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- - - JUSTICE RAKESH KUMAR GARG TAKES OVER CHAIRMAN PUNJAB STATE COMMISSION FOR NRIs Chandigarh January 6: Mr. Justice Rakesh Kumar Garg (Retd.) has been appointed as the Chairman of the Punjab state Commission for NRIs for a period of three years. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the government said that Justice Garg has also taken over his new assignment. ------------- EDUCATION MINISTER ROLLS OUT PLAN TO UPGRADE CAREER GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING CELL · MEETS DISTRICTS CAREER GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLORS OF STATE · FINALISES WEEKLONG TRAINING PROGRAM ALONG WEEKLONG TOUR PROGRAM FOR PRESTIGIOUS EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES · PUNJAB TO PROVIDE COURSES SCHEDULES TO STUDENTS THROUGH SMSS Mohali/Chandigarh, January 6: Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema today rolled out a plan to upgrade career guidance and counselling cells at district level besides making these institutions modern and hi-tech. While presiding over a state level meeting of career guidance and counsellor gathered here from across the state, Dr. Cheema asserted that these counselling cells could play a pivotal role by making careers of students brighter. He said it was call of the hour to adopt modern ways of counselling instead of traditional methods of career counselling. He directed senior officers of education department to organise a special weeklong training program for career guidance and counselling cells for all 22 districts before the end of January. Dr. Cheema said department would engage the services of experts of various fields, career counsellors, prominent representatives of universities, who would deliver speeches regarding professional courses, education in modern context so students could make them employable or become self-employed. He said the sole purpose of this program was to prepare students for admissions in new courses according to their interests and capabilities. Dr. Cheema also asked the officers to arrange 7 days tour program for career counsellors with a view to impart practical training under which they will visit universities of state, education and research institutes, academies, top business and industrial houses etc. He said this tour program would include especially PAU, GNDU, PTU, Punjabi University Patiala, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces and Preparatory Institute, IISER, ISB, Baba Farid University of Medical and Health Sciences, Neta Ji Subash Chander National Institute of Sports, Law University. Mrs. Tejinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Chairperson Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) assured the Minister that the PSEB would manage all the arrangements of tour programme of District career guidance and counsellor. Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Principal Secretary Mr. C. Roul, DGSE Mr. Pardeep Aggarwal, DPI (Secondary) Mr. Kamal Garg, DPI (Elementary) Mrs. Darshan Kaur, Director SCERT Mrs. Pankaj Sharma, Additional State Project Director Mrs. Ginni Duggal and Mr. JP Singh. - CM REVIEWS ARRANGEMENTS OF LIVESTOCK EXPO-2015 TO BE HELD AT SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB FROM JANUARY 8-12 ENVISIONS THAT LIVESTOCK SECTOR COULD TRANSFORMING THE DESTINY OF MILLIONS OF FARMERS Chandigarh, January 6 With an aim to promote allied farming activity in the state, the Punjab Government was all set to organize five-day livestock Expo-2015 at Sri Muktsar Sahib from January 8-12, 2015 Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that theExpo has been planned in such a manner where apart from exhibition, seminars and technical sessions on various aspects of Livestock, special focus would be laid on the emerging technologies and strategies in the field to keep the farming community abreast with the modern Animal Husbandry practices and technological advancements through detailed deliberations by the experts, technocrats and progressive farmers. Meanwhile, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal reviewed all the arrangements of this mega event during a high level meeting with the senior officers of Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries held here at CMO. It was informed in the meeting that this year the state government was organizing first Live Stock Expo-2015, instead of organizing traditional Livestock Mela, at a much larger scale with the active participation of PHD Chamber of Commerce. As many as 130 companies dealing with live stock would take part in this Expo to exhibit their activities and rare skill in this field. The Chief Minister directed the Animal Husbandry Department to make elaborate arrangements of shelters and sheds besides fodder for the animals with a view to accommodate expectedly large number of animal participation this time. Mr. Badal stressed on the need to ensure comfortable stay of the farmers besides transportation facilities to them so that they could attend the Expo in a hassle free manner. The Chief Minister also asked the department to invite the leading world class Livestock equipment/machinery manufacturing companies to display their products in the exhibition so that the farmers could be immensely benefited. He was confident that the forthcoming Expo would prove to be a milestone in evolving a blue print to put our agriculture diversification plans on a hi-tech track besides transforming the destiny of our millions of farmers especially the small and marginal ones by turning their fortunes. --------- CM AND SURESH PRABHU TO JOINTLY LAY FOUNDATION OF MMLH ON JANUARY 20 RS 500 CRORE MMLH TO GIVE BOOST TO ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE REGION MMLH TO BE EQUIPPED WITH FACILITIES OF CONTAINER HANDLING YARD, BULK HANDLING YARD, RAIL SIDE WAREHOUSING, MULTI USER WAREHOUSING, TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED WAREHOUSING, TRUCK TERMINUS AND OTHERS BADAL TO FLAG UP THE ISSUE OF CONSTRUCTION OF ONE MORE MMLH AT KHASA NEAR AMRITSAR WITH UNION RAILWAYS MINISTER Chandigarh, January 6- In a leap forward towards giving much needed impetus to the economic activity in the region especially the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Union Minister for Railways Mr. Suresh Prabhu would jointly lay the foundation stone of Multi Modal Logistics Hub (MMLH) at Kila Raipur in Ludhiana on January 20th. A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister while presiding over a high level meeting of the officers of the state government and the Railways Ministry here at his office. The Chief Minister, while highlighting the significance of this prestigious project said that in wake of the extension of Eastern Freight Corridor from Dankuni upto Amritsar and Western Freight Corridor from JNPT Navi Mumbai to Khurja (Uttar Pradesh), Punjab was on the threshold of ushering in an era of unprecedented economic development. He said that in such a scenario MMLH to be constructed at a cost of Rs 500 crore in Kila Raipur would prove to be a game changer for the industry of the state. Mr. Badal said that being near to Ludhiana this MMLH would provide direct linkage to the Eastern Freight Corridor adding that Ludhiana-Dhuri-Jakhal feeder line would join it with the Western Corridor at Rewari thereby immensely benefitting the industry of the state by prompt, easy and cheap transport of raw material and finished goods through the Railways. Highlighting the benefits of this prestigious project, the Chief Minister said that it was all the more important because in future as per Foreign Trade Act, 1992, only MMLH could handle Export- Import (EXIM) Cargo. Mr. Badal said that this MMLH would be enabled with the facility for Reefer Containers for Domestic and International Cargo. Likewise, he said that it would have silo storage for One Lakh Metric Ton grains adding that Domestic Terminal would have storage facility on the Railhead for Steel, Fertilizer, Cement and others that would cut down logistics cost drastically. “This MMLH will be equipped with the ultra modern facilities like container handling yard, bulk handling yard, Rail side Warehousing, Multi user Warehousing, Temperature controlled Warehousing, Truck terminus and others, which will boost the trade and commerce in the region” added Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister further said that at present EXIM traffic of Punjab was 4 Lac Containers and domestic traffic from Punjab was about 25000 Containers. He said that after the completion of first phase of this project by March 2016 it would capture EXIM traffic generated in the area and the projected traffic would be 7.5 Lac Containers i.e. 45% of the total traffic by 2035. Mr. Badal said that the Double Decker carriage to be initiated from this MMLH would ensure 33% reduction in Inland Transportation Cost. The Chief Minister further said that besides giving fillip to the trade and commerce this project would provide direct employment to about 500 organized Labour. Likewise, he said that indirect employment would be provided to about 2000 transporters, 1500 private labour and 500 third party Surveyors. Mr. Badal also asked the officers of state government to analyze the feasibility of setting up an industrial estate around the MMLH. The Chief Minister also said that he would soon take up the issue of constructing another such MMLH with the Union Railways Ministry at Khasa near Amritsar as there was a tremendous scope of trade and commerce once the Indo-Pak borders were opened for trade. He asked the officers to explore the viability of getting about 100 acres of land required for this project. Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Mr. Suresh Kumar, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, CEO Punjab Investment Board Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, Director Industries Mr. Raminder Singh, Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana Mr. Rajat Aggarwal, MD CONWARE Mr. AS Bains and MD CONCOR Mr. Anil Gupta. -----------
Chandigarh 06 January The Punjab Government has nominated the members of the different committees of the five Gurdwaras under powers conferred by sub section 3 of section 88 of Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925 . Stating this, a Government Spokesperson said that in respect of Gurudwara Sahib Patshahi Dasmi, village KamalPur, Tehsil Sunam, District Sangrur; S. Jagwinder Singh, S. Manjeet Singh, S. Sucha Singh, S. Jarnail Singh and S. Yog Singh (Ramdasia Sikh) have been nominated as members whereas Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Naumi and Dasmi ,village Hasanpur (Kabulpur), Tehsil Rajpura, District Patiala Committee; S. Karam Singh ,S. Swarn Singh , S. Jatinderpal Singh ,S. Mani Singh, S. Gurcharan Singh have been nominated as members. He further said that in respect of Gurdwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib,Village Takhra, Tehsil Samrala, District Ludhiana, S. Ajmer Singh ,S. Jagdev Singh ,S. Karnail Singh, S. Kulwant Singh ,S. Bheem Singh nominated as members. The spokesperson further said that Gurdwara Sahib , Panchayati Dharamshala Village Dhugga Kalan Tehsil Dasuya District Hoshiarpur committee; S. Balwant Singh ,S. Harbhajan Singh,S. Balvir Singh ,S. Surjit Singh, S. Balbir Singh and Gurdwara Sahib Mata Gangaji, Village Narli, Tehsil Patti, District Amritsar committe; S. Lakha Singh, S. Avtar Singh, S. Jaswinder Singh, S. Gurmit Singh, S. Surjan Singh have been nominated as members of the committees. - VIGILANCE NABS ASI RED HANDED ACCEPTING BRIBE CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 6: Vigilance Bureau has nabbed an ASI red handed while accepting bring of Rs. 8000. Disclsoing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that ASI, Balwinder Singh posted at city police station, Rajpura, district Patiala was nabbed on the complaint of Vinod Chowdhary S/o Bhagwan Dass Chowdhary. The complainant alleged that he was facing a court case and the challan of this case was yet to be filed. He complained that the ASI Balwinder Singh was demanding bribe from him for making a feeble challan in his favour. Acting on the tip off giving by the complainant a team of Vigilance Bureau headed laid a trap and apprehended the ASI red handed with the bribe money. - MORE THAN 22 THOUSAND JAIL INMATES SUCCESSFULLY TREATED IN DE ADDICTION CENTRES OF 8 CENTRAL JAILS: THANDAL · PRESENTLY 461 INMATES HAVE BEEN UNDERGOING TREATMENT IN THESE CENTRES CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 6: The Punjab Jails Department has achieved a major breakthrough by treating more than 22 thousands drug addicts in the 8 jails of the state by multipronged de addiction therapy that included medical treatment, psychological and sociological counselling besides through religious sermons during last one year. Disclosing this here today Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Jails Minister said that under a de addiction campaign launched by the department 461 inmates were presently undergoing treatment in different jails. He said that the jail department has been making concerted efforts in bringing the addicted jail inmates to normal life by providing them best medical treatment in the drug de addiction centres established in 8 central jails of the state. Spiritual and moral education is also being imparted through counselling, religious sermons and yoga whereas sports kits have been provided to encourage them to play games. He said that the state government has been incurring Rs. 1.78 crore on making these drug de addiction centres ultra modern to help the addicted jail inmates to get rid of drug use. The jail Minister said their efforts in this direction has borne fruits as till date 22,669 inmates have been treated successfully in these drug de addiction centres. He said that at present 461 inmates were undergoing treatment in various drug de addiction centres of 8 central jails. He said that de addiction activities in jails have been closely supervised by the concerned jail superintendent. The minister said that in order to bring the addicted jail inmates from the scourge of drugs, holistic approach concerning ‘Mind & Body’ has been adopted which included best medical treatment by the specialist doctors and encouragement to them to play sports. He said that sports kits have been provided and the inmates becoming fond of playing different games. Mr. Thandal further said that Religious Sermons, Meditation Sessions and Yoga activities was also a regular feature to enrich the spiritual and intellectual aspects besides medical treatment to these addicted jail inmates. He said that most of meditation programmes were being conducted with the collaboration of Art of Living. He said that in this financial year Rs. 8.20 lakh has been incurred on organising religious preaching, yoga and meditation programmes. Mr. Thandal said that these drug de addiction centres have been established in 8 central jails of Punjab located at Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Faridkot and Ferozpur. He said that Rs. 1.78 crore has been spent for providing medicines, laboratory equipments, ECG machines, Urine/Blood testing kits etc to these drug de addiction centres. - ● COMMITTEE TO COORDINATE EFFORTS IN ADOPTION OF TECHNIQUES TO REDUCE POST-HARVEST LOSSES ● A BIG RELIEF FOR PUNJAB FARMERS ● FARMERS SHOULD ADOPT NEW POST HARVEST TECHNIQUES Chandigarh, January 6: The Punjab Government today constituted a high level committee under the chairmanship of Financial Commissioner Development, Mr Suresh Kumar to coordinate efforts in development and adoption of techniques and technologies to reduce post- harvest losses of crops and encourage value addition both at farm and industrial level .It may be added that Rice and Wheat are the major crops of Punjab and both occupy about 2.65 million hectares area under cultivation. Due to unscientific post harvest tehchnology being adopted by farmers the farm economy was taking a big hit during last few year and Chief Minister Punjab has directed Agriculture department to make coordinated efforts to reduce post harvest loses. Disclosing this here today official spokesman of the Punjab government said that the committee would function to consider and review post harvest techniques and technologies developed by Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology for adoption and commercial application. It will also integrate techniques and technologies of management of post- harvest losses and value addition development by Central institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Punjab Agriculture University and Guru Angand Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, to ensure transfer of these technologies to farmers and industries for their commercial application in post –harvest management of crops and value addition to formulate , implement and manage skill development programme in post –harvest management technologies. He also informed that committee would also encourage development of agro and food processing clusters with cold chain infrastructure and ensuring integration of production , marketing and processing and committee would also encourage scientific ware housing of agriculture land and horticulture produce with a view to achieve the stated objective of reduction in post-harvest losses.The panel would carry out any other activity to achieve the objectives of effective implementation/adoption of post- harvest technologies to reduce losses and value addition to the crops. He said that the Vice chancellors of PAU And GADVASU, Director Central Post- harvest Engineering and Technology Institute ,Joint Director Central Agricultural Department, MD Food processing industries corporation and Joint Direct of Agriculture Department of Punjab also would be the members of this committee. - SAD TO LAUNCH LOK LEHAR AGAINST SOCIAL EVILS THROUGHOUT THE STATE ANNOUNCEMENT TO BE MADE ON MAGHI CONFERENCE Chandigarh January 6 - The Shiromani Akali Dal today decided to launch a Lok Lehar (public awareness campaign) against social evils throughout the state. Details of the campaign would be announced by the Punjab Chief Minster and SAD patron-in-chief Sardar Parkash Singh Badal and party president Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Maghi conference on January 14. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the Core Committee of the party held at the residence of the Chief Minister here this evening. The meeting also decided that a high level delegation of the party led by party president Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal will call on the Union Home Minister Mr Rajnath Singh on the issue of release of Sikh prisoners detained in various prisons. The delegation would also comprise, apart from Mr S S Badal, the party Secretary General Sardar Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and the SGPC president Jathedar Avtar Singh. Giving details of the programme, Mr Harcharan Bains, General Secretary of the party said that the Lok Lehar will aim at mobilizing the people against evils that have come to afflict our society. "The SAD is committed to the establishment of a society based on the ideals laid before us by the great Gurus. Leaders and workers of the party would reach out to every nook and corner of every village and Apart from the Chief Minster and the party president, the meeting was attended by the SGPC Chief Jathdar Avtar Singh, Sardar Ranjit Singh Brahampura, Sardar Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Sardar Charanjeet Singh Atwal, Jathedar Tota Singh, Sardar Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Dr Daljeet Singh Cheema, Jathdar Ajit Singh Kohar, S Sikandar Singh Maluka, Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra, S Sucha Singh Langah, S Sewa Singh Sekhwan, S Balwant Singh Ramoowalia and Mr Harcharan Bains - SAD tells Bajwa to stop making excuses and admit he is a complete failure Chandigarh, January 6-Shiromani Akali Dal today mocked at the excuses made by the Punjab Congress President Mr. Partap singh Bajwa for failure of Dharnas organized by the Congress at district levels yesterday, saying tomorrow Mr. Bajwa could well blame the gravitational force for the fall of his political career. In a statement issued here, senior Akali leader Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal said Bajwa could not defend himself by holding bad weather responsible for the failure of Dharnas organized by the Punjab Congress yesterday. "It was colder at the international border but Lakhs of Punjabis congregated at the three Dharnas organised by the SAD at Attari, Hussaniwala and Sadiqi". He said in direct contrast the dharna organised by the Congress president in Jalandhar attracted less than 300 persons. Mr. Grewal advised Bajwa to hold himself up to high standards as befitting the president of the state unit of a national party. "However your behaviour is something which is not befitting even a block president. "No wonder even block presidents of your party are demanding your resignation what to speak of your senior leaders who boycott your functions and even call you foolish". Mr Grewal said the utter failure of the Congress Dharnas had now made it even more important for Mr Bajwa to put in his papers. "The District level Dharnas of your party even saw 40 to 50 persons collecting at some places. This speaks of the confidence the Congress rank and file us in you. You should now oblige the cadre and submit your resignation immediately", the akali leader said. Holding Congress responsible for enacting conspiracies to defame and harm Punjab, Mr. Grewal said that during its regime Congress governments had always adopted anti Punjab practices but Punjab congress leadership never dared to raise their voice. “Now when people of Punjab have rejected their policies Congress leadership is now working in league with anti national forces by itself running a negative propoganda against Punjabis". He said Punjabis were however wise enough to judge such conspiracies. "This was the reason that they did not respond to Dharna calls of congress party but participated enthusiastically in the rallies organized by Shiromani Akali Dal to start awareness against drugs and also make the anti drug drive of the Punjab government a national movement”, Mr Grewal added. EOM - Sukhbir Badal and Bikram Majithia thanks Punjabi for unflinching support on crusade against drugs (Says Punjabi fraternity proved it will not be vilified) Chandigarh, January 6: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal and party general secretary Bikram Singh Majithia today thanked Punjabis for standing with the SAD in its fight against drugs by congregating in lakhs against all odds in bone chilling cold weather at Attari, Hussainiwala and Sadiqi. Extending thanks, Mr Badal and Mr. Majithia in a joint statement here said the unprecedented gatherings of Punjabis near the Indo-Pak border had proved that the entire Punjabi fraternity was united on the issue of drugs and would opposed this menace in league with the SAD. They said the strength shown by Punjabis would give further pace to the ongoing successful war on drugs launched by Punjab Government. The leaders said the dharnas had also served as a clear warning to anti-social elements across the border that Punjabis would not allow drugs to enter their State from Pakistan. They said the label imposed on Punjabis of drug addicts was a challenge to the pride of the community and that they had risen to the occasion to give a befitting reply to those why wanted to defame them. The leaders said the participants of dharna had also vowed not to allow drug traffickers to make Punjab a transit besides playing a significant role for complete elimination of this menace from the state. Describing the gatherings as historic in numbers, Mr Majithia while speaking on behalf of the party, said he felt humbled and also proud that the country's second oldest political party had launched a national war against drugs. "Now that the entire Punjabi community has given us its mandate we are committed to eradicating this menace from society", he added. EOM ---- DISTRICT PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE, LUDHIANA PUNJAB A VICTIM OF NARCO-TERRORISM-SUKHBIR BADAL * SAYS NOT EVEN A GRAM OF ANY DRUG PRODUCED IN PUNJAB * DEMANDS COMPLETE BAN ON CULTIVATION OF DRUGS IN OTHER STATES * WANTS EFFECTIVE VIGIL ON INTERNATIONAL BORDER TO CHECK SMUGGLING OF DRUGS FROM PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN * TERMS BAINS BROTHERS AS MISCHIEVOUS AND SELF CENTERED "TRADERS" * COUNCILLOR OF BAINS GROUP KAMALJIT SINGH KARWAL REJOINS AKALI DAL TODAY Ludhiana, January 4: Terming Punjab as a victim of narco terrorism, the Deputy CM Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that the political parties should stop politicising this issue just for the sake of it and should join the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP war against drugs so that the core issue could be raised at national as well as international level. He asserted that not even a gram of any drug is produced in Punjab and it is either coming from across the border or from neighbouring states. He said that countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan are known for producing large quantities of drugs and sending it across to India as a part of their narco terrorism agenda meant to destabilise India. He felt sad on this fact that instead of supporting the Punjab government, some political parties are politicising the issue. He said that Punjab is fighting a war against drugs for not only saving the youth of Punjab, but youth of entire country. He said that drugs smuggled into Punjab from Pakistan or Afghanistan are not meant for Punjab only, but they are meant for supply in other parts of the country as well as other countries too. He said that if the Punjab Police busts any gang involved in smuggling of drugs or if drugs are confiscated in the Punjab, rest of the nation should thank us. While commenting on awareness programmes of Shiromani Akali Dal over the issue of smuggling of drugs, he said that a serious conspiracy has been hatched to defame Punjab on drug issue and demanded that there was great need to ensure greater vigilance at the international border to stop inflow of drugs into Punjab besides a complete ban on cultivation and sale of opium and poppy husk in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and other states. He said every political party has its way of working and said that their coalition partner would be holding such awareness rallies from January 22 onwards and said that if they invite him, he would visit their rallies too. He said that he has requested Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi to take this issue seriously so that Punjab does not get tagged as a state of drug addicts because Punjabi youth have always been known from courage and bravery. He said that Punjab Police has busted several drug modules in states such as Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, besides several others and that thousands of people involved in drug trade have been jailed. He mentioned that some states involved in legal sale of drugs even mention it as "income" in their annual budgets, which is sad. He said that there cannot be two set of laws for two states in the same country. Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal was in city to attend a function organised by Independent councillor from Bains group, Mr Kamaljit Singh Karwal, who joined the Shiromani Akali Dal today. Taking a dig at Bains brothers-Independent MLA's Mr Balwinder Singh Bains and Mr Simarjit Singh Bains, the deputy CM said that both the brothers are basically mischievous, self centered and power greedy "traders". He said that the Bains brothers have always used the Akali Dal as a tool. While addressing the gathering, the Deputy CM recalled how the Bains brothers ditched him during the Vidhan Sabha as well as the Lok Sabha elections. He said that instead of standing by their party, they always wanted to strike deals two days before the 2012 Vidhan Sabha elections and then again in Lok Sabha elections for their personal benefits. He said that the Shiromani Akali Dal is now only focussed about overall development of the state. He said that Punjab has already become power surplus and within next few months, all main roads of the state would be either four-laned or six-laned. He said to within next few months, all villages and cities of Punjab will have 4G internet connectivity and once the project is complete, Punjab would become first such state in the country. He also announced that very soon, Ludhiana will have ultra modern and economical BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) in place of Ludhiana Metro Rail project. He said that it was after consultation with international experts, the Punjab government has now decided to introduce BRTS in place of Metro Rail. He also said that some other states have also shelved the Metro Rail projects and have adopted BRTS. He also said that for the redressal of problems of traders and industrialists, a meeting has been fixed for next week and said that all their issues and problems would be resolved. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Advisor to CM Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, MLAs Mr Manpreet Singh Ayali, Mr Ranjit Singh Dhillon, Mr Darshan Singh Shivalik, Mayor Mr Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, SAD district president-1 Mr Madan Lal Bagga, SAD District President-2 Mr Harbhajan Singh Dang, councillor Mr Jagbir Singh Sokhi, besides several others. Later the Deputy CM visited the house of Jathedar Ujagar Singh Chhapa in Dashmesh Nagar, here, who passed away some time back. While interacting with his son Mr Jaswant Singh Chhapa and wife, he said that Jathedar Chhapa was a true Akali from heart. - CM BATS FOR JOINT EFFORT BY UNION AND STATE GOVERNMENTS TO TACKLE THE MENACE OF DRUGS DESCRIBES IT AS THE NEED OF HOUR FOR MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG FREE STATE CONGRESS LEADERS PRETEND TO RESPECT THE SECURITY FORCES, WHEREAS WE ADMIRE THEM FROM CORE OF THE HEART STATE GOVERNMENT MULLING TO CREATE A SEPARATE DEPARTMENT FOR HEALTHCARE AWARENESS PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO BEAR THE EXPENDITURE OF FIVE PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS EVERY YEAR FOR FOREIGN TRAINING TO UPDATE THEIR EXPERTISE EXHORTS DOCTORS TO DEDICATE ATLEAST ONE DAY OF WEEK FOR THE SERVICE OF POOR AND NEEDY Sri Muktsar Sahib, January 4- Batting for a joint effort by the Union and state governments to tackle the drug menace in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that it was the need of the hour for making Punjab a drug free state. Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of annual conference of Indian Medical Association (IMA) PIMACON- 2015 here today, the Chief Minister said that all out efforts by both these governments along with the active support of the general public could help in eradicating the curse of drugs from the state. He said that the state government could only seize the drugs coming to Punjab via border but the need of the hour was to cut the supply line of drugs, for which the centre needs to enhance vigil on the borders. Mr. Badal said that Punjab was leading the country in seizure of drugs but this problem could not be solved until and unless its supply line from both across the border and within the country was not cut totally. Asked to comment on Leader of Opposition Mr. Sunil Jakhar’s visit on Fazilka border to meet the BSF officials, the Chief Minister said that the Congress leaders always pretend to respect the security forces whereas the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) admire these forces from the core of heart. Mr. Badal reiterated that the proposed protest of SAD at Attari, Hussainiwala and Sadki was not against any central agency but it was meant for awakening the people of state against menace of drugs and for cutting its supply line from across the border. “The sole aim of our protest is to awaken the people against this menace so that its supply line can be cut from across the border” he added. Earlier addressing the delegates of PIMACON, the Chief Minister said that in a bid to make the people aware about the benefits of good health, the state government was mulling to create a separate department for Healthcare awareness in Punjab. Mr. Badal said that he had asked the Vice Chancellor of the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences to explore the feasibility of constituting such department so that people could be made aware about how to keep a good health through massive awareness campaigns. He said that these campaigns must be launched at village level so that people could be benefitted from it. In another significant move, the Chief Minister also announced that the state government would annually bear the expenditure of five private practitioners, who wanted to upgrade their expertise by conducting training in foreign countries. He said that these Doctors would be selected every year by a committee of Officers of the state government, representatives of IMA and VC of Baba Farid University. Mr. Badal said that this would enable the Doctors of the state to upgrade their skill to serve the people of the state. “We were already sending Doctors from the Government sector for such courses and now we have decided to extend this facility to the private practitioners also” he added. Listing the initiatives taken by the state government to emerge Punjab as a hub of cancer treatment in the country, the Chief Minister said that the setting up of the Homi Bhabha Cancer Treatment and Research Center at Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) was a right step towards this direction. Mr. Badal said that the state government has already made elaborate arrangements to provide state of the art treatment to the patients afflicted with the cancer in the Government Medical Colleges at Amritsar, Patiala and Faridkot besides the upcoming ultra modern Cancer treatment centers in Bathinda and Sangrur. He further said that the state government had also initiated a cashless treatment scheme for the cancer patients besides making efforts to provide subsidized medicines to them. Lauding the philanthropic service rendered by the IMA from time to time, the Chief Minister said that the doctors were serving the ailing humanity in a real sense. However, he exhorted the Doctors to serve the people far more zealously and sincerely by dedicating atleast one day of the entire week for the service of poor and needy. Mr. Badal also urged the leading private practitioners to adopt a cluster of villages around their hospitals to treat the people free of cost. On the occasion President of Punjab IMA Dr. Sudhir Raj, while welcoming the dignitaries to the event, assured the Chief Minister that the organization would extend fulsome support and cooperation to the state government in its ongoing war against the menace of drugs. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, senior Akali leader Mr. Manjeet Singh Barkandi, President of Youth Akali Dal Malwa Zone Mr. Kanwarjeet Singh Rozy Barkandi, Chairman Punjab Agro Food Grains Corporation Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Vice Chancellor Baba Farid University of Medical Sciences Dr Raj Bahadur, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Kuldeep Singh Chahal, Dr Mukesh Bansal, Dr. Navjot Dahiya, Dr. Rajinder Bansal and Dr Arpana Raj. -------------- Center should formulate uniform policy to fight against drugs-Harsimrat Kaur Badal (Asks all parties to join hands in restoring Punjab’s glory by fighting against drugs in unison manner) (Lays foundation stone of first-of-its-kind food processing training-cum-business incubation center at Bathinda) (Amul team to visit Mansa for setting up milk processing center) Bathinda, January 4 - Laying emphasis on a uniform policy for all states to fight against drug abuse in country, the Union Minister for Food Processing Industry Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that center should put a ban on cultivation of narcotics and its other derivates in some states to check smuggling to other states. Talking to media persons after laying foundation stone of the first-of-its-kind food processing training-cum-business incubation center at PAU Regional Center in Bathinda, the Union Minister said that Pakistan and Afghanistan fed 85 percent of drugs in the world’s drug market and on the way to international market pushed into India through borders. “During last ten years the Congress had remained at the helm of affairs and it never took an initiative to fight against drugs leaving country in such a state,” she added. The Union Minister called upon all the political parties to fight war against narcotics together for restoring the purportedly defamed glory of Punjab. She further said that her Ministry of Food Processing Industry is setting up the processing training-cum-business incubation center to train farmers on value addition of their crops, coarse grains and vegetables. “Being the major contributor to central pool for wheat and rice, Punjab has immense potential in food processing sector. The center would train farmers in such a way that each farmer would be a unit in himself, adding value to his products by processing them and earn better returns. This would not only mean higher gains but also better utilization of agriculture yield and minimum wastage,” she said. She added that an international mega food park in Fazilka has been commissioned and her ministry would encourage setting up of more food parks by offering subsidies to the investors. Sharing her plans for empowering dairy sector especially women in Mansa district, she said that talks are going on with Amul Milk Cooperative Society Gujarat, to replicate their model in Mansa district. A team from Amul is expected to visit Mansa soon following which the district would be developed into a milk producing center that could meet with the milk and its products’ demand for entire Malwa. Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony, the Punjab Agriculture University Vice Chancellor Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon said that the food processing training-cum-business incubation center was being developed in collaboration with food processing ministry and Indian institute of crop processing technology (IICPT). The Rs 7 cr project would be completed in next couple of months. It would train 25 to 30 farmers in each batch under the different training modules. Later, the Union Minister Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal also presided over the oath taking ceremony of the newly appointed market committee chairman Sikandar Singh Sidhu at the grain market. She also visited the cattle pound Gopal Krishan Gaushala on Dabwali Road. She was accompanied by Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sarup Chand Singla, MLA Darshan Singh Kotfatta, Deputy Commissioner Dr Basant Garg, SSP Bathinda Inder Mohan Singh Bhatti, SAD district press secretary Dr Om Prakash Sharma and others. EOM ---------- ALL BRANCHES OF WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO COME UNDER ONE ROOF-RANIKE - State Welfare Bhawan be constructed with the cost of Rs. 22 crore - Department mooted a proposal for setting up of institute for the benefit of SC students of border districts Chandigarh, January 4: With the view to provide services to the general public in hassle free manner, the welfare department has in principal decided to bring all its departments, boards and corporations under one roof. Disclosing this, the Welfare Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike informed that the Offices, Corporations etc. relating to the Welfare Department are working from various locations due to which general public has to face hurdle and inconvenience to get their work done and to avail the welfare services. He said that to redeem this problem now the department has decided to provide a single window facility to the common man. He further said that all the branches of the Department would now be converged into ‘Welfare Bhawan’ which would be constructed with the cost of Rs. 22 crore. He said that this Bhawan would be set up over one acre land allotted by PUDA at Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. In this regard, the Welfare Minister requested the Central Minister to provide special financial assistance to the extent of 50% of proposed cost. The Welfare Minister further said that for the benefit of SC students residing in border districts and remote areas of the state, the department has forwarded a proposal for the setting up a Centre on similar lines of Ambedkar Institute of Career and Courses, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. He further said that for the year 2014-15, out of the budgetary provision of 549.29 crore for Centrally Sponsored Schemes, a sum of Rs. 310 crore has been utilized. Apart from this, a sum of Rs. 440 crore is likely to be spent on the scheme of Post Matric Scholarship to S.C. during the year 2014-15. ----------- De Addiction Efforts of Punjab Government Govt. of Punjab has been making serious efforts in the past few years to tackle the problem of drug and substance abuse. INFRASTRUCTURE Hon CM Punjab associated experts from PGIMER to advise the state government regarding treatment for drug addiction. A 3-tier structure was proposed in May 2012 by the experts from PGI, and accepted by the state govt. On the basis of expert advice, in the past two years, 27 Drug De-addiction centers (DDCs) have been operationalised in the state. To provide tertiary level facilities 5 Model DDCs (50 bedded each) are being set up at Jalandhar, Patiala, & Bathinda and these drug de-addiction centres will work under Amritsar, Patiala and Faridkot Medical College respectively. 50 bedded Model DDCs at Amritsar & Faridkot are fully functional. Continuing its efforts beyond deaddiction to rehabilitation, the Govt. of Punjab has approved 21 Counseling & Rehabilitation centres of 50 beds each except center at Amritsar which is of 100 bed capacity. MANPOWER District level de-addiction & rehabilitation society under the concerned DC has been established in each district to manage the Deaddiction Centers and Rehabilitation Centers. Recruitment process for Staff Nurses, Ward attendants and the support staff has been completed in all the districts. Each deaddiction center has been provided with a counselor and 4 male staff nurses by these societies. Totally about 108 Male Staff nurses and 82 ward attendants have been deployed in the Deaddiction Centers. 15 counselors have been trained for 3 months in Delhi under the supervision of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and 15 counselors are undergoing training. One counselor has been provided at DDC in each of the 8 Central Jails. To provide services up to grass root level, 25 Master Trainers at State level have trained more than 219 General Duty Medical Officers in the State. Currently we have 32 Psychiatrists in the Health Deptt, apart from Medical College faculty, overseeing the deaddiction efforts. 39 MOs have been trained for providing counseling and rehabilitation services. Guidelines for running the centers Detailed guidelines have been framed and circulated to run these centers. State Drug Controller has issued the orders for supply of Beupronorphene Medicine to only licensed DDCs. A computer program has also been designed to effectively monitor the inflow of patients and it will be operational in few days. ACTIVITIES In an effort to address the serious issue, Govt. of Punjab had conducted a De addiction campaign from 19/6/14 to 28/6/14 at Community level where sensitization, treatment and counseling facilities were provided to substance abusers. Field workers mobilized the persons with the substance use disorders to the nearest CHC where they were treated on OPD basis and those requiring admission were admitted. Till 15th December 330533 Patients have been treated on OPD basis & 11656 have been treated as indoor patients. DDCs in Jails De addiction centers have been set up in each of the 8 Model Central Jails at Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Faridkot and Ferozepur in the State to tackle the needs of the Jail inmates. Till now 22669 patients have been treated and 461 patients are under detoxification and 718 patients are in rehabilitation wards. Funds and Expenditure Government of Punjab has established Cancer and Drug addiction Treatment Infrastructure Fund Act, 2013 for providing better prevention & treatment facilities to cancer and addicted patients. The total expenditure on De addiction centers is approximately Rs. 38 Crores and the annual expenditure of each center is about Rs. 18 lakhs approximately excluding medicines. 17 Rehabilitation centers are under construction with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 70 Crores. The cost of running each of these centers will be approximately Rs. 1 crore annually. Hon CM had requested the central govt to support the state’s efforts. Union FM had announced Rs. 50 Crores for this purpose in the Annual Budget. Central Govt. has been requested to release this grant expeditiously. NABARD has also been requested to fund the construction of these centers. “The Punjab State Board for De-addiction and Rehabilitation” has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Chief Minister which will oversee the work relating to drug de-addiction and rehabilitation in the state. The Board includes eminent medical professionals. Prominent civil society representatives are also being associated. Similarly, in each district, a drug de-addiction and rehabilitation society has been constituted under the Deputy Commissioner to supervise these efforts. -------- “104 Medical Helpline” The toll free 104 Helpline of the Health Department has received 20,000 calls since its launch in June 2014. 10840 callers sought Information, 7854 calls were for medical advice and 130 callers sought counseling. 1012 calls related to complaints against the department which have been redressed successfully with the satisfaction rate of 83%. This Medical Helpline functions as a public 24x7 toll free helpline. Services are available to the caller in three languages in Punjabi, Hindi and English. The call centre is having qualified paramedics supported by full-time qualified medical practitioner and clinical psychologist. In an innovative measure, the helpline is used during lean hours to facilitate pregnant women. Up to December 2014, 37273 pregnant women have been called to avail delivery related free services of the department under the Mother Child and Tracking System. The Department of Health & Family Welfare operationalized from June 2014, “104 Non emergency Health Information Helpline” as a helpdesk to provide information relating to aspects of the healthcare. The areas of operation of this helpline are as under: a) To assist people particularly living in rural and interior areas who are facing difficulties in getting information on health problems and access to a qualified doctor. Medical advice is given by providing basic tips and first aid requirements. The requirements of the caller are classified into Critical, Serious or Stable. The caller will be advised to utilize the services of Emergency Response Services 108 or will be given details of the nearby medical facilities etc. b) This helpline also serve as a Information Directories Services like: Medical facilities, Hospitals, Pharmacies, Independent practitioners, Diagnostic services, Rehabilitation Centres and other healthcare services. Apart from this, information concerning to Women and Child Healthcare, Information of Alternate Medication (AYUSH), Nutrition and Hygiene information and Health alerts and warnings are being provided. c) This helpline function as a Mother Child Tracking Systems Call Centre for maintaining and validating records of beneficiaries in MCTS Portal, to coordinate with beneficiaries for availing the due services on time and informing the beneficiaries regarding benefits available to them in other schemes. d) This helpline operate as Resource Centre for ANMs, ASHAs, LHVs and other health workers to respond to their queries while they are working in remote and rural areas. e) Counseling of patients is being provided especially to the vulnerable i.e. the old, women, children and poor. Apart from this, the services of counseling for alcohol, drugs, smoking and mental ailment like; anxiety, suicidal tendencies, chronic disease like cancer etc. is also being provided. Counseling is also being given for family planning, adolescent reproductive, sexual health along with the counseling about stigmatized diseases such as HIV, AIDS and Leprosy.
f) Through this helpline, Speedy and Effective redressal of complaints /grievances of general public against any government medical institution/service/person etc. is being done. All types of complaints are registered relating to PNDT, Food and Drugs, Birth and Death certificates, MTP, Non availability of services of any programme especially under Janani Sishu Surakasha Karyakaram (JSSK) and any other regulations being implemented by the Department. ****** Supply of Essential Drugs at Government Hospitals in the State of Punjab:
During the Financial year 2012-13, the Govt of Punjab initiated the scheme for providing free essential drugs at all the Govt. Hospitals (PHCs, CHCs, SDHs and DHs) in the State of Punjab. An expert committee comprising of Director level officers of the Health Department and specialist doctors were constituted for framing list of essential drugs to be provided free of cost. The committee recommended a following items for essential Drug list :- a. 235 medicine items. b. 43 items of Hospital Surgical/Consumable. c. 18 items of Suture Material.
As per the recommendations of the expert committee Rate Contract Tenders were floated by the Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) and Rate Contracts were finalized for different items of EDL over the period of time.
Orders for these drugs were placed as per requirement at various hospitals. To streamline the system of storage of medicines Regional Drug Warehouse have been established at Amritsar, Bathinda and SAS Nagar (6-8 district have been allocated to each warehouse. All the Hospitals take delivery of various medicines from Regional Warehouses. Sufficient stock of Essential Drugs is ensured at Regional Drug Warehouses to ensure a smooth and proper supply chain of essential drugs at various Government hospitals in the State. Presently more than 200 medicine items , 40 consumable items and various items of suture material are available at all the three Regional Drug Warehouses and at various Government Hospitals in the State. These essential drugs are provided free of cost to the patients visiting Government Hospitals in the State of Punjab.
During the period from January- 2014 to August 2014 orders for supply of medicines valuing approximately Rs. 72 crores have been issued by the Punjab Health Systems Corporation. The value of annual requirements of essential drugs at various health institutions (PHCs, CHCs, SDHs and DHs) is estimated around Rs. 71 – 75 crores.
Information with regard to the Rate Contracts finalized by the PHSC for supply of various essential drugs is also uploaded on the website of the department. Apart from this an Online Inventory Management Systems is being put in place which provide online information about stock of various medicines, received, issued and balance at each Drug Storage/Distribution Centre. Initially online Inventory Management System is being setup at 100 Hospitals and will be gradually extended to other hospitals.
Sufficient stock of essential drugs is available at all the Hospitals including PHCs, CHCs, SDHs and DHs as per norms of the respective institutions. Apart from essential drugs, all the items (drugs, consumables etc) required for normal and caesarian deliveries are provided free of cost to the patients.
Recently during rainy season when PGIMER, Chandigarh and Govt. Hospital, Sector 16, Chandigarh were facing shortage of Anti Snake Venom, it was provided to them from Regional Drug Warehouse-Kharar
It is pertinent to mention that recently common review mission of Govt. of India visited various hospitals in the State and noted with great satisfaction the availability of sufficient essential Drugs at all the Govt. Health Institutions.
---- The Punjab Government has nominated varinder iqbal singh, resident of village khera kotli, tehsil Dasuya, district Hoshiarpur in the freedom fighter category in the list no. 8 of sub-divisional grievance redressal committee, Dasuya, district Hoshiarpur due to the demise of santokh singh, village khera kotli, tehsil Dasuya. - - - Sukhbir Badal greets people on new year day
The Deputy Chief Minister solicited the cooperation and support from the people of Punjab to comprehend the vision of modern, progressive Punjab in which all the Punjabis could lead a life of dignity and self-respect. He hoped that Punjab would soon emerge as a front-runner state in the country with the concerted, dedicated and sincere efforts of all of us. ----------- CM GREETS PEOPLE ON NEW YEAR Chandigarh, December 31- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today wished a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year-2015 to Punjabis living within and across the globe. In a message, the Chief Minister felicitated the people of the state on the dawn of New Year and called upon them to work zealously to ensure overall development of the state and prosperity of its people. Mr. Badal said that now the time has come for the state to usher in an era of overall progress and growth. “Let us make a firm resolve to emerge Punjab as a frontrunner state in the country through inclusive growth so that the fruits of development must percolate at the grass root level especially to ameliorate the lot of poorest of poor” added Mr. Badal. - ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 31: The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the rabi Season through Canal water from 01-01-2015 to 08-01-2015. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab, Sidhwan Branch, Abohar Branch and Patiala feeder respectively. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' being in the channels of first preference will run to their indent and balance water supplies available will be utilized in Ghaggar Branch and its off taking channels i.e Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B' respectively. The spokesman further said that all the direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in group 'A' being in the First preference will run to their indent and balance water supplies available would be utilised in Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries/Minors in Group 'B'. The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Lahore Branch, with its distributaries being in the channels of first preference would run to their indent and balance water supplies available would be utilized in Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch Lower, Sabraon Branch, with their distributaries respectively. - PROTEST BY SAD AGAINST DRUGS AND NOT ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY- CM
Amritsar, December 31- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today categorically said that the scheduled protest of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on January 5 must not be misconstrued against any government agency rather it was a dharna against drugs menace in the state. Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of launch of telecast of Sri Sehaj Paath on Charhdikala Time TV here today, the Chief Minister said that the proposed protest of the SAD was against the curse of drugs in the state and not against the BSF or any other government agency. He said that it was a fact that the state was not only fighting the nation’s but world’s war against drugs as Punjab was on the transit route of the drugs supplied across the globe from international border. Mr. Badal said that rather than helping the state to confront this crisis some forces inimical to the interests of Punjab were hell bent upon tarnishing its image by branding the brave Punjabis as drug peddlers. The Chief Minister said that the SAD has a glorious track record of struggling for safeguarding the interests of the state so at this crucial time the party has decided to wage a war against drugs. He said that the state government has focused on cutting the supply line of drugs by nabbing the drug peddlers and putting them behind the bars. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that a network of drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centers have been set up to detoxify the drug addicts and enabling them to live a life a dignity and pride. The Chief Minister said that the curse of drugs was the biggest problem faced by the country in general and state in particular. He said that the only solution for checking this menace was to totally cut down the supply line of drugs both from within the country and from abroad. Mr. Badal said that serious efforts must be initiated for sealing the border apart from refraining the states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and others to openly sell drugs like Poppy husk. Terming that the SAD- BJP alliance has always stood the test of time, the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance was everlasting and both the parties should not be seen as different from each other. He said that time-tested alliance between both the parties was a unique phenomenon of the Indian democratic system, which has passed every litmus test in last few decades. He said that the relationship between both the alliance partners was very strong, impeccable and cordial because it has been time and again cemented with mutual affection and understanding. Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the Union government must intervene for securing the release of Sikh prisoners who were languishing in various jails even after the completion of their term. Mr. Badal said that he had already taken up this matter with the respective state governments and the centre for releasing these prisoners. Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated a program on Charhdikala Time TV for telecasting Sri Sehaj Paath of Sri Guru Grant Sahib to the people across the globe. The Paath would be recited in the melodious voice of former Granthi of Shri Harmandir Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh. Jathedaar of Shri Akal Takht Sahib Singh Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh performed the Ardaas on this occassion and presented a video CDs of Sehaj Path prepared by Shri Guru Granth Sahib Institute Melbourne to the Chief Minister. Lauding the effort of Chahrikala Time TV, the Chief Minister appreciated the effort of Telecasting the Sehaj Paath as a unique service, through which Sikhism could be propagate and Sikhs could be motivated by the pure recitation of Gurbaani. He said that this effort would be written on the golden pages of Sikh History. The member of the Media Advisory Committee of Rajya Sabha in the Parliament of India and the Chairman of Chardikala Time TV Mr. Jagjit Singh Dardi said that the channel would telecast the Paath daily between 10.30 to 11.00 am to the Sikhs across the globe so that they could take advantage from the correctly pronounced Baani. This telecast could be viewed on the Multi-media through Youtube, Facebook, Mobile Phones and Twitter etc. Earlier, Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh ji performed the ‘Ardas’ prior to the launch of Shri Sehaj Paath. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder. ---------------- STATE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES NEW YEAR BONANZA FOR PEOPLE OF PUNJAB
ü Slashed fare to be implemented from new year - Kohar Chandigarh, December 31 As a New Year gift to the people of the state, the Punjab Government has slashed the Bus fare, and it would come into force from January 1st, 2015. Disclosing this here today the Punjab Transport Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar said that first time in the history of the state the bus fares have been reduced. Mr Kohar said that from January onwards rate of fare has been decreased by 4 Paisa/Per KM for ordinary buses. It was earlier 91 Paise/Per KM which would be 87 Paisa/Per KM from 1-1-2015. In case of ordinary HVAC buses it has been cut down to 104.40 Paisa/Per km from 109.20 Paisa/Per KM. Besides this the integral coaches would now charge 156.60 Paisa/Per Km instead of 163.80 Paisa/Per KM, whereas super integral coachs rate of fare would be 174 Paisa/Per KM against the earlier 182 Paisa/Per Km. - Non Official members of Punjab State Planning Board given 2 year extension Chandigarh, December 31: The Punjab Government has extended the term of 3 Non- Official members of the Punjab State Planning Board by 2 years from 20-12-2014 till 19-12-2016. Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Government said that the members whose term has been extended are- Dr. G.S. Kalkat, Former V.C., P.A.U., Ludhiana, now Chairman Punjab State Farmers Commission, Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon, V.C., Ludhiana and Dr. Ajaib Singh Brar, V.C., G.N.D.U., Amritsar. NEW YEAR BONANZA FOR STATE AWARDEES TEACHERS DR CHEEMA RELAXES NORMS FOR APPLYING NATIONAL AWARDS FOR STATE AWARDEES TEACHERS · GREETS TEACHING COMMUNITY ON THE EVE OF NEW YEAR CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 31: In a major relief to the state awardees teachers’ the Education Department today waved off the pre condition of three years which prohibited them for applying for the national award. Disclosing this here today in a press communiqué education minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that now the state award winner teachers are free to apply for the national award at any time. He said that earlier such teachers were debarred for putting their nomination for the national award for three years after they receive the state award. Dr Cheema said that it would undoubtedly be matter of pride for the Punjab education department if any teacher gets national award as well as state award at the same time. Dr Cheema also extended warms greeting to all the teachers fraternity on the eve of New Year and wish them all success and happiness in the coming year 2015. NATIONAL LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 RANIKE REVIEWS THE PREPAREDNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER STOCK HOLDERS Chandigarh, December 31: Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry Minister Punjab today directed all the concerned departments to generate their all resources to make National livestock championship-2015 a grand success. While holding a review meeting to check the arrangements for this championship, the Minister said that the livestock farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal, Gujrat and many other states would participate. He further said that this is the 6th National Livestock Championship in a row organised by the Punjab Government. He said that in this championship be held from January 8 to 12, 2015 at Sri Mukatsar Sahib, Many renowned companies and institutions would put up exhibitions and information stalls. He said that apart from the exhibitions, Seminars would also be conducted all along the championship. He said that scholars and subject experts would deliver lectures in these seminars. Fun & frolic and other cultural events would also be arranged for the entertainment of visiting livestock farmers and general public. Prominent among who were present in the meeting included Mr. V.K. Meena Secretary Animal Husbandry, Dr. H.S. Sandha Director Animal Husbandry, Dr. Inderjit Singh Director Dairy Development, Dr. V.K. Sood Director Fisheries, Capt. Karnail Singh ADC Mukatsar, NPS Sandhu SP Mukatsar, RS Sachdeva co-chairman PHD Chamber and Dalip Sharma Director PHD Chamber. - RANIKE LAUNCHES WEBSITE OF WELFARE DEPARTMENT CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 31: Taking the e-governance initiative of the Government of Punjab a step further, Welfare Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike launched the website, www.welfarepunjab.gov.in of the Department of Welfare today. While addressing, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike said that to create awareness about the welfare schemes disseminate the information and to bring transparency in the functioning of the department, a website has been developed by the Minority Wing with the help of National Informatics Centre. This website contains information of Rules & Regulations of the Department and also links with Punjab SC finance Corporation, Punjab BC Corporation, Director SCSP, Punjab State SC Commission and Punjab State BC Commission. Mrs. Seema Jain, Secretary Welfare said that the Welfare Department is already using information Technology for the sake of efficiency, transparency and good governance. She said that the Web-Portal “Ashirwad” is a very robust platform through which the scholarship schemes of SC & BC students covering 3,05,897 and 97,000 beneficiaries respectively is being administered through web portal, online disbursement of scholarship amount and maintenance allowance is made to lacs of students who are covered under the scheme. At launching ceremony, Sh. Paramjit Singh, Director Welfare, Sh. Chaman Lal Wason, Director SCSP, Executive Directors of Backfinco & SCFC, Chairmen of Commissions/Boards and other officers of the department were also present. - DR CHEEMA BATS FOR UP GRADATION OF SCIENCE STREAM IN SCHOOLS · HOLD HIGH LEVEL MEETING WITH DISTRICT SCIENCE SUPERVISORS Mohali/Chandigarh, December 29: With a view to clear all the bottlenecks in the way of science education Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab today instructed department officials to opt for audio visual aids and other play way methods to make this subject friendly for the students. In a high level meeting with the District Science Supervisors (DSS) here at Punjab School Education Board Office, Mohali, he asked the department to chalk out strategy for the restructuring of state institute of science. Dr. Cheema asked the officers to form a special group in each district comprising of the expert science teachers and lectures who would work as resource person for making the science subject more interesting for the students. He also directed the DSS to identify the science lecturers who can volunteer themselves to provide free coaching to the desirous and needy students for the competitive exams. Answering the queries of DSS Dr Cheema assured them to upgrade labs with latest equipment and books. Dr Cheema also instructed senior officers to make sure the science teachers not given non teaching work. It was also decided in the meeting that the students of far flung areas and students of those school with shortage of science teachers would be imparted science education through Eduset. The minister also advised the DSS to make temporary arrangements at their own level to provide teachers to those schools which are facing paucity of teachers. He said that District Science Supervisor would be appointed on permanent base in each districts after obtaining approval from finance department. With view to popularise science in lower level he said that science fairs be organised too for primary students. Prominent among others who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary Mr. C Roul, Special Secretary Mr. Ajoy Sharma, DPI (Secondary Education) Mr. Kamal Garg, DPI (Elementary Education) Mrs. Darshan Kaur, SCERT Director Mrs. Pankaj Sharma and Deputy State Project Director Mrs. Ginni Duggal. - SUSTAINED WAR AGAINST DRUG MAFIA AND NABBING OF HARDCORE TERRORISTS-MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 2014 Chandigarh, December 29 – 2014 will be remembered as the year in which the Punjab Police delivered telling results in the war against drugs. It will also be remembered as a year in which the force continued to nab hardcore terrorists and ensure there was no terrorist related crime in the State. The State police also brought in transparency in delivery of services this year with the successful implementation of 181 Service and completion of Saanjh project. The No-tolerance policy adopted by Home minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and the clear cut mandate given to the dynamic Director General of Police Sumedh Singh Saini ensured not only a record seizure of drugs but also nabbing of kingpins behind the drug trade and ensuring “zero availability” of drugs in the State. Heroin seizures alone increased to 570 kg in 2014 against 100 kg seizure in 2011. Besides this, the number of arrests under the NDPS Act have also increased manifold. During the special drive against drugs launched by the Punjab Police on the directions of the Mr Sukhbir Badal since May 2014 as many as 10,213 FIRs were registered and 11,755 persons were arrested. Complete smashing of the distribution network in the state has ensured nil availability of drugs to the consumers. Also de addiction of over three lakh consumers in government de addiction centers has healed the fractured social fabric in the State. A State Narcotics Control Bureau headed by IGP-rank officer has also been established to monitor the situation. The year 2014 also ensured continued success on the terrorism front. The Punjab Police busted 10 terrorist modules in 2013 and 2014 and arrested 68 persons including hardcore terrorists like BTFK Chief Rattandeep Singh in September 2014, KLF Chief Harminder Singh @ Mintoo and top KLF operative Ramandeep @ Goldy in November 2014. No terrorism related incident has taken place in the State for the second year running. The crime situation in the state also remained well under control. In major crime heads 707 murder cases were registered in year 2014 in comparison of 711 in year 2013. As many as 1287 cases regarding kidnapping and abduction have been registered in the year 2014 in comparison 1274 in 2013. Number of theft cases has come down to 3371 in year 2014 against the 3834 cases in 2013. The police have made large recovery of arms and ammunition including 226 pistols, 11 rifles, 38 revolvers, 11 guns and 15 kg RDX. The unique endeavor of 181 Punjab Police Helpline initiated to make police department more accountable and responsible is successfully providing prompt relief to women, senior citizen and children. About 81 per cent women callers have reported their satisfaction with the working of the helpline after their issues were resolved amicably in a time bound manner. More than 1145 women have already availed of counseling services till now. Over 3409 senior citizens were provided relief through active intervention of the police, as well as through counseling by clinical physiologists based at the helpline 24x7. Since the launch of the helpline on August 22, 2013, satisfaction level of the citizens with the police response has shown a steady increase from 79 per cent in August 2014, 80 per cent in September,78 per cent in October, 76 per cent in November and finally 78 per cent in December till 25th December 2014. The NRI Wing of Punjab Police has created a record by disposing off 85.61 per cent of complaints within stipulated time, despite number of complaints registered doubling during this period. Besides this, 75 Proclaimed Offenders (POs) have been arrested and Look out Circulars (LOCs) for 94 accused NRIs have been issued. The NRI wing has received 7992 complaints, which were more than double of last year’s figure of 3852 complaints. After thorough investigation, 64 cases were registered and compromises were struck in 422 cases resulting in benefit to the tune of Rs. 100 crore to the aggrieved parties. While sorting out around 100 cases regarding fraudulent marriages, financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 11.50 crore was ensured for girls. The Community Policing Project- SAANJH is providing 27 basic police services to the citizens through 93 Sub-Divisional SAANJH Kendras and 156 Police Station SAANJH Kendras buildings. As many as 37 lakh services were delivered till October 31 this year and as many as 24,886 disputes were resolved through the Kendras by involving the community. The State has also registered fall in number of road accidents and loss of lives on the roads. During 2013 total 5,426 road accidents were reported in which 3,357 persons lost their lives. In year 2014 by 30th November, 4,926 road accidents reported in which 3,090 persons lost their lives. More than ten lakh challans for traffic violations have been issued in 2014 and fine of Rs. 32.4 crores has been collected. 9,639 special campaigns in the state for traffic education have been undertaken covering schools, colleges, truck/ taxi/ rickshaw stands Giving details of things to look up for in 2015, Mr Sumedh Singh Saini disclosed that the Punjab Police has finalized a Rapid Rural Police Response System with an Objective of a City PCR-like response service in rural areas. As many as 230 four wheelers and 450 GPS fitted motorcycles are being acquired for this purpose. Besides this, the Punjab police has adopted a Computer-Aided-Dispatch (CAD) system for up-gradation of Dial 100 system. A 52-seater centralized State Emergency Response Center (SERC) is being set up at Mohali, along with 27 District Emergency Response Centers (DERC) for dispatch of calls and resources. The State police was also in the process of implementing Safe City project for two mega cities Ludhiana and Amritsar to provide complete security solutions. EOM - PUNJAB AND RAJASTHAN TO CONDUCT JOINT MONITORING OF PROJECT REGARDING RELINING OF RAJASTHAN AND SIRHIND FEEDER RAJASTHAN WATER RESOURCES MINISTER CALLS ON BADAL CM APPRISES RAM PRATAP ABOUT PATH BREAKING INITIATIVES TAKEN BY THE STATE FOR CLEANING OF RIVERS DR. RAM PRATAP THANKS PUNJAB CM FOR POSITIVE OUTCOME OF THE ISSUE RAISED BY HIM CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 29: The governments of Punjab and Rajasthan today mutually agreed to jointly monitor the progress of project related to the relining of Rajasthan and Sirhind Feeder for its timely completion. A decision to this effect was taken during a meeting of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal with Rajasthan Water Resources Minister Dr. Ram Pratap, who called on the former at his residence this morning. Flagging up the issues related to Irrigational Water being supplied to Rajasthan, Dr. Ram Pratap apprised the Chief Minister that the major issue for their state was the relining of Rajasthan Feeder (RF) (Indira Gandhi Feeder) and Sirhind Feeder (SF), which were carrying water to the state from Harike head works in Punjab. He sought the personal intervention of Mr. Badal for supplying clean water to his state through both these canals. Responding to the issues raised by Dr. Ram Pratap, the Chief Minister apprised him that the process of the relining of these canals at a cost of about Rs. 200 crore was in the pipeline and the global tenders in this regard has already been floated. Underscoring the need for regular monitoring of this ambitious project, Mr. Badal also mooted a proposal to undertake joint inspection of the relining of RF and SF by the Secretary Irrigation of both the states to ensure that this prestigious project with completed within the stipulated time. The Chief Minister further informed Dr. Ram Pratap that the state government was keen for cleaning the rivers of the state for which several path breaking initiatives have been taken by them. He said that with an aim to supply clean water through these canals, Punjab has already embarked upon a massive project worth Rs. 1375 crore in terms of setting up of Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs) in all the towns discharging municipal sewage in river Satluj and Rs.220 crore for the installation of STPs in the towns along the river Beas. As many as 10 out of 18 towns have installed and commissioned the STPs along the river Satluj. Similarly, out of total 11 towns 5 have been covered with the facility of STPs along the river Beas and the remaining STPs in the towns along both these rivers would be installed by June 30, 2015. It was further informed in the meeting that though all the dyeing industries of Ludhiana have installed their individual Effluent Treatment Plants ETPs but in order to monitor all these industries at single points and ensure the achievements of stringent parameters at all the time, three Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) were being set in Ludhiana and Jalandhar for treating the industrial waste water. The Chief Minister further said that all these CETPS would be made operational by June 30, 2015, which would help in ensuring zero discharge of untreated water in these canals. He also instructed the officers of the Irrigation department to supply allocated share of river water to Rajasthan without any fluctuation. It was further agreed that the Pollution Control Authorities of Rajasthan and Punjab would undertake joint inspection of river water to monitor the quality of water being supplied to Rajasthan. The Chief Minister also apprised Dr. Ram Pratap that the Punjab government had already been adhering to the stringent norms of Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) level of 10 mg/per liter before discharge of treated sewage/effluents into rivers to rejuvenate the quality of river water for its safe utilization for irrigation purposes as against the BOD level of 30mg/per liter in the rest of the country. Similarly, the permitted COD level was 50mg/per liter in the state as against the COD level of 250 mg/per liter followed in the country. Expressing his views the Punjab Irrigation Minister Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon informed his Rajasthan counterpart that a cross regulator was being constructed on the tail of Sirhind Feeder to stop its back flow and assured Dr. Ram Pratap that this would be completed within a year thereby meeting a long pending demand of Rajasthan government to check back flow of the Feeder. Meanwhile, Dr. Ram Pratap thanked the Punjab Chief Minister for the positive outcome of the issues raised by him and expressed gratitude on behalf of the Rajasthan CM that relining of the RF and SF would go a long way in supplying adequate water to the farmers of Rajasthan without any wastage on account of seepage, which had resulted in the problem of water logging in the south west districts of the Punjab. He hoped with the relining of these canals the menace of water logging would also eventually come to an end thereby mitigating the enormous hardships faced by the local farmers of the Malwa belt in the state. Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary Irrigation Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu, Chief Engineer Canals Mr. AS Dulat, former Chairman PPCB Mr. Ravinder Singh and Secretary PPCB Mr. Babu Ram. Rajasthan Water Resources Minister Dr. Ram Pratap was accompanied by Secretary Water Resources Mr. Ajitabh Sharma. … Punjab registers 11.9 percent growth rate in excise collections Rahat Scheme launched to facilitate 1.86 lakh shopkeepers and traders Disbursal of VAT refunds facilitated online by creating dedicated fund Chandigarh, December 29 - The Punjab Government has attained growth rate of 11.9 percent in collection of taxes to the tune of Rs 9114 crore by the end of August 2014 as compared to Rs. 7317.92 crores collected during the same period registering an increase of Rs. 965.97 crores. Giving an account of revenue collections under various heads by excise and taxation department, an official spokesman said VAT collection had increased by 11.9 percent, central taxes by 5.8 percent, entertainment tax by 8.8 percent, luxury tax by 18.4 percent and overall revenue from state excise had registered 12.5 percent growth. He further added that state collected Rs. 7317.92 crores taxes from sales and trade Rs. 29 crores from entertainment and luxury tax and Rs. 1767 crores from state excise. Highlighting the initiatives taken by the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also holds excise and taxation portfolio, he said Punjab was the first state to launch one of its own kind "Rahat Scheme" to facilitate 1.86 lakh shopkeepers and traders. Department has launched Punjab Small Traders Rahat Scheme-2014 to provide relief to small traders to end inspector Raj. This scheme extends the benefit of cashless treatment up to Rs. 50,000, life and accidental insurance worth Rs. 2 lakh, and Rs. 5 lakh insurance in case of damage to property due to fire. He said "State government is focusing on accelerated business and trade growth by creating a congenial environment by eliminating Inspector regime besides providing hassle and tension free trade activities." Under Rahat Scheme traders have to file self-declaration on a single page application for registration and no excise official would visit or inspect their premises for checking purposes. He stressed that this scheme would prove a boon for traders as they would get rid from maintaining account books, employ accountants, printing of stationary besides saving their plenty of precious time and energy. Disclosing the reasons behind the growth rate in tax collection, spokesman said that as per the visionary initiatives of Deputy CM, online VAT refund disbursal and star rating scheme besides creating a dedicated refund fund to expedite the clearances of refunds have also be launched by the department. He said, “Under this scheme VAT refunds to be disbursed to the traders between 15 and 60 days. Firms having 5 star rating gets refund in 15 days, 4 star rating firms in 25 days, 3 star rating firms in 30 days and 2 star rating in 25 days while the rest are getting refunds in 60 days”. He further elaborated that voluntary disclosure scheme also encouraged the dealers to come clean and pay their unpaid tax. He said single stage taxation system had been introduced for the ease of traders to free them from the burden of keeping books of accounts. Under this plan, tax has to paid at the first point of sale stage i.e. manufacturer or first importer. Besides, annual award scheme has been launched for highest tax paying manufacturers and traders. About 200 persons have been honoured”, he added. He added that computerisation of department has already launched for the facility of e-filing, e-permit, e-pass and e-billing to benefit the traders besides facilitating corporate and businessmen to larger extent. -------------------
Chandigarh, December 29: In Punjab Welfare of SCs, BCs and minorities is the top on agenda as the Punjab Government has earmarked Rs. 819 crores in this fiscal for the welfare schemes of this downtrodden community. Disclosing this, a spokesman said that the outlay has been increased from Rs. 596 crore in the year 2013-14 to Rs. 819 crore in the year 2014-15, which is 37.42% higher than the last year. Divulging the detail he said that Rs. 255 crore would be spent on the development of Scheduled Castes including scholarships to SC students. Besides this, Rs. 278 would be incurred on Multi-Sectoral Development programmes for minorities including scholarships to minority and infrastructure development of minority concentration blocks. Similarly, Rs. 90 crore has been set aside for Shagun scheme to SC/ BC/ Christian girls/ widows/ divorcee and daughters of widows of any caste at the time of their marriage. He said that Punjab Government is providing Rs. 15000 per beneficiary under Shagun scheme. Rs. 10 crore to be incurred for vocational training in ITIs for SC students, he added. The Spokesman further said that out of the annual plan 2014-15, Rs. 75.40 crore is being spent for the development of Backward Classes including Scholarships to BC students. “Punjab would provide houses to homeless SCs in rural and urban areas and Rs. 10 crore fund has been created for this purpose” he said. Spokesman said that Punjab Government is focusing on welfare schemes of SC & BCs besides other welfare schemes so that Punjab would witness overall development in all sectors.
Speaker Dr. Charanjit Singh Atwal ,Punjab Honoured as a “Swach politician” Chandigarh,December 28: Honourable Speaker Dr. Charanjit Singh Atwal ,Punjab honoured as a “Swach politician” by Nityanand Sawami Jansewa Samti on remembrance ceremony of Lt. “Nityanand Swami” first Chief Minsiter Of Uttarakhand. Ceremony is organised by Chief Minister, Uttarakhand Sh. Harish Rawat. After Receiving the award Dr. Atwal Said that morality and honesty should be first quality of politician because politician represented the society but unfortunately in present era circumstances has been created by human being pulled itself in corruption. But Sri Nityanand Swami has been established a milestone in politics and he was one of the stalwart politician of India that’s why we came here from all over India to pay floral tribute to him in Jayanti Smaroh. Further He said that likewise school, college and university issued character certificates to their student after compilation of study that described the detail of character, In the same way legislature assembly and parliament is also like a school and university of politics so this “Swach Politician” award is like character certificate for me .----------------------------- CM TRANSFORMS ANNUAL NRI MEETS TO SANGAT DARSHAN MOVE AIMED AT ENHANCING ONE TO ONE CONTACT WITH NRPs BY REDRESSING THEIR GRIEVANCES MAIDEN SANGAT DARSHAN OF NRPs GET OVERWHELMING RESPONSE CM DEDICATES ENTIRE DAY FOR LISTENING TO THE PROBLEMS OF NRPs ASKS JATHEDAR TOTA SINGH TO CONDUCT PERIODIC REVIEW MEETINGS FOR TAKING STOCK OF ISSUES HIGHLIGHTED IN SANGAT DARSHAN Moga, December 28- In a paradigm shift from the earlier practice of holding NRI meets annually, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today held a maiden Sangat Darshan exclusively for direct interface with Non Resident Punjabis (NRPs) to redress the problems faced by these sons of the soil in a far more effective manner. This initiative of the state government got an overwhelming response from the Punjabi Diaspora as the venue of this first ever NRI Sangat Darshan was packed with the NRPs hailing from eight districts of Moga, Bathinda, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Mansa, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Barnala. In order to ensure on the spot solution of the problems faced by these NRIs the top brass of Police and Civil administration from these districts were deployed at the venue of this function. As many as 11 departments of the state government had installed their stalls in the exhibition ground for making the people especially the NRPs aware about the path breaking initiatives taken by the SAD-BJP alliance government for their welfare. The out of the box initiative of the state government to hold Sangat Darshan exclusively for the NRPs proved a boon for the Punjabis settled abroad as for several hours the Chief Minister personally interacted with the NRIs during the Sangat Darshan in the presence of the top brass of the state government and passed on the necessary directions to the officers/ officials for the immediate resolution of their issues. For almost the entire day, Mr. Badal sat at the venue while giving a patient hearing to the grievances of hundreds of NRPs. Announcing that these Sangat Darshans would also be replicated in Jalandhar and Ludhiana, the Chief Minister said that the sole aim of this entire exercise was to ensure quick disposal of services to the NRIs at their doorsteps. He said that seven districts each would be cover in these Sangat Darshans, which would ensure the well being of NRPs in the state. Mr. Badal said that he had opted for holding these Sangat Darshans to ensure that the NRP brethren, who had proved their mettle across the globe, do not face any sort of problem back at home. During the Sangat Darshan, Chief Minister asked the officers/ officials to accord top priority to complaints received during the Sangat Darshan for there immediate resolution. He said that the concerned Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police must ensure that this pro-people exercise was result oriented, so that the NRPs do not face any sort of problem in future. Mr. Badal also asked the NRI Affairs Minister Jathedar Tota Singh to conduct periodic review meetings later on to take stock of the pendency list of all these matters. Highlighting the importance of this Sangat Darshan program, the Chief Minister said that it was on record that this flagship program of the state government has always been instrumental in mitigating the woes of common people. He said that the concept of Sangat Darshan was an integral part of state’s governance as it virtually brought the government at the doorsteps of people thereby bridging the communication gap between the masses and administration, which normally hindered the process of progress. Mr. Badal further said that besides acting as a catalyst for redressing the grievances of people, the Sangat Darshan programs were also helpful for the state government to adjudge the working of officers of the various departments. “The Sangat Darshan helps us to evaluate the performance of the officers which further facilitates us to provide effective, accountable and transparent governance to the people” he added ------------- CM ANNOUNCES NEW YEAR BONANZA FOR NRPs SEPARATE NRI CELL TO BE SET UP IN EVERY DAC HOME SECRETARY TO REVIEW LIST OF NRP POs FIVE-MEMBER COMMITTEE OF NRPs TO BE SET UP IN EVERY NRI POLICE STATION REVENUE DEPARTMENT TO START SPECIAL CAMPAIGN FOR DIVISION OF PROPERTY IN JOINT ACCOUNTS MAIDEN SANGAT DASRHAN FOR NRPs IN MOGA TOTA SINGH WELCOME CM AND ALL THE DIGNITARIES TERMS SANGAT DARSHAN AS A LANDMARK INITIATIVE Moga, December 28- In a New Year bonanza for Non-Resident Punjabis (NRPs), the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to set up separate NRI cell in every district across the state for facilitating them in getting their routine administrative works done smoothly. Addressing a mammoth gathering of the NRPs converged in the maiden Sangat Darshan exclusively organized for them here, the Chief Minister said that the Deputy Commissioners of every district would be asked to provide a separate room for this cell in the respective District Administrative Complexes (DACs) so that the NRPs could be able to get their work done in a prompt and hassle free manner. He said that these cells must be provided with the adequate infra structure so as to help the NRPs visiting these offices. Mr. Badal said that the formal orders regarding the setting up of these cells would be issued soon. Likewise, in another significant step, the Chief Minister asked the Home Secretary of the state to review the list of NRP Proclaimed Offenders (POs) so that no injustice was done to NRPs, who were not involved in any crime. He asked the officers to evolve a foolproof mechanism for segregating the NRPs against whom no major crime was proved. Mr. Badal categorically said that injustice should not be done with anyone, who was not at all linked with any crime. Batting for amicable resolution of the disputes of the NRPs, the Chief Minister said that the NRI Police Stations could play a pivotal role in it. He said that rather than registering cases in such matters the NRI Police stations must try to resolve these issues with mutual understanding. Mr. Badal also said that a five member committee comprising of NRPs would also be set up in every NRI Police Stations, so that such matters could be solved with mutual consent. Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister asked the Financial Commissioner Revenue (FCR) to start a statewide campaign for the division of property falling in Joint accounts of the family. He said that the Revenue department must dedicate coming three months of January, February and March for accomplishing this task as the NRPs were facing a lot of problems in such matters. Mr. Badal also said that matter pertaining to the land falling within the Red Line (Lal Lakeer/ Dora) would also be solved soon. Listing the path breaking initiatives taken by the state government for the welfare of the NRPs, the Chief Minister said that Punjab Urban Rent Control Act has been implemented to secure NRI property. Likewise, he said that to save Punjabi youth from migration related frauds and harassment, the Prevention of Human Trafficking/Smuggling Act has been enacted. Mr. Badal further said that to facilitate quick disposal of Power of Attorney made by NRIs, the powers for stamping/embossing of power of attorneys has been given to Deputy Commissioners for properties falling under that district; to Divisional Commissioners for properties falling within that division; and to Financial Commissioner Revenue for properties falling under more than one division. The Chief Minister further said that to ensure speedy disposal of NRIs cases in respect of Revenue, the powers of Assistant Collectors of the First Grade have been conferred upon all the District Revenue Officers of the State of Punjab in their respective districts to decide their cases. Likewise, he said that Special Civil Court for NRIs has been made functional at Jalandhar adding that efforts were afoot for setting up two similar courts in other districts. Mr. Badal further said that a network of NRI Police stations have been set up in the state along with a special NRI cell under the IGP rank officer. The Chief Minister further said that to facilitate the Punjabis settled abroad 38 NRI Numberdars have been appointed in the state. Likewise, he said that Punjab Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act, 2012 has been enacted and even Naib Tehsildars have been authorized to register marriage. Mr. Badal said that in order to safeguard the interest of NRPs the state government has set up NRI Commission in Punjab. Similarly, the Chief Minister said that 10% reservation in Industrial/Residential plots have been made by the state government to enable the NRPs in purchasing property in the state. In the same manner he said that a scheme for village development through joint investment by NRI and Government has already been initiated. Mr. Badal further said that for the first time NRI Journalists have been given Accreditation facility and also benefits of Free Accidental Insurance cover. Exhorting the NRPs to play a far more constructive role in the overall development and prosperity of their home land, the Chief Minister said that these sons of soil have proved their mettle across the globe through sheer hard work and dedication. Citing the example of Mrs. Nikki Halley Governor in USA, he said that the Punjabis have excelled in every field even in foreign nations. “It is a matter of great pride and honor for us that Punjabis have emerged as frontrunner in every sphere across the globe” added Mr. Badal. Earlier welcoming the Chief Minister and other dignitaries during this Sangat Darshan, NRI Affairs Minister Punjab Jathedar Tota Singh said that this step would go a long way in mitigating the woes of the NRP brethren. He said that the utmost priority of the state government was to facilitate the NRP brethren who had left an indelible imprint in every field across the globe. Jathedar Tota Singh reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of the NRPs. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Advisor to Chief Minister on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bans, Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, MLAs Mr. Joginder Pal Jain, Mrs. Rajwinder Kaur and Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh, Chairman Punjab Health System Corporation Mr. Barjinder Singh Brar, Additional Chief Secretary cum Home Secretary Mr. Jagpal Singh, Principal Secretary NRI Affairs Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, NRI Commissioner Mr. B Purusartha, IGP NRI Cell Mrs. Gurpreet Kaur Deo and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. S Karunaraju. ----------- GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGING PEASANTRY TO OPT FISH FARMING: RANIKE · FISH FARMING DEVELOPMENT BOARD’ SET UP IN 2014-15 CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 28: In a bid to popularize the Fish Farming in the waterlogged and barren area of the state, Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has constituted Fish Farming Development. A high level delegation of 17 members has also visited the neighboring country China to get hold of the latest techniques for fish farming. This delegation was also accompanied by 8 fish farmers. Disclosing this here today Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry, fish farming and dairy development minister said that the state government has devised a special policy to propagate Fish Farming among the farmers of the state. He said that traditional cultivation of Paddy and Wheat crops has now proved to unproductive, so the government has been encouraging the farmers to opt for fish farming to sustain their income. He said that an executive committee of 9 members has also been formed under Fish Farming Development Board under the chairmanship of Financial Commissioner, Animal Husbandry, Fishery & Dairy Development. He said that among the other member to be inducted in this Board would be Vice Chancellor, GADVASU, a member nominated by Financial Commissioner, Additional Chief Executive Officer of Livestock Development Board, Director Fisheries and small and big progressive fish farmers. He said that the department has also decided to set up 14 art ‘Fish Seed Farms’. Among these farms 7 such farms would be set up at Raike Kala (Bathinda), Malwal (Ferozpur), Hayatnagar (Gurdaspur), Dosanj Nabha (Patila), Mohi (Ludhiana), Faridkot and Rajasnasi (Amritsar). He said that these farms would be set up during the financial year 2014-15 with the investment of Rs. 18.34 crore and rest of seven would be established in next year. The Minister further said that up till October 2014, 30672 hectare area has already been brought under fish farming and efforts are underway to bring more waterlogged and sub-barren land of the state under fish farming. He said that during the year 2012-13, 1870 lac fish seeds were produced whereas during this current year 2088 lac of fish seeds have been produced. He said that during first 10 months of this current year 3992 farmers have been imparted training for fish farming. - PUNJAB GOVT. DECLARES HOLIDAY ON 28th DECEMBER ON THE EVE OF BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SRI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI Chandigarh December 26:- The offices of Punjab Government, Boards & Corporations and also educational institutions in Chandigarh and Punjab will remain closed on 28th December, 2014 (Sunday) on the eve of Birth Anniversary (Parkash Purb) of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that a notification has been issued in this regard here today. ---------- CM ANNOUCES SLEW OF MEASURES FOR COW PROTECTION PUNJAB RELIGIOUS PREMISES EVICTION ACT TO BE AMENDED. NO VAT TO BE CHARGED ON BUILDING MATERIAL FOR CONSTURCTION OF GAUSHALAS Chandigarh, December 26 The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr.Parkash Singh Badal today announced to effect necessary amendments to the Punjab Religious Premises Eviction Act to Free gauchar land from illegal occupation. This decision was taken by Mr.Badal during a meeting with the delegation of Gau Sewa Mission led by Ex President Gau Sewa Board Bhagat Kimti Lal here at his residence this evening. Responding to other issues, the Chief Minister also decided not to charge any VAT on building material used by registered gaushalas for the construction purposes and all the gaushalas would be provided with free electricity. Likewise, 5 % additional tax provision would be made in cattle fair auction. Mr Badal also agreed to the proposal of the Gau Sewa Mission to add clause 15 to the provision of Gau Sewa Commission so that Gauchar land could be given to the commission for its management. Mr Badal also asked all the Deputy Commissioner to replicate Bathinda Model for raising additional resources for gaushalas in their respective districts. He also announced to include two Artias as member in the District level Cow welfare committees chaired by respective Deputy commissioners. He also entrusted the task of preparing plans for cow memorial to be constructed at joga in District Mansa to his Advisor Mr. Tikshan Sood and Ex-President Gau Sewa Board Bhagat Kimti Lal. The Chief Minister also asked the various Gaushalas Management committees to construct gaushalas for the promotion of cow breeding of indigenous breeds such as Ongole, Rathi, Sahiwal, Tharparkar and Vachur etc. As the mark of reverence towards cow and in view the religious sentiments all the people especially the Hindu Community, the State Govt. had already enacted Punjab Prohibition of slaughter of cows Amendment Act, in which the Punishment has been raised to 10 years of imprisonment or Rs 10000/- penalty or both for cow slaughter. Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Advisor to Chief Minister Mr.Tikshan Sood and Ex President Gau Sewa Board Bhagat Kimti Lal. -------- Punjab transfers one IPS and 10 PPS Chandigarh, December 26 The Punjab Government today issued transfer/posting orders of one IPS and 10 PPS officers with immediate effect. According to an official spokesman , Mr. Naveen Singla IPS has been posted as DCP Ludhiana. Besides this Kulwinder Singh Thiara has been posted as Commandant 6th IRB, Ladha Kothi Sangrur, Gurmeet Singh as AIG Railway Police (Patiala), Daljinder Singh AIG state narcotic control bureau and in addition commandant 4th IRB Kapurthala, Mukhwinder Singh additional DCP/Investigation Ludhiana, Ashwani Kapoor AIG Community policing, Punjab, Chandigarh, Pushkar Sandal SP cum DCPO, Kapurthala, Charnjit Sharma DCP Jalandhar, Gurpreet Singh Commandant Commando Training centre Bahudurgarh, Chhinder Singh Assistant Commandant 2nd IRB Ladha Kothi Sangrur and Narinder Pal as SP cum DCPO Bathinda. -- BADAL CALLS UPON MEDIA TO GIVE EXTENSIVE COVERAGE TO ACTIVITIES RELATED TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LIKE AGRICULTURE LAUDS THE CONTRIBUTION OF AJIT IN MAINTAINING PEACE AND HARMONY IN THE REGION DR. BARJINDER SINGH HAMDARD FOR MEDIA TO PRO-ACTIVE ROLE IN ERADICATING THE SOCIAL MALADY MOHALI DECEMBER 26: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the media especially the print, to give extensive coverage to the news and views related to the fields of agriculture, industry, dairy development and environment from the angle of economic perspective. Addressing the correspondents, reporters and desk journalists of the Ajit Group of Newspapers during a launch of ‘Ajit’ and ‘Ajit Samachar’ editions from Chandigarh at the newly set up modern printing press, the Chief Minister said that the regional press were not giving reasonable space to the economic activities with regard to agriculture and allied farming besides other social issues like unemployment, poverty and illiteracy while on the other hand several newspapers were devoting three to four pages exclusively for the coverage of sports. Mr. Badal, however said that he was not against the sports but at the same time the newspapers should strike a balance while allotting fairly enough space to pro-people and developmental activities which played an instrumental role in the economic growth of any state. The Chief Minister congratulated the Managing Editor of Ajit Group of Newspapers Dr. Barjinder Singh Hamdard for taking this great initiative by launching editions of Ajit and Ajit Samachar from Chandigarh which would enable the readers to get copies of these newspapers in time with latest news especially in the region including Chandigarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Malwa region of the state. The Chief Minister also appreciated the approach of ‘Ajit’ which had never compromised with the ethics of journalism. He said that this newspaper launched by its founder editor Dr. Sadhu Singh Hamdard at Lahore in Urdu, was today one of the country’s most leading vernacular newspaper. Mr. Badal said that ‘Ajit’ was synonymous with the elements of truth, fairness and accuracy which were the basis of credibility of any newspaper. Mr. Badal urged the journalist fraternity to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity, dedication and honesty and professional commitment to uphold the ethos of peace, amity, communal harmony and brotherhood, adding he said that the media should restrain from publishing news and views which could put the peaceful and congenial atmosphere of the state in peril. He also lauded the role of ‘Ajit’ in maintaining peace and tranquility in the state. The Chief Minister also requested Dr. Barjinder Singh to launch a newspaper in English initially a weekly, if not possible a daily to acquaint the English readership with its news and views. In his welcome address, the Managing Editor Dr. Barjinder Singh briefly explained the objective of launching the Chandigarh edition of Ajit and Ajit Samachar and further said that Ajit group of newspapers was also planning to launch other editions from different parts of the state. He also exhorted the media to play a pro-active role in eradicating the social maladies like unemployment, illiteracy and poverty besides bringing awareness amongst the people about the significance of clean and green environment, adding he said that Ajit Group had already launched a vigorous campaign across the state to sensitize people about the importance of planting trees through its Ajit Hariaval (greening) Mission Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion Chairman of the Dr. Sadhu Singh Hamdard Trust Mr. Prem Singh and member of the trust Mr. Surinder Singh Virdi, BJP President Punjab Unit Mr. Kamal Sharma, Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, former Union Ministers Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia and Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal, ex-MP Mr. Tarlochan Singh, former Chief Minister Smt. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and President PPCC Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa. Amongst the dignitaries who attended the function included Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Mr. NK Sharma and Mr. Som Parkash (both CPS) and Dr. Jaspal Singh, Vice Chancellor Punjabi University Patiala. … FOURTEEN IAS AND SIX PCS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 26: The Punjab Government has transferred and posted 14 IAS and 6 PCS officers including three Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of the state with immediate effect. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that a file to this effect was cleared by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, last evening. The list of the IAS/PCS officers who have been transferred and posted is as follows:
The spokesperson further said that Mr. Ashwani Kumar, IAS State Transport Commissioner and Special Secretary Transport has also given an additional charge of Special Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister Punjab. - ANIL JOSHI HANDS OVER OF RS 75 CRORE TO 131 CITIES · DRAFTS HANDED OVER TO 5 CORPORATIONS AND 126 MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND NAGAR PANCHAYATS CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 26: With a view to expedite the ongoing development projects, Local Bodies Minister Mr. Anil Joshi today handed over grants to the tune of Rs. 75 crore to 131 local bodies of Punjab including 5 municipal corporations and 126 municipal councils and nagar panchayats to witness holistic development in the state. In a function organised here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. Joshi gave drafts of grants to Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs, Commissioners of Municipal Corporations, Executive Officers of Nagar Panchayats and Councils. These grants were given in the presence of CPSs namely Mr. Som Parkash, Mr. N.K. Sharma, Mr. Des Raj Dhugga and Mr. Amarpal Singh Bonni Ajnala and Mrs. Nisara Khatoon Farzana Aalam. In his address Mr. Joshi said in first phase under Swach Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi Rs. 3.5 crore has been given to 4 municipal corporations. He said grants to the tune of Rs. 71.50 crore has been awarded to 131 local bodies in the state to put the stalled development projects on fast track. He said this financial assistance to all cities and towns would witness all round development in the state. He said in this phase a minimum Rs. 25 lakh and maximum Rs. 3.5 crore to municipal corporations. Mr. Joshi informed that Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Moga and Bathinda Municipal Corporation has got Rs. 3.5 crore including Rs. 1 crore each to Hoshiarpur, Moga and Pathankot while Rs. 50 lakh to Bathinda. He said Hoshiarpur has got a total Rs. 1.5 crore under Swach Bharat abhiyan and development projects while Pathankot Rs. 3.5 crore, Bathinda Rs. 1 crore and Moga 1.60 crore. Giving details of cities received more than Rs. 1 crore, Mr. Joshi said including Fatehgarh Churian, Ferozepur got Rs. 1.5 crore and Phillaur, Kapurthala, Nawa Shahar, Taran Tarn, Gurdaspur, Batala, Jagraon, Samana, Sangrur, Sunam, Malerkotla, Barnala, Kharar, Dera Bassi, Zirakpur, Mansa, Sardulgarh, Mukatsar, Malout, Gidderbaha, Guruharsahai, Fazilka, Abohar and kotakpura got Rs.1 crore. ------------- Dhindsa puts forward Punjab’s expectations from Union Budget Seeks announcement of big projects for the state Chandigarh, December 26: Punjab Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa during the pre-budget consultation meeting of the union Finance Minister at New Delhi on26-12-2014. During the meeting the Finance Minister Government of India should establish a large scale unit in the state as state has been no investment in large public sector undertaking except Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala. Finance Minister requested Government of India to incentivize the cultivation of the alternate crops like maize and basmati to ensure diversification in agriculture. He also requested Government of India to fix MSP for basmati as has been done for Maize crop and to put in place efficient marketing mechanism for procurement of these crops through a designated agency. Finance Minister said that to improve the productivity of pulses and soya bean in the State, a Regional Centre of ICAR for research in these crops should be established in the State and assured marking for alternate crops should be created. Finance Minister requested Government of India to declare allied agricultural activities like dairy, poultry, piggery, goatry & fishery etc. at par with agriculture for benefits like exemption of Income Tax, interest rate etc. The import of machinery for dairy farming, poultry farming and machinery relating to fodder should be exempted from custom duty. Finance Minister requested Government of India that before converting the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Ordinance dated 21.10.2014 into legislation in the coming winter session of Parliament, this Ordinance should be amended so that additional levy of ₹ 295 per MT in case of PSPCL is not levied and PSPCL can participate in re-allocation/allotment of coal mines, which is vital for sustained generation at thermal power stations of PSPCL.The Finance Minister requested the Government of India to provide ₹ 100 crore for interventions to check the increasing menace of drug abuse in the state. Cancer has become a major public health concern in the state of Punjab requiring establishment of state of art oncology centers and up-gradation of existing departments in Medical colleges. Finance Minister requested the Government of India to provide a grant of ₹ 100 crore to check the cancer penetration in the State of Punjab.Finance Minister requested the Government of India to immediately release CST compensation of ₹1266.96 crore for the year 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13. For 2013-14 the claim should be settled in April, 2015 and for this adequate provision should be made in the UnionBudget. The Finance Minister supported early introduction of GST. However, the revenue loss for Punjab due to subsumption of Purchase tax in the proposed GST on food grains and State cesses and Surcharges in so far as they relate to supply of goods and services is ₹ 4244 crore in 2013-14 which is likely to increase to ₹ 4730 crore in 2014-15. Besides this the revenue loss for Punjab due to subsumption of Octroi/entry tax and State cesses is ₹ 2547 crore in 2013-14 which is likely to increase to ₹ 2765 crore in 2014-15. The revenue losses for Punjab due to subsumption of Purchase tax and State cesses and Surcharges in so far as they relate to supply of goods and services are both continuous and permanent in nature and, hence, the compensatory mechanism for 5 years is grossly inadequate. The State Government should be compensated for a period of at least 15 years and not merely 5 years after the implementation of GST. The Finance Minister requested Government of India that NABARD should reduce the rate of interest on re-finance of short term loans from 4.5% to 2.5%. Finance Minister said that there was no income tax on the Cooperative Banks till 2005-06. However these banks are required to pay income tax w.e.f. 2006-07. The Cooperative Banks limit their activities to agricultural loans especially to small and marginal farmers and therefore these should be exempted from the payment of income tax. The District Central Cooperative Banks from their own resources give loans at 5% rate of interest to Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies which in turn advance short term loans at 7% interest. Government of India provides interest subvention on the loans advanced by Co-Operative Banks out of their own resources which has come down from 3% in the year 2008-09 to 2% in the year 2010-11. The Finance Minister requested the Government of India to increase the interest subvention to 4% and to link it to rate of interest on refinance. During militancy period of 1980 to 1995, a special term loan of ₹ 5,800 crore was given to Punjab for incurring security expenditure. The state government had made interest payment to the extent of ₹ 1,923 crore and principal payment to the extent of ₹ 771 crore. The balance amount of ₹ 5,029 crore was waived off in 2007. However, the state was not compensated for the amount it had repaid earlier to the extent of ₹ 2,694 crore. The state should be given a special grant to the extent of ₹ 2,694 crore in lieu of its payment for the aforementioned loan. The Union Home Ministry has asked the State Government to reimburse ₹ 298 crore for deployment of Para-Military forces in the State. This amount should be waived off. To tide over immediate financial problem of the State, Government of India should provide non-plan grant of ₹ 5,000 crore in 2015-16. To waive off the Outstanding Central Government Debt to the extent of ₹ 3,332 crore.
BADAL RAISES ISSUE OF IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF 13 LIFE CONVICTS FROM PUNJAB PRESENTLY LODGED IN DIFFERENT JAILS ACROSS THE COUNTRY · WRITES TO CMs OF UP, RAJASTHAN, WB, KARNATAKA, GUJARAT, Lt. GOVERNOR, NEW DELHI AND ADMINISTRATOR UT CHANDIGARH Chandigarh, December 24 Taking up the issue of pre-mature release of 13 life convicts hailing from Punjab, presently lodged under TADA Act in the jails of various states across the country for the past several years, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today wrote separately to his counterparts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Karnataka and Gujarat besides Lt. Governor, New Delhi and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh for their prompt release on humanitarian grounds. In separate letters to his counterparts of above mentioned states, Lt. Governor, New Delhi and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh, the Chief Minister impressed upon them to consider their cases sympathetically as per the provisions of pre-mature release policy of their states so as to secure the release of these convicts expeditiously. He asked them to appreciate that in India, we followed reformatory approach in furtherance of the Criminal Justice System. He was confident that their states have a Pre-Mature Release Policy for life convicts adding he said, “When a prisoner spends more than stipulated period in jail and eligible to be considered for pre-mature release, when he is not released resentment in the minds of his near and dear ones is caused and also provide reasons for certain segments of society to agitate.” Apart from this on pure humanitarian ground, everybody deserved a chance to reform himself and get reintegrated into the society as a good member, the Chief Minister added. In a letter, the Chief Minister urged his counterpart in Uttar Pradesh Mr. Akhilesh Yadav to consider the case of life convict Waryam Singh presently lodged in Central Jail, Bareily (UP), who had already undergone incarceration of 22 years. Likewise, Mr. Badal also raised up the issue with the Rajasthan Chief Minister Mrs. Vasundhra Raje for the release of another life convict Gurmeet Singh Fauji currently lodged in Tonk jail, Rajasthan, who had already completed nine years out of 10 years imprisonment awarded to him. The Chief Minister also took up the matter with the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee of releasing the life convict Daya Singh Lahoria lodged in Tihar Jail, New Delhi, who has already completed 10 years of imprisonment against the life sentence awarded to him. Similarly, the Chief Minister also impressed upon the Gujarat Chief Minister Mrs. Anandiben Patel for the release of life convict Lal Singh, presently lodged in maximum security jail Nabha (Punjab), who has already undergone incarceration of 22 years. Mr. Badal also took up the matter, of releasing the life convict Gurdeep Singh Khaira, presently lodged in Gulberg Jail, Karnataka, who has already undergone imprisonment of 24 years with his Karnataka counterpart Mr. Siddaramaiah. The Chief Minister also sought personal intervention of Lt. Governor New Delhi Mr. Najeeb Jung for the release of life convict of Davinder Pal Singh, presently lodged in Tihar jail, Delhi, whose death sentence awarded by the Additional Session Judge Delhi Court has already been commuted to life imprisonment by the Supreme Court and the said convict had already completed imprisonment of 20 years. Likewise, Mr. Badal also requested Lt. Governor New Delhi for the release of two more life convicts Parmjeet Singh Bheora and Jagtar Singh Hawara, both were lodged in Tihar jail, Delhi and had undergone incarceration of 19 years. The Chief Minister has also taken up the cases of five life convicts namely Gurmeet Singh, Shamsher Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, Subeg Singh and Nand Singh with the Administrator of UT Chandigarh Mr. Shivraj V Patil for their release. It may be recalled that all these convicts were presently lodged in Burail jail, Chandigarh, of which Gurmeet Singh, Shamsher Singh and Lakhwinder Singh have already completed 19 years of imprisonment while Subeg Singh and Nand Singh have undergone incarceration of 15 years. ----------------- Farmer carves out a success story out of Pig Farming Chandigarh, December 24: The farming diversification schemes of Punjab Government have been instrumental in proving a boon for the farmers of the state. Disclosing this Jasbir Singh Saini is the proud owner of Roop Jasmin Pigry Farm, Saskaur said that he has received tremendous monetary help and technical assistance from Animal Husbandry Department, Punjab, Government Banks and NABARD in his Endeavour of establishing the pigry farm venture. He further said that when he stated his new venture in a limited area of 3 kanals, the Animal Husbandry Department lent him a helping hand. Divulging more details, he said that when he started out with just 2 male and 20 female pigs, then Animal Husbandry Department played a yeoman’s role in getting him a loan of Rs. 6 lakh from NABARD and the bank also gave him subsidy of 1 lakh 60 thousand. He said that he re-payed the bank loan in time. He further disclosed that today he is the proud owner of 65 male and 85 female pigs and when any of his animals gains 100 kg weight, then he gets a price of 10000 for it. He also said that he owns 2 breeds namely- Yorkshire and Khachchar Khan and he faces absolutely no difficulty in procuring feed for them. Advising the youngsters he said that if any unemployed youth wants to start out in pigry farming, then he can get an assured income of 50,000 per month. He also disclosed that the State Government also helps such enterprising farmers and organises camps to increase awareness about this sphere. ------------- CM GREETS PEOPLE ON CHRISTMAS CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 24: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated all the Punjabis especially the Christian brethren on the occasion of Christmas. In his message, Mr. Badal said, “Christmas, the birth of Lord Jesus, being celebrated across the globe is an extremely joyous occasion not only for Christians, but the people of all faiths”. He said that the teachings of peace, love, amity and compassion preached by Jesus Christ were still relevant today in the present context. He said that such occasions were instrumental in strengthening the bonds of universal brotherhood and communal harmony besides inspiring the people to dedicate themselves in the services of the mankind to carve out an ideal society. The Chief Minister called upon the people of Punjab to commemorate this festival collectively with traditional fervor and gaiety to depict their deep sense of commitment towards secularism in line with the ethos of “unity in diversity”. ----- - SUKHBIR GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF CHRISTMAS Chandigarh, December 24; Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today greeted the people of Punjab on the joyous occasion of Christmas which is being celebrated throughout the World with happiness and traditional gaiety. In his message, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Christmas carries the spirit of brotherhood, peace and prosperity and called upon the people to make the celebrations meaningful. He wished that may the Christmas fill our heart with joy, happiness and hope. ------------ INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB MAJITHIA GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF CHRISTMAS Chandigarh, December 24: Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today felicitated the people of Punjab on the eve of joyous occasion of Christmas. In a message, Mr. Majithia said that Christmas carries the spirit of brotherhood, peace and prosperity and called upon the people to make the celebrations meaningful. He wished that may the Almighty shower his plentiful blessings on all the people on this festive occasion. -------------- MALUKA & TOTA SINGH GREETS PUNJABIS' ON THE EVE OF CHRISTMAS Chandigarh, December 24: Rural Development & Panchayat Minister, Punjab Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka and Agriculture Minister, Punajb S. Tota Singh today extended heartiest greetings on the joyous occasion of Christmas to all the Punjabis living in India or abroad. In the message, they said that Lord Christ's message of love, compassion and forgiveness is a message of universal and timeless relevance. They also called upon the people to collectively celebrate this occasion with happiness and traditional gaiety.
- CM CONGRATULATES MODI AND SHAH ON OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF BJP IN JHARKHAND AND JAMMU & KASHMIR Chandigarh, December 23- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and national BJP President Mr. Amit Shah on their party’s victory in the elections to state assembly of Jharkhand and its superb performance in Jammu & Kashmir. In his message to the two leaders, the Chief Minister expressed the hope that the new governments in both the states would live up to the expectations of the electorate. -------------- PUNJAB TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK FROM DEC 24
DCS TO RESOLVE GRIEVANCES OF CONSUMERS ON THE SPOT CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 23: The Punjab Government has decided to observe National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) from December 24 to 30. The deputy commissioners of all the districts have been directed to conduct grievance redressal meetings in their respective districts and ensure on the spot redressal of the complaints of consumers. Stating this here today, an official spokesperson of the state government said that the prime objective behind observing this week was to generate awareness among the consumers about their legal rights. He said the literature, focusing on the legal rights of the consumers, would be distributed in the state. He further added that quiz contests, seminars, poster making and essay writing competitions would be conducted in the schools and colleges of the state. - TARN TARN TO BE DECLARED TOBACCO SMOKE FREE ON December 31 · STATE LEVEL ORIENTATION WORKSHOP FOR KEY STAKEHOLDERS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF COTPA, 2003 INAUGURATED Chandigarh December 23: To forcefully implement the Anti- Tobacco laws and to sensitize all stakeholders, Director Health and Family Welfare Punjab, Dr. Karanjit Singh inaugurated a State Level Orientation workshop for Key Stakeholders on implementation of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products act, 2003 (COTPA, 2003) here today. The workshop was organized by Tobacco Control Cell Punjab in collaboration with International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (The Union) and SNEHA (NGO). In his inaugural address, Dr. Karamjit Singh said that 18 districts of the state have already been declared as Tobacco Smoke Free (TSF) on the basis of compliance studies by PGI Chandigarh. Tarn Tarn would be declared as TSF on New Year eve. The prime objective of this workshop was to sensitize participants from all the stake holder departments regarding importance of implementation of COTPA, said Dr. Karanjit Singh. He also said that recently Chief Secretary Punjab had communicated all DCs regarding this. Dr. Rakesh Gupta, SPO Tobacco Control Cell Punjab said that Ludhiana, Moga and Pathankot would be declared tobacco smoke free next. He said that on the directive of the Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani, a departmental committee has been constituted to ensure the implementation COPTA across the state. He also sought the cooperation of each department in declaring Punjab a tobacco smoke free state by 2015. He further said that chewable tobacco and E-Cigarettes have already been banned in the state under Drugs and Cosmetics act. Deliberating during the conference, Dr. Rana J Singh Senior Consultant South East Asia Unit of International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease from 'The Union' said that Tobacco is gateway to all other addictions. We should have multi sectorial approach & should scale up Public Private Partnerships to ensure COTPA. He added that a short term, mid-term and long term comprehensive plan should be made for the state and the implementation should be sustainable. Dr. S. P Surila, President, SNEHA presented the vote of thanks. Prominent amongst others who participated in the conference were Chairman SNEHA Dr Ravi Kumar Ex civil Surgeon, Mr. Sodagar Singh, Mr. Padam Dev Sood, Sh Jasbir Singh State Coordinator, Tobacco control cell Punjab.
---- JASSOWAL WAS AN ARDENT PROMOTER OF PUNJABI CULTURE AND FOLK ARTS -MAJITHIA Chandigarh, December 22: Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today mourned the sad demise of Mr. Jagdev Singh Jassowal, former MLA and an ardent promoter of Punjabi culture & folk arts. In a condolence message, Mr. Majithia said that by founding Prof Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation and then successfully organizing the “Prof Mohan Singh Mela” for decades, Mr. Jassowal had made a significant contribution in promoting budding Punjabi artists, who further carved a niche for themselves in the fields of entertainment and culture. Expressing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of bereaved family, Mr. Majithia prayed to Almighty to grant peace to departed soul and strength to family members to bear this irreparable loss. ----------- BADAL MOURNS SAD DEMISE OF JAGDEV SINGH JASSOWAL · JASSOWAL WAS SYNONYMOUS WITH PUNJAB’s CULTURAL HERITAGE Chandigarh, December 22 Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of cultural icon Mr. Jagdev Singh Jassowal (80), who breathed his last after a brief illness at a Private Hospital in Ludhiana this morning. He is survived by a wife and two sons. In a condolence message, the Chief Minister described Mr. Jassowal as a ‘towering personality and a cultural ambassador’ who made enormous contribution to promote ethos of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat in every nook and corner of the state besides showcasing its rich legacy and glorious cultural heritage not only at the national level but across the globe. Mr. Badal also recalled outstanding contribution of Mr. Jassowal as a multi-faced personality who actively involved in the politics of Punjab for its overall development and safeguarding the rights of the people, besides a harbinger for promotion of art, culture and literature in Punjab. Mr. Jassowal’s name was synonymous with Punjab’s cultural heritage as he was instrumental in motivating the budding artistes especially the folk singers to promote Punjabi folk lore at the international arena and virtually became a heart throb of millions of Punjabis settled abroad. Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family, friends and relations of the deceased, the Chief Minister prayed to the almighty to give courage to bear this huge loss in this hour of crisis and grant peace to the departed soul adding he said that a void has been created in the literary and cultural fraternity which was difficult to be filled. It may be recalled that Mr. Jassowal was the founder President of Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation who tirelessly worked hard till his last breathe to revive the cultural heritage of the state. --------------- CM DEPUTES HIS ADVISOR MAHESH INDER SINGH GREWAL TO ATTEND CREMATION OF JASSOWAL AT LUDHIANA ON DECEMBER 23 CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 22: In view of on-going winter session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today deputed his Advisor Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal to attend the cremation of cultural icon Mr. Jagdev Singh Jassowal at Ludhiana tomorrow on his behalf. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal would be unable to attend the cremation of Mr. Jassowal as he would be pre-occupied in attending the pre-scheduled session in the state assembly. ---------- Deputy CM condoles the demise of Jagdev Singh Jassowal Chandigarh, December 22 –Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Jagdev Singh Jassowal, a former MLA and founder of Prof Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation, who passed away at DMC hospital Ludhiana today morning. In a condolence message Deputy CM said that Mr. Jassowal was recognised world over as a cultural icon of Punjabi culture and literature. Recalling the efforts of Mr Jassowal, Deputy CM said that he has relentlessly worked for the upliftment of Punjabi music, art and culture and influenced politics in Malwa region. He said that passing away of Mr Jassowal, a dedicated son of soil, was a great loss to the Punjab and Punjabi culture. Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of bereaved family, Mr. Badal prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to departed soul and give strength and courage to family members, relatives and friends to bear this irreparable loss. EOM ---------- PUNJAB GOVERNMENT RELEASED HLIDAYS FOR 2015 CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 22: The Punjab government today released a list of 33 holidays for 2015. The government will also observe 19 restricted holidays from which each employee can choose two days to observe as holidays. Public Offices will remain closed for Basant Panchmi and Satguru Ram Singh’s birthday (January 24); Republic Day (January 26); Sri Guru Ravidas’s birthday (February 3); Maha Shivaratri (February 17); Holi (March 06); Shahidi Divas of Bhagat Singh (March 23); Ram Navami (March 28); Mahavir Jayanti (April 02); Good Friday (April 03); Baisakhi and Dr. B.R.Ambedkar’s Birthday (April 14) ; Parshuram Jayanti (April 21); May Day (May 1); Guru Arjun Dev’s Martyrdom day (May 22); Kabir Jayanti (June 02); Id-ul-Fitr (July 18); Shahid Udham Singh’s martyrdom day (July 31); Independence Day (August 15); Parkash Utsav Sri Guru Granth Sahibi Ji (September 01)l Janamashtami (Sptember 5); Baba Sri Chand’s birthday (September 23); Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) (September 25); Birthday of S. Bhagat Singh Ji (September 28); Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday (October 2); Birthday of Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (October 9); Agarsain Jayanti ( October 13); Dussehra (October 22); Maharish Valmiki’s birthday (October 27); Diwali (November 11); Vishwakarma day (November 12); Guru Teg Bahadur’s martyrdom day (November 24); Guru Nanak Dev’s birthday (November 25); and Christmas (December 25). Besides the above holidays each employee will also be permitted to avail himself or herself any two holidays to be chosen by him or her out of the restrict holidays. The restricted holidays in the Calendary, 2015 are New Year Day (January 1); Id-e-Milad (January 04); Lohri (January 13); Nirwan Diwas of Bhagwan Adinath Ji (January 19); Hola Mohalla (March 6); International Women Day (March 8); Buddh Purnima (May 04); Nirjala Ekadashi (May 29); Death Anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji (June 29); Birthday of Baba Jiwan Singh Ji (September 5); Anant Chaturdashi (September 27); Birthday of Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadur (October 16); Muharram (October 24) ; Birthday of Sant Nam Dev Ji (October 26); Karva Chauth (October 30); New Punjab Day (November 1); Goverdhan Pooja (November 12); Id-E-Milad (December 24); and Jor Mela Fatehgarh Sahib (December 25,26 and 27). Public Holidays in the State of Punjab during the Calendar year 2015 within the meaning of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 are Birthday of Republic Day (January 26); Birthday of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji (Feburary 03); Holi (March 06); Ram Naumi (March 28); Bank Holiday (April 1); Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji (May 22); Idu'I Fitr (July 18); Independence Day (August 15); Janmashtami (September 5); Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi Ji (October 2); Dussehra (October 22); Birthday of Maharishi Valmiki Ji (October 27); Diwali (November 11); Dirthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (November 25) and Christmas day (December 25). - MALUKA AND TOTA SINGH CONDOLE SAD DEMISE OF FORMER MLA JASSOWAL Chandigarh December 22: Rural Development & Panchayats Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka and Agriculture Minister Mr. Tota Singh today expressed profound grief over the sad demise of former Punjab M.L.A. Jagdev Singh Jassowal (80years) who passed away in Ludhiana after a brief illness leaving behind his wife and two sons. In a condolence message, the ministers said that Jagdev Singh Jassowal would be remembered for his contribution in the field of culture. They shared their heartfelt sympathies with the members of bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength to bear this loss and grant peace to the departed soul.
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CABINET GIVES NOD FOR INTRODUCING BILL TO ESTABLISH MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH STATE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY IN PVS AMENDMENT BILLS OF PUNJAB MUNICIPAL ACT, 1911 AND PUNJAB MUNICIPAL CORPORATION ACT, 1976 ALSO TO BE LAID IN THE STATE ASSEMBLY FIXED BASIC PAY NORM NOT APPLICABLE ON SPECIALIST DOCTORS CABINET MOURNS PESHAWAR SHOOTOUT TRAGEDY
CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 21: With a view to imparting high quality technical education at par with international standards to the students in the state, the Punjab Cabinet today approved to replace the ordinance regarding establishment of Maharaja Ranjit Singh State Technical University, Bathinda into bill so as to introduce it in the forth coming session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha for its conversion into an Act. This decision was taken in the meeting of Council of Ministers chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal this evening. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the upcoming technical university would have territorial jurisdiction over district of Bathinda, Barnala, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ferozepur, Mansa, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala and Sangrur besides other regions outside the state. This university would be instrumental in imparting technical education far more efficaciously to the students of the Malwa region. In order the check the further spreading of cancer disease and rising tendencies towards drugs besides the treatment and rehabilitation of such patients suffering from the disease and also for the up-gradation of building, machinery and equipment etc. for pooling their financial resources, the Cabinet also gave a go ahead to introduce a bill related to making an amendment in section 6 of the Punjab State Cancer & Drug Addiction Treatment Infrastructure Fund Act, 2013 in the coming session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha. This move was aimed at ensuring that the cess amount was also levied on those properties which were allotted (at present it was paid only when a property was sold or auctioned) and was paid by the bidder and not by the collecting agency (Punjab Housing & Urban Development Department etc.) and the amount, thus collected would be fully credited in the Cancer Fund of Health & Family Welfare department. Likewise, the Punjab Cabinet also gave approval to introduce the Punjab Affiliated Colleges (Security of Service) Amendment Bill-2014 in the forthcoming session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha to fix the term of chairman and members of the Educational Tribunal as three years or till the attaining of age of sixty five years, whichever was earlier. With an objective to further expand quality higher education infrastructure through private institutions, the Punjab Cabinet has approved to replace the Sant Baba Bhag Singh University ordinance, 2014 into bill for presenting in the coming session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha for its enactment to pave a way for setting up private self-financed university ‘Sant Baba Bhag Singh University’ run by the Sant Baba Bhag Singh Charitable Society village Khayla in Jalandhar district. The Cabinet also gave approval to replace two ordinances into bills related to amending the Punjab Municipal Act, 1911 and the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976 for its introduction in the ensuing session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha for its enactment. The Cabinet also gave approval to the Housing & Urban Development to rationalize the collection of Institutional Tax from institutions and buildings falling outside the municipal limits as per the parameters fixed by the Punjab & Haryana High Court. With the objective of bringing unauthorized colonies and plots/buildings therein, to the fold of planning frame work besides providing basic facilities to the residents of these unauthorized colonies across the state, the Cabinet also gave nod to replace the Punjab Laws (Special Provisions) Ordinance, 2014 into bill so that it could be placed before the coming session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha for its conversion into Act. The Cabinet also approved that the basic pay to be paid to the new employees recruited by the state would not be applicable to the Specialists doctors recruited by the State Health department in view of the shortage of such doctors in the government hospitals and their availability in the market. At the outset, the Cabinet expressed profound grief and anguish over the tragic shootout incident in Peshawar (Pakistan) on December 16, 2014 in which 141 innocent school students and staff were brutally killed. The Cabinet also observed two minutes silence and prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this huge loss in this hour of crisis and grant peace to the departed souls. … - -------------- CM TO FLAG UP THE ISSUE OF CONSTRUCTING SUITABLE MONUMENT OF BABA JEEVAN SINGH AT CHANDNI CHOWK WITH DSGMC WORK ON BABA JEEVAN SINGH MEMORIAL IN SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB TO COMMENCE SOON NUMBERING TO BE CONDUCTED ON HOUSES FALLING WITHIN LAL LAKEER PAYS TRIBUTE TO BABA JEEVAN SINGH MAJITHIA HAILS CM FOR ORGANIZING STATE LEVEL FUNCTION ON MARTYRDOM DAY OF BABA JEEVAN SINGH SEEKS SPECIAL PACKAGE FROM CENTRE FOR WELFARE OF SC POPULACE IN STATE Maanawalan (Amritsar), December 21- In recognition to the supreme sacrifice made by Baba Jeevan Singh (Bhai Jaita Ji) for the Sikh panth, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that he would soon take up the matter of constructing a suitable monument of this valiant Sikh warrior at Chandni Chowk (Delhi) with the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). Addressing a mammoth gathering during the state level function to mark the martyrdom of Baba Jeevan Singh here today, the Chief Minister said that all out efforts would be made to construct a befitting memorial of this legendary Sikh martyr at Chandni chowk, from where he had brought the seesh of Guru Teg Bahandur to Sri Anandpur Sahib. He said that though the matter was not under the jurisdiction of the state government but they would make concerted efforts to construct this memorial, which would help in perpetuating the glorious legacy of Baba Jeevan Singh. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the work on the construction of a prestigious memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib would also be initiated very soon. “The groundwork of this memorial has been completed and the work on it would be started at the earliest to showcase the immense contribution of Baba Jeevan Singh towards the Sikh panth. In a major reprieve to the people residing within the Red Line (Lal Lakeer/ Dori) in the state, the Chief Minister also announced that he had already ordered the officers of the state government to start the numbering of these properties. He said that the people living within the Lal Lakeer had to face a lot of problems because they do not have any proof regarding the ownership of this land. So keeping in view the larger public interest involved in the matter we have decided to pave a way towards their ownerships, added Mr. Badal. Listing the pro-poor initiatives taken by the state government for the welfare of weaker sections of society, the Chief Minister said that various schemes like Atta-Dal, Shagun and Old age pensions have been started by the state government for extending a helping hand to these underprivileged sections of the society. He said that in a path breaking initiative the state government has increased the ambit of Atta-Dal scheme from 15 lakh beneficiary families to 30 lakh. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that several steps were also taken for ensuring the all-round development and prosperity of these strata of society. Paying floral tributes to Baba Jeevan Singh, the Chief Minister said that he rendered marvelous service to the panth by bringing back the seesh of Guru Teg Bahadur, who was martyred at Chandni chowk for raising voice against injustice, tyranny and oppression. He said that Baba Jeevan Singh confronted unimaginable hardships during his journey from Delhi to Sri Anandpur sahib but he faced them bravely. “The exemplary courage exhibited by this legendary Sikh warrior hardly finds any parallel in the entire Sikh history” added Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister said that during his lifetime Baba Jeevan Singh served two Sikh Gurus Sri Guru Teg Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh, with utmost zeal, sincerity and commitment. He said that besides fighting valiantly in Battles from that of Bhagani to Chamkaur Sahib, Baba Jeevan Singh also gave training of warfare to elder (vadde) Sahibzaadas. The Chief Minister further said that the SAD-BJP alliance government was committed for perpetuating the glorious history of the state for which stupendous efforts were being made by them. He said that the state government has constructed world class monuments like Viraasat-e-Khalsa Memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Chapparchiri War Memorial at Mohali, Memorials of big and small holocaust at Sangrur and Gurdaspur besides the upcoming ‘Jang-e-Azaadi’ memorial at Kartarpur. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that special focus was being laid on the development of the religious towns of state. In his address, Revenue and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia hailed the Chief Minister for organizing a state level function to mark this historic day. He said that if such events of immense historical significance were observed by the state governments, then India would soon emerge as a strong and progressive nation thereby displaying the ethos of peace, communal harmony, religious tolerance and national integration. He said that it was a matter of great pride for all of us that legendary martyrs like Baba Jeevan Singh have made unparalleled sacrifices in the Sikh history. Mr. Majithia said that even ninth Guru of Sikhs, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur sacrificed his life for preventing ‘forcible religious conversions’. Lauding the several pro-poor initiatives taken by the Chief Minister to give reprieve to the weaker sections of society, Mr. Majithia said that these schemes were playing a pivotal role in overall development of this strata of society. He said that keeping in view that more than 32% population of the state consists of Schedule Caste populace, the union government must give a special package to the border state for ensuring their well being. Mr. Majithia said that both the centre and state government must take joint steps for the welfare of this section of society. In his address Speaker of Punjab assembly Dr. Charanjeet Singh Atwal said that from Mr. Bhim Sen Sachar to currently Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, he had seen the working all the Chief Ministers of the state. However, he said that none of them except Mr. Badal had ever thought about the welfare of the schedule caste population of the state. On the occasion Cabinet Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike proposed a vote of thanks to all the dignitaries. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra and Mr. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha, Mr. Des Raj Dhugga, Mr. Amarbeer Singh Bonny, Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Mr. Harmeet Singh Sandhu and Chaudhary Nand Lal, MLAs Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Mr. Manjeet Singh Mianwind, Mr. Baljeet Singh Jalaal Usma and Justice Nirmal Singh, former Ministers Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Captain Balbir Singh Baath and Mr. Gobind Singh Kanjla, former MLAs Mr. Sarabjeet Singh Makkar, Mr. Parkash Singh Bhatti, Mr. Gurjant Singh Mr. Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal and Mr. Malkiat Singh AR, senior Akali leaders Mr. Darbara Singh Guru, Mr. Rajmohinder Singh Majitha and Mr. Veer Singh Lopoke, Chairman district Planning Committee Tarn Taran Mr. Ravinder Singh Brahmpura and others. - ANGANWARI CENTRES TO REMAIN CLOSED FROM DECEMBER 22 TO DECEMBER 31 RATION TO BE SUPPLIED TO CHILDREN IN THEIR HOUSES---JAYANI Chandigarh December 21: Due to severe cold, the Anganwari centres have been closed from December 22 to December 31. Necessary directions in this regard have been given to all the Anganwari centres in the state. Disclosing this here today, Social Security Minister, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani said that the Anganwari workers have also been directed to supply the ration meant for the Anganwari children to their respective houses during the vacations. He has asked the officers of the department to ensure the immediate and effective implementation of the government directive. -----------
Mattewara forest to be developed as natural habitat Proposed botanical garden to have 4 sections
Chandigarh, December 21:
The proposed Mattewara Wildlife Nature Reserve is the initiative of State Government of Punjab to conserve natural resources around city of Ludhiana for the benefit of people and with the objective of developing Ludhiana as the greenest city. It has been planned to develop Mattewara Forests as a compact block of forest having various Nature Interpretation facilities. Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Government said that the project shall induce sensitiveness in public towards conservation of nature and environment for posterity. It shall be unique type of project which will be ecological sustainable and will be a centre of education, recreation and public awareness. The project shall employ the modern techniques of public awareness generation. According to the spokesperson, vast area in Mattewara forests is still open which could provide sufficient space to the deer for roaming. Keeping in view this fact it is proposed that the excess population of deer (approx. 500 Nos.) propagating in various zoos and rescued fauna in the State shall be released in this reserve. The spokesperson further divulging the details said that an environmental trail of about 8 Km long & 3 meter wide is proposed. In addition to this the trail will be equipped with the educative, awareness creating sign boards etc. The spokesperson also informed that a Botanical garden shall be developed to increase the public awareness about plant science and medicinal plants. It shall aim collecting, compiling, translating and publishing popular science work. It shall comprises of following 4 sections namely Arboretum which shall be collection of tree species in the form of plantation with proper display of botanical details of the plants. Atleast 250 tree species shall be planted in proper layout. Efforts shall be made to include all local species. Cactus house shall contain more than 80 species of these succulent plants. The information about species, habitat etc. shall be displayed for the knowledge of the visitors. The beautiful flowery plants shall be one of the major attractions. Bamboo sanctum shall hold different species of bamboo. It shall be developed to raise all the species occurring in Punjab state and number of other species found in different parts in India. Medicinal Plants plot shall have at least 250 species of plants having immense medicinal value with proper display of their information. ------------ Punjab Govt. project of Cotton Cultivation Mechanization achieves success – Tota Singh Chandigarh December 21: In the current scenario of Agriculture when almost complete mechanization of various agriculture operations has been achieved in the Punjab, the cultivation of Cotton is the only activity where manual operations are conducted. Govt. of Punjab had launched during this kharif an ambitious programme of complete mechanization of Cotton cultivation in an area spread over 1500 acres in south west Punjab said S. Tota Singh, Agriculture Minister, Punjab. Hydraulic Cotton Seed Planters were arranged which were provided to the farmers on custom hire basis and subsidy for purchase of special Cotton Seeds under the project @ Rs. 4000/- per acre was made available to farmers. Growth regulating chemicals with a view to fix the plant height to 4 & ½ feet were imported as also the chemicals for defoliation of the crop before picking of Cotton. Three Cotton Picking Machines of John Deere make were imported by Punjab Agro Industries Corporation and were used on custom hiring basis. Cotton cleaning and drying machine worth Rs. 1.25 Crore was purchased and installed at Market Committee, Malout, said S. Tota Singh. Although the weather remained inclement this year for Cotton production on account of flooding at a crucial time in south west Punjab, but the experiment of Mechanization remained successful with the machines performing their best besides, 25% increase in yield said Sh. K.S. Pannu, IAS, Managing Director, Punjab Agro Industries Corporation, who has been spear- heading the project. The State Govt. has decided to expand the pilot project to 4000 Acres next year, so that the technology could be successfully demonstrated to the Cotton cultivators. PAU has been asked to further improve the packages and practices required for cotton cultivation under new mechanized production regime said Sh.Suresh Kumar, Financial Commissioner, Development, Punjab. ------------------ ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED Chandigarh, December 21: The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Rabi Season through Canal water from 24-12-2014 to 31-12-2014. 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 and respectively. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that Ghaggar link and its off taking channels i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B' being in the first preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available will be utilized in direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' respectively. The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and distributaries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available would be utilised in direct distributaries of Group 'A'. The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Kasur Branch Lower with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies water available would be utilised in, Sabraon Branch, Lahore Branch, Main Branch Lower with their distributaries respectively. - Badal invites all MPs, MLAs and general public for World Cup Kabaddi closing ceremony With Arch rivals India-Pakistan in final Badal village to witness closing extravaganza of World Cup Kabaddi today (Union Sports Minister Sonowal, Haryana CM M.L. Khattar would grace the grand finale) (Arif Lohar, Gippy Grewal, Miss Pooja and Satti will perform) Badal (Bathinda), December 19 : Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today extended open invitation to all Member Parliament of Punjab, MLAs and general public to become a part of Closing Ceremony of World Cup Kabaddi to make this mega event a big success. After reviewing the arrangements in the sports stadium of Badal village, which is all set to witness grand finale, Chief Minister said with the presence of all MPs and MLAs of the state the finale would become more healthy and enthusiastic. He said that we all should work together for the promotion of this mother and rural sport of Punjab so that it could touch higher scales in coming time, Mr. Badal also directed Civil, Police and senior officers of Sports department to ensure adequate and hassle free arrangements to ensure requisite facilitation of all, who would come to enjoy the finale. He said that it is for the first time that this year rural belts of Punjab came to limelight as international kabaddi matches were held in villages of the state to infuse new spirit amongst budding players. It is pertinent to mention here that two weeklong 5th Kabaddi World Cup would witness grand finale in sports stadium of Badal village, home turf of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Union Cabinet Minister Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Saturday. The show will open with warming up the overflowing audience in the Stadium, who would gather here to enjoy the tough competition between two traditional rivals India and Pakistan. Pakistani singer Arif Lohar, Punjabi singers Miss Pooja, Gippy Grewal and Satinder Satti would regale the audience with their spectacular performances. An impressive audio-visual show would also be depicted to showcase the journey of World Cup Kabaddi since first World Cup and portray the rich cultural history of Punjab. Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is also holds Sports portfolio, had also personally reviewed the arrangements. Mr. Badal said that timing of final event has been advanced due to foggy weather to avoid any inconvenience to players and audience. Mr. Badal said Chief Minister of Haryana Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar would inaugurate the grand finale whereas Union Sports Minister Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal and Food Processing Minister Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal would be guests of honour. Both arch rivals India and Pakistan teams would vie to kiss the title of 5th World Cup Kabaddi and action-packed finals would definitely be fascinating as duo sides have studded with star Kabaddi players, who are known for their ‘beautiful Kabaddi’ across the globe. In women section New Zealand and Indian eves would lock horns to lift the title. Pakistan has entered the final by registering a facile victory over Iran while India has drubbed England. It remains to be seen how India turn it around against their traditional foes tomorrow but Pakistan, on their part, would not spare an inch when the two clashes for the first time. ---------- Aeroponic technique to be used for virus free potato seeds Chandigarh, December 19 Taking a major stride towards National Horticulture Mission, Punjab has decided to set up two more citric estates of “Litchi” and “Pear” with the technical assistance from Italy besides setting up a the unit to produce high quality virus free potato seed with world class aeroponic technique. Disclosing this here today after being appointed as Director Horticulture, Dr. Gurkawal Singh, who has set the world record in per hectare production of Kinnows in 2001, said that Punjab horticulture department has chalked out a comprehensive plan to develop litchi estate at Pathankot and Pear estate at Amritsar in collaboration with technical experts from Italy. He said that 15 member farmer societies would run these estates and department would provide mini tractors and other equipments to these societies. Mr. Singh further added that horticulture department has also setup potato seed plant at Dhogri with aeroponic technique near Jalandhar in collaboration with Holland in which seed would be free from 16 kinds of viruses. Explaining about the new technique he said that the seed would be produced in air instead of soil by making Mini-tuber, which would be further germinated and hardened in net house. The sowing of disease free potato has been completed and it would give results in 6 months. He said that the main purpose of setting up these citric estates was to harness the potential of the area specific crops to reduce the area under cultivation of paddy and wheat, as this rotation was posing a major threat to the fertility of land in our agri-based state. Dr Gurkanwal, who was instrumental in the establishment of 5 citric estates of kinnow at Abohar, Badal, Bhunga , Hosiarpur and Tahliwala Jattan disclosed that he himself got trained from Israel in 1998. He avers that the need of the hour is to make agriculture in Punjab more healthier, profitable and globally competitive. He said that horticulture department has been identifying the adjoining area of Ludhiana for floriculture centre as it was not only suited for flower production but also had huge marketing potential besides required connectivity both through land and rail routes. He said that a special drive would be started from new year to engage more and more youth in bee keeping as this sector has also a big potential in Punjab for landless and unemployed youth. Under national horticulture mission, Punjab would also provide subsidy, training and technical assistance to interested youths in this regard, he added. -------------- JAYANI FOR MORE ORGANISED AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN ORAL HEALTH CARE • INAUGURATES 11TH REORIENTATION TRAINING PROGRAM OF PCMS DENTAL DOCTORS AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS • PUNJAB TO BE THE FIRST STATE TO INTRODUCE PAINLESS JAW CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICES Chandigarh December 19: The Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani emphasized on the need to launch more organized campaign on health and hygiene with special emphasis on oral health care. Stating this here today while inaugurating the 11th Reorientation Training Program of PCMS dental doctors and dental hygienists, Mr. Jayani called upon the PCMS dental doctors to ensure adequate dental health and hygiene to the people of Punjab. He said that children, who were more prone to the dental ailments due to unhealthy eating habits, need to be taught at length about the oral hygiene. . He told that we need to create awareness amongst the public through the dental awareness CD which was released to the district dental health officers The Minister also said that the state of Punjab would be the first ever state in the country to have introduced the treatment of jaw dysfunction and pain management through chiropractic practice. Addressing as many as 320 dental doctors and dental Hygienists during the inaugural session of the training programme, the Minister said that the health department has been regularly imparting training to the in service dental doctors . He said that in about 14 such training programmes as many as 282 in service doctors have been trained so far. As many as 2 Dental hygiene workshops and 16 district level training programmes have been organized in the state on dental implants. In service 127 PCMS dental surgeons have also been trained for placing dental implants. Sharing their views on the occasion, Dr Andria Hoda and Dr Prathap Addageethala, chiropractors from Canada said that they would extend their expertise to the young dental surgeons in on the latest technical knowhow in the field of jaw dysfunction. Speakers delivered lectures on various fields of dentistry which would enhance the knowledge of dentists ultimately benefitting the services being provided to the public of Punjab state. Dr Karanjit Singh Director Health Services, Dr R S Mann, President, Punjab Dental Council, Dr Rajesh Sharma, Director Procurement Punjab Health System Corporation, Dr Gurinder Brar, Director PHSC, Deputy Director Dr Usha Bansal, Dr Aprampar Sidhu, Deputy Director Dental were also present on the occasion. ------------ PUNJAB DRUGS REGULATORS TO ENSURE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROHIBITION OF OBJECTIONABLE ADVERTISEMENT · CHEMISTS TO BE UNDER SCAN OF DRUG INSPECTORS Chandigarh December 19: The Punjab government has directed the Drugs Regulators of the state to ensure the implementation of Prohibition of Objectionable Advertisement Act and initiate a special campaign to weed-out any objectionable advertisement with respect to misleading claims of the drugs displayed on prominent public places. This was stated here today by Mr. Hussan Lal Secretary Health cum Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration while presiding over meeting of State Drugs Advisory Committee. Directing the officers to make sure that no objectionable material is highlighted in either the print media or electronic media through advertisements or any promotional messages. He has sought forceful implementation of the Drugs & Magic Remedies (Prohibition of Objectionable Advertisement) Act in the state. The Drugs Regulatory Officers were also directed to launch the mass campaign with immediate effect and to show their progress report till 31-12-2014, to effectively deal with the violators. Tightening the grip on the chemists indulged in trading habit forming drugs, Mr. Hussan Lal said that no leniency in this matter would be tolerated by the Government. The Drugs Inspectors were asked to fast track the checking of the chemists to ensure that no person shall indulge in unethical trade of habit forming drugs and further to ensure attendance of registered pharmacist on the retail sale shops. He also directed the drug Inspectors to verify the compliance of cold chain maintenance in the supply chain of thermolabile drugs. Whosoever found not maintaining the cold chain; such licensees’ shall not be allowed to stock such drugs under the currency of their licences and shall be de-barred to stock such drugs. Mr. Hussan Lal further said that the Zonal Licensing Authorities have been asked to initiate strict action against the retail sale chemists where the pharmacist remains absent. The condition of pre-inspection for renewal of retail sale & wholesale licences was waved-off and such renewal will be made on the basis of self appraisal / self declaration made by the applicant with respect to contraventions of last 5 years does not stand in his credit, he said. The renewal of retail sale and wholesale licences shall be made within in period of one month from the date of application made by the licencee. The Zonal Licensing Authorities and Drugs Inspectors were directed to implement the provisions of Schedule H-1 strictly and to act in cases of non compliance. - PUNJAB ISSUES FRESH INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAYMENT OF GP FUND CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 19: The Punjab has issued fresh instructions regarding the payment of GP fund to provide much needed relief to the government employees. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson said that any employee who has filed an appeal in the court of law against his dismissal from service and who has yet not attained the superannuation age from his service, these employees would now be eligible to get the non-refundable advance payment from his/her GP fund. He further said that in case the employee has attained his superannuation age prior to the decision by the Court on his suspension, the employee would be eligible to get the GP fund as per service rules. He said that in such cases before releasing the GP fund an affidavit from the employee must be obtained mentioning that he/she would claim extension in service after winning the court case. - ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE ADMINISTERS THE OATH OF OFFICE TO 14 ADDITIONAL JUDGES ASPERMANENT JUDGES Chandigarh, December 19: Acting Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Mr. Justice S. J. Vazifdar today administered the oath of office to Mrs. Justice Rekha Mittal, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Inderjit Singh, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Amol Rattan Singh, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Dr. Bharat Bhushan Parsoon, Hon'ble Ms. Justice Anita Chaudhry, Hon'ble Mr. Justice M.S.Chauhan, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Fateh Deep Singh, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Jaspal Singh, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Surinder Gupta, Hon'ble Ms. Justice Navita Singh, Hon'ble Mr. Justice H.S.Sidhu, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Arun Palli, Hon'ble Mr.Justice Kuldip Singh and Hon'ble Mrs. Justice Lisa Gill as permanent Judges of of the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh. Now, the strength of the Judges in Punjab & Haryana High Court has risen 56. The swearing-in-ceremony took place in High Court Auditorium. The above 14 Judges were earlier working as Additional Judges of Punjab & Haryana High Court. After taking oath, they will now perform their duties as Permanent Judges of the Punjab & Haryana High Court. Oath ceremony was attended by Hon’ble Sitting and Retired Judges, Sr. Advocates, Family Members of the Judges and other distinguished guests. - Sukhbir Badal offers to players-perform at international level and get jobs (Says sole aim to promote sports culture in Punjab) (Gatka to become affiliated sport in next cabinet meeting) (Barnala to have ultra modern sports stadium) Chandigarh/Barnala, December 19 : With a view to promote sports culture in the state, Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today put forward an offer to the players that Punjab government would provide government jobs to those sportspersons who excel in sports on international level. The Deputy Chief Minister, who was the chief guest of fifth Kabaddi World Cup 2014 matches held here on Friday, said that state government would be amending its sports policy in the next cabinet meeting to provide jobs to sportspersons. He declared that traditional martial art Gatka would also become an affiliated sport in the next cabinet meeting. Mr Badal also promised the Barnala residents that an ultra modern and much bigger stadium having all facilities would be constructed in the city by spending Rs 4 crore by next year. While addressing the audience, Deputy Chief Minister said that SAD-BJP government was working on an aggressive campaign to produce maximum number of trained sportspersons and to have more Punjabi players in the Indian contingent for coming Olympics. The Deputy Chief Minister also said that the day was not far away when Kabbadi would also be included in Olympics as the state government were making persistent efforts in this regard. Likewise, he said that the state government was also duty bound to preserve the rich legacy of Hockey, besides other national sports. He said that successful organisation of 4 editions of World Cup Kabbadi has encouraged the organisation of World Kabbadi leagues at national and international level which increased its fans and followers across the boundaries. Adding he said that it could easily be judged from the fact that Kabbadi teams from countries like Sweden and Azerbaijan were participating in this event for the first time. He expressed confidence that 5th World Cup Kabbadi would put this game to another higher orbit of glory and Punjab would realise its endeavour to include Kabbadi in Olympics. Mr Badal said that for the first time this event is being held in the rural stadia’s so as to popularize this mother game of Punjab in every nook and corner of the state. Punjabi singer Pammi Bai enthralled the audience with his choicest numbers. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Rajya Sabha member Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Industries Minister Madan Mohan Mittal, Rural Development Minister Sikandar Singh Malooka, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas, vice chairman Punjab State Planning Board Rajinder Gupta, Director Sports Tajinder Singh Dhaliwal, Deputy Commissioner Gurloveleen Singh Sidhu, SSP Upinderjit Singh Ghuman, OSD to Deputy CM Paramjit Singh Sidhwan, former minister Gobind Singh Kanjla, Olympian and DSP Palwinder Singh Cheema. - CABINET MINISTER GULZAR SINGH RANIKE BEREAVED AS HE LOST HIS YOUNGER BROTHER CM AND DY. CM MOURNS DEATH OF GURDIAL SINGH MAJITHIA ALSO CONDOLES PASSING AWAY OF RANIKE’S BROTHER CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 19: Animal Husbandry and Welfare Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike was bereaved today, when he lost his younger brother Mr. Gurdial Singh (50), who passed away at Amritsar this morning after a brief illness. He is survived by a wife, two daughters and a son. In a condolence message, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Gurdial Singh. Sharing his heart-felt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give courage to them to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul. Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also mourned the death of Ranike’s younger brother Gurdial Singh. - STATE GOVERNMENT RELEASES GRANT WORTH RS 52.09 CRORE FOR PRIVATE AIDED COLLEGES RAKHRA REITERATES COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE QUALITY HIGHER EDUCATION TO STUDENTS OF THE STATE Chandigarh, December 19- In a move aimed at imparting quality Higher Education to the students, the Punjab Government today released a grant of Rs 52.09 crore for the 110 Private Aided Colleges of the state. Divulging the details, the Higher Education Minister of Punjab Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra said that a decision to this effect was taken by the government here today. He said that the grant worth Rs 52.09 crore has been issued to the colleges for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013-14. Mr. Rakhra said that imparting quality education to the students was the top priority of the state government and no stone would be left unturned for this cause. Listing the all out efforts made by the state government, Mr. Rakhra said that under the visionary and farsighted leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Punjab has today emerged as frontrunner state in the field of Education. He said that apart from focusing on opening new colleges across the state emphasis was also being laid for upgrading the existing infra structure in the Colleges in every nook and corner of Punjab. Likewise, he said that new courses were being offered to the students in the colleges so as to enable them to compete with their peers across the globe. ----------- BADAL URGES KHATTAR TO JOINTLY CHALK OUT A TIME BOUND ACTION PLAN FOR CLEANING OF RIVER GHAGGAR ASKS HARYANA GOVERNMENT TO MAINTAIN BOD 10 Mg/PER LITER WITHIN ITS TERRITORY SUGGESTS TO CONSTITUTES A COMMITTEE OF BOTH CHIEF SECRETARIES TO CLOSELY MONITOR INSTALLATION OF STPS IN A TIME BOUND MANNER KHATTAR WELCOMES PUNJAB GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVE FOR CLEANING OF RIVER GHAGGAR AGREES TO MAINTAIN LEVEL OF BOD TO 10 MG/PER LITER IN HARYANA BOTH CMs AGREE TO RESOLVE OTHER INTER-STATE ISSUES BY SITTING TOGETHER CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 18: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged his Haryana counterpart Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar to jointly chalk out a time bound action plan to clean the river Ghaggar and make it pollution free on war footing. A high level meeting between the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar attended by the top brass of both the state governments on the issue of controlling pollution in river Ghaggar held here at Punjab Bhawan this morning. Mr. Khattar was accompanied by the Haryana Forest & Environment Minister Capt. Abhimanyu. Welcoming the Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Badal apprised him that it was the high time for both the states to intensify their ongoing efforts to save the people from the scourge of polluted river water. He avowed to make the river Ghaggar pollution free within one-and-half year. Taking part in the deliberations, Punjab Chief Minister impressed upon Mr. Khattar to initiate immediate remedial measures through installation of STPs/up-gradation of existing STPs based on new technology to bring down the Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) level to 10 mg per liter before discharge of treated sewage/effluents into river Ghaggar to rejuvenate the quality of water of the river to safely utilize its water for irrigation purposes. Mr.Badal further underlined the need to stick to the level of BOD 10mg/per liter instead of 30mg/per liter and asked the Haryana government to achieve the same standards fixed by PPCB otherwise it would adversely affect the quality of soil and crops. Even the treated effluent with BOD 30mg/per liter may affect the human life in case the treated effluent/sewage was discharged into rivers thus posing a major health hazard. The Chief Minister suggested to constitute a committee of the Chief Secretaries of both the states to closely monitor and review the progress for installation of STPs in a time bound manner besides enforcement by the regulatory body to ensure the achievement of standards and not to allow any discharge from industries into rivers. Mr. Badal also assured his Haryana counterpart that he would soon request the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister to take a call on this issue for curtailing the discharge from the industrial and domestic sources from the Parwanoo, Nahan and Kala Amb. After taking Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister into confidence in this regard, a joint meeting of three states would be held shortly to ensure that this mission mode program could be taken to its logical end. It may be recalled that Punjab Chief Minister had a detailed meeting with the Administrator of Union Territory Chandigarh Mr. Shiv Raj V Patil on December 9, to take effective measures to plug the ten vulnerable outlets of untreated sewage and sub standard treated wastewater of Chandigarh region being carried by Sukhna Choe into Ghaggar river in the state. Listing the major initiatives taken by the Punjab government for the cleaning of rivers in the state, the Chief Minister said that a massive program has already been embarked to ensure no discharge of industrial effluents/domestic sewage was flown into the rivers. He further said that a vast network of STPs and ETPs conforming to the standards of Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) was being set up in all the towns and cities including industries to treat the polluted sewage/effluents to the permissible levels for making it fit for irrigation. Extending fulsome support and cooperation to Mr. Badal for this great initiative, the Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar said that the state government would support every endeavour of Punjab government in this regard. He also agreed to the suggestion put forth by Mr. Badal to maintain the BOD level of 10 mg/per liter for the discharge of treated sewage through STPs in Haryana area in a phased manner. Evoking historic importance the Ghaggar river, Mr. Khattar said that the highly revered Sarswati river was once a part of this river in ancient times and thus we all were duty bound to maintain and rejuvenate its quality of water. Both the Chief Ministers also agreed to sit together to resolve other interstate issues affecting the people of both the states in the larger public interest. Earlier, the Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Punjab Mr. SK Sandhu gave a power point presentation highlighting the status of pollution through various sources from both the states including Union Territory Chandigarh and also mentioned the effective steps taken by the state government for the installation of STPs across the river Ghaggar besides the control of pollution by the industries on the basis of zero liquid discharge and further installation of CTPs to achieve the stringent standards and achievement of standards at all the times. Likewise Principal Secretary Environment-cum-chairman HSPCB Haryana Mr. Amit Jha gave a detailed presentation regarding the pollution sources from both the states including Union Territory and Himachal Pradesh area. He also elaborated efforts made by the government of Haryana for the installation of STPs for the towns located on river Ghaggar and initiative of the industries to control pollution. Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Chief Secretary Punjab Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Secretary Irrigation Mr. KS Pannu, Secretary Science Technology & Environment Mrs. Seema Jain, Chairman PPCB Mr. Ravinder Singh, Member Secretary Mr. Babu Ram, CEO Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board Mr. DK Tiwari, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. S.Karna Raju. Meanwhile, the Haryana government was represented by the officers including Chief Secretary Mr. PK Gupta, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Sanjiv Kaushal, Principal Secretary Irrigation Dr. Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Public Health Mr.Alok Nigam, Director Environment Mr. Sanjiv Verma, IEC Public Health Mr. A Khaterpal and Chief Engineer Irrigation Mr. Vijay Jain. -------------- CHRISTMAS BONANZA FOR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY • CM ANNOUNCES TO CONSTR UCT ‘MASSIHI BHAWANS’ IN ALL THE SUB DIVISIONS ACROSS THE STATE • REITERATES COMMITMENT OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE SUITABLE LAND FOR THE BURIAL GROUNDS • LAUDS ROLE OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN SERVING THE PEOPLE • TERMS PUNJAB AS THE ONLY STATE WHICH HOLDS STATE LEVEL FUNCTION TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS • MAJITHIA RECALLS IMMENSE CONTRIBUTION OF CHRISTIAN BRETHREN IN DEVELOPMENT OF COUNTRY AND PUNJAB • EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER RECENT INCIDENTS OF ‘FORCIBLE CONVERSIONS’ IN SOME PARTS OF COUNTRY • ASSURES CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY THAT ‘FORCIBLE CONVERSIONS’ WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN PUNJAB • STATE LEVEL CHRISTMAS DAY FUNCTION AT GURDASPUR Gurdaspur, December 18- Giving a big Christmas bonanza to the Christian brethren of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced that the state government would construct ‘Massihi Bhawan’ at the Sub Divisions of the state. Addressing the gathering during a state level function to celebrate Christmas here today, the Chief Minister said that these Bhawans would act as a catalyst for the all round development of the Christian community. Mr. Badal said that it was a matter of great pride and honor for them that the SAD-BJP alliance had initiated the program of constructing these bhawans at district level and now this scheme would be extended to every Sub-division to facilitate the community at these levels. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to ensure the progress and development of the community, he said that the state government would leave no stone unturned for this noble cause. The Chief Minister further said that the state government was committed to make all out efforts to provide suitable land for the burial ground required by the community across the state. He said that necessary directions have been already made to the Deputy Commissioners of all the districts to find suitable land for this purpose. Mr. Badal said that the state government was duty bound to provide land for the burial grounds to the brethren of the Christian community and no stone would be left unturned in this regard. Likewise, the Chief Minister said that a large number of pro-poor schemes have been initiated by the state government for the welfare of the community. He said that the state government has extended the Shagun facility for the girls of the community. Similarly, Mr. Badal said that the state government was giving scholarship to the students of the community to pursue school/ college education. “If someone is facing any sort of difficulty in availing these benefits then he/ she can directly approach me for this purpose” he added. Lauding the Christian community for rendering marvelous services in the field of Education and Healthcare, the Chief Minister said that the community was serving the masses with true zeal and commitment. Mr. Badal said that he was highly grateful to the community for making stupendous efforts to serve the poor and needy adding that the state government would extend fulsome support and cooperation to the community in this noble cause. He said that the firm commitment and dedication of the Christian community inspires every individual to serve the mankind in real sense. Drawing a parallel between Christian and Sikh community, the Chief Minister said that both the communities have a rich tradition of fighting against tyranny, oppression and injustice. He said that while Lord Jesus Christ laid down his life for the sake of peace, communal harmony and love, the great Sikh Gurus Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sri Guru Arjun Dev, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur and Sri Guru Gobind Singh also vehemently pleaded for universal brotherhood and love to all by opposing the mighty rulers. Terming the SAD-BJP alliance government as the most secular government in the country, the Chief Minister said that the state government has taken path breaking initiatives for the welfare of each and every strata of society. Citing an example, Mr. Badal said that Punjab was probably the only state in country where a state level function was held to celebrate Christmas. Likewise, he said that the alliance government has given due representation to every minority in the state Minority Commission, whose Chairman was from Christian community. “We are following the footsteps of the great Sikh Gurus who have taught us the message of communal harmony, love, brotherhood, peace and above all of egalitarian society with pure secular character” he added. Earlier in his address, Revenue and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia lauded the role played Christian community in the development of the country in general and that of state in particular. Terming that the prosperity and development of every religion was important for the progress of the country and prosperity of its people, Mr. Majithia said that he was proud to be a soldier of Mr. Badal, who has dedicated his life for the sake of communal harmony, peace and amity in the state. He said that despite of his busy schedule, the Chief Minster himself attends the program of every community and religion to express his love for them. Expressing concern over recent incidents of ‘forcible conversion’ in some parts of the country, Mr. Majithia assured the Christian community that this may happen anywhere in India but would never be allowed on the sacred land of Punjab. He said that at the time when India was on the path of emerging as a ‘global leader’ such issues which rocks in the Parliament peeved them. Mr. Majithia said that for the progress of country every religion and community should prosper in the country. “Under the visionary and far sighted leadership of Mr. Badal, Punjab has emerged as an epitome of peace, communal harmony and brotherhood and we vow to protect this unique character of our state” he added. On the occasion Chairman of Punjab Minorities Commission Mr. Munawar Massih welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. GS Babbehali and Mr. Des Raj Dhugga, former Ministers Jathedar Sucha Singh Langah and Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Chairman Punjab Water Resources Managment and Development Corporation Mr. Ravi Karan Singh Kahlon, Member Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board Mr. Anwar Massih, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Ajoy Sharma, Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. AK Mittal and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Abhinav Trikha. -------------------------- FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY MINISTER HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL AND PUNJAB DEPUTY CM FLAGS OFF SHATABADI TRAIN BETWEEN BATHINDA AND NEW DELHI CHANDIGARH/BATHINDA, DECEMBER 18 – Union minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal today flagged off a Shatabdi Express train between this city and New Delhi to facilitate the people of the Malwa region with much fanfare along with Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal After the flagging off ceremony, Mrs Harsimrat Badal said she had urged the Union Railway minister to attach extra bogeys with Refrigeration facility in the train for transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables and processed food items to various parts of the country to give boost to the Food Processing. Mrs. Badal also promised to take up the issue with Railway ministry to make the train run entire week and also proposed to extend it up to Ferozepur. While talking to media-persons, Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Sukhbir Badal said the starting of this train would usher in an era of economic development and prosperity in the region. He said rail connectivity to Delhi had became a major requirement with the commissioning of Guru Gobind Singh Oil Refinery as Bathinda had emerged as a Petro-chemical hub. He said besides this the establishment of prestigious projects like Talwandi Sabo Thermal Power Plant, Central University of Punjab and Hotel Management Institute Bathinda had necessitated the sanctioning of Shatabdi Express train on this route. Earlier, prominent persons and large number of enthusiastic area people received the train at Bathinda Railway station in a jubilation mood. The residents of Bathinda and surrounding areas had for a long time been demanding Shatabadi between Bathinda and Delhi Route via Jakhal-Rohtak to facilitate the people of Malwa belt. Earlier in the morning, Harsimrat Kaur Badal along with Union Minister for Railway Suresh Prabhu flagged off the train at New Delhi Railway station. Mrs. Harsimrat that the people of the region especially the residents of Bathinda had been demanding this train since long adding that that the local residents had been continuously impressing upon her to take up the matter with the Ministry of Railways to run a Shatabdi Express from Bathinda to Delhi via Jakhal-Rohtak to facilitate the people of region for a comfortable and speedy journey towards the national capital. Mrs. Badal also pointed out that as several people from the area have to go Delhi for boarding international flights therefore this train was all the more important for them. She also informed that as the people from other states, especially the Army and Air Force personnel, frequently visit Bathinda due to Air Force Station and Army Cantonment located here to enable them a hassle free journey to the city. The Bathinda-Delhi route will be covered in 4 hours and 45 minutes. The train will leave from New Delhi to Bathinda at 9 am in the morning and reach Bathinda at 1.45 pm. The same train will leave for Delhi from Bathinda at 4.15 pm in the evening and reach Delhi railway station at 9 pm in the night. The Shatabdi Express between Bathinda and Delhi was announced by the then Union Railway Minister Sadananda Gauda in his maiden rail budget speech earlier this year. The residents of areas in and around the city eagerly waited for the Shatabdi Express and jump in celebration mood on the arrival of train at Platform Number 5. The train not only provides another link to the people of Bathinda and surrounding areas, but almost the entire Malwa region, with a two minute stoppage at Mansa and parts of Haryana including the areas surrounding Jind and Rohtak. Expressing happiness over the development, the area people thanked the Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Rajya Sabha MP, Balwinder Singh Bhunder along with senior party leaders travelled from Delhi to Bathinda. Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sarup Chand Singla, MLA Darshan Singh Kotfatta, Bathinda Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Basnat Garg, DIG, Amar Singh Chahal, SSP, Inder Mohan Singh Bhatti and senior Railway officials were also present on the occasion. Travellers elated as Shatabdi comes to Bathinda: When Shatabdi Express pulled into platform number 5 at Bathinda station on Thursday for the first time, passengers went ecstatic. For those who were waiting for it to happen, it signaled an end of a long and excruciating wait. -------------------------------- PUNJAB ALL SET TO BECOME NURSERY OF SPORTS IN COUNTRY-SUKHBIR BADAL * PUNJAB INSTITUTE OF SPORTS TO NURTURE SPORTS TALENT FROM GRASS ROOT LEVEL * SPORTS CENTRES TO BE SET UP IN ALL 146 BLOCKS OF STATE Chandigarh/Dirba (Sangrur), December 18: In a bid to promote sports from grass root level and developing Punjab as the nursery of Sports in India, Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Punjab Institute of Sports will develop 11 sports disciplines in the state. From the next academic session this institute will select 500 budding sports persons to provide them excellent training and coaching free of cost. Stating this the Deputy CM, who was the chief guest at the semi finals of fifth Kabaddi World Cup at Dirba (Sangrur), said that national and international level coaches would be hired by the state government so that best players could be developed at the grass root level. "My main aim is that the Indian contingent for Rio Olympics 2016 would have maximum participation from Punjab state," the Deputy CM said while addressing a jam packed Shaheed Bachan Singh Memorial Stadium, at Dirba on Thursday. The Deputy CM said that in the first batch, 500 budding sportspersons would be admitted in sports institute and the state government would spend for their boarding, lodging and training. Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the sportspersons would be trained in all 11 affiliated sports. He said that in the next cabinet meeting traditional martial art Gatka would be approved as an affiliated game. He also informed that all 146 blocks of Punjab would have sports centres that would be ultra modern and state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor playing facilities, where training would be provided to sportspersons. He said that land for the setting up of these sports centres have also been earmarked in 20 blocks where construction would start from next month onwards. He also informed that each sports centre would be set up with a cost of Rs 1.60 crore. Rajya Sabha member Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, who was the guest of honour, thanked the Deputy CM for organising semi finals at Dirba, which is nursery of Kabaddi in the region. Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas also thanked the Deputy CM on behalf of Dirba residents. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Rural Development Minister Mr Sikandar Singh Maluka, Administrative Member of PSPCL Mr Gurbachan Singh Bachi, DC Mr Arshdeep Singh Thind, SSP Mr Mandeep Singh Sidhu, former minister Mr Gobind Singh Longowal, Special Secretary (Sports) Mrs Amrit Kaur Gill besides several others. EOM - TIMINGS OF WORLD KABADDI CUP FINALS CHANGED, CLOSING CEREMONY TO BEGIN AT 3 PM HARYANA’S CM, INDIA, IRAN SPORTS MINISTERS WOULD REACH DY CM OVERSEES ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WORLD KABADDI CUP Badal/Bathinda, Dec 18 Keeping in view the weather, the timings for final day matches of the 5th World Kabaddi Cup have been changed. Giving this information here today the Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal also oversaw the arrangements going on for the final match as well as the closing ceremony. The Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the cultural bonanza to be held at the closing ceremony would begin at 3 pm on December 30 and thereafter the final matches for men and women section would be held at 4 pm. Besides the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal, the Haryana Chief Minister Mr Manohar Lal Khattar too would be at the closing ceremony. Also the Minister of State for Sports Government of India Mr Sarbananda Sonowal and Revenue Minister of Iran Mr Mohammad Reza would especially reach for the gala event. He added that Punjabi performers Gippy Grewal and Miss Pooja would perform. The American motorcyclists would be center of attraction of the star studded evening. He was accompanied by the secretary sports Mr Ashok gupta, Deputy Commissioner Sri Muktsar Sahib Mr jaskiran Singh, SSP Mr Kuldeep Chahal, mr Tejinder Singh Middukhera and others. - PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA SESSION FROM DECEMBER 22 Chandigarh December 18: The Fourteenth Punjab Vidhan Sabha has been summoned by the Governor Punjab on December 22, 2014. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab government said that the Ninth Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha would commence at 2 pm in Punjab Vidhan Sabha hall. -------- JAYANI ASKS HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO CHECK THE BIRD FLU OUTBREAK • HEALTH TEAMS ALL SET TO CONDUCT SURVEY ADJOINING AREAS OF CHANDIGARH • DIRECTS ALL GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS TO BE READY WITH ISOLATION WARDS • ALL ENTRY POINTS TO CHECK THE INCOMING POULTRY PRODUCTS AND POULTRY FEED Chandigarh December 18: Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani has directed the health department officials to take emergent precautionary measures to check the outbreak of the dreaded avian influenza, H5N1 in Punjab. Expressing concern over the confirmed cause of the dying ducks suffering from H5N1 and bird flu in the Sukhna lake Chandigarh, Mr. Jayani said that the teams of Medical officers from Mohali have been deputed to conduct a survey in the adjoining areas of Punjab around Chandigarh especially in Kansal and Naya Gaon . They have been asked to check the habitats especially in those villages touching the boundary of Sukhna Lake areas which are close to Chandigarh. The Minister has also directed the civil surgeons especially the districts around Chandigarh to be ready with the entire required health infrastructure and create special isolation wards in the government hospitals. The special dedicated teams of doctors have been constituted to check any kind of eventuality of the eruption of bird flu. The Minister also said that as precautionary measures the poultry products entering Punjab from Chandigarh would be checked at the entry points. He said that Food Analysis Inspectors would conduct surprise inspections in Poultry shops to ensure that there was no fresh supply of poultry products and poultry feed from areas around Chandigarh. He also directed to maintain special surveillance in areas around Poultry farms located in Chandigarh periphery areas. - Policy framed for compensating crop damage by wild animals: Bhagat Chunni Lal Fencing around 6 wildlife sanctuaries going on at full swing Chandigarh, December 18: The Forest and Wildlife Protection Minister, Punjab, Bhagat Chunni Lal today said that any damage caused to the crops by the animals and any loss of life and property will be compensated by the Government. The Minister further said that to implement this, a policy has been framed by the government and the farmers of the state have benefitted from it. The minister also informed that in case of death by snake bite a sum of Rs. 2 lakh as compensation has also been approved and covered under this policy. He said that due to the effective implementation of wildlife (protection) act, 1972 the number of wild animals has been on increase in the state and due to the loss of natural habitat of the animals because of construction projects, the animals have been inadvertently wandering into the fields thereby damaging the crops. The minister also said that strong implementation of the act has also resulted in the increase in the number of wild pigs who often damage the crops by venturing into the fields. To keep the population of wild pigs in check, The Punjab Government has framed a policy of allowing restricted hunting of pigs under which the farmers will have to intimate the number of wild pigs in their fields and get a resolution passed by their village Panchayat and after that get permission for limited hunting from Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) and concerned Forest Divisional Officer. The minister informed that this policy is applicable throughout the state. Divulging further details, he said that the farmers have demanded fencing around their fields to stop damage to their crops. He informed that in Patiala District out of 6 wild life sanctuaries, fencing work around bir mehas, bir bhunarheri and bir bhadson is on at full swing. The chain link fencing around bir gurdialpura, bir motibagh and bir dosanjh is going on and will be completed according to availability of budget.This work is being carried on with the assistance of central government. He said that inspite of that if the crops of farmers are still damaged by wild animals then the affected farmers can make a representation to the nearest forest divisional officer and get compensation. ------- PUNJAB AMENDS THE SYLLABUS OF DEPARTMENTAL EXAMINATION FOR PCS (JUDICIAL) Chandigarh, December 18: The Punjab government has amended the syllabus of departmental examination for PCS (Judicial) as per the recommendations of Punjab & Haryana High Court by issuing a notification in this regard. According to the notification, Paper -3 Constitution Law of India and Paper-4 Punjabi have been abolished as the candidates who has passed Matriculation with Punjabi subject need not to be appear in Punjabi paper of departmental examination of PCS (Judicial Branch). In Paper-1 of Civil Law, The Right to Information Act, 2005 and The Legal Services Authorities Act , 1987 have been introduced while deleting Punjab Relief of Indebtness Act , 7 of 1934 and Punjab Debtors Protection Act, 2 of 1936 have been deleted from syllabus. Besides this, in Paper-2 Revenue Law-1stPaper , The Punjab Abolition of Ala Malikiayt and Talukadari Rights Act, 1953 as amended by Punjab Act 21 of 1961, The Pepsu Abolition of AI Malikiayt Rights Act, 1954, as amended by Punjab Act, 20 of 1961 and Rules there under and Punjab Bhudan Yojna Act,1955, as amended by Punjab Act No.23 of 1957 and Rules there under have been abolished. Similarly in Paper-5 of Criminal Law, The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, The Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2000, The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1981, The Information Technology Act, 2000 and The Punjab Excise Act, 1914 have been introduced. ----------- FREE EDUCATION TO DECEASED EMPLOYEES‘CHILDREN TO CONTINUE IN PUNJAB Chandigarh, December 18: The Punjab Government has in principal decided to continue the facility of free education to the children of deceased government employees. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that free education would be imparted with subject to certain conditions. Divulging the details he said that if the spouse of the deceased employee before his/her death has been working in government institutions, boards/corporations/tribunal/commission, semi government, cooperative and municipal organisation on regular basis than the children of the deceased employee would not be eligible for free education. He said that in case after the death of an employee any of his family member has been given class A or B job, in that case also the children of the deceased employee would not be eligible for free education under the scheme. “The children would get free education in case the family member of the deceased employee has been posted on class C or D job” he added. The spokesman further said that besides these certain conditions the free education would continue as per previous terms and conditions. Instructions in this regard have been issued to all the Deputy Commissioners, departmental heads, Commissioners of divisions, Registrar Punjab and Haryana High Court and all the sessions’ judges. --------- WORK ON THE STRETCHS OF NH-1 FALLS IN PUNJAB INITIATED • 4 LANING OF LUDHIANA-MOGA-FEROZEPUR NATIONAL HIGHWAY WOULD START SOON CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 18: The commuters from Punjab would enjoy the smooth and bumpy less ride to and fro from New Delhi to Amritsar as the National Highway Authority has initiated the construction work on the main chunks of this NH falling in Punjab. This 470 km of National Highway-1, which is considered as the backbone of Punjab trade and industry would be completed by May 15 next year. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that Punjab State has been urging National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) since long to accelerate the construction on the National Highway network in the state, which was hampered by several bottlenecks. He said that now the situation has become agreeable and acceding to the demands of the Punjab State, The National Highway Authority of India has started construction work on the Dera Bassi flyover. The estimated cost on this flyover would be Rs. 130 crore, similarly work on the six km stretch of Ludhiana-Ferozpur road has also been started. The spokesperson said that the remaining 6 km stretch between Ludhiana-Chandigarh would also be completed by February 15 next year. He said that the NHAI has also initiated work on the 20 km stretch of NH-1 from Bidhipur Railway crossing to Dhilwan and Amritsar-Pathankot National Highway. The spokesperson further said that National Authority has assured the Punjab State that the much awaited four-laning work of the Ludhiana-Moga-Ferozepur National Highway, which had been abandoned by a private construction company would soon be initiated as the company has now agreed to restore the work. “Under National Highways Development Project (NDDP) the major 4-laning projects in the state worth Rs. 1314 crore have been completed” he added. Divulging the details of such projects he said that 4-laning of 44.600 km of Kurali-Kiratpur Sahib has been completed with the cost of Rs. 309 crore. 4- laning of 44 km long Bhogpur-Mukerian Section has been completed in December, 2013 with the cost of Rs. 300 crore. Similarly 4- laning of 102.420 km of Pathankot-Amritsar road has been completed in November, 2014 with the cost of Rs. 705 core. He said that in total Rs. 1314 crore has been incurred on these major 4-laning projects. -------------------------------------------- INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB GOVERNMENT CHIPS IN 30 CR FOR THE PROSPEROUS PUNJAB FARMER • 30.25 Cr subsidy provided to Farmers in 2014-15 • Machinery for mechanization of agriculture and crop diversification to boost production • Thousands benefit from Government provisions Chandigarh, December 18: Under various schemes and provisions meant to benefit farmers across Punjab, the government has invested heavily to provide agricultural machinery on subsidised rates to promote mechanization and modernization of agricultural practices to boost production. For the year 2014-15 itself, the Punjab Farmer has received benefits to the tune of over 30 Crores under the R.K.V.Y. schemes and the crop diversification program funded by the state government. Disclosing here today, an official spokesperson said that considering factors of production and shortage of labour during peak sowing and harvesting seasons, the state has decided to mechanise the agriculture sector by providing necessary agriculture apparatus besides encouraging farmers to adopt latest technologies to maximise agriculture production in the state. Farmers have been provided with subsidies for a varied spectrum of machinery tools and aids such as Cotton Seed Drills, Planters, Vertical Conveyer Reaper, Sugarcane Ridger, Paddy Transplanter (Walk Behind), Paddy Transplanter (Self Propelled), Nursery Tray, Nursery Seeder, Hydraulic M.B.Plough on demand with a 50% subsidy offered on Laser Land Levellers, Rotavators, New Matic Planters, Sub Soiler, Rotary Plough, Power Weeder, Happy Seeder, Zero Till Drill, Tractor Operated Hydraulic Sprayer, Maize Combine Harvester, Maize Thrasher and Self Propelled Reaper Binder. To further the cause, the government has also empanelled manufacturers for providing machinery as per the technical specifications of the department and are tested by the institutions/agencies approved by the government. For the year 2014-15, over 3235 farmers were given a subsidy of 21.62 Cr for agricultural machinery under the R.K.V.Y. scheme. For implements for crop diversification, an additional 8.63 Crore has been sanctioned by the government with 2462 beneficiaries in this year alone. In the year 2013-14, the government had invested 33.70 crores for the Crop Diversification Program with aid offered to 24828 farmers across the state and an additional 100 farmers receiving a 1 Cr. subsidy for Straw Reapers under the National Food Security Mission. ----------------------------------- YOUTH GIVEN UP DRUG ADDICTION, HONORED BY PUNJAB GOVERNMENT • MORE THAN 6000 JAIL INMATES HAVE COME OUT OF DRUG TRAP, GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THEIR RELEASE: THANDAL CHANDIGARH/ HOSHIARPUR, DECEMBER 18: ‘The Punjab Government fully committed for the rehabilitation of the youth, who have successfully come out of the trap of drug addiction. Strenuous efforts of the government in this regard have borne fruits as number of youth have come back to the mainstream by giving up the drug addiction’. It was disclosed by Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Minister for Tourism and Cultural affairs, Punjab, while addressing the gathering at a special function organized at Hoshiarpur to honour more than two dozen youth of Chabbewal constituency, who have given up drug addiction. The minister said that besides drug de-addiction centers at various hospitals of the state, the Punjab government has also opened up such drug de addiction centers in the Jails of Punjab. He said in jails the psychiatrists do the counseling of the addicted youth and then medical treatment is provided to them free of cost. He said that till date more than 6000 habitual drug addicts have given up the drugs. He said that keeping in mind all the legalities, the state government would try to ensure release of such inmates. He said that to check the drug trafficking commendable job has been done by the state government. He said that in the whole of country, Punjab has nabbed the highest number of drug traffickers till date. Mr. Thandal called upon all the political parties and leaders to rise above the party line and join hands with the state government to make the state ‘drug free’. He said that it is highly unethical that other political parties have been tarnishing the image of Punjab by projecting the drug issue with ulterior motives. He said state government has now started the second phase of its drug de addiction campaign. “Under this campaign special search teams would visit every nook and corner of the state and anyone found indulged in the sale of banned drugs would be brought to the books, at the same time financial help to start subsidiary occupation would be extended to those who have given up drug addiction” he added. Among the youth who were today honored for giving up drug addiction was Ram Chander from Mahilpur. Narrating his tale of getting into the drug trap, he said that he is MA pass and he started drinking in the bad company of friends. He said that he has become so addicted that his family parted ways with him; even his wife and children had decided to get away from him. He said that his situation had become suicidal that he made firm resolve to give up the habbit of drinking. Similar stories were narrated by 26 years old Gurpreet Singh from Chabbewal, who was a noted footwall player before getting into the trap of drug addiction. Visually ecstatic he said that he has got new lease of life after he gave up drug addiction with all his family members and friends are around him. -- 5TH WORLD KABBADI CUP KABBADI PLAYERS MOURN THE KILLINGS OF SCHOOL KIDS · PAKISTANI PLAYERS DEMONSTRATES THEIR ANGUISH BY WEARING BLACK BANDS Mehta Chowk (Amritsar)/Chandigarh, 17 December Two minute silence was observed here during the league matches of 5th world cup kabbadi to mourn the killings of school kids who were killed last day by terrorists in the city Peshawar, Pakistan. Pakistan Team Manager Mohd. Vakas Akbar and player Akmal Dogar declared this incidence inhuman and said that this should be condemned by all. They said that this act of terrorist showed their cowardness and Pakistan Kabbadi team was all with the families of the victims of this monstrous act. During introduction session with players of Pakistan and Argentina, Mr. Baljit Singh Jalalusma, MLA, Veer Singh Lopoke, Chairman district planning board and former minister Capt Balbir Singh Bath observed silence for 2 minutes along with players and audience to mourn this heinous act and prayed almighty to give peace to the departed souls. Meanwhile, the players of Pakistan Kabbadi team demonstrated their anguish by wearing black bands while playing their matches. ------------ 5TH WORLD KABBADI CUP ENGLISH MEN AND DANISH EVES ENTERS SEMIFINAL · LEAGUE MATCHES CONCLUDED · ANIL JOSHI MARK THE DAY AS CHIEF GUEST · INDIA, PAKISTAN, IRAN AND ENGLAND MAKES THEIR ENTRY IN LAST FOUR IN MEN Mehta Chowk (Amritsar), December 17 The league matches for 5th World Kabbadi Cup today concluded with the matches played here today at Shaheed Captain Manjinder Singh Bhinder Stadium. The Adams of India, England and Pakistan and in Eves India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Denmark got their entry into Semifinals. In the men league matches played today, Pakistan with its fifth victory and England with its 4thvictory got entry for semifinals. Canada team failed to enter semifinal despite registering 3rd victory. In the women league matches, Denmark got entry into semifinals with its 2nd victory whereas England said its goodbye with its maiden victory. Mr. Anil Joshi marked the day as Chief Guest. He thanked the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for organising league matches at Mehta Chowk. He said that these were efforts of Punjab government that now Kabbadi has been known worldwide. He also honored Mrs. Gurnam Kaur mother of Shaheed Captain Manjinder Singh Bhinder. Prominent amongst others, Mr. Baljit Singh Jalalusma, MLA, Veer Singh Lopoke, Chairman District planning board and former minister Capt Balbir Singh Bath were also present on the occasion. As per final results of league matches for men, England defeated Denmark by 44-21, Canada defeated Sweden by 42-16, Pakistan defeated Argentina by 45-20 .In women, England defeated Mexico by 38-27 and Denmark defeated America by 44-32. -------------- All Women Mobile Police Teams Strengthened · TO MAKE ALL-WOMEN MOBILE POLICE TEAMS MORE EFFECTIVE, WASPS TO BE INTEGRATED WITH PCR MOTORCYCLES · NOT A SINGLE INSTANCE OF EVE TEASING OF WASPS MEMBERS REPORTED IN THE STATE · SHOs TO PERSONALLY PATROL VULNERABLE WOMEN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, COACHING CENTRES · 181 POLICE HELPLINE PROVIDING SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO WOMEN TO BE INTEGRATED WITH PCRs & ALL-WOMEN MOBILE POLICE TEAMS Chandigarh, December 17: There have been reports over the last few days in certain sections of media about the Women Armed Special Protection Squad (WASPS) losing their significance, particularly in the Malwa.The Punjab police has clarified that the news items regarding insignificance and ineffectiveness of Women Armed Special Protection Squad (WASPS) published in a section of media are incorrect and not based on facts. Contrary to these media reports, a comprehensive review of the functioning of these scooter and motorcycle borne All-Women Mobile Police teams, which were launched in major cities and town of the State in April 2013 has revealed that there has not been even a single reported incident of eve teasing of WASPS anywhere in the State. Presently, 15 All-Women Mobile Police teams are operational in Amritsar, 20 in Ludhiana, 15 in Jalandhar, 10 in Patiala, 10 in Bathinda, 3 in Sangrur, 6 in Gurdaspur, 10 in Ferozepur, 8 in Muktsar, 10 in Moga, 11 in Fazilka, 10 in Mansa, 9 in Faridkot, 10 in SAS Nagar. These teams which were specifically assigned the task of instilling sense of security amongst school and college going women/girls by deploying such All-Women Mobile Police teams at women colleges, schools, coaching centers, co-ed colleges, girls hostels, working women hostels and busy markets have proved to be highly effective in providing a safe living and working environment and preventing violence and harassment against women. In Amritsar, a fleet of 15 WASPS Activas’ is being operated by 35 lady constables, which covers 20 schools and 16 colleges. After school hours, these teams are being deployed near Coaching centres and Shopping areas/bazaars. The review has also revealed that offences such as eve teasing, molestation, stalking of women and chain snatching etc have gone down considerably over the last year-and-a-half since the All-Women Mobile Police teams became operational in the State. To make these All-Women Mobile Police teams more effective, it had now been decided to integrate the PCR motorcycles, and even four-wheelers (in certain cases), with All-Women Mobile Police teams, depending upon the local needs and requirements. It has also been decided that the SHOs would personally patrol vulnerable women educational institutions, coaching centres, girls hostels, working women hostels and busy markets/bazaars. In addition to the above initiatives, 181 Police Helpline is also working round-the-clock to provide support and assistance to various kinds of distress calls by women. During the last 15 months, about 52% of the complainants on the Helpline (40724) were women, who called to report domestic violence (7382 cases), dowry related harassment (3755 cases), obscene calls/SMS (2285 cases), rape and rape attempt (852), eve-teasing (638) and sexual harassment (265), and obscene calls/SMS and stalking. All these cases were given top priority, and were dealt with due sensitivity and care. About 81% women callers have reported their satisfaction with the working of the helpline after their issues were resolved effectively in a time bound manner. Efforts are being made that women related cases are handled mostly by women police officers. More than 1111 women have already availed of counseling services being provided 24x7 by trained counselors and clinical psychologists available at 181 Punjab Police Helpline. The Commissioners of Police and SSPs have been directed to personally supervise these arrangements to instill a sense of security in school/college going girls and as well as in women and also to prevent any offensive against women. Dinkar Gupta Additional DGP/Law & Order ************* CM FOR MAKING STATE OPEN DEFECATION FREE WITHIN TWO YEARS 100% POTABLE DRINKING WATER FOR VILLAGES BY END OF NEXT YEAR REITERATES ZERO TOLERANCE TOWARDS USAGE OF SUB STANDARD MATERIAL IN RURAL SANITATION PROJECTS/ SCHEMES Chandigarh, December 17- Punjab would be made open defecation Free State within two years and would be provided with 100% potable drinking water in all the villages by end of next year. This decision was taken at a high level meeting to review the World Bank assisted Rs 2200 crore Punjab Rural Water and Sanitation sector Improvement Program (Phase 2) chaired by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at his residence, this evening. Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister asked the Principal Secretary Rural Water Supply to implement all the schemes of total sanitation including facilities sewerage and tap drinking water besides providing toilets in all the rural households as per the guidelines state government’s Rural water supply and sanitation policy. He also asked the officers of Water Supply and Sanitation department to take full responsibility for ensuring quality works with the active participation, support and supervision of the village level committees. Mr. Badal also said that the MLAs of the respective assembly segments should ensure overall monitoring of these schemes so that the huge financial resources spent on these development works may not go down the drain adding he said that they should undertake random checking with the concerned officers of the water supply and sanitation department not below the rank of Chief Engineer or Superintendent Engineer. The Chief Minister categorically said that the quality of construction especially the usage of sub standard material in the toilets and drinking water schemes should not be compromised at any cost and the erring officer/ official flouting the specified norms must be dealt with sternly. He also asked the officers to get these civil works executed from the contractors firmly as per stipulated quality construction guidelines and specifications adding that any sort of nexus between the contractors and officers would not be tolerated. Prominent amongst other present in the meeting included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa and Mr. Surjeet Singh Rakhra, Additional Chief Secretary cum Principal Secretary Rural Water Supply Mr. Suresh Kumar, Secretary Rural Development Mr. A Venuprasad, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary Expenditure Mr. Jaspal Singh, Program Director World Bank Project Mr. SR Aggarwal, Chief Engineer (Central) Mr. RL Kauldhar, Chief Engineer (South) Mr. AK Soni, Chief Engineer (North) Mr. DS Cheema, Unit Coordinator WB Project Mr. DK Bhasin and Technical Consultant Mr. Srikanth. ------------- PUNJAB ISSUES NEW INSTRUCTION ON LTC CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 17: The Punjab Government today issued fresh guidelines regarding the LTC. Disclosing this an official spokesperson said that those employees who did not avail the LTC during the year 2010 to 13 and who have got permission from their departments for the extension of LTC till December 31, 2014 have been granted the facility to avail the LTC. He said that considering these kind of cases as special case these officers/employees have been granted extension for one more year i.e. till December 31, 2015 for availing the facility of LTC. Written instruction in this regard has been forwarded to all the Head of Department, Registrar Punjab & Haryana High Court, Commissioners of Divisions and SDMs. - SPEAKER OF BRITISH COLUMBIA CALLS ON CHARANJIT SINGH ATWAL PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA SPEAKER BATS FOR NRIS INVESTMENT IN STATE Chandigarh, December 17: The Speaker of British Columbia, Mr. Raj Chouhan today called on Dr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, at Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat. An M.L.A. from Burnaby-Edmonds in Canada, Mr. Chouhan had a constructive discussion with Dr. Atwal on whole range of issues laying stress on promoting relations between the two countries. During the meeting, Dr. Atwal emphasized the idea of investment opportunities for Non-Resident Indians, especially for Canada settled Punjabi community, by promising them ideal atmosphere. Mr. Chouhan was accompanied by the General Secretary of Shiromani Akali Dal, Canada andPresident of Indian Minorities and Dalit Front, Canada, Mr. Balbir Singh Changiara. During the meeting Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, Punjab, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Tourism and Culture, Jail Minister, Punjab, Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal and Harpreet Singh, M.L.A. were also present. - CM GIVES NOD FOR OPENING ‘FOOD PROCESSING TRAINING AND BUSINESS INCUBATION CENTRE’ AT BATHINDA MOVE AIMED AT GIVING MAJOR BOOST TO FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY IN THE STATE HOPEFUL OF CHANGING THE FORTUNE OF FARMERS THROUGH THESE CENTRES ASKS OFFICERS TO LAUNCH SPECIAL CAMPAIGN FOR MAKING PEOPLE AWARE ABOUT HUGE POTENTIAL OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY THREE MORE SUCH CENTRES TO COME ACROSS THE STATE Chandigarh, December 17- With a twin objective of promoting Food Processing Industry in the state on one hand and opening new vistas of employment for youth on the other, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod for setting up ‘Food Processing Training and Business Incubation Centre’ at Bathinda. Presiding over a high level meeting to encourage Food Processing Industry in the state here at his office, this morning, the Chief Minister said that this ‘Food Processing Training and Business Incubation Centre’ to be set up by the Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) would go a long way in transforming the destiny of the beleaguered peasantry of the state, which was on the brink of economic disaster due to day-by-day squeezing margins of profit. He said that this ambitious centre to come up on the land of Bathinda Research Centre of the Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) at a cost of about Rs 7 crore would impart training to the farmers, women and youth about the innovative techniques regarding the value addition of fruits, vegetables, coarse grains and others through Food Processing, so that they could earn huge profits from it. Mr. Badal hoped that this centre to be set up on the pattern of Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT), Thanjvur would change the fortunes of the Punjabi farmers in the coming years. The Chief Minister said that in the first phase training would be imparted for the processing of fruits and vegetables into jams, jellies, pickles, juices and others whereas in the second phase to be initiated later on training for Bakery and confectionary products would be given. Underscoring the need for providing adequate marketing facilities for the products to be manufactured in this centre, he said that the PAU must construct outlets on its land in Bathinda to sell the products manufactured from this centre. Mr. Badal said that keeping in view huge scope of Food Processing Industry, Punjabi farmers could be duly benefitted from it. Expressing concern over the lack of awareness amongst the people regarding the tremendous potential in Food processing Industry, the Chief Minister said that the state government must embark a special campaign for making the people aware about the enormous benefits they could get from this industry. He also emphasised the need for strengthening the extension services of both the PAU and Agriculture department to make the people especially the farmers aware about the huge scope in the Food Processing Industry. During the meeting Vice Chancellor of PAU Dr BS Dhillon apprised the Chief Minister that the University would soon set up two more such centres at Hoshiarpur and Gurdaspur besides upgrading the existing one at Ludhiana. Prominent amongst other present in the meeting included Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary Food Processing Mr. SR Ladhar, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Director Horticulture Dr. Gurkanwal Singh, VC PAU Dr. BS Dhillon and Assistant General Manager (AGM) Punjab Agro Mr. Rajesh Tuli. - Sukhbir Badal urges Rajnath Singh to review black list of Sikhs maintained by the Union Home ministry (Asks Home minister to delete all names who are not required for any crime in Punjab)
Chandigarh, December 17 - Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today urged Union Home minister Rajnath Singh to review the black list of Sikhs maintained by his ministry and delete all names who were not required for any crime in Punjab. Disclosing this here today, the Deputy CM's Media Advisor Jangveer Singh said Mr Badal had written to the Union Home minister to draw the latter's attention to the black list maintained by the Foreigners Division of the Home ministry which was causing harassment to Sikhs because it was full of discrepancies and inaccuracies. The letter said Sikhs with names similar to those contained in the black list were being harassed at various airports. Mr Badal said foreign nationals also did not understand differences in appearances of Sikhs which resulted in a sense of discrimination among those who were type cast as anti nationals for no fault of theirs. The Deputy CM also brought to the notice of the Home minister that the Punjab government was continuously receiving complaints from Punjabis settled abroad that the maintenance of the black list was causing problems for everyone. "They have demanded that this list should be reviewed and even done away with", Mr Badal said. The letter said according to information available with the Punjab government, there were 63 foreign nationals on the black list maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs (as communicated to the Punjab government) for the purpose of visa restrictions. He said out of these the identity of 31 persons could not be ascertained in the absence of complete particulars. "Out of the remaining 32 persons also there is a need to review the list in consultation with the Punjab government for deletion of names of all persons who are not required for any crime in Punjab", he added. Mr Badal also brought to the notice of Mr Rajnath Singh that presently there was no mechanism to review the black list periodically. "You would also agree that there is no tangible benefit in keeping names of persons whose identities are not fully determined on the black list. In fact the maintenance of this list has resulted in alienation of a section of Sikh diaspora without any substantial national security advantages", he said in the letter. Requesting that the names of persons against whom there were no cases or legal proceedings pending should be removed from the black list, Mr Badal also urged for a review of the list on a regular basis. EOM - Punjab villages to witness complete facelift in next 5 years-Sukhbir Singh Badal (State to sign MOU with companies to provide cement on control rates)
Chandigarh/Sham Khera (Sri Mukatsar Sahib) December 17 –Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that all villages will witness complete facelift in next 5 years as CC flouring to be laid in the streets. This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister today while visiting village Sham Khera in Sri Mukatsar Sahib district where all streets having 4 km length were constructed with CC flouring at a cost of Rs. 16.61 crore besides 100 % drinking water facilities costing Rs. 26.62 crore. Mr. Badal said that it would be second biggest project being initiated by the SAD-BJP Government after making the Punjab a power surplus state across the nation. It is mentioned here that earlier Ratta Khera and Mandi Kilianwali villages in this district have CC flooring in the streets. Deputy CM said CC flooring project would be implemented in a phased manner by the Rural Development and Panchayats Department by kicking off in another 35 villages of Lambi constituency as ordinary bricks streets were not durable due to water logging in these areas. Terming it a dream project Mr. Badal asked the Rural Development and Panchayats Department officials to come up with a detailed proposal within a month, besides exploring the possibilities to engage village panchayats in this noble cause. Mr. Badal also said that Punjab Government would sign memorandum of understanding (MOU) with cement companies to provide cement on control rates for public works especially CC flouring and construction of water works to reduce the project costs. Mr. Badal has also said that cement bags available at control rate would have different colour to check sale of control rate cement in open market. Talking about the world Kabbadi cup final, he said that village Badal has fully geared up for this mega event and all preparations have already been made. He said that to provide sports facilities and give a push to sports activities in semi urban areas and villages, state government has decided to organize world kabbadi cup matches mostly small towns. Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh was also present on the occasion. - Players mourns the brutal killings of school kids at World Kabbadi Cup (Pakistani players demonstrates their anguish by wearing black bands) Mehta Chowk (Amritsar)/Chandigarh, December 17 – Kabbadi players today demonstrated their solidarity with the aggrieved families during league matches of 5th world kabbadi cup and observed two minutes silence to mourn the brutal killings of school kids by terrorists in Peshawar city, Pakistan. During introduction session with players of Pakistan and Argentina here today, Mr. Baljit Singh Jalalusma MLA, Mr Veer Singh Lopoke, Chairman district planning board and Capt Balbir Singh Bath former minister observed silence for 2 minutes along with players and audience to mourn this heinous act and prayed almighty to grant peace to the departed souls. Meanwhile, the players of Pakistan Kabbadi team demonstrated their anguish by wearing black bands while playing their match with Argentina. ----------------- MAJOR SHOT IN ARM OF THE STATE PUNJAB BAGS KRISHI KARMAN AWARD 2013-14 AS THE BEST PERFORMING STATE IN OVERALL FOOD GRAINS PRODUCTION UNION AGRICULTURE MINISTER URGES BADAL TO PERSONALLY RECEIVE THE AWARD Chandigarh, December 17- In another major shot in arm of the state, Punjab has been selected by the Union government for the Krishi Karman Award 2013-14 as the best performing state in overall food grains production. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that in a communiqué, the Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Radha Mohan Singh apprised the state government with regard to this decision. He said that the Union government would soon organize a function to felicitate the state for this rare feat. Appreciating the state government for this achievement, Mr. Radha Mohan Singh urged the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to receive this award on the behalf of the state. Pertinently, this prestigious award consists of a trophy, citation and a cash award of Rs 5 crore. It may be recalled that under the dynamic, visionary and far sighted leadership of the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal the state has also bagged “Krishi Karman Award” for record production of food grains during year 2010-11. - District Public Relations Officer, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar Dr. Cheema Becomes Teacher and Guide For Langroya Students During His Surprise Visit To School Langroya (SBS Nagar), Decemeber 17- Departing from the conventional path, Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema took the students of Government Senior Secondary School Langroya by surprise by conducting a non formal visit to acquaint himself by the state of affairs in government schools. The visit was totally a non formal and contrary to usual surprise checks, the minister did not seek the attendance registers or other records, rather he straigtway went to the classes and started to interact with the students about their education and other activities. It was more surprise for the students to have a teacher cum guide as the State Education Minister. Intearcting with the students in a friendly environment, he sought suggestions from the students to make existing education system more effective. Apart from that, he also apprised all of them of the career opertunities after completing their schooling adding that state has also started vocational courses in 100 schools of the state including three schools of the SBS Nagar district, from class 9 to 10+2 as per the new avenues in the industrial, Hospitality, Automobile, Security and Paramedics etc. with the help of National Skill Development Corporation. Soon the acccess of these vocational courses to be increased to other schools by next session, he added. Discussing the sucessful working of Six Schools For Meritorious Students started at SAS Nagar, Jalandhar, Patiala, Mohali, Amrisar and Bathinda, he calls upon the students to work hard and on getting above 80 percent marks in 10+2, they would also be eligible to get admission in these schools at free of cost. He also directed the educational officials to go to remote schools and know the ground realities and hiccups to implement education schemes so that the schemes accordingly be devised. He expressed satisfaction over the management and performance of the staff and students of the school. Photo Captions: Punjab Education Misniter Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema Interacting with the students of Government Senior Secondary Langroya on Wednesday, during his surprise visit. -
WEEDING OUT OF OBSOLETE RECORD: PUNJAB SEEKS COMPLIANCE REPORT FROM DEPARTMENTS CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 17: The Punjab Government has accelerated the activity of weeding out of obsolete record and proper maintenance & upkeep of record as part of Swachh Bharat Mission. The entire department has earlier been instructed to weed out the redundant and obsolete record biting dust since decades now the Punjab Government has sought compliance report form all the departments. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the General Administration Department said that all the departments have been asked to explain the detail of record which has been weed out and what kind of initiatives have been taken for the proper upkeep the record using scientific method and modern technology. The information sought must be in word format and to be emailed at gurnam1001@gmaill.com. The spokesperson said that the Punjab Government has taken this initiative to weed out old and obsolete record as a part of Swachh Bharat Mission launched by Prime Minister, Narinder Modi. He said that the compliance report thus received from all the department would be forwarded to the Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal for further action. - PUNJAB CONSTITUTES STATE APEX COMMITTEE TO MONITOR DIGITAL INDIA PROGRAMME PROJECTS CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 17: With an aim to monitor the various ongoing Digital India Programme project and to prioritize the execution of these projects, The Punjab Government has constituted a State Apex Committee on Digital India. Chief Secretary, Punjab has been made the chairperson of this committee. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Governance Reform Department said that this committee has been mandated to evaluate and monitor the Digital India Programme and to prioritize the projects. He said that Principal Secretary, Governance Reforms, Principal Secretary, Finance, Principal Secretary, Planning, Secretary, Personnel, State Information Officer, NIC, Punjab Unit have been nominated as Members in this committee. Director Governance Reforms would be the Member Secretary whereas Secretaries of concerned E-Governance projects and Domain/Technical Experts would be the Invitees in this committee.
- INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT PUNJAB
DTOs ASKED TO SUBMIT DETAILS OF PRIVATE SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS WITHIN 15 DAYS
· BOARD CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACK ON CHILDREN IN PAKISTAN
Chandigarh December 17: The Punjab government has directed all the District Transport Officers to submit the complete report, regarding the school buses plying in their respective districts, within 15 days. Addressing a meeting of the members of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Punjab, Mr. Sukesh Kalia Chairman, said that the DTOs have been directed to present the complete record of the school buses like fitness certificate, registration certificate, driving license number of the driver and the details of the conductor to the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Punjab. Addressing a meeting of the members of the Commission, Mr. Kalia said that strict action would be taken against the transport officers not submitting the details within 15 days. The DTOs have also been directed to ensure and certify that all school buses plying in their respective districts are complying with Supreme Court Guidelines. Expressing concern over the casual approach and negligent driving of the school bus drivers plying vehicles without any valid documents, Mr. Kalia said that it was painful to note that the private school authorities have not been taking caution in ensuring the security of the children while commuting in school buses. Referring to the recent accident case of a school bus turned down and killing one 4 year old child at Jallandhar, Mr. Kalia said that after investigations it was found that the driver was without license. Taking serious note of the management committees recruiting untrained drivers without any valid documents and certificates, Mr. Kalia has urged the appointing authorities to be more vigilant in recruiting the drivers. Only experienced and trained drivers so that the safety of the children could be ensured. Mr. Kalia further pointed out that the coaching and day care centres were lacking in the basic amenities. He has also asked that authorities to make sure the proper seating arrangements, toilets, drinking water facilities and congenial atmosphere in these commercial centers. He also said that the commission would randomly check the institutes and take appropriate action against them if the basic amenities were not ensured. The Board also condemned the recent barbaric terrorist activity in Pakistan killing more than 100 children. Mr. Kalia said that the children are the future of any country and they should not be harmed in the larger interest of the countries. Mr. Sumer Singh Gurjjar, Secretary of the Commission, Deputy Director Mr. Rajwinder Singh Gill, members Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Mrs. Sheela Devi were present along with other officers.
- Sixth Kabaddi world cup 2015 finals to be held at Jalalabad-Sukhbir Badal (Says Jalalabad stadium amongst the best in Punjab) (Announces cultural, music & film award functions also to be organised in this stadium) (Wants to develop Jalalabad as a model constituency) Jalalabad (Fazilka), December 16: Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that the finals of Sixth Kabaddi World Cup 2015 would be organised next year at Multipurpose Sports Stadium, Jalalabad. He said that by hosting Kabaddi World Cup matches at this stadium in Jalalabad, the town is already on the international sports scene. He said that the Multipurpose Sports Stadium at Jalalabad is amongst top five sports stadiums in the state. He said that this particular stadium has been constructed because people of Jalalabad are sports lovers. He said that for the Sixth Kabaddi World Cup 2015 finals, more facilities would be added to this stadium. Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal received a rousing welcome the moment he reached the Multipurpose Sports Stadium, here on Tuesday. While addressing the spectators, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that he is indebted to the people of Jalalabad who have always rewarded him and his family with lots of love and affection. He said that problems of Jalalabad residents are his own problems. "Most of your problems have already been resolved and few which are left would also be redressed very soon," he said while addressing the jam packed stadium. The Deputy CM said that cemented roads would be constructed in all villages of Jalalabad constituency and this would get complete within next 15 months time. Terming himself as "Advocate" of people of Jalalabad, the Deputy CM promised that all their problems would be resolved very soon. The Deputy CM said that RO systems have already been provided in all villages of the constituency and the construction work of stadium at Fazilka is also going on at large scale. He said that District Administrative Complex at Fazilka will complete within one year. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Member of Parliament Mr Sher Singh Ghubaya, Health Minister Mr Surjit Kumar Jayani, MLA Balluana Mr Gurtej Singh Ghudiana, OSD to Deputy CM Mr Satinderjit Singh Manta and Mr Charanjit Singh Brar, Director Sports Mr Tajinder Singh Dhaliwal, DC Mr Manjit Singh Brar, SSP Mr Swapan Sharma, besides several others. - INDIAN MEN & WOMEN TEAMS REACH SEMI FINALS OF FIFTH KABADDI WORLD CUP 2014 * IRAN AND PAKISTAN MEN TEAM ALSO REACH SEMI FINALS * PAKISTAN AND NEW ZEALAND WOMEN REACH SEMI FINALS * DEPUTY CM MR SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL WAS CHIEF GUEST TODAY Jalalabad (Fazilka), December 16: Indian and Pakistan men teams scored four consecutive wins while Indian and New Zealand women scored hat tricks during the matches held at Multipurpose Sports Stadium at Jalalabad in Fazilka district on Tuesday. In Men section, India, Pakistan and Iran, and in women section, India, Pakistan and New Zealand have reached the semi finals of Fifth Kabaddi World Cup 2014. MATCH 1: MEN SECTION: USA DEFEAT SPAIN 35-25: In first match of the day, USA defeated Spain by 35-25. The USA team maintained the lead since the beginning and by half time, they were leading by 17-13. USA raiders Inderdeep and Jatinder scored 8 points each, while stopper Donte secured 3 points for his team. For the Spaniards, raiders Santiago and Samual scored 9 and 8 points respectively, while stopper Migual secured 1 point for his team. MATCH 2: WOMEN SECTION: INDIA DEFEAT AZERBAIJAN 47-16: The Indian women team once again proved their mettle in the ground when they defeated Azerbaijan by a huge margin of 47-16. Indian raiders Sukhjinder and Sunita scored 6 points each and stoppers Anu Rani and Renu secured 6 and 4 points respectively. Similarly the Azerbaijan raiders Servine and Sakina scored 7 and 5 points respectively and stopper Gurbanova secured 2 points for her team. MATCH 3: MEN SECTION: INDIA DEFEAT AUSTRALIA 45-23: The hosts once again outplayed their opponents Australia with a big margin of 45-23. Indian raiders Kamal scored 8 while Balram Singh Bhoora and Gulzari Moonak scored 7 points each and stoppers Yadwinder Singh Surakhpur and Kulvir Singh scored 3 points each. Australian raiders Manjot Singh scored 7, Paramvir 6 and Inderjit Singh and Tajinder Singh scored 5 points each. MATCH 4: WOMEN SECTION: NEW ZEALAND DEFEAT MEXICO 51-23: The New Zealand team once again proved crowd favourites as they defeated Mexico by a big margin of 51-23. In the beginning, both the teams were marching ahead with almost same points but the Kiwi's emerged champions in the end. By half time, the Kiwi's were leading by 24-13. New Zealand raiders Motu and Calpielise scored 9 and 6 points respectively and stoppers Sariya secured 6 while Ruth secured 4 points for their team. Similarly Mexico raiders Diana, Eva and Karla scored 11, 4 and 3 points respectively and stoppers Acosta and Christa secured 2 points each. MATCH 5: MEN SECTION: CANADA DEFEAT DENMARK 47-14: The Canadian team defeated Denmark with a big margin of 47-14 in the fifth match of the day. The Canadians dominated the match from the beginning and the Danish team once again failed to score a victory in the Fifth Kabaddi World Cup 2014. Canadian raiders Vicky Ghotra scored 14 and Gurpreet scored 10 points for their team and stoppers Jasdeep and Daljinder secured 6 points each. Similarly Denmark raiders Casper and Cristian scored 4 and 3 points respectively and stoppers Thomas and Milan secured 1 point each for their team. MATCH 6: MEN SECTION: PAKISTAN DEFEAT SWEDEN 50-21: In the last match of the day, Pakistan defeated Sweden by a big margin of 50-21. With this win, the Pakistan team have entered the semi finals. For Pakistan, raiders Rehman and Rana scored 10 points each and stoppers Alisher and Sajjad secured 6 and 4 points respectively for their team. Similarly, for Sweden, raiders Harwinder scored 8 while Mandeep and Parm scored 6 points each, while stopper Ajaydeep secured 1 point for their team respectively. - DR. CHEEMA BATS FOR STREAM LINING THE WORKING OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT - INSTRUCTS OFFICERS TO SENSITIZE THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL WEB PORTAL AND HELPLINE NUMBER Chandigarh, December 16: The Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema today strongly advocated the streamlining of the working of the education department by generating awareness regarding the grievance redressal web portal and helpline number of the education department. He also exhorted the officers to ensure the quality education is imparted in the schools by giving preference to academic activities. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Education Department said that Dr. Cheema was presiding over a review meeting of the Education Department. The meeting was attended by Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Inderbir Singh Bularia, Principal Secretary Mr. C. Roul, DGSE Mr. G.K.Singh, DPI Secondary Education Mr. Kamal Garg, DPI Elementary education Mrs. Darshan Kaur and Director SCERT Mrs. Pankaj Sharma. Dr. Cheema directs the officers to ensure that the grievances of the teachers, students and general public are being redressed on priority basis. “Every effort should be made to popularize the web portal, toll free number and helpline number of the department” he added. Education Minister while reviewing the scholarship and other schemes instructed the officers that it should be make sure that the real beneficiaries are getting the amount of scholarship directly in their accounts. Dr. Cheema congratulated the officers for successfully implementing the vocational education scheme in 100 schools. He asked officers to make sure that that the students getting education for six trades of vocational courses are getting syllabus books in Punjabi language. The Education Minister also reviewed the working of six meritorious schools. - ACT SWIFTLY AND STERNLY TO CHECK TRANS-BORDER DRUGS AND NARCOTICS FLOW: CM WRITES TO RAJNATH SEEKS UNION HOME MINISTER'S PERSONAL INTERVENTION TO BAIL OUT PUNJAB FROM CURSE OF DRUGS DESCRIBES SAMJHAUTA EXPRESS RAILWAY LINK AND THE INDO- PAK BUS SERVICE AS COURIERS OF DRUGS APPRISES RAJNATH ABOUT BOLD INITIATIVES TAKEN BY STATE GOVERNMENT TO ERADICATE MENACE OF DRUGS Chandigarh, December 16- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought the personal intervention of the Union Home Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh for directing the Border Security Force (BSF) to take more effective measures to deter the trans-border drug flow, on the international border, which transits through the state before reaching the international/national market(s). In a letter to Mr. Rajnath Singh, the Chief Minister pleaded that the hands of state government must be strengthened in its ongoing war against drugs. He apprised the Union Home Minister that major component of drugs transiting through Punjab were the trans-border consignments pushed from across the Indo-Pak border in the Punjab sector. Mr. Badal said that during the years of terrorism in the 1980s, the border has been fenced but there were some riverine gaps in the fencing. The Chief Minister said that interrogation of arrested smugglers and other inputs have revealed strong connections between the trans-border smugglers on the Indian and Pakistani sides. He said that smugglers belonging to a particular network trust the operatives of same families over generations on both sides of the border, which has led to persistent smuggling across the international border despite best efforts of the Central and State Agencies. The Chief Minister said that in recent times, the use of Samjhauta Express railway link and the Indo- Pak bus service for dispatch of narcotic consignments have increased. He further said that Samjhauta Express has been particularly vulnerable to novel methods adopted by Pak smugglers by shaping the narcotic contrabands as ropes and using these to tie the wagons in order to avoid detection. Mr. Badal further said that the use of passengers as drug couriers and their baggage for heroin consignments has also come to notice. The Chief Minister said that in such a scenario, drug enforcement becomes a multi-agency effort with a prominent role of the Government of India, as the Border Security Force (BSF) was responsible for guarding the international border and the Customs Department was responsible for enforcement, prevention and anti-smuggling work. He said that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have clearly defined preventive anti-smuggling roles. The Chief Minister said that though the Border Security Force (BSF) has played an active and energetic role in combating trans-border smuggling of narcotic drugs yet the flow of heroin from across the international border continues with seizures being affected regularly by different agencies. He said that it shows that the efforts made by BSF need to be further intensified so that effective plugging of the 553 km international border with Pakistan was ensured. The Chief Minister urged Mr. Rajnath Singh for increasing the vigil and putting in place more stringent measures on the 553 km international border (of Punjab State) from where trans-border narcotic consignments meant for the international and national market were transiting through Punjab. He informed the Union Home Minister that the drug trafficking in the State has three elements - smuggling of heroin from across the international border, smuggling of opium, poppy-husk, charas, ganja etc. from across the inter-state borders, and misuse of prescription drugs like tablets, syrups, injections etc. in the State. Mr. Badal said that heroin was mainly manufactured in factories located in Pakistan and Afghanistan using opium cultivated in Afghanistan. The Chief Minister said that Opium was also cultivated in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and smuggled across the inter-state borders of Punjab with Haryana and Rajasthan, poppy-husk was smuggled across the inter-state borders of Rajasthan and Haryana, while charas was mainly smuggled from Himachal Pradesh. He said that the state government has adopted a no-tolerance policy on drug enforcement and a proactive approach on drug de-addiction and rehabilitation process. He said that the state police have launched a sustained campaign against heroin smuggled from across the international border; poppy-husk, opium and other drugs smuggled from across inter-state borders; and have also launched a major crackdown on street drug peddling. The Chief Minister mentioned that state police have conducted a systematic exercise to understand the end- to-end network of drug trafficking from Afghanistan to Pakistan to Punjab to outside the State and further, as also distribution within the State. There has been an exponential increase in the seizures — heroin seizures have gone up five-fold from 101 kg in 2011 to 520 kg in 2014 (upto November 17). The seizures of poppy husk have increased more than three times from 758 quintals in 2011 to 2366 quintals in 2013. There has been a very high increase in the number of arrests and the number of FIRs registered under the NDPS Act in the State (Annexure ‘A'). The State police have conducted raids and effected seizures from outside the State as well. Pharmaceutical units in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Maharashtra have been raided and searched while accused persons have been arrested from the States of Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chandigarh. None of the pharmaceutical units located in Punjab have diverted precursor chemicals for manufacture of synthetic drugs. The Chief Minister also apprised Mr. Rajnath Singh about the bold steps taken by the state government to curb the deadly menace of drug addiction. He said that the state Government has also launched a programme for setting up Drug De-addiction Centres and Rehabilitation Centres. - PM and Home Minister should check cross border “narco-terrorism”-Sukhbir Badal (Seeks ban on cultivation of opium and poppy husk in Rajasthan and MP) Chandigarh, December 16 - Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said he will raise the issue of cross border “narco-terrorism” with the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Home Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh and write a letter to stop pilferage of drugs and narcotics in the state as Punjab was being used as a transit route by the drug peddlers. Interacting with media persons here on Tuesday, Mr. Badal said “Punjab has a 553 KM long international border with Pakistan which further has a border with Afganistan, known for drug production”. He made it clear that Punjab has zero production of drugs but was a victim of narcotics smuggling. "Punjab is being used by peddlers as transit route from Afghanistan and Pakistan and the state is working day and night to plug all the channels to stop the inflow of drugs to the Punjab," he said. The Deputy Chief Minister said security of international borders was the primary duty of BSF and he would write letters to Prime Minister and Home Minister to press the BSF to stop illegalflow of drugs across the border. Seeking a complete ban on legal cultivation and sale of opium and poppy husk in BJP ruled Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh states, Mr Badal said drug peddlers used to smuggle these narcotics to Punjab and other states. He stressed that Punjab is fighting nations' war against drugs as Punjab Police have seized the highest percentage of drugs by any other state across the nation. Besides that nearly 30,000 smugglers were put behind bars in a special drive against drugs. Replying to a question about the Punjab Institute of Sports, Mr. Badal said initially 500 budding players would be admitted inthis premier sports institute being setup at SAS Nagar having three sub-centres at Jalandhar, Bathinda and Amritsar. He also made it clear that new job policy for players would be cleared in the nextcabinet as it could not be passed due to some technical reasons in today's meeting. Deputy CM also said that in a major move to promote traditional martial art Gatka, Punjab Government would approve its affiliation in the next cabinet. EOM ------ STRENUOUS EFFORTS OF CM FRUCTIFY IN GETTING ADDITIONAL ALLOCATION OF UREA STATE OVERCOMES SHORTAGE OF UREA Chandigarh, December 16- Owing to the persistent efforts of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal the state government had been able to tied over the scarcity of the Urea in the state. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that concerted efforts on part of Chief Minister resulted in convinced the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India to enhance allocation of Punjab by 1, 11,000 MTs during December 2014 to make up for the shortfall in October and November 2014. Against the demand of 13,15,000 MTs of Urea the state has already received 7, 26, 036 MTs upto December 14, 2014 which was 50,000 MTs more than as compared to the corresponding period of last year in which, the state had received 6,73,286 MTs. The spokesperson clarified that now there was no shortage of urea in the state adding that constant monitoring was being done by the state Agriculture Department to ensure that farmers do not face any difficulty in this regard. -------- CABINET WAIVES PURCHASE TAX ON SUGARCANE FOR YEAR 2014-15 GIVES NOD FOR ESTABLISHING PUNJAB STATE INSTITUTE OF SPORTS WATER USER CHARGES ON TUBE WELLS RUN BY PWRMDC EXEMPTED AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION (ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIRST AMENDMENT) BILL, 2014 OKAYED GIVES NOD FOR TRANSFERRING 201 SCHOOLS FROM ULB TO EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SERVICE CONDITIONS UNDER THE PUNJAB CIVIL SERVICES RULES AMENDED GREEN SIGNAL TO AMEND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO DISABLED PERSON RULES 1996 VIDHAN SABHA SESSION TO COMMENCE FROM DECEMBER 22 Chandigarh, December 16- The Punjab Cabinet today accepted the recommendations of the committee headed by the state Chief Secretary with regard to waiver of purchase tax on sugarcane for the year 2014-15 as done by the states of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttrakhand. A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of Council of Ministers chaired by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at CMO this morning. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the Cabinet also decided to recover the previous arrears of purchase and other taxes from the Sugar Mills in annual equated installments. These decisions were taken in view of the uneconomic operations of the sugar mills all over the country due to increasing cane price and stagnant prices of sugar. The government intends to support sugar mills so that farmers continue to cultivate sugarcane. The Cabinet also approved to establish Punjab State Institute of Sports (PSIS) in the state with an objective to create a large pool of sportspersons, who could be groomed as prospective medalists of Olympics, Commonwealth, Asian games and other national and international sports competitions. These high potential players would be trained by the renowned domestic and foreign coaches in modern sports complexes by providing them nutritious diet besides providing accommodation in ultra modern hostels and foreign training and competition exposure. The headquarters of this premier institution would be at SAS Nagar (Mohali) and centers of excellence in selective sports discipline would also be established under it. It may be recalled that the state PSIS has already been registered under the Societies Act 1860. The Cabinet also approved the summoning of session of 14th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from December 22. The Cabinet has also decided to waive off the water user charges on tube wells run by Punjab Water Resources Management and Development Corporation (PWRMDC) @ Re 1 per unit for Kandi area and Rs 1.60 per unit electricity consumed for other areas. The Cabinet also decided to waive off the arrears amounting to Rs 6.50 crore recoverable from the shareholders of these tube wells. Pertinently to be mentioned here, the state government had levied the charges for water supplied through tube wells run by the erstwhile Punjab State Tube well Corporation now PWRMDC @ Re 1 per uit of Kandi area and Rs 1.60 per unit electricity consumed for other areas vide its notification no. 14/22/94-IW (2)/10440 dated 13/5/2003. The Cabinet also approved to convert the ordinance regarding the levying of water cess @ Rs.50 per acre per crop instead of Abiana by amending the Indian Canal & Drainage Act, 1873, into bill for presenting in the forthcoming session of the state assembly. The water cess thus collected would be utilised for maintenance, upkeep and modernisation of the canals. The Cabinet also gave nod to the Information and Public Relations Department to engage the services of Online Social Media Agency for the effective dissemination of state government's pro-people and development oriented policies and programs with an objective of deeper penetration amongst the masses especially the youth, who evinced keen interest in different formats of social media like Twitter, Facebook, You Tube, Linkedin, Watsapp and others. The Cabinet also gave approval for ratifying the amendment of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty First Amendment) Bill, 2014 and National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, 2014 as passed by both the houses of Parliament. As per clause 2 (d) of the proviso to article 368 of the Constitution of India, certain amendments to the constitution required ratification by half of the states of the Union of India. By the way of this amendment, it is proposed to insert articles 124A, 124B and 124C. Certain amendments have also been proposed in Articles 127, 128, 217, 222, 224, 224A and 231. The proposed Judicial Commission would be chaired by Chief Justice of India besides two senior most Judges of Supreme Court, Union Law and Justice Minister besides two eminent persons to be nominated by a committee comprising Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and Leader of Opposition as its members. One of the nominated members would be from SC/ ST/ OBC/ Minority or woman. It may be recalled that the National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2014 was passed by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on August 13, 2014 and August 14, 2014 respectively. The Cabinet approved the proposal of the state Home Affairs and Justice Department before laying down the same on the table of Punjab Vidhan Sabha for its assent. The Cabinet also gave approval for changing the service conditions under the Punjab Civil Services Rules whereby during the Probation period for two years the new appointee would be paid only the basic pay and after the successful completion of probation period, full salary would be admissible to the employees. However, these conditions would not be applicable in case of PCS (Judicial). The Cabinet also gave nod for transferring 201 schools (495 ETT teachers with post) working in Urban Local Bodies to the Education department and merging them with the cadre of ETT teachers in Education department. Pertinently, the Cabinet had in its meeting held on September 2, 2014 already decided to transfer 5752 schools ( along with 13034 teachers with sanctioned posts) working under the control of Panchayati Raj. The Cabinet also gave go ahead for amending the Punjab Municipal Act 1911 and the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976 by making suitable provisions in both the acts viz. that the model bye-laws notified by the government shall remain applicable till these are altered or modified by the concerned Municipal corporations/ committees, that if a corporation or committee delays in taking a decision on a matter of public interest or is unable to take such a decision in the absence of elected house in those circumstances the state government shall be competent to take appropriate decision in public interest and the commissioner/ executive officer shall be bound to implement such decision of the state government and the state government may cancels its confirmation of any such bye-law or alteration and thereupon the said bye-law or alteration shall cease to have effect. In a benevolent gesture to grant financial assistance as livelihood to the victims of botched eye surgeries, he Cabinet also gave green signal to amend Financial Assistance to Disabled Person Rules 1996 to pay special pension of Rs 2000 per month to victims, who lost their vision, during the Eye Operation Camp organised in Gurdaspur and Amritsar districts. - CHAIRMAN, PUNJAB STATE COMMISSION FOR N.R.Is JUSTICE ARVIND KUMAR (RETD) RETIRES Chandigarh December, 16: Punjab Government has issued the orders to relieve the Chairman, Punjab State Commission for N.R.Is Justice Arvind Kumar (Retd) after the completion of three years official tenure, i.e. that was November 29,2014. ---------- Punjab Government to hold Written test for Senior Assistants to be held on 4th January 2015 Chandigarh, December 16: The General Administration department of the Punjab Government will hold the written competitive test for 94 posts of Senior Assistants in the Punjab Civil Secretariat on 4th January 2015. The timing of the test shall be from 2.30 p.m.-5.00 p.m. Stating this, a spokesperson of the department said that the admit cards will be sent to the candidates by 20th December on the e-mail furnished by them. In case of non-receipt of these the the candidates should visit the department’s websitewww.punjabgovt.gov.in and click the link “Departments”, sub-link ‘General Administration’ and then login to get further details. - PUNJAB BECOMES 3rd STATE TO BE FULLY SATURATED UNDER JAN DHAN YOJANA (BANKS ORGANISES 23412 CAMPS TO CREATE AWARENESS AMONG BENEFICIARIES) (29,17,334 ACCOUNTS OPENED TO COVER ENTIRE HOUSEHOLDS IN THE STATE) Chandigarh, December 14 - Punjab has become the 3rd State after Kerala and Madhya Pradesh to open accounts of all uncovered households under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). -
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