Chouhan leads at halfway stage of 13th TATA Open

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

CHANDIGARH, DEC 19

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

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

Punjab and Jiangsu (China) agree for initiating "Twin City Province Project"

 CHANDIGARH, NOV 10With the personal endeavor of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal the Jiangsu province of China has principally agreed to initiate ‘Twin Province’ project with the state for promoting fresh water fisheries in the state as a part of state government’s crop diversification program.
The Chief Minister who called on Governor of Jiangsu province Mr. Li Xueyong at the Government Provincial Hall recalled the age old relations between India and China, in every field. He apprised the Governor that Punjab was a very progressive state where there was a lot of scope of fish farming as the land use was almost like Jiangsu province. Throwing light on the state government’s ambitious crop diversification program, Mr. Badal said that the state government wants to develop fresh water fisheries to bail out its farmers from the prevailing agrarian crisis.
The Chief Minister apprised Mr. Xueyong that currently the production of fish in Punjab was six tons per hectare whereas the state government aspires to the double this production in the coming three years. Likewise, he said that the state government also wants to double the area under fishery from the currently 14400 hectares in the same time period. Mr. Badal said that at present there were 21 hatcheries in the state with fry production of 222 million which could be increased up to 900 million in the coming three years.
Soliciting the help of the Government of Jiangsu province for promoting fish farming through the ‘Twin Province project’, the Chief Minister said that present production from fish reservoirs was 100-150 kilograms per hectare which was very low but could be enhanced by four folds, with the expertise from Jiangsu province. He urged Mr. Xueyong to send their experts to Punjab so as to update the Punjabi farmers about their latest technology. Mr. Badal also urged the Governor to ensure strategic tie up between the institutions of the both the state so that Punjab could be immensely benefitted from it.
Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Xueyong assured fulsome support and cooperation to Punjab in every way. The Governor said that he was confident that under the able leadership of Mr. Badal there were huge possibilities ahead for both the states. He asked Director General Jiangsu Oceanic and Fishery Bureau Mr Tang Jianming and President Jiangsu Academy of Agri Sciences Mr Yi Zhongyi to personally ensure that both the states could forge an alliance in this regard. He also assured Mr. Badal that he would surely visit Punjab once interdepartmental confidence has been established for the twin provinces projects.
Earlier the Chief Minister was accorded a warm welcome on reaching the Jiangsu province.
The delegation of progressive fish farmers led by the Chief Minister included Mr. Gurjatinder Singh Virk from Village Kandola (Roop Nagar), Mr. Manwinder Singh Village Jhurar (Sri Mukatsar Sahib), Mr. Harinderpal Singh Bajwa Village Warring (TarnTaran), Mr. Bir Inder Singh Guron (Samrala), Mr. Khushwant Singh Village Chhangal (Hoshiarpur), Mr. Abhijinder Singh Village Nanokee (Patiala), Mr. Azadwinder Singh Village Kandhola (Roop Nagar) and Mr. Paramjit Singh Bhullar Village Nagra (Sangrur).
Apart from these fish farmers, Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Mr. Raj Kumar, Assistant Director Fisheries, Kapurthala, Dr. KaleKattu Gopalapillai Padma Kumar Fisheries Expert, Dr. Asha Dhawan, Dean College of Fisheries, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana were also the part of delegation.
Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Secretary General Jiangsu Provincial Government Mr. Zhang Jinghua, Director General Jiangsu Agri committee Mr. Wu Peiliang, Director General Jiangsu oceanic and fishery bureau Mr. Tang Jianming, President Jiangsu Academy of Agri Sciences Mr. Yi Zhongyi and Director General Department of Commerce Mr. Ma Minglong.
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110 candidates shorlisted in 21st Aryans Job Festival

MOHALI, OCT 5
A huge rush was witnessed in "21st Aryans Job Fest" recently organized by Aryans Group of Colleges, Chandigarh at Aryans Campus. Around 1500 students from all over North India participated in the Fest. In the Fest around 110 candidates were shortlisted by around 40 Companies in the Placement Process. Dr Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges presided over the event.Before the starting of the Fest, Dr Anshu Kataria addressed all the candidates and wished them Good Luck for the Interviews. The Company Representatives also addressed the candidates and made them aware about the Eligibility Criteria, package, posting, Number of Vacancies etc. of their respective Companies before interviews.
Expressing his great joy at the remarkable success of the event, Dr Kataria congratulated the Placement Cell of the Group for putting round the clock efforts for this Job Fest. He said that such Fests offer a tremendous opportunity to the students who manage finding a job that fits their requirements and profile.
Giving information about the Fest, Prof B S Sidhu, Registrar, Aryans Group said that apart from Aryans students, students of various Universities and Colleges participated in the Job Fest. He added that not only Punjab, but candidates from various Universities and Colleges of other states like Haryana, HP, JK, UP etc. also came to participate in this biggest ever Job Fest of the region.
Ms. Tejinder Kaur, TPO, Aryans Group said that the Companies namely Videocon, Afterdoor Solutions, Allumez Infotech, Bajaj Allianz, Big Bazar, Bajaj capital insurance Broking Ltd., CINIF Technologies, Competent Synergies Pvt.Ltd., Dominos, Mona Townships Pvt.Ltd., Synergy Business Solutions, Webtech Learning, E9 Solutions, Uzodocs Technologies Pvt. Ltd., JF Innovation, Mega Advertising & Marketing pvt ltd, Megrisoft, Eight Fold IT Solutions, Gracias Infosys, Karman Infotech, EME Technology, Pristine Edotronics, Zilaxy Electronics etc. were present in the Fair to provide job opportunities to the candidates.

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Badals mourn death of Nawan Zamana correspondent

CHANDIGARH, SEPT 29
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad and untimely demise of Chandigarh-based correspondent of Nawan Zamana Baljeet Singh (52), who passed away after a massive heart attack in Kharar.
Recalling the outstanding journalistic services rendered by Mr. Baljeet Singh during his professional career, the Chief Minister described him as a fearless and upright journalist who discharged his duties with utmost dedication, sincerity and professional commitment. He said that in the death of Mr. Baljeet Singh a void has been created in the journalistic fraternity which was difficult to be filled in near future.
Sharing his heartfelt condolences with the bereaved family members, friends and relatives, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to them for bearing this irreparable loss in this hour of grief.
Meanwhile Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also mourned the passing away of Mr. Baljeet Singh and shared their heartfelt condolences with the family.
Expressing deep shock over the death of Baljeet Singh the Governing Council on behalf of the members of the Chandigarh Press Club prayed to the Almighty to provide eternal rest to his soul and bestow his entire family with the strength to bear the loss.
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World Bank pats Punjab for PWWSS project Phase I

CHANDIGARH, SEPT 19
          The 16th World Bank mission today rated the achievements under Rs. 1280 crore Punjab Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (PRWSS) project Phase-I as the best in the country as the project has not only exceeded the implementation targets under water supply component by 127%, but was also providing water connections to each household in the village and running about 50 schemes on 24x7 basis.
These observations were made by the World Bank team led by its Task Team Leader Mr. S. Poddipireddy during a wrap up meeting with the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to apprise him about the progress and achievements made under the ongoing World Bank Aided PRWSS Project here at CMR on Thursday evening.  
Mr. Poddipireddy informed the Chief Minister that Water meters have been installed in 196 villages where water tariff was being charged on volumetric basis. More than 961 villages implemented under the project have already achieved 100% connectivity and each household in these villages was drawing high quality water from its own tap in the house. Gram Panchayat Water and Sanitation Committees (GPWSCs) of more than 50% (2083) villages implemented under the project were operating and maintaining their schemes on sustainable basis without any financial assistance from the Government and have even generated sufficient funds in their Operation & Maintenance (O&M) accounts varying from Rs. one lac to 10 lac, which was the unique achievement of the project. He envisioned Punjab to be a role model state for others to replicate this project in the country.
The team task leader also apprised Mr. Badal that World Bank has already accorded in principle approval to Rs. 2200 crore Phase-II of PRWSS project on the recommendations of Union Ministries of Finance and Water Supply & Sanitation for providing the facility of sewerage system and potable drinking water besides setting up of Capacity Building Project Management and Training Institute in the state. 
While highly appreciating the performance of Phase-I of the project, Financial Expert from the World Bank Mr. Tanuj Mathur remarked that initially it was apprehended that since the project was to be implemented by adopting decentralized mode, the GPWSCs may not be able to manage the funds properly for the implementation of water supply schemes, but the regular auditing of financial accounts of GPWSC by independent auditors have not revealed any discrepancy. This was mainly due to excellent management of the accounts by GPWSCs with the assistance of department. Mrs. Vandana Mehra, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Specialist from World Bank conveyed that woman folk in the villages also expressed extreme happiness and satisfaction about the assured availability of water as a result of this project.
Mr. Poddipireddy said that the World Bank mission was fully satisfied with the performance of project and the enormous support and cooperation rendered by the officers of the state government to ensure its implementation within stipulated time schedule. He also thanked the Chief Minister for his overall supervision, guidance and regular monitoring of the project activities without which the outcome achieved under the project would have not been possible. He said that it was purely an imitative CM to motivate the village panchaytas and the local residents of the village during his visits to the different parts of the rural areas across the state for making mandatory contribution for the scheme besides sensitizing them about the significance of good quality water to stay healthy and fit.  He also told Chief Minister that at present the work on 44 water supply, 57 sewerage schemes and 43 water supply augmentation schemes was in full swing and would be completed by December, 2014. 
Prominent amongst who were present in the meeting Water Supply & Sanitation Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, FCD-cum-Principal Secretary Water Supply & Sanitation Mr. Suresh Kumar, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar,  Mr. A.K. Soni CE-cum-Program Director and Mr. S.R. Aggarwal Chief Technical Coordinator.
The World Bank team was led by Mr. S. Poddipireddy, Task Team Leader besides other members including Co-Team Leader Ms. Partibha Mistry, Mr. Tanuj Mathur, Financial Specialist from World Bank and Mr. Manish Kumar, Ms. Vandana Mehra and Ms. Laura Inha from WSP.
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Written test fpr 110 posts of female sub-inspectors on Oct 12

CHANDIGARH, SEPT 14
Written test for recruitment for 110 posts of Sub-Inspectors (Female) in Punjab Police has been scheduled for October 12. The successful candidates of ongoing physical trials would be only eligible for written test.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman said that written test would be conducted at Jalandhar on October 12, 2014. He said that the further details regarding written test centers would be uploaded on the websites of C-DAC, Mohali ( www.recruitmet.cdacmohali.in ) and Punjab Police ( www.punjabpolice.gov.in ). He has asked the concerned candidates to ensure their participation at the concerned centre.

---balbirsingh227@gmail.com

KCE students shine in varsity exams

 AMRITSAR, SEPT 10

 Khalsa Colleeg of Education (KCE) students bagged all the top positions in the M.Ed. Examination of Guru Nanak Dev University. The first position was bagged by college student Parul Aggarwal, second by Najish Randhawa and fourth by Romika Sharma, said Principal Dr.Jaswinder Singh Dhillon in the press reelase here today.

He said out of total 34 students appeared  in the exam, 28 students passed out with distinction. He congratulated students and their teachers for the success and added that university’s other top positions were bagged by their students including sixth position held by college student Amandeep Kaur, seventh by Kawaljeet, eighth by Shaizla and nionth by Kawaljit Kaur.

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Badal confident of Centre bailing out Punjab from financial crisis

CHHAPAAR (LUDHIANA), SEPT 9
          Silencing the controversy erupted over the issue regarding the denial of financial package to Punjab by the Union Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that he was confident that the Centre would certainly bail out the state from the financial stringency in the near future.
                Talking to the media persons on the sidelines on the Chhapaar Mela, the Chief Minister categorically said that Mr. Arun Jaitley was a true statesman and a seasoned politician of high stature, who never nursed any personal grudge against any individual or party. Mr. Badal reiterated that the SAD-BJP has a pious and long lasting alliance, where such petty considerations have even no place in the minds of national leaders like Mr. Jaitley, who was ever vying to ensure overall development and prosperity of the states to make our nation strong without any bias or prejudice. 
          Replying to another question about making the Mr. Arun Jaitley’s letter public as demanded by PPCC President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa, the Chief Minister said that the said letter has been widely published in the media and now there was hardly any need to make it public.
          Showing deep anguish and concern over the attacks on the Sikhs in Pakistan, the Chief Minister said that he would certainly take up this matter with the Union Government to seek their intervention to urge the Pakistan National Government to ensure the security and safety of the Sikhs living over there. 
          Expressing solidarity with the millions of J&K people tormented by the recent worst ever flash floods in the valley, the Chief Minister said that he would soon talk to his J&K counterpart Mr. Omar Abdullah to extend all possible assistance in this hour of crisis as per their requirements. Mr. Badal said that he had even asked the SGPC and other voluntary and religious organizations to come forward for organizing free community kitchens (langars) in the valley to provide food and succor to the distressed families. He also offered all sort of help to the J&K government for carrying out evacuation of marooned families stranded in deep waters and their subsequent rehabilitation.
          Chiding the Congress for their partisan role to weaken the Sikh institutions, the Chief Minister said that the sacred Institutions like SGPC were the strong hold of Sikh community and such deliberate attempts to destabilize them would never be tolerated by the Sikhs. He said that it was very unfortunate and highly deplorable on the part of Congress to meddle in the religious affairs of the Sikhs, which had ever remained inimical to the Sikh community. Mr. Badal said that the Congress ruled states like Haryana and Maharashtra have vindicated our stand that Congress was an anti-Sikh party as it was solely responsible for creating separate Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee on one hand and diluting the membership of SGPC from four to one in the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Management Board, Nanded Sahib besides even denying the lone membership to the Chief Khalsa Diwan.
          Earlier addressing the public gathering on the historic Chhapaar Mela, the Chief Minister highly appreciated the political acumen and leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, who had already won the hearts of billions of people across the world especially through his visits to Bhutan, Nepal and Japan to strengthen the bi-lateral ties with these countries. He said that SAD had special love and affection for Mr. Modi which was evident from the fact that the SAD was the first party which came forth to declare him as a future Prime Minister of the country even much before nearly three months from elections. He said Mr. Modi’s special bond for Punjab and Punjabis would ensure rich dividends to the state in the coming days adding Mr. Badal said that the period of three months in saddle was hardly any time to concentrate on all issues. Mr. Badal said that Punjab would be richly compensated for its enormous contribution in the National development especially in the field of agriculture, as this frontrunner state had been blatantly  ignored by the previous Congress led UPA government.
          Highlighting the major achievements of SAD-BJP alliance government in the field of education, health care and power, Mr. Badal said that the day was not very far of when Punjab would soon become No. 1 state in the country.  He said that the state government was laying special emphasis on the core sector of health and education besides skill development to ensure gainful employability of the youth.
          Making frontal attack on the AAP, the Chief Minister said that its sudden popularity has been completely vanished like a sand dune perished by the whirlwind. He said people have duly realized its real existence due to which its candidates could not even save their security deposits in the recently concluded by-poll to Patiala and Talwandi Sabo Assembly segments. He said it has no political future and could not befool innocent people of Punjab any longer. 
          Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon, Advisor to CM Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Mr. Manpreet Singh Ayali, Mr. SR Kaler, Mr. Iqbal Singh Jhunda, Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon (All MLAs), PSSSB Chairman Mr. Santa Singh Umaidpuri, Former Union Minister Mr. Balwant Singh Ramuwalia besides senior leaders and party workers of SAD-BJP.
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Badal seeks advice from Jaitley for helping J&K

CHANDIGARH, SEPT 9
          Punjab Chief Minister  Parkash Singh Badal today called up the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to advise the state government to extend all sort of assistance in the best possible manner to the hapless victims of recent flash flood in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that the Chief Minister sought advise from centre in this regard as he was unable to establish any contact with his J&K counterpart Mr. Omar Abdullah due to snapped telecommunications line as the entire valley has been cut off from the rest of world. Mr. Badal urged the Union Minister to update the state government about the requirement of relief and rescue material for the rehabilitation of the flood victims after establishing a contact with state government through Defence Telecom services.
Reiterating that the floods in Jammu and Kashmir were a national tragedy, the Chief Minister assured the Government of India (GoI) that the state would extend fulsome support and cooperation to the hill state in this hour of crisis. Expressing deep concern over the havoc and devastation caused by floods which left behind a trail of unprecedented death and destruction in the valley, Mr. Badal said that the Punjabis were firm believers of the ethos of universal brotherhood, communal harmony, tolerance and peace as propagated by the Sikh Gurus, saints and seers, therefore the state government would make all out efforts to help the Centre and Jammu-Kashmir governments in rescue operations.
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CM rejects any possibility of reviewing power subsidy

Nawanshehar (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar), Sept 9
Out rightly rejecting any possibility of reviewing the ongoing power subsidy to the farmers in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the providing subsidies to compensate the farming community for ensuring food security was a ‘global phenomenon’.
Interacting with the media persons after dedicating the newly constructed ultra modern Civil Hospital to the nation here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that there was no need for reviewing or rationalizing the ongoing power subsidies to the farmers as it was the bounden duty of the state government to share the whopping burden, meted out by them while serving the entire country. He said that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state had played a vanguard role in making the country self reliant in food production and the power subsidy was a meager way to compensate them for this gigantic task. Mr. Badal said that the countries across the globe were assisting their food growers by extending them such subsidies adding that Punjab was no exception to it.
   Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance would contest the coming civic body polls in the state together. He said that the necessary strategy for contesting these polls would be chalked out soon by the top brass of both the alliance partners.
Terming the floods in Jammu and Kashmir as a national tragedy, the Chief Minister said that the state would extend fulsome support and cooperation to the hill state in this hour of crisis. Expressing deep concern over the havoc and devastation caused by floods which left behind a trail of unprecedented death and destruction in the valley, Mr. Badal said that the Punjabis were firm believers of the ethos of universal brotherhood, communal harmony, tolerance and peace as propagated by the Sikh Gurus, saints and seers, therefore the state government would make all out efforts to help the Jammu-Kashmir government in rescue operations.
When asked to comment on INLD MP Mr. Dushyant Chautala’s statement that Mr. Badal would be the star campaigner of their party in Haryana, the Chief Minister said that SAD has always stood by the side of their allies and therefore he w  ould be certainly campaign for INLD in the ensuing assembly polls. Mr. Badal said that the SAD and INLD had contested the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls together and there was hardly anything objectionable in it. “Late Chaudhary Devi Lal and his family have close ties with us, so both of us will contest these polls together” he added.
Later on while addressing a mammoth gathering the Chief Minister listed the initiatives taken by the state government to emerge Punjab as a major hub of Super Specialty treatment across the globe. He said that the setting up of the Homi Bhabha Cancer Treatment and Research Center at Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) was a right step towards this direction. Mr. Badal said that the state government has already made elaborate arrangements to provide state of the art treatment to the patients afflicted with the cancer in the Government Medical Colleges at Amritsar, Patiala and Faridkot besides the upcoming ultra modern Cancer treatment centers in Bathinda and Sangrur. He further said that the state government had also initiated a cashless treatment scheme for the cancer patients besides making efforts to provide subsidized medicines to them.
Likewise, the Chief Minister said that the state government had already declared a war on drugs and crores of Rupees were being spent on the establishment of Drug de-addiction centers and Rehabilitation centers for drug addicts across the state. Highlighting the significance of Skill training, Mr. Badal said that the state government was fully seized with the problem of growing unemployment and the only solution to tackle this menace, especially amongst the college/ school drop outs, was to impart Skill training in different fields to enable them to earn their livelihood. He said that the state government has set a target of training nearly one lakh youth annually under various skill development programs in order to cater the needs of the local industry.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani and Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Lok Sabha MP Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Chaudhary Nand Lal, Chairman District Planning Committee Dr. Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Chaudhary Mohan Lal Banga, senior Akali leaders Mrs. Satinder Kaur Kariha and Mr. Jagteshwar Singh Majithia, Principal Secretary Health Mrs. Vinnie Mahajan, his Special Principal Secretary Dr. S Karunaraju, Managing Director Punjab Health Systems Corporation Mr. Hussan Lal and Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Anandita Mitra.
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Joint US, Japanese educational delegation visits KCPS

AMRITSAR, SEPT 6

A unique joint delegation, comprising educationists from United States and Japan today visited Khalsa College Public School (KCPS) and witnessed amalgamation of cultural dances and music programs. They also had a firsthand experience of imparting of educational instructions in classrooms.

 The delegates were from renowned university including Universities of Stanford, Oregon, Rhode Island of USA and Universities of Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan. KCPS students presented cultural extravaganza including traditional Punjabi dances Gidda, Bhangra, Jagoo and Japanese dance of `Saiyo Nara’ to welcome the delegates who were overwhelmed to see the talent.

 The visit was part of the inter-cultural exchange programs between various countries, said Principal Dr. Sarvjit Brar. She said they were exploring the avenues for more educational exchange programs in future too.

Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina honoured the guests and stated that it is a rare opportunity and motivational experience for students to interact with the faculty and scholars of the world renowned universities. 

 Sonia Dhillon Marty coordinator of the delegation said the visit was part of their program for studying cultures around the world and educational instruction methods. The delegation also visited historic Khalsa College and along with the Principal Dr.Mehal Singh they took a round of the college corridors and praised its architectural designs and art.

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CM gives nod to establish new mandi township at Samana

  CHANDIGARH, SEPT 6

In a bid to ensure excellent infrastructure and better marketing facilities to both the farmers and traders, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal gave approval for transferring 28 acres, 05 kanals and13 marlas  land  to the Nagar Council, Samana in district Patiala for setting up new mandi township  .

 Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said Mr. Badal also cleared the file for issuance of notification in this regard under section 3 of the Punjab New Mandi Townships (Development and Regulation) Act.

It may be recalled that the Punjab Cabinet has already given its nod to the state Agriculture Department to transfer 33 mandis including Samana mandi established by the erstwhile Pepsu government to the local government in November, 2012.

Punjab all set to mechanize harvesting of green peas

CHANDIGARH, SEPT 6
Punjab is all set to undertake entire peas farming operations through hi- tech mechanization and the clearance to procure 'Green Peas Harvesting Machine' by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal was a right step in the direction to bring 'Green Peas' Harvesting technology with a thrust to promote food processing industry on one hand and diversification of agriculture in the state on the other.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that, the Chief Minister gave nod to purchase this ultra modern machine from Holland based firm Ploeger at a cost of Rs 3.50 crore for the mechanized plucking of peas, which would not only curtail the labour cost but also enhance the value addition as the peas plucked through this machine would be 100% utilized for processing. The state government through Punjab Agri Export Corporation Limited has identified Green Peas Harvestor of Hollond and was being imported as a prototype. The main purpose for introducing this harvester in the Punjab was to mechanize green peas harvesting technologies. This effort of the state government would help the farmers/processors to enhance area under peas and also result in diversification in agriculture. It has also decided to develop indigenous harvester and successful working of above Holland make machine. The indigenous machines would be developed at much lower cost once a prototype was available. It may be recalled that against 40 lakh Metric Ton of Peas produced in India only 10% were processed resulting in 1.25 lakh metric ton of frozen peas. On the contrary developed countries like UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Netherlands and USA indulged in 100% processing of peas because these countries had processing plants with mechanized harvesting operations of huge capacity.
The spokesperson further said that Punjab was the only state of the country which was endowed with excellent agro ecological conditions such as climate, soil, water, sunshine, etc., which were highly conducive for growing of several varieties of various crops. Predominantly, cereal crop productivity in the state has reached a plateau and cost of cultivation was increasing at a much faster pace than that of the final selling price. Therefore, the state government was laying thrust on cultivation of Fruits and Vegetables, as an alternative crop to ensure better remunerative prices to the farmers. However, absence of requisite harvesting machinery and cool chain Infrastructure has adversely hampered distribution, processing and exports of horticultural produce.
As the farmers of Punjab were gradually taking up cultivation of horticulture crops viz. fruits& vegetables, thus it has been felt that comprehensive Infrastructure Development like harvesting machinery, setting up of nurseries, proper collection, handling, transportation, sorting, controlled atmosphere cold storage, processing facilities and a marketing network were the need of the hour. Thus, in order to enhance area under vegetables and give a boost to diversification in agriculture besides encouraging food processing industry in the state, the Punjab Government has decided to introduce mechanized harvesting of green peas and other vegetables in the state, which would not only bring down the cost of harvesting but would also help the farmers to take up another additional crop as its harvesting period would be reduced by over one month.
It may be recalled that at the national level 40 Lacs MT of Green Peas was produced mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan out of which, only 10% was processed, with annual production of around 1.25 lac MT of Frozen Green Peas. Likewise, Pea was the most popular crop of Punjab and in the year 2012-13 Green Peas were grown on 20,326 hectares across the state with production of 2,08,171 MT. Out of this only 10-15% was processed by Frozen Vegetables Processing Plants located in the state. Due to the manual picking of Green Peas farmers faced huge problems in organizing semi-skilled women labour, which not only increases the cost of Green Peas but also restricts adequate quantity supplies to the processing industry. Owing to this more than 50-60% demand of Green Peas Processing Industry was met through procurement from the adjoining States like Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand.
Presently, the farmers of Punjab were gradually taking up cultivation of horticulture crops viz. fruits & vegetables. During 1996-97, the production of vegetables was 16.99 lac MT which has gone up to 41.02 lac MT during 2013-14. Pea is the most popular crop of Punjab and Patiala,Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Gurdaspur, Sangrur, Faridkot are major fruits & vegetables growing districts in the state of Punjab.

Badal for periodic maintenance and repair of entire road infrastructure

Chandigarh, Aug 23

          In a bid to strengthening and upgrading the entire road network envisaging National highways, State highways, Main District Roads (MDR), other district roads and link roads, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Advisor Roads to state government Major General (Retd.) MS Pillai to formulate a master-plan for periodic maintenance and repair of total length of 60676 kilometers of roads.

          A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister in a high level meeting with the Chief Engineers of the Public Works Department, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Punjab Mandi Board and Border Roads Organization (BRO) here at his residence this afternoon.

          Taking part in deliberations, the Chief Minister also asked Major General (Retd.) Pillai to put in place an effective mechanism to ensure proper usage of material for building roads as per the stipulated norms on one hand and do away with the practice of putting exaggerated estimates on the other. He also impressed upon Major General (Retd.) Pillai to involve elected representatives of people to ensure quality check, which he termed as 'social audit', for better construction of roads and its longevity. Mr. Badal also asked the concerned authorities to ensure that side drains/ cross drainage works of link roads must be completed before the commencement of the roadwork. He also appreciated the ABC classification of link roads on the basis of traffic density so that routine maintenance funds could be allotted to these roads as per their classification.

          The Chief Minister also asked the Advisor roads to prepare a comprehensive proposal for seeking central assistance for the upgradation of state's entire road sector right from link roads to national highways. Mr. Badal said that he would soon meet the Union Defence Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley to seek his personal intervention for getting special funds for the repair and upgradation of Border Roads in the state.

          Underscoring the need to strengthen the rural road network in the state, the Chief Minister asked Mr. Pillai to lay special emphasis on the meticulous planning/ designing and quality assurance for the construction of link roads as these factors had been blatantly ignored so far resulting in poor construction work and hefty amount to be spent on their repair time and again. Mr. Badal also asked the officers of the PWD and Mandi Board to jointly work out a time bound action plan for the periodic repair and upgradation of these arties of rural Punjab, which had played a crucial role in the overall development of these areas. Likewise, he also emphasized to enhance the carriageway width of the Link roads from the existing 3.5-5.5 metres to atleast 10 metres for the decongestion of traffic as a part of futuristic planning.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Cabinet Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Secretary PWD Mr. PS Aujla, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. Ajoy Sharma and Dr S Karunaraju and Chief Engineer Project Chetak BRO Mr. MS Sodhi.   

BISA to establish Ludhiana as its headquarters

CHANDIGARH AUGUST 23
The new Director General of Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) Mr. HS Gupta along with International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre CIMMYT’s Regional Representative Director of Research for South Asia Dr. Etienne Duveiller called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal late last evening at his residence.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that during the meeting Mr. Gupta apprised the Chief Minister about progress of the prestigious Centre of ‘Borlaug Institute for South Asia’ (BISA) that was being established in the state at Ludhiana under the auspices of Mexico-based International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT). The Master Plan for BISA’s Ludhiana had been finalized and Construction work would be started soon, informed Mr. Gupta.
The Director General who had recently taken the charge also mentioned that considering the strong desire and concern of Mr. Badal to improve the financial condition of state’s agriculture sector hence that of the beleaguered farmers, who had been plummeting financially day by day because of non- remunerative price of their produce, the BISA had decided to setup their headquarter at Ludhiana after the entire construction work would be completed. Expressing his gratitude to the Chief Minister for all the help and Cooperation from the state government side, he said that the a 7-member Coordinate Committee had been established for the smooth functioning of the Institute.
He said that they had also chalked out a long range implication programme for the state and presently initiated the research work at various levels with the help of PAU Ludhiana to develop new verity crops of better yield with less consumption of water besides preserving soil health by enhancing the Nitrogen contents in it. The Executive Committee of BISA would also visit Punjab on August 30, added Mr. Gupta.
Expressing satisfaction over the progress, Mr. Badal asked Director General to make each unit functional simultaneously as its Infrastructure being raised instead of waiting the constructional of entire Institution and then made it functional. Mr. Badal also hoped that this Institute would prove to be a mile stone to herald the second green revolution by encouraging the value added crops like Maize, Basmati and Oil seeds ultimately helping our farmers to come out of the rut of wheat-paddy cycle.
Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. K.J.S. Cheema and Gaggandip Singh Brar, besides Chief Soil Conservator Dr. BS Sidhu and Sr. Research Engineer BISA Dr. Harminder Singh Sidhu.

Army to set up drug deaddition centres in Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur and Jalandhar

CHANDIGSRH, AUG 14

          Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today offered fulsome support and cooperation to the Army for the setting up of drug de-addiction centers in the border districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur besides at Jalandhar.

          An assurance to this effect was given by the Chief Minister to the General Officer in Commanding-in-Chief Western Command Lieutenant General KJ Singh, AVSM, who called on him at his residence this afternoon.

          The Chief Minister assured of all possible help for this philanthropic cause and asked the Army Officer and state government officers to jointly work out the modalities for the establishment of such centers. He also offered to allot land free of cost to the Army authorities for these Drug de-addiction centers to be manned by them. Likewise, Mr. Badal also impressed upon the top officer of Western Command to work out a plan for a big project for the development of Border areas jointly with the state government in core sectors of Health and Education, which were currently in a state of sheer neglect due to apathetic attitude of the previous Union government towards this genuine cause.

          The Chief Minister said that since Army had vast experience and expertise to handle such projects efficiently that's why he was insisting to optimally utilise their potential for the successful implementation of these schemes. He also narrated his success story of roping in the services of top Army brass in efficaciously running the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Academy at Mohali, rejuvenation of prestigious Dashmesh Academy at Sri Anandpur Sahib, bringing transparency in the Punjab Public Service Commission and recently handing over the prestigious projects of special schools to a senior most Army officer at the helm of affairs.

          Responding to the proposals put forth by the Chief Minister for setting up of Drug de-addiction centers and a prestigious project in border area aimed at providing the best Health and Education facilities, Lieutenant General KJ Singh welcomed this initiative adding he said the Army would leave no stone unturned in realising these dream projects of Chief Minister into reality. He said both these projects could be aptly implemented with mutual participation of Army and state government.

          Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for extending all possible support and cooperation to the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General KJ Singh said that the Punjab Model was best in the country for successfully managing the affairs of PESCO besides safeguarding the interest of ex-servicemen, with perceptible large concentration in the state. He also lauded the state government's unique initiative for building state-of-the Art war museum at Amritsar-Attari road to showcase the gallantry deeds of Army officers and soldiers. Lieutenant General KJ Singh also appreciated Chief Minister's vision for the upcoming Armed Forces Preparatory Academy for Girls at Mohali after beaming success of similar institute for boys, to maintain state's enviable position in the Armed services since time immemorial, which had gradually declined over the past several years.        

          The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretaries Mr. KJS Cheema and Dr. S Karunraju and CMD PESCO Lieutenant General (Retd.) Kuldeep Singh. 

Dope test mandatory during recruitment process

CHANDIGARH, AUG 14

          With a view to containing the entry of drug addicts in the state government services, the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, today gave his nod for making the clearance of 'Dope Test' mandatory during the recruitment process in all departments of the state government.

          A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister, while presiding over a high level meeting to review the arrangements for Drug de-addiction and Rehabilitation of drug addicts in the state, here at CMO, this morning.

          Taking part in deliberations, the Chief Minister said that the necessary amendments must be made in the existing rules to incorporate necessary provisions in them for ensuring that any person selected for the government service must clear the 'Dope Test' during his Medical test. He said that if the report of 'Dope Test' of any aspirant was found negative then he/ she must be debarred from joining the government service. Mr. Badal said that this would not only encourage the youth to shun away the menace of drugs but it would also ensure that Healthy officers/ officials join the service in the future. "This is the need of the hour so as to combat the menace of drugs in a more effective manner" he added.

          Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister also asked the Divisional Commissioners present in the meeting to personally visit the Drug de-addiction centers falling in their jurisdiction to have first hand information about the working of these centers. He said that effective monitoring of these centers was very important so that drug addicts could be imparted quality treatment and diagnostic facilities. Mr. Badal asked the officers to ensure that rather than being a mere formality these meetings should be result oriented.

          The Chief Minister also asked the officers to appoint a Nodal Officer to monitor the day-to-day functioning of these centers besides maintaining proper record for this. He said that this officer must compile the weekly report regarding the working of these centers and submit it to the officers of the state government at Chandigarh.  

          Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister also asked the officers of the state government to explore the feasibility of maintaining a centralized database of the all the drug de-addiction centers so as to check the misuse of medicines by the drug addicts. He said that the Drug addicts undergoing treatment at these centers must be issued identity proofs so as to ensure that they could not avail the medical treatment from more than one center. 

          The Chief Minister also asked his Technical Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd.) BS Dhaliwal to negotiate the terms and conditions with the NBCC to construct the Rehabilitation Centers at the earliest so that drug addicts could be brought back into the mainstream.

          During the meeting the Chief Minister was apprised that 50 bedded Drug de-addiction centers at Patiala, Jalandhar and Bathinda would be made operational by the end of this year. Likewise, he was also informed that the process of recruiting the staff from Drug de-addiction centers across the state would be completed by end of this month. Mr. Badal was also informed that that the Drug de-addiction drive was getting a positive response from the people as OPD in the drug de-addiction centers across the state have crossed two lakh.

          Taking part in deliberations Dr. Ajit Awasthi hailed the Chief Minister for taking unprecedented steps to check Drug addiction in the state. He said that due to the personal initiatives of Mr. Badal the state government has been able to channelize its resources well in time to check the curse of drugs. Dr. Awasthi even said that the massive infra structure roped in by the state government was many times more than the other states and even the western countries that were confronting the same problem.

          Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa and Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, Technical Advisor to Chief Minister Lieutenant General (Retd.) BS Dhaliwal, Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Health Mrs. Vinnie Mahajan, Secretary Home Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Dr. S Karunaraju, Principal Secretary Jails Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Commissioners of Jalandhar, Patiala and Ferozepur Divisions Mr. R Venkatratnam, Mr. Ajit Singh Pannu and Mr. VK Sharma respectively, Special Secretary Health Mr. Vikas Garg, Director Health Dr. Ramanjeet Singh and Chief Architect Ms. Swapna.   

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President’s Police Medal for GD Pandey

Ganesh Dutt Pandey

14 Punjab Police officers/officials to get Police Medal for meritorious service
CHANDIGARH, AUG 14
 Mr. Ganesh Dutt Pandey, IPS, DGP –cum-Commandant General, Home Guards & Director Civil Defence, Punjab has been awarded President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service on the occasion of Independence Day-2014..
         According to a spokesman of Punjab Police 14 other police officer/officials Mr. Khubi Ram, IGP Security, Punjab, Mr. Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh, DIG/Jalandhar Range, Mr. Surinder Pal Singh Parmar, DIG-cum-Joint Director, MRS PPA Phillaur , Punjab , Mr. Harcharan Singh Bhullar, SP-cum-Commandant 4th Commando BN, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, Mr. Gurmeet Singh Chauhan, SSP, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab , Mr. Swarandeep Singh, SP, City-1, SAS Nagar, Mr.  Balwinder Singh, Commandant 82nd  PAP, Chandigarh, Punjab , Mr. Simar Pal Singh Dhindsa, AIG, CI, Operation, Chandigarh, Punjab, Mr.  Joban Singh, DSP, CID Unit SAS Nagar, Gurwinder Singh, DSP (C&R), ACP, Amritsar South, Punjab, Mr. Lakhbir Singh, Inspector (LR), SHO City, Tarn Taran, Punjab , Mr. Darshan Singh, Inspector, PRTC, Jahan Khelan, Punjab, Mr. Sucha Singh, Sub Inspector, PRTC, Jahan Khelan, Punjab  and Mr.  Kulwant Singh , ASI, City Traffic, Ludhiana, Punjab, have been awarded Police Medal for Meritorious Service
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`Teej' celebrated at KCW with fervor and gaiety

AMRITSAR, AUG 2
`Teej' was celebrated with fervor and gaiety as young students clad in colourful Punjabi costumes, danced to the tunes of traditional Punjabi music at Khalsa College for Women (KCW), here today. The girls recited `Bolian’ (verses from folk music) and performed `Gidda’ to welcome `Savana’, the rain month, with which the festival is associated.
The girls took to Punjabi folk dance to the beat of Dhol. ``The event is dedicated to the girls’ power’’, said KCW Principal Dr.Sukhbir Kaur Mahal who herself performed Gidda and said the festivals reminds us of the good times.
She said that the festival is traditionally celebrated in Punjab during the month of rain and hoped that traditional festivals like these would not be forgotten by younger generation, who spend most of their times on inter-net and watching movies.
``This is the perhaps only festival which is meant entirely for girls’’, said she. We are happy that the girls with active guidance of their teachers organized such an extravaganza meticulously’’, said she. Prof. Jatinder Kaur, Prof Ravinder Kaur, Prof.Manpreet Kaur, were present along with other staff and students.
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CHANDIGARH, JULY 30
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo and former Union Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav for seeking his personal intervention to duly compensate the Sikh families, who have suffered huge losses during the recent incidents of violence in Saharanpur district.
During the telephonic conversation, the Chief Minister apprised Mr. Yadav that the Sikh brethren living in Uttar Pradesh has contributed tremendously in the development of the state in general and that of Saharanpur district in particular. He said that the UP government must ensure the security of the Sikh brethren living in the every corner of Uttar Pradesh, so that this minority does not get a feeling of alienation. Mr. Badal also assured fulsome support and cooperation to the former Chief Minister of UP to tackle this critical situation.
Mr Mulayam Singh assured the Punjab Chief Minister that the UP government was fully committed to ensure the well being of every single person living in the state adding that every effort was being made to maintain peace and amity in the state.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Sikhs from Saharanpur led by Mr. Gurpreet Singh Bagga called on the Chief Minister at his residence this afternoon. The delegation gave detailed information to Mr. Badal about the situation in strife torn Saharanpur district and sought his personal intervention for safeguarding the interest of Sikhs in the state. They also urged the Chief Minister to impress upon the UP government for cancellation of the false cases against the members of Sikh community in Saharanpur.
Reiterating that the clashes at Saharanpur were an unfortunate incident, the Chief Minister appealed the people especially the Sikh community to maintain peace, amity and communal harmony at all cost in this hour of crisis, as preached by our great gurus, seers and prophets. He also appealed the people to exercise restraint in these circumstances by displaying the ethos of religious tolerance, unity and brotherhood.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.
The other members of delegation included Baba Harmohan Singh, Mr. IP Singh and Mr. Parbhjeet.

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Badal asks officers to conduct interviews for psychiatrist doctors

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

 AMRITSAR, JULY 28 

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

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

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

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

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

Dr Anshu Kataria takes charge as CMA President

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

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

AMRITSAR, JULY 24

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

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

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NCC Air Wing `Air Show’ at Khalsa College

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

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

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

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

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

AMRITSAR, JULY 18

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

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

 

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

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