Dr. HB Singh appointed KCG College principal

AMRITSAR, FEB 16

 Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) today appointed (Dr.) HB Singh, retired Professor from department of Botany as new Principal of Khalsa College Chawinda Devi (KCCD). Having an experience of over 32 years in teaching, Dr.HB Singh has been Principal of ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga and head of the department of Botany, apart from holding various posts including Coordinator, NSS. He joined the duty today in presence of KCGC honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina.

 Dr.HB Singh took the charge of office from outgoing founder-Principal Prof.Baljinder Singh who has left the office due to the ill-health. Chhina said Prof.Baljinder had been unwell and they had the tough task to choose new Principal and found Dr.HB Singh a fit person to head this new institution, which is imparting higher education in this rural belt near Amritsar. He hoped that having vast academic and administration experience, Dr. Singh will work tirelessly to help institution progress and achieve its objective to provide value-based education to students. He thanked the management for posing faith in him and said he would work with dedication and commitment.

 Prof.Baljinder Singh also thanked KCGC for giving him chance to work at the post for over two years and these years would be memorable for him. Those present at the occasion included additional honourary secretary Swinder Singh Kathunangal, Joint secretary SS Mannan, member SS Chhina, KCA Principal Dr.Mehal Singh, DS Rataul, teaching and non-teaching staff of the College.

 

US students visit Khalsa College in Amritsar

 AMRITRSAR, FEB 26

 A delegation comprising seven students from various universities in United States of America (USA) today visited Khalsa College Amritsar and interacted with the students and faculty as part of an inter-cultural exchange program. They were enthralled on seeing the architectural grandeur of the KCA building, imparting of instructions and Sikh literature at Sikh History library.

 Headed by Dr.Mary Nancy Storm, the delegation comprised Michelle Cheripka from Columbia University, Columbia, Sarah Doddy from New York University, Annisah Agnew from Spelman College, Xin Chan Tian, Hamilton College, Genevieve Fuller from Goucher College, Larry Doku from Ithaca College and Brenton Kalinowski from Wooster College. They are on an education trip to India and Amritsar was the first excursion out of Delhi for the group, said Mary Nancy, incharge of the tour.

 Khalsa College Governing Council finance secretary Gunbir Singh welcomed the guests and said the students were from various disciplines including Architecture, Political Science, History and Psychology. ``They are on trip to India to get the first hand information on history and culture and education’’, said Gunbir Singh. Principal Dr.Mehal Singh said that they were happy to host the team members who also tried their steps on Bhangra beats at the College.

 ``I had heard of the Bhangra and I am in ecstasy to dance on the beat of the dhol with the Punjabi Bhangra performers here’’, said Sarah. Dr.Navreen Bawa, Dean Academic affairs and Prof.Davinder Singh, Dean Cultural affairs of the College gave briefing to the team about the rich history and culture of Punjab. The US students asked questions on Maharja Ranjit Singh, Jallianwala Bagh tragedy and Sikh Gurus to quench their thirst for the knowledge. The team members visited the Sikh library and saw the rare books, paintings and manuscripts.

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Chinna inaugurates KCVAS Veterinary Museum

 

AMRITSAR, FEB 12

With a view to provide information relating animal health care and diseases, a `Veterinary Museum’, was today inaugurated at Khalsa College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (KCVAS), here. The Museum depicts salient activities of College’s departments, apart from pictorial presentations, handouts, charts, layout models for pet, domestic and other animals, models, bio-modules and instruments.

 Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina who declared Museum opened, said that apart from providing necessary information regarding the animal health and disease to students, the facility will benefit general public, especially farmers. ``Animal health and diseases is emerging as a major concern for all and especially farmers. The Museum would provide them all kinds of information’’, said Chhina.

 The Museum portrays the sequential presentation of various department activities, health care of the animals and diagnostic procedures, public awareness charts, livestock products and their management and preservation techniques. ``The livestock advisory services and transfer of technological practices at farmer’s door step’’, said Principal of the College, Dr.SK Jand. He said students who would be future veterinary doctors, would take keen interest in the information stock available here.

 Chhina and Dr.Jand also released a book titled, `A Glimpse of Veterinary Education in India’, written by Professor JS Bhatia, an Academic Coordinator at KCVAS, who has put in 50 years of service in the field of Veterinary education. The book, he said, covers the history of veterinary education in Indian sub-continent, resources, strategies, reforms, and overall growth of the sector. Chhina earlier elaborated that public-private partnership was must for the success of veterinary education in the country.

 Others present during the functions included Dr.SS Sidhu, Dr.SK Nagpal, Dr.KC Chaudhary, Dr.Jaspal Singh, Dr.OP Kalia, Dr.ML Mehra, dr.SK Minhas and Dr.JS Punia.

Badal envisions Punjab as frontrunner state in white and blue revolution

SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB, JAN 12

   Recalling the immense contribution of the Punjabi farmers in transforming India from a food deficit to food surplus country, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today envisioned that due to the hard work and dedication of farmers the state would soon emerge as frontrunner in ‘White and Blue’ revolution also.   

Addressing the gathering on the concluding day of Livestock Expo and National Championship here today, the Chief Minister said that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state had scripted a new chapter in the history of nation by making it self-reliant in food production through the ‘Green Revolution’ in 1960s. However, he said that in this great service of the nation the farmers of the state had even sacrificed the only available natural resources of the state in term of fertile soil and water. But, Mr. Badal bemoaned that today with the squeezing margins of profit agriculture was no longer a profitable preposition due to which farmers were facing a lot of problem for their basic subsistence.

          In such a dismal scenario, the Chief Minister said that the only silver lining for the farmers was the allied farming sector, which was having a huge potential in the state. He said that in order to emerge out of the current agrarian crisis, the Punjabi farmers must take the initiative of opting for the allied farming activities like Dairy farming, piggery, apiary, goatery and others. “This will bail out the farmers from the crisis by supplementing their income” added Mr. Badal.

          Listing the initiatives taken by the state to promote allied farming sector under its flagship program of crop diversification, the Chief Minister said that the farmers have given positive response to this program by evincing keen interest in Livestock sector. He also said that it was a matter of great pride and honor for them that Punjab has emerged as number one state in pisciculture amongst the non-coastal states of the country. Mr. Badal said that to further promote Fishery in the state he had recently visited China along with a delegation of the progressive fish farmers to get acquainted about their expertise in the fishing sector adding that to encourage the farmers for adopting fish farming the state government was giving 100% subsidy for setting up fish farms in water logged areas and 50% subsidy in other parts of the state.

          Likewise, the Chief Minister said that to popularize Dairy farming in the state 50% subsidy was being given to the women dairy farmers. Mr. Badal called upon the farmers to adopt apiary, piggery and goatery as there was tremendous scope in these sectors. He said that the state government has set up boards for encouraging the farmers towards these sectors.

          Expressing gratitude to the farmers of nine states who have came all the way to attend 64 championships in the expo, the Chief Minister announced that from the next year this event would be organized at much bigger scale. He said that this would enable the farmers to update themselves about the emerging technologies in the field of agriculture and livestock sector. Meanwhile, Mr. Badal announced to honor Mr. Daljit Singh Sadarpura, the proud owner of HF cow which has created national record by giving 61.800 kilograms of milk, in the state level Republic Day function.  

          In his address the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that as due to the stupendous efforts of the state government mother game of Punjabis-Kabaddi has carved a niche for itself in the international sports arena in the same manner this expo has also attracted the farmers from both within the country and abroad. He said that the fact that farmers from nine states have participated in this mega event speak volumes of success of this expo. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also suggested the Cabinet Minster Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike to launch a website having important information regarding the prize winners of this expo so that the farmers could be immensely benefitted from it. He also said that a directory must be published about these farmers.

          On the occasion Deputy Chief Minister also distributed prizes to the winners. 

 Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, MLA Mr. Harpreet Singh, Chairman Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, President Youth Akali Dal Malwa Zone Mr. Kanwarjeet Singh Rozy Barkandi, Chairman Mr. Tejinder Singh Middukhera, Chairman PUNCOFED Mr. Kulwinder Singh Bhai Ka Kera, former MLAs Mr. Sant Singh Brar and Mr. Sukhdarshan Singh Mrar, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh.

Badal exhorts NRIs to make huge investments in Punjab

GANDHINAGAR (GUJARAT), JAN 9

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the NRIs especially the Punjabi diaspora to make huge investments in the state as the Punjab Government has already   taken out- of- the- box initiatives to ensure hassle free and entrepreneur friendly climate.

Addressing the NRI brethren at Gandinagar on the three-day Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, the Chief Minister lauded the enormous contribution and vision of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, who created an ambience of investment in the country with the path breaking steps to make India as the best investment destination. He said that it was a matter of great pride for us that all the NRIs irrespective of caste, color, creed and their geographical location have proved their mettle in every aspect of life by the grace and blessings of Almighty. Probably, we Indians in general and Punjabis in particular are the only community in the world which can undertake any daunting task by the dint of their hard work, sincerity and commitment, added Mr. Badal.

Recalling the socio-cultural ties of NRIs with India-the soil of their origin, the Chief Minister said that this platform was not merely restricted to wooing them for making investment here rather it was obligatory on their part to contribute in the overall development and prosperity as they had emotional ties with their motherland. Mr. Badal said that he personally feels that NRI brethren must contribute enormously in the promotion of education and healthcare services besides strengthening economic and social ties, which was all the more important for our future generations, who were gradually being detached from their roots.

Laying a red carpet for the NRI brethren to invest in Punjab, Mr. Badal said that the state government has taken several path-breaking initiatives for the sons of the soil who have migrated to other countries. He said that to help NRIs in getting their urban properties evicted in an easy and quick manner amendments have been made in Punjab Urban Rent Control Act for eviction of multiple properties for multiple times. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that for saving Punjabi youth from migration related frauds and harassment, the Prevention of Human Trafficking/Smuggling Act has been enacted.

The Chief Minister also said that to safeguard NRI’s and daughters of Punjab from marriage related frauds, the compulsory Marriage Registration Act has been enacted. Similarly he said that for facilitating and expediting the registration of NRI marriages the power of marriage registration has been given to DCs, District Revenue Officers, Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars. In the same manner, Mr. Badal said that to facilitate quick disposal of embossing of Power of Attorney made by NRIs, the powers for stamping/embossing of power of attorneys has been given to Deputy Commissioners for properties falling under that district; to Divisional Commissioners for properties falling within that division and to Financial Commissioner Revenue for properties falling under more than one division.

Listing some other path breaking initiatives, the Chief Minister said that for ensuring strong bond with the motherland, Punjab has given 10% reservation for NRIs in allocation of residential and industrial plots. To recognize NRI status of Punjabi NRI’s and to provide them various facilities like discount/ reservation etc. at various shops, Malls,   Hospitals, Schools, Jewelry Shops etc. a scheme of issuing NRI Privilege Card has been started.

Likewise, he said that for ensuring protection against undue harassment, Punjab Government has put a check on registration of unwanted FIRs Against NRIs by making it mandatory for SHOs to first get approval from DSP Or Superior Officer. He said that the state government was working on legal measures to be taken including coordinated efforts from concerned departments to help the legal conclusion of cases related to proclaimed offenders. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that 15 NRI Police stations have been set up across the state to exclusively deal with the matters related to these sons of the soil. 

The Chief Minister also said that NRI property watch scheme initiated by Punjab Police adding that Special Civil Court for NRIs has been made functional at Jalandhar and efforts were also being made to set up similar courts in other districts.  He said that for appointment of Honorary NRI Nambardars, rules have been amended and 38 Nambardars have already been appointed. For the first time, NRI Journalists have been given Accreditation facility and also benefits of Free Accidental Insurance cover adding that a new policy to give advertisements to NRI media has been framed. “As a single window system, a website cum grievance redressal system has been started by the state government” he added.

Earnestly appealing the NRI brethren to play a far more constructive role in the overall development and prosperity of their homeland, the Chief Minister said that the state government has set up first of its kind Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion (PBIP) headed by the CM and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal as its co-chairman to facilitate investment and create industrial friendly ambience in the state. He said that the state government has envisioned Punjab to emerge as the most favoured investment destination not only in the country but across the globe also. Mr. Badal informed the gathering that Punjab was the first state to move from Single Window System to One Stop Clearance Regime in which a single officer was empowered to give clearances for all concerned departments due to which the business proposals were processed without any delays or hassles. 

The Chief Minister said that when Punjabis set their minds on something, they go beyond all limits to achieve that and now Punjabis have destined to emerge as a leading state on the industrial map of the country. He said that Punjab was the easiest place to do business, has robust infrastructure and abundant skills and enterprise, responsive and above all accountable& transparent governance. I was eagerly looking forward for a day when the majority of NRI, especially the youth settled abroad voluntary chose to make India especially Punjab as their abode of dreams and for this our government is fully committed to cherish their aspirations for making their living as comfortable and pleasant as abroad, he added.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, Principal Secretary NRI Affairs Mr. Sanjay Kumar and NRI Commissioner Mr. B Purusartha.

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Chouhan leads at halfway stage of 13th TATA Open

JAMSHEDPUR, DEC 19
Mhow golfer Om Prakash Chouhan took the lead in round two of the 13th TATA Open after firing a five-under-67 at Beldih Golf Club on Friday. Chouhan, who had shot a four-under-67 in the first round at Golmuri Golf Club, took his two-day total to nine-under-134. Delhi’s Shamim Khan carded a six-under-65 at Golmuri to be placed second at eight-under-135.
On Thursday one half of the field had played its 18 holes at the par-72 Beldih Golf Club while the golfers in the other half had completed their rounds at the par-71 Golmuri Golf Club. On Friday both halves of the field switched venues (those who played at Beldih on day one, played 18 holes at Golmuri on day two and vice-versa).
The cut was declared at two-over-145. Fifty-three professionals made the cut.
Om Prakash Chouhan, who began day two in tied third place, had a quiet front-nine as he birdied the third and bogeyed the eighth as a result of a three-putt. Chouhan, currently second in the Rolex Rankings, picked up the pace on the back-nine with five birdies. The 28-year-old landed it within five feet for birdies on the 11th, 12th, 15th, 16th and 18th. Om Prakash, a three-time winner on the PGTI, will be looking for a victory at Jamshedpur in order to take the lead in the Rolex Rankings.
Chouhan said, “I felt my hitting and putting was better in round two as compared to round one. I played some excellent wedge shots to set up birdies on the back-nine. Had my chip not lipped-out on the 16th I would’ve had an eagle there. I’ve always played well at Jamshedpur and finished in the top-10 in the last two editions of the TATA Open. I’m keen to produce another top performance this year. This has been my best season so far as I’ve won a title, finished runner-up on two occasions and had five other top-10s. I want to keep the momentum going in the last two events of the season.” 
Shamim Khan was one stroke off the lead in second place. He followed up his first round two-under-70 at Beldih with a bogey-free six-under-65 at Golmuri on day two.
Bangalore’s C Muniyappa occupied third place at seven-under-136 post his round of five-under-66 at Golmuri.
Gurgaon-based Abhishek Kuhar and Delhi’s Karan Vasudeva shared fourth place at six-under-137.
Rolex Rankings leader Chikkarangappa of Bangalore was a further shot behind in tied sixth spot along with the DLF Golf & Country Club trio of Himmat Singh Rai, Shubhankar Sharma and Digvijay Singh.
Jamshedpur’s Karan Taunk was placed tied 21st at two-under-141 while defending champion M Dharma of Bangalore was in tied 36th at one-over-144.
Navtez Singh, another Jamshedpur-based professional, occupied tied 62nd position at four-over-147.
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CM orders to advance winter break from December 20

CHANDIGARH, DEC 19

In view of intense cold wave and extreme weather conditions, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to pre-pone winter break in the government schools across the state from December 20 instead of December 25 as declared earlier.

                Disclosing this here today a Spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that all the Punjab Government Schools would remain closed from tomorrow till December 31^st. It may be recalled earlier winter vacations in the government schools was scheduled from December 25 to 31, 2014.