Governor honours NCC cadets who laurels to Punjab

by Punjabnewswire4u
CHANDIGARH, JAN 31
Honouring NCC cadets today at Punjab Raj Bhawan, who have brought laurels to the State of Punjab by participating in the Republic Day Parade and Prime Minister’s Rally held in New Delhi, the Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh, Mr. Shivraj V. Patil said that he was pleased to learn that every year cadets from Punjab come out with flying colours by winning maximum medals as compared to other states. He  also welcome all those cadets who have achieved rare distinction in various national level competitions and brought glory to the State of Punjab.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Patil said the Youth is a vital part of every society whose energies if tapped properly and utilized for constructive purposes the nation can scale new heights in all spheres of life. He said today NCC organization is not only confined to imparting military training to the youngsters but it also equips the youth to undertake social services activities to serve the humanity in a better way. It is due to the training and inspiration given by the NCC organization that our cadets are able to discharge significant duties such as regulating  traffic, tele-communication services, civil defence, night patrolling and during national crises. During peace times also they are contributing substantially in the field of social services like blood donation, eye-donation, cleanliness, tree plantation, adult education, AIDS awareness and by campaigning against superstitions and social evils, he added.
The Governor further said that there was no doubt that NCC training inculcates the qualities of character, leadership, discipline and the spirit of patriotism in cadets and thus makes them responsible citizens. He said that military training should also include adventure sports to cultivate the qualities of courage, unstinted faith in the self and the spirit of adventure in the cadets.
Keeping in view the positive role played by NCC, Mr. Patil suggested that NCC training should be made compulsory in all schools and colleges. He said he was happy to know that the Punjab Government has started four new NCC units and two World Class NCC training academies at Malout and Ropar in the State.
Congratulating all the officers and other staff who worked hard and made these youngsters capable of taking part in Republic Day Parade, he also congratulated NCC cadets who have made us proud.
Describing brief achievements and activities of NCC, Brig. R.P.S. Sandhu, NCC Group Commander, said with approximately 14 lakh cadet NCC is the largest uniformed youth organization of its kind in the world. He said it was through this organization that efforts were being made to channelize the tremendous power and the potential of the youth of India in the right direction, so that these future builders of our Nation are able to shoulder responsibilities in each walk of life.
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included, Mr. Roshan Sunkaria, Principal Secretary, Higher Education, Punjab, Maj. Gen. G.S. Cheema, Additional Director General NCC, Sh. Tarsem Dhariwal, Director of Public Instruction Punjab and NCC officers.
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Now harsher punishment for food adulteration in Punjab

by Punjabnewswire4u.
SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB, JAN 31
   In a bid to check adulteration of food in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the state government would soon introduce a bill for awarding severest of severe punishment to the people indulging in this heinous crime.
          Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan program in Sri Muktsar Sahib assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that the state government was fully committed to check this menace, which was a major health hazard for the residents. He said that the bill for making strict provisions to check adulteration of food would be presented in the coming session of the state assembly. “Harsher punishment will be stipulated in this bill for all those persons indulging in such malpractices” added Mr. Badal.
          Coming down heavily on the UPA government, the Chief Minister termed the recent decision of the Union government to enhance the number of subsidized LPG cylinders from nine to 12 as a ‘political stunt’. Mr. Badal said that it was a ‘face saving’ exercise of the Congress led UPA government. Questioning the motive behind this decision, he said that there was no cap on such cylinders in the past but in an anti-people move the Union government had imposed this limit and now keeping in view the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, the UPA was trying to befool the people by increasing the subsidized cylinders. However Mr. Badal said that the voters would not get swayed away with such tantrums of the UPA and would teach a befitting lesson to the Congress in the coming polls.
          When asked to comment on the admission of Prof. Devinder Pal Bhullar’s mercy plea by the Apex Court, the Chief Minister described it as a welcome step.
          The Chief Minister further said that there was hardly any need for another probe in the killings of Sikhs in 1984 as several earlier enquiries into the matter had already indicted the Congress leaders for their dubious role in the matter. He said that any further enquiry would aggravate the woes of the victims of this massacre by delaying the process of justice for another couple of years. Mr. Badal reiterated that it was totally wrong to compare the Sikh carnage of 1984 with Ghodra riots, as the former was a planned execution of the Sikhs by the then Union government.  
On another query pertaining to the resignation submitted by Uttarakhand Chief Minister on the directions of the Congress high command, the Chief Minister said that though it was an internal matter of the party but frustrated by the ‘Modi wave’ Congress leadership was sacrificing its Chief Ministers in the hope of getting votes of the people. He said that the responsibility of the debacle of the Congress in recently concluded polls in four states lies with the top leadership including Mr. Rahul Gandhi but the frustrated Congress party was making the Chief Ministers as scapegoats just to save the skin of Nehru-Gandhi scion. Mr. Badal said that the crystal clear verdict of the four states was in the favor of Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and was against the Gandhi family.
          Squarely blaming the Congress party for pursuing the policy of ‘Divide and Rule’, the Chief Minister held it responsible for the black days of terrorism in the state. On the other hand he said that the credit of putting the state on the path of resurgence goes to the SAD-BJP alliance government. Mr. Badal said that due to the concerted efforts of the state government Punjab has today emerged as an epitome of communal harmony, peace and amity across the country.
         Earlier addressing the gatherings during Sangat Darshan in various parts of the city, the Chief Minister announced that special town planning of Sri Muktsar Sahib city would be conducted by the government to develop this sacred place on modern lines. He said that the officers of the town planning department would soon visit the city for conducting the entire planning of the city to ensure its overall development.  Likewise, Mr. Badal also said that the state government has already embarked a scheme to provide basic civic amenities to all the towns and cities of the state.
          The Chief Minister also announced that the state government would soon launch a toll free number to check the drug peddling in the state. He said that the Police authorities would launch this number on which anyone could make a call and inform the Police about the drug peddling in their area. Mr. Badal, while soliciting the support from general public, said that the drug menace could be checked only with the active cooperation of the general public and the state.
Earlier the Chief Minister also inaugurated newly constructed office of Municipal Council, Sewerage Treatment Plant on Ballamgarh Road and Water works on Tibbi Sahib Road involving a cost of nearly Rs 15 crore.
Likewise the Chief Minister also laid down the foundation stone of constructing District Jail on Ferozepur Road at a cost of Rs 78 crore.
          The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, former Chairman of Municipal Council Mr. Mit Singh Brar, senior Akali leaders Mr. Manjeet Singh Barkandi, Mr. Kanwaljeet Singh Rozy Barkandi and Mr. Manjinder Singh Bittu, Chairman of Punjab Agro Food grains Corporation Mr. Dyaal Singh Kolianwali, his Special Principal Secretaries Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Paramjit Singh and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Mr. Amar Singh Chahal. 
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700-bed Khalsa Medical College to be set up in Amritsar

by Punjabnewswire4u

AMRITSAR, JAN 31

 With the view to meet increasing demand of health services and medical education in border region, Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) today unveiled an ambitious project of new Khalsa Medical College (KMC), here. The College, which will have 700-bed-ultra-modern hospital, will come up in next three years at the estimated cost of Rs.200 crore. 

Talking to media persons, KCGC honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina said this would be one of the most modern College and Hospital with latest technology and equipment to be imported from Israel. He said they would also offer round-the-clock ambulance service apart from a world-class OPD, Indoor Patient Care and high-tech Diagnostic Centres. 

The students from the border region, he said would get international level medical education in all 17 medical disciplines. This would be KCGC’s 18^th top educational institution as the society is already running 17 colleges and schools including historic Khalsa College. The KMC will come up at 20 acres of land in the backyard of Khalsa College and in first phase the sprawling complex of modern seven-story-hospital would be set up. 

``The hospital alone will cost Rs.84 crore’’, said Chhina adding that KCGC President Satyajit Singh Majithia would shortly lay the foundation stone of the new College. He said they conceived the idea following huge demand for professional courses especially in the health sector and medical education. He said in the beginning they will seek 100 MBBS seats which would be later increased. He said this was huge project that will be one of the most important decisions taken by KCGC in the recent history. 

He said they would produce world class doctors and would also focus on the high-speed, well-equipped Ambulance service. ``We have provisions even for the Air Ambulances in the hospital to be constructed’’, said he. The hospital itself will be spread in 6.0 lakhs square feet complex. ``This will not be entirely a commercial venture and it would be run by the Khalsa College Charitable Society (KCCS), the poor and needy would be treated and given medical education at the lower costs’’, announced Chhina. 

Others present during the announcement included additional honourary secretary Swinder Singh Kathunangal, joint secretary Nirmal Singh, Ajmer Singh Heir, Dr.HS Soch, Rajbir Singh, Members KCGC Principal Jagdish Singh, PS Sethi, Principal Dr.Daljit Singh.

 

Badal pleads with Centre to recast Indian Constitution

by Punjabnewswire4u

LUDHIANA, JAN 26

          Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the Centre to recast the Indian Constitution to ensure the implementation of the spirit of federalism as envisaged by its founding fathers led by Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar.

          Addressing the gathering after unfurling the national tri-colour here at Guru Nanak Stadium on the occasion of 65^th Republic Day, the Chief Minister said that with the passage of time the Centre was gradually encroaching upon the rights of states as enshrined in the state list, like Agriculture, Health and Education, of Constitution thereby drifting away from the basic essence of Federalism to unitary character. He said, “It is pitiable condition of the states which are merely relegated to the position of subordinates to discharge trivial functions for instance transferring a District Agriculture Officer from Ludhiana to Jalandhar and vice versa whereas it has no control over the significant issues related to the welfare of farmers such as fixation of the rates of agriculture inputs and the corresponding MSP of the crops”.

          The Chief Minister bemoaned the very soul and spirit of the Indian constitution as infused by its architect Dr. Ambedkar has been taken out deliberately by the Centre to weaken the states on one hand and dilute its federal character on the other. Shaking the conscious of policy makers at the helms of affairs in national capital, he asked them to shun away the decades long practice of arbitrarily doling grants to its favorites at the cost of discriminating the others like Punjab adding he said, “It is the high time now to awake from deep slumber to sanction central grants liberally without any riders thereby respecting the very sanctity of Indian constitution”.       

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for thorough introspection to ascertain the correct position where the Centre has failed to implement the basic spirit of sacred constitution as enshrined in its preamble stipulating a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic, whereas in contravention to this dictum the Union government has failed on all fronts in terms of safeguarding the nation’s integrity from internal as well as external aggression adding that its inability to uphold the ethos of secularism, communal harmony and amity across the country. On the other hand he lauded the Punjabis for maintaining peace, communal harmony and brotherhood in the state despite stiff provocation from its hostile neighbor bordering Pakistan.

 Mr. Badal slammed the Centre for Punjab being constantly ignored and being targeted for Government of India’s (GoI’s) apathy best known to it. Centre’s discriminatory attitude has once again deprived Punjab of its due share of Industrial Concessions being extended for another term of five years to the neighboring states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarkhand. He categorically said that we were not against giving these concessions to our neighbors but at the same time they were equally concerned for sanctioning these incentives to Punjab, where Industry was now its lifeline especially when our main stay agriculture has reached a plateau.

The Chief Minister lamented that the state government has initiated efforts on its own to woo the country’s top business tycoons to invest in Punjab but this negativity on the part of Union would certainly derail our efforts to put Punjab on track of Industrialization. He said that by organizing the progressive Punjab Investor’s Summit recently the state government has garnered an investment worth Rs 65000 crore for Punjab but the Centre’s fatal move would adversely impact the investment sentiment in the state. Making a fervent appeal to the centre, Mr. Badal impressed upon the GoI to review its policy of sanctioning industrial incentives to hilly states by according a similar package to Punjab to strengthen its industrial base.

The Chief Minister reminded the centre of enormous contribution of Punjabis’s in the national freedom struggle. Citing that above 80% people who were either martyred, exiled or imprisoned for life term were Punjabis, he said our brave Punjabi soldiers have ever safeguarded the integrity of country from external aggression and internal disturbances besides the hard working and resilient Punjabi farmers made the country self reliant in food production despite having just 2.5% of country’s total area. Mr. Badal said that Punjab was the land of Gurus, Saints and Seers and we the Punjabis have inherited an indomitable spirit of self sacrifice from our great gurus Sri Guru Arjun Dev, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Chief Minister said that Punjabis were all the more proud for this sacred land from where the pivotal movements of freedom struggle like Kuka, Pagri Sambhal, Ghadar, Gurudwara Reform, Babbar Akali and others were spearheaded. Mr. Badal said that despite Punjab’s outstanding track record in every field, it has been deliberately ignored from giving its due status and recognition for its rare feet, which was nothing but a sheer humiliation for the entire country       

The Chief Minister said that the state government was committed for the welfare of all sections of the society especially the poor and the disadvantaged ones. He said that the state government has come out with several pro-poor welfare schemes such as the widening the ambit of Atta-Dal scheme from existing 16 to 32 lakh beneficiary families, grant of Rs 2500 per month as scholarship to the poor and bright students under Dr Hargobind Khurana scheme, free bicycles to girl students under Mai Bhago Istri Vidya Scheme, Cashless cancer treatment scheme, Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima Yojana and others. Mr. Badal said that despite of limited resources the state has performed extremely well in the core sectors of Health and Education where Punjab has been ranked number one and rated excellent in these fields respectively.              

Earlier, the Chief Minister took salute from an impressive parade comprising the contingents of Punjab Police, Home Guards, PAP, Police Band, NCC, Bharat Scouts and Guides led by DSPs Mr. Amandeep Singh and Mr. Jasbir Singh.

The Chief Minister also gave away tricycles to the physically challenged and swing machines to the poor and needy women. A colorful variety program by the school children besides a mass PT show by the tiny tots regaled the audience.

Later on the Chief Minister also flagged off a series of Tableaux depicting the overall development of the state especially the district administration.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister honored ten renowned personalities in recognition to their outstanding performance in their respective fields.  

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, Advisor Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Chairman District Planning Committee Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh besides several eminent personalities from different walks of life and leaders and workers of SAD-BJP alliance.    

 

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Munawar Massih gets three years extention

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com

CHANDIGARH, JAN 25

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave his nod to grant an extension to the Chairman of Punjab State Minorities Commission Mr. Munawar Massih for another term of three years.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the file pertaining to this appointment was cleared by the Chief Minister this morning. As per the orders, Mr. Massih has been reappointed as the Chairman of the Commission w.e.f. January 22, 2014 to January 22, 2017.

The formal orders regarding this appointment would be issued soon, added the spokesperson.   

President's Police medal for GS Sahota and Harpal Singh

by Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, JAN 25

Mr. Gurdev Singh Sahota, IPS, ADGP, Armed Batallions, Jalandhar and Inspector Harpal Singh Mansa have been awarded President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service on the occasion of Republic Day-2014. Late Gurdial Singh, ASI has been awarded President’s Police Medal for Gallantry posthumously.

          According to a spokesman of Punjab Police  Mr.  Arun Pal Singh, DIG, Jalandhar, Punjab ,  Mr. Shive Kumar Verma, DIG, Patiala, Punjab , Mr. Rajeshwar Singh Sidhu, SP, Mansa, Punjab , Mr Chand Singh, DSP, Patiala, Punjab , Mr. Rattan Lal, Inspector, Chandigarh, Punjab , Mr. Gurjinder Singh, Inspector, Amritsar, Punjab, Mr.  Nirmal Singh, Inspector, 1st Cdo Battalion Patiala, Punjab, Mr.  Slamudeen , Inspector, CID Punjab Chandigarh, Punjab, Mr. Iqbal Singh, SI CR, RTC PAP Jalandhar, Punjab , Mr. Gurpinderpal Singh, SI CR, CIA Staff Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, Mr. Bahadur Singh, ASI, SSG SAS Nagar, Punjab, Mr. Balwinder Singh, ASI, Punjab Police Election Cell Chandigarh, Punjab , Mr Amar Chand, ASI, DPO Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab have been awarded Police Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion. 

CM okays creating post of ADC in Jagraon

by Punjabnewswire4u

AMRITSAR, JAN 25

In a move to facilitate the people residing in and around Jagraon, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave his nod for creating the post of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in Jagraon.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the file regarding to this was cleared by Mr. Badal this morning. As per the orders, the Chief Minister has gave his approval to create the post of ADC in Jagraon. Ex-post facto approval for the creation of new post of ADC would be sought in the next Cabinet meeting.

It might be recalled that the residents of Jagraon had been demanding the deployment of ADC in the city since long as they had to rush to Ludhiana for their routine administrative works. This citizen friendly decision would help the local residents of the region to save lot of their time, money and energy.    

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740 students awarded degrees at KCE’s 58th Convocation

by Punjabnewswire4u

AMRITSAR, JAN 25

As many as 740 students from B.Ed and M.Ed. classes were awarded degrees at Khlasa College of Education (KCE)’s 58^th Annual Convocation here today. In his convocational address, National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) Chairperson Prof. Santosh Kumar Panda called in for revamping of the education system which he said must be made more `functional’.

Prof. Panda said teacher’s profession is the most noble and full of responsibility and he asked the degree holders who would the future teachers to help modernizing education. He said the present system of imparting education is turning obsolete and new methods of teaching and research are required to be adopted.

Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) joint secretary Gunbir Singh welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries including Guru Nanak Dev University Registrar, Dr.Inderjit Singh, KCGC additional honourary secretary Sawinder Singh Kathunangal, joint secretary and former Vice Chancellor, GNDU, Dr.HS Soch. He said the primary aim of the ducation is to make the students thinking and productive human beings to serve the community, society and nation.

KCE Principal Dr.Jaswinder Singh Dhillon earlier read the progress report of the college citing the achievements of the college in academics, cultural activities and sports. He said that under the able- leadership of KCGC, the College was progressing day and night and new infrastructure was being added under the guidance of KCGC President Satyajit Singh Majithia, vice-president  Charanjit Singh Cahdha and honourarys secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina.

Kathunangal congratulated the students who got the degrees today and wished them luck in their future profession of teaching. Others present during the function included KCGC Joint secretaries, Ajmer Singh, SS Mannan, SS Abdal, Principal Khalsa College Dr.Daljit Singh, Principal Khalsa college for Women Dr. Sukhbir Kaur Mahal, Principal Khalsa College of Education, Ranjit Avenue, Dr.Surinderpal Kaur Dhillon saff members and students.

 

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Badals honour Punjab Agro Food Grains Corporation chairman

by Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, JAN 24

          Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today felicitated the newly appointed Chairman of Punjab Agro Food Grains Corporation Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali on occasion of the assumption of charge, here at its office.

          Addressing the supporters, friends and relatives of Jathedar Kolianwali, who were converged here on this memorable event, the Chief Minister said that Jathedar Kolianwali has been duly rewarded for his unflinching trust, loyalty and honesty besides rendering relentless services to strengthen the party at the grassroots level in varied capacities ranging from a humble worker, a committed leader and above all a trusted lieutenant of the party. Mr. Badal said that he was all the more happy for the reason that Jathedar Kolianwali 'never asked him or the Deputy Chief Minister for this office' rather he unequivocally said that Jathedar Kolianwali had been appointed Chairman of one of the coveted organizations of the state government in recognition of his stupendous efforts to boost the morale of rank and file of the Shiromani Akali Dal in the state especially in the Malwa region. Lauding Jathedar Kolianwali for his sheer dedication to serve the people zealously, he expressed confidence that now the Jathedar Kolianwali would prove his credentials as an able administrator to help the farmers in smooth, prompt and hassle free procurement of food grains.

          Prominent amongst other who attended the ceremony included MLA Mr. Harpreet Singh, Akali leader Ms. Veerpal Kaur Tarmala, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary Agriculture Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu and Additional MD Punjab Agro Food grains Corporation Mr. Upjit Singh Brar.

CMA celebrates 47th “Foundation Day”

by Punjabnewswire4u
CHANDIGARH, JAN 19
Chandigarh Management Association (CMA) celebrated its 47th Foundation Day today at PHD Chamber, Sector 31, Chandigarh. On this occasion, workshops namely “Growing Talent through New Model of Higher Education” by S. Gurmeet Singh, Chairman of Baba Farid Group of Institutions, Bathinda and on “How to control Stress” by Col. Gursewak Singh were also organised. Mr. A K Gandhi, President, CMA presided over the event.
Dr. Anshu Kataria, Past President, CMA and Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges; Mr. J S Nayyar, Secretary General, CMA; Mr. P K Verma, Dr. Manoj Sharma, Mr. Gurdip Singh Deep, Mr. Charanjit Singh, Brig. S S Sawhney, Mr. Deepak K Dhingra; Mr. Rakesh Bhan etc. were also present on the occasion.
Gurmeet Singh having multifarious experience in the Education sector, very well justified his subject that new model of higher education was indeed instrumental in growing talent in our country. The views presented by him were simple but effective.
Col. Gursewak Singh, a distinguished consultant on Stress Management, specialist in marital counseling and qualified Gemologist with his excellent skill, talked to the audience in a natural way which was understandable without any effort. He explained techniques for relaxing the mind with the ultimate goal of keeping the stress away.

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48 companies to participate in Aryans Job Fest

 by Punjabnewswire4u

MOHALI, DEC 19

Forty eight companies have confirmed their participation for “Aryans Job Fest” being organized by Aryans Group of Colleges, Chandigarh today to recruit the students of the northern region for 849 vacancies. The fest is being held at Aryans Campus situated at Village Nepra, Chandigarh-Patiala Highway, Near Chandigarh. Apart from Tricity, thousands of students from North India are expected to participate in the Fest. This information was given by Dr Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges.

 Ms Tejinder Kaur, Training and Placement Officer, Aryans Group said that in this fest, job opportunities would be available for B.Tech, MBA, BBA, BCA, BA, B.Com, M.Tech, Diploma etc. The details of the Companies including the Eligibility Criteria, Number of Vacancies, Package, Job Profile etc. are already available on the Aryans website i.e. www.aryans.edu.in. She added that students need to carry 10 copies of their resumes and passport size photograph with them.

 Ms Varinder Kaur, Coordinator, Aryans Group said that in this fest, many small to big companies will participate including Advanced Technologies, Afterdoor Solutions, Airawat Group, Aldon Solutions, Ambro Group, AT Group, Beta Soft, Birla Sunlife Insurance Co.Ltd., Career Routers, CCIT, Competent Synergies, Crust Propmart Pvt.Ltd., Dark Horse, Digiweb Tech, Develop Tech, IndusInd Bank, Info wiz, Intel Gain technologies Pvt.Ltd., ISTEL Pvt.Ltd., JANDEC Corporation Pvt.Ltd., Jeronone Technologies, LIC, Megri Soft Sales, Mind Excel Systems, Mission Vision, Next Generations, Orange Corporate Solutions, Paras Technologies, Pixel Aura Pvt.Ltd., Prismatic Engineering Solutions, Punjab Trade, Revi Infotech Pvt.Ltd., Scope Telecom, Scorp Soft, Software Research Technology, Spinks World, SS Placements and Consultants, Tech Stiker, Think Next, Virtuoso Netsoft Pvt.Ltd., Vodafone, Web Deskers, Webcom Systems Pvt.Ltd., WinApp Software Solutions, WEBX Technologies etc to provide opportunities to the Job seekers in different streams.

 She further said that in India, the number of unemployed educated youths is the highest. Thus such job fests provide the youth with great job opportunities. He also said that in Punjab itself, huge job opportunities are available but there is always a gap between job seeker and job provider. Thus Aryans always tries to bridge this gap. 

 It is to be mentioned that Aryans has achieved several milestones in the field of placements last year. He added that last year about 300 companies had visited the job fest and this year about 500 companies are expected to visit the campus during job fest. The group has seen 100 per cent placement of its students and now the group is trying to get students of other colleges placed with well-known companies.

 

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PUTIA honours VC, PTU on 18th Foundation Day of PTU

By Punjabnewswire4u

MOHALI, JAN 16

Punjab Unaided Technical Institutions Association (PUTIA) honored Dr. Rajneesh Arora, VC, PTU today on the eve of 18th Foundation Day Ceremony of Punjab Technical University (PTU), Jalandhar. The function was held in Convention Hall of Pushpa Gujaral Science City, Kapurthala.

On behalf of PUTIA, Dr. J.S Dhaliwal, President, PUTIA; Dr. Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges and Convener, PUTIA; Mr. Charanjit Singh Channi, Chairman, CT Group; presented the memento and shawl to Dr Rajneesh Arora for his splendid contribution in the education sector.

It is worth mentioning that born in Fazilka, Dr. Rajneesh Arora has an unbeaten record of winning Gold Medals in Matric as well as Higher Secondary of Punjab School Education Board Examination to his credit. Dr. Arora attained B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering and Ph.D both from prestigious IIT Delhi. He joined as Vice chancellor, PTU, Jalandhar on 24 December 2008.

It is also to be mentioned that Dr. Rajneesh Arora is member of Board of Governors of IIT, Delhi;   Punjab State Council of Science & Technology; National Institute of Technical Teacher Training, Chandigarh; Member of Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Chandigarh and Member, Governing Body, Pushpa Gujral Science City, Chandigarh.

In 1982, he went to the tribal area of Bihar (now Jharkhand) and started a voluntary organization “Vikas Bharti”, Bishunupur (Distt. Gumla)  for application of Science and Technology for the development of tribal people. Here he successfully implemented many projects of Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of non–Conventional Energy Sources (MNES), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Council for Advanced People’s Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) and Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) as Coordinator.

 

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Prevention is better than cure for HIV Infection: Dr.Baljit

 By Punjabnewswire4u

AMRITSAR, JAN 16

 To create awareness about the deadly disease of AIDS, a seminar was today organized at Khalsa College of Education (KCE). Senior Medical Officer and National Trainer, Family Health, Dr.Baljit Kaur said in her lecture that there is no cure as such for the HIV and only cure is prevention which emanates from awareness.

 She stressed that the `window period’ (till the time HIV remains inactive) is turning out to be highly crucial in treatment and prevention of the deadly disease. Dr.Baljit who was felicitated by KCE Principal Dr.Jaswinder Singh Dhillon, said usually the window period is from 0-9 months and during this period the HIV cannot be detected and when it becomes active it might have infected many more people.

 ``This is serious trouble before us as doctors but ways are being devised to diagnose the infections during this period too. She said teachers can be highly helpful in spreading awareness about HIV. She also showed a video on subject and stated that 85 per cent infections take place due to sexual contacts and rest during blood transfusion, using infected syringes by drug addicts and from mother to child.

 Dr.Dhillon said the teachers and students were enriched by the highly informative lecture by Dr.Baljit and there was need of more awareness and precautionary measures to check the spread of AIDS. Others present during the seminar included Prof. Harpreet Kaur, Prof.Gurjit Kaur, Kaur, Prof.Maninder Kaur, Prof.Nirmaljit Kaur Sandhu, Prof.Deepika Kohli and KCGC Deputy Director DS Rataul, apart from large number of teachers and students.

Toronto scholar presents `Pictorial Lecture’ on Maharja Ranjit Singh

by Punjabnewswire4u

AMRITSAR, JAN 16

 Bhupinder Singh Marwah, a distinguished art historian from Canada today presented a unique `pictorial lecture’ on `Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Court of Lahore Darbar’ at Khalsa College, here. He depicted rare and exceptional paintings and pictures relating Maharaja’s times and shed light on role of European officers in his Court.

 He was introduced to the teachers and students at seminar hall by Khalsa College Governing Council honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina who described him as a passionate art proponent. Marwah, he said, had been Advisor on various boards of prominent academic institutions in Canada and the `exhibition’ created by him was first mounted by Sikh Foundation of Canada at Royal Museum, Toronto.

 Marwah gave an interesting account of the foreign generals including Jean Francois Allard who built `fauj-i-khas’, the unique military group of Maharja Ranjit Singh, Jean Baptiste Ventura, who modernized Khalsa Army and Johann Martino Honingberger. He said old painting records confirmed that Maharaja’s vast rule was secular and modern in character.

 Principal of the College Dr.Daljit Singh welcomed Marwah and Chhina on the occasion. He said the students had been enriched by the presentation which gave detailed description of the times of Mahraja through paintings. Marwah meanwhile asked all to preserve whatever old picture or painting anyone have in household or in possession as every painting and pictures relates to the great history of Punjab and Sikhs.

 

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by Punjabnewswire4u

JALANDHAR, JAN 11

    Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today made an impassioned appeal to the Non Resident Punjabis (NRPs), to play a proactive role in perpetuating the rich cultural legacy amongst their younger generations so that they could be ever attached with the ‘soil of their forefathers’.

Addressing a massive gathering of NRP delegates on the concluding day of two days Pravasi Punjabi Sammellan here, the Chief Minister said that the youth born and raised abroad must be given schooling upto 12^th standard in the state and the Punjab government with your active participation and able management would ensure to provide an aura of best educational facilities to enable them to feel at home here. He even said that the state government would bear the entire expenditure on schooling of these children. Mr. Badal without mincing any words asked the NRPs that this was all the more important because if they missed the bus this time then they would have to repent for times to come as their younger generations would be completely detached from their roots forever. The Chief Minister said that he could well appreciate the agony faced by NRPs when despite of having everything in terms of wealth, name and fame they were desperate to have basic spirit of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat missing from their children and called for thorough introspection otherwise they would be left in lurch.     

The Chief Minister further said that NRP Sammellan should be made broad based by having live interaction with various groups of businessmen, traders, entrepreneurs, Doctors and engineers so that they could share their first hand experiences and success stories to encourage their Punjabi brethren here back in their motherland. He said that the Sammellan should be extended from two to three days to afford a chance to everyone to express their views on the occasion and at the end the key functionaries of the government would address their issues. Mr. Badal reiterated that this annual feature should not remain merely a get together rather this platform must be utilized as a healthy platform for serious and result oriented deliberations to further strengthen the economic position of Punjab. He urged the visiting delegates to send a team of progressive farmers and agriculture experts besides eminent resource persons in the field of horticulture, dairy farming and allied sectors in the International Agriculture Summit slated to be held from February 16-20 at Mohali.  

The Chief Minister also asked the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal to organize an All India Punjabi Sammellan on the lines of NRP Sammelan in future to concretize proposals for the overall welfare and development of Punjabi community living in every nook and corner of the country. He said that this would be a positive step in a direction to unite all the Punjabis on a single platform besides it would also be helpful to hasten up the process of overall growth in the state. Soliciting support and cooperation from various delegates and eminent political personalities who interacted during the Sammellan, Mr. Badal stressed on the need of constituting committees comprising experts and technocrats in various fields like Power, Infra Structure, Industries and others from Punjab and countries like Canada, USA, New Zealand for mutual cooperation in the implementation of various joint ventures of mutual interest to bolster the pace of development in Punjab.

Patting the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and NRI Affairs Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, the Chief Minister said that they deserve kudos for organizing this mega event successfully. Appreciating the unbounded abilities and capabilities of Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Badal said that he was a satisfied father when he sees his son Mr. Sukhbir working relentlessly to serve the people of Punjab with utmost dedication and zeal to emerge the state as number one in the country.

Referring to the empowerment of women in state, the Chief Minister said that SAD-BJP government always championed the cause of giving major representation to women adding that the SAD was the first to move resolution to bring legislation for 33% reservation to women in Lok Sabha. He further said that our party was committed to empower the women in the right earnest whereas the other national parties were doing merely a lip service on this count. Mr. Badal said that they don’t raise hollow slogans but believe in actions and a testimony to this was that they have already given representation to 35 women in SGPC as members out of total elected 170. He exhorted the visiting delegates to bring more women representatives in next sammellan.

On the occasion the Chief Minister impressed upon the NRPs to generously make contribution towards the development of their native villages and towns where the state government contributed 75% as a matching grant against the 25% contributed by them. He along with Deputy Chief Minister and Mr. Majithia disbursed cheques worth Rs 4.13 crore to the NRPs as matching grants.  

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister flanked by Deputy Chief Minister and Mr. Majithia also released the musical album ‘Sikh Hon Da Mann’ by eminent Punjabi singer Mr. Malkiat Singh.  

In his address, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today asked the entire Punjabi Diaspora to work together for the welfare of community as the united Punjabis could influence the foreign policies and bilateral relations between the countries. Giving clarion call to the Non Resident Punjabis (NRPs) to imbibe the socio-cultural and religious tenets amongst the third generation living abroad, Mr. Badal said that it was need of the hour to showcase the progress, growth and development of Punjab to the coming generations to give further strength to emotional connect.

Mr. Badal said that India is a land of opportunities and has youngest population in the world. Adding further he said there were enormous possibilities to explore the economic ties between Punjab and other nations and Punjabi Diaspora could play a vital role in this area. He assured the NRPs that Punjab would witness drastic change in the overall infrastructure besides holistic development in next three years. He informed the gathering that Punjab was only state in the country to become a power surplus state.

The Deputy CM said that in this cyber era every village in the state would have fastest internet connectivity with round the clock availability of 4G network. He said that Punjab would thrust upon health and tourism promotion as the State Government would uplift entire infrastructure of all major cities including Amritsar and Ludhiana. "The holy city would witness a beautiful look as state government has planned massive alterations in building designs, roads, and beautifications dating back to 200 years at the cost of Rs. 2000 crore" he added.

Giving details about the "Online Punjab Mission 2014", the Deputy CM said that under its own kind of this initiative all citizen-centric services would be provided online by December this. "To get delivery of services, people would be online instead of standing in-line in public offices," he added. He declared that Punjab Government was fully committed to resolve the issues related to NRPs within given timeframe as the state has provided online web portal, separate NRP Police Stations, NRP Courts as well as designated civil servants to their dispute related mechanism management. He asserted that no other state government could bring about such changes in the legislations for the welfare of NRPs in the country.

In his inaugural address, NRI Affairs Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said that Punjab has fulfilled 90 percent promises made with the NRPs besides accepting their demands. He said that history would script the sincere efforts of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal government towards the welfare of Punjabi Diaspora. Asking the elected representatives of NRPs to use their influence to flourish trade and commerce activities between East and West Punjab besides exploiting untapped potential of trade with central asia via Afghanistan, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said that this could be only possible by reviving the old silk route.

Earlier IG (NRI Wing) Mrs. Gurpreet Deol made an elaborate presentation on the NRI Policing and Commissioner NRI Mr. B Purushartha on interactive NRI website.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra and Mr. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Dr. Charanjeet Singh Atwal, Chief parliamentary Secretaries Mr. KD Bhandari, Mr. Pawan Teenu, Mr. Avinash Chander, Prof. Virsa Singh Valtoha and Mr. Amarpal Singh Bonny, Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Advisor to Chief Minister on Media and National Affairs Mr. Harcharan Bains, Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Jangveer Singh, MLAs Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Mr. Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Bibi Jagir Kaur, Jathedar Tota Singh, Mr. Pargat Singh and Mr. Manjeet Singh Manna, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema besides members of SGPC and senior officers of district and Police administration.    

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Punjab Government announces holidays for 2014

by Punjabnewswire4u
CHANDIGARH, JAN 10
The Punjab Government has recently released the New Year 2014 public holidays list for all the 12 months.  The dates mentioned below are the state government declared holidays, during the days all government offices will be closed statewide.
 January 07, 2014 ( Guru Govind Singh Jayanti :Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti (also spelled Govind Singh) is a Sikh festival that commemorates the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs.
January 26, 2014 (Republic Day) : India became independent from British rule in 1947 but, at that stage, had no formal constitution. On 24 January 1950, after nearly three years of deliberations, the Constitution of India was signed. Two days after this on 26 January the Constitution came into effect across India.Republic Day is one of three national holidays in India and is the celebration of the Constitution of India. Government offices, post offices, schools and most businesses are closed on this day.
March 17, 2014 ( Holi / Dol Jatra):  Holi is celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun which is the month of March as per the Gregorian calendar.
 April 08, 2014  (Ram Navami) Ram Navami is a famous Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.
April 13, 2014    (Mahavir Jayanti):  The Jain community celebrates the birth anniversary of the 24th and the last Tirthankara, Vardhman Mahavir, the founder of Jainism as Mahavir Jayanti every year. The birth anniversary of the 24th and the last Tirthankara of the Jains, Vardhman Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, is celebrated by the Jain community in March. Born a prince in 599 BC, Mahavir renounced worldly life at the age of 30 and undertook austere penance until he achieved realization.
  June 16, 2014 Guru Arjun Dev’s Martyrdom day
 July 28, 2014    Ramzan (Id-Ul-Fitr)        Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan and marks the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal.Many Muslims attend communal prayers and listen to a sermon at Eid al-Fitr. Those have not given the charity known as zakat al-fitr during Ramadan do so during Eid al-Fitr. Zakat al-fitr consisting of a quantity of food, such as barley, dates, raisins or wheat flour, or its monetary equivalent given to poor people in the community.
 August 15, 2014  Independance Day of India Independence Day is a national holiday on 15 August. It celebrates the day in 1947 when India became independent from British rule.In India, the day of 15 August is a proudly patriotic day of celebrations, kite flying, feasts, parades and festivities.
August 17, 2014    Janmashtami :  Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in India in the month of July or August. According to the Hindu calendar this religious festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon.
 October 02, 2014 Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday  Gandhi Jayanti, or Mahatma Gandi’s Birthday, is celebrated in India on 2 October. The date is the birthday of Mohandas (Mahatma) Karamchand Gandhi in 1869. It is also the day now commemorated by the United Nations as the International Day of Non-Violence.
 October 04, 2014 ( Id-Ul-Zuha (Bakrid)  Id-ul-Zuha (Bakr-Id): which is also known as Eid al-Adha or Id-ul-Adha, is a festival that many Muslims celebrate with special prayers, greetings and gifts.Muslims around the world believe that Allah (God) commanded Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Ibrahim followed God's orders, but his son was replaced by a sheep at the last moment.
October 06, 2014 (Dussehra Festival / Vijayadasami / Durga Puja Dasami):  The festival of Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, is one of the fascinating festivals of India and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. According to the great Hindu scripture, the Ramayana, Lord Rama performed chandi-puja (holy prayer). This was carried out in order to invoke the blessings of Durga Maa for the killing of Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Sri Lanka who had abducted Seeta, wife of Lord Rama.
October 23, 2014 (Deepavali / Diwali); The Diwali or Deepavali festival marks the victory of good over evil. The Sanskrit word “Deepavali” means “an array of lights” and signifies the victory of brightness over darkness. Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen year long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.
November 03, 2014 (Muharram) :  Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months of the year. Since the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, Muharram moves from year to year when compared with the Gregorian calendar.
 November 06, 2014 Guru Nanak Jayanti: Guru Nanak Gurpurab also known as Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav, celebrates the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. This is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism. Apart from Sikhs, the Nanakpanthi Hindus and other followers of Guru Nanak's philosophy also celebrate this festival.
December 25, 2014( Christmas) : December 25th is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Jesus Christ, who is believed to be born on the same date at Bethlehem, the land of Jews. The festival is celebrated as a mark of respect to Lord Jesus, who is considered as the son of God and founder of the Christianity religion.
December 28, 2014 (Guru Govind Singh Jayanti) : Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti (also spelled Govind Singh) is a Sikh festival that commemorates the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs.

 

Badal seeks support of NRPs to transform state’s economy

By Punjabsportswire

SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB, JAN  10

          Giving a clarion call to the Punjabi Diaspora settled across the globe, the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, today sought their whole hearted cooperation and support to transform the state’s economy to emerge it as a frontrunner state in the world.

          Addressing a massive gathering of Non Resident Punjabis (NRPs) converged here in the auditorium of Viraasat-e-Khalsa on the two days Pravasi Punjabi Sammellan, the Chief Minister said that Punjabis irrespective of caste, colour, creed and their geographical location have proved their mettle in every aspect of life by the grace and blessings of Almighty. He said that probably Punjabi community was the only in the world which could undertake any daunting task by the dint of their hard work, sincerity and commitment. Mr. Badal applauded the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Sungh Badal and NRIs Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia for successfully fulfilling all the promises made with the NRIs during the last Sammellan.

The Chief Minister said that though Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal’s vision to put Punjab in the high growth trajectory in terms of superb infra structure, surplus in power, excellent education and Healthcare facilities, which he had already deliberated in details during his power point presentation has been well taken by the delegates, but he missed to mention all this had been feasible due to congenial atmosphere of communal harmony, peace and amity prevailing in the state. He said though Punjab was compared in terms of development with several progressive states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala and others but the fact that these states had never undergone agony of turmoil and economic backwardness due to partition of country, division of joint Punjab on linguistic lines and subsequently decade long militancy, which completely shattered our economy adding he congratulated the brave Punjabis for reposing unflinching trust in the ethos of democracy besides cementing the bonds of brotherhood, peace and mutual tolerance. Mr. Badal said, “This unique phenomenon of peaceful atmosphere led Punjab to hasten the process of overall growth and development in the state”.

Striking an emotional chord, the Chief Minister urged the NRI brethren to contribute enormously in the promotion of education and healthcare services besides strengthening economic and social ties, which was all the more important for our future generations, which were gradually being detached from their roots. He appealed the NRIs to prevail upon their progeny might be of second or third generations to frequently visit Punjab and they were duty bound to keep them abreast with our rich cultural and ethnic legacy. Mr. Badal said that their government has constructed several memorials like Virasat-e-Khalsa, Small and Big Holocaust and Baba Banda Singh War Memorial to perpetuate the glorious cultural heritage of state adding that a number of others like that of Baba Jiwan Singh, Guru Ravidass Ji, Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, Baba Moti Ram Mehra and others were in pipeline.

The Chief Minister said that this sammellan should not be construed as a ‘formal get together’ rather it should be utilized as a Healthy platform for serious deliberations to translate ideas/ proposals into actions and envisaged the cooperation of experts in the field of education and healthcare to crystallize several schemes and projects in these core sectors, where not only local Punjabi youth rather the NRP youngsters could be attracted. He said that he was eagerly looking forward for a day when the majority of NRP especially the youth settled abroad voluntary chose to make Punjab as their abode of dreams and for this our government was fully committed to cherish their aspirations for making their living as comfortable and pleasant as abroad. Mr. Badal said that he was confident that once this process of ‘reverse immigration’ begins then it would not only halt the emerging trend of brain drain especially amongst the youth, who were passionate to go abroad in search of green pastures but would also contribute significantly in motivating the NRP disenchanted youth with their soil of forefather’s origin. To achieve this objective he exhorted the NRPs to play a proactive role to sensitize their children about the strong socio-cultural bonds.

The Chief Minister also agreed to the proposal put forth by the majority of NRP delegates to set up International Punjabi Chamber of Commerce and Trade in their respective countries for promoting bilateral trade ties with the state.      

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal while showcasing Punjab with facts as most progressing state of the nation, impressed upon Punjabi Diaspora to become active partners in the ongoing unprecedented development of Punjab by making investments, adopting villages and cities besides contributing in the area of social welfare. He ridiculed the false propaganda of opposition regarding fiscal position of state in his detailed fact based presentation and apprised the Diaspora that Punjab was a most favoured investment destination, progressive and actually a rich-state and they should be aware of these facts to showcase it globally. He also asserted that during the progressive summit more than 117 MOUs were signed with business honchos fetching investment of Rs 65,000 crore in the state.

Presenting details Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also informed the MPs, Ministers, MLAs, Mayors, Councilors and other prominent Non Resident Punjabis landed from all six continents that Punjab was the first state in the country to respond NRIs instantly to assist them and resolving their grievances. He said that with the amendments in archaic rules and path-breaking initiatives have been implemented for the welfare of Non Resident Punjabis’ by state Government and the Punjab has become most NRIs-Friendly state in the country. Mr. Badal also called upon NRIs to take full advantage of recently launched a comprehensive web portal for NRIs and 24X7 call center to redress their grievances and get any sort of information regarding Punjab.  

Giving details of reforms introduced to encourage the investments for the industry sector, the Deputy CM said that there was VAT retention, exemption of stamp duty in setting up of new industries besides establishing Punjab Industrial Promotion Bureau under his direct supervision and headed by Chief Executive Officer to provide all clearances and approvals in a single day to the industrial houses. Exhorting Punjabi Diaspora to make investments in the state, the Deputy CM said that Punjab has a great potential in IT sector, Education, Healthcare, Textile, Automobile, Agro and Food Processing sectors and the non-resident Punjabi community should become the active partner in the development of state. He said that Punjab has complete communal harmony, peace and amity was mainly responsible for overall development and prosperity in the state and urged them to make optimum use of this congenial atmosphere. He informed the Punjabi Diaspora that holy city Amritsar would witness a complete transformation in next three years with the development projects worth Rs. 2000 crore.

Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, while declaring Punjab as a power surplus state, said that the power would be available here at cheaper rates as compared to other states. Mr. Badal also informed the gathering that recently CRISIL rating of high prosperity and equality endorsed the unprecedented pace of development in state since Punjab has best infrastructure, best air connectivity having three international airports at Mohali, Amritsar and upcoming at Macchiwara besides three domestic terminals at Bathinda, Ludhiana and Pathankot. He asked the foreign media to project the path breaking initiatives taken by the state government for the well being of NRPs in order to give wide publicity so that Punjabis settled in every nook and corner of the world could be enormously benefitted from the pro-NRP policies.

Earlier NRI Affairs Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia thanked the Punjabi Diaspora for their massive participation in the event and said that a sustained awareness drive regarding separate identity of Sikhs in the world to avert attacks on Sikhs due to mistaken identity was the call of the hour. Expressing satisfaction over the decisions taken by Punjab Government to fulfill the sort out the issues of NRIs raised during last NRI Sammelan, Mr. Majithia said that most of the issues of NRIs have been resolved resulting Punjab a leading state to address the issues pertaining to NRIs. He also spoke a Punjabi lyric written by legendary lyricist Babu Singh Mann to salute the industrious, social and political achievements of Punjabis at foreign shores.   

Meanwhile speakers from all countries including Mr. Tim Uppal, Minister of Multiculturaism Canada, Mr. Bal Gosal, Minister of Sport Canada, Mr. Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Member Parliament, New Zealand, Mr. Harinder Singh Takhar, former MP, Canada, Mr. Jasbir Singh Sandhu, MP Canada, Mr. Peter Sandhu, MLA Canada, Mr. Daljit Singh Dhaliwal, Advisor to Malaysian President, Mr. Ramesh Singh Arora, MLA Pakistan, Lord Diljit Singh Rana, UK, Ms. Rajni Patel, UK, Mr. Gurbax Singh Malhi, former Minister Canada hailed Punjab Deputy CM Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Minister for NRI Affairs for fulfilling the promises made with Punjabi Diaspora during last previous NRI Sammelan.