BADAL FOR LAUNCHING A MASSIVE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO AVOID WATER WASTAGE IN DOMESTIC USAGE

NO NEW WATER SUPPLY AND POWER CONNECTIONS TO BE RELEASED WITHOUT PROPER RAIN WATER HARVESTING (RWH) SYSTEM

CM FOR UPGRADATION OF ALL THE EXISTING STPs IN THE STATE

ASKS SECRETARY SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY TO REGULARLY MONITOR THE RIVER CLEANING PROGRAM

ASKS TO TAKE UP ISSUE OF SUKHNA CHOE POLLUTION WITH UT ADMINISTRATION

CHANDIGARH MAY 29:-

            As part of prestigious River cleaning project of the state, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today, reviewed the detailed report prepared by Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) on the basis of the findings of a high-level committee constituted by the Chief Minister to identify all the pollution sources still polluting the Rivers Sutlej, Beas and Ghaggar in the state.

            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that during a marathon discussions with the senior officers of the state, Mr. Badal directed the concerned departments to launch a massive awareness public campaign to avoid water wastage in domestic usage besides, ensuring water conservation through adopting Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) system in all the new residential houses being constructed in the state. He said that no new electric and water supply connection for these houses of ten marlas and above would be released without the construction of a standard and approved Rain Water Harvesting system. He further asked the officers to work out a plan to build-up such RWH system for all the state government institutional buildings.

            Expressing concern over the factors polluting Sutlej right from Nangal to the downstream besides Buddha Nallah in Ludhiana which was being polluted with inflow of 597 MLD industrial and domestic wastewater, Mr. Badal approved the up gradation of all the three existing STPs at Jamalpur of 48 MLD capacity, Bhattian of 161 MLD and Balloke STP of 257 MLD introducing modern technology, besides setting up of three more latest STPs. The Chief Minister also asked the MD Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board to prepare a comprehensive plan to upgrade all the existing STPs in the state besides, expediting the ongoing construction work of various STPs in the areas of Nangal, Ropar, Chamkour Sahib, SBS Nagar, Hoshiarpur Jalandhar and Phagwara. Mr. Badal also asked his Special Principal Secretary to visit villages around Nangal along with other officers of the concerned departments to work out the feasibility of establishing more STPs for 22 villages.

            Mr. Badal also directed the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. (PSPCL) to immediately release Power connections to all the new Pumping Stations of STPs in Ropar district and in future also keep release such connections on priority when ever and where ever needed in the state without any delay.  

            Referring to the Dairies polluting Buddha Nallah, Mr. Badal advised the authorities to take strict action against the owners of the dairy farms across the banks, who discharged the Dairy waste into Buddha Nallah. To carry out the Buddha Nallah banks' beautification process, Mr. Badal also approved to work out a plan for allotting land or houses to already identified slum dwellers settled on these banks. The Chief Minister also asked his Principal Secretary to contact CEO of Ludhiana Effluent Treatment Society (LETS) to explore the possibilities of capacity enhancement of the of CETPs in Ludhiana, besides chalking the modalities to introduce Super Succession Machines for the cleaning of Sewerages in various cities.

In another significant decision, Mr. Badal asked the Ludhiana district administration to initiate the process to include all the villages around the city in the Municipal Corporation limits to ensure the provision of all types of civic amenities in the suburbs of the city.

The Chief Minister directed Secretary Science & Technology to closely monitor the entire river cleaning programme on regular bases and also to hold meeting with UT Chandigarh administration to resolve the factors polluting Sukhna Choe that ultimately leads to river Ghaggar pollution.

            Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included; Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary Science & Technology Mrs. Seema Jain, CEO Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB) Mr. DK Tiwari, CA GMADA Mr. AK Sinha, Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Mr. Ravinder Singh, Chief Soil Conservator Mr. BS Sidhu, Member Secretary PPCB Dr. Babu Ram, Chief Engineer Irrigation  Mr. AS Dullet,  Additional Commissioner MC Ludhiana Mr. Sumeet and MD PWSSB Mr. Sat Pal Angurala. -

-
CM GIVES NOD TO INSTALL FIVE MULTI- CROP DRYING CENTRES IN THE STATE

MOVE AIMED AT PROMOTING CROP DIVERSIFICATION

TO BE SET UP AT A COST OF RS 5 CRORE EACH THE CENTRES TO HAVE OPERATIONAL CAPACITY OF 24 TON PER BATCH

Chandigarh, May 29-

In a big leap forward towards promoting crop diversification in the state by facilitating the Maizecultivators to avail better value of their harvest, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has given his nod to set up five multi-crop Drying centres with small Maize Dryers to ensure remunerative value of farmer’s produce by reducing its moisture content.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal cleared the proposal this morning at his office. The spokesperson further said that these multi-crop drying centres would be set up a cost of Rs 5 crore each and would have four dryers with six ton capacity. The operational capacity of these centres would be 24 ton per batch. As per the decision of the state government these Centres would be set up in Focal Point Phuglana or Kangmai in Hoshiarpur district, Additional Yard Market Kapurthala and at new grain markets of Bhogpur (Jalandhar), Macchiwara (Ludhiana) and Nakodar (Jalandhar).

Pertinently, the state government has already set up two big Multi-Crop Drying Centres at Sub Yard Saila Khurd and Nawanshehar with the capacity of 64 ton each. The mega Maize dryers installed in these centres had the capacity of 16 ton each. However realising well that the small maize dryers would be more efficient and useful for the small and marginal farmers, the Chief Minister had underscored the need to cater their specific needs.

It must be recalled that Maize was amongst the crops having high moisture content value far above the specifications laid down by the Government of India. Normally, Maize crop have 24 percent or more moisture content which could now be reduced to 12-14 percent after drying it with the help of Maize drier plant. Traditionally, the farmers used to Dry Maize in their fields before marketing but now with the adoption of intensive cultivation he has to sell it immediately after the harvest to arrange the inputs for the following crops. Henceforth these Centres would be beneficial for the farmers to get remunerative return on their produce on one hand besides promoting the state’s ambitious crop diversification program on the other. 

-

CM APPROVES TO SET UP TRAINING CENTRE AT FISH SEED FARM IN GURDASPUR

·        CENTRE OF POTATO EXPERTISE TO BE ESTABLISHED AT JALANDHAR

·        NOD TO NOTIFY THE SUBZI MANDI, MOHALI AS SUB-YARD

Chandigarh, May 29

        With a view to promoting fish farming in the state as a part of crop diversification program, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave approval to set up a Training Centre at Fish Seed Farm, Hyatpur in Gurdaspur district at a cost of Rs. two crore.

        Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Mr. Badal gave his consent for the project this morning in CMO. This state-of-the-art training Centre, equipped with the latest facilities, would impart the best training to the fish farmers as well as the youth who intend to adopt fish farming as a profession. This step would give a further fillip to improve the productivity of the fish, which was the highest in the country with 6500 ton per hectare. With the establishment of training centre, the youth of the state would not be engaged in the gainful employment of fish production but also gave further boost to the marketing of the fish.  

         In another significant decision, Mr. Badal also gave a go ahead to establish Centre of Potato Expertise (CPE) at Jalandhar at a cost of Rs. 6.55 crore in technical collaboration with Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana and Wageningen University and Research Centre, Netherlands. The CPE would go a long way in making Punjab as a global hub of seed potato production.

        The Chief Minister also gave his nod to notify the Subzi Mandi in village Mohali under Market Committee, Kharar (district Mohali) as sub-yard to give a fillip for the marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables of the area.

- 

CM OKAYS DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME ON AGRICULTURE & HORTICULTURE IMPLEMENTS FOR FARMERS

 MOVE TO ENABLE THE FARMERS TO NEGOTIATE PRICE WITH THE SUPPLIER OF HIS CHOICE

 FARMERS COULD AVAIL 50% SUBSIDY ON SUCH 61 APPROVED IMPLEMENTS

 CHANDIGARH MAY 29:

          In a major pro-farmers initiative, the Punjab Government has launched a special scheme to release direct subsidy to them for the purchase of agricultural and horticultural implements from any empanelled firm of their choice.

          This path breaking decision was taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal on the basis of a detailed proposal submitted by the Chairman Punjab State Farmers' Commission after having marathon discussions with the experts of the Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana. Mr. Badal cleared the proposal to this effect this morning allowing the farmers to avail off subsidy of 50% on a list of 61 approved agricultural and horticultural implements under various schemes for the current fiscal 2014-15.  The Chief Minister also directed the state Agriculture department to ask the various empanelled firms for taking necessary action in this behalf.

This decision would enable the farmers to negotiate the price with the supplier of his choice and avail the subsidy accordingly. This would also help in stabilization of prices of subsidized equipments in the market besides giving a fillip to the farm mechanization and effective management and disposal of crop residues in order to save the environment from pollution. 

...

-SUKHBIR BADAL ANNOUNCES SETTING UP OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT WINGS IN PUNJAB
*       AMRITSAR TO BE INCLUDED IN BEAUTIFUL AND DEVELOPED CITIES OF WORLD
*       HORTICULTURE WINGS TO BE FORMED FOR SAPLING OF PLANTS
AMRITSAR, MAY 29: Mr. Sukbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister,
Punjab today asserted that Punjab Government would soon form Solid
Waste Management Wings in Local Bodies department to make sure all its
cities and towns garbage free besides using the garbage for power
generation.
            While taking stock of ongoing development projects at holy
city Amritsar in a high level meeting on Thursday, Mr. Badal said that
the state government was contemplating to form Solid Waste Management
Wings (SWMW) to drain out garbage problem in the urban areas thereby
providing clean and safe environment for the habitants. He said that
SWMW will work with the guidance of experts for the lasting solution
of garbage problem and generation of power from the garbage.
Deputy Chief Minister said the SAD-BJP Government will not tolerate
any damage to the green cover of cities and rural areas in the state
at any cost and informed that they are going to establish horticulture
wings in each district. Adding further he said that these wings would
ensure planting of double saplings of plants and trees as compare to
the trees cut for the purpose of road widening besides ensuring the
maintenance of green cover.
            Reviewing the status of ongoing projects in Amritsar city,
Mr. Badal said SAD-BJP regime was committed to include Amritsar in the
list of developed and beautiful cities of the world and they will
leave no stone unturned to achieve this target. He directed Mr.
P.S.Aujla, Secretary PWD and other officers concerned to hold a
meeting with Amritsar Mayor and officers of other departments and
submit a detailed report within 2 days identifying the places, where
flyovers are required in the city. Mr. Badal said the ruling combine
was also firmed to include Amritsar in the proposed 'Smart City'
project of the Union Government so that it could witness world class
infrastructure with a high pace all round development.
            Asking the officials present in the meeting not to stick
the outer look and major roads of the city, Mr. Badal said they would
ensure the overall development of the city vis-à-vis outer and inner
roads, streets as per the needs of various localities. He said that
the development should take place in view of future needs of all
localities and the concerned authorities should take necessary
suggestions from various localities before finalizing any plan.
Mr. Badal also reviewed the ongoing construction of Golden Temple
Plaza, Central Jail project, District Administrative Complex project,
Amritsar-Rajasansi Road, Amritsar-Ajnala Roads and four laning project
of Fatehgarh Churian road and asked the authorities concerned to
expedite the pace of work. He directed the authorities to ensure
timely completion of development projects including Rs. 8 crore
project of state-of-the-art Entrance Gate on Jalandhar Road, walking
track alongside the Sultanwind Canal, Rs. 500 crore project of Bus
Rapid Transit System, beautification of Chowk Shaheedan, widening of
Tarn Taran Road, Solid Waste Management Plant and sewerage and water
supply project.
On the issue of chopping off of trees for the purpose of road widening
in the city, Mr. Badal strictly directed the officers concerned not to
cut the trees without dire necessity and there should be multiple
planting of saplings against the number of slaughtered trees. He also
directed that the concerned department would be responsible for at
least 5 years maintenance of these plants. He also asked the PWD
officials to plant good-looking and blossoming trees on the sides of
roads in Amritsar.
Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Mr. P.S.
Aujla, Secretary PWD, Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora, Deputy Commissioner Ravi
Bhagat, Mr.Tarun Chugh BJP leader, Chief Engineer PWD Mr. J.R. Bains,
Mr. Pardeep Sabharwal, Commissioner Municipal Corporation and officers
of various departments.

-

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT MADE RECORD PAYMENTS OF RS.15777.68 CRORE TO FARMERS

·  WHEAT PROCUREMENT CROSSED 118 LAKH TONNES

CHANDIGARH, 29 MAY:

            The Punjab Government has deposited Rs. 15777.68 Crore rupees in the accounts of farmers till Wednesday evening making timely payments to the farmers.

 The Spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that despite of record yield of wheat this year till Tuesday evening 11866293 tonnes of wheat was procured. The State Government is committed to pay the farmers within 48 hours of lifting and till now government has deposited Rs. 15777.68 Crore Rupees in farmers accounts. He said that Sangrur District is leading in wheat production. In this district till now 1399.38 Crore Rupees have been deposited in the farmers accounts. District Bathinda is on second place in wheat production where 1181.04 Crore Rupees have been deposited in the farmers accounts. District Ludhiana is third place in wheat production where 1162.15 Crore Rupees have been deposited in the farmers accounts.

The Spokesperson further said that payment of wheat procured in the district Amritsar Rs. 774.21 crore, Tarantaran 827.78 crores, Gurdaspur 592.13 Crore, Pathankot 47.76 crore, Kapurthala 520.45 crore, Jalandhar 709.22 crore, Hoshiarpur 360.68 crore and Nawan Sehar 301.74 crores is already payed to farmers.

In addition to this in district Patiala Rs. 1128.61 Crore, Sangrur 1399.38 Crore, Barnala 624.94 Crore, Ludhiana 1162.15 crore, Fatehgarh Sahib 359.38 crore, SAS Nagar 124.79 crore, Rupnagar 202.97 crore, Ferozpur 1036.88 crore, Fazilka 846.86 crore, Moga 1010.12 crore, Faridkot 631.10 crore, Muktsar 1104.83 crore, Bathinda 1181.04 crore and Mansa 830.66 crore amount is payed to farmers.

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

TEACHERS ASKED TO BE IN TIME OR FACE ACTION

Chandigarh May 29:-

            The Education Department has ordered the teachers and other staff in Government schools to be present in schools on time so that there should be no lose to the education of students.

            A spokesman of the Punjab Government said that in an inspection drive across the state it was found that till now some employees were found absent or late from duty without any leave and prior intimation.

            He further said that all employees have been asked to reach in time and if any employee found late or absent he/she would be entitled for strict departmental action.

-

36% HIKE IN REVENUE IN FIRST EVER e-AUCTION OF CATTLE FAIR IN PUNJAB

·       STATE EARNS RS.50 CRORE AS COMPARED TO 35 CRORE IN LAST AUCTION

·       REVENUE TO BE SPENT ON RURAL VETERINARY DISPENSARIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF VILLAGES-RAKHRA

·       KUNWARMAHIP SINGH OF ZIRAKPUR WINS THE BID

 CHANDIGARH, MAY 29

          The Rural Development and Panchayat Department of Punjab today achieved a major milestone by clocking 36% increase in revenue in the first ever e-Auction of cattle fair in a most well organized transparent auction conducted here today. The e-auction that concluded at 1:00 PM today closed at Rs.50,00,50,000 (Rs. 50 crore) against Rs.35.21 crore earned in last auction.

          The e-auction was conducted here in the conference hall of Punjab Infotech at Udyog Bhawan in the presence of Auction Committee. All the aspirants were taking part in the auction through online system from different places in the state. There were total 7 participants, who took part in the auction. The auction, which was started at 10 am, took its stipulated time of three hours and concluded at 1pm sharp. Kunwarmahip Singh of Zirakpur won the auction at 12:59:56pm leaving behind his rival Amarjit Singh, who gave his auction amount of Rs. 48 crore at 12:59:47pm. Finally, with the more auction amount, Kunwarmahip Singh became a successful bidder.

          Extending congratulations to the auction committee and successful bidder, the Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra said it was commendable that the whole exercise was taken place in presence of electronic media and under complete videography. The Minister said that Punjab has earned revenue of Rs.50,00,50,000 (Rs. 50 crore), which would give a big boost to the ongoing development of rural belts in the state. He said this auction has registered an increase of 36 percent in the last year revenue of Rs. 35.21 crore. He said that the last year auction was valid for 11 months while this will be existed for only 10 months. He said that the successful bidder would have to deposit 25 percent of the total amount within two banking days and he would have to deposit advance installment before 25th of every month.

          Mr. Rakhra said threre were 42 mandis, where cattle fairs would be conducted by the successful bidder. He informed that this auction will be valid from June 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. He said Rs. 38.52 was fixed as reserve price for the auction.
          The auction was successfully conducted under the supervision of Mr. Shivdev Singh, Deputy Director, Mr. Mahinder Singh, Divisional Deputy Director, Mr. Gurvinder Singh Sarao, DDPO, Mohali, Mr. Saudagar Singh, Law Officer and Mr. Harnarinder Singh Shergill, AGM IT and e-governance, Punjab Infotech.

 -

PUNJAB ALL SET TO INCREASE FOREST COVER TO 15% WITH THE HELP OF JAPAN

·        Rs. 700 crore project to be completed by 2020

Chandigarh, May 29: 

The Punjab government has chalked out a comprehensive programme to increase the forest cover of the state to 15% and state was negotiating with Japan for technological tie up in this ambitious project.

            Disclosing this here today, Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Forests Minister said that he has already okayed a plan allocation of Rs.700 crore for this project and expressed satisfaction over the fact that the forest cover of the state would witness a steady increase of 8% from present 7% forest cover and by the year 2020 the state would achieve the target of 15% forest cover.

He said that the state would soon ink MoU with Japan for this project after its final approval from Japan High Commission and expressed hope that work on this project would start very soon.

He further said that under this project focus would be on plantation of fast growing trees that grow into trees very fast. He said that Japan would provide technological back up for plantation of these species of trees.

He said that Japan International Co-Operative Agency (JICA) has already been executing this kind of project in other parts of the country in the field of forestry and environment. Mr. Bhagat said that the Punjab Government is committed to achieve its target of increasing the forest cover of the state from 8 per cent to 15 per cent by 2020. He said the government has already launched the “Greener Punjab Mission”.

-
ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAM ANNOUNCED

CHANDIGARH, MAY 29:

Punjab Irrigation Department has announced rotational Program for irrigation for the Kharif Season through canal water from 30-05-2014 to 06-06-2014. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Patiala Feeder, Abohar Branch, Bist Doab canal, Sidhwan Branch and Bathinda Branch, respectively.

Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson 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, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Direct Distributaries of Group A.

            He said that Punjab channels and branchs off-taking from Harike and Ferozpur Head Works, Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries, in Group B, being in first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Direct Distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in Group A.

            The spokesman further said that the in the Upper Bari Doab Canal system, Main Branch Lower with its distributaries, being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Lahore Branch, Sabhroan Branch andKasur Branch Lower with their distributaries, respectively

BADAL MANDATES APEX COMMITTEE TO CHECK CONSTRUCTION WORKS OF RURAL ROADS ACROSS THE STATE

ALLOTS FIVE VILLAGES IN FIVE DISTRICTS EACH IN MAJHA, DOABA AND MALWA FOR RANDOM CHECKING TO ENSURE QUALITY NORMS

 CONCERNED OFFICERS TO THE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ANY SUB STANDARD LOW QUALITY WORKS

REPAIR OF ALL RURAL ROADS TO BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 2014

 CHANDIGARH MAY 28:

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the entire road development plan and directed the Apex Committee headed by Financial Commissioner Development to regularly monitor the construction of the rural roads to ensure quality construction norms and timely completion besides reviewing it for regular updating. 

            Mr. Badal in a detailed meeting with the senior officers of the PWD and Mandi Board here at Chief Minister’s Office this morning asked them to ensure speedy construction and repair of rural roads to improve upon the connectivity in view of heavy vehicular traffic in the rural areas.

Mr. Badal was apprised in the meeting that out of 8600 KMs of rural roads under repair at a cost of Rs.1436 crore, 1260 KM have been completed with a cost of Rs.360 crore and the remaining would be completed by October 2014.  He was also apprised that the annual road plan of PMGSY of 1460 KMs involving a cost of Rs.480 crore had already been approved. 

            The Chief Minister directed the Officers to complete the construction/ repair works of rural roads expeditiously and monitor the quality norms by personally overseeing the civil works on the site.  He categorically stated that no laxity would be tolerated in sub-standard and below quality norms civil works and the concerned officers would be held accountable for any such lapse.  He also asked the Apex Committee to inspect some roads in Majha, Doaba and Malwa and were given a norm of five roads in five districts in each region to check the quality of workmanship on random basis.  Mr. Badal also asked the apex committee to get the berms along both sides of the rural roads cleared from unauthorized occupation and encroachment to ensure smooth movement of vehicular traffic without causing any inconvenience to the commuters on one hand and avert frequent accidents on these roads.   

It may be recalled the Apex Committee was constituted by the Chief Minister under the chairmanship of FCD with Technical Advisor to Punjab government Lt.Gen.(Retd.) BS Dhaliwal, Secretary PWD, Chief Engineers PWD and Mandi Board as its members.  The Chief Minister today in the meeting also decided to include his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu as special invitee in the apex committee to ensure far better coordination and synergy for speedy and quality construction and repair works of rural roads within the prescribed time frame. 

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included PWD Minister Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary PWD (B&R) Mr. PS Aujla, Chief Engineer PWD Mr.GR   Bains and Chief Engineer Mandi Board  Mr. RP Bhatti.    

.... 

CM TO ATTEND OFFICE ON TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY

EVERY WEEK

CHANDIGARH MAY 28:

                  Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has decided that he would attend the office at least three days during a week, on every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for the quick and effective disposal of the official work.  

            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal also directed the senior officers and Heads of the departments to remain present in their offices during these days for immediate and effective resolution of grievances/issues as may be raised by the general public or being brought to his notice in the meetings. 

The Chief Minister also called upon his cabinet colleagues to be present in their respective offices during these appointed days, the spokesman added.  

Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to provide prompt and hassle free delivery of services to the general public, the Chief Minister asked all the officers/officials to attend their offices from 9 am to 5 pm on all working days.  Mr. Badal also impressed upon them to discharge their duties with utmost dedication, honesty and professional commitment in the public interest. He also asked them to maintain decorum and punctuality in offices to win over the confidence of the general public. Likewise, the Chief Minister also called upon all the officers/ officials across the state to maintain regularity in their offices in the larger public interest to serve the masses with utmost zeal and sincerity.

-

CM APPROVES MEGA FOOD PARK IN LUDHIANA

ASKS PUNJAB AGRO INDUSTRIES CORPORATION TO SUBMIT ITS DPR IMMEDIATELY

AMRISTSAR AND BATHINDA TO HAVE NEW FISH MARKETS

ASKS FISHERY DEPARTMENT TO TIE UP WITH NATIONAL PLAYERS TO SET UP THEIR VENTURES IN THE STATE

Chandigarh, May 28-

          In a bid to give major fillip to state’s Crop diversification program, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave in principle approval to the proposal of Punjab Agro Industries Corporation to establish a Mega Food Park at Ladowal in Ludhiana district over an area of 100 acres thereby promoting Food Processing Industry in the state.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Chief Minister, while presiding over a high level meeting here at his residence late last evening, directed the Managing Director (MD) Punjab Agro that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) regarding the proposed Food Park be finalized at the earliest for submitting it to the Ministry of Food Processing, Government of India. The total cost of this project was estimated to be about Rs. 150 crore. Deliberating upon other details of the project, Mr. Badal also directed the concerned authorities to complete the entire plan along with getting requisite approvals simultaneously, within three months. He also directed to finalize a policy in this regard for allotting land sites in this Mega Food Park to genuine companies, which would firm up big investments in a time bound manner.  

The spokesperson further informed that in order to tap the huge potential of Fisheries in the state, the Chief Minister also gave approval to establish two new Ultra Modern Fish markets at Amritsar and Bathinda on the pattern of already approved at Ludhiana. He also asked the Fishery department to tie up with national level players for promoting fishery in the state as the farmers of the state could be immensely benefitted from it. He further directed the Fishery department to send group of Fish farmers from the state in batches to National Fish Training institutes like Central Institute of Fish Training, Bhubaneswar for enhancing their skills.

In another significant decision pertaining to the establishment of Maize processing Cluster in the state, the Chief Minister asked the department to identify a large chunk of land besides working out a comprehensive plan for it. Taking a stock of two multi juicing plants of Punjab Agro at Hoshiarpur and Abohar, Mr. Badal expressed satisfaction over the operational schedule of these plants to produce juices of Kinnow, Pear, Water Melon, Guava, Litchi, Carrot and Amla etc.

In order to give boost to the marketing of Kinnow, Mr. Badal asked the Punjab Agro and Horticulture Department to tie up with key players like Walmart, Cash and Carry and others for benefitting the farmers by ensuring remunerative price of their produce. He also directed the department to launch a vigorous advertising campaign for proper marketing of Kinnow fruit from the state across the globe.

Mr. Badal also assured the Horticulture department that every Horticulture seed farm would be strengthened and upgraded by equipping them with all modern facilities to produce quality seed. He also directed the department for the promotion of high density Horticulture farming along with drip irrigation facility, which would help in bailing out the farmers from the current agrarian crisis.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Mr. G Vajralingam, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary Food Processing Mr. DS Grewal, and Secretary Agriculture and MD Punjab Agro Mr. KS Pannu besides Director Animal Husbandry and Director Fishery.

-

JALANDHAR BASED SENIOR SCRIBE IP SINGH BEREAVED

 CM MOURNS DEATH OF HIS FATHER

DEPUTY CM AND MAJITHIA ALSO CONDOLES PASSING AWAY OF PRITPAL SINGH

 Chandigarh, May 28-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Pritpal Singh Bhalla, father of Jalandhar based Principal Correspondent of Times of India Mr. IP Singh, who passed away at his residence in Phagwara today morning.  He was 81 and is survived by wife and two sons.

In a condolence message, the Chief Minister, while terming Mr. Pritpal Singh as a noted academician and a great philanthropist, recalled the outstanding services rendered by him. Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to family members to bear this irreparable loss.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Information and Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also mourned the passing away of Mr. Pritpal Singh.

-

BALKARAN SINGH AND GURCHARAN SINGH RE-APPOINTED AS OSDs TO CM

Chandigarh, May 28-

          The Punjab Government today reappointed Mr. Balkaran Singh and Mr. Gurcharan Singh as the Officers on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the formal orders regarding these appointments would be issued in due course of time.

It may be recalled that Mr. Balkaran Singh and Mr. Gurcharan Singh were appointed OSDs to the Chief Minister in 2012 but had resigned from their posts in wake of General elections due to Model Code of Conduct.   

-

Punjab constitutes committee to fill vacant posts of aided schools

Chandigarh, May 28: The Punjab Government today constituted a committee to explore the possibilities of vacant posts of private aided schools on contract basis on the pattern of Rashtriya Madmik Sikhsha Abhiyan. The Committee would submit its recommendations to council of Ministers.

A spokesman of the Education Department said that the committee included Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka, Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Chief Secretary to the Government of Punjab and Principal Secretary, Education Department. It may be recalled here that decision in this regard has been taken on February 24, 2014 by the Council of Ministers.   

 

-

PUNJAB WITHDRAWS MOHD. AFZAAL AS MEMBER OF PUNJAB WAKF BOARD

                CHANDIGARH, MAY 28: The Punjab Government has withdrawn Mohd. Afzaal from the post of Member of Punjab Wakf Board with immediate effect.

          According to an official spokesman, this decision was taken in the wake of Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court order in civil writ petition no 16966 of 2010 and 17703 of 2011. He said that on the directions of Hon’ble court an inquiry was conducted to find that whether Mohd. Afzaal was a Shia or a Sunni. The spokesman informed that it was found in the enquiry that Mohd. Afzaal was not a Shia Muslim but he belongs to Sunni Sect of Muslims.

          The spokesman said that on the findings of enquiry the notification no 6/32/2003-6JUD(1)/3166 dated 9 September 2010, whereby Mohd. Afzaal was nominated as member of Punjab Wakf Board was withdrawn with immediate effect.     

- 

118 LAKH TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, MAY 28:

The procurement process of Wheat in Punjab is still in full swing with various Government agencies and private millers procuring more than 11840826 tonnes of wheat till last evening against 11083510 tonnes procured on the date last year.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that the procurement process is being conducted in 1757 procurement centres all over the state. He reiterated the commitment of Punjab Government to procure total wheat coming to the mandis of Punjab despite meeting the procurement target. He said that instructions have already been issued to make payment to farmers within 48 hours of lifting of their produce and Rs. 15651.19 crore has already been paid to farmers. 

The spokesman of the government said that Out of total procurement of 11840826 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centres of Punjab, Government agencies procured 11551358 tonnes of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 289468 tonnes of wheat. Till May 27, MARKFED procured 2559501 tonnes (21.6%), PUNSUP procured 2440971 tonnes (20.6%). whereas PUNGRAIN had procured 1403461 tonnes (11.9 %) PSWC procured 1328539 tonnes (11.2%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 1167613 tonnes (9.9 %) of wheat. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1831362 tonnes (15.5%). 

          The spokesman added that District Sangrur with 1024329 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Ludhiana with 905463 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Bathinda with 858454 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position

 

CM ASKS CS AND DGP TO SEEK EXPLANATION OF 18 DCs AND 22 SSPs, FOUND NOT PRESENT IN THEIR OFFICES

CMO CONDUCTS SURPRISE CHECK ON THEIR LANDLINE PHONE NUMBERS ON MONDAY

NONE FROM THE OFFICES OF SSP PATIALA AND MUKTSAR PICKED THEIR PHONES

CM CALLS UPON ALL OFFICERS/ OFFICIALS TO MAINTAIN REGULARITY IN THEIR OFFICES IN THE LARGER PUBLIC INTEREST

Chandigarh, May 27-

          Reiterating the state government's firm commitment to ensure punctuality and discipline amongst officers/ officials in the government offices from 9 am to 5 pm, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) to seek explanation from 18 Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and 22 Senior Superintendent of Police (SSPs) respectively, who were found not present in their offices, during a surprise check by the Chief Minister's Office on their landline numbers between 9:20 and 10 am on Monday last.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the DCs who were not present in their offices included that of Amritsar, Barnala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Mansa, SAS Nagar, Pathankot, Patiala, Tarn Taran, Moga, Ludhiana, Sangrur and Ferozepur whereas the DCs of Ropar, SBS Nagar (Nawanshehar), Sri Muktsar Sahib and Bathinda were found present. Likewise, only two Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) were present in their offices at Barnala and Mohali while the remaining 22 SSPs were not present in their offices on the same date and time as DCs. None from the offices of SSP Patiala and Muktsar picked their phones, added the spokesperson.

Pertinently, the Chief Minister had taken a serious note over the growing tendency amongst several officers to operate from the camp office at their residences due to which the people coming from far off places had to face a lot of inconvenience and hardships to get their work done in the government offices. Subsequently, Mr. Badal had strictly warned such officers to shun this un-desirable practice and asked them to function from their offices from 9 am to 5 pm on all working days to ensure prompt and hassle free delivery of services to the general public and a notification to this effect was also issued by the state government recently. The Chief Minister had also impressed upon them to discharge their duties with utmost dedication, honesty and professional commitment in the public interest. He had also asked the officers/ officials to maintain decorum and punctuality in offices to win over the confidence of the general public. Likewise, the Chief Minister had also called upon all the officers/ officials across the state to maintain regularity in their offices in the larger public interest to serve the masses with utmost zeal and sincerity.

-

e-AUCTION FOR CATTLE FAIRS ON MAY 29: RAKHRA

·        FIXES Rs.38.52 CRORE AS RESERVE PRICE, VIDEOGRAPHY TO BE CONDUCTED FOR TRANSPARENCY

CHANDIGARH, MAY 27:

          The Punjab Government has decided to conduct e-auction for cattle fairs in the state on May 29 with a view to fetch maximum revenue besides bringing transparency in the whole process.

          Disclosing this here today Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister said e-auction will be conducted here at Conference Hall of Punjab Infotech in the premises of Udyog Bhawan. Mr. Rakhra said threre were 42 mandis, where cattle fairs were being held and there will be a single e-auction for these all mandis. He informed that this auction will be valid from June 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 for 10 months. He said Rs. 38.52 has been fixed as reserve price, which was Rs. 35.31 last year.

          The Minister also informed that the aspirant of e-auction will have to deposit 10 percent of the reserved price and the successful contenders will have to deposit 25 percent of auction price within 2 days.

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

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT MADE RECORD PAYMENTS OF RS.15473.15 CRORE TO FARMERS

·         11817176 TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, 27 MAY:

            The Punjab Government has deposited Rs. 15473.15 Crore rupees in the accounts of farmers till Tuesday evening ensuring timely payments to the farmers for the wheat being procured by government agencies during Rabi marketing season 2014-15.

 The Spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that beating all this year till Tuesday evening 11817176 tonnes of wheat was procured. The State Government is committed to pay the farmers within 48 hours of lifting and till now government has deposited Rs. 15473.15 Crore Rupees in farmers accounts. He said that Sangrur District is leading in wheat production. In this district till now 1393.64 Crore Rupees have been deposited in the farmers accounts. District Bathinda is on second place in wheat production where 1163.13 Crore Rupees have been deposited in the farmers accounts. District Ludhiana is third place in wheat production where 1144.38 Crore Rupees have been deposited in the farmers accounts.

The Spokesperson further said that payment of wheat procured in the district Amritsar Rs. 748.34 crore, Tarantaran 801.96 crores, Gurdaspur 574.80 Crore, Pathankot 45.10 crore, Kapurthala 506.79 crore, Jalandhar 694.83 crore, Hoshiarpur 346.39 crore and Nawan Sehar 296.46 crores is already payed to farmers.

In addition to this in district Patiala Rs. 1118.82 Crore, Sangrur 1393.64 Crore, Barnala 621.66 Crore, Ludhiana 1144.38 crore, Fatehgarh Sahib 354.35 crore, SAS Nagar 123.18 crore, Rupnagar 198.43 crore, Ferozpur 1014.34 crore, Fazilka 823.55 crore, Moga 993.99 crore, Faridkot 623.14 crore, Muktsar 1074.82 crore, Bathinda 1163.13 crore and Mansa 811.05 crore amount is payed to farmers.

-

ADMISSION IN 2ND YEAR DIPLOMA COURSES THROUGH LATERAL ENTRY TILL JUNE 6

CHANDIGARH, MAY 27: 

The Punjab State Board of Technical Education & Industrial Training has fixed 6th June 2014 as the last date for submission of Admission Application Forms for direct admission to 2nd year diploma in three year diploma engineering Courses through Lateral Entry in the 154 affiliated polytechnic colleges of the board situated at Punjab and Chandigarh. 

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that the prospectuses-cum- Admission Application Form are available on the Board's websitewww.punjabteched.com and www.punjabteched.net.

He further said that 1st round of Online counseling schedule would start from 26th June to 2nd July and 2ndround would start from 11th to 15th July, 2014. The details of the counseling schedule have been available on the Board’s website.

He said that More than 20,000 seats in 154 polytechnic colleges are available for direct admission to 2nd year diploma course through lateral Entry.  Candidates who have cleared 10+2 Vocational / two years ITI courses are also eligible for admission to 2nd year Diploma Courses.  Even the candidates who have qualified 10+2 Science, one year ITI and two years certificate courses from Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal and have Punjab domicile have also been eligible for admissions for vacant seats if any.  For further details candidates can visit the Board’s websites.

- 

PUNJAB NOTIFIES PUNJAB POISONS POSSESSION AND SALE RULES, 2014

 ·        MORE THAN 100 CATEGORIES OF POISONS BROUGHT UNDER THESE RULES

·        LICENSE SHOULD BE DISPLAYED IN PROMINENT POSITION AT THE PLACE OF BUSINESS

 Chandigarh, May 27:

The Punjab Government has notified rules regarding possession for sale and possession of specified poisons & more than 100categories of poisons have been brought under these rules and these rules  would be known as the Punjab Poisons Possession and Sale Rules, 2014.

 Disclosing this here today Mrs Vini Mahajan Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare Department, Punjab said that no person shall store or sell for sale any poison specified in the schedule, unless he possesses a license granted or renewed under these rules. 'The licensee shall always display his license, in prominent position, at the place of business & any person, who breaches any of the provisions of the rules, shall be liable for punishment under section 6 of the Act' said Vini Mahajan.

 She said that a license holder, shall not sell any poison to any person, unless the latter is personally known to him, or identified to his satisfaction by producing a photo identity card, which has his address or substantiate it with a document giving his address. License holder shall also ascertain before selling any poison, the name, address of the purchaser, telephone number of such person and the purpose, for which the poison is purchased. He shall not sell any poison to any person, who appears to him to be under the age of eighteen years, or to any person, who does not appear to him, to be not genuine for such purchase.

 Mrs Mahajan said that every license holder, would maintain a register in which, he shall enter correctly all sales of poisons other than those used by a Chemist, Druggist or Compounder, dispensing or compounding in compliance with the prescription of a qualified medical or veterinary practitioner.

 - 

LAST PAY DRAWN FIXED AS FAMILY PENSION IN PUNJAB

DEPENDENTS TO GET FAMILY PENSION TILL NOTIONAL RETIREMENT (58 YEARS) OF EMPLOYEE

 CHANDIGARH, MAY 27:  The Punjab Government has decided to pay special family pension to the dependents of deceased employee equal to the Last Pay drawn with effect from 1 April 1, 2014.    

 

            A Spokesperson of Punjab Government informed that in this regard a notification has been issued. He said that Special Family Pension would be fixed equal to the Last Pay drawn by the dependents of the deceased employee and it would be given to the dependents  on the basis of notional retirement of the employee (till completion of 58 years of age).

            He said that from now special family pension would be set on above formula and implemented from 1 April, 2014 on revised rates. He also made it ​​clear that there would be no payment of any arrears. In those cases special family pension has already been set, they will not be entertained. According to the Spokesperson other existing rules / guidelines would be applicable as before in special family pension.

 -

HARSMIRAT BADAL ASSUMES CHARGE OF OFFICE

GONE ARE THE DAYS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PUNJAB AND FARMERS WITH THE OUSTER OF CONGRESS

AKALI DAL TO GET THE NANAVATI COMMISSION'S REPORT IMPLEMENTED

VOWS TO STRENGTHEN THE FARM ECONOMY AND INCREASE THE FARM INCOMES THROUGH VALUE ADDITION, PROCESSING

DESCRIBES FOOD PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING AS AREAS CLOSE TO HER HEART

New Delhi/Chandigarh, May 27-

The newly appointed Union Minister for Food Processing Industry Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal today assumed the charge of her office here in the presence of galaxy of Akali leaders and her supporters.

Flanked by Punjab Cabinet Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, veteran Akali leader and MPs Jathedar Ranjit Singh Brahampura, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra and Mr. Naresh Gujral and General Secretary of the Shiromani Akali Dal Mr. Harcharan Bains, Mrs. Badal, while interacting with the media persons said that the days of centre government's discrimination with Punjab have to came to an end with the formation of the NDA government at the centre. She said that Punjab would be immensely benefitted with the development oriented policies of the Modi Government. Referring to the justice eluded to the victims of 1984 Sikh carnage even after passing of three decades, she confidently said that for the first time NDA government under the stewardship of former Prime Minister Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had constituted Nanavati Commission to investigate the these riots but unfortunately its report was not implemented by the Congress government. Mrs. Badal said that Akali Dal would get this report implemented in letter and spirit to bring all those perpetrators of this heinous crime behind the bars.         

Setting her agenda right, Mrs. Badal said that her principal task was to strengthen the farm economy and dramatically increase the farm incomes through value addition, processing and use high end global marketing techniques for Indian farm produce. She said that as a daughter of Punjab, Food production and processing has been one of the most important areas of interest for her adding that she was grateful to Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, for giving her a chance to look after a ministry which was close to her heart as she belongs to a farmer family. Mrs. Badal also said that the Prime Minister has a very clear vision in which he sees food processing as a major driver of farm Economy and therefore of economy on the whole. 

Mrs. Badal further said that Mr. Modi had discussed his expansive plans to focus on value addition of food and agricultural produce adding she said that the scope for starting multinational food chains, especially for Indian ethnic foods like saag, lassi, makki based delicacies like corn flakes and corn stalk as well as other preparations from Punjab that have been huge hits with children and youth across the world.  She said that marketing ethnic food especially in time of organic foods could give our farmers huge benefits to basic traditional crops. The Union Minister said that these ideas have been under active consideration of Punjab government too and Punjab farmers being leaders in the country would be its biggest beneficiaries.  She also thanked the Almighty, Prime Minister and the people of Punjab for reposing faith in her. 

Mrs. Badal further said that her mission would be to find new and innovative ways to reduce the post harvest losses by facilitating efficient storage and transportation as well as finding ways to increase the shelf life of food products while at the same time ensuring that these processed food products were available to the consumers across the country at reasonable prices. The Union Minister said that she would welcome all ideas from farmers, industry, consumers and other stake holders to put the country at par with the top countries in the area of food processing adding that her prime interest remains to increase the income of farmers while at the same time ensuring the prices to remain affordable for all consumers. She bemoaned that though the farmers of this country, especially the farmers of Punjab, have been at the forefront in providing Food Security to the nation but now, their incomes were stagnant. So the need of the hour was to give boost to the income of farmers through innovative value additions to the farm produce, added Mrs. Badal.   

President of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Mr. Manjit Singh GK, General Secretary Mr. Manjinder Singh Sirsa MLA and former Chairman of National Minority Commission Mr. Tarlochan Singh were also present on the occasion.

Earlier Secretary Ministry of Food Processing Industry Mr. Siraj Hussain, Additional Secretary Ministry of Food Processing Industry Mr. JP Meena, Joint Secretaries Ministry of Food Processing Industry Mrs. Anuradha Prasad and Dr U Venkateshwarlu and Economic Advisor Mr. G Bhujbal welcomed Mrs. Badal to her office.  

 

M GIVES NOD FOR PROVIDING SUBSIDIZED HYV MAIZE SEEDS TO FARMERS

· MOVE AIMED AT GIVING A MAJOR PUSH TO THE CROP DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM

· SUBSIDY WORTH RS 87.50 PER KG TO BE PROVIDED BY STATE ON THREE HYBRID VARITIES OF MAIZE SEEDS

· PUNJAB GOVERNMENT EYES TO SOW HYV MAIZE ON FIVE LAKH HECTARES OF LAND DURING THIS KHARIF SEASON

Chandigarh, May 26-

In a bid to boost the ongoing crop diversification program in the state, for bailing out the distressed peasantry from the prevailing agrarian crisis, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has given nod for providing the High Yielding Varieties (HYV) of Maize seeds to the farmers at subsidized rates during the current Kharif season.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the file pertaining to a proposal of the Agriculture department regarding this has been recently cleared by the Chief Minister. The spokesperson further said that after through research and a detailed exercise the state government in collaboration with the Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) has carefully selected three HYV Maize seeds varieties, which have produced a yield of 8.5 ton per hectare during the university trials. Subsequently, the HYV seeds of M/s Monsanto, M/s Pioneer and M/s Shri Ram have been chosen by the state government for providing them to the farmers at the subsidized rates, so that they could be motivated sow Maize under the crop diversification program.

As per the decision, the state government would give subsidy worth Rs 87.50 per kg on these hybrid seeds to the farmers as a result of which they HYV seeds would be made available to the farmers at a rate ranging from Rs 87.50 per kg to Rs 112.50 per kg after subsidy. In order to ensure the easy availability of these hybrid seeds the state government has decided to make these seeds available at all the block level offices of the Agriculture department from where the farmers could easily avail them along with the proper bills. In the same manner the state government has also directed the three shortlisted companies to provide all the relevant technical support to the farmers for sowing the seeds for their better results.

Pertinently, HYV Maize has been identified as a major alternative crop under the ambitious program of crop diversification in the state. Realizing well the huge potential of this crop to reduce the area under water glutting paddy crop, the state government has set a target of sowing HYV of Maize over an area of five lakh acres during this Kharif season.

-

PUNJAB LAUNCHES DRIVE TO GATHER FEEDBACK ON PROPERTY TAX

· SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO VISIT VARIOUS CITIES ON MAY 27 AND 28

CHANDIGARH, MAY 26:

The Local Bodies Department has decided to collect the first hand information from the citizens residing in the urban area on the issue of Property Tax. To collect the feedback the Secretary of the department would be meeting the delegations of citizens on this issue as per schedule drawn by Local Government Department for two days. He said that in the meetings the Secretary Local Government would listen to the views of respective municipal committees/corporations and representatives of resident welfare associations and other concerned societies.

An official spokesman of the department said that as per the scheduled 6 feedback meeting have been arranged in different cities. On May 27th meeting would be conducted at Municipal Corporation Patiala at 11:30 am for Municipal Corporation Patiala and Patiala region. Similarly a meeting at Circuit House Bathinda at 3:30 pm for MC Bathinda and Bathinda region has been fixed and a similar feedback meeting on the same day for Ferozepur region would be organized at Central Club Faridkot at 6:00pm.

He said that on May 28th such meeting would be conducted at Circuit House Amritsar at 11:30 am for MC Amritsar and Amritsar region, similarly a meeting at DC Office Jalandhar at 2:00 pm for MC Jalandhar and Jalandhar region and the last meeting on the same day for MC Ludhiana and Ludhiana region would be organized at Circuit House Ludhiana at 5:00pm.

He said that besides Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners of the Corporation, Director Local Government and Regional Deputy Directors of Local Government Department would also participate in the meeting.

--
11792314 TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, MAY 26:

The procurement process of Wheat in Punjab is still in full swing with various Government agencies and private millers procuring more than 11792314 tonnes of wheat till last evening against 11078829 tonnes procured on the date last year.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that the procurement process is being conducted in 1757 procurement centres all over the state. He reiterated the commitment of Punjab Government to procure total wheat coming to the mandis of Punjab despite meeting the procurement target. He said that instructions have already been issued to make payment to farmers within 48 hours of lifting of their produce and Rs. 15272.54 crore has already been paid to farmers.

The spokesman of the government said that Out of total procurement of 11792314 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centres of Punjab, Government agencies procured 11504924 tonnes of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 287390 tonnes of wheat. Till May 25, MARKFED procured 2552557 tonnes (21.6%), PUNSUP procured 2427824 tonnes (20.6%). whereas PUNGRAIN had procured 1392290 tonnes (11.8 %) PSWC procured 1324570 tonnes (11.2%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 1159378 tonnes (9.8 %) of wheat. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1828394 tonnes (15.5%).

The spokesman added that District Sangrur with 1023196 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Ludhiana with 905108 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Bathinda with 853949 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.

--

PUNJAB REMITS STAMP DUTY ON PROPERTY TRANSFER IN BLOOD RELATIONS

REMISSION OF STAMP DUTY FOR ALSO PROJECTS UNDER NRSE POLICY

CHANDIGARH, MAY 26: The Punjab Government has decided to remit the stamp duty in whole chargeable on the instruments pertaining to transfer of immoveable property by an owner during his life time to any of his blood relation (i.e. children, grand children, brothers and sisters.).

Disclosing this here today official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that an order in this regard has been issued by the revenue department.

Earlier, if a person desirous of transferring his property directly to his grandsons was liable to pay 5 per cent stamp duty. In case of females, the rate was 3 per cent. But now, he would not have to pay any stamp duty at the time of getting any such transaction registered.

The spokesman said that earlier, the brother-sister relation was not included in the category of people eligible for remission of stamp duty and they had to pay full stamp duty on such transactions. Now any transfer between brother and sister and vice-versa would not attract any stamp duty.

In a separate order the Punjab Government also remitted the duty for purchasing land for setting up a project duly approved by the Punjab Energy Development Authority, under New and Renewable Sources of Energy (N.R.S.E.) Policy, 2012 provided further that no registration fee shall be chargeable on the instrument when executed by or in favour of any person or company or firm or society, as the case may be, for purchasing land, for setting up a project duly approved by the Punjab Energy Development Authority, under the New and Renewable Sources of Energy (N.R.S.E.) Policy, 2012.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ISSUES INSTRUCTIONS TO CHECK OVERSTAY OF OFFICERS/ OFFICIALS IN OFFICIAL ACCOMMODATION

NO SALARY TO SUCH ERRING OFFICER/ OFFICIALS

PENAL RENT TO BE DEDUCTED FROM THEIR SALARY

Chandigarh, May 21-

The Punjab Government today issued detailed instructions to direct all the officers/ officials to vacate their official accommodations timely after the expiry of allotment period or ceasing of their eligibility.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that it has come to the notice of state Government that several officers/ officials overstayed in the official accommodation allotted to them even after the lapse of their eligibility. It may be recalled that the state government had enacted Punjab Government Houses (General Pool) Amendment Rules 1983 in this regard.  In view of the judgement passed by the Supreme Court in civil Appeal No. 4064 of 2004- SD Bandi versus Divisional Traffic Officer, KSRTC and Ors, the state government has been asked to ensure strict compliance of these orders in this regard.

The spokesperson further reiterated in accordance with these instructions, rules and orders of the Apex court any allottee, who failed to vacate the official accommodation within the stipulated time period in any case, would be liable for non-disbursement of his salary besides deduction of penal rent from it. 

----------

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR PRE-MATRIC SCHOLARSHIPS FROM MINORITY COMMUNITIES’ STUDENTS: RANIKE

·        HEADS OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS INSTRUCTED TO ENSURE THAT NO ELIGIBLE STUDENT HAS BEEN LEFT OUT

·        AUGUST 31 IS LAST DATE TO APPLY

 CHANDIGARH, MAY 21:

The Punjab Government has invited applications from the educational institutions to provide scholarships to the students belonging to minority communities of the state under Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme by August 31, 2014. Under this scheme, students from 6th to 10th standard would be given admission fee @ Rs.500 per annum and tuition fee @ Rs.350 per month for hosteller and day scholars. Similarly, maintenance allowance payable for a period not exceeding ten months in an academic year for students from class 1st to 5th @ Rs.100 per month for day scholars and for students from class 6th to 10th @ Rs.600 per month for hostellers and Rs.100 per month for day scholars. It was disclosed by Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Social Welfare Minister, Punjab, here today.

He said that the Punjab Government is fully committed for the overall development of the students belonging to minority communities, scheduled castes and backward classes across the state. Mr. Ranike said that proposals are invited from the government, recognized and private schools and institutions affiliated with PSEB, CBSE, ICSE for providing scholarships to the minority communities; Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains students studying in 1st to 10th classes under Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme.

He said that students, who have secured not less than 50 per cent marks in the previous final examination, regular in attendance, whose parents or guardians’ annual income from all sources should not exceed Rs.1 lakh and should be domicile of Punjab, are eligible for the scholarship.

He informed that the Heads of concerned schools/institutions to prepare consolidated demand for further submission to District Education Officer (DEO) of the district, in the shape of hard and soft copies and further forward it to the Director, Welfare of Scheduled  Castes and Backward Classes Department (Minority Wing), Punjab in a prescribed format up till September 10, 2014.

He said all the particulars regarding eligibility of the student will be verified and certified by the Head of the concerned school or institution. They have also been asked to ensure that each eligible student should be included in the demand and no eligible student has been left out. He said that demand/applications received directly from the students/parents/institutions will not be entertained and will be rejected automatically.

Mr. Ranike informed that application format and other relevant information can be downloaded from the website www.minorityaffairs.gov.in and queries and suggestions could be sent on e-mail IDminorityaffairspunjab@gmail.com and toll free number 1800-137-0015.

---

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

FOCUS ON FARM SECTOR AND BPL LENDING; RAKHRA’S ADVISE TO BANKS

·     EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER SLOW GROWTH OF CREDIT BY BANKS

·     ASKS BANKS TO BECOME EQUAL PARTNER OF ECONOMIC PROGRESS OF PUNJAB

·     TOTAL DEPOSITS OF BANKS REGISTER 15.13 PERCENT GROWTH IN DEPOSITS AND 8.09 PERCENT IN LOANS

 CHANDIGARH, MAY 21:

          Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister, Punjab today gave a call to commercial, regional rural, cooperative and private banks of the state to focus on lending to farm sector and to below poverty line population and become catalyst of economic growth of state.         

          Addressing 128th meeting of State Level Bankers Committee presided over by Executive Director of PNB Mr. Gauri Shankar, Mr. Rakhra said that it was matter of great concern that farmers of Punjab could not sustain the agriculture growth due to slow off take of farm credit. He said it was regrettable that credit deposit ratio last year declined by 4.32 percent from 85.49 percent in March 2013 to 81.17 percent in 2014 reflecting that credit disbursal of the bank could not keep pace with deposit collected from the state. He said that Punjab Government was focusing on Rural upliftment and banks would have to become equal partner in this progress.

          Focusing on doorstep banking, Mr. Rakhra said that banks would have to constraint on technological innovation to provide banking at doorstep especially in the remote rural areas. He said that banks would have to focus o financial inclusion by ensuring 100 precent coverage within next three year. Mr. Rakhra offered total support of Punjab Government in expanding the Rural Self Employment Training institute in the state.

          While delivering his Key note address Mr. Gauri Shanker, Executive Director, Punjab National Bank & Chairman SLBC meeting apprised the house of important initiatives taken by RBI and Department of Financial Services, Minister of Finance, Govt. of India during the intervening period between last and present meetings of SLBC which impact the State economy in general and banking sector in particular.

          Touching upon the initiatives on Financial Inclusion of Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, GOI, Mr. Shanker advised the banks to Open one account per house hold in the allocated wards in villages in urban and Sub Service areas in rural areas. He apprised that the banks in the state have provided banking services to 6150 unbanked villages with population less than 2000.  The Government of India has provided the updated list of 120 districts with maximum Aadhaar saturation received for Planning Commission for expansion of DBT. In the State of Punjab, 14 Districts have been identified in addition to the 5 districts identified earlier for implementation of DBT. Shri Shanker requested all stakeholders especially the bankers to open accounts of beneficiaries, seeding of Aadhaar and strengthening of banking infrastructure in the districts covered under DBT.

          While emphasizing for setting up of Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) in the state of Punjab, Mr. Shanker apprised the House with happiness that 19 RSETIs  are operating in the State  and that the land has been allotted in 18 districts and in remaining 4 districts, allotment of land is under consideration.  

          While reviewing the performance of banks under various key parameters in the State of PUNJAB for the period from April 2013 to March 2014, Mr. Gauri Shanker informed that banking system in the State has achieved all the National Goals.  Commercial Banks and RRBs have opened 746 new Branches since April 2013, thus raising the total number of branches to 5356 as at 31.03.2014 from 4610 branches as at 31.03.2013.  No Block of PUNJAB is unbanked.  The Banks in Punjab have installed 763ATMs during quarter ending April 2013 taking their tally to 6754 as at 31.03.2014.

          The total deposits in Punjab have increased by Rs. 30367 crore from Rs. 200578 crore to Rs. 230945 crore thereby showing an increase of 15.13% during the review period. Total Advances during the period from April 2013 to March 2014 have increased by Rs. 13884 crore i.e. from Rs. 171474 crore to Rs. 185358 crore registering a growth of 8.09 % during review period.

          He informed the house that the Banks in the State have achieved all the National Goals in respect of Priority Sector, Agriculture Credit (Direct as well indirect) and lending to the Weaker Sector for the period ended March 2014. Priority Sector Advances have increased from Rs. 82686 crore as at March 2013 to Rs. 98502 crore as at March 2014 showing a growth of 19.12%. Agriculture advances have increased from Rs. 40021crore as at March 2013 to Rs. 48520 crore as at March 2014  recording a growth of 21.23%. Advances to Micro & Small Enterprises have increased from Rs. 39 crore as at March 2013 to Rs. 41598 crore as at March 2014 showing a growth of 20.09%.  Mr. Shanker informed that as per the recommendations of Prime Minister’s Task Force on Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under Chairmanship of TKA Nair, the banks are required to achieve year on year 20% growth in credit to Micro & Small Enterprises & 10% Annual growth in number of Micro Enterprises accounts.

          Mr. Gauri Shanker informed that Weaker Sector Advances in the State have increased from Rs. 30636 crore as at March 2013 to Rs. 35060 crore as at March 2014 thereby showing a growth of 14.44%.  Overall advances to Minority Communities have registered an increase of Rs. 229.68 Crore from Rs. 451.15 Crore as at March 2013 to Rs. 680.83 Crore as at March 2014 witnessing a growth of 50.90%.  Advances to women beneficiaries witnessed an increase of Rs. 2098.92 Crore from Rs. 9797.85 Crore as at March-2013 to Rs. 11896.77 Crore as at March 2014, thus showing growth of 6.41%.

          Earlier, while welcoming the participants, Mr. Harpal Singh, Field General Manager, Punjab assured the State Government of pro-active support from the banking system to accelerate the economy of the State on a faster pace. Promienent among other who were present in the meeting included Mr. Gulab Singh, Deputy Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Governemnt of India, Mr. G. Ramesh Kumar, IAS, Director, IF&B, Government of Punjab, Mr. K.S.Sangha, IAS, MD, Punjab State Cooperative Bank, Shri Harpal Singh, Field General Manager & Convener SLBC Punjab, Mr. Anjani Misra, DGM, RBI, Chandigarh, Mr. Naresh Gupta, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Dr. Rakesh Gupta, General Manager, PNB.

---

PUNJAB TO PROVIDE HEPATITIS B & C DRUGS TO THE PATIENTS AT SUBSIDIZED RATES

 Chandigarh, May 21:

Punjab government would provide hepatitis B & C drugs to the cancer patients at government hospitals. The State Government intends and has taken initiatives to provide the treatment to the patients suffering from Hepatitis B & C by providing drugs for treatment of Hepatitis B & C to the patients at subsidized rates.

Disclosing this here today Mrs Vini Mahajan Principal Secretary Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab said that these medicines will be provided to the patients through Jan Aushadhi Stores functional at various District and Sub-Divisional Hospitals in the State. She said that these medicines can also be procured directly by the Medical Colleges/ Hospitals from the available budgetary grants from time to time.

Mrs Mahajan said that the Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) propose to enter into a single Running Rate Contract with the manufacturers of drugs for treatment of Hepatitis B and C which fulfills the eligibility criteria approved by department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab for supply of drugs/medicine.                                

She said that the Punjab Health Systems Corporation has invited bids from the eligible manufacturers of the various medicines for Hepatitis B and C. The detailed eligibility criteria for the bidder and particulars of items have been given in the Tender Document, which can be downloaded free of cost from the website www.punjabhealth.co.in.  (through linkwww.Punjab.health.co.in/index.aspx ).  The tender document can also be purchased personally on any working day till 28th May, 2014 between 10.00 am to 4.00 pm from Room.no.31, Procurement section, PHSC, Phase-VI, SAS Nagar.  

----------

PUNJAB RE-CONSTITUTES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF STATE COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

CHANDIGARH, MAY 21:

            The Punjab Government has nominated sixteen members of the Executive Committee of Punjab State Council for Science Technology (PSCST) and notification have been issued in this regard.

            Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesperson of Science and Technology Department, Punjab said that the Chief Secretary, Punjab would be the Chairman of this Committee. He said that Secretary, Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Punjab will be the Member Secretary.

            He said that Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, Financial Commissioner Development, Punjab Principal Secretary, Industry and Commerce, Punjab, Secretary, Department of Technical Education, Punjab,  Special/Additional/Joint Secretary, Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Punjab,  Executive Director, Punjab State Council for Science Technology, Chandigarh and Executive Director, Punjab Energy Development Agency will be the Ex-officio Members of the committee.

            He further said that Director, Central Scientific Instrument Organization, Chandigarh, Director, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Director (Research), Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Director, Indian Institute of Science Education & Research, Mohali, Dr. Ram Boojh, Programme Specialist, (Ecology and Earth Sciences),UNESCO Office, New Delhi, Advisor, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Advisor/Director, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Regional Office, Chandigarh will be the Members of this committee.

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

CM ORDERS ENQUIRY INTO FIRE INCIDENT AT PATIALA SABZI MANDI

MOURNS DEATH OF A LABOURER; ANNOUNCES RS 2 LAKH EX-GRATIA GRANT TO THE NEXT OF THE KIN OF DECEASED

Chandigarh, May 21-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today ordered an enquiry into the unfortunate incident of fire which broke out in New AC Sabzi Mandi at Sanour Road in Patiala, this morning resulting in causality of one labourer.     

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal entrusted the said enquiry to the Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Deepinder Singh to ascertain the cause of fire and take preventive measures to check re-occurrence of any such mishap in future. The Chief Minister also directed Mr. Deepinder Singh to rush to the site of fire for taking stock of the situation and keep him updated about the rescue operations. Expressing profound grief over the tragic incident, Mr. Badal conveyed his sympathies with the bereaved family to bear this huge loss in this hour of crisis. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also announced an ex-gratia grant of Rs 2 lakh for the next of the kin of the deceased.

--------

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ISSUES NOTIFICATION FOR FIXING THE DATE OF PADDY TRANSPLANTATION AS JUNE 15

MOVE AIMED AT CHECKING DEPLETING GROUND WATER TABLE

BADAL ASKS FCD TO ISSUE STRICT INSTRUCTIONS TO THE FILED OFFICERS TO COMPLY WITH THESE ORDERS

Chandigarh, May 21-

          On the direction of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the state agriculture department has issued a notification fixing the date of paddy transplantation as June 15.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the notification stipulated that no farmer would transplant non-basmati variety of paddy and Basmati variety of paddy before June 15 and July 5 respectively in any agriculture year.

The spokesperson further said that the Chief Minister had asked the Financial Commissioner Development (FCD) to direct all the field officers across the state to ensure the implementation of the order in letter and spirit.

It may be recalled that the Punjab government had passed the “Punjab Preservation of Sub-Soil Water Act” in 2009 under which for the first time, the date of transplantation of paddy was fixed as June 10 with a view to save precious natural resource of water in the State. Pertinently, the declining rate of underground water in the Punjab has been controlled after the passing this legislation, which mandated not to transplant paddy before June 10 and now further delay of five days would help in saving the precious ground water.

--------

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT NOTIFIES INSTRUCTIONS TO ABSTAIN OFFICERS FOR FUNCTIONING FROM THEIR CAMP OFFICES AT RESIDENCES

NONE OF ANY OFFICER TO LEAVE HEADQUARTERS WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL OF COMPETENT AUTHORITY

CM REITERATES ZERO TOLERANCE FOR FLOUTING GOVERNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

BADAL FIRM ON ENSURING PROMPT AND HASSLE FREE DELIVERY OF SERVICES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

  Chandigarh, May 21-

          On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Punjab government today issued notification asking all the officers of the state government not to function from their camp office at their residences in order to ensure responsive, transparent and accountable administration to the people. 

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Mr. Badal had taken a serious note over the growing tendency amongst several officers to operate from the camp office at their residences due to which the people coming from far off places had to face a lot of inconvenience and hardships to get their work done in the government offices. Mr. Badal strictly warned such officers to shun this un-desirable practice and asked them to function from their offices from 9 am to 5 pm on all working days to ensure prompt and hassle free delivery of services to the general public.  The Chief Minister impressed upon them to discharge their duties with utmost dedication, honesty and professional commitment in the public interest. He also asked the officers to maintain decorum and punctuality in offices to win over the confidence of the general public.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also asked the officers not to leave their headquarters, in any case, without the prior approval from the competent authority, as it was unlawful and gross violation of government instructions. Therefore, he reiterated that none of the officers should leave their headquarters without the prior permission of the competent officer. Mr. Badal categorically said that no complacency would be tolerated at any level in terms of ensuring good governance, clean and accountable administration. 

----------

10% DEARNESS RELIEF HIKE FOR PUNJAB PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS

CHANDIGARH, MAY 21:

The Punjab Government announced the 10 percent hike in Dearness Relief payable to the state government pensioners/family pensioners/extraordinary pensioners etc. due from January 1, 2014 and it would be paid from December 1 2014 onwards increasing it rate from existing 90% to 100% of the basic pension.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the decision about the arrears of Dearness Relief for the period from 1.1.2014 to 30.11.2014 would be taken in due course.

He further said that the pending arrears of 10% DA from 1.7.13 to 31.1.14 would be paid cash after 15.8.2014 by crediting the same in the respective bank accounts of the concerned Pensioners/Family Pensioners.  

He informed that other provisions governing grant of Dearness Relief to Pensioners etc. such as regulation of Dearness Relief employment/re-employment and regulation of Dearness Relief where more than one pension is drawn etc. would remain unchanged.

 

-------

PUNJAB ENHANCES COMMUTATION OF PENSION FROM 20% TO 30%

CHANDIGARH, MAY 21:

The Punjab Government has decided to enhance the amount of commutation of pension from 20% to 30%.  The commuted portion of pension shall be restored after 15 years from the actual date of commutation.

            Giving the details, a spokesperson of Punjab Government said that the above decision would implement on those employees who are retiring on or after 1.4.2014. This would also apply to the employees who are on extension and retired on or after 1.4.2014.   He further said that the employees who have retired before 1.4.2014 but have not applied for the commutation of pension as yet, due to any reason would also get enhanced commutation of pension from 20% to 30%.  

            The spokesperson said that the employees retiring on or after 1.4.2014 and whose commutation has already been sanctioned or the employees retired on or after 1.4.2013 would have the option to receive the additional commutation on enhanced rates, would under the decision.

 -------

SUMEDH SINGH REJOINS AS DGP PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, MAY 20:

            Sh. Sumedh Singh, IPS joined his duty as DGP, Punjab today.  He was granted earned leave for the period from 4.4.14 to 20.5.14 and during this leave period Sh. Suresh Arora, IPS Director General of Police-cum-Chief Director Vigilance Bureau was posted as Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, Chandigarh.

            Disclosing this, a spokesperson of State Government informed that Sh. Suresh Arora transferred and posted as Director General of Police-cum-Chief Director Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, Chandigarh against the vacant post.

 Xxx

The chameleon has changed his colours again – Harsimrat Badal

(True to his style Manpreet is finding fault with the Congress which gave him more than four lakh out of his 4.94 lakh vote share says the Bathinda mp)

 Chandigarh, May 20 – Bathinda mp Harsimrat Kaur Badal today said acting like the true chameleon he was, Bathinda PPP – Congress candidate Manpreet Singh Badal was now finding fault with the Congress on whose symbol he contested the elections and which was responsible for most of the 4.94 lakh votes polled by him.

In a statement here, Mrs Badal said it was ironical that instead of thanking the Congress for the support extended by the party to his candidature, Manpreet’s kith and kin were finding fault with Congress leaders now. She said simultaneously an effort was being made by Manpreet to project the mostly Congress vote share polled by him as the predominant vote share of the PPP. “This is a ploy to revive the PPP which is virtually a defunct party with its cadre having abandoned Manpreet during the last two years”.

Mrs Badal said Manpreet’s bid to claim the 4.94 lakh votes polled by him as his alone by finding faults with the Congress legislators and “halqa incharges” was in keeping with his character. “He is disowning a party which contributed a bare minimum of four lakh votes to his kitty”. Mrs Badal said she was making this assertion based on the fact that the Congress had got four lakh votes at its lowest ebb in 2009 when its party candidate Raninder Singh lost the election by more than 1.20 lakh votes. “If you take into account the 20,000 plus votes polled by the CPI in 2009 you will realise that Manpreet’s PPP as well as SAD(Longowal) were able to stitch together only 70,000 odd votes by themselves in the current election”, she added.

Stating that instead of finding faults with others, he should introspect on his own actions, the mp said Manpreet was fond of boasting of his four consecutive victories as an mla from Gidderabaha. “You must remember that these victories occurred as long as you had the blessings of Sardar Parkash Singh Badal. You lost abysmally from both Gidderbaha and Maur in 2012 as soon as you set out on your own. Even in the recently concluded parliamentary election you would have lost your security deposit if you had contested on the PPP ticket. That is why you decided to stitch together a grand coalition of the PPP, Congress, CPI and SAD (Longowal) which had together got more than 6.10 lakh votes in the 2012 assembly elections from Bathinda. However under your leadership even the vote share of the coalition went down by 1.15 lakh which is a true barometer of your popularity”, the mp added.

Stating that truth always prevailed, Mrs Badal also advised Manpreet to set his vanity aside for once and recognise the fact that the people had seen through him. “You used Congress crutches to get the votes this time. But next time the Congress will also not be with you as people have gone against Congress legislators seen to be aligned with you even as they have given a lead to Talwandi Sabo legislator Jeet Mohinder Sidhu for resigning his seat and joining the SAD immediately after your candidature from Bathinda was confirmed”, Mrs Badal said. EOM

Xxx

TAKE LEAVE BEFORE JOINING ANY NGO ACTIVITIES-MALLUKA TELLS TEACHING/NON TEACHING STAFF

Chandigarh May 20: The Punjab Government has taken serious view of the absentee teachers and other staff of the government schools indulged in the activities of the non government organizations and other voluntary organizations and has issued directions to the authorities concerned to keep a check on the rising trend of shirking work.

          Stating this here today Mr. Sikandar Singh Malluka, Education Minister Punjab said that it was unfortunate that the teaching community was involved with one NGO or the other and remain absent from work. To streamline the functioning of the educational institutions, Mr. Malluka has directed the District Education Officers to initiate strict action against the erring teaching/non-teaching staff and issued a directive that if anybody wanted to be associated with NGOs and VOs then the prior sanctioned leave from the higher authorities was required so that the working of the institution did not hamper.

          Adding further, the Minister said that the Punjab government was committed to strengthen and improve quality of education in Government Schools by taking steps in academic and non-academic spheres of the existing education system.

-

HIGHWAY AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AGENCIES TOLD TO UTILIZE ‘FLY ASH’ GENERATED BY THERMAL PLANTS

·        PUNJAB CONSTITUTES HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE TO ENSURE UTILIZATION

 CHANDIGARH, MAY 20:

The Punjab Government has issued strict instructions to all agencies involved in construction of building and highways to ensure 100 percent utilization of fly ash in accordance with the notification issued by Science and Technology Department.

According to an official spokesman as per stipulations all coal, lignite based thermal power stations or expansion units in operation in the state on the date of notification would achieve 100 percent fly ash utilization within five years of notification. Similarly, new coal and lignite based thermal plants commissioned after 3-11-2009 are required to ensure 100 percent utilization of fly ash within four years of setting up of plant. The spokesman said that it has been observed that agencies involved in the construction of buildings and highways were not utilizing fly ash as per stipulations. To ensure the strict compliance of these instructions the Punjab Government has constituted a state level committee for the constructive and purposeful use of fly ash emitting from various thermal plants of the state. The Secretary of Science Technology and Environment Department of the state would be the Chairman of this committee. The  spokesperson said that this committee would be comprised of Secretary, Power, Director, Industries Department (Mining), Chief Engineer (Headquarter), Public Works Department (B & R) and Member Secretary, Punjab Pollution Control Board as Members while Chief Engineer (Thermal Design, Patiala) of PCPCL would be the Member Convener of the committee.

He said that this state level committee would ensure the proper implementation of the rules framed by the union government for the utilization of fly ash.

-
*STATE HONOUR AT INDEPENDENCE DAY; PUNJAB EXTENDS DATE FOR SENDING RECOMMENDATIONS *

·       *CITATION AND CASE PRIZE OF RS. 50, 000 BE CONFERRED*

*CHANDIGARH, MAY 20:*

The Punjab Government has extended the date up to June 15, 2014, for
sending recommendations for the state honour during Independence Day. This
decision has been taken to provide more time to the departments to
scrutinize the eligible candidates and to forward their names for the state
honour.

The spokesperson of the state government said that the personalities, who
have set examples in the act of bravery and who have done commendable job
in the field of social work, art and literature, science and technology,
would be chosen for the coveted prize besides excellence in learned
professions.

He further said that case prize of Rs. 50, 000 would be given to the person
for his act of bravery in combating anti social elements. He said that case
prize of Rs.25, 000 would be conferred for showing bravery in another field
besides cash prize of Rs. 11, 000 for exceptional achievement/work in the
field of social work, art and literature, science and technology and to
learned professionals.

 He further said that the deputy commissions have been directed to forward
their recommendations via divisional commissioners. The recommendations of
particular candidate must be supported by brief note of his biography,
bio-data and the specified work he has done in particular field.

-----------

 TRANSFER POLICY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, May 20:

          The Punjab Education Minister S. Sikandar Singh Maluka today announced the TRANSFER POLICY-2014-15 of the Education Department Punjab.

In a statement issued here today, the Minister said that the interested teaching and non-teaching staff can submit their requests for transfers to the DEOs concerned through proper channel by May 26, so that the transfer process could be completed within a stipulated time frame. He also informed that the lists of vacant stations have already been uploaded on the education department website and the website of the district education officers. Transfer requests for inter district levels would be sought in the second phase.

Adding further, the Minister said that it was mandatory for the applicant to complete at least three years stay in the existing school before applying for transfer. Making it further clear Mr. Malluka said that the bare minimum transfers would be ordered that too based on the requirement of the schools. The transfers he said would be allowed only at vacant posts.

         The Education Minister categorically said the transfers should be strictly as per the transfer policy. He said that the unmarried girls and widows should be given priority and efforts should be made to adjust them to nearest stations. Besides this, he said that the opportunity to these categories would be done only once as per the rules. He also said that the teachers of Rashtriya Madhyamik Sikhya Abhiyan (RAMSA) seeking transfers would be adjusted only in the schools under RAMSA. 

-

116 LAKH TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

 CHANDIGARH, MAY 20:

 

The procurement process of Wheat in Punjab is still in full swing with various Government agencies and private millers procuring more than 11617706 tonnes of wheat till last evening against 11033614 tonnes procured on the date last year. He said that the procurement process is being conducted in 1757 procurement centres all over the state. The Spokesman reiterated the commitment of Punjab Government to procure total wheat coming to the mandis of Punjab despite meeting the procurement target.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that instructions have already been issued to make payment to farmers within 48 hours of lifting of their produce and Rs. 14580.47 crore has already been paid to farmers. 

The spokesman of the government said that Out of total procurement of 11617706 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centres of Punjab, Government agencies procured 11339395 tonnes of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 278311 tonnes of wheat. Till May 19, MARKFED procured 2518558 tonnes (21.7%), PUNSUP procured 2397881 tonnes (20.6%). whereas PUNGRAIN had procured 1389355 tonnes (12.0 %) PSWC procured 1312015 tonnes (11.3%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 1136729 tonnes (9.8 %) of wheat. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1813411 tonnes (15.6%). 

          The spokesman added that District Sangrur with 1019173 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Ludhiana with 894592 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Bathinda with 838427 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.  

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

VB DIRECTOR TOO HELP IN GETTING CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE

CHANDIGARH, MAY 19:

The Punjab Government, while simplifying the procedure for seeking vigilance clearance certificate, has instructed all the departments that Director and Joint Director of Vigilance Bureau could also be contacted for any problem and help.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state government said that written instructions in this regard have been issued to all the departments. He said that the departments have been told that in case of any difficulty and help for getting vigilance clearance certificate, they could also contact Director and Joint Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, Chandigarh at their office address, SCO-60-61, Sector-17 D, Chandigarh besides these officers could be contacted over phone no./email IDs; for Director 0172-2703553/vigilance-police-pb@nic.in and for Joint Director 0172-2702201/jdvbadmn-pb@nic.in.

xxx 

VIGILANCE FILES 5 CHALLANS IN DIFFERENT CASES DURING APRIL

·      HON’BLE COURTS PRONOUNCED SENTENCE IN 3 ANOTHER BRIBERY CASES

CHANDIGARH, MAY 19:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) in its anti corruption campaign has did commendable job in the month of April, 2014. During this month, the Bureau has completed the inquiry in various cases, subsequently; challans of five cases were submitted before the Hon’ble courts.

Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that during the hearing of another cases filed by Vigilance Bureau, the Hon’ble courts has pronounced sentenced to the culprits in three bribery cases. He said that Vigilance Bureau has also initiated inquiries in two other cases.

-

PUNJAB NOTIFIES THE USE OF AMBER/RED BEACONS FOR DIGNITARIES AND OFFICERS

·       GOVERNMENT EMERGENCY SERVICE VEHICLES AUTHORIZED TO ATOP MULTI-COLOURED LIGHTS

 CHANDIGARH, MAY 19:

The Punjab Government has issued notifications for the usage of different coloured beacons for different rank of government dignitaries and Officers.

An official spokesperson of the Transport Department, today said that Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Police Officers in the pay& rank of Director General of Police, ADGPs, Zonal IGPs, Deputy Commissioners, District and Sessions Judges, City Police Commissioners and SSPs posted as District Police heads have been authorized to use the amber beacon.

The spokesperson further said that the amber beacon would be used only when the dignitary/officer are on duty. When they are on personal visit then such amber light shall be covered by the black/white cover. In case the vehicles fitted with amber light on top front is not carrying the dignitary/officer, then such light shall not be used and be covered by a black/white cover. He said that the stickers of amber lights would be issued by the Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), Punjab against the post mentioned above. The details of stickers i.e. sticker number and the post/designation along with vehicle number would be intimated by him to the State Transport Commissioner, Punjab, Chandigarh.

The spokesperson further said that Ambulances, Vaccine Carrier Vehicles, Fire and Emergency Services Vehicles, Disaster Management Vehicles and Recovery Vehicles, Vehicles on Law and Order Duty, Checking squads of Motor Vehicles Department, Checking squads of Traffic Police and PCR Vehicles, VIP escorts vehicles and Patrol Cars have been authorized to use multi-coloured (Red and Blue) flashing light Bar/console. He said that this order has been issued in pursuance of directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

He said that earlier notifications for the use of red beacon was also issued, as per which, His Excellency the Governor of Punjab, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Former Governors, Former Chief Ministers, Chief Justice and Judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Vice Chairman of State Planning Board and Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha have been authorized to use Red Beacon with flasher on the top front of the vehicle. Similarly, Election Commissioner of Punjab, Deputy Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, State Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Advocate General, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Chairman, Punjab Minority Commission, Chairman, Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission and Chairman, Punjab Public Service Commission were authorized to use Red Beacon without flasher on the top front of their vehicle. The spokesperson further said that four vehicles of General Administration (Protocol Branch) was also sanctioned for the usage of Red light as and when the dignitaries from outside visit Punjab, who have been authorized to use red light by Government of India, their respective states and Union Territories.

-

40 PERSONALITIES BE HONOURED ON INDEPENDENT DAY

·       CITATION AND CASE PRIZE OF RS.50,000 BE CONFERRED

CHANDIGARH, MAY 19:

The Punjab Government would honour 40 personalities from various fields during the State Level Independence Day Function on August 15, 2014. For selecting these distinguish personalities the recommendations from all the Deputy Commissioners have been sought.

The spokesperson of the state government said that the personalities, who have set examples in the act of bravery and who have done commendable job in the field of social work, art and literature, science and technology, would be chosen for the coveted prize besides excellence in learned professions.

He further said that case prize of Rs.50, 000 would be given to the person for his act of bravery in combating anti social elements. He said that case prize of Rs.25, 000 would be conferred for showing bravery in another field besides cash prize of Rs.11,000 for exceptional achievement/work in the field of social work, art and literature, science and technology and to learned professionals.

-

 MALUKA HANDS OVER REGULARISATION ORDERS TO 7654 TEACHERS

SUMMER VACATIONS TO COMMENCE FROM JUNE 1 TO JUNE 30

CHANDIGARH, MAY 19: Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Punjab handed over regularization orders to 7654 teachers at a function organized here today after regularizing their services.

                    Giving details of the teaching/non-teaching staff whose services were regularized, Mr. Maluka said that out of total 7654 teachers, 424 Math teachers, 649 Punjabi, 155 Science Masters, 249 Art and Craft, 96 Library Restorers, 168 SLA and 256 Lecturers have been given regularization orders. He also said that the services of remaining teaching and non teaching staff would be regularized by April 6 and their appointment letters would be sent to the District Education Officers concerned.

                   Congratulating the newly regularized teachers, Mr. Maluka said that due to the efforts of the teaching and non teaching staff, Punjab has touched newer heights in the academic arena. Adding further he said that the schools producing good academic results would be honored on 15 August this year. The Punjab government would also fill the vacant posts at the earliest besides ensuring the adequate infrastructure and essential amenities in the government schools.

                   The Minister also announced the summer vacations commencing from June 1 to June 30, 2014.

                   Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Mrs. Anjali Bhawara, Principal Secretary Education, Mrs. Parampal Kaur, ASPD, Mr. Kamal Garg DPI Senior Secondary and DPI Elementary Darshan Kaur.

 -

PUNJAB DESIGNATES OFFICERS TO LOOK AFTER THE REGULARIZATION OF ILLEGAL COLONIES

·       DEPOSITED MONEY BE USED FOR THE WELFARE OF COLONIES

 CHANDIGARH, MAY 19:

The Punjab Government has designated different rank of officers to look after the regularization process of illegal colonies in the state. The colony owners/plot holders would deposit specified amount of money before these officers. This deposited money would be used for creating a fund, which would further used for providing basic amenities to the citizens of these colonies besides infrastructure development. The Punjab Government has issued notification in this regard.

The spokesperson of the state government said that the Punjab Government has earlier decided to regularize all the unauthorized and illegal colonies. The colony owners/plot holders were asked to deposit specified amount of money for getting the colonies authorized. Now, the government has designated different rank of officers to facilitate the regularization process of the colonies.

He said that for big cities; Chief Administrative of Special Development Authorities, for Municipal Corporations; Commissioner of the MC, for the colonies under Municipal Council and Panchayat; Deputy Director of the Local Bodies Department has been designated to supervise and facilitate the regularization of the colonies. He said that the money deposited by the owners/plot holders would be credited in to government exchequer. He said that the concerned Development Authority would be nodal agency of the state government for collecting fee and use of funds.

-

HOSPITALS REGISTERED WITH MEDLAR SOCIETY AUTHORIZED TO REGISTER MEDICO LEGAL REPORTS

Chandigarh, 19 May: Punjab Government has nominated all Government and Private Hospitals registered with the Medlar Society to register Medico Legal reports in the state. It has been made mandatory for  all these hospitals to use Medico-Legal Reports software for registering Medico Legal reports. Punjab Medlar Society has been constituted for training, compliance & monitoring of implementation of this software.

Disclosing this here today Mrs Vini Mahajan Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare Department, Punjab said that Medico Legal report of only those hospitals would be valid which would be registered under Medlar Society.

She said that post mortems done in government institutes would be acceptable as earlier. She added that only those hospitals would be nominated to register under Medlar Society in which doctors registered with the Punjab Medical Council/ Medical Council of India are working.

Mrs Vini Mahajan added that all Medico legal reports would be computerised as Punjab government has implemented Medico-Legal Reports software for all the Doctors working in Government or Private Hospitals. She said that all the doctors who conduct MLRs may get the password issued for access to the software from the appropriate authority.

--- 

PUNJAB SURPASSES THEPROCUREMENT TARGET DESPITE UNTIMELY RAINS

·       11563679 TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB 

 CHANDIGARH, MAY 19:

The Punjab state has successfully achieved the wheat procurement target  of 115 lakh tonnes on May 18 despite inclement weather conditions and untimely rains. 

            Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that the procurement process of Wheat in Punjab is still in full swing with various Government agencies and private millers procuring more than 11563679 tonnes of wheat till last evening against 11032964 tonnes procured on the date last year. He said that the procurement process is being conducted in 1757 procurement centres all over the state. The Spokesman reiterated the commitment of Punjab Government to procure total wheat coming to the mandis of Punjab despite meeting the procurement target.

He said that instructions have already been issued to make payment to farmers within 48 hours of lifting of their produce and Rs. 14378.21 crore has already been paid to farmers. 

The spokesman of the government said that Out of total procurement of 11563679 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centres of Punjab, Government agencies procured 11285932 tonnes of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 277747 tonnes of wheat. Till May 18, MARKFED procured 2510061 tonnes (21.7%), PUNSUP procured 2385514 tonnes (20.6%). whereas PUNGRAIN had procured 1387672 tonnes (12.0 %) PSWC procured 1306070 tonnes (11.3%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 1229406 tonnes (9.8 %) of wheat. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1807404 tonnes (15.6%). 

          The spokesman added that District Sangrur with 1016711 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Ludhiana with 892355 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Bathinda with 834941 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.  

------------------ 

ELECTION PROCESS COMPLETED-ECI ANNOUNCES CESSATION OF MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT IN STATE

CHANDIGARH, MAY 19:

                    With the announcement  and notification of election results for 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India today announced cessation of Model Code of Conduct in the state.  

          According to Mr. Raminder Singh, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, the declaration of results in respect to all Parliamentary Constituencies has been completed and notified by the election commission of India. He said that the ‘Due Consultation’ notification has been issued on 18thMay 2014 and with this Model Code of Conduct has ceased to be in operation with immediate effect.

--------

ELECTION PROCESS COMPLETED-ECI ANNOUNCES CESSATION OF MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT IN STATE

CHANDIGARH, MAY 19:

                    With the announcement  and notification of election results for 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India today announced cessation of Model Code of Conduct in the state.  

          According to Mr. Raminder Singh, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, the declaration of results in respect to all Parliamentary Constituencies has been completed and notified by the election commission of India. He said that the ‘Due Consultation’ notification has been issued on 18thMay 2014 and with this Model Code of Conduct has ceased to be in operation with immediate effect.

Xxx

CEO REVIEWS COUNTING ARRANGEMENTS

 ASKS DEOs TO ENSURE TOTAL DISCIPLINE IN AND AROUND COUNTING LOCATIONS

v DIRECTS SSPs TO REMAIN MORE VIGILANT AFTER DECLARATION OF RESULTS

Chandigarh, May 15: The Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Mr. V.K. Singh today directed the DEOs to ensure strict discipline in and around all 30 counting locations throughout the state during counting of votes for 13 Parliamentary Constituencies for General Elections to Lok Sabha -2014.

Reviewing the counting arrangements with DEOs through video conferencing, Mr. V.K.Singh pointed out that the Election Commission of India has appreciated the smooth conduct of polling in the state and he was quite confident of smooth counting and timely declaration of results. He said that any unauthorized person shouldn’t be allowed near counting locations and each member of counting staff should be issued identity card and be asked to display that. He asked them to ensure the filling up of required forms and information as directed by the ECI. He said that total counting process should be video-graphed and a copy of recording should be made available to the contesting candidates on payment basis. Similarly, round wise results should also be given to the counting agents.

The CEO asked the field police officers to remain more alert after declaration of results to check any incident of confrontation between different political groups.

Mr. Arpit Shukla, IGP/Hqrs and Elections asked the field police officers to put nakas besides intensifying police patrolling in the cities during counting process. He said that all senior field police officers should themselves remain in field to keep a close watch on law & order situation.

Later interacting with media, the CEO informed that 43 Central Observers have already reported in the state and under their supervision the counting process would begin at all 30 counting  locations at 8.00 am. He said the latest updates about counting would be available on Punjab CEO website. He said that 24 hour dry day would start from today midnight.

Mr. Raminder Singh and Mr. Supreet Singh Gulati, both Additional CEOs and Mr. Amit Talwar, Joint CEO was also present in the video-conferencing.

-

BADAL BATS FOR HEALTHY AND PRO-PEOPLE JOURNALISM

ASKS MEDIA TO ENSURE FAIRLY GOOD COVERAGE TO AGRICULTURE FOR CHECKING THE TREND OF CONSTANT DECLINE IN FARMING

MEDIA ACTS AS AN EYE OPENER FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RECTIFY ITS FOLLIES

URGES MEDIA TO REFRAIN FROM UNHEALTHY CRITICISM

LAUDS HT FOR ADHERING TO THE HIGH MORALS AND JOURNALISTIC ETHICS

Chandigarh, May 15-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the media to give fairly good coverage to the agriculture and agro industry, which had been overlooked during the past due to excessive coverage to the political scenario in the states as well as country, to check the trend of constant decline in agriculture growth.

Addressing a gathering on the function especially organized to commemorate 15th anniversary of the Chandigarh Edition of the Hindustan Times here today, the Chief Minister lauded this prestigious newspaper, which has its roots in the legacy of Shiromani Akali Dal as it was founded by the legendary freedom fighter and founding father of Akali movement and Shiromani Akali Dal Sardar Sunder Singh Lyallpuri besides this newspaper also played a stellar role in the national freedom struggle.

Highlighting the importance of media in the current scenario, the Chief Minister said that it could play a vanguard role in putting the staggering agrarian economy on a strong pedestal by publishing success stories of progressive farmers to enthuse the fellow farmers especially the small and marginal ones to follow their suit. He said that it was ironical that the country's peasantry especially the Punjabi farmers had made our nation self reliant in food production but today they were passing through a very difficult phase. Mr. Badal said that nearly one lakh farmers have abandoned farming due to negligible returns on it or squeezed margins of profit.  Henceforth he said that it was a high time for the media both electronic and print to come forward in bailing out the distressed peasantry by highlighting their hardships and grievances on one hand besides publishing agriculture development oriented stories on the other to boost their morale, which he termed would prove to be a laudatory step to transform their destiny, with humble cooperation of the newspapers.

          Likewise, the Chief Minister also urged upon the media to give considerable coverage to the economic and industrial development to boost the sentiment of youth, who were quite depressed for being grappled with the unprecedented unemployment across the country. He said that the media could also make enormous contribution towards popularizing the concept of skill development at the grass root level to encourage the youth especially with rural background for roping them in various skill development schemes so that they could either be gainfully employed or initiate self employed ventures.

          Commending the Hindustan Times for pursuing healthy practices in journalism, the Chief Minister said that he was indebted to the media for realizing us our follies and mistakes and also acting as an eye-opener for the government to take corrective measures to serve the state and its people in the right earnest. At the same time, Mr. Badal asked the media not to indulge in unhealthy criticism because healthy criticism was always welcome but on the contrary criticism just for the sake of criticism was not only undesirable but also highly deplorable and against the ethics of journalism.   

          While appreciating the editorial skills of the Senior Resident Editor of Hindustan Times Mr. Ramesh Vinayak, the Chief Minister said that he was a seasoned journalist with deep understanding of the socio-economic and political aspects of the country in general and of the region in particular. He said that the team of Hindustan Times led by Mr. Vinayak has been instrumental in rendering valuable services to the states and its residents in the region by highlighting their genuine problems and local issues to their satisfaction.

          Earlier the Chief Minister accompanied by Mr. Ramesh Vinayak also released "The Faces of Success"- a compendium on the success stories of the eminent personalities in different walks of life from the region. 

          The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, MLA Manoranjan Kalia, his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Director General of Police Mr. Suresh Arora.  

--                         
PUBLIC DEALING HOURS FIXED FROM 12 NOON TO 1 PM IN GOVERNMENT OFFICES

Chandigarh May 15:

 Taking serious note of the government officers not sticking to the meeting hours meant exclusively for public dealings, Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal has directed them to remain available in their respective offices for the public dealing during the fixed meeting hours.

        Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the government said that the Punjab government officers have been directed to remain available on all working days in their offices from 12 Noon to 1 PM for meeting the general public including the elected representatives so that the people were not harassed and the work could be executed well in time. It has also been directed that no meeting should be conducted between the fixed meeting hours, he added. They have been directed to follow the directive of the government in both letter and spirit.

 -

11384039 TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

 CHANDIGARH, MAY 15:

The procurement process of Wheat in Punjab is in full swing with various Government agencies and private millers procuring more than 11384039 tonnes of wheat till last evening against 10960948 tonnes procured on the date last year. The procurement process is galloping towards target of 115 Lakh tones for the Rabi Marketing Season with more than one lakh tonne of wheat being procured in 1757 procurement centres all over the state.

He said that instructions have already been issued to make payment to farmers within 48 hours of lifting of their produce Rs. 13789.06 crore has already been paid to farmers. 

The spokesman of the government said that Out of total procurement of 11384039 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centres of Punjab, Government agencies procured 11108584 tonnes of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 275455 tonnes of wheat. Till May 14, MARKFED procured 2497773 tonnes (21.9%), PUNSUP procured 2362204 tonnes (20.8%). whereas PUNGRAIN had procured 1873618 tonnes (16.5%) PSWC procured 1286790 tonnes (11.3%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 1114268 tonnes (9.8 %) of wheat. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1775859 tonnes (15.6%). 

          The spokesman added that District Sangrur with 1010578 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Ludhiana with 887106 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Bathinda with 820323 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.  

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

PUNJAB TO CONSTITUTE TEAMS FOR ROSTER REGISTER CHECKING

CHANDIGARH, MAY 15:

             The Punjab Government has sought complete details of the officials of different departments to constitute teams for roster register checking. In the directions issued to all departments in this regard, it has been told that details should be furnished to Welfare department well in time to implement reservation policy in the government appointment and promotions.

            Disclosing this here today, an official Spokesperson of the Welfare Department said that roster register checking teams are being constituted in different departments to give requisite representation to schedule castes and backward classes in the government services.

            He further said that the departments have been told to submit the designation, office address and mobile number of the officers, two from general category and two from schedule castes of not less the rank of Joint Director, Assistant Director and Additional Director of their Directorate.

            He also said that instructions in this regard have already been sent to the heads of all the departments.

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

INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED NOT TO SEND ANY GPF CASES TO AG OFFICE

Chandigarh, May 15:

The Punjab Finance department has informed all the heads of departments that no case of transfer of GPF account, verification of balances/ advances, copy of transfer advice etc. should be sent to the GPF Account Maintaining Authorities in the office of Principal Accountant General (A & E) Punjab and UT Chandigarh in future.

        A spokesman of the Punjab government said that Principal Accountant General (A & E) Punjab and UT Chandigarh has intimated that 6470 cases received from various GPF Account Maintaining Authorities for review during the last eight months and all have been reviewed at their end. He said that concerned GPF Account Maintaining Authorities have also been intimated accordingly. He said at present no GPF Account is lying in the office of Accountant General Punjab for review. He said that all the concerned officers/officials have been asked to meticulous compliance of the orders.

-

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT COPIES OF PURCHASE AND WORK OF RS. 25 LAKH TO AG AUDIT

Chandigarh, May 15:

The Punjab government has issued instructions to all the departments to submit a copy of contract and agreement for the purchase of goods and execution of works of the value of Rs. 25 lakh and above to the office of the Principal Accountant General (Audit), Punjab and UT Chandigarh.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the General Administration, Coordination said that necessary instructions have been issued to the Heads of all departments. He said that as per General Financial Rules-2005, copies of all contracts and agreements for purchase of goods and execution of works the value of Rs. 25 lakh and above entered into by Civil department of the government other than the departments like Director General of Supplies and Disposal for which special audit procedure exists should be sent to the audit office and/or the accounts office as the case may be.

- 

45 DAYS SPECIALIZED DAIRY TRAINING PROGRAM FROM MAY 26

 CHANDIGARH, MAY 15:

In order to equip dairy farming with the latest technology, the Dairy Development Department, Punjab is organizing 45 days specialized training programs for farmers at different training centers of the state from May 26, 2014. It was disclosed by Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Minister for Animal Husbandry in a press brief here today. He said that the Punjab Government is committed to further boost the white revolution besides extending all support and cooperation to impetus dairy farming.

Mr. Ranike informed that training program would be commenced in the Dairy Training Centers of Bija, Chitamali, Gill, Abul Khurana and Verka. He said that the interview sessions for the selection of candidates will be held at Bija (Ludhiana), Gill (Moga), Verka (Amritsar) and Abul Khurana (Sri Muktsar Sahib) on May 19 from 10 am onwards.

The Minister further said that 10th pass interested farmers between the age of 18 to 45 years and possessing own dairy farm of not less than five milch animals, may apply for the new training session. He said that candidates could get prospectus from all training centers and office of Deputy Director Dairy/Dairy Development Officer of the concerned district by paying Rs.100. He further said that the fee Rs.5,000 for General Category and Rs.4,000 for Scheduled Castes would have to be deposited immediately after the selection of the candidate. He said that hostel facility would also be provided to the candidates.

Divulging other details, Mr. Inderjeet Singh, Director, Dairy Development said that experts from Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animals Sciences University, Ludhiana, Dairy Research Organization, Karnal and Dairy Development Department, Punjab to impart education regarding breed improving, composition of milk products, balanced feed management and look after of milch animals. He said that during training related literature would also be provided free of cost.

-- 

PUNJAB TO PROVIDE FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT TO ACID ATTACK AND RAPE VICTIMS

Chandigarh, May 15: Punjab government to provide free of cost treatment to acid attack victims and rape victims in the state. Instructions regarding this have been issued to all the government hospitals and other private person/ institutions of Health care. Such patients shall be immediately provided the first aid or medical treatment free of cost to the of acid attack and rape victims and shall immediately inform the police of such incident.

Disclosing this here today official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that these measures have been taken for strict compliance of orders of the Hon 'ble Supreme Court. She said that Supreme Court in its judgement has directed to appoint and constitute a committee for adopting measures for prompt treatment for care and rehabilitation of the victims of acid attack.

He said that all government and private hospitals and nursing homes should strictly compliance these orders. She added that the civil surgeons of all district, principals of all medical colleges, and medical superintendents of all health facilities have to pass these instructions.

 --

GATKA COMPETITION ON MAY 17 IN CHANDIGARH

Chandigarh May 15-Chandigarh Gatka Association will organize third Virsa Sambhal Gatka competition and First Atamjeet Singh Memorial Gatka Cup (Men & Women) in the grounds of Gurdawara Sector 22-D Chandigarh on May 17 at 5 PM. More over 12 Gatka teams comprising boys and girls from Punjab, Chandigarh and Haryana state would participate in this event.

Stating this here today Dr. Deep Singh Vice Chairman and Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal President Chandigarh Gatka Association said that the competition would be held according to the rules set forth by Gatka Federation of India and the winners would be awarded with medals and certificates.

He further informed that Gatka Federation of India President H.S Bhullar SSP Khanna, will be the chief guest where as Harjeet Singh Grewal General Secretary and Arvinderjit Singh Kittu Chairman Mata Tripta ji Cheritable Trust Chandigarh will hand over certificates and medals to the winners.

---

Kiran Bedi launches Special Scholarship Scheme for girls at Aryans Group of Colleges

 Kiran Bedi also launches Toll Free Helpline for needy students

 Chandigarh 15 May

 Dr. Kiran Bedi, 1st Women IPS Officer of India today launched a special scholarship scheme for girl students at Aryans Group of Colleges, Chandigarh. Mr M K Sharma, GM, Dena Bank was the Guest of Honour on the occasion. Dr. Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges presided over the event.

 Aryans association with Kiran Bedi has entered in 5th year. On this occasion, Aryans has decided to give scholarship to 25 meritorious girls. As per the scheme, 5 girls having more than 90% marks in 10th/10+2 would get 100% Scholarship, whereas for 20 girls having more than 75%, half of the fee will be waived off and the other half will be financed in shape of Education Loan by Dena Bank. Kiran Bedi also launched a Toll Free Number 1800-30000-388 where students can get registered.

 Dr Kiran Bedi visited 3 different Aryans functions. She addressed over thousand students in Ambala at Lord Mahavir Jain Public School in the morning. Then she addressed around 5000 students at Aryans campus in the afternoon where she also distributed scholarship letters to few meritorious students selected under various schemes. She also addressed the eminent personalities of Chandigarh and Media at PHD Chamber, Chandigarh later on.

 Dr Kiran Bedi said that “I am pleased that my association with Aryans has entered into 5th year. Aryans has fulfilled all of its commitments in last 4 years. Now Aryans is launching a project especially for girls. And my full support is with Aryans for this project.”

 She further said that she is pleased to know that out of the MBA/BBA students she selected 4 years back, some are doing jobs and some are doing Post Graduation at Aryans themselves without putting burden on their parents.

 Mr M K Sharma said that Dena Bank will provide every possible help to the selected girls. These students will be given Education Loans at a very low rate of interest.

 Dr Anshu Kataria while giving more details about the scheme said that any Indian student can apply for this scheme. He said that as maximum as possible students should apply for this scheme. The entire selection procedure would be completed in one month.

 While addressing the Aryans students, Dr Bedi said that the existing students should help other needy students after completing their studies.

Also present on the occasion were Mr A K Gandhi, President, CMA; Dalip Sharma, Regional Director, PHDCCI; Mr R C Pahooja, Deputy Director, PHDCCI; Ms Surjit Kaur, Assistant, PHDCCI; Advocate B D Girdhar; Dr Suresh Aggarwal; Mr Pankaj Aggarwal; Sh Sumit Govil; S Ranjit Singh and many others.

 --

TWO ANNUAL INCREMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICER STOPPED FOR INDISCIPLINE

Chandigarh, May 14:

The Punjab government has stopped the benefit of two annual increments to Mr. Gurmukh Singh, Agriculture Development Officer for the charges of indiscipline and his absence from the post for uncertain reasons. The punishment has been slapped under section 8 of Punjab civil services (punishment and appeal) Act, 1970.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the agriculture department said that during a departmental inquiry Mr. Gurmukh Singh, ADO has been found guilty of indiscipline and non compliance of the departmental orders. He said that this officer remained absent illegally from 3.06.2010 from his post.Mr. Manmohan Huria, IAS (retd.) was the inquiry officer in this case.

-
 

PUNJAB NOTIFIES CREATION OF CENTRAL NODAL AGENCY TO SUPERVISE CASES REGISTERED UNDER NDPS ACT

 Chandigarh May 14: The Punjab Government today issued notification for creation of a nodal agency to supervise the cases registered under the NDPS Act, 1985 to ensure speedy trial in such .Notification regarding this has been issued by the Government.

Disclosing this here today Official spokesperson of the Government said that this decision has been taken as it was observed that delay is occurred in dealing with such cases and courts are being approached to extend the detention period of the accused which cause to enhance the litigation and resultantly the people have to pass more time of their lives in jails to get their bail applications considered.

Spokesperson said that nodal agency would supervise the cases registered under NDPS Act constituted under the chairmanship ADGP (Crime), which will consist all the Zonal Police Commissioners as members and DIG (Crime) as member Secretary. He said that the Nodal Agency will collect the information fortnightly in the enclosed proforma from DSPs posted in the districts of the state and will hold frequent meetings to make the scrutiny of the cases registered under NDPS Act 1985 in various police stations.

Spokesperson further said that the nodal agency will take measures that the investigating officers should not have their any discretion or possibility of any extraneous considerations in such cases and will also issue instructions to the all the investigating officers from time to time for the expeditious disposal of cases. The nodal agency will submit its detailed progress report regarding disposal of NDPS cases to this department after every two months which will be reviewed at the level of Principal Secretary/Secretary Home.

 
=

PHILLAUR INSTRUCTS OFFICIALS TO SPEEDY UP THE WORK OF CONSERVATION & BEAUTIFICATION OF MUSEUMS

·        10 LAKH PAGES OF ARCHIVE RECORDS DIGITIZED

·        MINISTER CALLS MEETING OF PROJECT CONSULTANTS ON MAY 26

Chandigarh, May 14: Punjab Cultural Affairs Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur has instructed all concerned officials of the department to speedy up the work of conservation and beautification of Museums in the state. Presiding over a meeting to review the progress report of the department Minister also reviewed the work to be done under 13th financial commission and asked officials to fix a meting with the project consultants on May 26.

Briefing about the meeting Minister said that progress work of Sheesh Mehal & Arms Gallery, Patiala, District Museum Sangrur, Mahraja Ranjit Singh Summer Palace, Ram Bag, Amritsar, Anglo Sikh War Memorial Ferozshah & Lala Lajpat Rai Museum, Jagron, Arch logical Museum Sanghol, Khatkar Kalan Museum and progress report of Digitization and Micro Filming work of Archaeological Records was reviewed in the meeting.

Disclosing about the work to be done at Sheesh Mehal & Arms Gallery Patiala Museum Mr. Phillaur said that centre has approved Rs 3 Crore under 13th financial commission and DPR is being prepared from consultants Abha Nariane Mumbai. He added that after the completion of outer work the interior upgradation work would be done with the cost of Rs 2.5 Crore. “Work of two Kothi’s & Temple adjoining district museum Sangrur is in progress”, said Phillaur.

Mr. Phillaur said that Punjab Government sent a proposal of Rs 15 crore for approval to the central government but they have sent the proposal back asking for some changes and this proposal would be soon again sent to the centre. 

Cultural Minister said that work of Anglo Sikh War Memorial, Ferozshah and Lala Lajpat Rai Museum, jagraon would be done with grant approved in the 13th financial commission. He further said that 90 percent upgradation work of Archaeological Museum Sanghol is completed and remaining work would be completed soon. “First Phase work of Khatkar Kalan Museum is completed and Rs 12.5 Crore has been released for this work and for second phase work of this Museum consultant has sent 10.48 Crore tender document and action is being taken to approve this”, said Phillaur.

Minister further said that department has also under taken the work digitization and Micro filming of Archaeological records under central sponsored scheme in the ratio of 75:25 share. He said that till date 10 lakh pages have been digitized and other work is under progress.

Other prominent present in the meeting included Mr. Navjotpal Singh Randhawa Director, Cultural Affairs Department, Punjab, Mr Gurkirat Singh Assistant Controller and Mrs Malwinder Kaur Curator Museums.  

-

PSERC CONSTITUTES SUPPLY CODE REVIEW PANEL

CHANDIGARH, MAY 14:

            Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) has constituted Supply Code Review Panel.

            Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesman said that Mr. Gurinder Jit Singh, Member PSERC would be Ex-officio Chairperson, Secretary, PSERC has been indicted Ex-officio Member and Joint Director/Regulations, PSERC as Secretary/Review panel.

            Similarly Additional Secretary (Power), Engineer-in-Chief/Commercial, PSPCL, Chief Engineer/P&M, PSTCL, Ludhiana, Mr. R.S.Sachdeva, Co-Chairman, Punjab Committee PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Capt. S.S.Dhillon, IAS (Retd.), Chairman/INA Rural Development Society, Mr. Vijay Talwar, State Vice President, Laghu Udyog Bharti, Jalandhar, Col. Angad Singh (Retd), General Secretary, Consumer Protection & Grievance Redressal Forum, Mr. P.S.Chawla and Mr. A.S.Pabla have been indicted in the panel as members.

            He said that Supply Code Review panel will meet at least once in six months and perform the functions in the manner as specified in Regulation 4.2 of the Supply Code.

- 

  ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAM ANNOUNCED

 

 

CHANDIGARH, MAY 14:

Punjab Irrigation Department has announced rotational Program for irrigation for the Kharif Season through canal water from 14-05-2014 to 21-05-2014. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala Feeder, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch and Bist Doab canal, respectively.

Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson 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, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Direct Distributaries of Group A.

            He said that Punjab channels and branchs off-taking from Harike and Ferozpur Head Works, Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries, in Group B, being in first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Direct Distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in Group A.

            The spokesman further said that the in the Upper Bari Doab Canal system, Lahore Branch with its distributaries, being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch Lower and Sabhroan Branch with their distributaries, respectively.

-

PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS ASKED TO SUBMIT DATE OF BIRTH PROOF FOR GRANT OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCES

CHANDIGARH, MAY 14:

The Punjab Government has asked the pensioners/family pensioners to submit date of  birth proof for grant of old age allowances. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that it has come to the notice of the Government that certain difficulties are being faced by certain pensioners/family pensioners for claiming additional quantum of pension/family pension on completion of the age of 80 years and above because their date of birth has not been recorded in the Pension Payment Order.

          He further said that it has been decided that in such cases PAN Card, Matriculation Certificate , Passport and Adhaar Card (if it contains date of birth) should be submitted to settle the claims of additional quantum of pension/family pension.

          He said that if the date of birth is not recorded in the PPO or in the office record, the Pension Disbursing Authority Bank would send an intimation to the pensioner/family pensioner about the non availability of the information. He said that the necessary instructions in this regard has also been issued to all the Heads of Departments, Commissioners of Divisions, Registrar, High Court Punjab and Haryana, Districts and Session Judges and all the Deputy Commissioners in the state.

-

8.7 PER CENT INTEREST RATE FIXED ON GPF AND CPF FOR 2014-15

 CHANDIGARH, MAY 14:

The Punjab Government has fixed 8.7 per cent interest rate on General Provident Fund (GPF) and Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) for the year 2014-15.

Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the Finance Department said that the employees could avail 8.7 per cent interest rate from 1.4.2014 on GPF & CPF and other funds credited by them.

-

GP FUND ACCOUNTS TO BE MAINTAINED AT DISTRICT LEVEL

CHANDIGARH, MAY 14:

          The Punjab Government has issued instructions to maintain the GP Fund accounts of class-4 employees at the district level w.e.f 1-5-2014.

          Disclosing this spokesperson said that keeping in view the difficulties faced by the class-4 employees, this decision has been taken. He said that the GPF accounts of those class-4 employees, who are working in the Head/administrative offices, would be maintained in the same office.

-

PUNJAB NOTIFIES RULES FOR THE EXAMINATION OF LABOUR CUM CONCILIATION OFFICERS

CHANDIGARH, MAY 14:

The Punjab government today notified the rules for the conduct of Labour cum Conciliation officers’ Departmental Examination.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that as per the notification this examination would be held twice a year in the February and October or on such dates as are notified by Central Committee of Punjab. He said that the papers would be set, answer examined and marks awarded by the examiners nominated by the Secretary, Labour, Punjab. The answer books of the candidates would be forwarded by the Secretary, Central Committee of Examinations, Punjab to the examiners appointed by the Secretary, Labour, Punjab. 

- 

113 LAC TON-NES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

 Chandigarh, May 14:

The procurement process of Wheat in Punjab is in full swing with various Government agencies and private millers procuring more than 11327343 tonnes of wheat till last evening against 10923149 tonnes procured on the date last year. The procurement process is galloping towards target of 115 Lakh tones for the Rabi Marketing Season with more than one lac tones of wheat being procured in 1757procurement centers all over the state.

He said that instructions have already been issued to make payment to farmers within 48 hours of lifting of their produce Rs. 13565.76 crore has already been paid to farmers.  

The spokesman of the government said that Out of total procurement of 11327343 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 11052976  tonnes of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 274367  tonnes of wheat. Till May 13, MARKFED procured 2487133 tonnes (22.0%), PUNSUP procured 2347830 tonnes (20.7%). whereas PUNGRAIN had procured 1871251 tonnes (16.5%) PSWC procured 1279648  tonnes (11.3%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 1107437  tonnes (9.8 %) of wheat. The Central Government agency FCI  had  been able to procure 1768246  tonnes (15.6%). 

          The spokesman added that District Ludhiana with 884949 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Bathinda with 815149 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Patiala with 792108 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.  

 Xxxxxx

ECI ADVISES CANDIDATES TO APPOINT MATURE PERSONS AS COUNTING AGENTS

v                        Persons having security cover cannot be appointed as counting agents

v  No restriction of appointing only local persons as counting agents

Chandigarh, May 12: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has clarified that the law does not prescribe any specific qualification for persons to be appointed as counting agents but advised candidates to appoint only mature persons who were above 18 years as their counting agents so that their interests could be properly taken care off.

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Raminder Singh, Additional CEO said that according to a communication received from ECI, security personnel were not allowed to enter the counting hall, so no sitting Minister either of Union Government  or of a State Government, sitting MP, MLA/MLC or any other person having security cover provided by the state(bith Union and State governments) would be allowed to act as election agent, polling agents or counting agent of any candidate during an election. Besides this, no person having security cover could act as such agent of a candidate during an election. He cannot enter the counting hall along with security personnel; his security cannot be put to jeopardy by allowing him to enter the hall without any security cover, he added.

He said that the ECI has further clarified that any sitting Minister of Union Government or of a state government, any sitting MP/MLA/MLC, Chief/Head/Chairperson of Urban Local Bodies, viz., Mayor of a corporation, Chairman of Municiplity/Nagar Panchayat, Chairperson of Zila Parishad/Block Samiti, elected Chairpersons of National/State/District co-operative institutions, Political functionaries appointed as Chairpersons of Central PSUs/State PSUs, Chairpersons of Government bodies,  and Government pleader/additional government pleader cannot be appointed as counting agent.

The Communiqué further clarified that there was no restriction that only local persons shall be permitted to become counting agents and the candidates were free to nominate any persons above 18 years of age.

The Additional CEO said that these instructions have already been conveyed to ROs/AROs/Candidates and Observers.

-

CONTESTING CANDIDATES SANS SECURITY GUARDS ALLOWED

TO BE PRESENT IN COUNTING HALL

 Chandigarh, May 12: The Election Commission of India today clarified that as per the provisions of Section 50 of Representation of People Act 1951, a contesting candidate (whether he is sitting MP/MLA/MLC) has a right to be present in the counting hall in addition to counting agents.

In a clarification issued today a spokesman of ECI said that contesting candidates would be permitted with a stipulation that security persons with arms should not get into counting hall. He said that such candidates would be asked to give an undertaking that they are surrendering their security on their own voluntarily to sit in the counting hall.

The spokesman further clarified that the only exception would be in the case of SPG protectees or other similarly placed persons who can be permitted to be accompanied only with one SPG personnel in plain clothes.

-

AS MANY AS 15 OUTSTANDING TEACHERS TO GET MALTI GYANPEETH AWARDS-2014---MALUKA

 Chandigarh May 12:  The Mahinder Singh Singhal Educational and Research Society would honor as many as 15 prominent regular teachers with Malti Gyan Peeth Award-2014 for their outstanding contribution in promoting the girl education in the state. The teachers of government High and Senior Secondary Schools teaching Physics, Chemistry, Maths, English and Social Sciences would be considered for the award.

          Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka, Education Minister Punjab said that the awardees would be given Rs. 1 lakh cash, appreciation letter and a 'Robe of Honour'. He also said that out of 75 recommended teachers, 15 teachers would be selected by the properly constituted jury of the Society. DPI Senior Secondary or his nominee would be the member of the jury, he added.

          Mr. Maluka also said that this initiative was mainly taken to promote the quality teaching in the schools besides encouraging the hundred percent attendance of girl students in the government schools. He however made it clear that the teachers already awarded with the National or State Awards would not be considered for this award. Each school can recommend only one teacher of one subject for the consideration of the award, said Mr. Maluka.

-

111.76 LAKH TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, May 12: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 111.76 lakh tonnes of Wheat till last evening.

                 According to an official spokesman,  out of total procurement of 111.76 lakh tonnes of wheat Government agencies procured 97.6% till date whereas private traders procured 2.4% of wheat. Till May 11, PUNGRAIN had procured 18.82 lakh tonnes (16.8%) whereas  MARKFED procured 24.52 lakh tonnes (21.9%). PUNSUP procured 23.21 lakh tonnes (20.8%), PSWC procured 12.61 lakh tonnes (11.3%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 10.94 lakh tonnes    (9.8 %) of wheat.

                                     The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 17.42 lakh tonnes of wheat which was the 15.6% of the total procurement of wheat in the state.

                   The spokesman added that district Sangrur with 9.54 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Ludhiana with  8.03 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Patiala with 7.82 lakh  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position 

 

10% DA HIKE FOR PUNJAB EMPLOYEES/PENSIONERS

·         ALSO RELEASES ARREARS OF DA DUE FROM  1ST JULY 2013

  

CHANDIGARH, MAY 9

The Punjab Government today announced the 10 percent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) payable to the state government employees/pensioners due from January 1, 2014 and it would be paid from December 1 2014 increasing it rate from existing 90% to 100% of the basic pay.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the decision about the pending payment of enhanced DA from 1.1.2014 to 30.11.2014 would be taken later on.

He further said that the pending arrears of 10% DA from 1.7.13 to 31.1.14 would be deposited in the GPF accounts of Group D employees in the month of July 2014 and for remaining employees/pensioners the amount would be released after 15.8.14. “Pending payment of enhanced DA would be deposited in GPF account of concerned employee and pensioners will get it cash” he said.  

The spokesman also said that those employees who were appointed under New Restructured Defined Contributory Pension Scheme from 1.1.2004 or after that have been advised to purchase the National Saving Certificates/Kisan Vikas Pattar from Post offices situated in the state of Punjab against the arrears of DA.

 Xxxx

PCS OFFICER SENTENCED FOR 3 YEARS IN GRAFT CASE

 

CHANDIGARH, MAY 9:

          The Hon’ble Court of Mr. Rajiv Kalra, Additional Sessions Judge, Pathankot has convicted Jai Pal Singh, PCS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Pathankot in the case of bribery and sentenced him for 3 years imprisonment and fine of Rs.5,000.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau, Punjab said that Jai Pal Singh, PCS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Pathankot was trapped while accepting the first installment of bribe money amounting to Rs.2,50,000 from complainant Mr. Prabal Sharma r/o College Road, Pathankot. He said that a case under section 7, 13 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered against the accused at Vigilance Bureau Police Station, Amritsar on 30.8.2012. He further said that the accused was nabbed red-handed in an operation headed by Mr. Subash Chander, DSP, Vigilance Bureau, Pathankot. The spokesperson said that the total bribe money demanding by the accused was to the tune of Rs.16,00,000.

Xxx

108.82 LAKH TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

 

Chandigarh, May 09: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 108.82 lakh tonnes of Wheat till last evening.

                 According to an official spokesman,  out of total procurement of 108.82 lakh tonnes of wheat Government agencies procured 97.7% till date whereas private traders procured 2.3% of wheat. Till May 08, PUNGRAIN had procured 19.73 lakh tonnes (18.1%) whereas  MARKFED procured 24.05 lakh tonnes (22.1%). PUNSUP procured 22.62 lakh tonnes (20.8%), PSWC procured 12.31 lakh tonnes (11.3%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 10.70 lakh tonnes    (9.8 %) of wheat.

                  

                   The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 16.85 lakh tonnes of wheat which was the 15.5% of the total procurement of wheat in the state.

                   The spokesman added that district Sangrur with 9.46 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Ludhiana with  7.94 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Patiala with 7.78 lakh  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position 

Xxx

MAIDEN “THE PAKISTAN SHOW” OPENS TO A COLOSSAL RESPONSE

Amritsar, 8 May, 2014 

The five day event, ‘The Pakistan Show’ 2014 opened to a colossal response this afternoon at Trillium Mall, Amritsar. The show is being organized by the industry body PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Lahore Chamber of Commerce and

​​

Industry, Lahore, Pakistan from 8 to 12 May, 2014.

“​The

​ ​

Pak Show brings the two Punjabs together. These shows happening over a number of years are testimony to the fact that the business communities on both the sides of the border are keen and eager to see peace ushering in on both the countries”, said the Pakistan High Commissioner in Delhi, H. E. Abdul Basit, after inaugurating the 5- day expo and cultural extravaganza.

Basit said, “The interest of both the countries for boosting and enhancing not only bilateral trade but the people to people connect as well is immense, adding that the governments on both sides are committed to boost bilateral trade so that peaceful development can be realised on both sides of the border sooner than later”.

“With the new government setting up in Delhi, we hope that the two countries would engage with each other for a comprehensive and strategic boost to bilateral trade relations”, added the Commissioner. 

Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Education), Punjab visited on the first day of the 5-day event and took a round of the exhibition where he appreciated the quality of exhibits. Calling upon the masses to visit and experience this exhibition, he said, it is a unique endeavor of both the Chambers, adding that only such efforts as this, go a long way in promoting not only business to business but people to people connect also.

“Recent back to back cross border visits of delegates of commerce and industry from both the countries have definitely given a boost to the bilateral trade”, said R S Sachdeva, Co- Chairman, Punjab Committee, PHD Chamber stating that as per Indian High Commission in Islamabad, the trade has grown manifold over the last few years.

Dalip Sharma, Regional Director, PHD Chamber said, the footfall is increasing with the passage of time. The visitors, he said, seem visibly happy with the Pakistani stalls and food court.

 “Such events go a long way in removing the coloured inhibitions among the masses in general and the business community in particular. Such events need to be held more frequently, said Naeem Anwar, Minister of Trade, High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi.

“The response to the earlier expos has been tremendous, which encourages us to visit and exhibit in India year over year”, echoed exhibitors from Pakistan.

Xxx

CM OKAYS UPWARD REVISION IN MONTHLY SCHOLARSHIP FOR RURAL STUDENTS IN PAU/ GADVASU FROM RS 600 TO RS 750

QUANTUM OF SCHOLARSHIPS ENHANCED FROM 284 TO 366

 

Chandigarh, May 8-

 

In a bid to encourage the rural students to pursue professional courses in agriculture and veterinary sciences besides vocational courses in dairy and allied sectors, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave his nod for enhancing the amount of monthly scholarships given to these students studying in Punjab Agriculture University (PAU)/ Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), from existing Rs 600 to Rs 750.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the file in this regard was cleared by the Chief Minister this morning. Pertinently, this scholarship was given by the Punjab Agriculture and Marketing Board to incentivize the students from the rural areas studying in both these premier institutes, with an objective to be gainfully employed in the agriculture and allied farming sector. Likewise, the Chief Minister also approved to enhance the existing number of scholarships given to these students from existing 284 to 366, the spokesperson added.

No.CMO-14/ 83

      

CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE PUNJAB

 

 

BADAL SENDS DETAILED PROPOSAL TO GOI FOR SEEKING HIKE IN MSP OF RABI CROPS FOR 2014-15

 

ENVISIONS UPWARD HIKE IN MSP OF BARLEY, GRAMS, RAPESEED AND MUSTARD TO BOOST STATE’S CROP DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM

 

DEMANDS MSP OF RS.1900 FOR WHEAT INSTEAD OF RS.1400 PER QUINTAL

 

Chandigarh, May 8-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today cleared the state’s proposal asking the Government of India (GoI) to make upward revision in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of various crops for Rabi 2014-15 over the corresponding MSP during 2013-14.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the State agriculture department forwarded a detailed proposal to the Commission for Agriculture Costs & Prices (CACP) for seeking hike in the MSP of the Wheat from Rs.1400 in 2013-14 to Rs.1900 per quintal in 2014-15.  Likewise, the agriculture department also sought an upward revision in the MSP of Barley from Rs.1100 to Rs.1517 per quintal. 

The spokesperson further said that the Chief Minister demanded the MSP of Grams to be hiked from Rs.3100 to Rs.3627 per quintal and that of Rapeseed and Mustard from Rs. 3050 to Rs.3484 per quintal in the proposal forwarded to CACP. 

The Chief Minister categorically said that the hike in the MSP of above mentioned crops during the Rabi 2014-15 was necessitated to boost the crop diversification plan especially for the promotion of crops like Barley, Grams, Rapeseed and Mustard in the state.  This move would not only benefit the state’s peasantry substantially but also help the state to arrest the trend of declining ground water.  It may be recalled that the state government under its ambitious agriculture diversification program had already planned to reduce the area under paddy cultivation from 28 lakh hectares to 12 lakh hectares over a period of five years. 

 xxx

107.20 LAKH TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

 Chandigarh, May 08: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 107.20 lakh tonnes of Wheat till last evening.

                 According to an official spokesman,  out of total procurement of 107.20 lakh tonnes of wheat Government agencies procured 97.7% till date whereas private traders procured 2.3% of wheat. Till May 07, PUNGRAIN had procured 19.40 lakh tonnes (18.1%) whereas  MARKFED procured 23.73 lakh tonnes (22.1%). PUNSUP procured 22.28 lakh tonnes (20.8%), PSWC procured 12.10 lakh tonnes (11.3%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 10.52 lakh tonnes    (9.8 %) of wheat.

                                     The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 16.66 lakh tonnes of wheat which was the 15.5% of the total procurement of wheat in the state.

                   The spokesman added that district Sangrur with 9.37 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Ludhiana with  7.90 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Patiala with 7.76 lakh  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position 

xxx

PUNJAB STATE COMMISSION FOR NRIS, CHANDIGARH

COMMISSION ASKS ADGP/CRIME TO GET ENQUIRED THE ISSUE OF ALLEGED SIPHONING OF RS. 11.45 LAC FRON AN NRI WOMAN’s ACCOUNT

Chandigarh, May 8: The Punjab State Commission for NRIs has asked ADGP/Crime to entrust the complaint of a UK resident Mrs. Satwinder Kaur regarding alleged siphoning of Rs. 11.45 lac from her account in HDFC Bank to the Economic Wing for inquiry to be conducted by a senior officer and submit a report to the Commission by June 30.

                  Disclosing this here today, Justice Arvind Kumar (Retd.), Chairperson, Punjab State Commission for NRIs said that Mrs. Satwinder Kaur in a written complaint has alleged that she has a Current A/c no.13711530000366 in HDFC Bank, Chandigarh Road, Kurali.  She got information from Home-office that she did not have sufficient fund in her current account. She contacted her family. When she checked she found a potential theft of Rs.11, 45,000/- from her said current account. She pointed out that she had never visited India since 6th Dec.2009 and authorized anyone to manage her current account on her behalf. She apprehends either the said amount has been stolen or transferred to some other account without her consent.

            He said that on Commission’s notice the Manager, HDFC Bank, Chandigarh Road, Kurali had put an appearance and submitted the relevant documents. It transpires from the record that she sent a request for issuance of new cheque book of her Saving Bank Account, wherein the bank had asked the authority letter and also to confirm the name of the person who will come to collect the same. Resultantly, she through her email id satwinderaha9821@gmail.com (which stated to have been changed by her request) “I request you to provide the cheque book to Mr. Ronak Patel”. Subsequently, the cheque book containing 25 cheques from 000001 to 000025 was delivered to Ronak Patel on 17.12.2013 upon submission of his identity proof i.e. Pan-Card and voter-card and had also stated to have submitted the copy of the passport of Satwinder Kaur, her college admit card and residence permit. Subsequently, number of transactions had taken place from her account from 17.12.2013 to 31.12.2013 out of which an amount of Rs.05 lakh on 21.12.2013 and 3.50 on 31.12.2013 stated to have been transferred to the account of said Ronak Patel in his account stated to be in Indus Bank, Mumbai. Other amounts had been withdrawn cash by him. Thus total amount was 11,45,000/-. The further stand of the bank was that all the cheques vide which the amount were withdrawn/transferred belonged to the account of the complainant and had signatures of the complainant and cheques did not have any material alteration on the face of it. The said cheques were delivered to Ronak Patel on the basis of the authority letter by Satwinder Kaur referred to above.

            The Chairperson informed that on the contrary the claim of Satwinder Kaur that she never authorized anyone for collection of cheque book or withdrawal of any amount. Mr. Jagdeep Singh (husband of complainant) has also apprised that she never visited India after December, 2010.  He poited out that the issue that arise in this complaint was whether there had been any genuine authorization by Satwinder Kaur in favour of Ronak Patel. Secondly, the cheque book was stated to have been delivered on 17.12.2013 to Ronak Patel and the amounts had been withdrawn immediately from 17.12.2013 to 31.12.2013. That be so, how those cheques could contain the signatures of the complainant Satwinder Kaur , who never visited India after December, 2010.  A whopping amount of 11,45,000/- has allegedly siphoned off from her account. This may be for the reasons that the bank accounts of NRIs were more vulnerable. Such like alleged frauds not only create distrust amongst the investors but also expose bank’s security.

He said that after finding it a fit case for inquiry/probe, this complaint has been sent to ADGP/Crime to entrust this complaint to the Economic Wing for inquiry to be conducted by comparatively senior officer and the report to be submitted to this Commission by June 30.

Xxx

CM KEEN FOR INITIATING ACADEMIC SESSION IN SIX RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS

·       ASKS OFFICERS TO ENSURE ADMISSION OF EVERY BRILLIANT AND ELIGIBLE STUDENT IN THESE SCHOOLS

·       DIRECT SENIOR OFFICERS TO PERSONALLY VISIT THE SITES TO OVERSEE ONGOING PROGRESS

Chandigarh, May 07

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the Education department to complete the civil works and recruitment process of the faculty for upcoming six residential schools for Meritorious Students of Government Schools at the earliest to enable these schools to start the next academic session on schedule.

          Presiding over the meeting of the Society constituted for promotion of quality education for poor and meritorious students of Punjab, the Chief Minister reviewed the ongoing progress of these schools. Mr. Badal said that these schools must be made functional from the next session to impart quality education to all the meritorious students of the Government Schools across the state besides providing them free hostel facility.

          It might be recalled that these schools were being established in SAS Nagar (Mohali), Bathinda, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Patiala to provide free quality education and hostel facilities for all the brilliant students of the government schools, who had scored 80% or above marks in the Matriculation examinations.

          During the meeting Mr. Badal directed all the senior officers to personally visit the respective sites of these schools to closely monitor the ongoing civil works. He also emphasised that strict quality control should be adopted while purchasing the furniture and other requisite equipment for these schools.

          The Chief Minister asked Principal Secretary Education to direct all the District Education Officers (DEOs) to inform the matriculation students of the Government Schools about the procedure of admission and facilities being provided in these schools, so that eligible students could take admission in them.

          Principal Secretary Education Mrs. Anjali Bhawra informed the Chief Minister that the screening test for teaching and non-teaching staff would be conducted by Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU). She also informed that the Medical, Non-Medical and Commerce streams would be commenced in these schools besides English Speaking and Personality Development Courses would also be initiated separately so that students could compete in further exams without any problem.

          Prominent amongst who were present in the meeting included Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka, Principal Secretary Education Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, MD PIDB Mr. Anurag Aggarwal and Chairperson Punjab School Education Board  Dr. Tejinder Kaur Dhaliwal besides the officers of the Educat

 

CM REVIEWS THE PROGRESS OF ONGOING MEMORIALS

·        ASKS OFFICERS TO COMPLETE THE WORK OF MEMORIALS IN TIME BOUND MANNER

Chandigarh, May 6, 2014

          Reviewing the progress of upcoming memorials across the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the officers to complete the ongoing works on the memorials in a time bound manner.

Presiding over a meeting with senior officers of the state government to review the ongoing work of memorials here today at CMO, the Chief Minister said that special focus should be laid on the designs of these proposed memorials so that these memorials could emerge as an articulate of our great legacy and culture. He said that the construction work of these memorials should be completed expeditiously with the sole motive to perpetuate the rich legacy of our great religious Gurus, saints and seers for coming generations.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of War Memorial and Bhagwan Valmiki ji Memorial at Amritsar, Jang-e-Azadi Memorial at Kartarpur, Guru Ravidass ji Memorial at Hoshiarpur, Bhai Jaita ji Memorial, Baba Moti Ram Mehra ji Memorial, Swami Vivekananda ji Memorial and Bhai Mardana Sangeet Academy, Ferozepur. Mr. Badal also reviewed the maintenance arrangements of Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadur Memorial, Chapparchiri, Wadda and Chota Ghalughara Memorials. He directed that the maintenance of these memorials should be done in an effective manner so that people could be attracted to these memorials.

Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs Mr. SS Channi assured the Chief Minister that the ongoing work would be completed expeditiously.

Prominent among those present in the meeting included Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Cultural Affairs and Tourism Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Animal Husbandry Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. NS Kang, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Vice Chancellor Punjabi University, Patiala Dr. Jaspal Singh.

-

CM DIRECTS OFFICERS TO FIX TIME FOR EXCLUSIVELY MEETING THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

·        ASKS OFFICERS TO AVOID ANY GOVERNMENT MEETING DURING THE STIPULATED HOURS

Chandigarh, May 6-

In a bid to provide efficient administrative services to the people, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the officers of the state government to fix the time exclusively for meeting the general public and their elected representatives by avoiding any government meeting during these hours.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that in the orders issued here today, Mr. Badal expressed deep concern over the rising complaints of the general public and their elected representatives that the officers have either not fixed any time for redressing their grievances or usually avoid to meet them during the time fixed for them, due to which the general public and their representatives have to face a lot of problem in getting their day to day administrative works done. Taking cognizance of this fact, the Chief Minister had directed the officers of the state government to specifically fix the hours for meeting the general public and their representatives, so that they could be provided quick and prompt administrative services. Likewise, Mr. Badal has also directed the officers to ensure that no government meeting was kept during the time fixed for the people so that they could be able to meet the officers for their routine matters. The Chief Minister has also directed the officers to duly publicize these timings through display boards outside the offices and the media, so as to make people aware of it. 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Majithia Performs Sewa at Sri Keshgarh Sahib as a Humble Sikh

 Anandpur Sahib, May 6, 2014 (                                        ) Punjab Revenue Minister and Senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia today performed Sewa (Volunteer service) at Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib as a humble Sikh. He dusted the shoes, washed the utensils and listened to the Gurbani Kirtan inside the vast campus of the Takht. He is undergoing the `Tankhah’ (religious atonement) following Akal Takht’s verdict after he was indicted by the five Takhat’s Jathedars for distorting the religious hymns of Guru Gobind Singh, `Deh Shiva bar Mohe…..’’.

 Following the distortion, Majithia who said he was devoted to the Sikh philosophy from the core of the his heart as a devout Sikhs, he immediately expressed regret over the issue. He said while delivering a public speech he inadvertently mentioned the name of BJP senior leader and SAD-BJP candidate for Amritsar Lok Sabha Arun Jaitley iont he Shabad. He later appeared before the Jathedars and tendered the apology which was accepted and the Sikh clergy asked him to undergo the religious atonement for the purification.

 Majithia said he would be following the dictates of the Takht whom he considered the supreme and thus was performing the Sewa. Majithia who belongs to a devout Majithia clan who had been serving the Sikhs throughout would similarly undertake the Sewa  at four other Takhats including the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs Akal Takht.

---

"Aryans Scholarship Mela" on 15th May

Over thousand register for Kiran Bedi Scholarship

Mohali, May 06, 2014

 Over 1100 students have been registered for “Aryans Scholarship Mela” to be held on 15th May at Aryans campus. The event would be inaugurated by Dr Kiran Bedi, First Woman IPS Officer of India.

 “Aryans Scholarship Mela” is a Project undertaken by Aryans Group of Colleges every year under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plan. In this, students get selected for scholarship on Merit-cum-Means basis. The registrations are still opened on special Toll free helpline No. 1800-30000-388 and website www.aryans.edu.in for the needy and deserving students who are interested in getting scholarship.

 Giving this information, Dr Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group said that this is the 5th Scholarship Drive of Aryans. This time, the students from not only North India, but from North East States and also from Nepal are seen excited about this event with the number of registrations from these areas. He added that on the occasion, Dr Kiran Bedi would also launch a special Scholarship Scheme for girl students.

 Dr Kataria further told that on 15th May, Dr Kiran Bedi would visit 3 different places for Aryans. She would address the students in Ambala (10 am), in Aryans Campus (12 Noon) and in Chandigarh (2 pm). She would also launch the 8th Batch Admissions of Aryans and would distribute Scholarship letters to the selected students at Aryans Campus.

 Dr Kataria further told that “Aryans Scholarship Mela” is for the deserving students who are not financially strong. He added that under this scheme, scholarships are given purely on Merit-cum-Means basis and it will be partially funded by the Bank, partially by the Student and partially by College. He added that students selected under scholarship would study in different courses like B.Tech, M.Tech, MBA, BBA, BCA, BA, B.Com, B.Ed, Nursing, Polytechnic, +1(Non Medical) etc.

 Prof A P Jain, Director, Aryans Group said that 4 years back, Dr Bedi selected some needy students at Aryans campus who were not able to pay study expenses. Those students after completing their courses at Aryans got placed in reputed companies. He added that the success stories of those students motivated us to continue with the same Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Project for coming years also.

 Prof B S Sidhu, Registrar, Aryans Group said that today higher education has become very costly and is out of the reach of the common man. Due to which, many meritorious students also leave their studies in between. Aryans and Dr Kiran Bedi have come forward with a try to fulfill the dreams of needy but deserving students to study higher.

 It is worth mentioning that Dr Kiran Bedi’s Navjyoti India Foundation has signed an MoU with Aryans which was renewed also. Under this MoU, the Navjyoti Foundation identifies the students for scholarships and Aryans provides them the scholarships

-

--

CM GIVES APPROVAL FOR INITIATING ‘COTTON MECHANIZATION PROGRAM’ IN THE COTTON BELT OF STATE

MULTI PRONGED STRATEGY TO BE ADOPTED FOR BAILING OUT THE COTTON CULTIVATORS FROM CURRENT CRISIS

PNEUMATIC PLANTERS, COTTON PICKING MACHINES AND IMPORTED GROWTH REGULATOR AND CHEMICAL TO BE UNIQUE FEATURE OF THE PROGRAM

COTTON CLEANER TO BE SET UP IN MALOUT GRAIN MARKET AT A COST OF RS 1 CRORE

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE OF COTTON TO BE SET UP AT BATHINDA

STATE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE A SUBSIDY OF RS 4000 PER ACRE TO THE FARMERS FOR HIGH DENSITY COTTON CULTIVATION

Chandigarh, May 5-

          In a bid to promote crop diversification in the state by maximizing the profit of cotton cultivators, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has given his nod to embark ‘Cotton Mechanization Program’ in the cotton belt by introducing Pneumatic planters, cotton picking machines and high yielding varieties of seed besides setting up a “Centre of Excellence of Cotton” at Bathinda.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the file regarding this was cleared by the Chief Minister here today.  

          The project primarily aims at maximizing the profit of the cotton cultivators, reducing the input cost by overcoming the problem of expensive labor and reducing the process of cotton cultivation to pave way for high yield of wheat crop.  Under the ambitious program the Punjab Agriculture University and the state Agriculture Department in tandem with renowned Agro companies like John Deer, Bayer India and others would conduct adaptive trails on 1500 acres of land in villages near Malout by practicing High Density Cotton cultivation, in which seven packets of cotton seeds were sown instead of existing two over one acre of land. The service providers of M/s John Deer would sow the cotton crop with the Pneumatic planters to be supplied by the company whereas M/s Bayer India would import Growth regulator and Defoliant Chemical, to be supplied free of cost to the farmers for ensuring one time picking of the cotton yield. In order to encourage the farmers for adopting High Density Cotton Cultivation the state government would provide a subsidy of Rs 4000 per acre to the farmers under the program.

Apart from it M/s John Deer would also provide six cotton picking machines so as to ensure the smooth picking of cotton in the fields. Likewise, the state government would also set up a Cotton Cleaner at Malout Grain Market at a cost of Rs 1 crore besides signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the m/s Monsanto for establishing a Centre of Excellence of Cotton at Bathinda, which would help in developing new varieties of Cotton and focus on inventing new techniques of cotton cultivation. Similarly for ensuring better Agronomic practices to benefit the farmers, M/s Bayer India would fund research project of the PAU spread over 20 acres of land, which would emphasis on the development of new cotton seeds best suited for the state.

It might be recalled the state government along with these private firms had already conducted the trial of this program last year in which trials of cotton picking and cleaning were conducted over 50 acres of land in villages near Abohar. The trial had produced desirable results as the yield of cotton had witnessed an increase ranging from 30 to 70% besides eliminating a major problem of the cotton cultivator regarding the shortage of labour. Likewise, after plucking the Cotton the farms were ready for sowing wheat crop in the month of November, which resulted in enhanced yield of the food grain. Overwhelmed by the success of this trial the farmers were now ready to replicate this model over an enlarged area.  

---

PUNJAB ALL SET FOR SMOOTH CONDUCT OF GENERAL ELECTIONS TO LOK SABHA-2014