of the state. He said that the nutritious fodder would be made available through out Punjab to prevent the barrenness in the milch cattles.

          Mr. Ranike said that the Punjab Government has imported 5,000 injections to prevent the breed of he-calves besides initiating programs to reduce unnecessary expenditures on dairy farming. He said that the imported vaccinations would be provided on 50% subsidy, which would be helpful to breed only she-calves.

          The Minister said that the State Government has already issued directions to the Animal Husbandry Department to ensure the availability of necessary medicines for the milch animals and these should be delivered to the dairy farmers through organizations working in the field of Dairy Development. 

-------
PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO spend Rs. 30 crore to provide Text Books to Scheduled Caste Students- Maluka

Chandigarh, May 6:
          The Punjab Government is committed to impart quality education to students of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes in the state.
          Disclosing this here today, Punjab Education Minister, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said that the Punjab Government would spend Rs. 30 Crore to provide free text books to students studying in first to eighth class belonging to scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes in the state.
          Education Minister further said that Punjab Government was celebrating this year as education year to impart quality education so that Punjab which was at number three in Education in the country could come at number one. He said that required infrastructure would also be provided to all the schools.

------

BADAL PATS RUKMANI RIAR AND HIMASHU GUPTA ALONG WITH OTHERS FOR
CRACKING IAS EXAM

CHANDIGARH, MAY 5

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated Miss Rukmani Riar from Hoshiarpur and Mr Himashu Gupta from Ludhiana who secured second and seventh rank respectively in the All India Civil Services Exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), along with others who successfully cracked this prestigious exam.
Lauding the spectacular achievement of these brilliant candidates hailing from Punjab who have brought laurels to the country in general and state in particular, the Chief Minister said that their superb performance due to sheer hard work and perseverance in cracking this coveted Civil Service Exam would ever prove to be a source of inspiration to kindle the urge to excel others in their career especially the young aspirants targeting to achieve this rare goal.
Meanwhile, Mr Badal also congratulated Mr Jashandeep Singh Randhawa, Mr Manohar Singh, Miss Harleen Kaur, Mr Mandeep Kumar Baatish, Miss Kanchan Garg and Dr Navjot Kaur Khosa besides their parents and other family members for this rare feat.

-----

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO COMPLETE THE INQUIRY INTO THE COLLAPSE OF SHEETAL FIBRES OF JALANDHAR IN A TIME BOUND MANNER

Chandigarh/Jalandhar, May 5: The Punjab government has categorically stated that it was committed to complete the enquiry into the collapse of Sheetal Fibres of Jalandhar in a time bound manner .  A spokesman of Punjab government today clarified that Mr. Anurag Verma Commissioner Jalandhar Division who was conducting this enquiry had to be sent a Phase III training of IAS officers as it was his last chance to go on training. He said that earlier Mr. Verma could not be spared for training due to different government exigencies and if he was not sent on training now it would have affected his future promotion chances. The Punjab government never wanted to mar the promotion chances of an IAS officer and therefore Mr. SR Ladhar Commissioner Patiala division has been given additional charge. He said Mr. Lather has been specifically told by Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to complete the inquiry in a time bound manner.

-------

PUNSUP LEADS IN WHEAT PROCUREMENT IN PUNJAB
·        10657115 TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN STATE
·        DISTRICT SANGRUR BAGS FIRST POSITION WITH 1140031  WHEAT PROCUREMENT

Chandigarh, May 5:

        Wheat Procurement is on full swing in Punjab. State procurement agency PUNSUP achieved first position in wheat procurement. PUNSUP procured 2435555, the 22.85 per cent of the total procurement of the state, till May 4.
        Government agencies and private millers procured more than 10657115 tonnes of wheat till last evening
        Out of total procurement of 10657115 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 10643405 tonnes of wheat till date, whereas private traders procured 1583 tonnes of wheat, Till May 4, PUNGRAIN had procured 1791118 tonnes (16.81%) whereas MARKFED procured 2390425 tonnes (22.43%), PSWC procured 1212042 tonnes (11.37%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 1213729 tonnes (11.39 %) of wheat.
        The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1600536 tonnes (15.02%). 
        The spokesman added that District Sangrur with 1140031  tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations, whereas District Patiala with 996250 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Ludhiana with 917201 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.

------

 RAMGARHIA CLAN PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMEN OF COUNTRY: MAJITHIA
 GREAT SIKH WARRIOR SARDAR JASSA SINGH RAMGARHIA REMEMBERED ON HIS 289TH BIRTHDAY
COLLECTIVE OPPOSITION OF NCTC REFLECTS RISING CONSCIOUSNESS AMONGST STATES
MUTATION WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 15 DAYS
WOULD INTRODUCE A TOLLFREE HELPLINE IN REVENUE DEPARTMENT FOR FACILITATION OF PEOPLE

 LUDHIANA, MAY 5:

Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue and Public Relations Minister today said that Ramgarhia Community have contributed a lot in infrastructure development of Punjab and country and with their collective efforts country would emerge as the most developed nation by 2020.
 Addressing a mammoth gathering here, after paying floral tributes to great Sikh Warrior of 18th Century Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia at a state level function to mark his 289h birth anniversary, Mr. Majithia said that SAD-BJP Government was voted back for second consecutive time just because of unprecedented infrastructure development in which Ramgarhia Community played an important role. He said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal had initiated the state level functions in the memory of our religious leaders and great warriors and it was his vision to preserve our heritage by constructing historical memorials including Virasat-E-Khalsa, Fateh Minar, Ghallughara memorials.
 Mr. Majithia exhorted the people of Punjab in general and youth in particular to propagate the glorious legacy of Sardar Ramgarhia who fought the Mughals valiantly to safe guard the moral and ethical values of humanity based on the tenets of Sikh Panth. He said that Jassa Singh was a born leader of unprecedented qualities.   He said that Jassa Singh was honored as Ramgarhia and his name would always remain alive as the founder of the Great Ramgarhia Misl, who played a major role in the battles of the Khalsa Panth.
             The Revenue Minister said that Ramgarhia community was committed for the development and progress of the state.  He said that this community was bestowed with the qualities of skilled craftsmanship and had tremendous acumen and enterprising skill which should be optimally exploited. Mr. Majithia said that the real tribute to this brave soldier who avenged the barbaric acts of mughals to restore the glory of Sikh Panth would be to follow the path of righteousness and self scarifies preached by him for the uplift and betterment of the mankind. He also assured the members of Ramgarhia community to fulfil their all demands within a short span of time.
 Replying a query on NCTC, Mr. Majithia said that collective opposition by all states to this anti-federal law reflects rising consciousness amongst states regarding nefarious practice of Union Government to poach in the legitimate territory of all states. He said that time has come that we should have re-look at constitution for making India, a true federal country.
 On asking about the alleged corruption in Revenue Department, Mr. Majithia said that to eliminate this menace, strict instructions have been issued to all revenue officials and no body would be spared if found guilty.  He said that on receiving complaints having charges of corruption against any officer/employee of the department, the enquiry would be completed within 48 hours and complete justice would be delivered. He said that now the mutation process would be completed by the revenue officers within 15 days and directions have been issued in this regard.  He said that 6 tehsildars have been suspended in last two months.
 To educate the people about the government rates regarding registration of land and mutation, Mr. Majithia said that government has chalked out a program to introduce a toll free helpline for facilitation of people, where they could register their grievances besides with the full details of government fees for the land purchase, sale and mutation purpose.  
 Answering a query, Mr. Majithia said that the spiralling prices of essential commodities had also virtually crushed the common man due to the wrong and anti-people policies of the UPA government on contrary to its tall claims of the government aimed at welfare of the general masses. He called upon the like minded people cutting across the political affiliations to wage a war against the ill conceived policies of Centre.
 Sharing happiness on record wheat procurement during ongoing season, Mr. Majithia said that the State Government Agencies has touched more than 106 lakh tonnes in Punjab for the central pool. Accusing the Congress led UPA government Mr. Majithia said that though Punjab was a biggest contributor of wheat and rice in Central Pool, the Union Government deliberately discriminated the farmers of Punjab by ignoring their genuine interests. Meanwhile, Mr. Majithia also unveils the portrait of Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia at Baba Gurmukh Singh Hall in the premises of Ramgarhia Girls College, besides releasing a documentary 'Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia' based on the life, struggle and contribution of Sardar Ramgarhia to Sikh struggle.
 Prominent amongst others, who were present on the occasion included Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister, Chaudhary Nand Lal, Mr. Prem Mittal, both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Mr. Manpreet Singh Aiyali, Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon, Mr. S. R. Kaler (All MLAs), Former Minsters Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Mr. Jagdev Singh Tajpuri and Former MP Mr. Gurcharan Singh Galib.

------

BADAL FOR SETTING UP A NEW CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY TO RESTRUCTURE THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

BLAMES CENTRE FOR CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF MISTRUST AND CONFRONTATION BY KEEPING STATES ALOOF ON THE ISSUE OF NCTC

OUT RIGHTLY REJECTS NCTC IN PRESENT FORM
 New Delhi, May 5-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the Government of India (GoI) for setting up a new Constituent assembly to restructure the Indian Constitution for making it genuinely Federal.
"Time has come to take a second look at the Constitution to bring it in tune with the emerging realities and needs of the changing times. We had been advocating the entire issue of Center state relations needs to be viewed in the context of federal principle”, said the Chief Minister, while addressing the Chief Minister’s conference on the issue of National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) presided over by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh here at the Vigyan Bhawan. Mr Badal said that the fight against militancy required genuine national consensus and coordination between the Center and the states, but by ignoring the states before setting up the NCTC, the Center has actually created an atmosphere of mistrust and confrontation.
Mr.  Badal strongly advocated comprehensive approach to the issues, saying that instead of fighting the disease only after it became cancerous; the Center should address the problems that led to militancy. These issues, he said, pertained to shocking levels of poverty, illiteracy and unemployment in the country. These have to be tackled on top priority for removing the very grounds that drove people into militancy. "A Purely demonstrative approach, for all its worth, is not the answer. This can supplement but not replace a holistic approach." said the Chief Minister.
Urging the Centre to review and reverse this move on NCTC and hold fresh consultations with the Chief Ministers of states who were the biggest stake holders in the fight against militancy, Mr Badal said that the Centre and the States should jointly re-examine the issues in entirety. If need be, amendments in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the enactment of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 should be revisited and the contradictions smoothened out, so that the aim and objective of ensuring Internal Security in the nation could be achieved in a harmonious manner, observed the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister questioned the very basis for setting up the NCTC saying that the Center's claims about doing so in pursuance of the recommendations of the Group of Ministers (GoM) and Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) were not borne out by facts. All these recommendations had already been implemented by the Center in 2001 and 2008 and there was no case for re-opening the whole issue now. He said that these recommendations did not suggest direct operations by the NCTC without the consent and the even the knowledge of the state governments. This in fact has led to highly complicated situation now in which, instead of carrying out any operation in any coordinated manner, the Center and the states would be acting in an atmosphere of mutual mistrust and even confrontation.  The Chief Minister said that neither the GoM nor the ARC had recommended direct operations to the MAC or NCTC and even pointed out that contrary to what has been stated by the GoI, the NCTC in the USA and Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) in the UK do not have the powers for such direct operations.
He said the in 2001, the Center had acted upon the recommendations of the GoM and set up the the Multi Agency Centre (MAC). The MAC was then assigned functions, powers and duties as per the recommendations of Group of Ministers (GoM) and Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) in 2008 "after due application of mind" Where is the need for a similar exercise in the garb of  setting up NCTC after just four year? He said the system of NCTC was impractical and counter productive, likely to defeat the very purpose for which it was being set up.
Mr Badal categorically said that the states should command and control the operations.  Central Agencies and forces could provide valuable assistance and supplement the efforts of the State Police which was always appreciated.  “The need today is to strengthen the states in conduct of their operations and not create hindrances and confusion with new experiments like the NCTC” asserted the Chief Minister.
Mr Badal said that Punjab was the best example of the effectiveness of a state control over operations in fighting militancy from practical angle."The Punjab Police successfully led the battle against militancy from the front and had complete control and command over operations. As many as 1780 Police personnel, including 6 IPS officers and 271 members of the families of the police personnel sacrificed their lives in this fight. On the contrary, the Center does not have a good record in controlling violence," he said.
On the contrary, the record of the center in fighting militancy was very poor, he said, adding that the attack on the Parliament and the Delhi High Court came in the national capital where only the central agencies were in control of the entire security apparatus.  The country’s worst massacre of thousands of innocent Sikhs in 1984 was again carried out under the nose of the Union Government and its security agencies in the national capital.
Referring to the constitutional aspect, Mr Badal lamented that the Center had very systematically taken a series of decisions to take away the powers of the states under one excuse or the other to dilute the federal polity in the country. "Firstly, they amended the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, subsequently the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was set up under which the Center could take up the investigation in any case and now, under the NCTC they could directly carry out operations, search and arrests through any central force without the consent and the knowledge of the state government. Apprehending a situation after enactment of NCTC worst than those of Emergency days, the Chief Minister said that such sweeping changes have been made without consulting the important National fora like the Inter State Council and the Chief Ministers of the states.

-----

CM CALLS ON ANTONY TO ALLOW DIRECT FLIGHT FROM SHARJAH TO CHANDIGARH
SEEKS EARLY APPROVAL FOR IFR TO MAKE GREEN FIELD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LUDHIANA OPERATIONAL

ANTONY ASSURES CM OF POSITIVE OUTCOME; AGREES TO LAY FOUNDATION STONE OF SSC (NORTH) AND INAUGURATE NCC NAGARS AT MUKTSAR AND ROPAR IN COMING JUNE
New Delhi, May 4, 2012:
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today called on the Union Defense Minister Mr AK Antony at his office here in South Block urging him to give necessary permission to Air Arabia of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for starting a daily flight to and fro from Sharjah to Chandigarh

            Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister apprised Mr Antony that Air Arabia-the designated Airline of UAE has already applied for the necessary approvals/ clearances for the said flight except the approval from Ministry of Defense (MoD) and it was in a position to commence international operations from Chandigarh within a month of obtaining the requisite approval from MoD. Moreover, the Chandigarh Civil Air Terminal had already been declared as a custom notified terminal and an immigration post under the various provisions of Customs and Immigration Act of the GoI. He also informed Mr Antony that the Ministry of Civil Aviation had already taken up this issue with the MoD to seek its early clearance.
            The Chief Minister also asked Mr Antony seeking his personal intervention to direct the MoD to immediately approve the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) already forwarded by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) for all the international flights to be operated from Green Field International Airport Ludhiana being set up by M/s Bengal Aerotropolis projects Limited at a cost of Rs 17500 crore. He said the MoD had already given approval for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) which has defeated the very purpose of the sanction since International Flights Operate according to IFR and without which the operation of International Flights was not possible during day or night, pending which the project was yet to take off.
            Mr Badal also requested the Union Defense Minister to direct the Army authorities to immediately commence the construction of the Service Selection Centre (North) at Ropar, as the state government had recently given 200 acres of prime land and even handed over its possession to them. He also urged Mr Antony to lay its foundation stone at the earliest to enable Punjab-the Sword Arm of India, sending its sons to Armed Forces in conformity with its martial spirit as an age old tradition.  
            The Chief Minister also urged Mr Antony to inaugurate two NCC Nagars set up by the state Government at Danewala (Muktsar) and Ropar each over an area of six to seven acres involving a total cost of Rs 16 crore, likely to be completed by this May 31. He also requested the Union Defense Minister to visit the prestigious Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Academy, SAS Nagar Mohali to enable its youth to join the Armed Services.  
            Responding to the issues raised by Mr Badal, the Union Defense Minister agreed to inaugurate the NCC Nagars besides laying the foundation stone of SSC (North) at Ropar. Apart from this, Mr Antony also acceded to the request of Chief Minister to visit the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Academy, SAS Nagar Mohali somewhere in the coming June. Mr Antony also assured of fulsome support and co-operation in resolving all the pending issues raised by the Chief Minister expeditiously. Mr Antony told the Chief Minister that he would soon take up the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs GoI for early clearance to start direct flight to and fro from Chandigarh to Sharjah (UAE) besides sorting out the pending issues of IFR soon in order make the Green Field International Airport Ludhiana operational.
            The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary Mr KJS Cheema.

-----   

RESTORATION OF PUNJAB QUOTA IN THAPAR UNIVERSITY RESULT OF PUNJAB GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS-MAJITHIA

• EXTENDS SPECIAL THANKS TO CHIEF MINISTER AND DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER

Chandigarh, May 4:
Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue and Public Relations Minister, Punjab today lauded the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for protecting the interests of students of Punjab by persuading Thapar University Patiala to restore the quota of Punjab students.
Mr. Majithia said that SAD-BJP Government had always been on forefront to protect the interests of state whereas Congress Party always remained in deep slumber. He said that Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister took up this matter with Mr. Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Human Resource to undo the injustice whereas Captain Amarinder Singh despite being the member of Board of Governors of Thapar University remained mute spectator to the institution snatching the rightful quota of Punjab students. He said that besides persuading Union Minister, Mr. Badal also asked Technical Education Department to take all preventive, curative, legislative and legal measures to protect the interests of students of Punjab.
Welcoming the decision of Board of Governors of Thapar University, Mr. Majithia said that this reversal of decision would also be a warning to other institutions to desist from any mischief. He said that the Punjab Government had given free 250 acers precious land at a nominal cost of  Rs 13 lakh at the time of establishment of Thapar University with a singular aim of providing vocational education to students from Punjab. He said that the decision of University to abolish the Quota of Punjab students was totally wrong ethically as well as legally. He said that now University should implement the decision of Board of Directors in the current session.
Mr Majithia also praised the role played by the Youth Akali Dals student wing S.O.I. Earlier, a delegation of  S.O.I. under the leadership of its President and chairman of Punjab Youth Vikas Board Mr Gurpreet Singh Raju Khanna extended their thanks to Mr Bikram Singh Majithia for providing leadership to organization on that matter.  
---------

BADAL APPROVES RS. 122 CRORE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR GMC AND RAJINDRA HOSPITAL PATIALA

SANCTIONS RS. 30 CRORE FOR YEAR 2012-13

CHANDIGARH MAY 4:
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved a comprehensive plan of Rs. 122 crore, for the over all development of Government Medical College (GMC) and Rajindra Hospital Patiala.
A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal during a high level meeting with the officers of Medical Education & Research department and the senior doctors of GMC and Rajindra Hospital Patiala held here to review the recommendations of the committee that was recently constituted by the Mr. Badal for revamping of GMC and Rajindra Hospital.
Sanctioning Rs. 30 crore for year 2012-13 to initiate this prestigious project in a phased manner, Mr. Badal said that this hospital would be developed as a state-of-the-art medical institution in the region. He asked the officers to fix the priorities for the up-gradation work to ensure effective and substantial development for providing best health care facilities for the patients.
It was informed in the meeting that recently started Cancer Cure Center at Rajindra Hospital which was equipped with Rs. 3 crore simulator and Rs. 28 lac mammography machine, was effectively working for the treatment of the cancer and covers a large area of near by districts of Patiala. The Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital has registered a society with the name 'Rogi Kalyan Society' for charity. To improve the functioning of the Institution, Hospital Welfare Committee and Academic committee were also constituted. 
Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included, Chairman Board of Governance of Indian Medical Council Dr. KK Talwar, Secretary Medical Education and Research Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Principal Government Medical College Patiala Dr. KD Singh, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Director Medical Research and Education Dr. Jai Kishan besides, Dr. RL Mittal, Dr. Sudhir Verma, Dr. Harjot Kaur Bagga and Dr. Avnish Kumar.

------

SHIVRAJ V. PATIL AIMS TO TURN CHANDIGARH INTO A MODEL SOLAR CITY

CHANDIGARH, MAY 4: 

Yesterday in Punjab Raj Bhavan, a High Level meeting was organized to consider certain issues pertaining to development of Union Territory of Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Shivraj V. Patil, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh and attended by Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Chief Minister, the Speaker of Legislature of Assembly, Leader of opposition, Chief Secretary and other officers of Punjab.
Chief Minister, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Speaker of the Legislature, Chief Secretary and other officers of Haryana attended the meeting.The points discussed in the meeting were Metro-rail, Planning for proper development of three cities, Transport system used in Union Territory, Chandigarh, Cess to be levied on liquor, utilization of solar energy in the Union Territory and the two States, construction of office building and houses for those working in the government at higher level in the legislature and the Judiciary.

       A detailed presentation on the proposed  plan on Metro was given. The Chief Minister of Punjab agreed to the proposal in principle. The Chief Minister of Haryana agreed to examine the proposal in detail.
Chandigarh has prepared a plan for the development of Chandigarh, keeping in view its character and needs to expand. Punjab has developed a plan for the expansion and development of Mohali. Haryana has also prepared a plan for the development of Panchkula. It was suggested that these plans could be considered at the level of the Chief Secretaries of the two states and the Adviser of the Union Terirtory and other officers, the policies made in this respect could be discussed with the Chief Ministers of both the States and the Administrator of Union Territory. It was suggested that the plans should be implemented by the concerned governments according to the principle evolved by the government authorities. While implementing the plans, the policies agreed to should be kept in view. On minor details the concerned governments could take their own decisions.The excise duty imposed on liquor was different in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. It was suggested that it should not be very different. As far as possible they should be close to each other. It was suggested that in this respect further decision could be taken by the concerned authorities as they liked.
Chandigarh Administration needed more buses to increase the frequency and increase the time for which it would use them. So it is decided not to buses on long routes outside the city. The two states could ply their buses on the long routes outside the city. The two states were in agreement with the suggestion.
Chandigarh was declared as a solar city by the Union Government. Solar thermal and photovoltaic energy can be used by the governments and private persons in their buildings. The energy that is not drawn from the grid can be used by the industry. The proposal was welcomd and agreed.
       The legislatures, the executive bodies of Punjab and Haryana and the High Court of Punjab and Haryana need more ccommodation to house their offices and officers which can be built by the two states. Chandigarh agrees to give land for this purpose.
       The meeting was held for more than two hours in most congenial
Atmosphere. The willingness and readiness to understand and cooperate with each others was quite perceptible.
       It is expected that the understanding developed would help in bringing about required harmony and cooperation necessary for all round development of the states and the area, and will be useful in
the present and future.

------

WHEAT PROCUREMENT IN PUNJAB CROSSES MAGIC MARK OF 100 LAKH TONNE

CHANDIGARH, MAY 4:

Wheat procurement by State Government Agencies touched 102.19 lakh tonnes in Punjab, crossing the magical figure of 100 lakh tonnes as procurement in 1750 purchase centers picked up.

          According to an official spokesman procurement till Thursday evening was about 6 lakh tonne more than last year as it was 10219702 tonnes. The spokesman said that most of the procurement was by the official agencies as they have procured 10213304 tonnes whereas traders have only picked-up 1583 tonnes. Meanwhile, the state agencies have also starting procuring wheat for state food as on Thursday 4815 tonnes were procured in this pool. Till May 3, punsup had procured 2349022 tonnes (22.99%) whereas MARKFED procured 2283263 tonnes (22.34%). PUNGRAIN procured 1707381 tonnes (16.71%), PAIC  had procured 1182317 tonnes (11.57%) whereas PSWC was able to procure 1167866 tonnes (11.43 %) of wheat.
          The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1523455 tonnes (14.91%). 
          The spokesman added that District Sangrur with 1110120  tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Patiala with 990598 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Ludhiana with 881666  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.

-----

SHIVRAJ V. PATIL AIMS TO TURN CHANDIGARH INTO A MODEL SOLAR CITY

CHANDIGARH, MAY 4: 

Yesterday in Punjab Raj Bhavan, a High Level meeting was organized to consider certain issues pertaining to development of Union Territory of Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Shivraj V. Patil, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh and attended by Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Chief Minister, the Speaker of Legislature of Assembly, Leader of opposition, Chief Secretary and other officers of Punjab.
Chief Minister, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Speaker of the Legislature, Chief Secretary and other officers of Haryana attended the meeting.The points discussed in the meeting were Metro-rail, Planning for proper development of three cities, Transport system used in Union Territory, Chandigarh, Cess to be levied on liquor, utilization of solar energy in the Union Territory and the two States, construction of office building and houses for those working in the government at higher level in the legislature and the Judiciary.

       A detailed presentation on the proposed  plan on Metro was given. The Chief Minister of Punjab agreed to the proposal in principle. The Chief Minister of Haryana agreed to examine the proposal in detail.
Chandigarh has prepared a plan for the development of Chandigarh, keeping in view its character and needs to expand. Punjab has developed a plan for the expansion and development of Mohali. Haryana has also prepared a plan for the development of Panchkula. It was suggested that these plans could be considered at the level of the Chief Secretaries of the two states and the Adviser of the Union Terirtory and other officers, the policies made in this respect could be discussed with the Chief Ministers of both the States and the Administrator of Union Territory. It was suggested that the plans should be implemented by the concerned governments according to the principle evolved by the government authorities. While implementing the plans, the policies agreed to should be kept in view. On minor details the concerned governments could take their own decisions.The excise duty imposed on liquor was different in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. It was suggested that it should not be very different. As far as possible they should be close to each other. It was suggested that in this respect further decision could be taken by the concerned authorities as they liked.
Chandigarh Administration needed more buses to increase the frequency and increase the time for which it would use them. So it is decided not to buses on long routes outside the city. The two states could ply their buses on the long routes outside the city. The two states were in agreement with the suggestion.
Chandigarh was declared as a solar city by the Union Government. Solar thermal and photovoltaic energy can be used by the governments and private persons in their buildings. The energy that is not drawn from the grid can be used by the industry. The proposal was welcomd and agreed.
       The legislatures, the executive bodies of Punjab and Haryana and the High Court of Punjab and Haryana need more ccommodation to house their offices and officers which can be built by the two states. Chandigarh agrees to give land for this purpose.
       The meeting was held for more than two hours in most congenial
Atmosphere. The willingness and readiness to understand and cooperate with each others was quite perceptible.
       It is expected that the understanding developed would help in bringing about required harmony and cooperation necessary for all round development of the states and the area, and will be useful in
the present and future.

------

CM PREVAILS UPON THAPAR UNIVERSITY TO RESTORE 50% TERRITORIAL QUOTA FOR PUNJAB STUDENTS

CHANDIGARH MAY 03, 2012

                                    On persuasion of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Thapar University Patiala has decided to restore the 50% territorial quota for the students of Punjab.

            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal, who prevailed upon the University authorities to reconsider their earlier decision.  On his personal intervention, the University authorities namely Mr. JS Neerav, Vice Chairman, BoG and Shri. Abhijit Mukherjee, Director of the Thapar University appreciating the concern of the State Government, have conveyed their decision by handing over their letter today to Mr. S S Channy, Principal Secretary Technical Education and Industrial Training saying that “in deference to the wishes of the State Government and without going into the legality of the same, we agree that we will not implement the aforesaid decision, as taken by the BoG in its last meeting held on 24/02/2012, till the same is decided in the next BoG meeting after mutual discussions in accordance with the rules/by laws of the University”.
            It may be recalled that Mr. Badal took up this matter with Union Human Resources, Development, Communications & Information Technology Minister Mr. Kapil Sibal while highlighting the claim of the State of Punjab and its students saying that the University has come up in the present shape and stature solely on account of the State help which was there by way of giving them 250 acre of land and also grant-in-aid till the year 2001. Both the Govt. of India and the management were conveyed in no uncertain terms the rights of the State for this deemed University and advised as well as directed them not to deny the rights of the Punjab students to have the opportunity for the furtherance of their education in one of the State promoted deemed University of excellence. The issue of the State’s claim was also raised by the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Technical Education Minister Mr. Anil Joshi and many other dignitaries, political parties and NGOs.
            The spokesperson further said that the Thapar University authorities have also been advised by the state government to refer the matter to them and after due deliberations only the further course of action would be decided.
The deemed Thapar University, Patiala which started way back in 1956 mainly on account of 250 acres land given by the PEPSU and financial assistance of 30 lacs from the then State Government and later on by the State Government under various schemes/programmes of the State as well as of the Govt. of India and the Govt. of State for serving the cause of education for the students of the State as well as of the nation while running state of the art technical institutions in their premises. Lately they are also in expanding mode while opening up off campuses.
The BoG of the University in their 100th meeting held on 24/02/12 vide item no. S76.18 to consider the admissions to first year of under graduate Programme made the seats available to all the citizens of India regardless of race, religion, cast or creed and the area/place of residence under clause 15 of the UGC (Institutes Deemed to be University) 2010. In this BoG meeting both the representatives of the State Government i.e. PSTE and PSF could not attend and the BoG forwarded the minutes saying that the admissions would now be opened equally to all citizens of India and 50% territorial quota for the students of Punjab would not be available any longer.
On receipt of the minutes before their confirmation, the State took up this matter with the Thapar University authorities including the Chairman and the Registrar of the University to reverse this decision and maintain the State quota as heretofore.
----

BADAL ASKS OFFICERS TO REGULARLY MONITOR
CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES

ADOPT FUTURISTIC APPROACH FOR PLANNING TO ENSURE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT

CHANDIGARH MAY 03:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the top brass of the civil administration of the state government to keep a close liaison with Government of India for getting centrally sponsored schemes sanctioned for the state on the top priority. 
Presiding over a maiden meeting of the Financial Commissioners, Principal and Administrative Secretaries after taking over as Chief Minister of the state for the second consecutive term of SAD-BJP alliance, Mr. Badal asked them to personally meet the concerned officers in Centre so as to make optimum utilization of these schemes and also offered his support by way of personal intervention wherever needed to get these schemes through and funds released. He underscored the need to develop a knack for human relationship which was the basic factor to get the desired results through maintaining cordial relations.  He also asked the officers to never shy of meeting the officials of lowest rung in the different departments and ministries of GoI’s for the development of the state in the public interest. Mr. Badal said that he never hesitated to meet even such officials for the welfare of the state and had been immensely benefitted by this approach for getting many schemes and plans sanctioned for Punjab and reminded them that communication gap often leads to alienation which must be bridged up through regular visits and meetings.  He also asked the officers to regularly coordinate with the concerned departments and ministries in the GoI to keep them updated on the central schemes announced from time to time. 
Mr. Badal asked the officers to maintain decorum and punctuality in the offices and should be available in offices from 9 am to 5 pm on every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to carryout official work besides listening to the grievances of the general public and directed them to keep their field visits and tours on other days.  Mr. Badal categorically said that no complacency would be tolerated at any level in terms of ensuring good governance, clean and accountable administration.   He also asked the officers to shun the practice of operating from camp offices at their residences.   The Chief Minister also sought their cooperation in curbing the practice of wasteful and unproductive expenditure thereby resorting to austerity measures for improving the fiscal health of the state. 
Outlining the priorities of the government to develop the best infrastructure to propel the tempo of growth and development in the state especially in the key sector of education, health and social security, the Chief Minister impressed upon the officers to evolve a blue print in view of the felt needs of the people.  He said that the myopic outlook would not help them in achieving the objective of long term planning especially in the wake of world becoming a global village. 
Mr. Badal categorically asked the officers to be objective while assessing the performance of the employees.  The practice of writing ACRs in a routine manner must be done away with, adding, Mr. Badal said hard working and sincere employees must be rewarded but at the same time incompetent must be punished.  He also asked them to meticulously review the performance of a government employee attaining the age of 55 before recommending three years extension to him till superannuation at the age of 58 years.  Mr. Badal said that he was yet to come across such case in his long political career where any employee had been denied this extension meaning thereby all employees were above the board.  He said; “We must change our perception while judging the competence of an employee, which should be solely based on the basis of merit rather than whims and fancies”.  Therefore, the practice of continuation of service beyond the age of 55 years should not be a matter of routine.  He advised the officers to motivate the staff working under them to develop a work culture.
Taking a serious note of non receipt of foreign tours reports from the officers on their return, the Chief Minister lamented that despite spending heavily on such visits he had hardly received any report so far from any officer till date.  He also asked them to give suggestions for improvement in the general administration and speed up the overall development by incorporating the same in the process of planning.   He advised them to frequently visit the state especially the countryside to get the first hand information about the functioning of their departments.  He hoped it would be doubly beneficial to them firstly in grasping the ground realities and bottlenecks, if any and secondly the interaction with people at grass root levels thereby improving the working of their departments in result-oriented manner. 
Asking the officers to remain loyal to the chair, Mr. Badal said that change of guards in the governments was a natural phenomena and they were expected to abide by the moral values for performing their duties with utmost devotion, dedication and honesty keeping them aloof from the political affiliations. 
Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh asked the administrative secretaries to regularly reports on important decisions taken by Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers.  He also directed them to minutely study the status of tenders in infrastructure projects especially from the point view of prequalification terms and conditions.
-----

PUNSUP LEADS IN WHEAT PROCUREMENT IN PUNJAB
·        9734130 TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN STATE
·        DISTRICT SANGRUR BAGS FIRST POSITION WITH 1089580 WHEAT PROCUREMENT

Chandigarh, May 3:

        Wheat Procurement is on full swing in Punjab. State procurement agency PUNSUP achieved first position in wheat procurement. PUNSUP procured 2249811, the 23.1 per cent of the total procurement of the state, till May 2.
        Government agencies and private millers procured more than 9734130 tonnes of wheat till last evening
        Out of total procurement of 9734130 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 9731002 tonnes of wheat till date, whereas private traders procured 1528 tonnes of wheat, Till May 2, PUNGRAIN had procured 1613515 tonnes (16.6%) whereas MARKFED procured 2177784 tonnes (22.4%). PUNSUP procured 2249811 tonnes (23.1%), PSWC procured 1110615 tonnes (11.4%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 1136930 tonnes (11.7 %) of wheat.
        The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1442347 tonnes (14.8%). 
        The spokesman added that District Sangrur with 1089580 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations, whereas District Patiala with 984787 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Ludhiana with 851442 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.
----

SIX PRIVATE SECRETARIES PROMOTED AS SECRETARIES

Chandigarh, May 3

The Punjab Government today promoted six private secretaries as secretaries to ministers working in the Punjab Civil Secretariat, in the pay scale of Rs 15600-39100 plus Rs 6600 grade pay with immediate effect.
A spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that those who has been promoted included Mr. Ranjodh Singh, Mr. Lakhmi Ram, Mrs. Inderjit Kaur, Mrs. Sunita Devi, Mr. Jit Singh and Mrs. Tej Kaur.
-----

BADAL OFFERS 20 ACRES LAND NEAR CHANDIGARH TO YUVRAJ SINGH FOR SETTING UP SPORTS ACADEMY--CM WISHES SPEEDY RECOVERY AND BEST OF HEALTH TO YUVRAJ

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ASKS ITS EMPLOYEES TO REGULARLY FILE PROPERTY RETURNS

REQUIRED TO FILE PROPERTY RETURNS OF FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31 BY APRIL 30
PROPERTY RETURNS OF 2011-12 TO BE FILED BY JUNE 30
CHANDIGARH MAY 02:

            To ensure clean, transparent and responsive governance in the state administration, the Punjab government has decided the filing of property returns by its employees mandatory.
            A decision to this effect was taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here in a meeting at Chief Minister’s Office this morning. 

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal directed the Chief Secretary to immediately issue detailed instructions thereby asking all the employees to must file their property returns of the financial year ending March 31, positively by April 30 regularly.  He also asked the Chief Secretary to amend the existing performas of ACRs thereby incorporating a new column for filing of property return.    
The spokesperson further said that it would be compulsory on the part of the employees to file their property returns relating to the financial year 2011-12 by June 30, 2012.   

-----

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TRANSFERS SEVEN VIGILANCE OFFICERS

CHANDIGARH MAY 02:
            The Punjab Government has transferred seven vigilance officers with immediate effect.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Mr. Satinder Singh, PPS AIG/CI Amritsar has been transferred and posted as SP/Vigilance/Ludhiana Range against a vacant post, Mr. Amar Singh Chahal, PPS Commandant, 7th Battalion, PAP, Jalandhar has been transferred as SP/Vigilance/Bathinda Range in place of Mr. Khushi Mohammad Khan PPS. AIG/CI Jalandhar Mr. Opinderjit Singh Ghuman, PPS has been transferred as SP/Vigilance/Ferozpur Range against SP Mr. Jaspal Singh, PPS. Mr. Rajjit Singh PPS Commandant 4th IRB, Jalandhar (Camp at Kapurthala) has been transferred and posted as SP/Vigilance/Amritsar Range against a vacant post, Deputy Director (Outdoor) Mr. Roopinder Singh, PPS has been transferred and posted as SP/Vigilance/Jalandhar Range against a vacant post, Mr. Snehdeep Sharma, PPS Deputy Director (Admn.), PPA Phillaur has been transferred as SP/Vigilance/EOW HQ at Ludhiana in place of Mr. Gurtejinder Singh, PPS and Commandant CTC, Bahadurgarh Mr. Ranbir Khatra, PPS has been transferred as AIG/Flying Squad, Chandigarh in place of Mr. Sarbjit Singh, PPS.
----

BADAL FOR STRENGTHENING STATE VIGILANCE BUREAU
INTERNAL VIGILANCE UNIT TO BE CREATED IN VB TO
 MONITOR ITS OFFICIALS’ ACTIVITIES

VB TO TIE UP TRAINING PROGRAM WITH CBI ACADEMY GHAZIABAD
CHANDIGARH MAY 02

In a bid to strengthen anti corruption measures and ensure accountability and transparency in the state administration, the Punjab government has decided to streamline the functioning of the state Vigilance department efficaciously. 
A decision to this effect has been taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in a meeting with the senior officers of the vigilance department here at Chief Minister’s Residence late last evening. 

Mr. Badal reiterated that the state government was committed to eradicate corruption from the public life in an effective manner and asked the vigilance department to coordinate anti-corruption measures in tandem with the vigilance bureau to ensure transparent, responsive, accountable and good governance.
The Chief Minister was apprised in the meeting that in order to bring better coordination and enhanced effectiveness for dealing with corrupt practices existing in various agencies/departments, the state vigilance department has mooted a proposal to establish a special internal vigilance unit in bureau with a view to monitoring the activities of their officials.  
To ensure timely investigation and conviction of corrupt officials, it was deliberated upon in the meeting that the competent authority of each department under the state government would decide refusal or sanction of granting permission for prosecution as the case may be by passing a speaking order with a maximum period of three months.  In case of non-compliance, Secretary Vigilance would convey displeasure on the recommendation of Chief Director Vigilance Bureau. 
The vigilance department had been asked to initiate the necessary amendments in the law to empower the Punjab Vigilance Bureau to cover the state government employees posted in Chandigarh also on the same pattern as has been done in case of CBI. 
The Chief Minister also gave nod for training tie-up to be established with CBI Academy at Ghaziabad to provide latest training inputs to officials of the Bureau and asked the Chief Director Vigilance Bureau to ensure effective professional handling of investigation leading to conviction of corrupt officials. He also gave approval for the creation of vigilance bureau Web-site to ensure better professional information sharing and providing on-line facility for registration of complaints.  Vigilance department had also been asked to update the existing vigilance manual within three months. 
The Chief Minister also acceded to the request of vigilance department to provide requisite funds for the construction of ‘Chowksi Bhawan’ in Mohali as the land had already been provided by the state government.   Vigilance bureau would soon launch an anti corruption awareness program with the help of multi-agency initatives through published literature, media etc. besides undertaking public education programs for creating awareness relating to anti-corruption amongst the concerned segments of the society. 
The meeting was also attended by the Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh and Chief Director Vigilance Bureau Mr. Suresh Arora. 
…

PUNJAB TO ASSIMILATE POSITVE TRENDS OF AMERICAN EDUCATION SYSTEM: MALUKA

CHANDIGARH, MAY 2:

Punjab has started special initiative to revamp the educational system by incorporating the positive trends of education system of developed countries. It was disclosed by Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka, Education Minister of Punjab.
In a communiqué released to the media, he said that a high level delegation of education ministers of different states visited United States of America to critically examine the education system of that country with the motive to incorporate positive trends of American education system. He said that this visit was conducted under the directives of Ministry of Human Resource Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Department of Higher Education.

Mr. Maluka further added that the news appeared in some sections of the media about the foreign holidays of the minister is totally baseless. He said that the motive behind these trips is to study the prevalent education system and to assimilate the positive trends of the education system of that country into our education system.
-----

GOODS CARRIERS WARNED AGAINST USING THEIR VEHICLES FOR CARRYING PASSENGER -KOHAR

Chandigarh May 2.

          Transport Minister Punjab Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar today issued strict warning to the goods carrier's owners against using their vehicle for the passenger purposes. He also appealed to the general public not to travel in the goods carriers vehicles.
                    Mr. Kohar said in a statement here today that carrying passengers in goods carrier was against the rule of the roads but the owners of these vehicles using their vehicles for their vested interests. He said that he has notice that visiting the religious places these vehicles were used frequently which leads to major accidents some times.
          The Minister appealed the people of the state not to put their lives in danger by traveling in these kinds of vehicles.
----  

9173197 TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, May 2:

        Government agencies and private millers procured more than 9173197 tonnes of wheat till last evening
        Out of total procurement of 9173197  tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 9170966 tonnes of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 1431 tonnes of wheat. Till May 1, PUNGRAIN had procured 1500440 tonnes (16.4%) whereas MARKFED procured 2054007 tonnes (22.4%). PUNSUP procured 2139426 tonnes (23.3%), PSWC procured 1051550  tonnes (11.5%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 1066629 tonnes (11.6 %) of wheat.
        The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1358914  tonnes (14.8%). 
        The spokesman added that District Sangrur with 1061015 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Patiala with 975918 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Ludhiana with 813387  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.
-----

PUNJAB GOES FOR ONLINE BUDGET ALLOCATION: DHINDSA

ALL DEPARTMENTS TOLD TO CREATE THEIR LOGIN IDs

CHANDIGARH, MAY 2:  The Punjab Government has initiated a major exercise of online allocation of budget funds to all the Departments through a new software Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS).

According to Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa to make this program a success, all Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) were given comprehensive training regarding the application and applicability of new software. All Departments were asked to send their master data files through soft and hard copy, that was consolidated at the headquarter.

          He said that the online budget allocation that started on April 1, 2012 have made the transfer of funds smooth and speedy. He said that all DDOs have been asked to create their login IDs for their respective offices. The Government has already issued directions to all the heads of departments to make sure that the  budget should be distributed to D.D.Os through I.F.M.S. only

-----

MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT WOULD COME INTO EFFECT  ONLY AFTER DATE OF NOTIFICATION-SEC
CHANDIGARH, May 2

State Election Commission Punjab today clarified that the Model code of conduct regarding the general/by elections of Municipal Councils/ Nagar Panchayats and of certain wards of various Urban Local Bodies, would come into effect only from date of issue of notification by the Commission.
A spokesperson of the Commission today made it clear that model code of conduct would be applicable from the date of issue of notification, that would give detailed schedule of the election.
--------

ALL BOARDS/CORPORATIONS AND COOPERATIVE ORGANIZATIONS BARRED TO PUBLISH INDIVIDUAL DIARIES AND CALENDARS

• TOLD TO USE PUNJAB GOVERNMENT’S PUBLICATIONS

CHANDIGARH, MAY 2: The Punjab Government has directed all the Boards/Corporations and Co-operative Organizations not to publish their individual diaries and calendars. They have been directed to use diaries and calendars published by the state government instead of getting published their own diaries and calendars.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of state government said that this decision has been taken as an austerity measure. He said that each board/corporation and cooperative organization would now have to submit its demand for required diaries and calendar by November 10 every year to Controller, Printing and Stationery, Punjab. For the current year 2012, they can submit their demands to the concerned office within next 10 days. They were also directed to send any important information or telephone number along with their demand for its inclusion in the diary.

The spokesman clarified that concerned board/corporation would have to deposit the cost of calendars/diaries through challan to the Controller, Printing and Stationery, Punjab.
-----

PLAN SCHEMES WOULD BE DIRECTLY SENT TO FINANCE DEPARTMENT FOR CLEARANCE: DHINDSA

CHANDIGARH, MAY 2:

The Finance Minister of Punjab Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa today said that the Punjab Government has changed the process of getting clearance for Plan Schemes. He said that now the cases of Plan Schemes would be directly sent to Finance Department for clearance of funds instead of Planning Department.

          Mr. Dhindsa said that this step has been taken to expedite the functioning of state government besides speedy disbursement of funds since earlier the Plans Schemes were sent to Planning Department for funds clearance. He said that now only those schemes would be sent to Planning Department, which were not approved by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. He said that the proposals sent by various departments should be self-cleared including SOE wise details, prescribed finance and physical aims. Necessary directions in this regard have been issued to all Financial Commissioner, Principal Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries of the state government.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAD RIDICULES CONGRESS STATEMENT ON SHORTAGE OF GUNNY BAGS
ADVISES CONGRESS LEADERS TO VERIFY FACTS BEFORE SPEAKING

Chandigarh, May 1
: The Shiromani Akali Dal ridiculed the statement of the Punjab Congress Vice President Mr. Lal Singh on shortage of gunny bags in the Punjab mandis  and termed it as false, misleading and aimed at getting cheap publicity.
          Reacting to the statement of Punjab Congress leader, the SAD Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema informed the Congress leader that the Punjab government has made elaborate arrangements for the current rabi season and it had placed an order for purchase of  1.61 lakh gunny bags worth Rs. 275 crore in advance with Jute Commissioner Calcutta  much before the procurement season. He said that around 108 MT wheat was expected in the mandis and government had made arrangements for procurement of 115 lakh MT of wheat.
          He further said that it was surprising that the state Congress leaders were shedding crocodile tears on an issue for mismanagement of which Congress led UPA is directly responsible. He said that the whole nations is witness to the fact that the Centre government had even ignored the directive of the Honourable Supreme Court on the storing of grains in the country and its ill-planned policies were playing havoc with the lives of farmers and the common man.
          Dr. Cheema further said that instead of blaming the state government for a blunder of the Centre, they should approach the Congress led UPA government for early lifting of stocks from the state so that proper arrangement can be made for lifting of stocks  from the mandis and their storage.
          The SAD leader advised the Congress leadership that before issuing such baseless and issue less statements they should get equipped with the facts and think positively in the interests of the farmers and other natives of the state.
-------

Cong raps govt over procurement harassment to farmers; shortage of gunny-bags

CHANDIGARH, May 1: Punjab Congress today lashed out at the Akali government in the state for its ill preparedness about the wheat procurement that has led to lot of harassment to the farmers.

In a statement issued here today, the PCC Vice President Mr Laal Singh disclosed that there were no gunny bags available in the mandis. He said, the gunny bags are arranged at least 6 months in advance from different states. He maintained that since the Akalis never believed that they will come back to power they did not make any arrangements so that the Congress government will have to bear the brunt of the mess. He said, this government has been caught in its own web.

Mr Singh also demanded the resignation of the Mandi Board Chairman Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, who also happens to be the president of the Bhartiya Kisan Union, Punjab. He said, Lakhowal despite being a farmers' leader had failed the farmers. Had it been the Congress government, he added, Lakhowal will be on the roads staging the protest.

The Congress vice president also sought the resignation of the Mandi Board Vice chairman, Ravinder Singh Cheema, who happens to be the president of the Punjab Arhtiya (Commission Agents) Association for his failure to watch the interest of the Arhtiyas.

Mr Singh demanded immediate availability of the gunny bags in the mandis. He said, the farmers were already suffering because of inclement weather and the government's apathy had only added to their woes.
-----

SIMARJIT SINGH BAINS AND BALWINDER SINGH BAINS, MLAs, EXTEND UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT TO SHIROMANI AKALI DAL

• FELICITATED BY SAD PRESIDENT SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL AND YAD PRESIDENT BIKRAM SINGH MAJITHIA
• SAD ONLY PARTY THAT CAN FULFILL THE ASPIRATIONS OF PEOPLE OF PUNJAB- BAINS BROTHERS
• DECISION ON PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT CANDIDATES WOULD BE COLLECTIVE DECISION OF NDA
• SUKHBIR LASHES AT CENTER FOR FAILING TO EVOLVE LONG TERM SOLUTION TO GRAIN STORAGE PROBLEM
• CAPTAIN SHOWING SYMPTOMS OF ‘DEFEATED RAJA’
• DOWN GRADING THE RATING OF INDIA BY S&P EXPOSES THE POLICY PARALYSIS OF CONGRESS LED UPA GOVERNMENT

 CHANDIGARH, MAY 1

Mr. Simarjit Singh Bains and Mr. Balwinder Singh Bains, both independent MLAs from Atam Nagar and Ludhiana South constituencies respectively, today announced their return to their parent party by extending unconditional support to SAD in the presence of Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab.

          Escorted by Youth Akali Dal President Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Observer Ludhiana district and Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, accompanied by four councilors, both MLAs announced that they have realized that Shiromani Akali Dal is the only party in Punjab that can fulfill the aspirations of people of Punjab and they have decided to extend their unconditional support to the party by becoming its associate members.

          Welcoming their support to the parent party, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that soon you should expect leaders from other parties joining SAD as they are already in touch with us. He said that SAD-BJP Government is committed to translate its development agenda into reality within next 3 years and the government has already started to give final touches to the blueprints. He said that the budget this year would reflect the development vision of SAD-BJP government and said that the government was fully committed to fulfill the aspirations of people of Punjab.

          When asked about storage problem being faced for the procured wheat in the state, Mr. Badal put the onus on Union Government for failing to find a long term solution for grain storage. He said that the fact is that Congress led UPA Government waits for full blown crisis before taking any action and doesn’t believe in taking any preventive measures to avert such crisis. He said that it is for the first time that the Industrial Associations of the country have started blaming Congress led UPA Government for its policy paralysis. He said that down grading the rating of Indian Economy by international body S & P was worrisome as it has sent negative signals to international investors.

          On asking about Captain’s opposition to waiver of Punjab’s debt, the Deputy Chief Minster said that it reminds him about the behaviour of ‘defeated kings’, who used to destroy their kingdoms when defeated in the war. He said that what Punjab is seeking its rightful share in the central taxes. He said that Punjab was getting only 1.3 percent of central taxes collected form the state and other states were getting 16 to 23 percent. Punjab was just demanding raising its share to 20 percent minimum, he added. Mr. Badal said that debt accumulated on the state was because of expenses on central forces during the period of disturbance in the state and it was the duty of the Union Government to bear the expenses of central forces. He said that during last five years SAD-BJP Government has stablised the economy of Punjab by ensuring resurgence in the revenue. He said that against 46 percent GSDP ratio during Congress regime and 60 percent of GSDP of Union Government, SAD-BJP government has brought the GSDP 29.7 percent.

          When asked about the stand of Shiromani Akali Dal on the proposed candidature for the post of President and Vice-President of India, Mr. Badal said that SAD was bound by the collective decision of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and they have not yet got any formal communication from NDA in this regard.

          Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister, Mr. Darshan Singh Shivalik, Mr. S.R. Kaler, Mr. Manpreet Singh Ayali and Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon (all MLAs) and supporters of Bains brothers.
-----