CHANDIGARH, JULY 30
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo and former Union Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav for seeking his personal intervention to duly compensate the Sikh families, who have suffered huge losses during the recent incidents of violence in Saharanpur district.
During the telephonic conversation, the Chief Minister apprised Mr. Yadav that the Sikh brethren living in Uttar Pradesh has contributed tremendously in the development of the state in general and that of Saharanpur district in particular. He said that the UP government must ensure the security of the Sikh brethren living in the every corner of Uttar Pradesh, so that this minority does not get a feeling of alienation. Mr. Badal also assured fulsome support and cooperation to the former Chief Minister of UP to tackle this critical situation.
Mr Mulayam Singh assured the Punjab Chief Minister that the UP government was fully committed to ensure the well being of every single person living in the state adding that every effort was being made to maintain peace and amity in the state.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Sikhs from Saharanpur led by Mr. Gurpreet Singh Bagga called on the Chief Minister at his residence this afternoon. The delegation gave detailed information to Mr. Badal about the situation in strife torn Saharanpur district and sought his personal intervention for safeguarding the interest of Sikhs in the state. They also urged the Chief Minister to impress upon the UP government for cancellation of the false cases against the members of Sikh community in Saharanpur.
Reiterating that the clashes at Saharanpur were an unfortunate incident, the Chief Minister appealed the people especially the Sikh community to maintain peace, amity and communal harmony at all cost in this hour of crisis, as preached by our great gurus, seers and prophets. He also appealed the people to exercise restraint in these circumstances by displaying the ethos of religious tolerance, unity and brotherhood.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.
The other members of delegation included Baba Harmohan Singh, Mr. IP Singh and Mr. Parbhjeet.

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Badal asks officers to conduct interviews for psychiatrist doctors

CHANDIGARH, JULY 28
In a bid to treat drug addicts through proper counseling as a part of state government's campaign to eliminate drug addiction from the state, the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, has directed the senior officers of the Health & Family Welfare Department to conduct interviews of psychiatrist doctors at New Delhi on August 2, to avail their expertise and experience for the rehabilitation of drug addicts in the mainstream of life.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the state government has already established a network of drug de-addiction centers to detoxify the drug addicts adding that currently, as many as 21 drug de-addiction centers were operational in the state to carry out the crusade initiated by the state government against drugs. The fresh selection of Psychiatrist doctors was being done to fill the shortage and to provide better medical services in these centers, added the spokesperson.
The spokesperson further said that state government had recently conducted a walk-in-interview on June 28 during which four Psychiatrist doctors were selected by the Health and Family Welfare department. As the Health department already had 32 Psychiatrist doctors so now the strength of these Doctors has risen to 36. In addition, the state government has also given nod for recruiting 16 more Psychiatrists on regular basis.
Reiterating the state government's firm commitment to fight against the menace of drug abuse, the spokesperson said that the Chief Minister was himself monitoring the state wide campaign launched on a war footing to eliminate this menace. Likewise, the spokesperson further said that on the personal initiative of the Chief Minister, the state government had planned to construct 22 Rehabilitation Centers, one in every district across the state, side by side the existing network of de-addiction centers. In these Rehabilitation Centers, the addicts would be provided post detoxification treatment through expert Psychiatrists and Counselors so that these former drug addicts could lead their normal life and join society back in a dignified manner.
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KCGC kick starts fortnight long `plantation drive’ at Khalsa College

 AMRITSAR, JULY 28 

``More than 5000 saplings will be planted in all the 17 educational institutions being run by the Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) to make surroundings neat and clean. The aim of this 15- day-long plantation drive is to save environment and ensure greenery in the colleges and schools’’.

 This was stated by KCGC President Satyajit Singh Majithia who today inaugurated the fortnight long plantation drive at Khalsa College here. He said `environment degradation’ is emerging as a major challenge and planting of trees more and more trees is must to save earth’s fragile ecosystem. ``The role of educational institutions, students and teachers in spreading environment awareness and to plant trees is highly significant in this regard’’, said Majithia.

 He along with KCGC honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, vice president Charanjit Singh Chadha and other senior members quoted Guru’s messages and verses to point out how important it is to keep the surroundings green and clean and it is the duty of every individual to save life which is facing danger from rising environment pollution.

 Chhina said that this the annual drive is initiated in these monsoon months and they have tied up with Pingalwara Society also which is donating trees and plants for enhancing further the green cover at all the educational campuses being run under the aegis of KCGC.  He said each student must adopt at least one plant on the campus and not only plant more saplings but also ensure that those grow into full trees.

 Those present during the inauguration included finance secretary Gunbir Singh, joint secretaries SS Abdal, Ajmer Singh Heir, SS Mannan, Rajbir Singh, Nirmal Singh, Member Anoop Singh, SS Sethi, Ajit Singh Basra, SS Chhina, Lakhwinder Singh Dhillon, GSBhati, Amrik Singh, Harminder Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Jatinder Singh Brar, Paramjit Singh Bal, Principal Dr.Mehal Singh Principal Dr.JS Dhillon,  Principal Dr.SK Mahal, Principal Dr. Amarpal Singh and others.

Dr Anshu Kataria takes charge as CMA President

CHANDIGARH, JULY 28
Dr Anshu Kataria took the charge as President of Chandigarh Management Association (CMA) today in the 49th Executive Committee Meeting of CMA which was held at DSOI, Sector-36, Chandigarh. On the occasion, the allocation of different departments to the members was also done.
The Meeting was attended by Mr Jagtaran Singh Nayyar, Vice President; Er Sandeep Singh, Secretary General; Mr. T. S. Chhabra, Joint Secretary; Mr. Ashok Verma Treasurer, other EC Members and the Past Presidents of CMA.
 Dr Anshu Kataria who is also the Chairman of Aryans Group of Colleges, Chandigarh appointed the Chairmen of new Committees in the Meeting. He declared that the new Membership Chairman of CMA is Mr A.K.Gandhi, Hospitality Chairman is Col. M.G.S Khurana and a 3 membered committee comprising Mr Ashok Verma, Er Sandeep Singh and Mr Deepak K Dhingra will be deciding about funds of CMA.
 Dr Kataria declared Mr J N Vohra, Brig Sahni, Mr M L Garg, Mr T L Kaushal and Mr Amrit Lal as Co-opted members. Universal Group and Bodh Group were announced as new Organizational Members.
    While addressing the members, Dr Anshu Kataria said that the main objective of the association is to promote the development of professional management practices in the industry, trade and business in private and public sectors by cultivating an understanding and appreciation of sound management philosophies and principles, simultaneously, taking part in the initiatives for the development of the city environment.
 It is to be mentioned that Renowned Educationist, Dr. Anshu Kataria has been elected as President of Chandigarh Management Association (CMA) for the 2nd time in the Elections.
 Established in 1966, CMA is a registered society affiliated to the All India Management Association (AIMA). Aimed at promoting professional management concepts amongst management fraternity representing Industry, Trade and Academia of the Chandigarh and its adjoining satellite cities the association has more than 500 members.
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Centre's nod for international flights from Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH, JULY 25The Ministry of Defence, Government of India (GoI) today cleared the state government’s proposal for seeking extension of watch hours and commencement of international flights from Chandigarh airport.
In a communiqué addressed to the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Union Defence Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley apprised the former that m/s Spice Jet and M/s Indigo Airlines have already been accorded permission for international operations from Chandigarh
Mr. Jaitley also informed the Chief Minister that presently civil aircraft operations at Chandigarh were cleared from sunrise to 2000 hours. Regular extension of watch hours beyond 2000 hours was under process. He, however said that international flights would be facilitated beyond the existing watch hours as and when the international flights were finalized, as an interim measure.
It may be recalled that the Chief Minister had written to the Union Ministry of Defence besides personally taking up this issue with Mr. Jaitley during his recent visit to New Delhi. Consequent upon Mr. Badal’s vigorous efforts the Union Ministry has finally gave concurrence to these proposals, which would facilitate several passengers to avail hassle free air travel facility thereby saving their time, money and energy besides providing better air connectivity in the region.
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KCW student first in GNDU

AMRITSAR, JULY 24

The students of Khalsa College for Women, Amritsar have brought laurels to the institution by achieving excellent results in B.Com (Hons.) Semester-III. Harsimran Kaur and Damanpreet Kaur jointly grabbed first position in Guru Nanak Dev University by getting 80 per cent marks in Semester-III of B.Com (Hons.). Manveet Kaur, Satinder Kaur and Chahat Arora attained the third position by securing 76% marks in the aforesaid class.

 Principal, Dr. Sukhbir Kaur Mahal and Head of the Department, Dr. Suman Nayyar felicitated the students and teachers on this proud moment. Talking to the merit holders, they said that they completely owe their success to the hard work and co-operation of their teachers.

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NCC Air Wing `Air Show’ at Khalsa College

AMRITSAR, JULY 21
An `Air Show’ displaying the attractive air aerobatics was today organized at historic Khalsa College campus here. The cadets under supervision of Indian Air Force instructors displayed a unique show through various model aircrafts including Excite-46, Power and Glider, showing aerobatics of Wing Over, Loops, Rolls, Rolling of the Top and Making of Figure 8.
The chief guest at the show as brigadier Balwinder Singh, Sena Medal and the program was organized at the behest of Colelge Principal Dr. Mehal Singh under supervision of Wing Commander B.K. Ramela, Commanding Officer Vikram Uppal and Dr. Sukhdev Singh. Remala said the aim of the show was to promote NCC Enrollment and Awareness campaign and celebrate College’s recent achievements in airaerobatics at national level. They said the students are attracted to the IAF through such programs.
Meanwhile the tiny helicopters and gliders exhibited the rare glimpses of aero-dynamics with the college’s picturesque building in the background. Principal said the students get attracted to IAF, which is one of the best professional AirForces of the world and how they could opt it as a fascinating career and serve the nation. Other present during the show included IAF Instructor Upinder Singh Aulakh, NCC Care Taker GS Malhi, Devender Singh, Registrar of College, Prof. Gurdev Singh, Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Dr. Iqbal Singh and large number of teachers and students who showed a keen interest in the show.

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Badal for comprehensive plan for providing additional funds of Govt mredical colleges

CHANDIGARH, JULY 20
         The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, today directed the Departments of Health and Medical Education & Research to chalk out a comprehensive plan for providing additional funds to the Government Medical Colleges in the state which could be utilized optimally as per the requirement for the maintenance of the Hospital attached to them without any sort of inordinate procedural delay.
          A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting with Director Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) Dr. Rajendra A. Badwe, who called on the Chief Minister here at his residence this morning.
       Expressing concern over the loss of glory of the Government Medical Institutions over past few years due to poor maintenance and dilapidated infrastructure has resulted in diverting the general public towards private hospitals for getting health care facilities, Dr. Badwe suggested that it could be more appropriate if state government could evolve some new mechanism giving free hand to the administration of the Medical institutions to utilize these funds on its own as per the felt needs of concerned institution.
          Dr. Badwe also apprised the Chief Minister about the present status of the Cancer Hospital (Cancer Care facility Centre) at Sangrur, where the construction work was in full swing and about 60% of the construction has been completed. He said that the entire construction work would be completed besides installation of equipments/infrastructure by the end of September this year to make it fully operational by December, 2014.
          On the request of Dr. Badwe the Chief Minister also gave his approval to  sign MoU between the state government and TMC about the running the Sangrur Centre . Appreciating the relentless efforts of TMC for setting up of this centre, Mr. Badal asked Dr. Badwe to draft the MoU. 

Regarding the upcoming state-of-the art Rs. 450 crore super specialty Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC) at Mullanpur Dr. Badwe informed that after the completion of tendering process, the construction work would be completed within 28 months. He informed that the Forest department had already planted about 1000 saplings in Along with the boundary of TMC.
          Mr. Badal said that the state government has already declared a war against the menace of Cancer with an objective to eliminate it with all out efforts to ensure world class best cancer treatment and diagnostic facilities to the patients inflicted with this deadly disease at affordable rates. He also assured Director TMC that state government would also arrange the requisite residential accommodation for the staff members both at Sangrur as well as Mullanpur. The Chief Minister further said that a separate road for Mulanpur hospital would also be constructed for the smooth execution of civil works.
 Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Advisor to Health and Medical Education Departments Dr. KK Talwar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Finance, Health and Family Welfare Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary Forest Mr. Vishwajit Khanna, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary Housing & Urban Development Mr. A. Venu Prasad, Secretary Medical Education & Research Mr. Rakesh Kumar Verma and CA GMADA Mr.  AK Sinha besides other senior officers of various departments.
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Vigilance Bureau to probe Tangori land scam

CHANDIGARH, JULY 20
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Vigilance Bureau to enquire into the alleged involvement of Government officials and other persons in a fraud of leasing out about 11 acres of Gram Panchayat Land in village Tangori, SAS Nagar district.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that M/s Verman Enterprises, New Delhi had submitted a complaint to the Chief Minister that some officials and other persons fraudulently leased out 90 kanal and 12 marla of ‘Mustarkan Malkan’ land of Gram Panchayat Tangori village in November 2010 for a period of 33 years to them for setting up of an educational institution for disabled children. Later it was found that the land for which lease was signed with M/s Verman Enterprises, New Delhi could not be leased and thus the Director Rural Development had cancelled the lease on December 6, 2013. The complainant had approached the Chief Minister to thoroughly probe into matter so that the guilty officials of Rural Development department and some other persons involved in this land scam could be punished. In the light of these above mentioned facts, the Chief Minister asked the Vigilance Bureau to conduct an enquiry in this matter to get at the bottom of the case.
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Workshop on Effective Teaching held at KCPS

AMRITSAR, JULY 18

A workshop to enhance skills to be very effective teachers was today organised at Khalsa College Public School (KCPS) by a renowned resource person Neetu Dua. She motivated the teachers to be role models for the students as a teacher is instrumental in making the lives of students meaningful.

 She explained that to be most effective teacher, teachers must follow certain parameters and enhance their own knowledge, have the positive attitude, various skills, good habits and quality time investment with effective communication skills. Principal Madam Dr. Sarvjit Brar thanked Dua for such lively, interactive and fruitful session. She opined such sessions prove very useful for effective teaching.

 

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World Bank to funds for promotion of religious, heritage, health and ethnic tourism in Punjab

CHANDIGARH, JULY 15
            In a bid to projecting Punjab as a global destination on the international map of tourism, the World Bank (WB) today offered to fund the projects for the promotion of religious, heritage, health and ethnic tourism in the state and asked the Punjab government to work out modalities in this regard.
            A four-member WB team led by its Country Director Mr. Onno Ruhl today called on the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal,  to discuss the modalities for the promotion of tourism here at CMO this morning.
            Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Ruhl said that he had already made similar offer to the Pakistan Punjab to develop its tourism and now we were inviting Indian Punjab to promote tourism here as both the eastern and western Punjab share a common cultural affinity and glorious cultural heritage.  Mr. Ruhl further impressed the Chief Minister to send a detailed proposal of different tourism projects to be developed through financial assistance of WB for seeking its requisite approval prior to the process for getting this project technically sanctioned from the bank.  He appreciated the efforts of the state government for getting the Dera Baba Nanak-Kartarpur corridor opened through the mutual initiatives of national governments Indian and Pakistan.  He hoped that such initiatives would go a long way for the promotion of tourism in the sub continent, as the people of Indian and Pakistan Punjab enjoyed natural bonding due to same language, dialect and even cuisine.   He further said that this would certainly bring in far more synergy and coordination in the efforts for giving impetus to the tourism in the region.
            Referring to the WB aided Punjab Rural Water & Sanitation Sector Improvement Program (PRWSS), the Chief Minister urged Mr. Ruhl to allow the state government to initiate PRWSS Project Phase II of Rs.2200 crore in January 2015 instead of after March 2015.  Mr. Badal was apprised in the meeting that this project under appraisal with WB by a team headed by Mr. S. Podipireddy, TTL WB Project was cleared by Washington Office on May 1, 2014.  The Chief Minister also sought technical and financial support from WB for setting up of skill development centers to impart technical training to the youth besides helping the state to revamp the century old Canal system in the state which was now in extremely dilapidated condition and was unable to carry the adequate quantity of water for irrigating the fields.  Mr. Ruhl assured that an expert of global level of World Bank is likely to visit Punjab in September 2014 who will take forward this dialogue and assess how World Bank can assist in this sector of agricultural & irrigation in Punjab.
Expressing satisfaction over the progress of ongoing World Bank Aided Rural Water Supply Project closing in December 2014, Mr. Ruhl stressed that Implementation of the new project should be taken up as per the old pattern of SWAP being followed in the first Rural Water Supply & Sanitation Project. The Country Director also agreed to a request from Mr. Badal regarding deposit of the beneficiary contribution for the poorest households by the village panchayats from its own sources. Likewise, Mr. Ruhl also agreed to make efforts for pre-poning the commencement of new project with sanction from World Bank Washington Office in January 2015.  In addition broad outlines of the new World Bank Project under appraisal with the WB team worth Rs. 2200 crore (354 million$) were also finalized . In order to make Punjab Open Defecation Free, the World Bank team also agreed to have a look for an effective sustainable design for construction of twin leach pit toilet for water logged areas.
Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjeet Singh Rakhra, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary Tourism Mrs. Raji P Srivastva and Chief Technical Coordinator Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Department Mr. SR Aggarwal.
The WB team was represented by Manager Rural Development South Asia Region Ms. Shobha Shetty, Senior Water and Sanitation Expert Mr. Srinivasa Rao Poidireddy and Expert Rural Development Mr. Gutanjali Chaturvedi.
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Raghunath's appointment approved by Badal

CHANDIGARH, JULY 15
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave his nod to appoint Mr. Raghunath Singh Rana as the Chairman of the newly constituted Punjab State Industrial Development Board. 
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that said that Mr. Badal gave concurrence to the proposal put forth by the Industries and Commerce department to create this board in place of the earlier Punjab Medium Industrial Development Board to broad base its ambit with a view to facilitate the local industry. The formal orders in this regard would be issued shortly, added the spokesperson.
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Badal describes Haryana action as provocative and unconstitutional

CHANDIGARH, JULY 14
 The Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Parkash Singh Badal today described the action of the Congress government in Haryana in getting a law enacted to set up a separate body for Sikh shrines in that state as “ provocative  and a brazen interference in the religious affairs of the minority Sikh community. “ The Chief Minister said that this action was not only blatantly unconstitutional but was motivated by a desire to fulfill the  long standing design of the Congress party to dilute and weaken the spiritual, social and political  strength of the Sikh community by seeking to encourage divisions.
   Mr. Badal appealed to the Government of India to intervene in the matter as the Haryana Government’s action has not only created a constitutional crisis by openly encroaching upon the jurisdiction of the Parliament but will also inflame passions and hurt  the religious sentiments of the millions of Sikh masses all over the world.  He said that he simply could not understand the desperate urge of the Haryana Chief Minister to tread upon the Sikh religious territory while his mandate as Chief Minister is to function as a secular head of government. “What is his great motive in taking such unusual and unholy interest in the affairs of the Sikhs. Why is he so keen on undoing what people like Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and Mahatama Gandhi have done with regard to the SGPC?  Has someone not told him that it was against his  kind of governmental intervention in Sikh religious affairs that Pandit Nehru went to jail during the British regime?  And then that was a foreign rule. Is Mr. Hooda out to prove that whatever mischief the British were capable of, he is capable too – and worse? asked Mr. Badal.
    Mr. Badal said that the Haryana Government should have shown extreme sensitivity towards the potential threat which its action poses to the hard earned atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the region. He has even defied the wishes of the overwhelming majority of the Sikh masses in Haryana as expressed in the last elections to the General house of the SGPC. “The last SGPC poll was a referendum among the Sikhs on the advisability of setting up a separate body for management of Sikh shrines in that state, and the Sikhs voted overwhelmingly against those who supported the Congress-sponsored move in this direction, giving thumping victory on all eleven seats  to the candidates of the SAD who had opposed this move .
     The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government had also treated the Indian constitution with utter disrespect by piloting a bill which clearly violates constitutional provisions in this regard. The issue falls in the ambit of the Punjab Re-organization Act 1966 which declares several institutions including the SGPC as inter-state corporate bodies, mandating that only the Government of India and the Parliament were competent to take decisions or legislate on matters concerning these bodies. The Chief Minister pointed out that all decisions regarding the SGPC fall within the jurisdiction of the Ministery  of Home Affairs, Government of India. “Be it the conduct and notification of elections, their results, electoral rolls,  reservation for women or any other issue requiring statutory decisions, the mandate lies with the Government of India alone. Not to speak of Haryana, even the Punjab government or Punjab assembly cannot interfere with the working, composition or with the  running  of this constitutionally created body. I am shocked that all these facts, which are well known to everyone familiar with administration or with Sikh affairs, have been given a rude farewell by the Haryana Government.”
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Punjab Cabinet gives nod for implementing e-staming system

CHANDIGARH, JULY 8
The Punjab Cabinet today gave nod to the draft of Punjab e-stamp Rules-2014 for the implementation of e-stamping system to ensure far more efficiency and transparency in the revenue collection of the state.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at Punjab Bhawan this evening.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that e-stamping would eliminate purchase of stamp papers and would ensure transparency, faster collection of registration fee and would guard against embezzlement.
In order to enhance accountability and transparency in functioning of government offices besides bringing the services at the door step of residents of the state, the Cabinet also gave approval to free Right of Way to BSNL for connecting state government offices at District/ Sub Division/ Block/ Tehsil/ Sub Tehsil level to State Wide Area Network established by Department of Governance Reforms under E-district Project, a State Mission Mode Project as a part of National E-Governance Plane. 47 Key citizen centric services including birth/ death certificates, pension services, ration card services, marriage, caste and residence certificates, RTI and Grievances have been selected under the project. Similarly 32 services would be offered online to citizens under State Service Delivery Gateway.  Pertinently, this E-district project has already been successfully implemented in Kapurthala and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar districts as pilot project and now this project would be implemented in remaining 20 districts across the state within six months.  
The Cabinet also gave approval to include the words “Blockade of Rail or Road Traffic” in part 2 (C) of ‘The Punjab Prevention of Damage to Public and Private Property Bill-2014’ defining “damaging act”.  In the recent past there had been many incidents of violent demonstrations, agitations and damage to public and private property in the state. The bill provides for punishment upto one year and fine of Rs one lakh to those who damage public or private property through agitation, stroke, bandh and blockade of Rail or Road traffic. If the damage was done by making use of explosives then the punishment would be upto two years and fine of Rs one lakh.  This amendment would not act as a deterrent for the miscreants to participate in such agitations and demonstrations and cause damage to public and private property, but also help to recover from them the damages on this count.      
The Cabinet also approved setting up of Maharaja Ranjit Singh State Technical University, Bathinda, Bill 2014 for the establishment and incorporation of a University for the advancement of Technical education and development thereof in the state.   The upcoming technical university would exercise territorial jurisdiction over Bathinda, Barnala, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Mansa, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala, Sangrur besides other areas outside Punjab.  It may be recalled that Punjab had earlier only one technical university viz. Punjab Technical University (PTU) at Jalandhar and had 283 technical institutions (engineering, management, pharmacy, architecture and hotel management) affiliated to it with nearly 62000 seats.
The Cabinet also approved to set up Attari Block in Amritsar district under Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) besides sanctioning the post of Child Development Project Officer and other supporting staff in the newly created Attari Block.
In a bid to strengthen the share capital of Cooperative Banks, the Cabinet introduced a new section 2 (m) and amended section 6 and 15 of the Punjab Cooperatives Societies Act, 1961 enabling Public Sector Organisations to buy shares in the Cooperative Banks and Institutions. 
          In order to ensure prompt disposal of the cases registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the state, the Cabinet also gave nod for establishment of another CBI court at Patiala along with the requisite supporting staff. 
          In pursuance of the state government's policy to promote sports in the state, the Cabinet also gave its approval for exclusively creating 125 posts every year for outstanding players, who brought laurels to the state by winning medal in Olympics, Asian and Commonwealth Games. The creation of these posts would not only provide employment opportunities to the outstanding players but would also act as source of inspiration for the budding players to excel in sports. These appointees would be appointed in various departments but would remain on deputation to Sports Department for 10 years to promote Sports.  
In a move aimed at upgrading the road infra structure in the state, the Cabinet also gave green signal for amending sub-section (8) of section 3 of the Punjab Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1924 to increase the rate of one time motor vehicle tax levied at the time of issuing new stage carriage permit and for additional from existing Rs 1500 to Rs 2500 per kilometers in case of big buses. However in case of State Transport Undertaking there would be no change.
The Cabinet also gave go ahead to amend Punjab Affiliated Colleges (Security of Service) Act, 1974 thereby fixing the tenure Chairman and Members of Education Tribunal constituted under the Act. The term of Chairman and Members of tribunal has been fixed as three years or till the attainment of age of 65 years, whichever was earlier.
In a bid to upgrade the level of higher education besides opening new vistas of employment for the youth of state, the Cabinet also gave approval for setting up of GNA Self Financed Private University at Phagwara run by S. Amar Singh Educational and Charitable Trust under the Punjab Private Universities Policy 2010.
In a bid reprieve to the visually impaired JBT/ ETT teachers, the Cabinet also gave approval for filling up the backlog of 167 posts of visually impaired JBT/ ETT teachers as per the "Persons with Disabilities (Equal Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1995.
The Cabinet also gave its concurrence for the filling up the 4445 vacant posts of different cadres in Privately Managed Recognized Aided School of the state on contract basis. These teachers would be on probation for five years and would be regularised thereafter subject to clearing the probation. These vacant posts would be filled up on contract basis in four years@ 25% per year. This would help in imparting quality education to the students of these schools by preventing the loss of their study due to shortage of staff.
The Cabinet also approved to sanction 66 posts of Medical officers for 22 upcoming rehabilitation centres so as to enable the drug addicts lead a normal life with dignity and sense of self respect.
The Cabinet also decided to authorize the Deputy Commissioners to cancel any invalid deed which might have on the basis of forged land record fard, expired/ withdrawn/ registered/ cancelled power of attorney or impersonation. A bill in this regard would be presented in the coming session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
The Cabinet also approved the draft of bill to set up Police Complaint Authorities at state and Divisional level.
It was also decided in the Cabinet that the Council of Ministers would meet every alternate Tuesday. Likewise, the meeting of District Grievances Committees would be held on every first Thursday of the month to ensure prompt redressal of complaints of the people.
To ensure better coordination amongst the officers from the state Headquarters and field staff, the Cabinet also decided that Head of the Departments/ Administrative Secretaries would visit the field on every Friday. Similarly it was also decided that none of any officer posted in filed would be summoned for meeting at state Headquarters on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.     

Punjab pleads for additonal funds for RWSSS

CHANDIGARH, JULY 4
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Minister for Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Mr. Nitin Jairam Gadkari to ensure the provision of additional funds for state under Rural Water Supply and Sanitation scheme (RWSSS) in the ensuing Union Budget and provide it immediately after the budget was passed by the Parliament.
In a letter to Mr. Gadkari, the Chief Minister said that necessary action in this regard was required to remove avoidable miseries of rural habitations in Punjab. He apprised the Union Minister that a large number of water samples of Rural habitations in the State have failed due to which it was the need of the hour to provide water purification systems to these areas on priority. Mr. Badal said that the state Department of Water Supply and Sanitation has already submitted a proposal of Rs.101.33 crore for installing RO systems in 730 habitations across the state.
Likewise, the Chief Minister said that in addition to it the Department also needs additional funds to install ROs in remaining 2094 habitations, where water was found to be contaminated with Uranium and other heavy metals. Referring to his recent meeting with the Union Minister in New Delhi, Mr. Badal lauded his gesture of advising the concerned officers of the Ministry of Water Supply and Sanitation to consider this request of the state government on priority. He also urged Mr. Gadkari to provide requisite funds amounting to nearly Rs.300 crore for these habitations also. "It was pleasure to meet with you, more so because of your positive attitude and inclination to resolve the pending issues of Punjab, especially that of quality of drinking water being supplied to rural habitations, at the earliest" he added.
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Badal invites Kiran Bedi to tackle drug abuse

CHANDIGARH, JULY 4 Taking cognizance of an open letter published in a section of press, written by the former IPS Officer and civil society activist Mrs. Kiran Bedi to Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal on the problem of drug abuse and trafficking in Punjab, the Chief Minister has extended invitation to her for early resolution of this malady, which had plagued the state.
In a letter to Mrs. Bedi, the Chief Minister deeply appreciated her concern for Punjab and her will and desire towards finding solution to this grave problem. Mr. Badal said that he was quite confident that the deliberations with her along with the officials of health department, police administration and other stakeholders would certainly pave a way for evolving a comprehensive strategy to effectively combat and eradicate the problem of drug addiction from the state. The Chief Minister said that he was positive that her wide experience would come extremely handy in strengthening the current de-addiction drive launched by the state government.
Reiterating his firm commitment to stamp out the menace of drug abuse, Mr. Badal said that he had taken it as a personal challenge to make Punjab a drug free state in two years time.

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Plea to implement Swaminathan’s formula to fix MSP

CHANDIGARH, JULY 4 Punjab Chief Minister  Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley to introduce the renowned farm scientist Dr.MS Swaminathan’s formula, which provides for cost plus 50 per cent remuneration to the farmers as the basis of fixation of MSP for agricultural crops, during the process of finalization of union budget for the year 2014-15.
In a letter to Mr. Jaitley, the Chief Minister impressed upon him to make agriculture far more sustainable besides ensuring no farmer was compelled to either leave this occupation or commit suicide thereby seeking his personal intervention for a slew of pro-farmer measures to be included in the union budget proposals.
The Chief Minister pleaded instead of vying for mere crop diversification, greater stress should be given to agriculture diversification, meaning thereby that allied activities such as dairying, fisheries and other subsidiary occupations should also be included in the agriculture diversification programme for financial assistance. Likewise, small and marginal farmers should be provided interest free short term crop loans whereas other farmers should be provided crop loans at 2 per cent, and agriculture investment credit at 6% rate of interest. In order to remove debt stress and check shameful acts of suicides by farmers, one time debt relief package should be announced for all farmers. Like agriculture, dairy, fisheries and other subsidiary activities should also be given exemption from payment of income tax.
Citing the background of the state’s agrarian economy, Mr. Badal apprised the Union Finance Minister that Punjab has been the cradle of green revolution in the country. The production technology available for wheat and rice, supported by the appropriate policies and complemented with the required investments and institutional infrastructure by the State, resulted in a spurt in their productivity and production in a record time. Owing to low production risk and assured marketing of wheat and rice, about 80% of the arable area came under these two crops. The state has been contributing about 30-40% food grains to the central pool to ensure the food security of the Nation.
The Chief Minister further mentioned that the production potential of the available technology of these crops had already been nearly exploited and was now almost reached plateau in growth and real farm incomes and over-exploitation of state's only available natural resources i.e. soil and water. The very sustainability of the wheat-rice production system was under severe threat and climate change was too posing a new challenge for future agriculture growth. Like the earlier agricultural development, future growth, would also depend upon technology development supported by the public policies, relevant institutional changes and facilitating increased investment from the private sector as well.
Mr. Badal said that these measures would not only remove ever increasing stress on agriculturists but also help to bring agriculture sector on a path of high trajectory growth and development with the assurance of better quality living for farmers of our country.
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32 IAS and PCS officers transferred in Punjab

CHANDIGARH, JULY 3

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today approved the transfers and postings of 32 officers amongst them four IAS and 28 PCS.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal cleared a file to this effect tonight thereby ordering the following postings and transfers:

   

Sr. No.	Name (Sh. / Smt.)	New Posting
1.	Adappa Karthik, IAS	ADC(G) Gurdaspur
2.	Rupanjali, IAS	ADC (G) Pathankot & Addl. charge of ADC (D) Pathankot
3.	Amit Kumar, IAS,	ADC (G) Ferozepur & addl. charge of  ADC (D), Ferozepur
4.	Kumar Amit, IAS,	ADC (D), Jalandhar
5.	Neelima, IAS	ADC (G), Faridkot
6.	Bhakhtawar Singh, PCS (Retd)	ADC (G) Tarn Taran
7.	Amarjit Singh Sahi, PCS,	ADC (D) &  Addl. charge of ADC (G), Ropar
8.	Arvindpal Singh Sandhu, PCS	ADC, Moga
9.	Ajay Kumar Sood, PCS	ADC, Khanna
10.	Charandev Singh Mann,PCS	ADC (G) Fazilka and addl. charge of ADC(D) Fazilka
11.	Ajmer Singh, PCS,(Retd.)	ADC (D) Moga and Addl. charge of SDM, Dharmakot
12.	Poonamdeep Kaur, PCS,	ADC, Mohali
13.	Kala Ram Kansal, PCS	SDM, Lehragaga and additional charge of SDM, Moonak
14.	Ram Singh, PCS	SDM, Garhshanker
15.	G.S. Sahota, PCS,	SDM, Patran
16.	Jagwinderjit Singh Grewal, PCS	D.T.O. Gurdaspur
17.	Subhash Chander Khatak, PCS,	SDM, Zira
18.	Sukhwinder Singh Gill, PCS(Retd)	SDM, Chamkaur Sahib
19.	Harjot Kaur, PCS,	SDM Payal
20.	Uma Shankar, PCS,	Commissioner, MC, Mohali
21.	Pritam Singh, PCS (Retd.)	ADC (G), Jalandhar
22.	Arina Duggal, PCS	SDM, Khamano
23.	Bikramjit Singh Shergill, PCS	SDM, Malout
24.	Varinder Pal Singh Bajwa, PCS	SDM, Jalandhar-2
25.	Harsohinder Pal Singh, PCS	SDM Ropar
26.	Sukhpreet Singh Sidhu, PCS	SDM ,Sri Muktsar Sahib
27.	Rubinderjit Singh Brar, PCS	SDM, Sultanpur Lodhi
28.	R.P. Singh, PCS,	DTO, Jalandhar
29.	Jaspal Singh Gill,PCS	SDM, Guru Har Sahai
30.	Jagjit Singh,PCS	SDM, Balachaur
31.	Anuprita Johal, PCS	Secretary, PPSC
32.	Anand Sagar Sharma, PCS	SDM, Khanna

Punjab Govt nominates chairmen of market commitees

CHANDIGARH, JULY 3
The Punjab Government today nominated the new Chairman, Vice Chairman and members of the Market Committees Amloh, Sirhind and Chanaarthal in district Fatehgarh Sahib.
           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 and orders regarding the nomination of these Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members would be issued shortly.
          As per the orders Mr. Inderjit Singh Sandhu and Mr. Ranbeer Singh Punia have been respectively appointed the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Sirhind Market Committee whereas Mr. Jasbeer Singh, Mr. Sukhdev Singh, Mr. Gurdharam Singh, Mr. Amritpal Singh, Mr. Satnam Singh, Mr. Major Singh, Mrs. Baljeet Kaur, Mr. Netar Singh, Mr. Sukhveer Singh, Mr. Sukhdev Singh, Mr. Naresh Sareen, Mr. Netar Singh and Mr. Balwinder Singh have been appointed the members of the committee besides the concerned BDPO.
          Likewise, Mr. Jatinder Singh Cherry and Mr. Ravi Inder Singh have been respectively appointed the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Amloh Market Committee whereas Mr. Kuldeep Singh, Mr. Harbhans Singh, Mr. Parmjeet Singh, Mr. Hartar Singh, Mr. Kuljeet Singh, Mr. Sant Singh, Mr. Narinder Pal Singh, Mrs. Harpreet Kaur, Mr. Darshan Singh, Mr. Harminder Singh, Mr. Gursewak Singh, Mr. Rajinder Singh and Mr. Kuldeep Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been appointed the members of the committee.
          For Chanaarthal Market Committee Mr. Harbhajan Singh and Mr. Dalbara Singh have been appointed as Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively whereas Mr. Mohan Singh, Mrs. Sukhjeet Kaur, Mr. Jagtar Singh, Mr. Nirmal Singh, Mr. Gurmukh Singh Taini, Mr. Gurwinder Singh, Mr. Kuldeep Singh, Mr. Gurmukh Singh, Mr. Bahadur Khan, Mr. Harbhajan Singh, Mr. Hardev Singh, Mr. Sukhdarshan Singh, Mr. Lakhwinder Singh, Mr. Megh Singh, Mr. Bhagwant Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been appointed the members of the committee.
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Badal slams Haryana Government on separate Gurudwara Committee

SAS NAGAR (MOHALI), JLUY 2
Terming the move of the Congress Government in Haryana to constitute separate body for the management of Gurudwaras across the state as an ill conceived, arbitrary and unconstitutional move, the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, today said that the Hooda Government's nefarious designs to divide the Sikhs would never materialize.
Interacting with the media persons after the installation ceremony of the newly appointed chairman of Punjab State Rajput Kalyan Board Captain RS Pathania, who assumed the charge of his office here today at Forest Complex, the Chief Minister categorically said that this sinister move of the Haryana Government was a desperate attempt of the Congress government, which was already on the verge of its ouster from power in the state, to woo the Sikh voters.
However, he said that this election stunt of Congress would hardly pay dividends to it as the Sikhs of Haryana have time and again rejected the demand for having separate body for managing the Gurudwara affairs in the state. Mr. Badal said that as the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) came into existence by an act of the Parliament so it was solely authorized to take any decision on this matter adding that Haryana Government was completely incompetent to bifurcate the SGPC.
The Chief Minister also cautioned the Congress to refrain from meddling in the religious affairs of the Sikhs just for the sake of its vested political motives. He said that it was unfortunate that the Haryana Government was reviving this contentious issue despite of the fact that the former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had desisted it from taking this step during the UPA government. "We have already met the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh over this issue and we will take every possible step to foil the attempt of Haryana government to divide the SGPC" added Mr. Badal.
Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the state government was in constant touch with the Union Government for ensuring the safe and prompt return of the Punjabis trapped in strife torn Iraq. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to bail out these sons of the soils in this hour of crisis, Mr. Badal said that he would personally meet the distressed families of these youth and extend fulsome support and cooperation to them. He said that the state government has already announced that it would give Rs 20000 per month to such families.
The Chief Minister further said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted for probing the shootout incident in Moga has initiated investigations in the matter. He said that the SIT would get into the bottom of the case and the law would take its own course in this matter.
The Chief Minister also said that the NDA government was fully committed to fulfill all the promises made to the people during the Lok Sabha elections. He expressed hope that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi the country would soon attain pinnacle of its glory adding that under his decisive leadership country would soon overcome all the social maladies plaguing it.
On the occasion congratulating Captain RS Pathania for taking the charge of new assignment, the Chief Minister hoped that the Board would act as catalyst for ensuring the all round development and welfare of the community. Mr. Badal also said that the state government was fully committed for the overall growth of every community in the state and no stone would be left unturned for this noble cause.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by former Governor of Karnataka Mr. Bhanu Partap Singh, Secretary Science and Technology Mrs. Seema Jain and Director Welfare Mr. Paramjeet Singh.