Badal clears appointmet of 94 law officers in Punjab AG Office

by Punjabnewswire4u
CHANDIGARH, OCT  31
The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, today approved the appointment of 94 Law Officers as Additional, Senior Deputy, Deputy and Assistant Advocates General in the office of the Advocate General (AG) of Punjab at Chandigarh and Delhi on the contract basis.
        Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that on the advice of the Advocate General, it has been decided to discontinue the office of Senior Additional Advocate General. Apart from this, the appointments of Law Officers earlier made in the office of AG would not continue after 31st October, 2012.
The newly appointed Law Officers would take up the charge immediately. The Punjab Government has appointed Amol Rattan Singh, Amarjit Singh Jatana, Alok Jain, Anil Kumar Sharma, APS Mann, AS Grewal, Baljinder Singh Sra, Daljeet Singh Brar, Haripal Verma, HS Sidhu, Harpreet Singh Brar, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, Jasgurpreet Singh Puri, Lekh Raj Sharma, Manoj Bajaj, MC Berry, Mukul Aggarwal, Pavit Singh Mattewal, Piyush Kant Jain, Mrs. Rajni, Mrs. Ritu Punj, Reeta Kohli, Rajesh Bhardwaj, Subash Goel, Surinder Singh Dhaliwal, Mrs. Manisha Gandhi, Mrs. Puneet Kaur Sekhon, Atul Lakhanpal, (Sr. Adv.), Amit Singh Sethi, Aman Bahri, Amit Rawal (Sr. Adv.), Mrs. Amarjit Kaur Khurana, Ashwani Talwar, Bawa
Singh Walia, Chetan Mitttal (Sr. Adv.), Harsimran Singh Sethi, Jagmohan Bansal, Pardeep Bajwa, Parminderpal Singh Thethi, Rajinder Goel, Mrs. Radhika Suri, Sanjeev Sharma (Sr. Adv.), Sandeep Goel,
Sukhdeep Singh Brar, Gurinderpal Singh, Inderpal Goyat and KDS Sidhu  as Additional Advocates General at Chandigarh. Meanwhile, Mrs. Vandana Malhotra and Yatinder Sharma have been appointed Senior Deputy Advocates General at Chandigarh.
Likewise, Amit Chaudhary, Gaurav Garg Dhuriwala, Harsimrat Rai, Monika Chibbar Sharma, Parampreet Singh Pal, Rajat Khanna, Sudeepti Sharma, Surjeet Singh s/o Late Sher Singh, Mehardeep S Dullat, Ashish Sanghi, Gurinderjit Singh, Pankaj Mulwani, Piyush Bansal, Nilesh Bhardwaj, Rupam Aggarwal and Sandeep Chabbra has been appointed as Deputy Advocates General at Chandigarh.
Meanwhile, Anu Pal, Anmol Grewal, Mikhail Kad, Ankur Jain, Jasdev Singh, Anita Aggarwal, Abhishek Chautala, Amrinder Kalar, Deepak Garg, Deep Singh, Arshdeep Kaler, Premjit Singh Hundal and Sandeep Singh has been appointed Assistant Advocates General at Chandigarh.
        Similarly, Ashish Jain, Ajay Kapoor, Ajay Bansal, Jayant Kumar Sood, Nikhil Nayyar, Rakesh Khanna, Sanchar Anand, Shilpa Sood, Saurav Ajay Gupta, Sandeep K Pabbi and V Madhukar has been appointed as Additional Advocates General at Delhi besides Mrs. NB Shingle, Aditya Singh and Karamjit Deswal as Deputy Advocates General and Mukul Singh son of Somvir Singh as Assistant Advocate General at Delhi. While, Mrs. Naresh Bakshi has been appointed as Advocate-on-Record at Delhi.

Punjab steps up drive against corruption

by Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, OCT 31

 The Punjab Vigilance Bureau today stepped up its drive against corruption by launching a special portal and toll free number to enable public to register their complaints of corruption online or through toll free number.

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal while launching the portal and toll free number described it as a biggest tool to involve the general public in this campaign against corruption. The website has unique facility for uploading audio & video/footage and photos along with the online complaint.  This would help the vigilant public to videograph/photograph any corrupt activities being indulged by the public servants & upload the same on the vigilance Bureau website so that bureau could take action against the guilty.

Stressing upon the need for launching multimedia campaign to sensitize people against corruption and educate them regarding new portal and toll free number, Mr. Badal said that these posters should be put up prominently in all offices where public dealing was involved. He also asked Mr. Arora to focus on electronic media by running a strip permanently on various channels giving out the website name and toll free number for the information of public.

The Deputy Chief Minister also released newly obtained Toll Free Number facility (1800-1800-1000) for the people of Punjab. Mr. Badal said that people can now register complaints on toll free number (1800-1800-1000) and provide details regarding any complaint or information. The concerned Vigilance Bureau officer will contact them to follow up the matter. Mr. Suresh Arora, Chief Director Vigilance giving the salient features of portal said that the this was accessible from all kinds of gadgets like Mobile Phone, I-Pad, Desktop, Laptop etc. (W3C Complaint)  and would also provide an online NRI Help desk for NRI community. It would also have facility to lodge & check the status of a complaint online.

He said that the website provides all vital information about Vigilance Bureau such as officers posted, location of offices, official phone numbers and email id, list of Chief Vigilance Officers  of respective departments in a systematic and user friendly manner. The Photographs of P.Os/absconders has been displayed on the website, which will enable the people to give information regarding same. The Vigilance Bureau has written to all the government departments to provide link of its website on their websites.

          Mr. Arora informed that the Vigilance Bureau has taken new strides in the fight against corruption by launching awareness drives, creating Internal Vigilance Cell & Special Unit for checking its own staff etc. The Vigilance Bureau is also providing valuable suggestions to the government for procedural reforms essential for prevention of corruption.

He said that latest step in this series of initiatives is creation of official website of the Vigilance Bureau www.vigilancebureaupunjab.org.

Mr. Arora informed that Vigilance Bureau Punjab was also putting up information boards and banners at the important public places for publicizing the website and the toll free number.  This will help in spreading awareness about the website of Vigilance Bureau, increase accessibility to the common public, provide an online platform for citizen interface & also improve the grievance redressal machinery. Vigilance Bureau solicits active co-operation and suggestions from the people of Punjab and also the NRIs settled abroad.

On this occasion the Deputy Chief Minister also has given token of appreciation to the team involved in development of website.  The team included Mr. H. S Rai, Dean Guru Nanak Engineering College, Mr Pritpal Singh Consultant, Mr Surya Kumar, Mr Mukesh Kumar. Mr B K Bawa, Director Vigilance Bureau, Ms. Neerja IG/VB and Mr. D.P. Singh, Joint Director were also present on the occasion.

Kohar bans use of vulgar songs in buses

by Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, OCT 31

 Punjab Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar   has banned the use of vulgar and provocative music in the state run transport buses with immediate effect. While giving formal directions to the department to stop airing the vulgar songs, Mr. Kohar said that any bus driver violating government’s directive would have to face strict departmental action.

    The Minister reiterated that the Punjab government was committed to provide best transport services to its people and it was imperative for the officers concerned to ensure the proper and forceful implementation of the instructions in larger public interest. Random surprise checks would be conducted by a specially constituted committee to check the use of provocative music in the buses, said the minister. He also said that the frequent use of vulgar and loud music in the buses not only generates mental pollution amongst the passengers but instrumental in fatal accidents occurred due to distraction of the drivers. This type of music goes contrary to both the rich cultural heritage of the state and also the dictate of the independent state level censor board which was especially constituted to check vulgarity in the Punjabi songs. The minister also urged the general public to contact him personally if they come across anything erroneous with regard to the transport facilities extended to them by the Punjab Government.

Three IAS and one PCS officers transferred in Punjab

by Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, OCT 31

            The Punjab Government today transferred three IAS and one PCS officer in the state with immediate effect.  

            Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Smt. Ravneet Kaur IAS Secretary, Defence Services Welfare has been posted as Secretary School Education vice Mr. Husan Lal and in addition Secretary Higher Education & Languages vice Mr. G. Vajralingam.

            Mr. Husan Lal IAS Secretary School Education has been posted as Secretary Home Affair and Justice (will look after the work of Secretary Jails, Punjab).

            Mr. Parveen Kumar Thind IAS ADC (G) Fatehgarh Sahib has been posted ADC (D) SAS Nagar against vacant post.

            Mr. APS Virk PCS Secretary (Examination) Punjab Public Service Commission Patiala has been posted as ADC (G) Fatehgarh Sahib.

Grading of foodgrains and oilseeds scheme

by Punjabnewswire4u 

CHANDIGARH, OCT 31

The Punjab Government has launched the scheme of grading of foodgrains & oilseeds in 89 markets of the state. While disclosing this, Chief Parlimentry Secretary Agricultur S Gurbachan Singh Babbehali said that under this scheme wheat, paddy, Toria (rape seed), Sarson(Mustard seed) and sunflower seeds are graded in the market before auction. Samples are drawn from the heaps of the produce for measuring different parameters, Such as moisture, dust and dirt, trash, weevil led, shriveled and damaged grains, grains of other varieties and other commodities and foreign matter etc. The grade cards are displayed on heaps before auction. Grading staff has been trained by the Government of India. The future programme includes laboratory analysis of important quality factors of commodities. The buyer shall be encouraged to pay price to the farmer on the basic of scientific information.

In an effort to ensure better remunerative price to the farmers for their quality product, the Punjab Government has also initiated Cotton Grading Scheme in the state. He said that this visual grading scheme has been launched in the 25 markets of the state. He said that three modern laboratories have also been set up for this purpose, one each at Rampuraphul, Malout and Mukatsar. Five more laboratories would be set up at Bathinda, Mansa, Abohar, Kotkapura, Gidderbaha with the help of Technology Mission on Cotton (Govt. of India).

He said that in these labs different quality Para- meters of cotton like fineness, maturity, strength, span length, ginning percentage & trash contents are numerically tested. The basic objective of grading is to ensure the remunerative price to producer and refine quality of product for the purchaser. He said that the grade is assigned to the produce (Cotton) before its sale so that farmers and purchasers must know the quality of the produce to fetch better remunerative price commensurate with quality. For farmers the grading tests are free whereas nominal fee is charged from the traders.

Governor Daniels and Lt. Governor Skillman scoop ice cream for charity

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com
INDIANAPOLIS, OCT 29
On Tuesday Governor Mitch Daniels and Lt. Governor Becky Skillman joined state cabinet members as celebrity ice cream scoopers for the first State Employee Community Campaign (SECC) Ice Cream Social. This is the first multi-agency SECC event to be led by Governor Daniels, Lt. Governor Skillman and the cabinet members.
From 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Indiana Government Center South atrium, ice cream sundaes were available for a $5 donation, with all proceeds benefiting the Indiana Trails Fund. This fund, an organization committed to creating outdoor trails and greenways throughout the state, was chosen by the Governor and is just one of many charities that benefits from SECC.
 “Governor Daniels and Lt. Governor Skillman continue to lead all of us in inspiring ways. What a great demonstration of their commitment to improving their community through the SECC,” said Lori Torres, Department of Labor Commissioner and 2013 SECC Chairwoman. “I am fortunate to have been part of the organizing committee for this event.”
Products for the SECC Ice Cream Social have been donated by Indiana-based sponsors Smith’s Dairy, Kelsay Farms, McFarling Foods and the American Dairy Council of Indiana.

Hurricane Sandy begins approach, Hoosiers prepare to help

 by sportswire4u.blogspot.com
INDIANAPOLISE, OCT 29
The Indiana Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives  plays an important role in helping Hoosiers mitigate and overcome disasters. Most notably, OFBCI assists the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) in serving Emergency Service Function 14 (ESF-14) (long term recovery) and OFBCI acts as a liaison between nonprofits who directly serves individuals impacted by disaster.
 “We also have the honor of administering funds to organizations that focus on disaster preparedness and response, such as the Indiana Response and Preparedness Corps, which is one of Indiana's AmeriCorps*State programs,” according to an official communiqué issued here today.
Similar agency's, organizations, and programs exist along the east coast, so we ask that as hurricane Sandy affects our friends to the east, readers keep them in their thoughts. “For readers who are looking to do something more, please let hurricane Sandy remind you to have your own preparedness plans in place and that there are always ways to help out: whether it is donating an amount of your choice to the Red Cross or other legitimate disaster response organizations or whether it is affiliating with an organization so you can be grouped and ready to go with a team when hands-on help is needed.”
In response to Hurricane Sandy and the overlapping winter storm expected to affect the East Coast and New England area, several Indiana emergency response assets, including elements with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) District Response Task Forces, have deployed to the region.
On October 27, Indiana began receiving requests for resources to aid with evacuation and response for Hurricane Sandy on the East Coast. IDHS immediately increased staffing at the State of Indiana Emergency Operations Center to reach out to partners within the state to evaluate resources that could be deployed to assist.
A total of 107 personnel and 44 vehicles, including 24 ambulances, have been deployed. Teams will assist however they are needed, but some anticipated actions include evacuation of hospitals and nursing homes. They also will stand by to provide response assistance as directed.
“We believe Indiana was one of the first, if not the first, state to respond to the request for aid from the east coast,” said Joe Wainscott, director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. “We are constantly planning, training and preparing our emergency response resources so they can be readily available to assist our citizens in Indiana and others in their time of need.”
As of this morning, Indiana has deployed the state Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT), two All Hazards Incident Management Teams (AHIMT) and five Emergency Medical Services Teams (or EMS Strike Teams). There are no further requests at this time.
Incident Management Team deployment
A 15-person Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) has been deployed to Maryland. They left Indiana at 6 a.m. Sunday and arrived in Maryland at 10 a.m. The team includes public safety professionals from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana University, Indiana Department of Correction, Integrated Public Safety Commission, Indiana Office of Technology, Montgomery County, the City of Lafayette, Indiana State Police and the Family and Social Services Administration.
An All Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT) from District 2 has also been deployed to Maryland to assist in the response. Additionally, District 7 AHIMT is going to New York.
All incident management teams will be deployed until November 11, unless their assignment is extended.
Other than the state IMAT, the AHIMTs and ambulance strike teams are local responders who volunteer to be part of the task forces and whose employers support their participation.
Medical Strike Team deployment
Ambulance strike teams from Districts 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 have been deployed. Each of the five districts staffed a strike team.
On Sunday, units and personnel from Districts 2, 4, and 7 were deployed to New Jersey before noon. There are 15 ambulances total and 27 personnel. Each district had 5 ambulances.
Last night, 9 more ambulances were deployed to New Jersey from District 6 and District 1. There are 27 personnel. District 1 has 4 ambulances. District 6 has 5 ambulances.
Both teams will assist however they are needed, but some anticipated actions are evacuation of hospitals and nursing homes. They also will stand by to provide response assistance (such as accidents, injuries, illness) as directed. Unless extended, they will return to Indiana on November 1.
Background information on IDHS DRTFs
The State of Indiana is organized into ten districts, each with its own District Response Task Force (DRTF). Each task force is ready to be deployed anywhere in the state within a few hours of notice. They are also prepared to deploy to assist other states. Please see attached map for the district designations.
Indiana practices for disasters and emergencies regularly, so there are teams across the state which are ready to rapidly respond to all types of incidents. IDHS led full scale exercises in April and September of this year that included many of the components that are being deployed to the east coast, and some of the same staff were used in response to the disaster in Southern Indiana in March of this year.

Punjab Police beat Ludhiana Academy

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com

CHANDIGARH, OCT 30

 Punjab Police  of  Jalandhar defeated Ludhiana Academy  by 72-26 points in the men’s section in the  22^nd Punjab Basketball Annual League for men and women dedicated to the Gurdial Singh Malhi Arjuna Awardee at village Gure  in District Ludhiana today.

In another match, Rest of  Punjab beat Punjab Junior of Hoshiarpur  by 58-32 points.

 In the women’s  match Amritsar defeated Ludhiana District by 54-41 points.

PAP Jalandhar, BSF Jalandhar, Rest of Punjab, Ludhiana Academy and Punjab Juniors, Hoshiapur are competiting in the men’s section. Ludhiana Basketball Academy, Ludhiana Basketball Academy, Ludhiana District, Sangrur and Amritsar  are taking part in the league.

Australian Trade Commission exploring trade opportunities in Northern Region

By Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, OCT 30

A meeting was held today at PHD Chamber with Mr Mike Moignard, Minister Commercial India, Australian Government who was in Chandigarh for exploring business opportunities between Australia and northern region. The delegation included Dr Grayson Perry, Australian Trade Commissioner and Mr Ankur Bhatia, Business Development Manager, Australian Trade Commission. Local Industry members interested in investment and exploring partnership opportunities in Australia were also present during the meeting.

The aim was to explore possibilities for trade in key sectors such as ICT, digital media, food processing, and advanced manufacturing, dairy, logistics etc, added Mike.

Mr Dalip Sharma, Regional Director, PHD Chamber expressed that a huge number of Punjabis are settled in Australia and it holds a lot of potential. Increased trade and investment will create more jobs and increase prosperity for hardworking Australians and Indians alike.”

Option of one year extension notified

by Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, OCT 30

The Punjab government today clarified that option of one year extension would also be applicable for the engineers of Irrigation, PWD and Water Supply and Sanitation Department. Amended notification in this regard has been issued.

Clarifying this, an official spokesperson of the Finance Department said that earlier this extension of one year service was not applicable on the engineers of Irrigation, PWD and Water Supply and Sanitation Department. Now the clause 3.26 (c) has been deleted, which abandoned them to fall in the purview of one year extension option and were restricted them to retire at the age of 58 year. Now rule 3.26 (a) and 3.26 (b) would also be applicable on the engineers of Irrigation, PWD and Water Supply and Sanitation Department. The spokesperson further said that besides this, provision has been made for PCS (judicial branch) on basis of earlier amendment.

International award to Atwal for contribution in primary education

by Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, OCT 30

England based internationally acclaimed organization ‘The Asian Guild’ has announced ‘Special International Award’ to Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker, Punjab Legislative Assembly for his contribution in the field of primary education.

The Asian Guild would confer this award to Mr. Atwal on November 6, 2012 at a function being organized in the House of Lords in London. It is pertinent to mention here that this award is being given on similar lines with Nobel Prize to the eminent personalities contributing in the fields of Education, Art, Sports, Science and Technology and Commerce etc.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Atwal extended his gratitude towards the people of the nation. He also reaffirmed his commitment to work for the upliftment of de-marginalized section of the society. He reiterated that a level playing fields be provided to the students of weaker section by ensuring basic education facilities and common syllabus throughout the country.

Badal's seeks early clearance of outreach of PGI at Sangrur

by Punjabnewswire4u

NEW DELHI, OCT 30

            Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal urged the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr Ghulam Nabi Azaad for seeking early clearance of the outreach centre of PGI at Sangrur to provide the best Health care and diagnostic facilities to the people of the Malwa region.

            The Chief Minister called on Mr Azaad at his residence on Monday evening and apprised him that the state government had already identified a land of 25 acres for setting up of this outreach centre of PGI as a premier Health and research institution in Malwa belt. He said the proposed institute would prove to be a milestone for the people residing in the far flung areas of the region who had to now go as far as to Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Jalandhar besides Bikaner in Rajasthan for the treatment of cancer.

Mr Badal also apprised the Union Health Minister that the state government had already taken major initiatives in the up-gradation of Health infra structure in Punjab especially in the Malwa belt where there was a high incidence of Cancer as per the study conducted by the PGI. The Punjab government had launched a flagship program to provide free treatment to the Cancer patients and now we were mulling to provide medicines to these patients on subsidised rates. He hoped that this outreach centre of PGI would act as a catalyst to further intensify their efforts to eradicate cancer from the state.

The Chief Minister also told Mr Azaad that he was paying focused attention to organise Mega Medical camps across the state to provide an opportunity especially to the under privileged and downtrodden for on the spot medical check up and effective treatment, in case of any ailment. Such camps have already been organized in Sri Muktsar Sahib District and now another two-day camp was being held at Mansa on November 3 and 4. Mr Badal invited the Union Health Minister to preside over this camp to personally see that how popular these camps have became amongst the people.

Lauding the efforts of the state government to provide quality Healthcare services to the people, Mr Azaad promised to the Chief Minister that he would certainly get the proposal of PGI outreach centre thoroughly examined so that it could be established at the earliest. Thanking for the invitation extended by Mr Badal, the Union Minister said that he was keen to attend such camps and motivate the people there so that they could be sensitised towards the personal hygiene and healthcare.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary Mr KJS Cheema and Resident Commissioner Punjab Mr K Siva Prasad.

Badal seeks dedicated coal linkage for upcoming power plants in state on priority

by Punjabnewswire4u

NEW DELHI, OCT 30

            Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today called on the Union Coal Minister Mr Sriparkash Jaiswal to seek dedicated coal linkage immediately for the upcoming thermal plants at Goindwaal Sahib, Rajpura and Talwandi Sabo.

            The Chief Minister met Mr Jaiswal in his office here at the Shastri Bhawan this afternoon and apprised him that the GVK Power Limited was constructing thermal Power plant at Goindwal Sahib, the first unit of which was likely to be made operational by May 2013. The project has been allotted Tokisud Coal block in Jharkhand state exclusively, which has been delayed due to some of its area under Forest land. Mr Badal informed the Union Minister that he had also called up his Jharkhand counterpart Mr Arjun Munda for getting the transfer of land expedited. In the light of these circumstances the coal supply from the said Coal block was likely to be delayed further and therefore the Chief Minister requested Mr Jaiswal to direct the Ministry of Coal for providing temporary allocation from the mines of Coal India limited of 1.4 million tons of coal for one year to the project from February 2013 to January 2014.

He pointed out that this would ensure that the 540 MW Power plant capacity does not remain idle and the GVK Power limited would return such loaned coal after commencement of Coal production from Tokisud Coal block. Mr Badal said that early commissioning of the project would ease pressure on the already heavy loaded northern regional grid.

Flagging another issue to enhance the sanctioned coal linkage from 1200 MW and 1800 MW by the Ministry of Coal to 1400 MW in case of Rajpura Thermal plant and 1980 MW for Talwandi Sabo Thermal plant, the Chief Minister sought personal intervention of Mr Jaiswal to resolve this issue at the earliest otherwise the commissioning and power generation of both these plants would be adversely affected. Mr Badal also told the Union Minister that the Ministry of Power had already approved the installed capacity of 1400 MW and 1980 MW of Rajpura and Talwandi Sabo thermal plants respectively. 

Responding to the issues raised by Mr Badal, the Union Minister assured him of positive outcome and said that he would soon convene a special meeting of the senior officers of his ministry and the Coal India limited to amicably resolve all these pending matters to ensure the timely commissioning of these thermal plants in the state.

Earlier, the Chief Minister also met the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power Mr Jyotiraditya M Scindia this morning in his office at Shram Shakti Bhawan to update him about the status of these three thermal power plants at Goindwal Sahib, Rajpura and Talwandi Sabo. Mr Badal also informed the Union Minister of State that the state was committed to complete all these ongoing power projects within the time frame so that these could be commissioned for generation but the only difficulty being faced by the state government was in the allocation of Coal blocks.

Realising the hardships faced the state government in getting the Coal linkage for its power plants Mr Scindia promised to the Chief Minister that he would soon take up the entire issue with the Union Coal Minister to be resolved at his personal level on the priority so that the Power generation, which was a critical factor for the overall development of any state should not be hampered in Punjab.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary Mr KJS Cheema, Secretary Power Mr Anirudh Tiwari, Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan Mr K Siva Prasad and Director Generation PSPCL Mr GS Chhabra.     

Dhindsa gives away first prize of Rs 2 crore of Vaisakhi Bumper

by Punjabnewswire4u 

CHANDIGARH, OCT 30

Punjab Finance Minister Parminder Sindh Dhindsa today gave away the cheques worth Rs. one crore each to the two first prize winners of Punjab State Lotteries Vaisakhi Bumper-2012.

While handing over the cheques to the winners in a simple function organized in Punjab Civil Secretariat here, Mr. Dhindsa wished good luck to the winners. Mr. Ramavtar Aggarwal, Mayur Vihar, Delhi and Mr. Surinder Kumar, Dhariwal, Gurdaspur were the lucky winners of the first prize.

The prominent amongst other, who were present on the occasion included; Mr. Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary and Mr. Jaspal Singh, Secretary, Expenditure of Finance Department.

A PILGRIMAGE FOR INTERFAITH UNDERSTANDING

Pilgrimage for Interfaith Understanding pictures provided Photos by KP Singh and Harpreet Sandhu.

 

 

 

 

Kanwal Prakash Singh

INDIANAPOLIS,OCT 29

There was an excitement in the air and in our hearts.  We sensed an idea with myriad blessings.

 VISION AND SPIRIT OF INTERFAITH PILGRIMAGE

An interfaith pilgrimage was a special idea and a historic first to learn about faiths, cultures, and communities that today form the composite and colorful fabric and spirit of the Hoosier State.  Such efforts could in time lead to overcoming barriers that some time separate us and help dispel unfounded stereotypes, issues of mistaken identity, harassment, discrimination, and build a foundation of unity and understanding among people.  

This spiritually inspired idea of Interfaith Walks is the vision of Dr. Ian McIntosh, Professor of Religion and Director of International Partnerships at Indiana University-Purdue University-at-Indianapolis (IUPUI).  Charlie Wiles, Executive Director of The Center for Interfaith Cooperation, and KP Singh from the Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis served on the Organizing Committee.

“The walk is meant to be the first of many designed to bring neighborhood congregations together in fellowship and provide a very visible opportunity to build community in our City” according to Charlie Wiles.  KP Singh echoes this passion and mandate, “We must strive for peace, harmony, and goodwill across the frontiers of culture, faith, ethnicity, gender, and national origin” and build new bridges of understanding and cooperative efforts that make a difference to “life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness” of all citizens.

 WALKING TO CREATE COMMUNITY CROSSROADS

Following a very warm and friendly welcome at the Acton United Methodist Church by Pastor Mac Hamon and a word about walking as meditation by Ms. Linda Proffitt, the President of Global Peace Initiatives the walkers took to the street on a crisp sunny fall morning.  Many participants had their heads covered with the Sikh orange Patkas (headscarves), and there were a large number of Sikh men and women in the crowd.  Students from IUPUI and the University of Indianapolis, Butler University, Unitarian Universalist Club, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School (Indianapolis); Indiana University (Bloomington); Indiana State University (Terre Haute), and AmeriCorps students joined in the Walk.

It was an honor pleasure to have Mr. Gary Coons, Head of the Homeland Security, and IMPD Police Chief Rick Hite join in the Walk and participate in the festivities of the day.  Mr. Dick Wolfsie, a local TV celebrity joined the gathering at the Sikh Temple.

 The first historic interfaith walk provided a unique opportunity for central Indiana residents of many faiths, multi-cultural and multi-generational participants from many nations including Rwanda, Guinea, Somalia, Australia, and India, representing Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, and Humanist spiritual traditions to express solidarity and to learn about the traditions, worship, and heritage of the Sikh faith and Sikh American community.  Carrying the American and Sikh flags, signs of peace, unity, and love, the 200-strong participants walked from Acton United Methodist Church to the Sikh Gurdwara (Temple) down the road, singing, reciting, and shouting Jakaras (exuberant Sikh acclamations) along the half a mile route.

WELCOME, RECEPTION, INTRODUCTION TO SIKH FAITH AND CULTURE

The group was welcomed by the Sikh spiritual leader, Giani Pritam Singh, and others with singing of the Sikh welcome hymn: “Humm Ghur Saajun Aaye: to our home have come friends.”

Following the Punjabi tea and snacks, the heads of various organizations that sponsored the Walk were introduced, there was a brief period of question answers, and then the entire group was led into the Gurdwara Sanctuary where Sikh hymns were being sung by visiting Raagis (Sikh musicians).  Many guests were witnessing the Sikh tradition of worship and the Sikh tradition of Langar (community meal) for the first time.  Mr. Gary Coons, Police Chief Rick Hite, Rev. Mac Hamon, and Dr. Ian McIntosh were honored with copies of the book, The Sikhs.  They addressed the gathering and offered assuring, inspirational, and thought-provoking messages to the gathering of over 300 congregants and guests.

SPONSORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND FRIENDS

The Interfaith Walk for Unity and Understanding was sponsored by: The Center for Interfaith Cooperation; Acton United Methodist Church; Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis; Global Peace Initiative; Indianapolis Peace Learning Center; Jewish Community Relations Council; and Muslim Alliance of Indiana; Amahoro Project for Forgiveness and Reconciliation; and the Indianapolis Immigrant Welcome Center.

INSPIRATION AND FUTURE INITIATIVES

The Interfaith Walk took on the aura of an interfaith pilgrimage with the rich experience of walking together in a meditative and joyful spirit; sharing together and an opportunity to learn from and about each other; exploring our common humanity in a friendly environment; and getting to know about the distinct philosophy of the Sikh faith, culture of generosity, and about the community of people dedicated to the concept of equality and justice; individual dignity and oneness as members of one human race. Sikhs honor the sanctity of all faiths and spiritual traditions.

We believe that such endeavors have the potential to connect and enlarge our understanding of people that today make up the spiritual fabric of our Nation, add immeasurably to the spirit and richness of the cultural landscape of our neighbors and Indiana.  Engaging with faith as a unifying anchor has a transformational power.  It can engender respect and celebration of our distinctness and an opportunity to discover common ground; can inspire us to work together, initiate projects that serve and make a difference.  Such experiences and learning about relating to people and cultures different from our own can prepare the next generation about the importance of global citizenship that today is vital to excel in a highly competitive marketplace of ideas and an interdependent world.  We may discover amazing friends and forge new friendships.

A pilgrimage into community interfaith crossroads dispels unfounded stereotypes, enhances our understanding of our shared humanity, is a door to our world and an illuminating gift to the human spirit.  We can imagine a new renaissance of knowing the thoughts and experiences of people from other lands that surround us.  It strengthens our neighborhood and our Republic.

CM seeks budgetary provision for diversification of agriculture in PUnjab

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal presenting a bouquet to Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Sharad Pawar at New Delhi

by Punjabnewswire4u

NEW DELHI, OCT 29

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today demanded a special budgetary provision in the next Union Budget for diversification of agriculture in the North West states especially for Punjab on the similar pattern of economic package to boost agriculture in the eastern states in the country.

The Chief Minister met Union Agriculture Minister Mr Sharad Pawar here in his office at Krishi Bhawan this evening and sought the Government of India’s (GoI’s) support and co-operation for giving impetus to the much needed Agriculture diversification program in the state as the traditional wheat/paddy cycle was no more profitable due to the squeezed margins on account of high agriculture inputs and low MSP. Mr Badal urged the Union Minister that it was the need of hour for GoI to come forward to bail out its beleaguered peasantry by incentivizing the promotion of the cultivation of alternative crops to paddy and wheat adding that this was not merely a problem of Punjab but must be viewed in a broad perspective as national problem.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need to immediately launch a technology mission for 'Diversification of Agriculture in Green Revolution Areas' with an allocation of Rs 5000 crore for 12^th Five Year Plan period, on the pattern of the mission for 'Bringing Green Revolution to the Eastern India'. Mr Badal underscored the need for diversification away from the production of food crops mainly Rice, which was utmost necessary to sustainably manage the natural resource base and to adjust to the changes taking place in the domestic demand and supply of food grains.

Outlining the diversification program, the Chief Minister apprised Mr Pawar that the state government has planned to reduce the area under paddy from 28 to 16 lakh hectares in a phased manner over a period of six years. It was purposed to shift this area to Maize (four lakh hectare), Cotton (two lakh hectare), Sugarcane (1.5 lakh hectare), Fodder (1.5 lakh hectare), Agro Forestry (two lakh hectare), Pulses and Fruits & Vegetable (one lakh hectare).

The Chief Minister impressed upon Mr Pawar to provide remunerative MSP coupled with assured marketing mechanism for the alternate crops especially Maize as the Punjab Government was seriously contemplating to enhance the present area under Maize cultivation from 1.5 to 5.5 lakh hectare. Mr Badal also asked the GoI to relook the policy of blending of petrol with ethanol by increasing it from 5% to 15% to promote conversion of Maize into ethanol. He also requested Mr Pawar to take up the issue with the Ministry of Food Processing to incentivize the setting up of Maize processing industry in the state to encourage its value addition and assured marketing support.

The Chief Minister also demanded that a Regional Centre of ICAR for research in pulses and Soyabeen should be established in the state to develop suitable varieties of these crops for cultivation in the state. Likewise Mr Badal also asked the centre to expeditiously set up a centre of excellence for Citrus at Abohar as the state government was planning to enhance the area under Citrus Orchards.

Reiterating that diversification to livestock sector was necessary to supplement the income of the farmers, the Chief Minister posed program to be funded by the Central government for the promotion of Dairy, piggery, Goatry and fisheries. Mr Badal also urged the Union Minister to treat livestock sector at par with the Agriculture in terms of Income tax, interest rates, issue of Kisan credit cards etc. He also demanded to provide subsidized insurance cover to livestock irrespective of the size of the herd. The Chief Minister also urged Mr Pawar to set up a Dairy research centre in Punjab on the pattern of already established such institute in Karnal to further boost the prospects of Dairy sector in the state.

Responding to the issues raised by Mr Badal relating to diversification of Agriculture and development allied sector, the Union Minister said that he would convene a joint meeting of the senior officers of the Centre and state government at Ludhiana on November 20 to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to intensify efforts to boost crop diversification program along with major breakthrough in fishery, Dairy and Animal Husbandry. He also promised to look into the feasibility of setting up of Fishery research institute in Punjab to explore potential of fishery in the waterlogged areas of southern Punjab. 

Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister on the state diversification plan Mr Pawar appreciated the concerted efforts of the state government to implement the ambitious diversification plan to shift an area of 12 lakh hectares from paddy to other crops. He assured all possible assistance and co-operation on behalf of the GoI to make this mission a huge success. Mr Pawar also lauded the initiative of the state government to amend Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMC) Act 1961 and to enact a new legislation on Contract Farming, which would be instrumental in providing forward linkages to the farmers to markets and industries. Mr Pawar reiterated that the GoI would cover Amritsar for development of peri-urban cultivation of vegetables under National Vegetable Initiative for Urban Clusters (NVIUC) adding that the possibility of including SAS Nagar (Mohali) under the ambitious scheme would also be explored. The Union Agriculture Minister that he would soon take up the matter with his counterpart in Ministry of Textiles for opening more textile parks in Punjab to give an impetus to the processing of raw cotton in the state.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Animal Husbandry Minister Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Des Raj Dhuga, Chairman Punjab Farmer's Commission Dr GS Kalkat, Financial Commissioner Development Mr GS Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr SK Sandhu and Advisor Agriculture and MD Milkfed Dr Balwinder Singh Sidhu.