Badal writes to PM to ensure Obama's visit to Golden Temple

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH OCT 23
 Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has requested Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to intervene personally at the highest level with the US Administration to ensure that President Obama’s proposed visit to Sri Harmandar Sahib is not aborted. “ If need be, you may please consider speaking to the President himself,” said Mr. Badal in his letter.
      President Obama is expected to visit India from November to 7 to 10  and Sri  Amritsar Sahib  originally featured on the itinerary.
       In a letter to Dr. Singh, Mr. Badal said that there appeared to be 'some communication gap between the Indian and the US security agencies on the issue. “The US Administration may be reminded that international dignitaries, including the Queen of England, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper have paid their obeisance at the Golden Temple without any security hassles,” said Mr. Badal, adding that the Sikhs all across the world would be disappointed if President Obama did not visit the Golden Temple. 
       On the issue involving the observance of religious decorum (Maryada), Mr. Badal said the US president would be well aware of the sensitivities involved. “All across the world, when dignitaries visit religious shrines, they are always briefed about the observance of Maryada of the concerned religion, and they always respect the sentiments of the followers of that religion. But if there is any misunderstanding on this issue, it can be resolved at the diplomatic level

Amyjot and Nagma to lead Punjab cagers

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, OCT 22

International Amyjot Singh of Ludhiana Basketball Academy and international Nagma Mirza of Ludhiana District will lead will lead Punjab boys and girls teams, respectively, in the  61st Junior National Championship for men and women to be held at Navi Mumbai from October 24 to 31, according to Punjab Basketball Association general secretary Teja Singh Dhaliwal.

Boys: Amyjot Singh (captain), Kamalpreet, Jaskaran Singh, Manpreet Singh, Sunil Bajaj, Baljit Singh, Bikramjot Singh, Kamaldeep Singh, Gurdeep Singh, Jimm Joy, Tejinder Pal Singh, Guriqbal Singh. Coach: Dr S Subramaniam. Manager: BS Brra. Physio: Jobin Mathew.

Girls: Nagma Mirza (captain), Gurpreet Kaur, Sandhya, Charandeep Kaur, Mamta, Poonam Rani, Subhi Mohan and Taranpreet Kaur. Coach: Devinder Pal Singh. Manager: Kiranjit Kaur.

Jalandhar women claim overall trophy

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
PATIALA, OCT 22
Jalandhar bagged the overall trophy by logging 25 points in the Punjab State Women Games organized by the Punjab Sports Department at Raja Bhalendhra Singh Stadium, Polo Ground here today. Sangrur finished runners-up with 21 points and Ludhiana were third by 17 points.
Last year’s runners-up and seeded second Sangrur defeated third seed Jalandhar in the badminton final in straight two sets. Damanpreet Kaur of Sangrur outplayed Shehnaz Khan 21-9, 21-12. In doubles Damanpreet and Mariam defeated Rajwinder and Jaspreet Kaur 15-21,21-13,21-15. Ludhiana and Nawan Shehar were joint third.
Hosts Patiala drubbed Jalandhar by 2-0 to emerge winners in tennis. Ropar won the Bronze medal who blanked Amritsar by 2-0 to claim third position.
Amritsar won gold in Basketball by defeating Ludhiana by 42-27 points in the final while Jalandhar outclassed Kapurthala 41-17 for the third place.
In gymnstics Naginder of Gurdaspur won gold in balancing beam by 11.31 points. Sangeeta of Patiala got silver with 10.40 and Monika of Gurdaspur got bronze by 10.30 points. In floor exercise Monika and Rohika of Gurdaspur won gold and silver by getting 11.50 and 11.00, respectively. Sangeeta of Patiala got silver with 10.95 points.
Sangrur clinched kho-kho title by defeating Jalandhar by 5 points (7-4,10-8). Ludhiana defeated Patiala by 5 points (9-4,8-8) for the bronze medal.
Jalandhar had to sweat out to grab gold in table tennis by prevailing over spirited defeated Amritsar 3-2 in the final. Ropar ousted Ludhiana 3-0 for the bronze medal.
The volleyball trophy went to Sangrur who defeated Mohali 3-1 in the final. The contest for the third and position was a cliff hanger in which Ludhiana just managed to beat Jalandhar by 3-2.
Navjot Kaur of Ludhiana emeged the fastest runner of the state as she run 100 metres dash in 12.54s and won the gold. Deepti of Jalandhar won silver in 12.68s and Harpal Kaur of Sangrur got bronze byclocking 12.86s.
Dominating the proceedings through the final Kapurthala won the gold in hockey as they outplayed Tarn Taran in all departments of the game as they raced to an impressive 8-1 verdict. Patiala outplayed Amritsar by 3-0 for bronze.

Earlier Patiala Deputy Commissioner Deepinder Singh welcomed the chief guest. Punjab Sports Director Padma Shree Pargat Singh thanked all the dignitaries present on the occasion. He also informed that the selected players from this tournament would represent Punjab in the forthcoming National Sports Games

Upinderjit Kaur is new Punjab Finance Minister

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH OCT 20 
        Consequent upon the removal of former Finance Minister Mr.Manpreet Singh Badal, the Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V. Patil today approved the reshuffle of the Council of Ministers on the advice of
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.
           Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal would now hold the portfolio of Information & Public Relations
Department in addition to Home Affairs, (Home Affairs, Civil Defence & Wakf), Water Supply & Sanitation, Sport & Youth Services and Non-Conventional Energy.  Dr. (Mrs.) Upinderjit Kaur becomes the new Finance Minister, who will also hold the charge of Planning and programme implementation in addition to her existing portfolio of Vigilance and Justice.
  Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan now gets the education department and the charge of NRIs Affairs, Defence Services Welfare, Removal of Grievances and Pension and Welfare of Pensioners held by
Mr. Sekhwan and Civil Aviation held by Dr. (Mrs.) Upinderjit Kaur would be now looked after by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.

Badal congratulates Punjab medal winners in CWG

byPunjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH OCT15
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here today congratulated all the 15 sportspersons from Punjab who brought laurels to the state by winning medals in different disciplines during recently concluded 19th Commonwealth Games at New Delhi.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s office  said that the sportspersons who won medals  included  Abhinav Bindra (gold medal in Air Rifle 10 m pair & silver in Air Rifle 10 m individual),  Ronjan Sodhi (two silver in Double Trap), Manavjit Sandhu (silver in Trap shooting-pair & bronze in trap  Individual), Heema Sidhu (gold in Pistol Shooting  Pair and silver in Pistol Shooting individual),  Mansher Singh (silver in Trap Shooting Pair),  Mandeep Kaur and Manjit Kaur (both gold in 4X400 meters relay), Harwant kaur (silver in discus throw),  Gagandeep Kaur (gold in archery),   Amandeep Singh ( (bronze in boxing) and five men in hockey team Rajpal Singh,  Sarwanjit Singh, Ravipal Singh,  Gurbaz Singh and   Shivender Singh for winning silver medal.
In a message, the Chief Minister said that the sportspersons had not only brought glory to Punjab but to the entire nation through their superb performance in the Commonwealth Games as it would give a major boost to sports in the state  as well as in the country to inspire our budding players to further excel for such championships.

National Seminar at BFUHS Faridkot

Schedule for National Seminar on “Impact of Uranium and Other Heavy Metals on Health” to be held on October 1 at BFUHS Faridkot..
Registration:     8:30 – 9:25 a.m
Inauguration:   9:25 – 9:45 a.m.
Reception & Welcoming:
  Dignitaries  9:25 – 9:30 a.m.:
Welcome Address:   9:30 – 9:35 a.m:  Dr. Rajeev Manhas/ Dr. Parveen Bansal.
Presidential Address:   9:35 – 9:40 AM: Prof. Dr. S. S. Gill,
Vice-Chancellor, BFUHS, Faridkot
Chief Guest Address:    9:40 – 9:45 a.m: Prof. Dr. N.K. Gangualy, Advisor Health Services, Govt. of India
Key Note Address:       9:45 – 10:00 a.m: Cancer and Risk Factors: Prof.
Surjit Singh, PGIMER, Chandigarh
Release of Book:        10:00 – 10:05 a.m
Tea Break:      10:05 – 10:20 a.m & Exhibition of Posters
Session I: Uranium and Radiation Exposure in Punjab
Chairpersons:  Prof. Dr. Jai Rup Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda Prof. Dr. P.S. Sandhu, Dean (College Development), BFUHS, Faridkot
1.      10:25 – 10:40 a.m.  Dr. Surinder Singh, GNDU, Amritsar: Analysis of Uranium & Other Heavy Elements in Environmental Samples from Bathinda Area of Punjab Sate, Indi.
2.      10:40  – 10:55 a.m.Dr. Ajay Kumar, BARC, Mumbai: An Overview of Chemical Toxicity and
Risk Assessment of Uranium.
3. 10:55  – 11:10 a.m    Manish K. Mishra, BARC, Mumbai: Effects of Ionizing radiations and Radiological Risk Assessment to Non-human Species
11:10 – 11:15 a.m  Remarks/Ceremonies
Session II: Chronic Pesticide Exposure and Cancer.
Chairpersons:  Prof. Dr. S. S. Gill, Vice-Chancellor, BFUHS, Faridkot  Prof. Dr. D. S. Sidhu, Registrar, BFUHS, Faridkot.
4.  11:20 – 11:35 a.m Dr. Ashish Bhalla, PGIMER, Chandigarh: The Green Revolution, Organochlorine Compounds and Cancer.
5.      11:35 – 11:50 a.m Dr. S. P. Singh, Dean Faculty of Life Sciences and Additional Dean Research, Punjabi University, Patiala: Impact of Insecticides and Pesticides on health
11:50 – 12:00 noon  Remarks/Ceremonies.
Session III: Chronic Heavy Metals Exposure.
Chairpersons: Prof. Dr. K. S. Kazal, Principal, GGSMCH, Faridkot Prof. Dr. Zora Singh, GGSMCH, Faridkot.
6.      12:05  – 12:10 noon  Dr. J.P.S. Gill, GADVASU, Ludhiana: Heavy and Toxic Metals in Milk and
Water in Punjab.
7.      12:10 – 12:25 p.m Dr. Raj Kumar and Dr. Dhanvinder Singh and Dr. Kuldeep Singh, PAU,
Ludhiana: Source of arsenic, uranium and other elements in underground water of Punjab
8.      12:25  – 12:40 p.m Dr. Sushil Mittal, Thapar University, Patiala:
Residual effects of crop residue burning practices on the respiratory parameters on human subjects.
12:40 – 12:45 p.m  Remarks/Ceremonies.
Session IV: Panel Discussion and Press Conference.
12:45 p.m – 1:40 p.m. 1. Prof. Dr. N. K. Ganguly, Adviser to Department of Health & Research, GOI and Distinguished Biotechnology Professor & Advisor in the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute.
2.      Prof. Dr. S. S. Gill, Vice-Chancellor, BFUHS, Faridkot.
3.      Prof. Dr. Jai Rup Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of
Punjab, Bathinda.
4.      Prof. Dr. (Lt Col) G.P.I. Singh, Principal, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Bathinda
5.      Prof. Dr. K.P. Singh, Director (Water Resources), PSCST, Chandigarh
6.      Dr. R. S. Dhaliwal, DDG, ICMR, New Delhi
7.      Dr. Baljinder Singh, Professor (Nuclear Medicine), PGIMER, Chandigarh
8.      Dr. Vinod Kumar Garg, Prof. (Environmental Sciences & Engineering),
Guru Jambheshwar University, Hissar
9.      Dr. A.P. Singh, Dean (Student Affairs), PTU, Jalandhar
10.     Smt. Veenakshi Sharma,  Executive Engineer, Department of Water
Supply, Mohali
11.     Dr. Santam Singh Ladher, Joint Director (Environment Sciences),
PSCST, Chandigarh
Lunch Break:  1:40 p.m – 2:15 p.m.
Session V: Cancer Risk and Management.
Chairpersons:  Prof. Dr. A. S. Brar, Vice-Chancellor, GNDU, Amritsar
Prof. Dr. A. S. Thind, Joint Director, Research & Medical Education,
Punjab
9.  2:20 – 2:35 p.m.  Dr. Manoj Kumar, Panjab University, Chandigarh: Health Risk Assessment due to the heavy metals and pesticides in Ludhiana.
10 .2:35 – 2:50 p.m Dr. Parveen C. Sobti, DMC, Ludhiana: Impact of Heavy Metals on the
Health of Children.
11.     2:50 – 3:05 p.m  Dr. Parveen Bansal, PGIMER, Chandigarh: Radio Protective Herbs.
12.     3:05 – 3:20 p.m Dr. Sarika, PGIMER, Chandigarh:  Radio Safety.
3:20 – 3:25 p.m Remarks/Ceremonies.
Valedictory, Concluding and Dispersal
 3:25 – 4:00 p.m
       Concluding Report:      Dr. Zora Singh, GGSMCH, Faridkot.
       Concluding Remarks:     Prof. (Dr.) S. S. Gill, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor.
       Vote of Thanks:         Dr. Rajeev Manhas.

DA hike for Punjab Government employees, pensioners

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, OCT  13 
   On the personal intervention of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the State Finance Department today came out this evening with a bonanza for its employees and pensioners. It hiked the dearness allowance by 10 per cent from July 1, 2010 besides, enhancing the amount  of Conveyance Allowance to PCMS doctors, Local Travelling Allowance-cum-Maintenance Allowance to Group 'D' employees, Rural Area Allowance besides Design Allowance to certain categories of engineering personnel, Kit Maintenance Allowance for police personnel and Training Allowance admissible to the government employees on deputation with training institutes as faculty members, Secretariat allowance, special allowance to chowkidars and conveyance allowance to various categories of employees working in Punjab Civil Secretariat, in pursuance with the implementation of the recommendations of the Fifth Punjab Pay Commission. 
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the State Government had announced to increase 10% DA for its employees and pensioners from July 1, 2010. Previously, the DA was 35% of the basic pay which had been increased to 45%. The DA would be paid in cash to the serving employees along with the salary of October payable in November, 2010. The arrears would be credited to their respective GPF accounts. The pensioners would however, receive the entire amount along with the pension received in the month of November. The state exchequer would entail an additional expenditure of Rs. 495 crore annually on account of the revision of DA.
    The spokesman further said that the PCMS doctors would be now entitled for Rs.1800 as Conveyance Allowance for Car and Rs.720 per month for other vehicles for official use w.e.f. 1 st October 2010.   Likewise, the Local Travelling Allowance-Cum-Miscellaneous Allowance admissible to Group "D' employees had been revised from the existing  Rs.75 to Rs.150 per month w.e.f. 1st October, 2010.  This allowance would be admissible to only those employees to whom local travelling allowance at flat rate was not admissible and this enhanced rate of local travelling allowance-cum- miscellaneous allowance was inclusive of the cycle allowance earlier admissible to Group 'D' employees.  The monthly Design Allowance admissible to certain categories of engineering personnel performing design work had also been revised w.e.f. 1st October, 2010, resultantly, the Chief Engineer would now be entitled for Rs.1800, Superintending Engineer Rs. 1400, Executive Engineer Rs. 1000, Sub-Divisional Engineer/Assistant Engineer Rs.800 and Junior Engineer Rs.600 per month.
The spokesperson further said that with the upward revision of monthly Kit Maintenance Allowance for the various categories of police personnel, now the Deputy Superintendent of Police would now get Rs.160, Inspector Rs.120, Assistant Sub Inspector/Sub Inspector Rs.80 and Constable/Head Constable Rs.50 per month w.e.f. 1st October, 2010.   As an incentive, the Finance Department had also revised the Training Allowance admissible to the government employees on deputation with training institutes as Faculty members at the rate of 30% of the revised Basic Pay under the Punjab Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2009.  In a bid to motivate the government staff posted in the  rural areas (i.e. in villages and not in the cities/towns/NACs/Nagar Panchayats), the State Govt. has also decided to revise  the Rural Area Allowance @ 6% of the revised Basic Pay w.e.f. 1st April, 2011. 
    The Finance Department had also revised the monthly secretariat allowance of certain categories of employees and besides the conveyance allowance to Rs. 800 per month for Deputy Secretary, Under Secretary, Senior Law Officer, Secretary/Minister, Special Secretary/ Minister, Superintendent Grade-1, Private Secretary and Personal Assistant working in the Punjab Civil Secretariat. This decision would also be applicable to the similar categories of employees working in the offices of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Financial Commissioner Secretariat, Punjab Raj Bhawan, Legal Remembrancer and Punjab Public Service Commission with effect from October 1, 2010. Apart from this, the special allowance admissible to chowkidars had also been revised from Rs. 200 to Rs. 400 per month with effect from October 1, 2010.
In a benevolent gesture towards its employees and pensioners, the State Government also decided to grant the ex-gratia payment at the rate of Rs.1 lac only in case of an employee's death in harness or is permanently disabled and rendered unfit for further service on the uniform basis.  Where death occurs in harness due to causes attributable to service i.e for reasons which are directly or substantially connected with the performance of official duties and was clearly relatable to performance of such duties, the payment of ex-gratia would be equal to 24 times the revised basic pay of the employee on the dates his/her death, with a minimum of Rs.2 lac and Rs.4 lac.  In case the death occurs in performance of duty such as dealing with riots, terrorist attack or enemy action, ex-gratia would be paid @ Rs.10 lac on a uniform basis.   These instructions would come into force retrospectively w.e.f. from January 1, 2006.

Plan to develop sports in Punjab schools

Education Minister Dr. Upinderjit Kaur presiding over a high powered
committee meeting convened especially to develop sports activities in
the schools at Chandigarh on Monday.

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, OCT 11
Furthering the "Khedo Punjab" programme launched by the State Education Department, Dr Upinderjit Kaur has asked the officers to effectively utilize the services of physical teachers by setting apart at least one period every day for physical education and sports in schools.
While presiding over a high powered committee meeting convened especially to develop sports in the schools, she directed that at least one period a day should be compulsorily set apart in school curriculum for physical activities, right from the elementary level.
She stressed that the health and well being of each child admitted in the schools is my utmost concern leading to healthy society. To ensure proper participation of students, the Minister directed that each school must send atleast one team in the block level tournament.
"The performance of physical teachers would be evaluated on the basis of achievements of the players produced by them to be monitored by the concerned District Assistant Education Officer", she added.
With a view to promote sports and games in the schools, Dr Upinderjit Kaur asked the local authorities to adequately maintain school playgrounds. She directed the school heads to ramp up their games
infrastructure and physical education teachers must be equipped with the latest information trough refresher courses to train the budding players.
To harness, available and potential sporting talent among students, she emphasized that a well designed competition structure from the block level be planned by the education department in consultation
with experts in the field including higher academic institutions for providing optimum exposure to youngsters.
The Minister said that the sports is a common cultural phenomenon shared by the whole of mankind, responds to man's inherent desire for physical and mental activity. Besides, it imparts a sense of
fulfillment and richness to human life. "It also contributes to the national economy and promotes mutual harmony, friendship, co-existence leading to better international understanding. It is therefore of the
greatest significance that people should engage in sports throughout their lives,' she added.
To make Punjab a vibrant leading edge state in the sports arena, Dr Upinderjit Kaur advised to exploit talent at the grass root level,
synergies the activities of Sports and Education Department and nurture the probable sportspersons to achieve excellence at National and International level in the sports.
She informed that diet money of the school athletes has also been enhanced for camps and competitions. Besides this, summer coaching camps would also be made a regular feature during the vocations. To
promote and popularise traditional sports especially gatka, a martial art sport, she directed all the educational institutes to organize competitions at different levels.
Among others Mr C. Roul Principal Secretary School Education, Mr Krishan Kumar DGSE, Mr Devinder Singh DPI (SE), Mrs Amarjit Kaur Deputy Director (School Sports), Dr Kanwaljit Singh Director Sports
GNDU Amritsar, Dr Charnjit Singh Grewal Director Sports Panjab University Chandigarh and Dr Bhupinder Singh Joint Director Sports Punjabi University Patiala were also present in the meeting.

Punjab emerge champs in All India Police Golf

 by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, OCT 7
        Punjab Police won the 14th All India Police Golf Tournament at the Shillong Golf Course  on September 28 and 29. The team comprising  S.K. Sharma, IPS, ADGP/HRD & CP and Rupinder Singh, PPS, Deputy Director (Outdoor), Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur were declared the winners in the net category. The duo carded net score of 18 under over two days.
The Shillong Golf Course is the second oldest golf course in the Country and was built in 1896. Total of 92 officers from all State Police Forces and Para-Military Forces participated in the tournament.
        The second team of Punjab Police comprising of . Davinder Singh Garcha, IPS and Swinder Singh, PPS were declared the runner-up in the net category and carded combined score of 13 under during two days play.
        After applying the double Peoria system based on the gross score of the first days play, the participants were given the handicaps and the final scores were declared on the basis of allotted handicaps.
         In the individual category. S.K. Sharma  was declared the winner in the net category and Rupinder Singh  was declared runner-up in the gross category. The team participated under the captaincy of S.K. Sharma.       

Punjab CM absolutely fine: PGI doctors

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH OCT 7
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today slipped in the stairs while going for his routine morning walk at his official residence and sustained mild lacerations above the right eyebrow and soft tissue injury in the chest region.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that the Chief Minister accompanied by his son Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal immediately reached the PGI for treatment. Chief Minister's daughter-in-law Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal was looking after Mr. Badal in the hospital since morning.
According to Director, PGI Dr. KK Talwar, the Chief Minister was given two stitches for the eye laceration and was admitted in PGI. As per the routine tests all his vital functions are normal. X-ray and CT scan of head do not show any injury. Doctors attending him said that Sardar Badal was absolutely fine as he came walking from his car to the lift.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil called on Mr. Badal to inquire of his well being and presented a bouquet and wished him a speedy recovery. Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court Mr. Justice Mukul Mudgal also sends bouquet wishing Mr. Badal best of health.

CM satisfifed with Manpreet Badal's version

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH OCT 7
    Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal has personally clarified to him saying, his recent statement in a section of the press was nothing against the SAD-BJP government.   Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal also apprised the Chief Minister that he holds the party and its discipline along with the government in the highest esteem.
   The Punjab Chief Minister said that he had accepted the version of Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal and he had not breached the party discipline as such.  
Mr. Badal appealed to all the party leaders not to issue any statements in the media on this issue and he would sort out the issue, if any, amicably soon after being discharged from the PGI, where he is admitted now. 

Prince Charles pats Punjab CM initiative for cleaning of rivers

by Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH OCT 4

            His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales today appreciated the efforts initiated by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal for the cleaning of rivers in the state to make them pollution free with in one-and-a-half year besides pioneering path breaking initiatives of skill development to tackle the problem of unemployment.

            Addressing at a function organized by Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST) here at Punjab Raj Bhawan this afternoon, HRH Prince of Wales emphasized the need to establish environment friendly partnership business enterprises at the grass root level to encourage our disadvantaged youth to undertake up green sustainable initiatives.  He also commended the Bank of Baroda and the Indian Bank for liberally advancing loans to the unemployed youth to set up their ventures through BYST.  The Prince of Wales also lauded the role of mentors in motivating the youth to adopt eco-businesses with a thrust on environment protection, economic prosperity and social equity.

            Appreciating the spectacular performance of BYST under the stewardship of founding Trustees and Executive Vice President Ms. Lakshmi V Venkatesan, Prince Charles said that this trust was set up in way back in 1992 and till today it had several success stories to its credit which has transformed the lives of millions of persons from under privileged sections of the society into successful entrepreneurs. 

            Realizing the enormous contribution of Sikh community towards the growth and development of the British economy, the  Prince of Wales said that Punjabi Diaspora  settled in UK especially the Sikhs had contributed with magnanimity           for the promotion of world-wide programmes initiated by him for the welfare of the mankind.  He expressed satisfaction over the performance of BYST which was the first organization to replicate the Prince's Trust Youth Business model successfully outside the UK.  He also welcomed the proposal of Mr. Badal to launch skill development partnership programme in Punjab to impart training to the unemployed youth so that they could be gainfully employed. 

            In his address, the Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil welcomed the Prince of Wales and appreciated his concern for helping the enterprising the young inventors and industrialists through BYST.  He apprised Prince Charles that in India, the Union Government and State Governments had formulated policies and established ministries, departments and institutions to use non-conventional sources of energy and the resources of nature in such a manner that environment was not polluted and it was our bounden duty to preserve its pristine beauty and these resources. 

            Mr. Patil said that it was the need of the hour to jointly initiate efforts by all the individuals, non-governmental organizations, corporate world and governments of the country and the world on the basis of understanding to make this planet, more livable, loveable, comfortable and profitable to live in for all of us.   

Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal sought the guidance and cooperation in supporting our unemployed youth by establishing innovative skill development partnership programme as per requirement of the British Industry, so that our trained youth could be gainfully employed in the UK.  He also urged the Prince Charles to extend the activities of Prince's Trust Youth Business model to Punjab and extended an open invitation to the BYST to set up the trust's offices in Punjab and to work for supporting the youth in their enterprises.  He assured of all help and cooperation to the BYST on behalf of the Punjab government as well as his personal capacity. 

Outlining the priorities of his government to tackle the problem of unemployment and water pollution through cleaning of rivers, Mr. Badal said that Punjab would soon become the first ever state in the country to have clean waters flowing in its rivers the Satluj, Beas and Ghaggar.  He also said that his government had taken concerted efforts to promote the skill development programme in the state to provide tremendous job opportunities to our unemployed youth especially in the rural areas.

Underlining the need to tackle the problem of unemployment on the priority, Mr. Badal pointed out that unemployment had not only affected India but had also now become a global issue.   As 40% of India’s total population represented youth, which was now confronted with acute problem of unemployment due to limited scope of jobs in government public and private sector, added Mr. Badal.

Earlier, Mr. Subodh Bhargav Board member BYST and past President CII welcomed the Prince of Wales and Founding Trustee and Executive Vice President Ms. Lakshmi V Venkatesan briefly outlined the significant achievements of the BYST and its perspective plan for private sector investment in mentoring and fostering small enterprises in the informal sector through appropriate linkages. 

On the occasion, Prince Charles, Mr. Shivraj V Patil and Mr. Badal honoured the enterprising entrepreneurs by awarding Regional Eco-business Ambassador Eco-preneurs Club certificates to Mr. Hitender Punyane for innovative eco-friendly cooling techniques, Mr. Amin Almel, for LED Lighting & Tyre Inflator, Mr. R.Vaidyanathan for water level controllers and Mr. G.Bhanu Murty for Soy Milk Ice Cream.  Mr. Vaibhav Jaiswal and Mr. Amardeep Bardhan were honoured by Prince Charles with a cash prize of Rs.10000 for Arecanut Leaves Kitchen ware and decorative/gift items.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion, Board Member BYST and past President CII Mr. Suresh Neotia, Chairman CII Northern Region Mr. RM Khanna, High Commissioner of UK to India Mr. Paul Grey and Punjab Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal.

Punjab to recruit 3564 more computer teachers

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, OCT 4
With a view to enable every student of Punjab state to become digitally literate, the Punjab Government would establish 494 more new computer labs under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) project in Government and Government aided schools in the state. Besides, 3,564 more computer teachers would also be recruited in the schools.
       Disclosing this here today Education Minister Punjab Dr. Upinderjit Kaur said that under centrally sponsored ICT scheme, the Punjab ICT Education Society (PICTES) had launched this ambitious computer
learning programme for 6th to 12th classes in all upper primary and secondary schools the state in a phased manner. "Computer education subject has also been made compulsory w.e.f 2009-10 and the Punjab is
the only state that provided computer labs in all middle and secondary schools, she added.
The minister further added that the students had acquired a number of
IT skills during the ICT education program. "Three phases of ICT were fully operational and running as planned. Under the phase-IV, the State Government would provide 136 computer labs in the remaining
government schools and 358 in the Govt. aided schools to impart computer education to the students.
       The Minister added that under the ICT project, 3,564 more computer teachers would be recruited for these labs which included 494 teachers for the new labs and 3070 teachers for existing government schools.
"To successfully train the students, approximately 7,000 computer faculty had already been recruited in the schools", she added.
       Dr. Upinderjit Kaur further said that all ICT schools have been provided with generator sets and broadband internet connections with unlimited download facility which would facilitate further during
implementation of state-wide school management of information system (MIS) & geographic information systems (GIS) which was under development. Computer books had already been provided to all the
students free of cost.
She added that this computer learning programme would certainly facilitate and catalyze the growth of digital economy in the state by leveraging this infrastructure and re-engineered workforce and would create job opportunities for students as well as computer teachers.
"The Punjab Government would endeavour that students must get the best of IT training during their school study and compete at national for a" she added.
Education Minister further said that under this project, school teachers were also being trained in effective delivery of education by using IT tools for teaching with latest methodologies & aids. "The
earlier assessment had confirmed that enrollment in the ICT schools had gone up considerably and attendance had improved. Besides this, the overall teaching/learning environments in the schools have also
improved", she asserted.

Panel to supervise implementation of Punjabi language

 by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, OCT 4
The Punjab Government today announced state level empowered committee to inspect and ensure proper implementation of Punjabi language in all the offices of state government including
boards, corporations, subordinate courts and all types of educational institutions under the Punjab State Language (amended) Act (PSLA)-2008 and the Punjab, Punjabi and Learning of other Languages Act-2008 in the State as well as at State headquarters.
Stating this, a spokesman of the Education and Languages Department Punjab said that a state language committee comprising 16 members, have been constituted under section 8-A of the PLSA to ensure proper
implementation of mother tongue as an official language and compulsory teaching as a subject upto class 10th. "From this year the Punjab Government has decided to pay Rs 1,000  per meeting as an honorarium
and travelling allowance as admissible to Group 'A' officers, to all non-official members of the committee" he added.
He informed that as per the notification issued, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur Education and Languages Minister Punjab would be the Chairperson. Media Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab or his nominated representative, Advocate General Punjab or his representative, Principal Secretaries of Higher Education and School Education and Legal Remembrancer-cum-Secretary would be its permanent members, he
added.
Besides this, Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal leader of opposition and ex-Chief Minister, S. Manpreet Singh Badal Finanace and Planning Minister, S. Navjot Singh Sidhu MP and noted poet Sh Surjit Patar have
been nominated as public representatives. Mr. Bajit Singh Brar Executive Editor Aj Di Awaj, Mr. Ritesh Lakhi Editor-in-Chief  PTC News and Mr. Davinder Singh Kohli from Chardhikala have been inducted as
media representatives. Mr. Gurbhajan Singh Gill President Punjabi Sahit Academy Ludhiana and Dr. Dalip Kaur Tiwana noted writer have been selected as members among the writers. Director Languages Department would be the convener of this committee, he added.
He further said that the apex committee would meet at least once in six months and the term of this committee would be for one year from the date of its notification. "The state committee would inspect and
review the advancement made in proper use of Punjabi in all the government offices including PSUs, Boards, Local Bodies, offices of all types of educational institutions like schools, colleges and universities in the various districts and at state headquarters.
Besides this, the empowered committee could direct the respective administrative departments to penalise the offending officers/officials if found any under the Punjab Civil Service rules", he said.

Senior Citizen Day celebrated in Mohali

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by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
MOHALI, OCT 2
The Mohali Senior Citizens Association today celebrated the third Senior Citizen Day at Shivalik Public School here today. It was a very special occasion when senior persons above the age of 90 and 10 persons who have contributed to the different fields of society were honoured.
Citations were read for them and shawls were presented to them, including Dr Gurbir Singh, Medical Director, Fortis Hospital. SAS Nagar Planning Board chairman Mr N K Sharma, was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, he complimented the role of the association and promised all possible help from the district side.
Mr Sharma has already given Rs 1 lakh to the association for the purchase of books and computers and promised more financial help.On the request of the association president Dr AS Khehra, Mr Sharma assured to expedite the completion of the building for the association, coming up in Sector 68.
The new and multicoloured monthly news letter “The Glorious Years” edited, printed and published by Mri Parminder Singh, Secretary Media was also released by him.
Dr AS Khehra proposed that in every sector of the city, a couple of rooms in the Community Centre should be spared for the older people, for study and recreational activities.When the new secretariat comes up, the community centres occupied by different departments would be vacated and thus sparing rooms for the senior people would not be a problem.
Dr Khehra also said the pension of older people is Rs 250 p.m and it should be immediately revised.
The programme concluded with a vote of of thanks and refreshment.