NRI punjab news- 2013

Punjab News:

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MAJITHIA DIRECTS IMMEDIATE DEMARCATION OF MUSLIM BURIAL GROUNDS

v Asks DCs to personally monitor the progress

Chandigarh, December 3: Punjab Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today issued directions to all the Deputy Commissioners to get the demarcation of Muslim burial grounds recorded in the revenue records in their respective districts with immediate effect.

In a communiqué issued to all Deputy Commissioners the Revenue Minister said that the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and he was getting complaints from many Muslim organizations regarding illegal encroachments on the burial grounds for Muslims and also regarding illegal possession of such lands. He categorically said that no body, whoever he may be, would be allowed to have any illegal possession of such lands.

Mr. Majithia said that during Id celebrations in Malerkotla few months ago this issue was raised before Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal. He had promised to the Muslim brethren to do the needful after this issue was also was flagged by Punjab Muslim Welfare and Development Board. Mr. Majithia further directed to ensure removal of illegal possessions as per law before initiating demarcation process.

Mr. Majithia pointed out that the Deputy Commissioners were also asked to prepare estimates of funds required for construction of proper boundary walls around these sites in consultation with Punjab Waqf Board and Punjab Muslim Welfare and Development Board.

Reiterating the State government’s commitment to provide required lands for burial grounds, Mr. Majithia also promised to get vacated such sites from illegal possession.

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INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

Legislative affairs department to fill posts of Law Officers, Assistants (Legal) Department

Chandigarh, December 3:

The Punjab legislative affairs department has invited applications from eligible candidates working in other departments to fill the posts of 5 law officers and 1 assistant (legal) in the office of Legal Remembrance and Secretary, Punjab Government, Legal and Legislative Department.

Giving details, a Government spokesperson said that these vacancies will be filled up on the basis of transfer from amongst the Law Officers and Assistants (Legal) serving in the other departments.

The spokesperson also said that the posts of law officers will be filled from amongst such officers of departments other than law and legislative, who are law graduate and have an experience of working as assistant involving legal work for minimum 2 years. For the post of assistant (legal) a person must possess degree in law and those candidates will be preferred who have experience of practicing at the bar for a minimum period of 1 year or should have worked on a post involving legal work for minimum 1 year.

According to the spokesperson, instructions have been issued to all the Financial Commissioners, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries and Heads of the department to send the entire service record and applications of the employees working in their departments, who fulfill necessary qualifications and are willing to serve, in the legal remembrancer and secretary, Punjab Government, law and legislative department, permanently on transfer basis to the legal remembrancer and secretary, Punjab Government, room no. 25, 4th floor, Punjab Civil Secretariat, sector-1, Chandigarh till 5th December

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT APPOINTS DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONERS AS COMMISSIONER

Chandigarh, December 3:

The Punjab Government today notified the appointment of the Divisional Commissioners of Patiala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Faridkot and Rupnagar to work as Commissioner Rehabilitation & Resettlement in their respective Divisions, under the provisions Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

According to an official spokesperson of revenue, rehabilitation & disaster management department Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar districts have been notified as high potential growth districts, Bathinda, Fatehgarh Sahib Patiala, Roopnagar, Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar districts have been notified as middle potential districts whereas Sri Muktsar Sahib Barnala, Faridkot, Fazilka Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Mansa, Moga, Pathankot, Sangrur, TarnTaran have been notified as low potential districts.

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PUNJAB STATE COMMISSION FOR MINORITIES CONSTITUTED

Chandigarh, December 3:

The Punjab Government today notified the constitution of Punjab State Commission for Minorities to exercise the powers conferred on and to perform functions assigned to it under the said Act.

According to an official spokesperson this notification has been issued in super session of the Government of Punjab, Department of Home Affairs and Justice, Notification No. 1/6/2008-1MC/116, dated the 21st January, 2010. The notification has been issued by Principal Secretary to Government of Punjab, Department of Home affairs and Justice.

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MARKET COMMITTEES OF PATIALA, PATRAN, RAJPURA AND HOSHIARPUR GET NEW CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS

CM GIVES NOD FOR THESE NOMINATIONS

CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 03:

The Punjab Government today nominated new Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members in the market committees of Patiala, Patran and Rajpura in Patiala district and Market Committee Hoshiarpur.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file to this effect this afternoon and the formal orders regarding the nomination of the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members of market Committees of Patiala, Patran, Rajpura and Hoshiarpur would be issued shortly.

As per the orders Mr. Harinderpal Singh Tohra and Mr. Nardev Singh have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Patiala Market Committee whereas Mr. Bhupinder Singh, Mr. Jaswinder Singh, Mr. Tarsem Singh, Ms. Balbir Kaur Ghuman, Mr. Gurdip Singh, Mr. Gurmit Singh, Mr. Harnek Singh, Mr. Satnam Singh, Mrs. Gurtej Kaur, Mr.Jaspal Singh Kawatra, Mr. Harbans Lal, Mr. Sansari Lal, Mr. Tarsem Lal, Mr. Jarnail Singh and concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Nirmal Singh and Mr. Ravinder Singh Dhillon have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Patran Market Committee whereas Mr. Pargat Singh, Mr. Darshan Singh, Mr. Parminder Singh, Mrs. Harbhajan Kaur, Mr. Jaskaran Singh, Mr. Baghel Singh, Mr. Rai Singh Lakha, Mrs. Pappy Devi, Mr. Karaj Singh, Mr.Vijay Kumar, Mr. Lakhwinder Singh, Mr. Harpal Singh, Mr. Bhim Sain and Mr.Gurmukh Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

Similarly, Mr. Kartar Singh Sandhu has been nominated as the Chairman Rajpura Market Committee whereas Mr. Major Singh, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Cheema, Mrs. Randeep Kaur, Mrs. Gurdev Kaur, Mr. Gurvinder Singh, Mr. Amarjeet Singh, Mr. Rajesh Kumar Tinni, Mr. Karnail Singh, Mr. Randhir Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

For Hoshiarpur Market Committee, Mr. Avtar Singh Johal and Mr. Tarsem Modgill have been nominated as Chairman and Vice Chairman whereas Mr. Joginder Singh, Mr. Avtar Singh Mintoo, Mr. Kishan Singh, Mr. Gurveer Singh, Mr. Hardip Singh, Mr. Jagtar Singh, Mrs. Jagjit Kaur, Mr.Jassa Singh, Mr. Balwinder Singh, Mr. Amrit Rai, Mr. Gurmit Singh, Mr. Surinder Singh Sandhu, Mr. Vijay Kumar Pathania and Mr. Taranjit Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

'Shagun' to be handed over 15 days before girls' marriage-Sukhbir Singh Badal

(Fix responsibility of principals to send scholarship cases)

(Will raise issue with GoI to include Punjab under PMAGY)

Chandigarh, December 3 –Punjab Government has decided in principal that “Shaguns” to SC/BC girls will be provided 15 days before their marriages from January 2015. This major decision was taken by Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal in a meeting with senior officers of social security, finance and social welfare department held here today.

Mr. Badal has asked the secretary social welfare Mrs. Seema Jain to simplify the procedure with self attestation of documents to avail benefits in hassle free manner under shagun scheme. To check duplicity of beneficiaries Mr. Badal advised the department to cross check beneficiaries randomly and if any illegality was established than recipient would be liable to pay the double penalty and further punitive action.

Reviewing the ongoing welfare schemes for students belongs to SC/BC and minorities in the state, Deputy Chief Minister has asked the officers to organize a meeting with Education Department and issue instructions to all heads of educational institutes to make sure that all scholarship cases must be sent within time to provide financial help under post-matric and pre-matric schemes. Besides, he also directed the department to popularize the scholarship schemes through an advertisement campaign within next 15 days.

Giving details Mrs. Seema Jain informed Deputy CM that Rs. 394 crore have already been released to 5,92,523 SC/BC students from the year 2009-14 under post-matric scheme and all scholarships were disbursed upto 2014. Under pre-matric scholarship scheme Rs. 42.68 crore were also distributed to 1,89,705 SC students in 2014-15. Besides, department has received Rs. 376 crore under this scheme for 2014-15.

It may be mentioned here that to get registration for scholarships Punjab Government web portal was a huge hit as number of beneficiaries have increased to 3.05 lakh as compare to last year. Deputy Chief Minister asked the department to remove the upfront payment for BC students to avail the benefit under this scheme.

Taking a serious note of non-deposition of utilization certificates (UCs) by the departments in some cases, Mr. Badal asked the officers concerned to ensure UCs to be deposited in next week.

Deputy Chief Minister said Punjab Government would raise the issue with ministry of social justice and empowerment to include Punjab under the “Pardhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojna (PMAGY) under which 1000 villages would be developed having 50 % or more SC population. He said that Punjab has the highest SC population (31.94%) in the country and Punjab must be included in this scheme along with Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamilnadu. It may be mentioned here that 2800 villages (23.01%) in the state have more than 50 % SC population.

Prominent among others present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Deputy CM Mr. P.S. Aujla, Secretary Social Welfare Mrs. Seema Jain, Director Social Security Mrs Alak Nanda Dyal, Secretary Expenditure Mr Jaspal Singh, Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy CM Mr Manvesh Singh Sidhu and Ajay Mahajan.

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PUNJAB ALL SET TO HOLD NRI SANGAT DARSHANS IN MOGA, JALANDHAR AND LUDHIANA

v ASKS NRIs TO EMAIL THEIR PROBLEMS OR COMPLAINTS

v PRINCIPAL SECRETARY NRI AFFAIRS REVIEWS THE ARRANGEMENTS WITH CONCERNED DCS THROUGH VIDEO-CONFERENCING

Chandigarh, December 3: Taking a unique initiative, the Punjab government has decided to hold three Sangat Darshans for Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in Moga, Jalandhar and Ludhiana to redress their grievances.

Disclosing this here today, Jathedar Tota Singh, NRI Affairs Minister, Punjab said that the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would preside over these sangat darshans, which were being held at Moga(28th December), Jalandhar (16th January, 2015) and Ludhiana (17th January, 2015). He further said that NRIs belonging to Moga, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Mansa and Barnala districts were being invited for Moga Sangat Darshan, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Tarntaran, Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts for Jalandhar and Ludhiana, SBS Nagar, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib and Sangrur for Ludhiana Sangat darshan. He said that to facilitate maximum number of NRIs to get resolved their issue, problems or complaints, entire state has been divided in to three parts. He said that an email addressnripunjab014@gmail.com has been created to receive the complaints or problems of NRIs well in advance by 15th December, 2014, so that required information or action could be taken and concerned officers should remain available on the occasion. He appealed the participating NRIs to bring their passports/OCI/PIO/NRP cards as their identity proofs.

The NRI Affairs Minister said that our government was committed to strengthen the bond with Punjabis living across the globe besides making them a partner in state’s overall development.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Principal Secretary, NRI Affairs today reviewed the required arrangements for successful conduct of these NRI Sangat Darshans with Deputy Commissioners of Moga, Jalandhar and Ludhiana district through video-conferencing. He directed them to ensure the availability of concerned officers so that the participating NRIs shouldn’t face any problem and actual status of their complaints could be put before the Chief Minister and NRI Affairs Minister.

MAJITHIA DIRECTS IMMEDIATE DEMARCATION OF MUSLIM BURIAL GROUNDS

v Asks DCs to personally monitor the progress

Reiterating the State government’s commitment to provide required lands for burial grounds, Mr. Majithia also promised to get vacated such sites from illegal possession.

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Legislative affairs department to fill posts of Law Officers, Assistants (Legal) Department

Chandigarh, December 3:

Giving details, a Government spokesperson said that these vacancies will be filled up on the basis of transfer from amongst the Law Officers and Assistants (Legal) serving in the other departments.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT APPOINTS DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONERS AS COMMISSIONER

Chandigarh, December 3:

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PUNJAB STATE COMMISSION FOR MINORITIES CONSTITUTED

Chandigarh, December 3:

The Punjab Government today notified the constitution of Punjab State Commission for Minorities to exercise the powers conferred on and to perform functions assigned to it under the said Act.

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MARKET COMMITTEES OF PATIALA, PATRAN, RAJPURA AND HOSHIARPUR GET NEW CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS

CM GIVES NOD FOR THESE NOMINATIONS

CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 03:

The Punjab Government today nominated new Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members in the market committees of Patiala, Patran and Rajpura in Patiala district and Market Committee Hoshiarpur.

'Shagun' to be handed over 15 days before girls' marriage-Sukhbir Singh Badal

(Fix responsibility of principals to send scholarship cases)

(Will raise issue with GoI to include Punjab under PMAGY)

Taking a serious note of non-deposition of utilization certificates (UCs) by the departments in some cases, Mr. Badal asked the officers concerned to ensure UCs to be deposited in next week.

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PUNJAB ALL SET TO HOLD NRI SANGAT DARSHANS IN MOGA, JALANDHAR AND LUDHIANA

v ASKS NRIs TO EMAIL THEIR PROBLEMS OR COMPLAINTS

v PRINCIPAL SECRETARY NRI AFFAIRS REVIEWS THE ARRANGEMENTS WITH CONCERNED DCS THROUGH VIDEO-CONFERENCING

The NRI Affairs Minister said that our government was committed to strengthen the bond with Punjabis living across the globe besides making them a partner in state’s overall development.

Deputy CM to visit Roranwala tomorrow to pay condolences to S Jagjit Singh Roranwala's family

(Bhog ceremony to be held on December 4)

Chandigarh, December 2 - Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal will visit Roranwali village near Lambi in Muktsar district tomorrow to pay his condolences to the family of S Jagjit Singh Roranwala's, a renowned personality of the area, who passed away on November 26.

Mr Roranwali was also father in law of Mr Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Special Principal Secretary to the Deputy CM.

The "Bhog" ceremony in memory of Mr Jagjit Singh Roranwala is being held between 12 and 1 pm at Roranwala village on December 4. EOM

Punjab Government teams up with PHD Chamber

To organize Punjab International Trade Expo from 4th – 8th December at Amritsar

Madan Mohan Mittal releases brochure

Chandigarh, 2nd December:

Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX), an International Trade Fair was today announced by Industry and Commerce Minister, Punjab, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal in Udyog Bhawan.

Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Government said that while releasing the brochure of PITEX, the minister said that the venture undertaken by PHD Chamber will help in enhancing the international trade and economic cooperation in this side of the world.

Mr. Dilip Sharma, Regional Director, PHD Chamber said that this is 9th edition of Punjab International Trade Expo, PITEX-14 is being organized by PHD Chamber and the Punjab Government from 4th to 8th December at Amritsar. The Expo shall offer the participating industry, an opportunity to showcase their products and services to diverse range of consumers from all parts of the world.

Dr. Anshu Kataria, Convener, Education Committee, PHD Chamber and Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges said that PITEX-14 will have over 100 international exhibitors and more than 250 exhibitors from India.

During this event Interactive Seminars, conferences, B to B interactions with the visiting delegations will be held.

Rajneesh Arora, Vice Chancellor,PTU; Karan Gilhotra, Akali Leader were also present on the occasion.

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Surprise check at State Police headquarter by Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal sees most police officers absent from duty

(Deputy CM warns absentees of strict disciplinary action)

(Orders inquiry within 48 hours against police officers who failed to report for duty till 11 am today)

Chandigarh, December 2 – Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal conducted a surprise check at the Punjab Police headquarters today morning during the course of which a majority of senior police officers were found missing from duty.

Disclosing this here today, the Deputy CM’s media advisor Jangveer Singh said security personnel posted at the headquarters were in for a surprise when the Deputy CM’s vehicle reached the main gate of the building at 9.10 am. Immediately after alighting from his vehicle the Deputy CM directed officials accompanying him to seize the entry register as well as close all the entry points to the building. According to the entry register, only ADGP Intelligence Hardeep Dhillon was in the building. However during a check subsequently it was found that six officers had come on time to the office. Around fifty senior police officers have their offices in the police secretariat here.

The first officer to come to office after the Deputy CM reached the headquarters was DIG Khubi Ram who reported on duty at 9.16 am. Following this a number of officers including ADGP Traffic R P Singh (9.23 am), IG Counter Intelligence Gaurav Yadav (9.25 am), AIG Dilbagh Singh (9.26 am), IG Provisioning Praveen Sinha (9.28 am), AIG Ashish Chaudhary (9.40 am), AIG K B Singh (9.51 am), SP Ranvir Singh (9.58 am), AIG Swarn Singh (10 am), AIG Baljot Rathore (10 am), ADGP CSR Redddy (10.05 am) and IG IVC Tejinder Pal Singh (10.15 am) reported to duty.

State DGP Sumedh Singh Saini was conducting a meeting with representatives of the Nurmahal sect at his residence when the Deputy CM conducted the surprise check at the police headquarters. He arrived soon after. ADGP Law and Order Dinkar Gupta also arrived shortly.

Three senior police officers chose to enter the headquarter building from the rear entrance, which is used by the junior staff, to avoid the Deputy CM. They were reprimanded by the DGP and the Deputy CM and asked to conduct themselves in an officer like manner in future.

The Deputy CM had earlier taken up a seat in front of the entrance of the police headquarters. All officers arriving late were asked to wait in a room on the ground floor. Later Mr Sukhbir Badal addressed the police officers and told them that such lackadaisical attitude about office timings was unacceptable. He also warned them that strict disciplinary action would be taken against anyone found arriving late to office in future.

Later Mr Badal also held a meeting in the DGP’s office. He asked the DGP Mr Sumedh Saini to call for an explanation from all those who arrived late to office. He also took serious note of the fact that some police officers did not report to work even till 11 am. He directed the Home Secretary to conduct an inquiry within 48 hours to ascertain why these police officers had played truant despite not taking leave from office. Senior officers who failed to report to work included DGP Human Resource Development S K Sharma, ADGP Policy and Rules Mohammad Mustafa, IG Traffic R P S Brar, IG Community Policing Anita Punj, IG Information Technology KJS Pannu, IG Modernisation Shashi Prabha, DIG Ananya Gautam and DIG Nilabh Kishore besides six SPs and AIGs.

Meanwhile Mr. Jangveer Singh disclosed that the Deputy CM has asked the DGP to ensure punctual attendance of all officers at the headquarters as well as in the field. Mr Badal directed that all SSPs should be present in their offices at 9 am sharp so that they could do the required administrative duties and also redress the grievances of the people promptly. EOM

Congress on its political death bed-Sukhbir Singh Badal

PPSC general secretary & former MLA Ramesh Singla joins Shiromani Akali Dal

Chandigarh, December 2: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary and former MLA from Nabha Mr Ramesh Singla today joined the Shiromani Akali Dal in the presence of Party President and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal here today.

While inducting Mr. Singla into the party fold at a simple function at his residence, the SAD President said the very fact that a popular and grass root leader like Mr Singla was joining the SAD was proof that the Congress was on its death bed in Punjab. “This is not all”, Mr Badal said adding more Congress leaders would join the SAD in the coming days. He said Congress leaders were leaving their parent party in droves because they no longer had faith in its leaders and also wanted to do something for the people whom they represented. “All Congress men now realize this is possible by following the footsteps of chief minister S Parkash Singh Badal and participating in the pro development movement launched by the SAD-BJP combine”. Mr Badal assured that all Congress leaders joining the SAD would be accorded due status and respect in the party fold.

Meanwhile Mr. Singla said he did not see any political future for the Congress in Punjab as its leaders were devoid of any vision. He said he has been a kabaddi fan and promoting this rural game since two decades but no party and political personality gave the due recognition to this game except Punjab Deputy CM Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal. He said the initiatives taken by chief minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal had convinced him to join the SAD unconditionally. He said he along with his supporters would leave no stone unturned for the success of the party candidate to be fielded by the party in Nabha constituency. Mr Singla has also served as President Punjab Youth Congress and president municipal committee Nabha.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Avtar Singh Brar chairman PRTC, Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu MLA, Bibi Kuldeep Kaur Tohra member SGPC, Parmjit Singh Sidhwan political secretary to Deputy CM, Jathedar Kartar Singh Alohran senior vice president SAD Patiala Rural, Jaspal Juneja president SAD Nabha circle, Amit Garg Nabha and other senior leaders of Party.

SURPRISE CHECK IN SOCIAL SECURITY DIRECTORATE FINDS 5 OFFICERS AND 28 OTHER EMPLOYEES ABSENT

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 2:

Five senior officers and 28 group B, C & D employees of the Social Security and Women & Child development department were caught absent by a special raiding team of personnel department that conducted surprise check in the office during opening hours.

According to an official spokesperson to ensure regularity, discipline and punctuality in Government offices throughout the State, a surprise check in directorate of Social Security and Women & Child welfare at sector 34 was conducted.

Giving the details, official spokesperson said that this surprise checking was conducted by the team consisted of Special Secretary Personnel, Ms. Gurpreet Kaur Sapra and Special Secretary General Administration Mr. Manjit Singh Narang, on the instruction of Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal. He said that 5 officers including 2 Deputy Directors, one DCFA and 2 CDPOs were found absent. He said that 28 other employees were also found absent during the surprise check.

Taking a serious view of lax attitude of the employees not maintain their punctuality despite repeated instructions and advisories, the spokesperson said that instructions have been issued to head of the department to issue show cause notice to all erring officer and employees and in the absence of any satisfactory reply from them, strict action under civil service rules be initiated against them. He said that such inspections shall be conducted in future also and any kind of irregularity in official work and absenteeism would not be tolerated.

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Grievances Redressal Mechanism devised by Technical Education & Industrial Training Department

· Services to be delivered at 4 levels

Each level to have a Public Grievance Officer

Chandigarh, December 1:

The Department of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Government of Punjab, has devised a mechanism for the purpose of the redressal of grievances.

Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the department said that this mechanism shall be delivering the services at 4 levels. Those levels will be – Directorate of Technical Education, Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Punjab Technical University and Schools & Colleges.

Giving further details, the spokesperson said that each of these levels will appoint a ‘Public Grievances Officer’ who will be responsible for keeping a separate register concerning the record of the complaints. A complaint shall contain the Date of receipt of complaint, Name, Address, Contact Number of the complainant, Whether acknowledgement given at the time of receipt, Subject of grievance, Office to which it pertains, Brief Description and Date of acknowledgement redressal.

The spokesperson also said that for the Directorate of Technical Education, Additional Director will be the Nodal Officer and Secretary, Technical Education will be the appellate authority. For Polytechnics and Engineering colleges, Principals of concerned institutions shall discharge the duties of Nodal Officers while Director, Technical Education or Additional Director nominated by the Director, shall be the appellate authority. For Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Secretary of the board shall be the Nodal Officer and Chairman of the board will be the appellate authority. For Punjab Technical University, Registrar will be the Nodal Officer while the responsibility of appellate authority has been bestowed upon the Vice-Chancellor.

According to the spokesperson, each complaint shall be received and delivered to the designated PUBLIC GREIVANCE OFFICER (PGO) by post, by hand, fax and e-mail. Upon receiving the complaint, the PGO will confirm that whether the submitted complaint is in anyway concerned with the activities of the above 4 levels. If that is so, then the PGO shall deal with it and acknowledge the receipt in writing within 2 days of receiving it.

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PROXIMITY ATTENDANCE RECORDER SYSTEM TO BE OPERATIONAL IN BOTH SECRETARIATS SOON

· FOCUS ON ENSURING PUNCTUALITY OF OFFICERS/EMPLOYEES

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 1:

Punjab Government is all set to make operational ’ Proximity Attendance Recorder system’ in Punjab Civil Secretariat I & II to enforce punctuality amongst the staff.

According to an official spokesperson all officers/employees working in Punjab Civil Secretariat I & II and officers/ employees routinely visiting the secretariats have been issued special Proximity Attendance Recorder touch entry cards under the system. The spokesperson said that all officers/employees have already been issued these cards and the employees who have not collected these cards have been advised to collect new entry cards at the earliest.

The spokesperson said that under the system each officer/employee would be touching the card on the recorder machine installed at each gate and attendance time of employee would be recorded in the centralized computer to keep a tab on punctuality and timing of employees.

Instruction in this regards issued to all officer/employees working in Punjab Civil Secretariat I & II.

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CM TO INAUGURATE 60TH NATIONAL SCHOOL GAMES ON DECEMBER 8: DR.CHEEMA

· EDUCATION MINISTER REVIEWS THE PREPAREDNESS OF THE DEPARTMENT

· NATIONAL STYLE KABADDI ON MAT WOULD BE THE NEW EDITION IN THE GAMES

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 1:

Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab would formally inaugurate the 60thNational School Games of National Style Kabaddi and Dodgeball at village Badal (Sri Mukatsar Sahib) on December 8, 2014. Disclosing this here today Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab said that all the preparations in this regard have been completed.

Dr. Cheema said that he reviewed the progress of the arrangements today in the meeting of the department. He said that Punjab is hosting the 60th National School Games which would be conducted in two phases. He said that during the first phase of the 60th National School Games at Sri Anandpur Sahib the competition of Circle Style Kabaddi, Boxing, Gatka and Handball have already been conducted now in the second phase the competation of U-19 (boys and girls) National Style Kabaddi and Dodgeball games would be held at Mata Jaswant Kaur Memorial School at village Badal.

Dr. Cheema said that around 900 players would participate in the games from all the states. He said that National Style Kabaddi would be played first time on the mat.

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FOUR NEW GALLERIES OF VIRASAT-E-KHALSA BE DEDICATED TO PUBLIC IN JUNE 2015

· SETTING UP OF ENTERTAINMENT PARK AT SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB IS ON THE ANVIL

· STATE TO PROVIDE ALL HELP FOR THE SETTING UP OF 3 STAR ASHOKA HOTEL AT SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 1:

Under second phase of Virasat-e-Khalsa the construction work of four new galleries is under progress and the work would be completed till June 2015. These galleries would exhibit the Sikh history from the time of inception of Sri Guru Granth Sahib to the regime of Maharaja Ranjit Singh upto the year 1848.

It was disclosed by Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Tourism & Cutural Affairs Minister who was here today to inspect the construction work of the second phase of Virasat-e- Khalsa. He said that these four galleries would be dedicated to the public in the month of June 2015 when the 350th foundation of Sri Anandpur Sahib would be in progress. He said that it is on the top of agenda of the Punjab Government to promote Sri Aanadpur Sahib a tourist hub. “A committee comprised of three cabinet minister of Punjab has been constituted to explore possibilities of tourism in this area” said Mr. Thandal. He said that in this committee besides he himself, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Industry Minister and Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister have been included.

Mr. Thandal Further said that for the setting up of Bhai Jaita Ji memorial, The Punjab Government has already acquired 5 acres of land and if need be more land be procured for this purpose. He disclosed that to facilitate the tourists visiting Sri Anandpur Sahib, a Reception Centre would soon set up near Panj Piyara Park. He said that the estimated cost of this project would be Rs. 20 lakh. Speaking on the issue of the much talked about three stars Ashoka Hotel; He said that the principal Secretary of tourism department, Ms. Anjali Bhawra has recently toured this area to explore possibility of such hotel. He said that the Punjab government would provide all possible help for the setting up hotel in this area.

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NO SHORTAGE OF UREA IN THE STATE-TOTA SINGH

Chandigarh, December 1: The Agriculture Minister of Punjab Jathedar Tota Singh today said that there was no shortage of urea for the sowing of wheat and other seasonal crops in the State.

Giving the details he said that in the last three days seventy thousand tonnes of urea has arrived in the state. He said that IFFCO has fifty thousand tonne excess urea in the stock . He also asked the officials to check the pesticide stores to check the illegal holding of fertilizers, if any. Besides that it was also decided to aware the farmers about not to purchase any other thing forcefully with fertilizer and pesticides, and the report the same to the authorities.

Expressing satisfaction over the distribution of wheat seed in recent season, Jathedar Tota Singh said that agricultural officers should visit the fields and advise the farming community to save the crop from diseases.

The Agriculture Minister ordered the officials of department to deposit utilization certificates of various centrally sponsored schemes within a week so that the state government could put the case for next grant for diversification plan.

Reviewing the implementation of ongoing agriculture schemes in a meeting here, the Minister said that Punjab Government would push the case for remaining 254 crore to run the schemes like ATMA.

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Punjab first state to launch e-Sarkar to witness paperless governance

(All 47 departments with 143 branches to route common tasks online)

(22 treasuries and 74 sub-treasuries have automated online processing)

Chandigarh December 1 – Consolidating its plans to ensure absolute e-governance, Punjab would soon become the first state in the country having status of e-Sarkar covering all 47 departments and its 143 branches with Integrated Workflow and Document Management System (IWDMS) to process common tasks online. Besides, 22 treasuries and 74 sub-treasuries across the state have been connected with Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) to distribute and sanction budget online.

Under IWDMS system a dedicated web centre of automated department specific applications (DSAs) with internal requirements have been created in both Punjab civil secretariats at Chandigarh particularly focusing on various reports, which are currently being collected from the field offices manually. A total number of 350 DSAs have been identified in all departments covering administrative areas to generate automation of MIS reports.

In a statement issued here Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is also holding the governance reforms portfolio, said that this Government to Government service delivery system would make sure the availability of administrative services through e-Sarkar and automation of file processing.

Describing it a unique initiative to streamline and bring efficiency and transparency in public functioning Mr. Badal added that a three-tier governing mechanism has been institutionalized by Punjab Infotech for effective implementation and review of this project. He said that e-Sarkar would also provide for an online repository of various circulars, acts, gazette notifications, reports etc.

He said e-Sarkar has automated various common tasks in secretariat functioning such as RTI, legislative assembly questions, court cases, appointment scheduler, visitor pass management system (VPMS) and various employee services including leave, salary, GPF etc. The application helps in Management of court cases related to the departments through monitoring and tracking of the cases through its various stages and reminding the next date of hearing.

Deputy CM also informed that all 88 HoDs have been enabled to distribute and sanction budget online through e-Sarkar's IFMS by the department of Planning. A dedicated e-payment gateway for inward remittances to state treasury for various types of taxes and fees has also developed. He informed that e-Sarkar having toll-free helpdesk number 1800-419-0737 providing dedicated support to users from 95 treasuries/sub treasuries and 47 departments.

Adding further he said that under this project all the treasuries and sub-treasuries including head office in the department of finance has been automated for carrying out major functions for online processing such as budget preparation & allocation, DDOs bill submission, processing, accounting, deposit, strong room, loc, PPO number generation, commuted value of pension, cyber treasury, debt management functions and interfacing with Accountant General.

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PADDY PROCUREMENT

OVER 117 LMT PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh December 1: An official spokesman of the Punjab government said that 117.62 lakh MT Paddy had been procured in the state till last evening. The government agencies procured 115.68 Lakh MT (98.4%) while the private traders procured 1.94 lakh MT (1.6%) of paddy in the state.

Giving the details of agency wise procurement, he said that PUNGRAIN maintaining its lead amongst the government agencies had procured the maximum 36.73 lakh MT of paddy (31.7%) whereas MARKFED procured 26.79 Lakh MT (23.2%), PUNSUP 25.9 lakh MT (22.4%), PSWC 11.18 lakh MT (9.7%) PAFC procured 12.14 lakh MT (10.5%). The Central government agency FCI has procured 2.86 lakh MT of paddy (2.5%), he added.

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SIC NARINDER SINGH RETIRES

Chandigarh December 1: According to a spokesman of the Punjab Government., State Information Commissioner Mr. Narinderjit Singh IAS (Retd.) has relinquished office today on December 1,2014 after attaining age of 65. His retirement was in accordance with the terms of Section 16(2) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, spokesman added.

CM COINS SLOGAN OF ‘SKILLFUL AND PROSPEROUS PUNJAB’

CALLS FOR SKILL TRAINING FOR EVERY MEMBER OF FAMILY FOR LIVING THE LIFE WITH DIGNITY AND PRIDE

SKILLED MANPOWER WOULD ACT AS A CATALYST FOR ALL ROUND DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE AND PROSPERITY OF ITS PEOPLE

BATHINDA AIRPORT TO BE OPERATIONAL SOON

ADVOCATES FOR REMUNERATIVE PRICES OF AGRICULTURE PRODUCE

SECOND DAY OF SANGAT DARSHAN IN LAMBI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Dabwali Malko Ki (Sri Muktsar Sahib), November 30-

Giving the slogan of ‘Skillful and Prosperous Punjab’, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the top priority of state government was to impart skill training to people as highly skilled populace would herald an era of unprecedented economic growth in the state.

Addressing the gatherings in village Dabwali Malko Ki, Kangan Kera, Maahni Kera, Baloch Kera, Bhai Ka Kera, Khema Kera, Kullu Kera and Arniwala during second day of Sangat Darshan in Lambi assembly segment, the Chief Minister said that as size of land holdings of farmers was continuously decreasing and agriculture was no longer a profitable venture, so Punjabis must focus on getting skill education to earn their livelihood with pride and dignity. He said that the need of the hour was that each hand in the family was a skilled hand so as to run their life smoothly. Mr. Badal said that there were tremendous opportunities for skilled manpower in the fields of hospitality, healthcare, paramedics, industries and others due to which the state government was laying special thrust on imparting technical training the students through a wide network of skill centers across the state.

Expressing grave concern over menace of unemployment in the state, the Chief Minister said that they were fully sensitized towards this problem and the only solution to tackle it, especially amongst the college/ school drop outs, was to impart skill training in different fields to enable them to earn their livelihood. He said that the state government has set a target of training nearly one lakh youth annually under various skill development programs in order to cater the needs of the local industry. Mr. Badal said that it was a matter of great pride for Punjabis that Punjab has became the first ever state to ink a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in the Healthcare sector adding that this MoU with NSDC’s arm Healthcare Sector Skill Council would open new vistas of employability for the Punjabi youth. “Skilled manpower will give much needed fillip to the economic growth of the state thereby acting as a catalyst for all round development of the state and prosperity of its people” he added.

Later on interacting with the media persons at village Bhai Ka kera, the Chief Minister said that the newly built Bathinda airport would be made operational soon. Mr. Badal said that the state government has been regularly pursuing this matter with the Government of India (GoI) and the Union Civil Aviation Minister has also assured them that the flights from this Airport would begin very soon. “This airport will facilitate the people by providing air connectivity to Bathinda with the rest of country besides opening several new vistas for the region” he added.

Batting for remunerative prices to the farmers for their produce, the Chief Minister said that it was necessary for preserving food security of the country. He said that Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was and would ever remain a strong votary providing remunerative returns to the farmers for bailing them out of the current crisis. “We are firmly committed for safeguarding the interests of the entire farming community, which has played a pivotal role in making country self reliant in food production” added Mr. Badal.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the remaining payment of paddy procurement would be soon made to the farmers.

Terming the death of new born babies in Ludhiana Hospital as a tragic incident, the Chief Minister said that an enquiry was already going on in this matter. Mr. Badal categorically said that he had asked the officers to ascertain the causes and circumstances which led to this incident and submit the inquiry report. He said that no one, howsoever affluent he/ she may be, will be spared for callousness in this case and brought to book as per the law of the land.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chairman Punjab Agro Food grains Corporation Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, Chairman PUNCOFED Mr. Kulwinder Singh Bhai Ka Kera, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Mr. Amar Singh Chahal and Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Kuldeep Singh Chahal.

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LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES AWARDS FOR BEST BOOKS IN 2013

· SURJIT SINGH RAKHRA WOULD FELICITATE THE AUTHORS WITH CASH PRIZE AND PLAQUE ON DECEMBER 6

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 30:

The Punjab Government has today announced the Prizes for the best book category in the year 2013. Ten books from ten different categories have been chosen for the award. The authors of these books would be felicitated by Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Minister for Higher Education and Languages on the occasion of the culmination Punjabi Week at a function to be organised at Bhasha Bhawan, Patiala on December 6.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Chaiten Singh Director, Language Department said that the winners would be awarded with the cash prize of Rs. 21,000 and a Plaque each. Divulging further detail, he said that in the poetry category Ms. Sarabjit Kaur Jass’s poetry book ‘Rahan Di Tapash’ has been chosen for Gurmukh Singh Musafir award. In the Story Writing category Mr. Krishan Kumar Rattu’s book ‘Sadak, Sansad Te Aadmi’ has been chosen for Principal Sujan Singh award, Similarly Mr. Iqbal Singh Ramowalia’s book ‘Sadde Saaj Di Sargam’ has been selected for Bhai Vir Singh award, Mr. Baldev Singh Dhaliwal’s book ‘Adhunik Punjabi Kaav Sandharvgat Adhiyan’ for Dr. Atar Singh award, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Madhpuri’s book ‘Lok Geetan Dian Kullan- Shagna De Geet’ for MS Randhawa award, Ms. Paramvir Kaur’s book ‘Zindgi Di Sajh Dajh’ for Gurbaksh Singh Preetlari award, Mr. Pawan Harchandpuri’s book ‘Panchiyan Di Panchayat’ for Sri Harkrishan award, In Urdu language Mr. Kudan Lal’s book ‘Kundan Pare’ for Sahir Ludhianvi award, Renu Behal’s book ‘ Badli Me Chupa Chand’ for Rajinder Singh Bedi award and Mr. Mahinder Partap Chand’s book ‘Nisha Te Kalap’ has been chosen for Mehmud Shirani award.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT BATS FOR NEED BASED TRAINING IN INDUSTRIAL SECTOR

PRIVATE PLAYERS ROPED IN TO TRAIN YOUTH

Chandigarh, November 30:

The Punjab Government is taking various pro-active steps to prepare it’s youth to get technically equipped with latest technical and industrial skills.

Stating this, a Government spokesperson said that Punjab is home to 101 engineering colleges, 181 polytechnics and 378 ITIs which is ample proof of it’s sincere efforts to create a pool of skilled talent for the development of industrial sector.

The spokesperson further said that besides providing a solid base to meet growing demands of industrial and technological sector, the Government recognizing the importance of need based training, has decided to provide customized courses for industrial sector.

In this regard, 4 multi skill development centres are to be established at Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bathinda and Hoshiarpur. Each one of these centres will have capacity of inducting 15000 trainees per year. A skill training academy is being established in Roopnagar with the assistance of TATA Group having a capacity of 2000-3000 trainees per year.

Giving more details, the spokesperson said that the Government has teamed up with private training partners (PTP) in which the infrastructure is provided by the Government to the private players who have technical know-how to train about 10000 persons per year with assured placement rate standing at 70%. The community colleges also impart training in skill oriented courses which have been designed after consultation with and keeping in mind the demands of the industrial sector to ensure maximum employment.

The spokesperson also informed that under the ITI scheme 34 centers of excellence have been established in different fields of technology where the content of the course and training could be decided by the industry in keeping with their requirement. Facilities have also been provided to train students in multiple hospitality courses in the ITIs.

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PUNJAB RECEIVES FIRST INSTALLMENT OF RS 28.50

CRORE FOR IMPLEMENTING HORTICULTURE ACTION PLAN UNDER NHM

FARMERS ADOPTING AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFICATION TO GET FINANCIAL BENEFITS

Chandigarh, November 30: Punjab has received a grant of Rs 28.50 Crore as first installment of the annual action plan to be implemented under National Horticulture Mission. The Union Agriculture Ministry has already approved an annual action plan of Rs. 82.50 Crore for the State under the National Horticulture Mission for Punjab in current financial year to promote ‘Agriculture Diversification’ program in the State.

Disclosing this here today Spokesman of the Horticulture department said that under this plan funds would be provided for setting up and maintenance of orchards, floriculture, Bee-keeping besides installation of community water tanks, Green House, Cold Stores and packs houses. He also said that the approval of the action plan would help in motivating the farmers to shift from paddy to other less water intensive alternate crops like Bee-Keeping, Mushroom -cultivation flowers, fruits and vegetables besides by providing the required machinery/ farm equipment to the cultivators.

He said that Punjab government is taking concrete steps to strengthen the infra structure for the preservation of the fruits and vegetables which includes establishing two Centres of Excellence in the state including Centre of Excellence for Citrus at Khanaura in Hoshiarpur district at a cost of Rs 10.30 crore and Centre of Excellence for Vegetables at Kartarpur in Jalandhar district at a cost of Rs 9.73 crore. He further said that three Centre of Excellence on Potatos at Dhogri Kalan In Jalandhar district at a cost of Rs. 7.30 crore,Cenre of Excellent on Floury-culture at Doraha district Ludhiana at a cost of Rs.8 crore and Centre of Excellence for utilisation of brackish water for utilising horticulture crop like fruits and vegetables P.A.U research station Bhatinda at a cost of Rs.14.96 crore would also be set up soon.

He also said that besides National Vegetable Initiative (NVI), a subsidiary scheme of RKVY, has also been implemented in the five districts Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib, under which the Centre has approved Rs six crore in the current fiscal. He further added that to give big boost to the horticulture in the state by undertaking extensive research and extension services, a concrete proposal for the expansion of Litchi and Peer estates. Two proposals have been sent under the RKVY for establishing two sub centers of the Citrus estates at Maur (Bathinda) and Kotkapura (Faridkot). These centers would be provided all the facilities extended to the Citrus estates

BADAL PLEADS FOR RESTRUCTURING FCI TO BENEFIT BOTH FARMERS AND CONSUMERS

· HOLDS PARLEYS WITH FCI RESTRUCTURING HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE LED BY DR. SHANTA KUMAR

· ASKS COMMITTEE TO STRONGLY RECOMMEND PUNJAB'S CASE FOR ALLOCATION OF SUFFICIENT FUNDS FOR AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFICATION

· BATS FOR SIGNING MoU BETWEEN FCI AND PUNJAB GOVERNMENT

· CALLS FOR SEPERTE STAFF FOR PROCUREMENT AND MOVEMENT

· SHANTA KUMAR ASSURES CM OF BRINGING MORE EFFICIENCY IN PROCUREMENT AND PDS WITH FCI RESTRUCTURING

Chandigarh, November 28-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today pleaded for the restructuring of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in such a manner that it should benefit both the farmers and consumers besides ensuring a flawless procurement and Public Distribution System (PDS).

The Chief Minister put forth these views before the high level committee for restructuring of FCI led by its Chairman and former Union Minister Dr. Shanta Kumar, here at Chief Minister's residence this afternoon. The committee is mandated to give suggestions to reorient FCI's role and functions in MSP operations, storage and distribution of food grain and food security systems.

Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister urged Dr. Shanta Kumar that the restructuring of country's premier food procurement agency should be done to eliminate difficulties and bottlenecks in way of smooth and timely procurement of food grains. He recalled the significant contribution of Punjab in national food security adding that agriculture was the lifeline of the state and also of nation. Mr. Badal pointed out that the best infra structure for agriculture and marketing in terms of marketing yards, roads and storage etc. had been created by the state with its own funds and the state government was committed to make Punjab as the best state for the procurement of food grains.

The Chief Minister suggested the committee that a mutually agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) must be signed between the FCI and the state government well in advance of procurement season clearly stipulating obligations and rights of both the stakeholders in detail. Likewise, he also opined that the cost sheets should also reflect realistic and actual costs besides deputing separate staff for procurement and movement of grains. Above all, Mr. Badal said that the storage charges should be rational and FCI should procure its allotted share. He further said that the system of Minimum Support Price (MSP) must not be done away with abruptly until it introduces a self-sustaining mechanism of income support to the farmers.

The Chief Minister said the state government had already initiated laudable steps to encourage the farmers to shift from wheat/paddy cropping pattern towards diversification by opting cash crops like Maize, Basmati, Sugarcane, Soya bean, pulses and others. Mr. Badal pointed out that the concerted efforts on the part of state government have yielded positive results as the area under basmati this year had gone up from 5 lakh hectares to 8.5 lakh hectares and the area under common paddy had declined to 19 lakh hectares from 22.5 lakh hectares last year and hoped by the next year the area under Basmati would be further increased. He urged the committee to strongly recommend state's case for allocating sufficient funds for agriculture diverfsication as the previous UPA government just sanctioned a pea nut of Rs 500 crore, against Rs 5000 crore sought by the state, for Punjab and Haryana of which Punjab was allotted merely Rs 225 crore. Mr. Badal also batted for the implementation of Swaminathan formula in the right earnest to ensure remunerative prices of their produce to the farmers.

Winding up the discussions, Dr. Shanta Kumar assured the Chief Minister that the committee would look into all the aspects and issues raised by the latter before taking a final decision. He said that the committee would give due weight age to the suggestion put forth by the various stakeholders to further strengthen and integrate the supply chain of food grains besides bringing far more transparency, efficiency in the procurement and PDS by the FCI. The former Union Minister advocated that the farmers should be motivated to go for diversification by sowing less water guzzling crops like Maize, Sugarcane and Basmati for saving precious natural resource-water for our future generations. He also underscored the need on value addition of farmers' produce by setting up agro-processing units in the state to supplement their income manifold.

Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Secretary Food and Civil Supplies Mr. DS Grewal.

Dr. Shanta Kumar was accompanied by Members former CACP chairman Ashok Gulati and Dean, School of Economics, University of Hyderabad, Gunmadi Nancharaiah.

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PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED EMPLOYEES NOW INELIGIBLE FOR EXTENSION IN SERVICE; PUNJAB CLARIFIES

Chandigarh, November 28:

The Punjab Government has clarified that the physically challenged employees in Punjab could not seek job extension after superannuation. Notification in this regard has also been issued.

According to an official spokesperson of the finance department, it has been clarified that since the retirement age of the physically challenged employees (physically handicapped and blind) has already been enhanced up to 60 years, so now they can’t seek further job extension after getting superannuation. It is pertinent to mention that the Punjab Government has allowed other employees to seek job extension by 1 or 2 years after the age of superannuation.

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES TO ACCOMPANY RELIGIOUS JATHAS TO PAKISTAN AS LIAISON OFFICERS

· PUNJAB INVITES APPLICATIONS FROM EMPLOYEES UPTILL DECEMBER 31

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 28:

The Punjab Government has invited application from the government employees not below the rank of senior assistant to accompany the Religious Jathas to be sent to Pakistan as Liaison Officers.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the General Administration Department said that the Government of India is contemplating on despatching Sikh Religious Jathas to Pakistan in the year 2015 to enable them to celebrate the Gurpurabs and other important events. Giving further details he said that Government of India may send Jathas to Pakistan marking martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev Ji in the month of May 2015 similarly during the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the month of June 2015 and to celebrate the Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the month of November 2015.

The spokesman said that liaison officers would be deputed with these Religious Jathas to accompany them to Pakistan. He said any officer/official not below the rank of senior assistant could apply to be liaison officer routing his application through departmental head. Application must be on prescribed Performa and should reach in the office of General Administration, 6th floor, Punjab Civil Secretariat by December 31, 2014. Employees working in Secretariat could send application through Secretariat’s Administration.

He said that only those officers/officials would be selected as liaison officer who had not accompanied any such Religious Jathas in capacity of liaison officer in the past 5 years. Had any Sehajdhari Sikh selected as liaison officer he would have to give affidavit (if demanded) claiming that he is bonafide Sehajdhari Sikh, before getting visa in Pakistani Embassy at New Delhi.

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PS AUJLA TO CONTINUE AS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO DCM ON CONTRACT

Chandigarh November 28: Mr. P.S. Aujla, (IAS) who is retiring on November 30, would continue to work as Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister Punjab.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that Mr. Aujla would work on contractual basis and his appointment would be coterminous with the term of the deputy chief minister.

The terms and conditions of the appointment would be notified separately.

9 men and 8 women teams from 12 countries to contest for world cup Kabaddi title

(CM Badal to be chief guest for opening ceremony of Kabaddi cup)

(Rs 17 crores to be spent on this mega event)

Chandigarh, November 28- Approving a budget of Rs. 17 crore for hosting of 5th World Cup Kabaddi from December 6 to December 20, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal gave his final touches to organize glittering and gala ceremonies during opening and concluding of this mega event in which 17 national teams including 9 men and 8 women teams from 12 countries would contest for the title.

In a meeting held late last night it was also resolved that Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal would be the chief guest of opening and closing ceremonies and Deputy Chief Minister will preside over the functions.

Giving details of arrangements Director Sports Mr T.S. Dhaliwal said that in the men’s event 9 teams from India, USA, England, Pakistan, Spain, Denmark, Iran, Argentina and Australia, while 8 women teams from India, USA, England, Denmark, Pakistan, New Zealand, Mexico and Azerbaijan captivate the kabbadi lovers with their heart stopping raids and defences.

Keeping in view the weather conditions Deputy CM asked the organizers to hold the timings of kabbadi matches during day time. It was resolved that both opening and closing ceremony at Ceremony at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium Jalandhar and Village Badal stadium in Sri Muktsar Sahib respectively would be held at 6:00 PM whereas all matches except men’s final would be played during noon. Men’s final would be held at village Badal along with closing ceremony while Women’s final and contests for third and fourth positions in both sections would be played at sports stadium Barnala on December 19. The semifinals of both Men and Women would be organized at Kabaddi Stadium, Dirba in Sangrur district.

It is mentioned here that league matches would be organized at Government College Stadium Gurdaspur, Multipurpose Stadium Dhudike, Moga, Nehru Stadium Rupnagar, A.S. College Stadium Khanna, Ludhiana and Sports Stadium Chohla Sahib, Tarntaran from December 7 to December 11. After a rest on December 12 other matches from December 13 to December 17 would be played at Guru Nanak stadium Sultanpur Lodhi, Outdoor Stadium Hoshiarpur, Government Ripudaman College stadium Nabha, Patiala, Sports Stadium Jalalabad, Fazilka and Sports Stadium Mehta, Amritsar. It was also decided that Ministers from SAD and BJP will preside over the kabbadi matches to be held in various districts.

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CRUSHING SEASON STARTS IN THE SUGAR-MILLS OF THE STATE

Chandigarh Nov.28

The crushing of cane in sugar mills has begun from Nov.20.

The official spokesman of the Agriculture department said that in all 16 sugar mills are operational in the state out of which nine are in the Co-Operatives and seven in the private sector. The crushing capacity of the co-operative sugar mills in 15766 TCD and that of private mills is 14000 TCD.

He further said that the mills required 836 lac quintal of sugarcane but cane production this year is expected to be 720 lac quintal will be available for crushing. He also said that facilities have been provided in form of latest machinery that will serve the purpose of weighing the cane produce. He also said that the Government has appealed to the farmers of the state to bring top quality cane in the mills which could be processed to make sugar of high quality so as to enable the mills to earn more profit.

Punjab Government transferred 5 IAS and 4 PCS

Chandigarh, November 28:

Punjab government today issued transfer and posting orders for 5 IAS and 4 PCS officers with immediate effect.

According to an official spokesperson Ms. Neelma, IAS has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development), Ferozepur, Services of Mr. Vipul Ujwal, IAS placed at the disposal of Local Government for posting as Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Moga in place of Smt. Surinder Kaur, PCS, Ms. Shruti, IAS as Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Fategarh Sahib, Mr. Vineet Kumar, IAS as SDM Talwandi Sabo and Mr. Udaydeep Singh Sidhu, IAS has been posted as District Transport Officer Roopnagar.

The spokesperson said in PCS Mr. Tajinder Pal Singh has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Faridkot, Mr. Nitish Singla as Assistant Commissioner (General) Mansa, Mr. Preetpal Singh as Deputy Secretary Water Supply and Sanitation and Smt.. Surinder Kaur as SDM Moga.

He further said that posting orders of Sh. Malwinder Singh Jaggi,IAS would be issued lateron.

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CM FOR LAUNCHING ‘EVERGREEN REVOLUTION’ TO MAKE COUNTRY CLEAN, GREEN AND POLLUTION FREE

EXHORTS PEOPLE TO PLANT ATLEAST ONE TREE ON JOYOUS OCCASION OF CHILD’S BIRTH

ONE OF ITS KIND MINI FRI AT LADHOWAL TO GIVE BOOST TO AGRO-FORESTRY IN THE STATE

SEEKS SUPPORT OF FRI AND ICFRE TO ENCOURAGE FARM FORESTRY IN WATER LOGGED AREAS OF PUNJAB

INAUGURATES NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS MEET ON ‘TREES OUTSIDE FORESTS AND WOOD-BASED ENTERPRISE

Dehradun (Uttarakhand), November 27-

Giving a clarion call, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the countrymen to launch a vigorous campaign for ushering in an ‘Evergreen Revolution’ by planting more and more trees to make our nation clean, green and pollution free.

In his inaugural address on the national stakeholders meet on ‘Trees Outside Forests and Wood-based Enterprise here at the Forest Research Institute (FRI), the Chief Minister appealed the people to plant atleast one tree in the premises of their homes to mark the joyous occasion of birth of every child besides planting trees around their locality as an integral part of the mass movement to protect our environment and maintain ecological balance. He emphasized the need to bring awareness amongst the masses about the significance of trees in normal life adding he said that the Punjab government was determined to enhance the area under agro-forestry from existing 6.3% to 15% in the coming years, with the help and active support of the FRI. Mr. Badal said that the upcoming Mini FRI at Ladowal in Ludhiana district of the state was a right step in this direction, which would be instrumental in bringing ‘second green revolution’ or precisely ‘evergreen revolution’ by promoting the concept of agro-forestry in a big way. “I invite all of you to hold the next FRI meet at mini FRI, as it would give a boost to the agro-forestry in the state” he added.

The Chief Minister said that agro-farm forestry was the need of the hour especially at this critical juncture when Punjab’s traditional agriculture has already reached a point of saturation. He said that the state government has initiated many bold steps for the promotion of agro-forestry by launching ‘Greening Punjab Mission’, establishing wood Mandis and clonal nurseries to provide the quality and disease resistant saplings to the farmers. Mr. Badal envisaged support and guidance from FRI and Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to encourage agro-farm forestry on a mass scale especially in the water logged areas of south west Punjab.

The Chief Minister impressed upon the leading industrial houses which were in the business of paper and pulp to come forward for extending the much needed marketing support by way of minimum support Price to the farmers for their produce in the open markets. Likewise, he also called upon such industrialists to help both the state governments as well as the farmers in assuring the best prices of their harvest through value addition. The Chief Minister urged the Chairman of Avantha Group Mr. Gautam Thapar, present on dais, to establish paper industry in the state besides lending a helping hand to the timber growers by providing marketing and logistics support to them.

On the occasion the Chief Minister also felicitated two eminent foresters from Punjab Mr. Piare Lal and Mr. Hardeep Singh Gujral with lifetime achievement award for their outstanding contribution in the field of Forestry and environment.

On the occasion the Director General ICFRE Dr. Ashwani Kumar thanked the Chief Minister for gracing the occasion and described this workshop on the theme of Trees Outside the Forest as fruitful and meaningful, which would pave a way for sensitising all the stakeholders to adopt the emerging innovations and best practices in agro-farm forestry.

In his welcome address, Director FRI Dr. PP Bhojvaid lauded the vision of Chief Minister in promoting agro-farm forestry in Punjab and hoped that the upcoming mini FRI at Ladowal would give much needed to the agro-forestry in the country. He said that the unique initiative of state government to set ‘Greening Punjab Fund’ would prove to be a milestone in promoting Trees Outside Forest. Dr. Bhojvaid also envisioned that the upcoming mini FRI, first of its kind in the country, would further intensify the Research and Development activities in the field of forestry in general and agro-farm forestry and wood based industry in particular.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema and Principal Chief Conservator Forests Dr. Kuldeep Kumar.

Sukhbir Badal gives nod to setup Industrial Parks, e-commerce and banking hubs in Punjab

(Invites industrial giants to promote 'Make in Punjab')

(Hosts deliberations with top industrialists for making Punjab a most favoured investment destination)

New Delhi/ Chandigarh, November 27: In a bid to attract more investments and create employment opportunities, the Punjab government will focus on Agro and Food Processing, IT, Bio Sciences, Healthcare, Textiles, Electronic Hardware, Automobiles, Garments, sports goods and leather industry generating about 1.5 lakh direct and indirect job opportunities in next two years. Besides, this, government has gave its nod to setup private industrial parks in the state vis-a-vis developing e-commerce and banking hubs at SAS Nagar.

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is also the chairman of Punjab Investment Advisory Council today held a brainstorming session here with ace industrialists to realise the dream of making Punjab a most favoured investment destination. Inviting the industrial giants to promote 'Make in Punjab', Mr. Badal emphasised that being agrarian state Punjab have immense potential to exploit in every sector and offered all support to set up ventures.

Flanked with Punjab Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Member Parliament Mr. Naresh Gujral, Punjab Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Mr. Sunil Kant Munjal of Hero Group, Mr. Onkar Singh Kanwar, Apollo Group, Mr. Atul Punj of Punj Llyods, Mr. Rajinder Gupta of Trident Group, Mr. Kamal Oswal of Nahar Industries and galaxy of senior officers, Deputy CM asked Chief Secretary and CEO Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion Mr Anirudh Tiwari to submit a proposal for amendments in labour laws and other issues related to the industry by December 15. He also asked Mr. Tiwari to curtail the time limit for provisioning of all clearances and NOCs from 41 days to less than a month.

In detailed deliberations to encourage food processing industry in the state, Mr. Munjal suggested to setup a cluster of food parks and to promote organic farming as more than 20,000 acres of land were already under organic farming. Mr. Badal informed that food processing units would come on a total 550 acres of land at Fazilka, Ladhowal, Kapurthala very soon while Mohali, Gurdaspur and Nawan Shahr would also get food parks. He said Kapurthala would have one of the largest mega food park of north India at a cost of Rs. 800 crore being setup by ITC.

On the demand of M/s Field Fresh Food to change the definition of new units vis-a-vis expansion units for incentive purposes and exclusion of distilleries, brewing, bottling and canning plant from the negative list, Mr. Badal on the spot gave directions to authorities concerned to notify these changes within two weeks.

During deliberations seeking amendments in current norms, Mr. Kamal Oswal offered to setup world class private industrial park and informed that a group of top industrial houses were also eager to establish such parks in the state. Mr. Badal asked Chief Secretary to convene a meeting in this regard so that the necessary action could be initiated at the earliest.

Proposing to have a meet with leaders of e-commerce sector, Mr. Onkar Singh Kanwar said there should be e-commerce hub near Mohali. He suggested that small and medium industries of Punjab could provide the required products to e-commerce companies at affordable prices. Mr. Rajinder Gupta emphasised to bring banking hub in the satellite towns of Chandigarh to cater the commercial needs of industries pertaining to banking sector.

Assuring industrialists good results in this regard, Mr. Badal asked PBIP CEO to prepare a detailed report in this regard to establish both hubs at SAS Nagar after meeting with heads of e-commerce companies and bankers.

Deputy Chief Minister on the request of Mr. Oswal directed PBIP to take collections of cancer funds also from the investors in the office of Bureau instead of depositing it in the treasury or banks.

Reviewing the status of projects being setup in the state, Mr. Badal said 125 projects worth Rs. 6000 crore have been processed while 10 proposals with an estimated investment of Rs. 2000 crore were under active processing. Clearances to 62 projects have been awarded, which would generate expected direct and indirect employment for 60000 persons.

Prominent amongst other present in the meeting included Mr. Suresh Kumar, Financial Commisioner Development, Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Investment Promotion, Mrs. Kalpana Mittal Baruah, Principal Resident Commissioner, Mr. Vishwajit Khanna Principal Secretary Labour, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, Mr. A.Venu Prasad, Secretary Housing, Mr. S.R. Ladhar, Secretary Food Processing, Mr. KAP Sinha, Secretary Science & Technology and Environment, Mr. K. Shiva Prasad, Resident Commissioner and Mr. D.K. Tiwari, Director Investment Promotion.

PUNJAB TO IMPOSE COMPLETE BAN ON SALE OF FLAVOURED TOBACCO

· SALE OF E-CIGARETTE BANNED THROUGHOUT THE STATE

· ALL DC's & SSP's INSTRUCTED TO IMPOSE TOBACCO CONTROL ACT STRICTLY

CHADIGARH, NOVEMBER 27:

The Punjab government today issued a notification banning the sale of flavoured tobacco throughout the state with immediate effect. By another notification, the Punjab government also imposed complete ban on sale of e-cigarettes throughout the state.

Reviewing the implementation of measures undertaken to control tobacco in a state level coordination committee meeting, Mr Hussan Lal, secretary, Health, said that these measures have been taken as various firms were bypassing tobacco control act by selling flavoured and scented tobacco in the state. He said that state government received the feedback that there was increasing sale of e-cigarettes and now notification has been issued for banning e-cigarette under Drugs and Cosmetics Act and any commercial institution including e-commerce companies can be booked under this act for selling e-cigarettes.

He said that ban of nicotine in chemical form in e-cigarettes has been prohibited and all districts have been issued advisory to strictly implement cigarettes and other tobacco product act 2003 with iron hand.

Expressing concern over sale of cigarettes near educational institutions especially colleges and coaching institutes, Mr. Hussan Lal directed all DC's and education department to strictly impose the ban on sale of tobacco within 200 meters of education institutions and anybody violating that would be dealt with strictly.

Seeking the cooperation of Deputy Commissioners in banning cigarettes in loose form, the health secretary said that the sale of cigarette in single sticks has been banned by the union government to discourage habit formation in teenagers and it was imperative for deputy commissioners to enforce the ban.

He asked deputy commissioners to seek the help the NGOs to strictly impose COTPA Act and enforce smoking in the public places strictly.

Asking police authorities to launch state-wide ban and enforce COTPA Act, Mr. Hussan Lal said that Punjab has to emerge as first smoke free- state in next three months.

Showing concern over increasing addiction to tobacco and tobacco products, Mr. Hussan Lal said that 90% oral cancer cases were just because of chewing tobacco and everyday 2,200 Indians die because of tobacco addiction. He said that it was matter of great concern that 12% population of Punjab consumes tobacco in any form and this has to be checked strictly. He also sought cooperation of social welfare department to launch special drive for de-addiction of tobacco besides de-addiction of drugs. All deputy commissioners were asked to organize counseling camps to help people to leave smoking.

Asking all departments to display no smoking area signages in all public places, Mr. Hussan Lal said that collective will of the people and the government would make no tobacco campaign a great success.

All heads of departments and deputy commissioners participated in the meeting.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT AMENDS RULES FOR EMOLUMENTS OF WELFARE OFFICERS

Chandigarh, November 27 :

The Punjab Government amended the Punjab Welfare Officers (Recruitment and Conditions Of Service) rules, 1952

Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Government said that according to the amendment the Chief Welfare Officer rank officials have been placed in the pay band of Rs. 15600-39100. Their grade pay will be 5400 and they shall be getting the initial pay of Rs. 21000. Similarly for the Welfare Officer rank officials, pay band 10300-34800 will apply. They shall be entitled to the grade pay of Rs. 5000. Their initial pay will be Rs. 18450.

Punjab to impart ‘hands on training’ to all ADCs for RTSIS

· Impart hands on training on December 8 and 9 to make online delivery of services easier

Chandigarh, November 27: The Punjab Right to Service Commission has finalised two day training program for all Additional Deputy Commissioners of Punjab on December 8 and 9 to make them familiar with new software Right to Service Information System launched by National Informatics Center.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson today stated this ‘hands on training’ program will be conducted at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration complex for Additional Deputy Commissioners (General), District Informatics Officers of NIC and District Suwidha Administrators to launch unique software Right to Service Information System (RTSIS). He said the sole aim of training program was to give details about RTSIS and its use in the online delivery of services. He said with the implementation of RTSIS the applicants seeking public services could get their desired public services online in a minimum time frame without visiting government offices.

The spokesperson informed that as per the schedule Commissioner Right to Service Commission Dr. Dalbir Singh Verka would deliver general introduction regarding Punjab Right to Service Commission and RTSIS while Mr. Sanjay Puri, Scientist-C NIC would give introduction to RTSIS, its functioning, results and salient features. He said an interactive session would also take place where Mr. S.M. Sharma, Mr. Iqbal Singh Sidhu and Dr. Dalbir Singh Verka, all Commissioners would be giving information about new software during hands on training program.

Giving information about the commission, the spokesman said it has received more than 3 Crore applications out of which 1.06 Crore have been sorted out. He added Punjab would be first in getting such a system in place by becoming frontrunner in launching RTSIS.

He informed that the new system has been operational in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) on pilot basis and after training program it would be operational in all districts.

He said a total 6334 issues including birth/death certificates, driving license, residential certificates, demarcation of lands, arm licence, ration card building plans, water and sewerage connection etc. lying pending between general public and various government authorities from different districts of the state have also been resolved with the active intervention of the Commission.

DCs AUTHORISED TO GRANT TEMPORARY RELEASE, ON FURLOUGH TO THE PRISONERS: THANDAL

· UNDER THE RELEVANT ACT, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER CAN EXERCISE POWERS OF STATE GOVERNMENT

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 27:

The Punjab Government today issued Notification authorising all Deputy Commissioners to grant temporary release, on furlough to the prisoners lodged in the jails located in their districts. This step has been taken to cut the Red Tape ushering in an era of Governance Reforms in the Jails department.

Disclosing this here today by Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Minister for Jails said that he had been receiving representation from the Prisoners and their families that the process of temporarily release was tedious, time consuming and complicated. They had been complaining that in case medical emergency and other unforeseen emergency in the immediate family of prisoners the long time taken in sanction of temporary release defeat the very purpose of seeking release. He said that he consulted this issue with Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal who gave his nod to delegate this power to Deputy Commissioners of those districts where these jails were located to facilitate the early sanction.

He said that Deputy Commissioners have also been authorized to exercise the power of the State Government under sub section (4) of section 3 of the Punjab Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 1962 (Punjab Act No. 11 of 1962). He said that now the Deputy Commissioners could exercise the powers of the State Government in respect of the grounds specified in clause (a),(b) and (c) of the sub section (1) of the aforesaid section.

Mr. Thandal said that Deputy Commissioner while exercising the powers of the State Government could grant temporary release, on furlough to any prisoner lodged in the jails of their district subject to the conditions laid down in the section 4 of the Punjab Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 1962. He said that DCs could exercise these powers in accordance of the Act, Rules made their under and guidelines issued by the State Government from time to time and under the over-all supervision of the State Government and Additional Director General of Police cum Inspector General of Police (Jails)

ONE YEAR EXTENTION TO BALJIT SINGH GREWAL

CHANDIGARH: November 27

The Punjab Government has granted extension in service to Major Gen. (Retd.) Mr. Baljit Singh Grewal, Director Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute, Mohali.

Stating this here today a spokesman said that his services has been extended for a term of one year till October 17, 2015.

PUNJAB HIKES ALLOWANCES OF GALLANTRY AWARD WINNERS BY 20%

Chandigarh, November 27:

The Punjab Government has hiked the allowances given to the Paramvir Chakkar, Ashok Chakkar, Mahavir Chakkar, Kirti Chakkar, Vir Chakkar and Shauraya Chakkar by 20 percent. The notification in this regard has also been issued.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Defence Services Welfare said that this decision has been taken keeping in mind the selfless services rendered by the defence personnel for safeguarding the boundaries of their motherland. He said that the enhanced amount of allowance would be given w.e.f. April 1, 2013.

Divulging the detail, the spokesperson said that at present Paramvir Chakkar winner is getting Rs. 19250 per month as allowance which has now been hiked to Rs. 23100 pm. Similarly the allowance to the Ashoka Chakkar winner has been enhanced from Rs. 15400 to Rs. 18480 per month, for Mahavir Chakkar winner from Rs. 14630 to Rs. 17556 pm, for Kirti Chakkar winner from Rs. 11550 to Rs. 13860 pm, for Vir Chakkar winner from Rs. 8470 to Rs. 10164 pm and for the winner of Shauraya Chakkar this monthly allowance has been increased from Rs. 5400 to Rs. 6480.

PUNJAB PERPETUATES SACRIFICE OF SAHIBZADAS

-RENAMES CHAMKAUR SAHIB AND MACHHIWARA AS SRI CHAMKAUR SAHIB AND MACHHIWARA SAHIB

Chandigarh, November 27: The Punjab government today issued notifications renaming historic holy cities of Chamkaur Sahib (District Rupnagar) and Machhiwara (Ludhiana) as Sri Chamkaur Sahib and Machhiwara Sahib with immediate effect.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that this decision has been as a humble tribute to the unparalleled martyrdom of (Sahibzadas) Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh, elder sons of Guru Gobind Singh. It may be mentioned here that the elder Sahibzadas attained martyrdom while fighting Mughal forces at Sri Chamkaur Sahib and Guru Gobind Singh ji rested in forests located in Machhiwara for some time after the battle of Chamkaur Sahib.

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SAD/BJP TO CONTEST CIVIC POLL JOINTLY ON EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS

Chandigarh November 26 - The Shiromani Akali Dal- Bhartiya Janata Party today declared that they would jointly contest the forthcoming civic elections in the state as per the existing arrangement.
The two parties also decided to set up district level coordination committees for any local adjustments and for streamlining the election campaign process.

A state level coordination committee has also been set by the two parties, comprising the SAD Secretary and Education Minister Dr Daljit Singh Cheema and former Minister Shri Tikshan Sud.

A decision to this effect was taken at a high level meeting of the coordination Committee of the SAD-BJP Alliance held at CM residence here late this evening. A joint statement issued by the two parties at the end of meeting declared that the SAD/BJP alliance was more than a political arrangement and represented social cohesion and communal harmony in Punjab.

The two parties also resolved to give "a befitting response to the mischievous, baseless and motivated propaganda misinformation campaign of what the meeting described as "the frustrated, rejected and rootless congress party" on various issues."

Giving details of the meeting newsmen, Party General Secretary Mr Harcharan Bains said that the two parties were fully geared to sweep the civic poll. He said that the meeting was presided over by the Punjab Chief Minster Mr Parkash Singh Badal. The SAD president Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal, the BJP ( Punjab) president Mr Kamal Sharma, senior SAD and BJP leaders including Mr Ranjit Singh Brahampura, Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Mr Balwidner SIngh Bhunder, Jathedar Tota Singh, Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Dr Daljit Singh Cheema and Mr Harcharan Bains from the SAD.

The BJP was represented, apart from Mr Kamal Sharma, by Bhagat Chunni Lal, Mr Rajinder Bhandari, Mr Ashwani Sharma, Mr. Tikshan Sud and Mr Narotam Dev Ratti.

The SAD meanwhile announced its list of district-level observers for further strengthening coordination between the two parties at the grassroots level throughout the state.

A joint statement issued a end of the meeting said that the two parties "shared a complete unanimity of approach in addressing all issues concerning the people and the state. The meeting dismissed as "wildly speculative and utterly baseless" rumors being spread by vested interests. "These canards run contrary to the spirit of strong emotional and ideological bonds between the two parties who symbolize age old social cohesion and communal harmony in the state.

The meeting also accepted in principle report of the six-member SAD-BJP panel that had set up to suggest ways to further streamline governance in the state.

While the BJP will announce its list of district level observers tomorrow, the SAD Observers include Sh. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Amritsar (City)

Sh. Sohan Singh Thandal, Amritsar (Rural)

Sh. Parkash Chand Garg, Bathinda ( City and Rural)

Sh. Sikandar Singh Malooka, Barnala (City and Rural)

Sh. Santa Singh Umedpur, Fatehgarh (City and Rural)

Sh. Harmeet Singh Sandhu, Faridkot (City and Rural)

Prof. Virsa Singh Valtoha, Ferozepur (City and Rural)

Sh. Mantar Singh Brar, Fazilka (Cirty and Rural)

Bibi Jagir kaur, Gurdaspur (City and Rural)

Sh. Hira Singh Gabaria, Hoshiarpur (City and Rural)

Sh. Bikram Singh Majithia, Jalandhar (City and Rural)

Sh. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Kapurthala (City and Rural)

Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Ludhiana (City)

Jathedar Tota Singh, Ludhiana (Rural)

Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Mansa (City and Rural)

Sh. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Moga (City and Rural)

Sh. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Mohali (City and Rural)

Sh. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Sri Muktsar Sahib (City and Rural)

Sh. Ajit Singh Kohar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (City and Rural)

Sh. Sucha Singh Langah, Pathankot (City and Rural)

Sh. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Patiala (City and Rural)

Sh. Iqbal Singh Jhuda, Ropar (City and Rural)

Sh. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Sangrur (City and Rural)

Sh. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Tran Taran (City and Rural)

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BADAL AGAIN TAKES UP ISSUE OF TIMELY SUPPLY OF UREA FOR RABI 2014-15

Chandigarh, November 25-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reiterated his request to the Union Chemicals and Fertilizer Minister Mr. Ananth Kumar to ensure the timely supply of the balance requirement of urea for the state for ensuring that Rabi crops for the year 2014-15 were not adversely affected.

In a letter to Mr. Ananth Kumar, the Chief Minister reemphasized iterated that as per allocations made by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, Punjab was required to receive 3,35,900 MTs of Urea against which the state has received only 2,40,819 MTs, leaving a monthly deficit of 95,081 MTs. He further said that for November 2014, the Ministry allocated 3,36,750 MTs against which the state has received only 87,658 MTs so far. Mr. Badal said that in this way, there was a total deficit of 3,44,173 MTs which was required to be covered by November 30, 2014. However, Mr. Badal said that after reviewing the current position again they have found that Punjab has received only 1,23,435 MTs of urea, leaving a shortfall of 2,17,738 MTs of urea to be supplied by November 30, 2014.

The Chief Minister urged Mr. Ananth Kumar that supplies of urea to Punjab may be increased to make up the shortfall of 2,17,738 MTs. He also requested the Union Minister to advise the concerned officials of the Ministry to keep this shortfall in view while making allocation of Urea and DAP to Punjab for the month of December, 2014.

Expressing concern over the slow movement of fertilizers required by Punjab for Rabi season 2014-15, the Chief Minister said that it could impair the financial health of the farmers. He informed the Union Minister that sowing of wheat crop was at its peak now and the farmers of the State were required to be given timely supplies of urea failing which the area under wheat was likely to be adversely affected. Mr. Badal said that constrained and delayed availability of urea at this stage would not only affect the prospects of the Rabi crop, but it might also lead to panic buying by the farmers thereby distorting the market and creating unrest amongst the farmers.

The Chief Minister also informed Mr. Ananth Kumar that the officers of the state Agriculture Department have, time and again, met the concerned officers of the Union Ministry, requesting them to hasten supplies of urea in requisite quantities. However, he bemoaned that despite repeated requests, the supplies were still slow and insufficient. “I, therefore, request for your indulgence in the matter to ensure timely supplies of the balance requirement of urea for the state” reiterated Mr. Badal.

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NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON PROMOTION OF SELF-EMPLOYMENT IN PUNJAB

BADAL COINS SLOGAN ‘EMPLOYMENT FOR EVERY HAND’

ASKS OFFICERS TO GET READY TO PROVIDE VIABLE SELF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUTH

CALLS UPON CS TO PREPARE TIME BOUND ACTION PLAN WITH BACK UP SUPPORT TO YOUTH FOR SELF EMPLOYMENT

MAI BHAGO PREPARATORY ACADEMY FOR DEFENCE SERVICES TO BE MADE OPERATIONAL FROM NEXT ACADEMIC SESSION

CS ASKS SENIOR OFFICERS TO ADOPT GROUP OF FIVE YOUTH FOR MOTIVATING THEM TO TAKE UP SELF EMPLOYMENT VENTURES

EXPERTS FROM DIVERSE FIELDS GAVE VITAL INPUTS TO PROMOTE SELF EMPLOYMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD

CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 25:

With an aim to ensuring ‘employment for every hand’, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the officers of the state government to get ready to achieve this gigantic task by providing requisite frame work to the unemployed youth to empower them with viable self-employment opportunities.

In his inaugural address on the day long ‘National Workshop on Promotion of Self-employment in Punjab’ in association with National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD), Markfed and Punjab Agro here at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Mr. Badal said that this objective could only be achieved after a thoughtful deliberations followed by a series of such meetings with the leading mentors in the field of self-employment and inclusive development. He asked the Chief Secretary to prepare a time bound action plan to offer huge opportunities to the unemployed youth for self employment clearly stipulating a self sustaining mechanism to offer back up support to impart them skill training, tie up for finances from the banks and other financial institutions by the government functionaries besides focusing on critical factors such as guidance, planning and survey to identify the needs of the local market/industry.

The Chief Minister further said that our rural youth was very receptive to emerging technologies, innovations and new ideas and was confident that they would certainly put their soul and mind in transforming their aspirations into reality provided they were properly guided by the experts in the field of self employment, skill development and entrepreneurship. Sharing his experiences, Mr. Badal said that recently he led a high powered delegation of progressive fish farmers to China to adopt new practices of fish farming and value addition to supplement their income. He mentioned that Chinese fish farmers were getting 35 tonnes of fish production per hectare as compared to just 6 tonnes per hectare in Punjab. Likewise, he also recalled how he motivated our youth to join armed forces by setting up Maharaja Ranjit Singh Preparatory Academy for Defence Services at Mohali. Riding on the success of this novel experiment, our government was now setting up another Mai Bhago Preparatory Academy for defence services exclusively for girls which would be made functional from the next academic session. He said that these academies would help the state in restoring its pristine glory in the defence services by sending majority of youth to the country’s prestigious armed forces which had been severely plummeted over the past several years.

Divulging his perspective for skill development program in health sector, the Chief Minister said that the state government had already initiated several certificate/diploma/degree/skill courses in health sectors and para medics in the government medical colleges of Patiala, Amritsar and Faridkot keeping in view its huge demand in the healthcare sector. He pointed out that Punjab government recently inked a MoU with the Healthcare Sector Skill Council – an arm of National Skill Development Council at New Delhi to further enhance the scope of skill development opportunities in this emerging core sector.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the State Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal shared the theme of the self employment and strategies of the state government in skill development and related field. He asked all the senior officers to adopt a group of five youth to motivate them for self employed avenues by providing them the requisite back up support right from initiation of their project to its establishment. The Chief Secretary also announced to adopt such five youth for this noble venture, adding he said that the interaction with the experts and practitioners, NGOs, SHGs and youth during the workshop would facilitate innovation and adoption of better practices. Mr. Kaushal assured the Chief Minister that he would personally review the progress of self employment, skill development and entrepreneurship development program and update him regularly from time to time.

While proposing a vote of thanks during her concluding remarks, the Director MGSIP Mrs. Raji P. Shrivastava said that today’s workshop was a prelude to state government’s endeavor for creating tremendous potential of self employment, skill development and capacity building and these efforts would be further intensified to realize the vision of Chief Minister. She said that the vital inputs which were given by the several experts and participants in the workshop would be duly forwarded to the concerned departments for timely action and implementation in the right earnest.

Meanwhile, experts from fields such as agriculture, dairy research, fisheries, poultry, handicraft and home based industries including the Head National Dairy Research Institution Karnal Mr. AK Singh, Principal Scientist Central Institute of Fisheries Technology Cochin Dr. P Praveen, Chief General Manager NABARD Chandigarh Mr. Naresh Gupta, Sister Pratibha Pandya, Member Self Employed Women Association (SEWA) Ahmadabad, Adivsor Udyogini New Delhi Dr. Veena Vishwanath, Senior Vice President ACCESS Development Services New Delhi Dr. Surymani Roul, Executive Direcor, State Disability Resource Centre Raipur Chattishgarh Dr. Rajesh Tiwari, Director Central Poultry Development Organization Ministry of GoI Dr. K.Ravvi Kumaar and Principal Consultant Regional Centre for Entrepreneurship Development Sector Chandigarh Mr. Paramjit Singh shared their views on financing of self employment ventures, bottlenecks in setting up small units and their resolution, skill gaps and how to overcome them, technical knowhow and mutual cooperation. On the occasion, principals of IIT Ludhiana, Ropar and Pathankot gave power point presentation on the emerging trades and technologies in consonance with the requirements of the industry especially the automobile.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Transport and Employment Generation Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Advisor Dairying and Fishers Dr. PK Uppal and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema.

…

Punjab to setup skill development university-Sukhbir Badal

(Offers cross subsidy to impart quality education in border area schools)

Chandigarh, November 25 – With a view to impart need based skill education and training, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal proposed to setup special university dedicated to skill development in the state to provide skilled manpower to the industry. He also assured fast track approvals to private players interested in setting up such higher institute in state.

In a meeting with IL&FS education and technology services, Mr. Badal informed that Punjab was focusing on to equip the youth with latest skill education and training so that they could avail vast employment opportunities in industrial sector. He said that availability of skilled manpower is critical so as to achieve and sustain high growth in the coming decades.

Stressing on the need to develop quality education nurseries in border areas, Mr. Badal said that Punjab government could offer cross subsidy and other such measures to attract more and more private institutions to become partner in imparting free quality education in border area schools.

Assuring full support from the state Deputy CM stressed that government, industry and educational trainers should work together on need based skill development. He gave a clarion call to private players to play a constructive role in this direction. Appreciating the initiatives of state government to impart skill education, the IL&FS representatives offered to establish skill development centers and provide courses on the demand of industry. They also promised to help in designing the syllabi for professional and skill courses according to needs of industry.

Prominent among others present in the meeting included Mr. N.K. Sharma Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal Chief Secretary, Mr C. Roul Principal Secretary School Education and Rakesh Verma Secretary Governance Reforms.

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Quality education should be foremost priority-Sukhbir Badal

(Says Punjab creates eco-system in academic area)

(Inaugurates LM Thapar School of Management campus)

Dera Bassi (SAS Nagar), November 25 - Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today exhorted educational institutions to provide quality education to translate nation’s dream of becoming ‘superpower’ into reality in coming years.

Addressing the students of LM Thapar School of Management campus of Thapar University after its inauguration here, Mr. Badal said quality education with a sense of responsibility was need of the hour. He urged that all educational institutes should serve the nation by imparting quality education bringing massive transformation in educational sector. The Deputy CM also gave a call to purge away the ‘quantity’ education from academic system to tap great talent amongst Indian students.

Expressing his thoughts Mr. Badal said that eco-system for education should be created and it was sole mission of Punjab Government to establish this productivity system in New Chandigarh. He said Punjab was creating Educity and Medicity in New Chandigarh where Airtel and Mahindra & Mahindra are coming with world class professional educational institutes while Fortis, Vedanta and Apollo would setup their medical educational ventures in Medi-City. Adding he said Punjab was also setting up world class infrastructure in education and other sectors to facilitate the incoming industrial houses besides enabling our students to compete at global level.

Describing IT as spine of current tech era, Deputy CM said Punjab is going to launch the concept of ‘Sewa Kenders’ throughout the state to provide 249 citizen centric services at village level. He said State government is providing more than 160 citizen services through suwidha centers which would be extended to 249 by the end of 2015 by establishing more than 2174 Sewa Kenders in the state.

Mr Badal said that Punjab was also taking phenomenal stride to build basic infrastructure including sufficient power generation, 4/6 lane road network, air connectivity etc. “Our state has become power surplus and now by the end of next year we would have complete world class road network. SAS Nagar and Bathinda airports are ready to become operational, which would further give impetus to state’s growth” he added.

Extending congratulations to Thapar University President and Chairman Avantha Group Mr. Gautam Thapar, his team and his vision, Mr. Badal expressed confidence that this business school would meet the requisite aspirations of tech graduates vis-a-vis quality education as this group is well known for delivering quality products.

Lauding the resolve of Deputy CM to make Punjab No. 1 state, Mr. Gautam Thapar said the time has come to put Punjab ahead of other states. Appreciating the vision of Mr Badal to enlist Punjab in the leading states, he said their focus was to produce business professional for all round development of state by giving appropriate solutions to emerging business and industrial issues.

On the occasion among others Mr N.K. Sharma Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Dr Patrick Prendergast, Provost and President, Trinity College Dublin, with which Thapar University has signed an agreement to promote academic collaboration in the key areas of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, research and faculty development was also present. Director Dr Padmakumar Nair, Director Prof Prakash Gopalan, LM Thapar School of Management and other delegates of the university accorded a warm welcome to the Deputy Chief Minister.

JAYANI DIRECTS CIVIL SURGEONS TO PERSONALLY MONITOR THE FUNCTIONING OF HOSPITALS

APPOINTS DR. RENU AS MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT CIVIL HOSPITAL LUDHIANA

Chandigarh November 25: Taking immediate steps to check the growing indiscipline in the civil hospital Ludhiana following the unfortunate deaths of infants for the last two days, Health and Family Welfare Minister Punjab Mr. Surjeet Kumar Jayani has posted Dr. Renu as the Medical Superintendent at Civil Hospital Ludhiana after suspending Dr. Alka Mittal for negligence and carelessness bringing a bad name to the government as well as the department.

Decision to this effect was taken at a high level emergent meeting of the Health department to take stock of the latest updates in Ludhiana incident presided over by the Minister. Mr. Jayani has asked the civil surgeons to personally monitor the functioning of the government hospitals besides conducting periodic surprise checks in their respective districts. Any laxity on the part of the doctors causing any harm to the patients would not be spared. He has also directed the Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana to submit the inquiry report in this matter within seven days. He also said that strict action would be taken against the doctors found responsible of the ill-fated offense causing deaths of the infants. Adding further, the Minister said that he has already taken up the issue of appointing more doctors in the state with the Chief Minister and the posts lying vacant all across the state would be filled at the earliest. Meanwhile he has asked that Civil Surgeons to identify the hospitals with shortage of staff and has also asked them to fill the posts on the basis of user charges. Mr. Jayani has directed the Director Health services and Family Welfare to make sure the accuracy in appointing the staff in the hospitals besides individually supervising each and every health institution in the state. He has also asked him to keep a close tab on the overall functioning of the health institutes to avoid occurrence of such untoward incidents.

Taking strong view of the reluctance on the part of the specialized surgeons to operate during the procedures in the government hospitals, Mr. Jayani asked them to remain present in the OTs especially while handling serious delivery cases. Quoting statistics, the Minister said that the number of institutional deliveries has risen to 2 lakh per year as compared to merely 40,000 in the year 2009.

Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mrs. Vinni Mahajan, MD NRHM and PHSC, Mr. Husan Lal, Special Secretary Health, Mr. Vikas Garg, Director Health Services Dr. Karanjeet Singh and Director Family welfare Dr. Jatinder Kaur were present in the meeting.

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INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT INITIATES PROCESS OF STATION ALLOCATION TO 2574 MASTER CADRE TEACHERS

· 178 MASTER CADRE TEACHERS GIVEN STATIONS AS PER THEIR CHOICE

· DR. CHEEMA SAYS SCHEDULE UPLOADS ON OFFICIAL WEBSITE

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 25:

The Punjab Education Department today started allotment of stations to 2574 master cadre teachers in phased manner by issuing allotment letters with desired stations to 116 math and 62 science teachers.

Disclosing this here today Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said government had recruited 2574 master cadre teachers to bring more efficiency and improvement in higher education. He said allotment of stations has been started and stations as per the submitted desires of all candidates have been uploaded on www.ssapunjab.org and www.educationrecruitmentboard.com. He said this process will be concluded by 6, 2014.

In his message to newly recruited teachers Dr. Cheema asked them to deliver their duties with full zeal and zest in order to ensure delivery of effective, quality and efficient education to lakhs of students. He said appointment letters would be given to teachers as per the schedule uploaded on the website.

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National Workshop on

“Promotion of Self-employment in Punjab”

25.11.2014

Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Punjab organized a National Workshop on “Promotion of Self-employment in Punjab” in association with NABARD, MARKFED and Punjab Agro. Sardar Prakash Singh Badal, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Punjab during his inaugural address emphasized the need of generating self-employment opportunities by motivating the youth of the state to come forward and take benefit of various schemes launched by the State Government.

Earlier, Shri Sarvesh Kaushal, IAS, Chief Secretary Punjab, introduced the theme of the workshop and felt that there is an urgent need to equip our youth with the requisite skills for transforming them from employees to employers. He remarked that the workshop would go long way in providing skill development opportunities through various departments for generating self-employment avenues among the youth of the state. He also remarked that the government sector has its own limitations for providing employment to all.

The workshop was attended by Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, HODs of various departments, Deputy Commissioners, and other functionaries, NGOs, progressive entrepreneurs from Punjab, Principals of ITI’s etc.

During the first technical session, Dr. P Praveen, Principal Scientist, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, Kerela stressed on the need for providing adequate resources and trainings to the youth for developing fisheries as a viable employment avenue. Dr Suryamani Roul, Senior Vice-President, ACCESS, New Delhi, shared enabling economic empowerment - inclusive value chain initiatives for self-employment.

Dr.Vaneeta Vishwanathan, CEO, Udyogini, New Delhi shared the experiences on inclusive enterprise of self-help groups in Jharkhand to empower the women economically and socially. Dr. Rajesh Tiwari, Executive Director, State Disability Resource Center, Chhattisgarh deliberated on a corporation set by the Chhattisgarh State Government for providing micro-finance to the differently abled sections of the State. The finance is provided to the disadvantaged group for setting up Karyana shops, taxis and other tiny ventures.

The principals of selected ITI’s of Punjab felt the need for vocational trainings on popular trades like plumber, draftsmen, carpenter, electrician, motor mechanics etc. which have led to skill development in the youth and resulting in respectable career options.

During the second technical session, Dr. A. K. Singh, Head – Business Development, NDRI, Karnal highlighted the need for white revolution in of Punjab to give impetus to the dairy industry as a suitable employment source for the youth. Mrs Pratibha Pandaya from SEWA, Ahmedabad shared the initiatives taken by SEWA towards the empowering women financially and socially. The SEWA has set up 106 cooperatives all over India in different spheres for women in the society. Shri Naresh Gupta, CGM, NABARD, Chandigarh informed about the role of NABARD in providing loans to the entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector, educating farmers about modern agricultural practices and collaborating with banks to launch these schemes in the rural areas.

Dr. K. Ravvi Kumar, Director, Central Poultry Development Organization, Chandigarh stressed the need for providing meaningful trainings to the youth in the areas of poultry development. Mr. Paramjit Singh, Principal Consultant, Regional Center for Entrepreneurship Development, Chandigarh emphasized the need for entrepreneurship by providing adequate trainings, necessary skills of the youth towards entrepreneurship.

During the experiences sharing session, the self-employed individuals from different parts of state shared their entrepreneur experiences with the participants.

Smt. Raji P. Shrivastava, IAS, Director, MGSIPA in her concluding remarks, thanked the speakers and participants for coming forward and sharing their entrepreneurial skills and demonstrating their enthusiasm and to foster the spirit self-employment in the youth, particularly in the border areas and economically backward areas.-

CM NOMINATES NEW CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF BHAWANIGARH, CHEEMA, MALERKOTLA, DHURI, AHMEDGARH, AMARGARH, SHERPUR, SANGRUR AND SANDHAUR MARKET COMMITTEES

Chandigarh, November 23-

The Punjab Government today nominated the new Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members of Bhawanigarh, Cheema, Malerkotla, Dhuri, Ahmedgarh, Amargarh, Sherpur, Sangrur and Sandhaur market committees in Sangrur district.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file to this effect, this morning and the formal orders regarding the nomination of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and members of market Committees Bhawanigarh, Cheema, Malerkotla, Dhuri, Ahmedgarh, Amargarh, Sherpur, Sangrur and Sandhaur in Sangrur district would be issued shortly.

As per the orders Mr. Sukhpal Kumar has been nominated as the Chairman of Market Committee Dhuri whereas Mr. Balvir Singh, Jagjit Singh, Mr. Baljit Singh, Mr. Harmohinder Singh, Mr. Pritpal Singh, Mr. Ram Singh, Mrs. Swaran Kaur, Mrs. Jasbir Kaur, Mr. Balwinder Kumar, Mr. Kulwinder Singh, Mr. Jora Singh, Mr. Rajinderpal Singh, Mr. Sikander Singh, Mr. Darshan Singh and Mr. Taraspal Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Kewal Singh and Mr. Shamsad Ali have been nominated as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Market Committee Malerkotla whereas Mr. Sukhwinder Singh, Mr. Harvel Singh, Mr. Gurpreet Singh, Mr. Labh Singh, Mr. Sohan Singh, Mr. Daljeet Singh, Mr. Khushi Mohammed, Mr. Kesar Khan, Mrs. Kulwant Kaur, Mr. Amarinder Singh, Mr. Bhupinder Singla, Mr. Dilwar Jora, Mr. Yakoob Khan and Mr. Kuldeep Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Similarly, Mr. Jeet Singh and Mr. Jiwan Kumar have been nominated as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Market Committee Cheema whereas Mr. Gurcharan Singh, Mr. Joginder Singh, Mr. Sukhdev Singh, Mr. Bagwant Singh, Mr. Buta Singh, Mr. Ajmer Singh, Mr. Paramjeet Singh, Mr. Prem Singh, Mrs. Sukhdeep Kaur, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Mr. Markesh Kumar, Mr. Shishin Pal, Mr. Karam Singh and Mr. Kaka Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Rupinder Singh Randhawa and Mr. Jagdish Singh have been nominated as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Market Committee Bhawanigarh whereas Mr. Harjinder Singh, Mr. Gurjit Singh, Mr. Chand Singh, Mr. Dhanminder Singh, Mr. Kuljit Singh, Mr. Naib Singh, Mr. Amar Singh, Mr. Malkiat Singh, Mrs. Gurmail Kaur, Mr. Mohan Lal, Mr. Manglesh Kumar, Mr. Dinesh Kumar, Mr. Tarsem Raj and Mr. Ravjinder Singh besides concerned the BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Similarly, Mr. Nirmal Singh and Mr. Ajmal Khan have been nominated as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Market Committee Ahmedgarh whereas Mr. Avatr Singh, Mr. Pritam Singh, Mr. Kulwant Singh, Mr. Kasim Khan, Mr. Sukhdarshan Singh, Mr. Nirmal Singh, Mrs. Swaranjeet Kaur, Mrs. Harjinder Kaur, Mr. Kedar Nath Kapila, Mr. Praveen Jain, Mr. Gurmail Singh, Mr. Darbara Singh, Mr. Avtar Singh and Mr. Nirmal Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Megh Singh and Mr. Harbhans Singh have been nominated as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Market Committee Amargarh whereas Mr. Kuljinder Singh, Mr. Rajinder Singh, Mr. Jaspal Singh, Mr. Jatinder Singh, Mr. Surjit Singh, Mr. Sukhwinder Singh, Mr. Nirmal Singh, Mrs. Sarvjit Kaur, Mrs. Kuljit Kaur, Mr. Manohar Lal, Mr. Harphul Singh, Mr. Chander Mohan Singla, Mr. Darshan and Mr. Jasvir Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Likewise, Jathedar Bugha Singh and Mr. Gurjeet Singh have been nominated as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Market Committee Sherpur whereas Mr. Davinder Singh, Mr. Ajmer Singh, Mr. Chamkaur Singh, Mr. Amrik Singh, Mrs. Tarwinder Kaur, Mr. Ranjit Singh, Mr. Karamjit Singh, Mrs. Qarsaid, Mrs. Manjatinder Kaur, Mr. Sukhdev Singh, Mr. Shivdev Singh, Mr. Harbant Singh and Mr. Jagdev Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Similarly, Mr. Baldev Singh and Mr. Sham Lal have been nominated as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Market Committee Sangrur whereas Mr. Sukhdev Singh, Mr. Amarjit Singh, Mr. Bhupinder Singh, Mr. Baldev Singh, Mr. Hardeep Singh, Mr. Harvinder Singh, Mr. Ranjeet Singh, Mr. Jaspreet Singh, Mrs. Soma Devi, Mr. Pawan Kumar, Mr. Ved Parkash, Mr. Ram Parkash, Mr. Rajinder Kumar and Mr. Gurdev Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Jagtar Singh and Mr. Sukhwinder Singh have been nominated as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Market Committee Sandhaur whereas Mrs. Ranjit Kaur, Mr. Avtar Singh, Mr. Sant Singh, Mr. Baaru Mohammed, Mr. Sikander Singh, Mr. Charanjit Singh, Mr. Naib Singh, Mrs. Gurmeet Kaur, Mr. Sukhwinder Singh, Mr. Narinder Singh, Mr. Gurloveleen Singh, Mr. Jagga Singh, Mr. Parampal Singh and Mr. Taranjeet Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

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New regularization policy for unauthorized colonies gets unprecedented response

(Need based provisions made under new policy for the innocent general public)

(Punjab generates revenue more than Rs 17 crore from 9017 applicants)

(Ludhiana leads with maximum 2871 applications)

Chandigarh, November 23 - New policy for regularization of illegal colonies announced by Punjab Government last month getting unprecedented response as more than 9017 applications have been received till date by the concerned authorities for regularization of unauthorized colonies and plots.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that this policy have been conceived on the directions of Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is also holding housing and urban development portfolio, for owners who could not get opportunity to regularize their illegal plots and colonies in given time-frame.

He said that new policy got unprecedented response as different development authorities have received more than 9017 applications till date from colonizers and plot owners for their regularization. He informed that Ludhiana district was leading with receiving maximum 2871 applications followed by Jalandhar with 1932 and Amritsar 1031.

He further said that people living in unapproved colonies sans basic amenities like water supply, sewerage and adequate roads etc from the civic authorities. He added that under this policy urban local bodies and development authorities namely GMADA, ADA, PDA, BDA, GLADA and JDA have collected revenue amounting to Rs 17,29,35,785 that would be utilized for developing infrastructure for the concerned colonies.

He informed that Punjab Government has deputed nodal officers for each illegal colony where awareness camps were organized under the supervision of concerned SDM and Tehsildars so that maximum people could avail benefits of this special opportunity.

He said that in this policy, state government has also warned to initiate legal proceedings against errant plot holders, colonizers, promoters and developers under Punjab Apartment and Property Regulations Act (PAPRA) besides disconnecting water and electricity connection if they failed to get regularize their colonies and plots. To control development of unauthorized colonies and building activities in future stringent legal provisions have also been made in the PAPR act, he added.

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Sukhbir Badal calls upon to follow teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Chandigarh November 23 - Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today called upon the people to follow the ideals of secularism, humanism and spirit of sacrifice as preached and practiced by 'Hind Di Chaadar'-the ninth Guru Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.

In his message on the occasion of Shaheedi Divas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib, Mr Badal said that the "Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom day is a solemn occasion to remember the glory of his supreme sacrifice who laid down his life to protect right of freedom to worship and preserve human and secular values. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was a selfless, courageous leader who taught all of us to seek strength from truth, worship and knowledge," he said.

He said that Bani of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji in Sri Guru Granth Sahib preaches oneness of mankind, universal brotherhood, valour, righteousness and compassion. Our real homage to the great Guru would be to follow his teachings in true spirit and strive to be worthy of his noble legacy," he added.

The Deputy CM appealed to the people to participate collectively in the observance of this auspicious occasion.

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CM CALLS UPON PEOPLE TO FOLLOW TEACHINGS OF SRI GURU TEG BAHADUR JI

Chandigarh, November 23-

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today exhorted the people to follow the high ideals of secularism, humanism and spirit of sacrifice as preached and practiced by ‘Hind Di Chaadar’ - the Ninth Guru Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji.

In his message on the occasion of Shaheedi Divas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji, the Chief Minister said that Guru ji laid down his life to protect the right of freedom to worship and preserve human and secular values. He said that Guru ji’s supreme sacrifice was unique and un-paralleled in the history of mankind and symbolized the crusade against tyranny and oppression. The Bani of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji in Sri Guru Granth Sahib preaches oneness of mankind, universal brotherhood, valour, righteousness and compassion. “Our real homage to the great Guru would be to follow his teachings in true spirit and re-dedicate ourselves to serve society especially the poor and downtrodden with dedication and missionary zeal rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion”, said Mr. Badal.

The Chief Minister appealed to the people to observe this sacred occasion by displaying the spirit of harmony and social cohesion to strengthen the unity and integrity of our Country.

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CM FOR SHOWCASING PUNJAB AS A MODEL STATE IN HEALTHCARE SECTOR

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT SIGNS MOU WITH HEALTHCARE SECTOR SKILL COUNCIL TO IMPARTING TECHNICAL TRAINING TO YOUTH

PUNJAB BECOMES THE FIRST STATE TO INK SUCH MOU WITH NSDC IN HEALTHCARE SECTOR

BADAL FOR TREATING MOU’S AS MOA

New Delhi, November 23-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today envisioned to showcase Punjab as a model state in the Healthcare sector across the globe in the near future.

Speaking on the occasion before signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Punjab government and Health Sector Skill Council an arm of the National Skill Development Council (NSDC), here today, the Chief Minister said that the state government had already taken several initiatives in skilling the unemployed youth by imparting training in the fields of Healthcare and Para medics. Felicitating the dignitaries on dais, he said that it was a matter of great pride for Punjabis that Punjab has today became the first ever state to ink such MoU with the NSDC in the Healthcare sector. Mr. Badal said that the state had always accorded the highest priority to the Health sector and has already launched many skill courses in the Medical Colleges of Amritsar, Faridkot and Patiala under the auspices of Baba Farid University of Healthcare and Medical Sciences adding he mentioned that boarding and lodging facilities would be soon provided to the aspirants in the upcoming hostels. He also pointed out that Punjab has been rated excellent by the Government of India in the Medical and Healthcare infra structure.

The Chief Minister further said that continuing the spree of excellence in the field of medical education and healthcare the Punjab would soon emerge as a frontrunner state in the healthcare skill development too. He hoped that today’s MoU inked between the state government and the Healthcare Sector Skill Council of NSDC would prove to be a milestone in upgrading the existing courses and infra structure besides enabling the unemployed youth to have fairly better chances of gainful employability due to their wider acceptability in the health sector not only at national but international level also. Mr. Badal complemented the Chairman Healthcare Sector Skill Council Dr. Naresh Trehan for his vision and mission to promote Punjab as a major pool of skilled manpower in the Health sector to cater the scarcity of trained hands in this vast field especially in the country’s reputed medical and healthcare institutions.

Emphasizing the need to have better synergy between the state government and Healthcare Sector Skill Council, the Chief Minister said that the signing of MoU should not be merely restricted to paper rather it should be carry forward in the right earnest being treated as Memorandum of Commitment (MoC) and Memorandum of Action (MoA). He assured fulsome support and cooperation to the Healthcare Sector Skill Council to transform the dream of skilling our youth to secure remunerative jobs into reality. Mr. Badal said, “This can only be feasible if all of us work zealously 24x7 to convert the MoU into MoA”.

In his address the Chairman of Healthcare Sector Skill Council Dr. Naresh Trehan lauded the vision of Chief Minister and endorsed the latter’s point of view to treat the said MoU as MoA. He hoped that this partnership would help in bridging the skill gap currently existing in the Healthcare sector and would also prove to be a boon for the unemployed youth for getting gainful employment. Dr. Trehan said that there was a huge potential of lab technicians, nurses and patient attendants to be absorbed in this vast sector and this laudatory step would be fruitful in the furtherance of this noble cause.

Later, the MoU was signed by Chairman, Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC) Dr Naresh Trehan, Director Technical Education for Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM) Mr. GS Ghuman, MD & CEO, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) Mr. Dilip Chenoy and Secretary Medical Education and Research, Mr. HussanLal.

Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Rajya Sabha Member Mr. Naresh Gujral, Advisor Health to state government Dr KK Bhatnagar, Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary Health Mrs. Vinnie Mahajan, Secretary Medical Education and Research Mr. Hussan Lal, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan Mr. K Sivaprasad, Director Technical Education Mr. GS Ghuman and Special Secretary Health Mr. Vikas Garg.

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PUNJAB PREPARES TO UNVEIL INCLUSIVE POLICY ON SELF EMPLOYMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

· MGSIPA TO ORGANIZE DAY LONG NATIONAL SEMINAR ON TUESDAY

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 23:

The Punjab government is all set to finalize and unveil a new inclusive policy boasting entrepreneurship and self employment in youth of Punjab after a daylong brain storming session at MGSIPA to be inaugurated by Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab tomorrow (25-11-2014).

According to an official spokesperson the Government of Punjab has decided to organize a series of events aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and employment potential of Punjab's youth in various fields. The first such event would be organized by Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Punjab in association with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

The spokesperson said that The Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal who had been evincing a great interest in this subject will deliver the inaugural address at the event. The Chief Secretary, Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal would speak on the theme of self-employment and the strategies of the State Government in skill development and related fields.

The spokesperson said that it is for the first time that delegates from diverse fields including Self Help Groups (SHG); NGOs working in this area; successful entrepreneurs, particularly from the rural and small-scale sectors; Additional Deputy Commissioners, District Panchayat and Development Officers, District Animal Husbandry Officers, District Fisheries Development Officers, District Dairy Development Officers, District Poultry Development Officers, District Employment Generation Officers, General Managers/District Industry Centres, banking and finance professionals, research students and academics, Principals of ITIs from Punjab, Vice Chancellors of Universities in Punjab, Deputy Commissioners and Administrative Secretaries would be deliberating on this issue to have an inclusive policy on self employment and entrepreneurship.

Emphasizing on success stories in this field it was felt that Punjab is not short of innovators or enterprising individuals. He said that some success stories are well known, while others have yet to be chronicled. He informed that the self-employed individuals who would participate in this workshop are an interesting mix of sectors and specialties : organic farmers, dairy farmers, apiculturists, fish farmers, poultry breeders, floriculturists, agro-based industrialists, horticulturists, mushroom farmers, processors of oils and spices, computer coaching providers, weavers, handloom entrepreneurs, pickle and jam makers, home-based edibles manufacturers and the like.

Experts from fields such as agriculture, dairy research, fisheries, poultry, handicraft and home-based industries including Dr. A.K.Srivastava, Director, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Dr. P. Praveen, Principal Scientist, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, Kerala, Shri Naresh Gupta, Chief General Manager, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Chandigarh,Sister Pratibha Pandya, Member, Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) Ahmedabad, Dr. Vaneeta Vishwanath, Advisor, Udyogini, New Delhi, Dr Suryamani Roul, Senior Vice President, ACCESS Development Services, New Delhi, Dr Rajesh Tiwari, Executive Director, State Disability Resource Centre, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Ms. Poonam Golani, Member, Industree Foundation, Bangalore (Mother Earth), Dr. K. Ravvi Kumarr, Director, Central Poultry Development Organization, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India; and Shri Paramjit Singh, Principal Consultant, Regional Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Sector - 35, Chandigarh have been invited to contribute in this first of its kind policy on self employment and entrepreneurship.

The spokesperson added that some of the issues likely to be addressed by speakers and participants during the discussions are : financing of self-employment ventures, bottlenecks in setting up small units and how to resolve them, skill gaps and how to overcome them, technical knowhow and mutual cooperation. In what ways can young people with or without a college degree equip themselves for the world of self-enterprise through innovation, skill development and collaboration? How are the ITIs gearing up for the challenge of preparing the youth of Punjab for a brighter future? Which are the government schemes available in this sphere? These and similar issues will be at the core of the deliberations at the workshop.

Spokesperson said that experts would share their perspectives and disseminate knowledge in the realms of self-employment, assets creation, skill development, capacity building, sustainable livelihoods, collaborative enterprise etc. in sectors as diverse as dairy, fisheries, poultry, banking, handloom and handicraft. He added that Interaction between experts and practitioners, NGOs, SHGs and youth will facilitate innovation and adoption of better practices. Partnerships between individuals and institutions can be explored. He said that the keenness of the Government of Punjab in promoting self-employment and skill development will be shared with participants and with all citizens through the media. He said that self-employment, skill development and entrepreneurship development will form an important component of MGSIPA’s programmes in future also. Content for such events will be designed based on experiences gathered during this event.

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PUNJAB INITIATES IInd PHASE TO AUGMENT 66 KV TRANSMISSION NETWORK IN STATE

· EXERCISE TO ENSURE QUALITY AND UNINTERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY TO THE CONSUMERS

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 23:

The Punjab Government has initiated work on the augmentation of 66 KV network in the state. In this second phase of the important power lines of 66 KV load transmitting power to major cities and villages including industrial units would be further extended. The motive behind this exercise is to ensure the quality and uninterrupted power supply to all types of existing and perspective electricity consumers of the state.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the punjab government said that the work would be executed by the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd, PSPCL in stipulated time period. Divulging the detail of the schemes/transmission works to be executed he said that 3.442 KM of line on Route plan of 66 Arniwala - 66 KV Kand wala Hazar Khan line, T-off for for Azure Power Plant,Tahli wala Jattan SC on DC and 2nd ckt from Arniwala up to T-off point , 1.005 KM line on Route plan of 66 KV T-off line for 66 KV S/S Kanoi from existing 66 KV Sangrur-Patran Rail Pole line, 9.824 KM line on Route plan of 66 KV DC line from 220 KV S/S Pakhowal to 66 KV S/S Sudhar,4.395 KM of line on Route plan of 66 KV line from 220 KV S/S Badshahpur to 66 KV S/S CharaMandi, Jalandhar SC on DC, 1.767 line on Route plan of 66 KV T-off line from Mandvi-Ghamoor Ghat for 66 KV S/S Makroor Sahib -SC on DC, 13.400 KM of line on Route plan of 66 KV SC on DC line from 66 KV S/S Panchta to 66 KV S/S Kot Fatuhi, 7.731 Route plan of 66 KV SC on DC line from 66 KV S/S Ajjowal to 66 KV S/S Sadhu Ashram, 1.990 KM of line on Route plan of 66 KV T-off from Kakrala-Dayal garh line for 66 KV S/S Munshiwala./Sihaal. SC on DC, 4.621 KM of line on Route plan of T-off 66 KV Nathana – Kalyan Sukha line for 66 KV S/S Ganga (SC on DC), 8.455 KM of line on Route plan of 66 KV Junir-Aalike line T-off for 66 KV 8.455 KM 0.2 sq inch 210 Danewal SC on DC, 6.736 KM of line on Route plan of 66 KV line form M/s ECEL 20 MW 6.736 ckt KM 0.2 sq inch 165 SPV Plant Lakhmirwala to 66 KV S/S Kot Dharmu line SC on DC, 5.357 ckt KM and 4.046 ckt KM of line on Route plan of 66 KV DC line to 66 KV S/S Alamgir 5.357 ckt 0.2 sq inch 250 and 66 KV SC on DC line to M/s T.C.Spinner Ltd. KM 0.2 sq inch 100 form 220 KV S/S Lalru works would be undertaken by PSPCL for the improvement of the transmission distribution system.

The spokesman further said that it has been notified by the state government that the PSPCL is undertaking and executing the sanctioned scheme and would have the powers for placing of any Wires, Poles, Stays, Apparatus and Appliances for the Transmission and Distribution of Electricity or for Transmission of telegraphic or telephonic communications necessary for proper coordination of the works of PSPCL for the areas indicated above.

He said that the PSPCL has given notice that any person may raise objection if any/and or make any representation against the above scheme/transmission works within two month of issue of this notification. Thereafter no objection and or representation will be entertained and all schemes/transmission works would be deemed to be sanctioned with or without modifications as approved by the PSPCL. He said necessary plans showing the tentative route of the Transmission Lines may be seen on any working day in the office of Dy. CE/TL, PSPCL, Jalandhar. Objections and/or representations in respect of the above schemes if any should be sent to the Office of Chief Engineer /Transmission System, B-1, Shakti Vihar, Patiala.

PUNJAB SETS UP NEW MILESTONE IN DIGITILISATION OF PUBLIC SERVICES

• RTSC online monitoring system to link 149 services of various departments

• S.A.S Nagar to host pilot project

• Pan Punjab implementation in the pipeline

Chandigarh, November 23:

In a move that puts Punjab on the digital map, the government has initiated the establishment of an efficient time bound service delivery system under Right to Services Act .

Punjab Right to Service Commission has engaged the services of the National Informatics Centre that has created unique, personalized software to enable a cohesive and comprehensive Right to Service Information System for online access and monitoring.

The Chief Commissioner of Punjab Right to Service Commission, Sh.S.C. Agrawal said that since the inception of the Punjab Right to Service Commission under the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011, the constituted government body has addressed over 3 Crore applications from the state out of which 1.06 Crore applications have been settled out this year alone.

Mr. Aggarwal informed that till date the first, second appellate and revision authorities have received a total 1214 complaints out 1169 were sorted out while 45 were under progress. He said in suo-motto notice cases 266 cases have been redressed and penalty has been imposed on 44 officers/officials in 18 cases.

Giving further details Mr. Aggarwal said a total 6334 issues including birth/death certificates, driving license, residential certificates, demarcation of lands, arm licence, ration card building plans, water and sewerage connection etc. lying pending between general public and various government authorities from different districts of the state have also been resolved with the active intervention of the Commission.

With the expansion of economy, there has been awareness all around and public at large felt that though they are entitled to services under various enactments, yet there was no time limit fixed for delivery of the services. The PRTS Act-2011 has empowered people to seek services in a hassle free, corruption free, transparent and time-bound manner through different service delivery mechanisms. With the coming of the Online Monitoring System, an efficient and speedy addressal gateway has been created for the ease and convenience of the public and efficient action of the departments.

The Commissioner elucidated upon the benefits of having such a system in place. It will provide an effective frame work for time bound delivery of services being provided by various government departments in order to promote transparency and accountability. He added that the state will be the first in getting such a system in place. In fact, Punjab was the first state in the country to constitute the Punjab Right to Service Commission after implementing the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011. This system will be a testimony to the pioneering spirit of Punjab and the tireless efforts of the government for development. Sh.Agrawal stated that the Online Monitoring System links various departments such as Health, Revenue, Home, Housing and Urban Development and will provide access and linkage to other districts. The pilot project is taking flight in S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), the city will be hosting the first run for the software. The system is expected to have a pan Punjab implementation at the earliest, staff for the maintenance and smooth functioning of the system is being given technical training for the same.

BAGHA SELECTED FOR GURU RAVIDASS RATAN NATIONAL AWARD

· FORMER CJI, JUSTICE KG BALAKRISHNAN WOULD GIVE AWAY THE AWARD AT NEW DELHI ON NOVEMBER 25

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 23:

Mr. Rajesh Bagha, Chairman, Punjab Scheduled Caste Commission, has been chosen for the coveted Guru Ravidass Ratan National Award -2014. He would be conferred the award By former Chief Justice of India, Justice KG Balakrishnan at an impressive function to be organised by Babu Jagjivan Ram Kala Sanskriti & Sahitya Academy at New Delhi on November 25.

An official spokesperson of the SC, Commission Punjab said that the jury of the academy has selected Mr. Bagha for this award due to his selfless service he rendered for the betterment of underprivileged and oppressed sections of the society. The academy has noted that Mr. Bagha has done commendable job for releasing the dues of Post Matric scholarship to the students of SC community. The spokesperson further said that in this award function besides Mr.Indresh Kumar, senior leaders of RSS, Dr. Satiya Narayan Jatiya and Dr. Sanjay Paswan, (Both former Union Ministers) eminent scholars and thinkers from across the country and neighbouring country Nepal would participate.

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PUNJAB TO HOLD FOUR DAY NATIONAL LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONSHIP STARTING FROM JAN, 8—MALUKA

Chandigarh, November, 22:
     Punjab Government would host the four-day National Livestock Championship staring from 8th of January, 2015 at Sri Guru Gobind Singh Stadium ,Sri Mukatsar Sahib.
      Disclosing this here today Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka has directed the Zila Prishads,Block Samitis and Panchayats to ensure active participation from across the state. He has also asked them to organise rapid awareness campaign in order to encourage and motivate people to participate in the forthcoming event.
     He also said that the government has already initiative various types of rural fairs including cattle fairs and district milk yielding livestock competition.

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CM Urges NDA Government to implement Swaminathan Formula
Reminds centre about Rs. 30,000 crore debt burden on farmers
Seeks central assistance for Agriculture research programme and diversification
Pleads for separate union budget for agriculture
CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 22:
To bail out the beleaguered peasantry of agrarian states of Punjab and Haryana from the present crisis, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal urged the Union Government that for deciding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of any crop the Swaminathan’s Formula must be implemented.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that Mr. Badal was addressing the inaugural session of the CII Agro Tech 2014, India’s premier biennial agro technology and business fair here in sector 17, where he shared the dais with the Chief Minister of Haryana Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar and the Premier of Saskatchewan, Canada Mr. Brad Wall.
Pleading the case of implementing Swaminathan’s formula (Cost + 50% profit), Mr. Badal said that it was one of the viable solution to stabilize the present crisis in agriculture economy of the country. Moreover, it was also the major issue of NDA’s agenda. Expressing full faith and confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that it was the right time now when this formula could be implemented under the stewardship of Mr. Modi.
He further said that the Punjab, which was known as the ‘Granary of India’ with just 1.5% of the country’s total land, had always ensured India’s food security by producing almost 50% of the total food grains. He said that Punjab’s farmers have a record of pulling the country out of the era of food shortages. But in this process, they have sacrificed their vital natural resources like ground water and soil fertility that resulted in the reduction of farm income substantially. He also pointed out that the agriculture crisis in Punjab was very acute as presently farmers were under heavy debt of Rs.30, 000 Crore.
Advocating for setting up of separate union budget for agriculture like railway budget, Mr. Badal said that this crisis was becoming more and more serious with each passing day, as growth in agriculture was not keeping pace with other sectors of economy, adding Mr. Badal said that nearly 60% of country’s population was still dependent on agriculture but its contribution to GDP has dropped to 17% that was earlier 65% in 1965-66. He further said that the debt burden on the farmers was on rise consistently compelling them to end their lives.
Seeking the central assistance for Agriculture research programme and diversification, the Chief Minister suggested that the GoI should also invest in agricultural research and mechanization development, besides Diversification, which was the major need of the hour and could only be made successful with necessary government’s support, especially in the progressive states like Punjab and Haryana. In Agro-industry sector fruit, vegetables and food processing, could also generate profit through value addition strategy but GoI must ensure proper marketing facility first.
He congratulated the CII for this noble venture and said that Agro Tech had emerged as an ideal platform for all the stakeholders in the sector to come together and deliberate upon the latest in Agriculture, in India and abroad.
On this occasion Mr. Badal also released the theme paper of CII Agro Tech 2014, inaugurated exhibition and took a round of the exhibition along with the Chief Minister of Haryana Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar and the Premier of Saskatchewan, Canada Mr. Brad Wall.
In his address the Premier of Saskatchewan (Canada) Mr. Brad Wall said that he had series of talks with the Chief Ministers and Officers of both Punjab and Haryana to explore the scope of bilateral cooperation in the agriculture and other sectors. Expressing high hopes in strengthening the relations between two countries he offered full support and cooperation to Punjab for initiating joint ventures in various fields like food technology, food processing, agri Bio-technology, Post-Harvest Management / Handling and Cold chain.
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LUDHIANA IS BEST EMERGING CITY IN TERMS OF HOUSING
·       INDIA TODAY GROUP SURVEY FINDS LUDHIANA AS BEST EMERGING CITY IN HOUSING IN COUNTRY
·       SHARANJIT SINGH DHILLON RECEIVES AWARD ON BEHALF OF PUNJAB GOVERNMENT
·       DHILLON TERMS AWARD A RESULT OF SAD-BJP POLICIES & VISION OF PUNJAB CM & DEPUTY CM

CHANDIGARH/NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 22:
Nation today recognised Ludhiana as the "Best Emerging City" as leading news magazine "India Today" in its latest survey commissioned by the India Today group last year declared Ludhiana as the "Best Emerging City" in terms of Housing. After receiving this award in New Delhi, Punjab Irrigation Minister Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon said that this award reflects the revival of realty sector in state despite global and national depression in the economic scenario.
He said this ranking by India Today group is a slap on the face of Congress leadership that has been crying hoarse about the lack of housing facilities in the state. "This award is a result of innovative steps and pro people policies adopted by Punjab CM Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy CM Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal in boosting the realty sector of Punjab," said Mr Dhillon.
This award was presented by Mr Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister for Urban Development, Parliamentary Affairs, and Housing and Poverty Alleviation at an award function organised in New Delhi last evening.
Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon said that urbanisation was now the top agenda of SAD-BJP government. "This shows the rising importance of the city structure in our politics as urban areas are the engines of economic growth. Ludhiana is not only the financial capital of the state but is also a big investment destination in terms of housing. Our government has already constructed more than 4,000 housing flats for urban poor in different parts of Ludhiana. Besides this, a large number of private players have invested and are still investing in the realty sector in Ludhiana," informed the Minister, who himself is a resident of Ludhiana.
While addressing the awards function, Mr Dhillon raised the issue of our villages also being developed by the NDA government. He requested Mr Venkaiah Naidu to prepare a plan through which the villages of country are developed like the urban cities. "More than 70% of our population lives in villages and the centre government should contribute its share so that the villages can also be given an urban look," he said.
The second edition of India Today's Best Cities of India Report studied 30 capital and metro cities and 20 emerging cities on 12 parameters - overall, economy, housing, transport, public services, healthcare, education, crime and safety, entertainment, environment, investment and cleanliness.

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PUNJAB PAVILION CENTRE OF ATTRACTION AT INDIA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR

MADAN MOHAN MITTAL APPRECIATES THE WAY OF DEPICTING PUNJAB
MISS POOJA ENTHRALLS THE AUDIENCE

Chandigarh, November 22:
                The festivity of Punjab Day was the centre of attraction at the Punjab Pavilion in 34th India International Trade Fair -2014  at Pragati  Maidan, New Delhi on 21st November. A cultural evening on the occasion was organized by the Punjab Small Industries & Export Corporation Ltd., Chandigarh, where Miss Pooja enthralled the large number of audience with her popular numbers. The audience swayed with the pulsating rhythm of the folklore.
The Chief Guest on the occasion was Madan Mohan Mittal, Minster of Industries & Commerce, Technical Education & Industrial Training and Parliamentary affairs, Punjab, who was profuse in his praise in the way in swhich Punjab has been presented in this trade fair. The other guests present were Raminder Singh, IAS, Secretary  & Director of Industries , Punjab, Shakti Sharma, Chairman, PSIEC and  Yashvir Mahajan, IAS, Managing Director, PSIEC, Chandigarh. The dignitaries also took a round of the Punjab Pavilion.
The main entrance depicted the big sculpture of the lady which was an example of how she was sculpting her destiny through sheer hard work. The women pictures on the top showcased women entrepreneurs doing exceedingly well in their respective domain. The other side showed young girls taking big strides in becoming self reliant. On one side of the entrance there was a depiction of green and white revolution. Visitors were greeted to a cultural treat with colorful pictures of dancers, wide fields and great landscape the state boasts of. The central piece that was TREE  OF GROWTH,  represented the green energy thereby symbolizing the overall growth of the State.
The other highlight of the area was live artists who had come from various parts of the State to display their skill to the visitors. The area also had interesting display of various artifacts and traditional  phulkari arts. There were also  two live models, which very effectively brought to forefront Punjab being the food basket of India and milk revolution was also one of the highlights. There was also a great display of  small scale industry of Punjab. The ground floor showed the traditional Punjabi products such as traditional Phulkari embroidery, Punjabi Juttis, Suits,  ‘Amritsari Papar Wadian’ being sold  to customers delight.
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PUNJAB MILKFED PROCURES 291.37 LAC KG MILK IN JUNE
CHANDIGARH, November 22:
Punjab State Co-operative Milk Producers Federation Limited (Milkfed) has procured 291.37 lac kg of Milk from 6318 societies of the State during the month of September, 2014.
Stating this here today, a spokesman of Milkfed said that daily average milk procurement of the Milkfed was 9 lac 84 thousand kg in Punjab. The spokesman further said that Milkfed was also taking care of animals, especially milch animals. As many as 60627 sick animals were treated in Punjab through 625 First Aid Centres and 1165 Veterinary centers of Milkfed.
He said that cattle feed, mineral mixture, lick brick and fodder seed was sold by the Milkfed to the tune of 4516 metric tonnes, 11475 kilograms, 111 and 59232 kilograms respectively to the milk producers. The Milkfed has also sold 53.1 metric tonnes of Ghee through Societies in the state, he added.
         He said that Punjab Government was committed to continue its efforts for the welfare of dairy farmers, so that they could get better remuneration of their milk, the spokesman added.

PREMIER OF SASKATCHEWAN CALLS ON BADAL

STRATEGIC TIE UP BETWEEN PUNJAB AND SASKATCHEWAN IN VARIED FIELDS ON CARDS

CM TERMS CANADA ‘A SECOND HOME’ FOR PUNJABIS

ENVISIONS MUTUAL TIE UP BETWEEN BOTH THE STATES

CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 21:

Premier of Saskatchewan (Canada) Mr. Brad Wall today evinced keen interest in collaboration with Punjab in varied fields of agriculture, food technology, skill development, technical education besides dairying and livestock management.

A Canadian delegation led by Mr. Brad Wall called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at his residence this evening.

During his interaction with the Chief Minister, Mr. Brad Wall said that there was a huge scope of bilateral cooperation in these areas as both Punjab and Saskatchewan had demonstrated their strength and dominance in agriculture and allied farming due to their vast experience and expertise. He apprised the Chief Minister that both the states were already working closely in the field of Veterinary sciences adding that there was tremendous potential for the mutual cooperation in the other allied sectors of agriculture and animal husbandry. The visiting Saskatchewan Premier also assured Mr. Badal of every technical help in the arena offood technology, food processing, agri Bio-technology, Post Harvest Management / Handling and Cold chain.

Welcoming the proposal mooted by the Chief Minister for initiating farmer exchange program between both the provinces, Mr. Brad Wall hoped that both of these states could be immensely benefitted from this unique experiences. He said that Saskatchewan would prefer collaboration with Punjab in different fields adding that the existing arrangements of Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) with Saskatchewan University in developing new varieties of oil-seeds especially Cannola could be extended to cover new areas on the lines of student exchange program with Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU).

Earlier, taking part in deliberations the Chief Minister, while recalling the historic and strong ties between Punjab and Canada, informed Mr. Brad wall that for all Punjabis ‘Canada was a second home’. He said that as both provinces were primarily agrarian economies with very strong agriculture base so as to mutually benefit from technology transfer, cooperation and support. Mr. Badal urged the Saskatchewan premier to carry forward the proposals mutually agreed upon by both of them to its logical end so that these should not merely confine to the papers. He said that Punjab and Saskatchewan would soon have strategic alliance in the area of agriculture and agronomy practices to enhance the qualitative production of pulses besides food technology by signing respective MoUs. He also agreed to enter an agreement with Saskatchewan polytechnic institute with the state technical education department to award degrees and diplomas to our students under the dual degree and dual diploma program in order to enhance their chances of employability at international level.

Underscoring the need for Students and teachers exchange program, Mr. Badal said that the modalities in this regard could be worked out and formulated mutually by the senior functionaries of the state education department and Saskatchewan University. He also laid thrust on need of Farmers' Exchange Program for fast and easy transfer of technologies to the fields besides seeking technology transfer for the manufacturing of customised agriculture implements as per local needs with an aim to provide such agri-machinery on affordable rates to our farmers as the imported machinery was very expensive and not viable due to the smaller size of land holdings.

Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister said that there was a great scope for collaboration in higher education in areas of engineering, medicine, emerging technologies and green technologies. He invited leading educational institutions and universities from Saskatchewan to collaborate with the state government to set up their campuses at the upcoming Educity and Medicity near Chandigarh.

Batting for the need to set up Skill Development Centers in Punjab to suit the mutual needs, the Chief Minister said that quality and trained manpower was the need of the hour and thus impressed upon Mr. Brad Wall to evolve a mechanism for mutual recognition of educational qualifications and skill certification between Punjab and Saskatchewan.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Food & Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Agriculture Minister Mr. Tota Singh, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary NRIs Affairs Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary Food Processing Mr. SR Ladar and Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar.

The visiting delegation comprised Chief of Staff to the Premier Mr. Joe Donlevy, Deputy Minister, Agriculture Ms. Alanna Koch, Deputy Minister to the Premier and Cabinet Secretary Executive Council Mr. Doe Moen, Assistant Deputy Minister of International Relations and Protocol, Executive Council- Inter Governmental Affairs Ms. Kari Harvey, Consul General, Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh Ms Rajni Alexander and First Secretary, Canadian High Commission, New Delhi Ms. Rosaline Kwan.

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CM ORDERS PROBE INTO VIOLENCE AT PUNJABI UNIVERSITY PATIALA

DC PATIALA ASKED TO ENQUIRE THE MATTER

VOWS TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER IN THE STATE

PAYS RICH TRIBUTE TO SUBEDAR BAPU KARTAR SINGH

Rakhra (Patiala), November 21-

Terming the violent clash between students and Police at Punjabi University Patiala on Thursday as an unfortunate incident, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that he had already ordered an enquiry into the incident.

Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of a function organized to mark the 18th death anniversary of Subedar Bapu Kartar Singh Dhaliwal, the father of Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra here today, the Chief Minister said that the incident of violence at university was absolutely undesirable and unwarranted. Mr. Badal said that he had asked the Deputy Commissioner to ascertain the causes and circumstances which led to this incident and submit the inquiry report. He said that if any Police Officer/ official have committed laxity in dealing with this incident then he/ she would not be spared and brought to book as per the law of the land.

The Chief Minister further said that maintaining law and order in the state was the top priority of the state government and all out efforts were being made in this regard. He said that the SAD-BJP government in the state has always upheld the ethos of communal harmony, peace and amity in the state due to which the Punjabis have time and again reposed their faith in its policies.

Replying to a query, the Chief Minister said that in order to facilitate the cancer patients, the state government has taken a significant decision of providing cashless treatment facility to the patients in the prestigious hospitals across the state. He said that necessary guidelines have already been issued to the empanelled hospitals for ensuring timely treatment to the patients. Mr. Badal said that the entire expenditure on this scheme would be borne by the state government.

Later on paying rich tributes to Subedaar Bapu Kartar Singh Dhaliwal, the Chief Minister recalled the outstanding services rendered by him towards nation as serving in Army. He said that life of Subedar Bapu Kartar Singh Dhaliwal would ever remain as a source of inspiration for the coming generations. Mr. Badal also lauded the philanthropic services rendered by Rakhra family to perpetuate the rich legacy of Bapu Kartar Singh by ensuring well being of all sections of society.

Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, MLA Bibi Jagir Kaur, former Ministers Mr. Harmel Singh Tohra and Jathedar Hira Singh Gabria and SGPC Member Jathedar Kuldeep Singh.

No PR-921

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CM, DY.CM & MAJITHIA CONDOLES THE SAD DEMISE OF BJP LEADER JAI RAM JOSHI

CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 21:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of former President of Chandigarh BJP unit Mr. Jai Ram Joshi, the father of Assistant Media Advisor to the Punjab Government Mr. Vineet Joshi.

In a condolence message, the Chief Minister described him a sincere and committed leader of his party, who worked relentlessly to strengthen the rank and file of BJP in the region besides working hard to ameliorate the lot of poor and disadvantaged sections of the society.

The Chief Minister shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength to bear this huge loss and grant peace to the departed soul.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also mourned the passing away of Mr. Jai Ram Joshi who described him a grass root leader of BJP who worked tirelessly to strengthen his party.

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STATE-OF-THE-ART DISTRICT LEVEL 100-BEDDED “MOTHER-CHILD HOSPITAL” INAUGURATED AT LUDHIANA

• HOSPITAL INAUGURATED BY HEALTH MINISTER TODAY

LUDHIANA, NOVEMBER 21:

For bringing down mortality rate during child birth and in a bid to check mother-child mortality rate during delivery by providing better health facilities, a state-of-the-art district level 100-bedded “Mother Child Hospital” was inaugurated by Health Minister Mr Surjit Kumar Jayani here today. This hospital has been constructed with a cost of Rs 17.5 crore and is located at Lord Mahavira Civil Hospital, here.

This hospital would provide emergency health services to pregnant women residing in Ludhiana and its adjoining districts.

While speaking to media persons here today, Mr Jayani informed that the Mother Child Hospital is fully air conditioned and Punjab Health Systems Corporation would manage it by deploying specialist gynaecologists and paediatric doctors.

He said that at the hospital, pregnant women will be able to avail free health care services before and after the delivery for one year and in case of female child, health care facility would be provided for five years.

He informed that the hospital would be well-equipped with ultra-modern technology to conduct all kinds of tests, x-rays, scans, ultrasound, etc. on very reasonable rates. Besides, this hospital would also have Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), which would be instrumental in reducing mother child mortality rate during delivery.

Besides this, the hospital would have a blood bank, private rooms, a library, a waiting hall, food court, internet, fax and fruit shops.

STUDENTS CAN APPLY FOR POST MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP TILL NOVEMBER 25: RANIKE

• GoI APPROVES OUTLAY OF 534 CR. FOR 2014-15 AND RELEASED 376.87 CR.

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 21:

Giving a big relief to the students of SC category to avail the benefit of post Matric scholarship, the Punjab government has extended the date to submit application till November 25, 2014. Students can apply online through ‘Ashirwad Portal’ for the scholarship.

It was disclosed by Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Welfare Minister,Punjab. He said that earlier November 7, 2014 was the last date for the students to register themselves but some of the deserving students could not apply for the scholarship scheme. He said acceding to the demand of the students now the government has extended the last date till November 25. He said that students can now apply online on the Ashirwad portal for the post Matric scholarship for the year 2014-15.

The Minister said that the state government has disbursed Rs.330 crore to 2,18,323 students during 2013-14. He said that Punjab Government for the year 2014-15 has sent the proposal of Rs. 687.54 crore under the post Matric scholarship to SC students to the GoI which included the backlog of 2013-14. He said that Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry of GoI after approving this proposal have sent Rs. 376.87 crore. He said that out of the funds released by the GoI Rs. 149.67 crore pertains to the Financial Year 2014-15. He said that this is for the first time that the state government has received 50% advance funds for the current financial year. “The funds for the year 2014-15 would be disbursed in transparent manner after receiving the complete data on the portal.” he said.

Mrs Seema Jain, Secretary Welfare Department, Punjab further said that 3,05,290 students of SC category have already applied on the Ashirwad Portal till now for the year 2014-15. She said that under this scheme students studying in 1884 Government and 2915 Private educational institutes would be benefited.

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MALUKA & TOTA SINGH CONDOLES THE SAD DEMISE OF BJP LEADER JAI RAM JOSHI

CHANDIGARH,NOVEMBER 21: Rural Development & Pnachayats Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka and Agriculture Minister Mr. Tota Singh today expressed profound grief over the sad demise of former president of Chandigarh BJP leader Mr. Jai Ram Joshi, the father of Assistant Media Advisor to the Punjab Government Mr. Vineet Joshi.

In a condolence message,they shared their heartfelt sympathies with the members of bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength to bear this loss and grant peace to the departed soul.

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ANIL JOSHI CONDOLES THE SAD DEMISE OF BJP LEADER JAI RAM JOSHI

• DR CHEEMA ALSO SHARES GRIEF WITH AGGRIEVED FAMILY

CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 21:

Punjab Local Government Minister Mr. Anil Joshi and Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of former President of Chandigarh BJP unit Mr. Jai Ram Joshi, the father of Assistant Media Advisor to the Punjab Government Mr. Vineet Joshi and BJP Councillor Mr. Sourabh Joshi.

In a condolence message, Mr. Anil Joshi described him a sincere and committed leader of his party, who worked relentlessly to strengthen the rank and file of BJP in the region besides working hard to ameliorate the lot of poor and disadvantaged sections of the society. He was true eloquent debater, a patriot and a nationalist.

The Local Government Minister shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength to bear this huge loss and grant peace to the departed soul.

Meanwhile Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema also mourned the passing away of Mr. Jai Ram Joshi who described him a grass root leader of BJP who worked tirelessly to strengthen his party. In a condolence message Dr. Cheema prays the almighty God to give you all the strength and courage to bear the big loss.

KOHAR BATS FOR SAFER COMMUTING IN FOGGY WEATHER

Ø ISSUES INSTRUCTIONS TO TRANSPORT, POLICE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS TO COORDINATE

Chandigarh November 21: Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Transport Minister, Punjab, has issued directions to various departments to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of commuters and avoid traffic accidents caused by foggy weather this winter season.

Stating this here today the Minister said that during winters, when the visibility is low due to weather conditions, the number of road accidents increases which can be prevented by taking simple measures. Mr. Kohar has directed all district transport officers to ensure that vehicles such as tractor-trolleys, rickshaws, cycles etc. that have no lights must be made to have reflectors so that they may be visible to others on the road. Such commuters are at a very high risk of fatality and incidents involving vehicles with no lights are very high during this time of the year. Such accidents could be prevented with the help of enforcing mandatory reflectors on these vehicles.

Mr. Kohar has further instructed the Public Works Department to put up signage, informational hoardings and milestones for the safety of the public. He has asked the officers concerned to ensure that wherever there is any road repair/construction going on, warning signages must be placed. Also, for bridges that do not have any railings, especially in rural areas and along canal banks, an iron or concrete fencing must be built on priority.

All traffic and police officers have been asked to ensure that traffic rules are followed and are enforced strictly. They have been instructed to take serious action against violators, especially those drunken driving, over-speeding or that park/stop on flyovers and elevated roads. Offences like overloading of merchandise in transport vehicles or people in buses or autos will not be spared and will be challaned heavily or worse.

The Minister also made a fervent appeal to the public not to break any traffic rules and follow road rules while driving. They must be aware of hand signals and drive with caution while giving other commuters a clear path. Under no circumstances must they speed or wrongfully overtake other vehicles in such weather. If the public takes precaution themselves, then there will be less road accidents. All important documents must be carried at all times and in case of any emergency, the government has provided 24-hour ambulances that can be made use of by the public.

He has further asked the Meteorological Department to give daily predictions about the weather so that the public can be prepared. In addition, he informed that measures will be taken to educate people of traffic rules, especially the youth and children in schools through seminars and programs. He has also proposed that such information be included in the syllabus for students.

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Paiala Feeder-2 Remain Closed for 16 days

Chandigarh, November 21:-

Keeping in view the crops and weather conditions, Irrigation Department Punjab has issued a notification to close the Paiala Feeder-2 off-taking from First Patiala feeder upto 30.11.2014 for 16 days due to construct the Bridge at RD-90250 of 2nd Patiala.

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HARYANA TO REPLICATE PUNJAB SC COMMISSION’S ACTIVISM TO MAKE POST-MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME A SUCCESS STORY

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 21:

Mr.Krishan Bedi, Minister for Social Justice and Scheduled Casts Welfare, Haryana today called on Mr. Rajesh Bagha Chairman, Punjab Scheduled Casts Commission at his office to work out a collective strategy to safeguard the rights of Scheduled Caste, Backward Casts and other oppressed section of the society.

Mr. Bagha explained to them active role played by Punjab SC Commission in making in popularising post-Matric Scholarship scheme especially in the rural SC students and ensuring total transparency by activating IT enabled portal. He also explained active role played by the commission to ensure timely release of Rs. 149 crore for the scheme this year besides online dispersal of the funds direct in the account of the beneficiaries.

Appreciating Punjab SC commission for making post-Martic scheme a success story Mr. Krishan Bedi said that they would like to replicate this model in their own state as Haryana can learn a lot form Punjab model and can avoid pitfalls that come in the way of ensuring delivery of service to the actual beneficiaries specially in the remote rural areas.

He also appreciated the role of Punjab SC commission in getting police cases registered against culprits wherein any member of scheduled cast harassed. He invited Mr. Rajesh Bagha and other members of the Commission in Haryana to give a lecture on how SC commission without any proper infrastructure could create a miracle in a boarder state with 37% SC population.

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WORLD CLASS HEALTH FACILITIES IN 93 PHC's & 13 CHC's AS PUNJAB LAUNCHES NATIONAL URBAN HEALTH MISSION

· NUHM FORMALLY LAUNCHED BY HEALTH MINISTER MR SURJEET KUMAR JAYANI

· ALSO LAUNCHES PUNJAB'S FIRST URBAN KIOSK FOR SLUMS

· INAUGURATES PHC IN BHAGWAN NAGAR AREA OF CITY

LUDHIANA, NOVEMBER 21:

The Punjab government would be starting 93 new Primary Health Centres (PHC's) and 13 new Community Health Centres (CHC's) in the state where world class facilities would be provided world class health facilities. This was informed by Health Minister Mr Surjeet Kumar Jayani while formally launching the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) here today. He said six CHC's would be built in Ludhiana city next year and the entire project will cover 41 cities, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar.

The health minister said that an amount of Rs 101 crore would be spent in the state under the NUHM. He said that old hospitals would be modernised under this plan.

The minister also inaugurated an Urban Kiosk in Sanjay Gandhi Colony near Sector 32, Chandigarh Road, where the residents of slum areas can get treatment round the clock. A PHC at Bhagwan Nagar near Dholewal was also inaugurated by the minister.

While speaking to media persons here today Health Minister Mr. Surjeet Kumar Jayani said that all cities with a population of 50,000 and above would be covered under the centrally sponsored scheme which was aimed at providing affordable quality health services to urban population with a special emphasis on urban poor and vulnerable population.

Adding further the Minister said that with the launch of NUHM, 78.83 lakh population (76% of total urban population) of the state including 35.96 lakh slum population and other vulnerable groups like rag pickers, rickshaw pullers, homeless and street children would derive the benefit across the state.

Giving further details the Minister said that for slums with a population of around 1,500 to 2,000 people, one ASHA worker will be deputed; for every 10,000 people in cities, one Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) will be appointed. Furthermore, a primary health centre (PHC) will be set up to cater to every 50,000 people and a community health centre (CHC) will be set up for every 2.50 lakh persons in cities.

He said that the state government is all set to tackle EBOLA. He said that special health teams have been stationed at all airports and railway stations of the state. He said that negotiations are also going on with private companies for the maintaining cleanliness in government hospitals.

Mr Jayani also urged the people to take full use of helpline number 104. He said that at this helpline number, residents can give suggestions, submit complaints and get details about health department and its services.

He said that under the anti drug campaign of the state government, 3.91 lakh people have taken medication from government hospitals, while 22,000 people have shunned drugs and around 200 patients are presently undergoing treatment at different government hospitals of the state. He said that by March 2015, 18 rehabilitation centres would be set up in the state.

While speaking to media persons, Mr Jayani said that the directorate of Food and Drugs wing is being separated for effective working.

Mr Surjeet Kumar Jayani was accompanied by Mrs Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Health and Finance, Mr Hussan Lal, secretary Health cum Mission Director, National Health Mission, Dr Karanjit Singh, director health, Mayor Mr Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria besides several other officers.

PUNJAB SEEKS PACKAGE FOR RIVER REJUVINATION ON GANGA PROJECT PATTERN

· DHILLON FORCEFULLY RAISES ISSUE WITH UMA BHARTI

· SEEKS ONE TIME ALLOCATION FOR RELINING, REDESIGNING OF CANAL SYATEM IN ONE GO

· ISSUE OF DEPLETING UNDERGROUND WATER TABLE, ITS ARSENIC POISONING AND RISING CASES OF CANCER RAISED IN JAL MANTHAN

CHANDIGARH/NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 20:

Punjab today forcefully sought a package on the pattern of Ganga river for rejuvenation and cleaning of all rivers of Punjab besides seeking a one time allocation for relining and redesigning the archaic canal system that was responsible for success of Green Revolution in country.

Speaking to a standing applause by participating states, State Irrigation Minister Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon when reminded the nation that it was Punjab that has bled itself for last 67 years to make India self sufficient on food security front and it becomes now duty of the nation to allocate adequate resources for relining and redesigning of canal system in one go besides sanctioning a special package for recharging the fast depleting underground water of the state.

He said that we should not forget 1950s when our country was moving with a begging bowl to import foodgrains from other countries and the Punjabi farmers with the stint of their hard work and technology provided by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, made country proud by ensuring self sufficiency on food security front within 10 years without any central grant.

He said that now when the greenery of the country has bled itself to feed 125 crore population of the country despite 1.25 % of geographical area, it becomes now bounden duty of the nation to support the sick canal and river system of the state.

Seeking a special package for rejuvenating rivers, Mr Dhillon said that excessive use of chemical fertilisers, insecticides, pesticides, besides industrial pollution from major cities has made water of major rivers unfit for even animals consumption. He said that rising number of Cancer cases is a grim reminder that in a mad race to feed country by increasing our agricultural production, we have inadvertently played with the ecological system which has to be brought back on rails with the liberal help of union government.

Mr Dhillon today raised the issue of our river water getting polluted with Ms Uma Bharti, Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and demanded a special financial package so that our rivers can be cleaned. He said that river water pollution is a big issue in Punjab as people in several districts have fallen ill.

While interacting with Ms Uma Bharti, Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon praised the Narendra Modi government for taking up the issue of cleaning of River Ganga. "Ours an agrarian state and being land locked, river waters and canals are the only means to irrigate our fields as the underground water table is already depleting. Our rivulets like Budha Nullah in Ludhiana are highly polluted and special consideration should be given towards this regard," Mr Dhillon said while addressing a three-day "Jal Manthan" organised by the Centre government in New Delhi.

The basic idea of "Jal Manthan" is to evolve strategies for better water resource development and management through wider consultations amongst various stake holders. Ms Uma Bharti, Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation was the chief guest on the inaugural day of this event.

The Irrigation Minister said that the underground water table in Punjab is depleting fast. "If the underground water continued to deplete at the same pace, day of not far when Punjab would turn into a Desert," he said. Mr Dhillon said that when the Congress led UPA government was in power in Centre Punjab, it meted step motherly attitude towards Punjab.

"I want to reiterate that our state does not have excess water which can be supplied so other neighbouring states. We are already finding it very difficult to supply ample water for irrigation to all villages. Besides, our more than a century old canal system has already collapsed and we require funds for redesigning and relining of our canals. The state government is already spending crores of rupees for relining of our canals every year. But we want that Punjab should be given a special financial package for this purpose because we are the main contributors of foodgrains to central pool," asserted Mr Dhillon.

Mr Dhillon also raised the issue of inter state linkage of all rivers with Ms Uma Bharti and said that before taking any decision on this matter, Punjab's view should be taken. "Being a riparian state, we have more right over river waters in Punjab. We already face acute shortage of water."

The Irrigation Minister said that when these issues were raised before Ms Uma Bharti, she responded positively and assured all possible help to the state government.

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HOPES THAT THESE CENTERS WOULD ACT AS CATALYST FOR GIVING MUCH NEEDED PUSH FOR SECOND GREEN REVOLUTION

EXHORTS FARMERS TO TRANSFORM THEIR DESTINY BY ADOPTING CROP DIVERSIFICATION

SEEK PEOPLE's SUPPORT AGAINST DRUG MENACE

SAD-BJP TO CONTEST UPCOMING DELHI ASSEMBLY POLLS JOINTLY

VAT ON DIESEL LOWEST IN PUNJAB

INAUGURATES CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR CITRUS IN KHANAURA

Khanaura (Hoshiarpur), November 20-

Terming the various Centers of Excellence being set up by the state government as ‘Harbingers of Second Green Revolution’, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that these ultra modern centers would help in giving the much needed push to second green revolution in the state.

Addressing a mammoth gathering after dedicating the Centre of Excellence for Fruits (Citrus) to the nation here today, the Chief Minister said that these centers were ‘panacea of all the ills’ of the farmers they would help in bailing out the beleaguered peasantry from current agrarian crisis. He said that in the current scenario these Centers of Excellence would play a vanguard role not only in saving the already exhausted natural resources of the state but would also be instrumental in ensuring the all-round development of the state and prosperity of its farmers. Mr. Badal said that the ultra modern techniques used in such centers would acquaint the farmers with the global technology being used in the field of agriculture so as to update their expertise for making sure that they reap maximum profits from the diversification of agriculture.

The Chief Minister said that the state of the art facilities available in this Center of Excellence would help in doubling the per hectare productivity of citrus fruits besides motivating the farmers to increase the area under citrus cultivation from existing six percent to 10% of the state’s cultivable land by producing High yielding Varieties of Citrus fruits. Exhorting the farmers to adopt crop diversification, Mr. Badal said that it was the need of the hour as the farmers of the state were reeling under a whopping debt of Rs 30000 crore. He said that though the hard working and resilient farmers of the state had played a pivotal role in making the country self-reliant in food production but this immense contribution of the Punjabi farmers has not been duly recognized, due to which they were on the verge of economic disaster. “Our farmers have exploited their only available natural resources in term of fertile soil and depleting water table for the food security of the country but today they are confronting a grave crisis” bemoaned Mr. Badal.

Impressing upon the farmers to come out of the rut of wheat/ paddy cycle and adopt crop diversification for enhancing their income, the Chief Minister said it was the dire need of the time as the ever escalating cost of agriculture inputs coupled with the non-remunerative MSP has made farming a non-profitable venture. Mr. Badal said that it was the time to transform the destiny of Punjab by adopting crop diversification along with allied agriculture activities like dairy, fishery, piggery, goatery and others.

Dwelling on another important issue the Chief Minister urged the people to play a proactive role in eradicating the menace of drugs from the map of Punjab. He said that the state government has taken a number of steps to check this serious problem but active support and cooperation of people was required to wipe it out completely. “We are duty bound to eliminate this curse from sacred land of Punjab but the people must also resolve to help the state government in this noble cause” added Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister reiterated that the only solution for checking this menace was to totally cut down the supply line of drugs both from within the country and from abroad.

Later on interacting with the media persons the Chief Minister said that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) would contest the upcoming Delhi assembly polls in alliance with the BJP. He said that SAD-BJP alliance was ever lasting and both the parties would contest these elections jointly.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that Punjab was not the only state which has imposed VAT on Diesel but there were several other states that had done so. He said that rather rate of VAT imposed by the state government on Diesel was far less than that imposed by other states.

Earlier, addressing the gathering Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Mr. Vijay Sampla lauded the Chief Minister for setting up this project in the Kandi area of the state, which would give boost to its economic development. Advocating that the agriculture of the state needs to be protected, Mr. Sampla said that the need of the hour was to encourage Food processing industry in the state.

In his address, Ambassador of Israel Mr. Daniel Carmon said that the inauguration of this centre was significant because it would lay the foundation of good health of the future generations and prosperity of farmers in the state. He also lauded the state government’s effort for setting up this centre in a time bound and professional manner adding that this center was result of dedication and vision of Mr. Badal. The Ambassador said that centre would not only showcase the modern equipments in agriculture but it would initiate a new era of bilateral ties based on mutual trust and support between Israeland Punjab.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Jathedar Tota Singh and Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Bibi Mohinder Kaur Josh, MLA Mr. Surinder Singh Bhullewalraathan, Chairman Punjab Farmers’ Commission Dr. GS Kalkatt, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Ajoy Sharma, Vice Chancellor Punjab Agriculture University Dr. BS Dhillon, Commissioner Agriculture Dr. Balwinder Singh, Director Agriculture Dr. Mangal Singh and Director horticulture Dr. Gurkanwal Singh.

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Punjab all set for 5th World Kabaddi Cup form Dec 6

(Matches would be played at 14 different stadiums)

(NADA asked to conduct dope testing)

Chandigarh, November 20 - Punjab Government has given its final touches to arrangements for successful conduct of 5th World Cup Kabaddi Punjab-2014 at 14 different locations in the state. During this mega event 10 national teams in men and 8 in women would compete to win prizes amounting to Rs. 2 crore.

Giving details about preparations, a spokesman from state sports department informed that the international event would be organised from December 6 to December 20. Opening Ceremony would be held at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium Jalandhar and closing ceremony at Village Badal stadium in Sri Muktsar Sahib district. Both stadiums are fitted with ultra modern flood lighting system to showcase cultural programs during opening and closing ceremonies of the event.

He informed that in the men section, 10 national teams from USA, Iran, Pakistan, Denmark, Australia, England, Spain, Canada, Argentina and India and in women teams from USA, India, England, Denmark, Pakistan, New Zealand, Mexico and Azerbaijan are likely to participate in the world cup. Winner teams in men section would get prize money of Rs. 2.00 cr, Rs. 1.00 cr and Rs. 51.00 lac respectively for first three positions whereas women teams be handed over Rs. 1.00 cr, Rs. 51.00 lac and Rs. 25.00 lac respectively.

Besides several organizing committees the government has also formed anti dope committee and security committee for smooth conduct of event. National Anti Doping Agency has been requested to conduct random dope tests during the tournament.

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PUNJAB ISSUES INSTRUCTION ON FOREIGN TOURS OF IAS OFFICERS

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER, 20:

The Punjab Government has issued fresh instruction pertaining to the foreign visits of IAS officers. All the departments have been asked to put up the cadre clearance recommendations, regarding IAS officer’s foreign visit, to the personnel department 15 days prior to the visit.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the personnel department said that the departments have also been asked to obtain political clearance from the Union Minister of Foreign Affairs before sending the case to the Personnel Department. He said that the Personnel Department has found that in most of the cases the departments sends cadre clearance recommendation without getting the political clearance from the Union Minister of Foreign Affairs or the IAS officers proceeded on foreign visit without getting such approval. He said that the Government of India, in a hard hitting letter, has expressed serious concern on this issue and decided that in future no such case be considered for ex-post-facto approval.

The spokesperson further said that department has been instructed to get prior approval of the Chief Minister in case there is change in the date of foreign visit of a IAS officer.

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MAJITHIA CONDOLES THE TRAGIC DEMISE OF

ZEE MEDIA REPORTER SHIVAM BHAT

Chandigarh, November 20: The Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today expressed shock over the tragic demise of a young Zee Media Reporter Shivam Bhat in a road accident near Kaithal while returning from his assignment.

In a condolence message, Mr. Majithia described him a talented young journalist who discharged his duties with utmost dedication, sincerity and professional commitment.

Sharing his heartfelt condolences with the bereaved family members, friends and relatives, Mr. Majithia prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to them for bearing this irreparable loss in this hour of grief.

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PADDY PROCUREMENT IN PUNJAB

ONLINE PAYMENTS AMOUNTING TO MORE THAN 320 CRORE RELEASED TO FARMERS TILL DATE

Ø OVER 115.90 L M TONNES OF PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, November 18: The Punjab government has made online payments of Rs. 320 crore 65 lakhs 54 thousand and 159 till date to the farmers against the purchase of their crop by different procurement agencies during the ongoing paddy procurement in the state. Total 7421 entries were recorded. The payment has been made regularly in accordance with the guidelines fixed by the government of India. This was stated here today a spokesman of the government.

Meanwhile 115.90 Lakh M tonne of paddy has been procured till last evening. Out of the total paddy procured, 114.02lakh M tonnes (98. 4%) was procured by the government agencies and private agencies procured 1.88 lakh M tonnes (1.6%). Out of the government agencies, PUNGRAIN procured 36.06 lakh M tonnes(31.6%), MARKFED procured 26.49 L M tonnes (23.2%), PUNSUP 25.58 Lakh M tonnes (22.4%), PSWC 11.14 Lakh M tonnes (9.8%) and PAFC 11.94 Lakh M tonnes(10.5%). The central government agency FCI could procure 2.80 Lakh M tonnes (2.5%) of paddy till last evening.

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‘ERADICATING CHILD LABOUR’ WEEK OBSERVED

6826 CHECKS CONDUCTED IN VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS

216 EMPLOYERS CHALLANED

Chandigarh, November 18:

The Punjab Government observed ‘Eradicating Child Labour’ week from 10th till 16th November. It’s main purpose was to completely eradicate the menace of child labour.

Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Government said that during this time period teams were formed of various departments i.e. Labour, Education, Health, Police, Social Security, Women and Child Welfare under the supervision of Deputy Commissioners of Concerned districts.

The spokesperson further informed that in total 6826 surprise checks were conducted in various departments and in 254 institutions, 281 children working as labourers were found. Out of these, 116 child labourers were found engaged in hazardous kind of work while 165 child labourers were found to be employed in less dangerous type of work.

According to the spokesperson, all these child labourers were immediately freed and 216 challans were filed against the defaulting employers/managements. Divulging more details, the spokesperson said that Ludhiana topped the chart with 62 child labourers, Jalandhar had 37, Amritsar 31 and Patiala had 26 child labourers. Apart from conducting the checks, people were also made aware so as to totally end child labour .

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EDUCATION MINISTER ISSUES APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO 60 DEPENDENTS OF DECEASED IN-SERVICE EMPLOYEES
· 15 HAVE BEEN APPOINTED AS CLERKS, 43 AS SENIOR LAB ATTENDANTS (SLA’S) AND 2 AS LIBRARY RESTORERS (LR’S)

· INSTANT POSTING ALLOTMENT AS PER PERSONAL PREFERENCE OF APPOINTEES

· ORDERS ISSUED TO SETTLE ALL SUCH PENDING CASES WITHIN 1 MONTH

Chandigarh, Nov 18: In a humanitarian endeavour, 60 family members and dependents of deceased former employees of the Punjab Education Board were inducted into the education system under various appointments.

In a ceremony held here Education Minister, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema welcomed the new appointees and offered his support with a personal interaction with several new staff members. This move by the government aimed at providing some relief and consolation to those who had lost a near & dear one during their time as an active employee in the Punjab education system.

Dr. Cheema personally distributed the appointment letters to the dependents of the deceased. Amongst those inducted, 15 have been appointed as clerks, 43 as senior lab attendants (SLA’s) and 2 as library restorers (LR’s). In addition to the appointments offered on compassionate grounds, Dr. Cheema went a step ahead by sanctioning on-demand posting allotments as per the personal preferences of the appointees. He issued strict instructions to senior officials to ensure that all such pending cases be resolved within 1 month and all those dependents of deceased employees seeking active employment be given their appointment letters immediately.

Dr. Cheema stated that no one can compensate for the loss of their loved one but the department considers them to be their responsibility and by inducting them into the system they are fulfilling their commitment. He interacted with the appointees personally and encouraged them to share their experiences and voice their grievances. He was made aware of the fact the some had to fight for their right for employment and wait for 2-3 years to get the appointment letters issued to them. Appalled at the dismal treatment having been wrongfully meted out to them, he assured them that all those responsible for the delay will be held accounted for and shall not be spared. He ordered for all such delayed case files to be brought before him for further inquiry.

Dr. Cheema further encouraged the appointees to revert to him with their feedback and assured them that in case of any problems, they can freely contact the senior officials who have been instructed to address their concerns immediately. He announced that serious measures are being taken to minimize red-tapism in the department and said that he expected new appointees to work hard and with dedication for the betterment of the education system. Among others present were C. Roul, Principal Secretary to Govt.of Punjab' Dept. of School Education, Mr. G.K. Singh, Director General, School Education, Mrs. Darshan Kaur, DPI (Elementary Education) and DPI (Secondary Education).

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JAYANI SURPRISE CHECK AT DHS OFFICE FINDS 10 ABSENT

· TAKES SERIOUS NOTE OF FILES PENDING FOR YEARS, ORDERS CLEARANCE OF FILES IN 7 DAYS

· ASKS DIRECTOR TO INSTALL COMPLAINT BOX WITHIN 24 HOURS TO BE OPENED WEEKLY BY THE MINISTER HIMSELF

Chandigarh November 18: Conveying a firm message to maintain punctuality, the Health and Family Welfare Minister Punjab Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani today conducted a surprise check at the head office and remained there for about 4 hours at a stretch.

Soon after reaching the office at 10 minutes past 9, the Minister ordered the closure of the main entrance of the office catching everyone off guard. After minutely examining the attendance of more than 200 employees in the attendance registers of more than 30 branches, Mr. Jayani found as many as 10 officials absent from office without any written communication to the officers concerned. Taking serious note of the absentees, the Minister asked the Director Health Dr. Karanjit Singh to immediately issue a warning to them to be placed on their service records.

Finding the working of the Health directorate in shambles, the Minister ordered proper upkeep of the infrastructure and streamlining the other essential services in the department. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the Minister ordered the installation of a complaint box within 24 hours for the public at the entrance of the director health office which would be opened weekly by the Minister himself.

While inspecting the branches and randomly checking the files, Mr. Jayani found the pendency of the small administrative issues of more than two years. He has asked the Director to ensure the disposal of pending cases within 7 days. He also asked the Director to ensure online monitoring of the files besides ensuring and certifying that no file is pending for more than seven days.

Speaking to the medical officer, Dr. Balvir Kumar, posted at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (SBS Nagar) whose file was lying pending for more than 2 years because of small administrative issues, Mr. Jayani asked the Director to resolve the issue at the earliest besides fixing the accountability for delay. He has also ordered the total computerization of the administrative working of the entire health directorate.

The Health Minister was accompanied by Mr. Vikas Garg, Special Secretary Health and a team of officers at the time of checking the directorate.

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NEXT BATCH OF DAIRY TRAINING COURSE FROM DECEMBER 8- RANIKE

- TRAINING IN SIX DISTRICTS, INTERVIEW ON DECEMBER 2

CHANDIGARH, November 18:

Punjab Dairy Development Board (PDDB) has invited applications for six weeks Dairy Training Course in six districts with a view to educate farmers about growing benefits in dairy profession. The farmers can get the scientific and modern training at six centres in the state.

Giving Details, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry Minister said that 45 days Dairy Entrepreneurship Training course would be started from December 8, 2014 at Dairy Training and Extension Centers, Bija (Ludhiana), Chttamli (Ropar), Verka (Amritsar), Gill (Moga), Sardulgarh (Mansa) and Abul Khurana (Sri Mukatsar Sahib). The Training Course would be imparted by Guru Angad Dev veterinary sciences university, Dairy Research Institute Karnal & dairy experts. He said that the selection committee would interview the eligible candidates on December 2, 2014 at concerned centres.

Mr. Inderjit Singh, Director Dairy Development said that besides, giving knowledge on different techniques of dairy farm management, the candidates would be imparted training in artificial insemination, pregnancy diagnosis and milk handling etc. Interested candidates can contact at District offices or concerned Dairy Training and Extension Centres for prospectus, fee structure and eligibility criteria etc.

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BALJINDER SINGH IS NEW CHIEF AUDITOR COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES PUNJAB

CM GIVES NOD FOR GIVING CDC OF THIS POST TO HIM

Chandigarh, November 18-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod for giving the Current Duty Charge (CDC) of the Chief Auditor, Cooperative Societies, Punjab to Additional Chief Auditor Mr. Baljinder Singh.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the file to this effect was cleared by Mr. Badal this morning.

As per the orders, Additional Chief Auditor of Cooperative Societies, Punjab Mr. Baljinder Singh has been given the CDC of Chief Auditor to smoothly manage the working of this organisation, added the spokesperson.

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CM GIVES NOD FOR ENHANCING SAP OF SUGARCANE BY RS 5 PER QUINTAL

SAP OF ADVANCED, MEDIUM AND LATE VARIETY OF SUGARCANE TO BE NOW RS 295, RS 285 AND RS 280 PER QUINTAL FOR THE CRUSHING SEASON OF 2014-15

Chandigarh, November 18-

The Punjab Government has decided to enhance the State Agreed Price (SAP) of early, medium and late varieties of Sugarcane by Rs 5 per quintal, as compared to last year, for the crushing season of 2014-15.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the file to this effect was cleared by Mr. Badal this morning.

It may be recalled that the state government had fixed SAP of early, medium and late varieties of Sugarcane at Rs 290, Rs 280 and Rs 275 per quintal respectively for the crushing season of 2013-14. With the current decision of the state government the SAP of early, medium and late varieties of Sugarcane would be now Rs 295, Rs 285 and Rs 280 per quintal respectively for the crushing season of 2014-15.

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CM NOMINATES NEW CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF AJNALA MARKET COMMITTEE

Chandigarh, November 18-

The Punjab Government today nominated the new Chairman, Vice Chairman and members of Ajnala Market Committee in Amritsar district.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file to this effect, this morning and the formal orders regarding the nomination of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and members of market Committee Ajnala in Amritsar district would be issued shortly.

As per the orders Mr. Rupinder Singh and Mr. Baljinder Singh have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Market Committee Ajnala whereas Mr. Harjinder Singh, Mr. Satya Varunjeet Singh, Mr. Malkiat Singh, Mr. Jarnail Singh, Mrs. Shavinder Kaur, Mrs. Harjeet Kaur, Mr. Kulwinder Singh, Mr. Subeg Singh, Mr. Sukhdev Singh, Mr. Mandeepak Singh, Mr. Sangat Masih, Mr. Surinder Singh, Mr. Piara Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

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CM FOR 100% TOILETS FACILITY IN ALL GOVT. SCHOOLS OF THE STATE BY MARCH 2015

APPEAL MPs TO CONTRIBUTE Rs. 50 LAC EACH FOR THE SCHOOLS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CONSTITUENCIES

APPROVES Rs. 20 CRORE PROPOSAL FOR REMAINING WORKS

Chandigarh November 18:-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the senior officers of the state Government to achieve 100% target of providing separate toilets for Boys and Girls in various Government Schools of the state by the end of March 2015.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Mr. Badal was presiding over a high level meeting in this regard here at his office today. The Chief Minister directed all the concerned officers to expedite the process of construction of new and repair of de-functional toilets in the government schools of the state by giving it utmost priority.

The Chief Minister also approved the plan of about Rs. 20 crore for this purpose and urged all the Members of the Parliament (MPs) of Punjab to contribute Rs. 50 Lac each from their local area development (MPLAD) fund for the Government Schools in their respective constituency. The rest of the amount would be contributed by the state Government, added Mr. Badal.

The Chief Minister was apprised by the Education Department that at present only 1288 state schools (743 Boys' and 545 Girls' ) were left without toilets and 2256 toilets were non-functional.

Prominent amongst those were present in the meeting included Education Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Principal Secretary School Education Mr. C. Roul, Special Principal Secretaries of the CM Mr. Gaggandip Sing Brar and Mr. Ajoy Sharma and DGSE Mr. GK Singh.

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CM GIVES NOD FOR STARTING ‘ONLINE TUTORIALS’ IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS

MOVE AIMED AT FACILITATING ASPIRANTS OF MEDICAL AND ENGINEERING IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS OF VILLAGES

BADAL FOR BRIDGING GAP BETWEEN THE RURAL AND URBAN STUDENTS ESPECIALLY IN THE FIELD OF PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Chandigarh, November 18-

In a step aimed at imparting quality coaching of Medical and Engineering fields to the students of government schools in villages at their doorsteps, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod for starting ‘Online tutorials’ for these courses in the rural government schools of the state.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister while presiding over a high level meeting to review the Edusat program here at CMO, this morning.

Taking part in deliberations, the Chief Minister underscored the need for bridging the widening gap between the rural and urban sectors especially in the field of professional education. He said that the need of the hour was to evolve a mechanism so that the brilliant students from the villages could compete with their convent educated pears from the cities. Mr. Badal said that ultra modern technology must be utilised in an apt manner so as to reach a large number of students besides providing the access of quality professional education to them even in the remotest part of the state.

The Chief Minister, while giving green signal to the ambitious project to provide ‘Online Tutorials’ in the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Biology after matric, said that it would act as a game changer for the rural students who aspire to scale new heights in the field of engineering and medical science. He said that though the urban students were having a number of opportunities to get coaching in the cities but the students from rural background were not able to perform upto the mark due to lack of professional coaching. Moreover, Mr. Badal said that private players were minting money through such tutorials whereas this online program of the state government aims to impart quality professional training the rural students at a very nominal cost. He said that these interactive courses would be firstly started in 100 schools of the state, to be later extended to other schools.

During the meeting the Chief Minister was apprised that for 100 schools this project would entail an expenditure of Rs 4.5 crore in which the students would be provided course materials through these tutorials. The course would include contact sessions, query resolution and archives section for the ensuring the better performance of the students. Likewise, class co-ordinators would also be deployed for streamlining this project.

It was also informed in the meeting that while the Edusat was currently imparting quality education to the school students across the state during the school hours but for these courses the education would be imparted to the students after the school hours. It was also apprised that apart from the Medical and Engineering fields the students would also be provided education for appearing in IELTS and TOEFL, as per their desire.

Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included Cabinet Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Principal Secretary Finance Mrs. Vinnie Mahajan, Principal Secretary School Education Mr. C Roul, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sharma and Director General School Education (DGSE) Mr. GK Singh.

2 EMPLOYESS INCLUDING 9 OFFICERS FOUND ABSENT IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION & INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT

Chandigarh, November 17:

To ensure the attendance of the officers and the staff in the Government offices, Punjab Government has issued instructions to carry out surprise checks in the morning as well as in the evening. To enforce these instructions, Sh. G.S Ghuman, IAS, Director, Technical Education & Industrial Training, Punjab has done a surprise checking in the office today at 9.00 AM.

Divulging the details a spokesman said that Mr. Ghuman has found a total of 42 staff members (9 officers and 33 officials) absent from duty during the surprise check. He has directed the respective Additional Directors dealing with administration to call explanations of the officers/officials found absent within three days, so that necessary action can be taken against the absentees.

SAD LODGES COMPLAINT AGAINST NAVJOT SIDHU WITH STATE BJP PRESIDENT

DEMANDS DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST HIM

Chandigarh, November 17 : The Shiromani Akali dal officially lodged protest with the state President Mr Kamal Sharma against the utterances of former MP Mr. Navjot singh Sidhu against the coalition government in Ludhiana yesterday.

Party Secretary and spokesman and Punjab Education Minister Dr Daljit singh Cheema rang up Mr. Kamal Sharma in the evening to apprise him about the derogatory remarks given by Navjot Singh Sidhu in a religious function at Ludhiana. Dr. Cheema said that this action of Mr. Sidhu is intolerable and is against the spirit of coalition dharma. He expressed surprise that even when the BJP high command in Delhi as well as in the state has openly clarified that there is now issue between SAD and BJP then there should be no reason for Mr. Sidhu to speak against the SAD leadership.

Mr. Sidhu’s utterings were itself the violation of the advice of senior BJP national leadership which has recently publicly endorsed the continuation of alliance in Punjab. Dr. Cheema urged Mr. Sharma to take the matter with the party high command so as to tame Mr. Sidhu and he also demanded on behalf of SAD that strict disciplinary actions should be taken against Mr. Sidhu.

In a statement issued from the party head office Dr. Cheema said that such utterances are creating bitterness in the SAD-BJP alliance and he hoped that the BJP leadership will take the matter seriously.

PUNJAB TO ROPE IN NGOS’ AND EMINENT SOCIAL ACTIVISTS IN CONSUMER PROTECTION FORUMS AT DISTRICT AND BLOCK LEVELS-------KAIRON

Ø KAIRON RELEASES SOUVENIR OF SARUP SINGH SEWA SOCIETY MADDOKE

Chandigarh November 17: The Punjab government today unveiled a major initiative to rope in Non Government Organisation and eminent social activists to educate the consumers regarding their rights and duties so as to unleash a vibrant consumer movement in the state.

Speaking on the sidelines of book release function Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adaish Pratap Singh Kairon said that in a open economy it was imperative to have a strong consumer movement to keep a check on quality of products and services being offer to the consumers. He said that state government was in process of roping in eminent social activists and various known NGOS’ in district and block level consumer protection councils so that the local issues relating to consumers could be addressed effectively and quick action could be taken to redress the grievances pertaining to food and civil supplies department .

While releasing a souvenir of Sarup Singh Sewa Society Maddoke (Moga) highlighting the 10 year long social activities carried out by the Society in diverse fields. Mr. Kairon appreciated the efforts put in by the society towards education, girl child education, poor free education, imparting vocational training, youth welfare workshops, bal melas, drug de addiction programmes, career counseling and other motivational programmes for rehabilitating youth.

Highlighting the details of the 10-year old Sarup Singh Sewa Society, its Secretary Dr. Gurtek Singh Gill said that this society was carrying forward the vision of renowned social activist of Moga, S. Sarup Singh Gill. The Society apart from establishing two permanent institutions of formal and informal education has remained involved in a number of social events, academic programmes, seminars, workshops and donation campaigns for providing basic civic amenities to public. Besides this the society has also established a world class pre preparatory school for grooming the tiny tots to the other senior schools of international repute.

Present on the occasion were the S. Gurkeerat Singh Gill (IAS) former Additional Chief Secretary Maharashtra, Col.Gurlal Singh, Mrs. Manjit Kaur Gill and Mrs. Baljinder Kaur Gill.

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PUNJAB PARLIAMENTARIANS VOW FOR ALL ROUND FACELIFT OF VILLAGES

· ALL MPS ADOPT 19 GRAM PANCHAYATS UNDER SANSAD ADARSH GRAM YOJANA

SAYS SAGY WILL BECOME CATALYST IN MAKING VILLAGES DEVELOPMENT MODELS

· DCS ALSO PLEDGES TO EXECUTE THE YOJANA AT GROUND LEVEL

Chandigarh, November 17: Members of Parliament from Punjab today promised to give a total facelift to 19 villages adopted by them under Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, on pilot basis, by ensuring massive development and cleanliness besides social, cultural development of rural belts with collective responsibility and action.

While participating in orientation program for Members of Parliament and District Collectors here at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, the MPs and Deputy Commissioners took pledge to provide all needful support in planning, implementation of program at grass root level vis-a-vis bringing best practices to make these villages as Adarsh villages. The MPs lauded the vision of Prime Minister for all round development of villages ensuring active participation of elected representatives of all parties, bureaucracy and rural population. They said adopted villages would be made model grams under all existing government schemes and programs. They said the primary focus would be inculcated pride in village, encourage societal change, moving ahead with collective responsibility and initiate people projects.

Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, who was also the chief coordinator of orientation program, said this program would surely witness change in the existing setup by converging and implementing existing schemes. He said this system is so transparent that we can access the output and outcome on the ground. He said primarily 19 villages have been adopted by 13 Lok Sabha and 6 Rajya Sabha members with a target to give these a total facelift by 2016 making these ‘model villages’. He also exhorted Deputy Commissioners to make this program a big success by regularly monitoring the ongoing development and cleanliness initiatives in the adopted villages.

Member Parliament from Patiala Dr. Dharamvir Gandhi in his address emphasised to ensure active and healthy participation of panchayats and rural population to execute this program at ground level. He said he has adopted Marori village with main focus to eliminate drug addiction. He said he would also try his best to create requisite infrastructure in villages including toilets, supply of potable water, timely cleanliness and renovation of village ponds with the help of local residents and administration.

Faridkot Member Parliament Prof. Sadhu Singh stressed the need to launch an awareness campaign so that panchayats can come forward to implement this scheme in their respective villages. He said after making the adopted 19 villages as model grams, this scheme would be implemented in entire state to enable all villages as Model villages.

Jalalabad Member Parliament Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya we all should make this trial a massive success so this could be extended to other remote areas of the state. He said with this initiative we can bring prosperity and over all development by providing all basic amenities including quality education in border villages, employment generation and de-addiction through mass awareness.

Describing this initiative a game changer in social, cultural, healthcare, education and employment sector, Rajya Sabha Member Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder MPs, Deputy Commissioners could become catalyst to provide basic facilities to needy rural population including health facilities, launching the concept of smart schools, pucca houses to villagers besides other basic facilities. He said he has adopted Kot Dharmu village of Mansa district, where he would try to bring massive transformation in all areas.

Meanwhile all Deputy Commissioners participating in the orientation program promised to execute SAGY at grass root level in true spirit.

It is pertinent to mention here that Punjab MPs including Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura from Khadoor Sahib constituency has adopted Munda Pind, Sangrur MP Mr. Bhagwant Singh chose Benra village, Anandpur Sahib MP Mr. Prem Singh Chandumajra adopted Daun village, village Dhaul Kalan of Amritsar has been adopted by Captain Amarinder Singh, Amritsar MP, Fatehgarh Kortana village of Faridkot by Prof. Sadhu Singh, Ganna Pind of Jalandhar district by local MP Mr. Santokh Singh Chaudhary, Chunni Kalan of Fatehgarh Sahib by MP Mr. Harinder Singh Khalsa, Aladinpur village of Amritsar by Rajya Sabha Member Dr. Manohar Singh Gill, Gulari village of Sangrur by Rajya Sabha Member Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Adamwal village of Hoshiarpur district by Rajya Sabha member Mr. Avinash Rai Khanna, Budhabarh by Hoshiarpur MP and Union Minister of State Mr. Vijay Sampla, Hardopathwala village of Gurdaspur district by Mr. Ashwani Kumar, Rajya Sabha MP, Dhandi Kadim village of Fazilka by MP Sher Singh Ghubaya, Talibpur Pindori village of Gurdaspur by local MP Mr. Vinod Khanna, Kot Dharmu of Mansa district by Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder Member Rajya Sabha, Dheena village of Jalandhar district by Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Gujral, Issewal village of Ludhiana district by Member Parliament Mr. Ravneet Singh Bittu and Mann village of Sri Muktsar Sahib by MP and Union Cabinet Minister Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal.

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ECI ISSUES SCHEDULE FOR SUMMERY REVISION OF ELECTORAL ROLLS IN PUNJAB

· EXERCISE WOULD BE COMPLETED UPTILL JANUARY 1, 2015

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 17:

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for summery revision of electoral rolls in Punjab and this task would be accomplished up to January 1, 2015.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Chief Electoral Office, Punjab said that process of summery revision has been initiated with a view to prepare accurate roll inclusive of all eligible persons as electoral. Further, in the process, names of dead/ shifted or otherwise disqualified electoral are required to be deleted and particulars of electoral corrected and updated. He said that in this massive activity entire election machinery starting with CEOs, DEOs, EROs, AEROs and ending with BLO supervisors and BLOs would take part.

The spokesperson further said that Election Commission of India has issued direction for the state government not to transfer any officials connected with the exercise of revision of electoral rolls like District Education Officers, Deputy District Election Officers, Electoral Registration Officers and Assistant Electoral Registration officers etc., from their places of posting without the prior concurrence of the Election Commission.

The Commission has also restricted the deployment of such officials with the work relating to or connected with the revision of electoral rolls against whom commission has recommended disciplinary action, against whom criminal case is pending and such officials who were transferred out during any previous revision of rolls or conduct of election inefficiency or wilfully violating the ECI directions.

PUNJAB DOUBLES SUBSIDY TO ESTABLISH PIGGERY FARMS - RANIKE

- RATTA KHERA TO ADOPT AS MODEL VILLAGE

Chandigarh, November 17:

The Punjab Government has doubled the amount of subsidy to establish new piggery farms from 25 to 50 percent.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry Minister said that Punjab Government has taken this step to help the poor people especially in the waterlogged Malwa region where the land has uncultivable.

He said that to promote piggery farming in Punjab, village Ratta Khera of District Sri Mukatsar Sahib has been adopted as Model Village. He said that residents of village Ratta Khera called on Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal and apprised him that due to water logging their financial position is not good. They demanded at least 50% subsidy to establish new piggery units for all categories. Mr. Ranike said that after receiving Chief Minister’s instructions, animal husbandry department increased subsidy up to 50%. He said that encouraged by the government decision to double the subsidy to 50 percent villagers have decided to set up 10 units of piggery in the village, he added.

Mr. Ranike further said that Animal Husbandry Department has also conducted one week training for desired piggery farmers and piglets would be given to them by the department. He said that state government also helps to get bank loans for new piggery farms. Mr. Ranike appealed to the farmers to adopt piggery, goat, poultry and dairy farming to boost their as well as state’s income.

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BADAL CALLS UPON CHILDREN TO MAKE INDIA CLEAN AND GREEN

FELICITATES 12 WINNERS OF 'RANG SWACH BHARAT KE' MY FM RADIO PAINTING COMPETITION

Chandigarh November 17:-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the youngsters to play a proactive role to make our country clean and green.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Mr. Badal was presiding over an impressive but small ceremony organized at Chief Minister's office today to felicitate the 12 students of six different schools of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula, who had won the painting competition 'Rang Swach Bharat Ke' organized by MY FM Radio.

While congratulating the winners and the teachers accompanying them, Mr. Badal asked them to motivate others also so that everyone could develop a habit to keep their surroundings clean and hygienic. He further advised the children to obey and help their parents for keeping their homes and streets neat and clean, which would ultimately result to achieve 'Clean India' target soon.

The Chief Minister also presented a trophy and a certificate to each winner. It may be recalled here that FM radio would publish a twelve-leaf New Year calendar, depicting the paintings of these little masters from class three to seven. The Chief Minister had also shown keen interest in the paintings of the students. He was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar.

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SESSIONS JUDGE, JALANDHAR APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF TRIBUNAL

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 17:

In pursuance of the provisions of the Punjab Town Improvement Act, 1922, the Punjab Government has appointed District and Sessions Judge, Jalandhar as the President of the tribunal of improvement trust Kartarpur. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab government said that the appointed has been made for two years with immediate effect.

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CM SEEKS GoI’S INTERVENTION FOR DISALLOWING FLOW OF DRUGS IN STATE

ASKS CENTRE TO CUT THE SUPPLY LINE OF DRUGS BOTH FROM ABROAD AND WITHIN THE COUNTRY

CAUTIONS POLITICAL PARTIES TO STOP POLITICKING ON THIS SENSITIVE ISSUE

LAUDS SRI RAM NAUMI UTSAV COMMITTEE FOR UNITING THE COUNTRY

FELICITATES RAM BHAGATS AT PHAGWARA

Phagwara (Kapurthala), November 16-

Soliciting the whole hearted support of Government of India (GoI) for checking the flow of drugs in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that need of the hour was to evolve such a mechanism that should disallow entry of even 10 grams of narcotics in the state.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion to felicitate various organizations by the Sri Ram Naumi Utsav Committee here today, the Chief Minister said that the curse of drugs was the biggest problem faced by the country in general and state in particular. He said that the only solution for checking this menace was to totally cut down the supply line of drugs both from within the country and from abroad. Mr. Badal said that serious efforts must be initiated for sealing the border apart from desisting the neighboring states of Punjab to openly sell drugs like Poppy husk.

Exhorting all the political parties of the state to join hands against this grave menace, the Chief Minister said that it was not the time to play dirty politics on this issue by spitting venom against each other but all the political parties should work collectively to check this problem. He said that on its part the state government has been making stupendous efforts for checking this problem by cracking down heavily on drug peddlers besides setting up drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centers for the addicts. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that as unemployment was the biggest reason of drug addiction so a network of skill centers was being set up for enabling the youth to get self employed.

Expressing concern over the declining morality in the society, the Chief Minister said that the main reason for it was that the people have forgotten the path shown by the great Gurus, prophets, saints and seers. He said that the need of the hour was to uphold the ethos of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood by spreading the message of love and compassion, as preached by every religion. Mr. Badal called upon the people to rise above the parochial considerations of caste, creed and religion to establish true ‘Ram Raj’ in the country.

Recalling the immense contribution of Sri Ram Naumi Utsav Committee in religious and social field, the Chef Minister lauded the President of Committee and Chief Editor of Hind Samachar Newspaper group Mr. Vijay Chopra for taking this initiative to bring people on a single platform. Describing Mr. Chopra as an institution, Mr. Badal said that he was playing a pivotal role in uniting the social fabric of the nation. He also congratulated the Committee for organizing this mega event to perpetuate the glorious legacy of Lord Sri Ram, who taught the people about what an ideal ruler, son, father, husband or person was.

On the occasion the Chief Minister also honored eminent persons and societies.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar and Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. KD Bhandari and Mr. Som Parkash, MLA Mr. Pargat Singh, former Minister Master Mohan Lal, Chairman Markfed Mr. Jarnail Singh Wahid and Deputy Commissioner Mr. DS Mangat.

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CHANDIGARH WAS AND WOULD EVER REMAIN AN INTEGRAL PART OF PUNJAB- CM

MODI GOVERNMENT MUST DO JUSTICE WITH THE STATE BY RETURNING BACK ITS CAPITAL

VOWS TO CONTINUE STRUGGLE FOR SAFEGUARDING THE INTERESTS OF STATE

SAD-BJP ALLIANCE MUST FOR ENSURING PROGRESS, PEACE AND COMMUNAL HARMONY IN THE STATE

UNDERSCORES NEED FOR IMPARTING ‘PURPOSEFUL EDUCATION’ TO YOUTH

LAUDS THE ROLE OF CHIEF KHALSA DIWAN IN EDUCATIONAL, RELIGIOUS, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL FIELD

Tarn Taran, November 16-

Reiterating that Chandigarh was and would ever remain an integral part of Punjab, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today hoped that the Modi Government at centre would do justice with the state by returning its capital back.

Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of the 65th World Sikh Education Conference organized by the Chief Khalsa Diwan here today, the Chief Minister bemoaned that time and again the successive Congress led governments at the centre had done a grave injustice with the state by denying its capital, legitimate share in river waters and even the Punjabi speaking areas. He said that there was barely any example in the country where the parent state has been deprived of its capital, after the formation of linguistic states, other than Punjab. Mr. Badal said that it was the high time that the Union government must do justice with the state by returning back its capital.

The Chief Minister said that since long Punjab has been a victim of the injustice of the Union government but now the time has come when the Modi Government must give justice to the state by handing over Chandigarh to it. He said that as per universally accepted law Chandigarh was a part and parcel of Punjab and it must be given back to the state. “The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has always struggled for safeguarding the interests of the state and we will continue our endeavor to get back Chandigarh” he added.

Replying to a query, the Chief Minister said that the everlasting alliance between SAD-BJP was in the interests of the state and the country. He said that the alliance was necessary for the sake of ensuring progress, peace and communal harmony in the state.

Earlier addressing the gathering during the conference, the Chief Minister underscored the need for imparting ‘Purposeful education’ to the youth so as to enable them to earn their livelihood with self esteem and pride. He said that the thrust must be laid on imparting skill training to youth so to make them self reliant. Mr. Badal said that the state government has laid special emphasis on opening a network of skill training institutes in the state so as to open new vistas of employment through education for the youth.

Recalling the immense contribution of the Punjabis in the national freedom struggle, the Chief Minister said that more 80% martyrs or other national heroes who were exiled during the freedom movement belonged to Punjab. Likewise, he said that hardworking Punjabi farmers had immensely contributed in making the country self reliant in food production whereas the brave soldiers had courageously defended the borders of their motherland in post independence era. However, Mr. Badal lamented that the successive Congress governments at the centre had not recognized the contribution of Punjabis and has always meted out step motherly treatment with the state.

Lauding the stupendous efforts being made by the Chief Khalsa Diwan in educational, religious, social and cultural field, the Chief Minister said that this organization was serving the humanity with utmost zeal and commitment. He also urged the management of Chief Khalsa Diwan to take necessary steps for providing free and quality education to the poor and bright students of the state. Mr. Badal also impressed upon the management of Chief Khalsa Diwan to open skill training centers for providing technical training to the youth.

The Chief Minister also released a souvenir to mark the occasion and also felicitated eminent Sikh personalities from various walks of life.

On the occasion the President of Chief Khalsa Diwan Mr. Charanjit Singh Chadha welcomed the Chief Minister.

Earlier, while inaugurating the newly constructed CKD Institute of Management and Technology, the Chief Minister termed it as historic step which would enable the students of border areas to get world class education in management and technological courses.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Harmeet Singh Sandhu, Chairman District Planning Committee Tarn Taran Mr. Ravinder Singh Brahmpura, former MP Mr. Rajmohinder Singh Majitha and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sharma.

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SUKHBIR ANNOUNCES TAX FREE STATUS FOR "CHAR SAHIBZADE" MOVIE IN PUNJAB

· A MOVE TO RECONNECT OUR PRESENT GENERATION WITH RICH RELIGIOUS HERITAGE

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 16:

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal who also holds the portfolio of Excise and Taxation Department today sanctioned tax free status for Punjabi movie "Char Sahibzade" based on life and sacrifice of Char Sahibzade of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Announcing this here today, Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that he has allowed tax free status to this religious movie to educate our present generation regarding the unparalleled and supreme sacrifice of Char Sahibzada's of tenth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who made supreme sacrifice for unity and integrity of the country and to ensure religious freedom to every citizen.

He said that the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janta Party government always encouraged Punjabi cinema that gave social and religious message for the upliftment of the society and would continue to encourage filmmakers to make movies on such subjects. He has issued orders to Excise and Taxation Commissioner to issue a notification in this regard with immediate effect.

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DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

PUNJAB SET TO TURN JUNK INTO GOLD

· E-AUCTION OF 331 HEAVY DUTY MACHINES OF RANJIT SAGAR DAM TO ACCRUE CRORES FOR THE STATE KITTY

· E-AUCTION LIKELY TO FETCH A SUM OF RS 75-100 CRORE

· AUCTION PROCESS TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN THREE MONTHS

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 16:

The Punjab government today approved the e-auction of old machinery and equipments of Ranjit Sagar Dam that would earn crores of rupees for the state exchequer. The process for the e-auction of 331 heavy duty machines has already started and the irrigation department expects to fetch a sum of Rs 75-100 crore through this auction.

Disclosing this here today Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon said that while inspecting the works of irrigation department, he noticed that different heavy machineries and equipments that were bought by the irrigation department during 1982, 1996 and 2001 have virtually turned into scrap due to non use during last 20 years. These include heavy earth moving machinery, equipments and other heavy machinery that was bought by the state during the construction of the dam.

He said that he formed a high-level condemnation and disposal committee headed by superintending engineer and that committee after adopting due process has identified 331 pieces and five plants for e-auction through a transparent method.

"The department has started the process of disposal of these machines and is likely to complete the process of disposal of 331 heavy duty machines in next three months," informed Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon.

He said that irrigation department was determined to streamline the process of procurement and disposal of machinery and this department would set an example for other departments for optimum utilisation of existing machinery and other resources.

Mr Kahan Singh Pannu, Secretary (Irrigation) informed that these machines are being disposed of through the transparent process of e-auction and the proceeds of the auction would be deposited in the government treasury. "The auction is likely to fetch a sum of about Rs 75-100 crore," informed Mr Pannu.

The construction of Ranjit Sagar Dam was started in the year 1985 and it was finally completed and commissioned in the year 2001. Heavy earthmoving, hydraulic and mechanical equipments were purchased for the construction of dam from 1982 to 1996.

However, the heavy duty machinery which is lying grounded could not be disposed of during the last 13 years. As a result, these machines were not only getting rusted but also giving the shabby look to the picturesque vicinity of the Dam.

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PUNJAB FARMERS TO BENEFIT FROM WELFARE SCHEMES

· High quality seeds of progressive varieties to be distributed across Punjab

· Comprehensive system for management and distribution

· Primary Co-operative agriculture societies and allied agencies to facilitate removal of corrupt middlemen

Chandigarh, November 16:

With the onset of Radbi sowing season the Punjab today set in motion the transparent and equitable process distribution of wheat seeds amongst the farmers. Punjab Agriculture Minister S. Tota Singh announced that a quantity of 5.35 lac quintal seeds will be distributed to the farmers in the state through the National Seed Corporation, Punseed, Punjab Agriculture University, IFCO, Kripco, Punjab Agro and other allied agencies as per the requirement of the farmers.

He said that the Punjab Government was committed to providing seeds of progressive varieties of Wheat HD 2967, PVW 550, and PVW 621 at the rate of Rs. 700 per quintal. To increase production and aide farmers, the government was committed to providing basic infrastructure facilities. He said that separately Rs. 12000 crore short term crop loans would be provided to farmers through the primary co-operative agriculture societies and arrangements will be made for the supply of 6.5 lacs M.T. of urea and nearly 2.70 lacs M.T. of DAP Fertilizer to farmers of the State.

The Minister further said that maximum two quintal seeds would be provided to each of the farmers. The distribution of the seeds is being done in a transparent manner after obtaining application for requirement. He also said that the provision was made under the National Food Security Mission and Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Yojna. In case there is more demand of seeds, the government would also arrange to provide supply for the seeds. He also said that he is personally supervising the entire programme of distribution up to the level of small farmers.

The Minister also appealed to the farmers that they should take the bill at the time of purchase of seeds and other items. In case of any problem the farmers can contact the department. He informed that a comprehensive system for management and distribution is being set up so that the farmers of the state can benefit from all government provisions. The need of the hour is to eliminate corrupt middle men who take advantage of the farmers and hamper judicious distribution and welfare schemes.

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PUNJAB HEALTH DEPARTMENT PLANS MAJOR OFFENCIVE TO CHECK FEMALE FOETICIDE

Ø JYANI ASKS CIVIL SURGEONS TO KEEP AN EYE ON ULTRASOUND CENTRES

Ø STRICT ACTION TO BE TAKEN AGAINST THE DOCTORS INDULGED IN ILLEGAL PRACTICES

Chandigarh November 16: The Punjab government today set in motion an aggressive campaign to check the female foeticide and infanticide in the state under which intensive vigil has been ordered on the functioning of the ultra sound centres in Punjab.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Punjab, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani today issued directions to all the Health officers including the Civil Surgeons to keep an eye on the ultrasound centres allegedly indulging in sex determination tests. He said that Strict action would be taken against the doctors indulging in illegal practices and also ordered the immediate sealing of such ultrasound centres . He has also asked the officers concerned to initiate a rigorous campaign to ensure strict enforcement of the PNDT Act and ensure a strict compliance to the awareness generation activities undertaken in Punjab.

Taking stock of the ongoing centrally sponsored schemes and programmes in the state, the Minister said that on the guidelines of the Union government, the Punjab government would get a district wise survey done to identify the exact sex ratio across the state and would take adequate steps to improve the male-female ratio wherever a decline is recorded. He also said that the Punjab government has come up with action plans for village level, block level as well as district level so that the number of girl children registered and their educational levels also go up.

Quoting statistics, the Minister said that apparently the sex ratio at birth has improved in Punjab to 893 females per 1,000 males as compared to the neighboring Haryana state where it was recorded as 879 females per 1000 males as against the national gender ratio of 943 females per 1000 males.

Punjab's health minister has urged religious leaders to come forward and help in changing the mindset of the society towards the unborn daughters so that they get their due right to take birth and live in this world.

NEW INDUSTRIAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS TO BE DEVELOPED AT 5 LOCATIONS

3-5 ACRES OF REQUIRED LAND TO BE PROVIDED BY PANCHAYAT/MC

Chandigarh, November 16 :

The Punjab Government today approved construction of 5 ITIs and sanctioned Rs.36.40 crore for this purpose.

Stating this, a spokesperson of the Government said that it is proposed to open new Industrial Training Institutions(it is) in the areas which are unrepresented and where local demand and land is available. Keeping in view this aspect 5 new institutions are proposed to be opened at 5 places in the state namely Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, Roop Nagar, Ajitgarh (Mohali) and Fatehgarh Sahib.

The spokesperson also informed that the capacity of each ITI will be around 400-500. There will be 20 trades for skill development which will be taught at these institutions. According to the spokesperson, around 3-5 acres of land will be required for the buildings to be constructed and that land shall be provided by the Panchayat/MC. The recurring expenditure regarding the opening of these 5 new ITIs will be met by the State Government.

The spokesperson further said that in the existing ITIs new emerging technology trades e.g. computer hardware, auto electrician, fashion technology, consumer electronics and driver-cum-mechanic shall be started as per the requirement and growing demand of the industrial and service sector. Computer labs with internet connectivity and multimedia will be set up in all the 112 Government run Industrial Training Institutions. For this purpose, an amount of Rs. 52 crores was received from Government of India during 2012-13. No expenditure was incurred in 2012-13 and 2013-14 respectively.

The spokesperson also said that an outlay of Rs. 36.40 crores is provided for the Annual Plan 2014-15.

The Punjab Government is always strategizing about making efforts to equip it’s youth especially the students with latest skills in this age of cut throat competition and cutting edge technology.

v Asks DCs to personally monitor the progress

Sukhbir Badal gives nod to setup Industrial Parks, e-commerce and banking hubs in Punjab

“Promotion of Self-employment in Punjab”

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