Sunday, September 30, 2012

Free entry in Chhatbir Zoo, Deer Parks of Patiala and Bathinda

by Punjabnewswire4u
CHANDIGARH, SEPT 30
Like every year, Wildlife Week is being celebrated in Punjab State from October 2 to 8 coinciding with birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. On this occasion, the Punjab Government has allowed free entry to public in M.C. Zoological park, Chhatbir, Deer park, Patiala and Deer Park, Bathinda. However   October 2 being holiday, zoos will remain closed for public.

Revised schedule for fixing security registration number plates on vehicles

by Punjabnewswire4u
CHANDIGARH, SEPT 30
To streamline the work of fixing the security registration number plates on the vehicles, the Punjab Government issued the revised schedule for fixing the new number plates.
Giving the information about the revised schedule a spokesman of Transport Department Punjab said that security registration number plates were being fixed on the new vehicles in the entire state at the time of registration but the work of putting up of such plates on the old vehicles have been rescheduled.
He further informed that according to the revised schedule security registration number plates would be fixed on the registration number 0001 to 0500 in January 2013. Likewise number plates would be fixed on 501 to 1000 in February 2013, on 1001 to 1500 in March 2013, on 1501 to 2000 in April 2013, on 2001 to 2500 in May 2013, on 2501 to 3000 in June 2013, on 3001 to 3500 in July 2013, on 3501 to 4000 in August 2013, on 4001 to 4500 in September 2013, on 4501 to 5000 in October 2013, on 5001 to 5500 on November 2013, on 5501 to 6000 in December 2013, on 6001 to 6500 in January 2014, on 6501 to 7000 in February 2014, on 7001 7500 in March 2014, on  7501 to 8000 in April 2014, on 8001 to 8500 in May 2014, on 8501 to 9000 in June 2014, on 9001 to 9500 in July 2014 and on 9501 to 9999 August 2014.
He said that under the central Motor vehicle Rules 1989, it was pertinent to have high security number plates on the vehicles registered in Punjab. The security registration number plates to be fixed on all the vehicles in two years.

'Manchester of India' Ludhiana to get a new facelift

Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal presiding over a high level meeting to gave final touches to "Mission Ludhiana" on Saturday night at Chandigarh
by Punjabnewswire4u
CHANDIGARH, SEPT 30
The “Manchester of India” Ludhiana is all set to get a new facelift with Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal giving his nod to Rs.3561 crore integrated development plan for Ludhiana and adjoining areas brand named as “Mission Ludhiana”. In a high level meeting held here late last night, Mr. Badal also tied up the financial resources for the ambitious urban development programme of Ludhiana and drew timelines for completion of every project.
Principal Secretary Local Government Mr. Suresh Kumar and Mr. R.K. Verma, Commissioner Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana gave an exhaustive presentation of integrated plan chalked out by the Corporation for the comprehensive infrastructural development of Ludhiana and adjoining areas. Mr. Badal said tha Ludhiana would be the first city in Punjab to have multi-thousand crore integrated development plan. It was informed that door to door collection and solid waste management programme launched by AtoZ Company has already covered 60% of city whereas other company was performing the job of road sweeping. Mr. Badal said that for Ludhiana having high density of vehicle population, Ludhiana Municipal Corporation should start night sweeping of roads especially on arterial intercity roads. He said that slums and outer areas should also be the focus of MC, Ludhiana. Calling for involvement of public in making solid waste management programme a success, Mr. Badal sanctioned Rs.15 crore annual payments for solid waste management programme.
Focusing on providing water supply and sewerage system to uncovered areas, augmentation of sewerage treatment plant besides ensuring proper storm water drainage and disposal, Mr. Badal said that only one company should be given the job on turnkey basis that  would maintain it for next 10 years. It was informed that Ludhiana city has 1639 KMS of water distribution network with 779 tube wells and project was on to cover remaining 17% city for water supply. Similarly, with 182kms main sewer and 1279 kms branch sewer only 87% Ludhiana city was covered with sewerage system. Instructions were issued to cover remaining 13% area under integrated programme. The Deputy Chief Minister also approved upgradation of 111 MLD STP at Bhattian, 48 MLD STP at Jamalpur, 152 MLD STP at Balloke besides construction of new 50 MLD STP Bhattian and another 105 MLD new STP at Balloke. The Deputy Chief Minister asked the MC to ensure that these STPs become operational within next 3 years. Mr. Badal approved Rs.126 crore for sewerage system, Rs.290 crore for water supply, Rs.30 Crore for STP and Rs.55 crore for Operation and Maintenance of these services.
Asking the MC Ludhiana to go for ESCO model for efficient street lighting, Mr. Badal said that all 90000 lighting points in the city should be replaced with the LED lighting and efforts should be made to reduce existing energy bill of Rs.27 crore per annum.
Expressing concern over rising density of vehicles and consistent traffic jams, Mr. Badal said that busiest roads including Jagraon Bridge-Ferozepur road, Jagraon Bridge-Hambran road, Jagraon Bridge-Rahon road, Jagraon Bridge-Sahnewal-Delhi road, Jagraon Bridge-Malerkotla road and Ladhowal-Hambran road needed immediate upgradation. He said that he has noticed that average speed of vehicles on these roads were 24-30 km per hour that negated the total concept of efficient traffic system. Mr. Badal expressed concern at rising density of vehicles on Ludhiana roads as average density on these roads were 2263 minimum at Rahon road and 7070 maximum at Ferozepur road. He also expressed concern over haphazard parking hindering the smooth flow of traffic in the city.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that till the Ludhiana gets quality mass transport system including Metro, the city road network would have to be upgraded for the future challenges. The MC Ludhiana was asked to come out with phase-2 plan for further expansion of Metro rail system to 200 kms, introducing bus rapid transport system besides making use of commuter rail system with adjoining cities, to lessen the load of traffic on city. Mr. Badal Okayed Road System Development Plan for Ludhiana city that included laying of new roads (313 kms), Road Widening (199kms), construction of 41 flyovers, 18 RUBs besides construction of integrated freight complexes. It was also decided to explore the possibility of multi-storeyed parking facility in Ghumar Mandi, Chaura Bazaar and making Chaura bazaar road as no parking zone. The meeting also approved improvement of 19 junctions including Vishwakarma Chowk, Jagraon Bridge Chowk, Geeta Mandir Chowk, Bharat Nagar Chowk, Bhiabala Chowk, Aarti Chowk, Yes Bank Chowk, Circuit House Chowk, Sarabha Nagar Chowk Delata Heart Centre Chowk, Canal Chowk, Aggar Nagar Sector A and B Chowk, Lodhi Club Junction, Sherpur Chowk, Oswal Chowk, Samrala Chowk, Shivpuri Chowk, Basti Jodhewal Chowk and Jalandhar Bypass Chowk and making flyovers and  RUBs wherever required. The meeting approved Rs.2765.80 crore that includes Rs.1076.2 crore for road widening, Rs.193.6 crore for new road links and Rs.920 crore for upgradation and widening of regional roads.
Stressing upon the need for efficient city bus service it was decided to add 200 additional buses to fleet of existing 30 buses. The Deputy Chief Minister asked Principal Secretary Local Government to expedite finalization of DPR of Ludhiana Metro within this month.
Impressing upon the need for improving greenery, Mr. Badal said that all 770 parks in the city including Rose Garden, Rakhbagh, Children Park, Leisure Valley, Mini Rose Garden and 29 central strips should be maintained by a private horticulture company.
Expressing concern over slow progress on cleansing of Budha Nallah, Mr. Badal said that this 14 km long eye sore has to be cleaned and sewerage and industrial waste discharge in it has to be stopped with stern hand.
It was informed that 4832 houses for urban poor constructed at the cost of Rs.113.53 crore have been completed and allotment would be made soon. Mr. Badal asked the department to construct 5000 more such houses and allocated Rs.40 crore for the first phase.
Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary, Local Govrnment, Mr. S.K Verma, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Ludhiana,  Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu and Mr. Ajay Kumar Mahajan, both Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Moneesh Kumar, Joint Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister and representatives of AtoZ Company.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

HDFC Life selects five KC students for job

 by Punjabnewswire4u
AMRITSAR, SEPT 29
 Five students from Khalsa College were selected for jobs during the campus recruitment by HDFC Life. They are Sehajpreet, Monalisa Thapa, Samleen Kaur, Jatinder Kaur and Robinjeet Kaur. KC Principal Dr. Daljit Singh wished all of them good luck and congratulated them for getting the jobs even before they have finished their courses. He also congratulated College’s Place Cell Director Deepak Devgan for the achievement.

Vikram Chowdhary bereaved

by Punjabnewswire4u
CHANDIGARH, SEPT 29
          NDTV Senior Editor North Vikram Chowdhary was bereaved as he lost his mother Mrs. Daler Kaur (70), who passed away yesterday in a private hospital at Toronto in Canada after a prolonged illness. She is survived by her husband, two sons and a daughter.
          In a condolence message, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Chowdhary's mother. Mr. Badal prayed to the Almighty for giving strength to the bereaved family members, relatives and friends to bear this huge loss and grant eternal peace to the departed soul.
          Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal also condoled the demise of Mrs. Daler Kaur.
          In a condolence message, the Deputy Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.
Punjab Revenue & Information and Public Relations Minister  r. Bikram Singh Majithia today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mrs. Daler Kaur (70).
        In a condolence message, Mr. Majithia shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and give courage to bear this irreparable loss.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Capt Amarinder condemns Faridkote kidnapping

by Punjabnewswire4u 
CHANDIGARH, SEPT 28
 Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today lashed out at the police and the Faridkote administration for remaining quiet in tracing a teenager abducted from outside her house on Monday.
In a statement issued here today, Capt Amarinder while expressing solidarity with the parents and other family members of the victim maintained that it was sad and tragic that the parents of the abducted girl had to undergo such a trauma while police and administration were sleeping.
Supporting the protest and the bandh called by the local residents against the abduction and police support to them, he said, the people had no other way to press for their anger. He said, it was shameful on part of the state administration to turn a blind eye towards such a serious issue.
The PCC President asked the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal as how could he turn a blind eye to the kidnapping of a girl while being just a few kilometers away in his native village holding a free medical camp. He regretted the insensitivity of the people, administration and the powers that be about it.
Meanwhile, Punjab Congress general secretary and former Faridkote MLA Kikki Dhillon has also condemned the kidnapping and demanded immediate action to trace the girl. He criticized the police for not taking action at the behest of some local Akali politicians.

KCE Prof gets Hungarian scholarship

 by Punjabnewswire4u
AMRITSAR,SEPT 28
 Dr. Manmeet Pal Singh, Assistant Professor (Physics) at Khalsa College of Engg. & Technology have been selected for prestigious Hungarian government’s research scholarship. He will be attached with world famous physicist Prof. (Dr.) Mizsei Janos, Department of Electron Devices, at Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary. Dr. Singh said the tenure of the research is for four months from November 10, 2012 to March 9, 2013.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Internet marketing most cost effective


by Punjabnwewswire4u (Balbir)
 CHANDIGARH, SEPT 27
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation in association with Indian Institute for Higher Studies (IILM) organized a workshop on “Internet Marketing Strategy”  here today.
 Internet marketing ties together the creative and technical aspects of the Internet, including design, development, advertising and sales.
 The programme was organised to create wider awareness among SME leaders, marketing professionals and internal site developers to take charge of their web site and make it a truly effective marketing tool.
 This workshop provided an understanding of the fundamentals, and a step by step approach to making immediate strategic improvements to internet marketing approach.
Welcoming the esteemed guests and participants, Mr. Dalip Sharma, Regional Director, PHD Chamber said, in today's era of global competition and rapid technological advancements, customer demands and competitive pressures have never been greater and critical than ever before.
 He further stated that the new competitive environment demands more relevant information on the organization's activities, processes, products, services, and customers, leading to infusion of internet Marketing as the solution.
 Speaking on the occasion, Ms Jaswinder K Narain, Astt. Professor (IT) & Business Analyst, IILM Institute for Higher Education said a firm can add a great deal of presence to their business through online media formats, helping business to prosper in an economy that depends on the use of internet capabilities.
 Taking the session further, she said internet marketing saves a great deal of money. With the four basic sources of internet marketing – email marketing, affiliate marketing, search engine marketing, and search engine optimization, it reaches a much larger audience than other forms of media today.  
Mr. Nalin Chandra Jha, Assistant Professor of Information Technology, IILM Institute for Higher Education gave a detailed presentation on web analytics. He informed it track visitors from all referrers including search engines, display advertising and PPL networks. He said web analytics is not just a tool for measuring website traffic but can determine and improve the effectiveness of a website by business  and market research, he added.

Decks cleared to revamp various boards/corporations

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH SEPT 27
            Decks were cleared this afternoon for the appointment of new chairmen and members of various boards and corporations of the Punjab Government as services of all incumbents have been ended. The step is a part of the process of restructuring of these state owned public undertakings.
            Disclosing this, a spokesman of the Chief Minister said here today that Secretaries of the concerned departments had been asked to look after the affairs of boards and corporations under their administrative control as chairmen till further orders.
            These Boards and Corporations include Forest Development Corporation, Punjab State Women Commission, Gau Sewa Board (Cow Welfare Board), Traders Board, Small Traders Board, Tubewell Corporation, Punjab Ex-Service Men Corporation (PESCO), BC Land Development & Finance Corporation, SC Land Development & Finance Corporation, Khadi Vikas Board, Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC), Punjab State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (PUNSUP), BC Commission, Vimukat Jati Welfare Board, Parwasi Bhalai Board, Water Supply & Sewerage Board, Dalit Vikas Board, Health System Corporation, Safai Karamchari Bhalai Board, Punjab Agro Industries Corporation, Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, Punjab State Seeds Corporation (PUNSEED), Mandi Board, Punjab Small Industries Export Corporation (PSIEC), Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation (PSIDC), INFOTECH, Punjab Finance Corporation, Small Industries Board, Medium Industries Board, Large Industries Development Board and Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), he added.

Punjab announces custom milling policy for Kharif

 by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, SEPT 27
          The Punjab Government has announced a scheme for Custom Milling of Kharif 2012-13 to ensure smooth operation of custom milling of Paddy.
According to an official spokesman this paddy would be procured by all procuring agencies including Pungrain, Markfed, Punsup, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation and the Food Corporation of India.
The spokesman further said that paddy procured by the procuring agencies would be got milled from the rice millers of the State as per Punjab Rice Procurement (Levy) Order 1983.
          The spokesman said that the purchase centres /mandis should be linked with the nearest milling centre/storage centre keeping in view the availability of milling capacity at the milling/storage center(s) at which paddy is proposed to be stored/got milled.
The policy has laid down very strict norms for shifting the paddy in the state or outside the state to check malpractices and pilferage. The surplus paddy, if any, at a milling centre would be shifted for its storage to the nearest milling centre keeping in view the availability of milling capacity at that centre, he said.
He said in case the nearest milling centre did not have adequate or surplus milling capacity, the surplus paddy would be shifted to the next nearest milling centre and so on.
The spokesman said that for shifting Surplus paddy, if any, available with any procuring agency in a district would be allowed only as per the plan approved by the Director Food & Supplies, Punjab and against the submission of Cash Security / Bank Guarantee / Corporate Bank Guarantee by the millers, where the paddy was proposed to be shifted.
          The spokesman further said that any rice mill which has not completed 70% work of custom milling of 2011-12 would not be eligible for lifting paddy during kharif marketing season 2012-13.  All such millers who have failed to deliver CMR less than 70% of KMS 2011-12 by 31-08-2012 should not be given any paddy for milling in KMS 2012-13. However, in case of those millers who have deposited the money against balance rice stocks of the year KMS 2011-12, would be considered for allotment only after the Government has made inquiries into the justifications/ reasons for non-delivery of CMR 2011-12 by the stipulated date.
          No defaulter rice mill shall be considered for allotment/provisional registration.

New school timings to be 9 a.m to 3.20 p.m

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, SEPT 27
 Keeping in view the winter season, the Punjab Government has decided to change the timings of all the Government, Private and Aided Senior Secondary and Primary Schools from October 1, 2012 to March 31 , 2013.
Disclosing this here today spokesman of Punjab Education Department said that the time of the schools now would be 9:00 a.m to 3:20 p.m.
In another decision the winter vacations in the schools would be commenced from December 25 to December 31.

Badal sets political tone for upcoming Lok Sabha pools

 by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
MAUR MANDI (BATHINDA), SEPT 27
            Setting the political agenda for the coming Lok Sabha elections in 2014, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the people to give a befitting reply to the discriminatory and apathetic attitude of Congress led UPA government by showing them the door to install the NDA government at Center for heralding a new era of prosperity and overall development in the country in general and Punjab in particular. 
            Addressing a massive rally organized by the SAD-BJP here at local grain market, Mr. Badal said that the upbeat mood of the people in the today’s rally was a prophecy for the UPA government that its days were numbered, as its fall was imminent under its own weight due to rampant corruption, un-controllable inflation and autocratic style of functioning resulting in ill-conceived anti-people decisions.  He blamed the Center for usurping the legitimate powers of the states to its own advantage thereby diluting the federal structure of the country.   He emphasized the need that states should be given full autonomy at least free hand in sorting out state-related issues like sanctioning of link roads and drinking water schemes etc.  Mr. Badal said: “It is highly derogatory that the states had to depend heavily on Center for even petty issues whereas Central government is adopting tough posture rather addressing these issues liberally”.  
Mr. Badal equated the indifferent attitude of Congress like a parasitic plant “Amar Bel” which was bound to vanish the country especially the common man to whom it considers its votary.    He pointed out that the UPA government was bent upon to throw all the democratic norms and constitutional ethics to the wind.  He said that the deliberate denial of drought package to Punjab was a testimony towards Center’s step motherly treatment to the state as the other states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Odisha had been allowed this package while we had been deliberately kept out on the pretext that the state government had not requested the Center to send a special team to assess the damage.   Making mockery of the Center’s plea on this count, Mr. Badal asked them whether the Central team was bigger than team of the two Central Ministers under the chairmanship of Agriculture Minister Mr. Sharad Pawar accompanied by Rural Development Minister Mr. Jairam Ramesh who held detailed parlays with the senior officers of the Punjab government led by Cabinet Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, who had demanded a special financial package of Rs.5112 crore to bail out the beleaguered farmers as well as state government for incurring extra expenditure to save paddy in the wake of drought like conditions across the state.  He categorically said that Center was in no mood to extend financial package to Punjab as it was concocting one excuse after another to deliberately exclude Punjab from it. 
Listing the major achievements of the SAD-BJP government, the Chief Minister said that it was a matter of great pride and satisfaction that our state had been ranked No.1 in Education and adjudged the best state in Health sector for excellent infrastructure.   He said that the state government had embarked upon an ambitious program for the cleaning of rivers at a huge cost of Rs.2500 crore which had been badly polluted due to reckless disposal of municipal sewage and industrial effluents into it.  Likewise, all the households would be provided with safe drinking water in all the cities, towns and villages keeping in view immense significance of quality water to ensure health and hygiene of the people.  Realizing the tremendous success of the recent mega-medical camps organized at village Badal where nearly 17000 patients were diagnosed and medically treated for various ailments, the government has now decided to organize another two-day Mega medical camp at Mansa on November 3 and 4, which would be later replicated in other parts of the state. 
            Conceding the demands put forth by the MLA Maur Mandi and Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, the Chief Minister announced that Maur Mandi would be soon accorded the status of Sub-Division in the next Cabinet Meeting.  He also announced to establish a Land Mortgage Bank besides Govt. Senior Secondary Schools for Boys and Girls.  The Chief Minister also announced to set up an ultra-modern grain market besides sanctioning adequate funds for fire tender to cope up any eventuality arising out of sudden fire incidents. 
In his address, Deputy Chief Minister and President Shiromani Akali Dal Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal felicitated the people of Maur Constituency for scuttling the game of Congress Party and its B team PPP by electing SAD nominee Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon adding that this largest ever rally in the history of Maur gives a unmistakable message that days of Congress party and its proxy parties were over in Punjab. He said that people of Punjab have reposed their unflinching faith in the leadership of S. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab who has ensured record development in the state. He said that it was vote for development, vote for transparency in governance and stamp of approval for governance reforms initiated by SAD-BJP government.
Deputy Chief Minister further said that we are moving with full speed from day one to further accelerate the development of the state. He announced that all distributaries in all constituencies would be relined as Chief Minister has approved most comprehensive program for mini irrigation in the state. He said that besides ensuring integrating development of all 142 cities at the cost of 8775 crore, all villages would be provided internal concrete roads within next 3 years. Mr. Badal said that in last term we provide government jobs to 1.20 lac youth and we would soon start recruitment process for 1.5 lac vacant posts in the government departments. He said that Malwa would be lucky as textile hub would generate employment avenues for 1 lac youth in coming 4 years. Announcing 3rd edition of world cup Kabbadi, Mr. Badal said that inaugural function would be held at Bathinda on December 1 and for the first time teams from Africa and Europe would participate in the tournament. The Deputy Chief Minister assured that Maur was all set to get new face lift as they have best advocate as their MLA who pleads their case very forcefully.
Training her guns against the Congress led UPA government, Lok Sabha MP Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that instead of formulating any pro-people policy the most corrupt Congress led UPA government of the country has plundered 4 lakh 60 thousand crore Rupees through the scams like 2G, CWG, Adarsh society and now the coalgate. She said that on one hand the state government under the stewardship of Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal has left no stone unturned for ensuring the welfare of all sections of the society but on the other hand the UPA government has made the life of people miserable by plundering the public money. Mrs Badal said that the denial of the drought relief package to state was an ample proof of the anti-Punjab stance of the Congress adding that the need of the hour was that NDA government must be formed at the Centre to make sure that state makes 50 times more progress.
Making a scathing attack on the PPP leader Manpreet Singh Badal, the Lok Sabha MP said that this “B” team of the Congress has been taught a lesson by the people of Punjab as all of its candidates were poorly defeated in the state assembly elections. She said that the people were now well aware about the tactics of the Congress, who have always used such defectors for derailing the progress of the state. Mrs Badal urged the people strengthen the hands of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP combine by ensuring that the alliance wins all the 13 Lok Sabha seats of the state in coming Parliament elections.     
Addressing the gathering Cabinet Minister Mr Bikram Singh Majithia said due to its anti-people stance the Congress led UPA government has been reduced to minority adding that the President of India must convene a session of the Lok Sabha and ask that the government to prove its majority. He said that it was an ironical situation that Congress led UPA Government, which had came into power on the name of common man, has today broken their backbone by hiking the prices of the essential commodities in an unprecedented manner. Terming the UPA as the most corrupt government of the country, Mr Majithia said that in the last eight years of their ‘misrule’ the Ministers of this government have plundered far more wealth than what the Britishers had done in the tenure of imperialism spanning for around 200 years.
He said that it was unfortunate that on the one hand the UPA government was wrongfully denying the drought relief package to Punjab but on the other it was illegally diverting the tax payer’s hard earned money in Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi’s Constituency, for carrying out developmental works.  Exhorting the people to rout out the Congress party in the coming Lok Sabha elections, Majithia said that the time has come when Punjabis must teach this party a lesson for their anti-Punjab decisions. Terming Manpreet Singh Badal as a traitor, the Revenue Minister said that by joining hands with the Congress in a clandestine manner the PPP leader has deceived the ‘Panth’. However he said that the voters of Punjab were wise enough to teach him a lesson for the treachery against SAD during the assembly elections.    
Earlier, in his welcome address, Irrigation Minister Mr. Jameja Singh Sekhon thanked the people for the overwhelming response in making today’s rally a grand success.  He assured the Chief Minister that the people of Maur Mandi would repeat the same history of extending exemplary support to Harsimrat Kaur Badal in the next parliamentary elections with a thumping majority.  He appealed the Chief Minister to accept the demands of the area which had been grossly neglected by the earlier Congress regime. 
Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included Senior Vice President SAD Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, SAD General Secretary & Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, senior Akali leader and constituency Incharge of Talwandi Sabo Mr. Amarjit Singh Sidhu, former MLA Mr. Mangat Rai Bansal and District Rural BJP President Mr. Dyal Singh Sodhi. 

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Punjab secures 12th position in tourism sector

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, SEPT 26
Chandigarh September 26:
With number of initiatives being undertaken by Government of Punjab, the state has managed to score withstand 12th rank among states during the recent survey conducted by Government of India, well ahead of Kerela and J&K, said Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister, Punjab while speaking on the occasion of World Tourism Day celebrated by UIHM at campus of Chandigarh University (CU) Gharuan. The state has managed to carve 12th rank up from 28th both in terms of providing quality infrastructure and number of tourists visiting state, added Sarwan Singh.
UIHM (CU) organized a 2-day program to celebrate World tourism day in which the students participated in Dance and Debate competitions. The students also presented 3 tableau depicting rich heritage and culture of Gujrat, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. Sarwan Singh, Minister Tourism, Punjab Government and Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University presented awards to the winners. 
While giving details on the various projects being undertaken by the State Government to promote tourism in the state, the minister said that the department has launched GIS Map of Amritsar city on website of Punjab Tourism which will facilitate the tourists to locate tourists spots , streets , roads , hotels , restaurants , ATMs, police stations etc. and plan their activities accordingly. An amount 50 crore has been earmarked to develop tourists & heritage spots at Amritsar, Ropar, Sangrur , Patiala, Bhaini Sahib , Kapurthala  and Hoshiarpur. Based upon the model of Palace on Wheels, Punjab Government has signed MoU with IRCTC to run circuit train known as “Punj-Takht” which will provide an opportunity to the tourists to visit all five takhts of Sikhism. The train has been scheduled to sail on its maiden journey from 30thDecemeber 2012, the minister added.
In order to showcase the supreme sacrifices of the Punjabis in the Indian freedom struggle, the state government would soon initiate the work on the construction of Jang-e-Azaadi memorial at Kartarpur. About 25 acres of land belonging to the state government has been transferred to the Tourism and Culture department for the construction of the memorial. The work on this world class memorial which would help in perpetuating the rich cultural heritage of the state amongst the coming generations would start soon as the state government was on the verge of finalizing the necessary formalities for it.
 With a view to promoting quality education in the field of Hospitality & Tourism the state Government has introduced a new scheme “Hunar Se Rojgar Takh” under which 10th class students would be given training for 6-8 weeks in Food production, Bakery and front office at various hotels in Punjab for which the government would be spending Rs. 12,000 per student said Sarwan Singh and 700 such students would be trained in 1st batch of this scheme this year.       
Speaking on the occasion Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University announced that University Institute of Hotel Management (UIHM) would shortly undertake research project in the field of Tourism by publishing a book on Punjabi Cuisines made through traditional recopies. It is high time that we should work towards preserving & protecting our traditional and authentic method of preparing Punjabi Cuisines which have eloped with span of time, Sandhu added.

Fancy vehicle numbers to be auctioned on Oct 15

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, SEPT 26
 According to a spokesman of the Transport Department Punjab, the fancy vehicle number PB-13-AD series would be auctioned on October 15, 2012 in the office of District Transport Officer Sangrur.
The spokesman further said that open auction would be held under the Punjab vehicle rules and the reserved price for the PB-13-AD-0001 has been fixed at Rs. 50,000 where as the price for PB-13-AD-0002 to 0009 has been fixed at Rs. 10,000. Adding further, he said that similarly the reserved price for PB-13-AD-0010 to 0100 has been fixed at Rs. 3000 where as the price for PB-13-AD-0101 to 9999 has been fixed at Rs. One thousand.
He also said that interested persons could submit the application with bank draft in the name of DTO Sangrur by the October 12, 2012.

Punjab to recruit 145 section officers

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, SEPT 26
The Punjab Government has decided to fill 145 vacant posts of section officers in various departments.
          While disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of Finance Department said that the Finance Department (Treasury and Accounts) has invited applications to fill the 145 vacant posts of section officers. The number of the vacancies could increase or decrease as per requirement. 
He said that only the retiree section officers below the age of 64 years are eligible for these posts. He said that the eligible candidates could apply before October 5, 2012.
He said that all such candidates must submit their applications to the office of Director, Treasury and Accounts, SCO-110 and 111, Sector 17-C, Chandigarh. For furthur details of term and conditions, one could contact the office of Director, Treasury and Accounts, he added.

Badal offers free educational facilities to Ladhakhi students

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal  honouring the Ladhaki students at Punjab Bhawan in Chandigarh
by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, SEPT 26
            In a goodwill gesture, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today offered free educational facilities to the students hailing from Ladakh region in order to ensure their overall development besides promoting brotherhood amongst the people of the region.
            Addressing a group of women from Eastern Ladakh region who had came to Punjab under the Operation Sadbhavna of the Indian Army here at Punjab Bhawan, the Chief Minister recalled the age old ties between Punjab and Ladakh region as both of them were an integral part of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s empire. Mr Badal said that after taking up the matter with Jammu and Kashmir government, the state government would make all out efforts for giving free education to the students of Ladakh so that they could be benefitted from the advance education being imparted in Punjab. He said that Punjab being a hub of the quality education was duty bound to help the students of Ladakh by imparting them free education so that they could duly utilize it for the development of their state.  
Lauding the efforts being made by Indian Army under Operation Sadbhavna, the Chief Minister said that under this ambitious program the Army has given a fresh lease of life to the people residing in remote border areas of Jammu Kashmir (J&K) in general and Ladakh in particular by ensuring development of villages, providing educational and medical facilities to the people besides playing a key role in all-round development of the children and youngsters by organizing such educational tours for them. He emphasized that people living in J&K and Ladakh region needs to be integrated with the national mainstream, because the high peaks of the Himalayas coupled with inadequate transport facilities had made it difficult for the residents of these areas to travel and get the knowledge about the other parts of the country. Mr Badal said that by organizing such tours the Army was playing a pivotal role in connecting people of J&K with other states thereby acquainting them with the diverse and rich culture of our motherland.
Stressing on the need of more interaction between farmers of Punjab and Ladakh, the Chief Minister asked the Army authorities to widen the scope of this Operation by organizing the tours of the farmers of Ladakh region to Punjab. Mr Badal said that as wheat was grown in Ladakh so the farmers of this hill region could avail the benefit of expertise of Punjabi farmers, who have already excelled in wheat production . Mr Badal said that the state government was ready to extend full support and co-operation to the Army authorities for this noble gesture.
On the occasion the Chief Minister also felicitated the members of the group along with the Army officers.    
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Pawan Kumar Teenu, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr Harcharan Bains, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema, Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and Director Welfare Mr HS Nanda.  

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Punjab to recruit 176 RMOs and 183 RVOs

 byPunjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, SEPT 25
            Punjab Government has decided to recruit 176 Rural Medical Officers (RMO) and 183 Rural Veterinary Officers (RVO) in step to strengthen rural health services and promotion of animal husbandry.
            Disclosing this here today Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, said that Punjab Government is committed to provide best health facilities to villagers, so that department has started the process to recruit new 176 RMOs.
Mr. Rakhra said that Punjab has recently bagged number one position in milk production across the country and to strengthen the milk production, Punjab Government has also sanctioned the 183 posts of Rural Veterinary Officers. The Minister further said that the process would be completed till December 15, 2012.

More MBBS seats expected to be added in Punjab

 by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, SEPT 25
The Punjab Government has taken a proactive initiative for the increase of MBBS and BDS seats in the medical colleges located in the state.
            According to an official spokesman Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot has already submitted the required documents to Medical Council of India for increase of seats from 50 to 100. Similarly, Government of Punjab was already in the process to increase the number of intake seats from 150 to 250 at Government Medical College Patiala and Amritsar respectively. He said that the Punjab Government has already strengthened the required infrastructure in medical colleges to meet the requirement for increasing seats and Punjab Government has already pumped in Rs. 90.83 crore for upgrading the infrastructure.
             The spokesman said that regarding private medical colleges Government has issued No Objection Certificates/ Essentiality Certificate in favour of Guru Nanak Dev Medical College, Dhahan Kaleran for annual intake up to 100 seats. He said that NOC for starting another medical and one dental college in private sector was under progress. The affiliation of Chintpurni Medical College, Pathankot was already subjudice and no comments could be made on that. He said that Medical Council of India is affiliating and a recognizing body and yearly inspections of new institutions were conducted till they were given permanent affiliation with MCI or Dental Council of India.
            The spokesman said that Punjab Government was making all out efforts to increase the intake capacity of MBBS seats in state of Punjab.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Applications invited from NGOs to provide special education

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, SEPT 24
    The Punjab Government has invited application from Non-Government organizations (NGOs) to provide education for special children i.e. mental retardation, cerebral palsy, hearing/speech and Visual impairment, multiple disabilities and Autism etc. in the age group of 6-14 years in the State.
       Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman of the Education Department said that NGOs should run residential or non-residential schools for these children and provide education to them through appropriate bridge courses of limited duration and undertake other related activities. NGOs must be registered under the Societies Act 1860 and would have the three years experience of running educational program. He also said NGOs would not be blacklisted by any Government agencies.
          Application Forms could be downloaded from SSA Punjab Website at www.ssapunjab.org or get it from the office of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Authority, Punjab. Application should reach the office of State Project Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Authority, Punjab (Tele: 0172-5015850) before October 10, 2012.

Strengthening ties between India and Pakistan via medical fraternity

by Punjabnewswire4u
BADAL (SRI MIKTSAR SAHIB), SEPT 23
            Lauding the step of eminent Pakistani doctors to visit the Mega Medical camp organized by the state government here today for free treatment of the patients, Punjab Governor Mr Shivraj V Patil today said that such initiatives would play a pivotal role in further strengthening the ties between India and Pakistan besides promoting mutual co-operation and people to people contact.
            Addressing a massive gathering after inaugurating a two days Mega Medical camp, Mr Patil said that frequent visits of the medical fraternity of both the countries would not only upgrade their medical and diagnostic skills but would also go a long way in providing quality health care facilities to the people of the Sub Continent. The Governor said that though trade between both the countries besides exchange of education and science could provide a major fillip in heralding a new era of mutual co-operation and trust between India and Pakistan but if the doctors across the border visits each other’s country to serve the people then it would be a welcome step as a feeling of gratitude and magnanimity would be developed amongst the people towards these doctors. Emphasizing the need of cordial ties between both the countries he said that people across the border would be immensely benefitted from such gestures, in which organizations like SAARC could play a vital role.
            Appreciating the step of Punjab government to hold such mega medical camps, the Governor said that this move by Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal would immensely benefit the poor stratum of the society as they would get the quality health care services at their door steps. Mr Patil said that these Mega Health camps which would be organized across the state would help the state in timely detecting the patients of fatal diseases like cancer thereby paving way for their effective treatment. He laid stress that the state government should also organize awareness camps in all the districts to educate the people about the importance of early diagnose of these deadly diseases, so that they could be detected at early stage. The Governor also said that the presence of eminent doctors of the country in this mega camp reflected the consensus and unity of the nation to fight against the menace of diseases for building a strong and progressive India.
            Earlier during his address, the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal while welcoming the Governor Mr Shivraj V Patil in the camp said that this camp organized on the lines of ‘Sangat Darshan’ program would revolutionize the Heath care sector of the state by facilitating the people to avail quality Health care facilities under one roof, that too without spending any money. Terming it as a dream come true, Mr Badal said that knowing well the general tendency of the people of Punjab to conceal their ailments by avoiding medical tests, which were generally very costly, he always wanted that such camps should be organized in the state for diagnosing them. He said that this mega camp would prove to be stepping stone in providing quality health care services to the people as such camps would be replicated in all the districts of the state thereby virtually bringing the quality medical services at the doorsteps of people.
            Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to eradicate cancer from Punjab, the Chief Minister said that a massive infra structure coupled with quality health care services were in pipeline to provide much needed relief to the cancer patients. He said that the state government has already initiated the process of strengthening the medical colleges of the state and existing infra structure of the Hospital to combat this deadly disease. Likewise Mr Badal said that in another important initiative the state government has already enhanced the sum reserved for giving relief to the cancer patients, so that poor cancer patients could be provided adequate financial help to get quality treatment. He also said that the state government would also provide subsidized medicines to the cancer patients so as to check this disease in an effective manner.
            Thanking more than 300 doctors who participated in camp for treating the people, the Chief Minister urged every doctor of the state to spare atleast one day from their busy routine for treating the patients free of cost in such medical camps. He said that such initiatives by the doctors would go a long way making Punjab a healthy and prosperous state. The Chief Minister especially thanked the doctors who had came all the way from Pakistan to treat people in this camp and said that medical fraternity of both India and Pakistan should frequently visit each other’s country for treating the poor people, so as to develop a feeling of belongingness amongst both the countries. Recalling his old memories of student life associated with Lahore, Mr Badal said that he really cherishes to visit the city and relish the mouth watering food of that city.
            Expressing gratitude towards the Governor and Chief Minister for organizing such a mega medical camp, Lok Sabha MP Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal in her address said that widening the scope of this unique initiative to provide the best health care facilities to the people was the need of the hour and it would be instrumental in delivering quality Health and medical services to the people, even in far flung areas of the state. She said that this pro-poor initiative of the state government in which more than 300 Doctors along with 500 para medical staff were giving free medical treatment to the people for major ailments really deserves applause. Mrs Badal further said that the SAD-BJP government was committed for the welfare and overall development of the state adding that due to the stupendous efforts of the Chief Minister, Punjab would witness five times more overall development in the coming years.
            On the occasion the Chief Minister also honored Mr Shivraj V Patil by presenting him a sword, a shawl and a silver plaque. Mr Badal also presented token of gratitude to eminent Doctors including three from Pakistan by honoring them for their valuable services rendered in the camp.
            Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr Chunni Lal Bhagat and Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mrs Mohinder Kaur Josh and Mrs Navjot Kaur Sidhu, MLA Mr Harpreet Singh, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Major Bhupinder Singh Dhillon, Principal Secretary Health Mrs Vinnie Mahajan, Principal Secretary Medical Education Mrs Anjali Bhanwra and Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema.