Punjab Cabinet approves to fill additional 12,747 posts

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 30

The Punjab Cabinet today gave approval to fill additional 12,747 posts of different cadres of six departments in the state.

This decision was taken during the Cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at Punjab Bhawan this afternoon.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that these posts of different cadres of Group A, B, C & D in six departments namely; Home Affairs & Justice, Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, Irrigation, Cooperation, Planning and Technical Education & Industrial training would be filled soon. It may be recalled that the Cabinet had already given approval to fill 1,13,766 vacant posts in 41 departments as per the information furnished at that point of time. The new recruits will be paid basic pay drawn on the day of appointment for three years. Thereafter, they will draw full salary and allowances as admissible in the relevant service rules.

Likewise, the Cabinet also gave clearance for the creation of eight additional posts of Under Secretaries and one post of Superintendent in Punjab Civil Secretariat.

The Cabinet also gave approval to fill 133 posts of Medical Laboratory Technician (Grade-2), 7 posts of TB Health Visitors, 29 posts of Ophthalmic Officer, 1301 posts of Multipurpose Health Worker (F), 1263 posts of Multipurpose Health Worker (M), 51 posts of Block Extension Educator, 109 posts of Radiographer, 128 posts of Operation Theatre Assistant, 33 posts of Electrographer, 2 posts of Assistant Dieticians and 5 posts of Dental Hygienist by taking out these posts from the purview of Punjab Subordinate Service Selection Board. The Cabinet decided to entrust the task of filling these posts to the Baba Farid Health Sciences University, Faridkot on the basis of only written test and without any interview.

Similarly, the Cabinet also gave go ahead to fill 248 posts of Medical Officers (MBBS) out of 316 vacant posts of Medical Officers (Specialists) through Baba Farid Health Sciences University, Faridkot after conducting written test and without any interview by taking these posts out of purview of PPSC.

The Cabinet also gave green signal to fill 210 vacant posts of Junior Engineers in Water Supply and Sanitation department under direct recruitment quota through an independent organization on the basis of merit in written test.

The Cabinet also accorded ex-post facto approval to fill the post of Director & Warden of Fisheries on contract basis. This decision has been taken due to non-availability of any eligible officer fulfilling the requisite qualifications/experience for the said post in the department.

In a significant decision, the Cabinet decided to recast combined seniority of Assistant Sub Inspectors (ASIs), Sub Inspectors (SIs) and Inspectors of district Police and PAP. In order to avoid the reversions and protection of pay of employees of Armed Battalions, this decision would result in creation of 64 Ex-Cadre posts for the General Duty (Armed Battalions) Officials/Officers up till their promotions in the next rank in order to keep them on their actual place in the seniority list and for having further promotions accordingly. Similarly, creation of 41 dying cadre posts for the Sportspersons, in additions to the sanctioned posts, which shall be eliminated automatically upon their promotion on the next rank and this process will goes on up to the level of SP was approved. Their seniority will be determined as per dates of their present promotions.

The Cabinet also decided to increase the quota of government houses for accredited press correspondents from 10 houses to 15, which will include 3 houses of category IX and 5 of category VIII by amending the Rule 7-A of the Punjab Government House (General Pool) Allotment Rules 1983.

The Cabinet also gave approval to transfer the sale proceeds of Rs.17.35 crore to Bhogpur Cooperative Sugar Mill received from the sale of 12.6875 acres land of Sugarfed to Housefed. The Cabinet earlier in its meeting on February 25, 2016 had decided to transfer Rs.10 crore for its modernization of Bhogpur Cooperative Sugar Mill. These funds will be utilized for enhancing capacity of Bhogpur Cooperative Sugar Mill from 1016 Tonne Capacity per Day (TCD) to 3000 TCD.

The Cabinet decided to authorize Ex-MP/Ex-MLA/MP/MLA/Chairman and Members of Zila Parishad and Panchayat Sammiti or Sarpanch of Village to attest/recommend a person who has taken part in one of the Morchas during emergency for grant of financial assistance. It may be recalled that the Sangharshi Yodhas would get financial assistance of Rs.1000/- per month and other facilities, who participated in Morchas during Emergency (26.06.1975 to 21.03.1977) and Punjabi Suba (1955-1965). The Deputy Commissioners of the State are empowered to implement this scheme and district level committees are constituted for the identification of such Yodhas. In urban areas such recommendations will be made by Mayor/Councillors of local bodies.

The Cabinet also approved to transfer 6.18 acres land of Improvement Trust, Roopnagar to the Transport Department for the construction of new Bus Stand at Roopnagar in lieu of which, PUDA would construct Administrative block and Workshop for Punjab Roadways, Roopnagar from its own resources/funds.

To ensure better efficiency in the functioning of Punjab Jails and attract the best talent amongst the cadre of warders, the Cabinet also gave approval to amend Sub Rule (7) of Rule 7 of Punjab Jails Department State Service (Class-III Executive), Rules 1963. Now the warders will be recruited directly.

The Cabinet also approved the repealing of Punjab Jail Canteen Management Rules, 1965 and approved New Punjab Jail Canteen Rules, 2016 for better functioning of Jail Canteens by introducing e-purse cards for purchase of goods from jail canteens instead of coupons.  

The Cabinet also gave approval to a scheme for roping in a private player for renovated historical Gobindgarh Fort at Amritsar on PPP mode for operation, maintenance and running laser shows for eight years. The Punjab Heritage Tourism Promotion Board would receive annual concession fee. The entry for general public would be free once in a week.

The Cabinet also decided to give last chance to the employees and pensioners, who have not yet got themselves registered under Cashless Health Insurance Scheme to register themselves uptill June 30, 2016. It was decided that for the period before their registration they would be covered under the old Government policy and Medical Attendance Rules 1940 for reimbursement of medical bills.

The Cabinet also gave approval to hire 50 video vans to the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) to generate awareness amongst the masses about the rich historical and cultural heritage of Punjab and welfare schemes initiated by the State government. It was also proposed to engage 125 feedback officers to analyze and communicate various government schemes, programmes and policies across the state by establishing Call Centres with IVRS facilities on outsource basis by the DPROs through outsourcing agencies.

The Cabinet also approved the Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats (Group A) Technical Service Rules, 2016.

The Cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval to transfer free of cost 60 acres of land in villages Rakhchhita and Nijjarpura, in Amritsar District to IIM society, Amritsar to establish Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Amritsar.

The Cabinet expressed its commitment to create required housing stock for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) by amending the relevant policy. Under the policy, 10% of the flats constructed under group housing project and 5% of the gross area under other mega/papra housing projects are earmarked for EWS. The Cabinet decided that in non-group housing projects the 5% area, if not constructed and offered by the developer to the EWS would be taken over by the department. The government may use this area for commercial/residential purposes and sale proceeds thereof would be put into a fund which could be utilized by the government for creation of housing stock for EWS anywhere in the state. In case of group housing scheme, the developer can either transfer 10% flats to EWS or can deposit the price of such flats as determined by the government in that fund for utilization by the government for the same purpose in the state.

To avoid stagnation in the cadre of constables in Police Department, the Cabinet approved to designate a Constable as Head Constable (PR) on completion of 16 years of his regular service. It may be recalled that a constable is designated as senior constable on completion of eight years of his regular service.

The Cabinet also decided to enhance the upper age limit for recruitment of Constable and Sub-inspector in Police from 25 to 28 years.

The Cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval to the amendment in Rules of old-age pension and other financial assistance schemes carried out by the Social Security Department, in which now Aadhar Card in place of Ration card would be another document of identity or proof of residence for the entitlement of pension and other financial assistance schemes. The application forms could be recommended by Sarpanch & one member of panchayat or one Nambardar & one member Panchayat or two members of panchayat or Chairperson/Member Block Samiti & one member of Panchayat or Chairperson/Member, Zila Parishad & one member of panchayat. In urban areas such recommendation could be made by any councilor in the concerned local bodies. The application forms so recommended would be received in the office of SDM. The SDM would immediately give provisional sanction and the applicant would start getting pension. The District Social Security Officer (DSSO) would verify such provisionally approved cases within a month. If a beneficiary is found to be ineligible, the Authority who recommended its case would be liable to pay double the amount received by the beneficiary.The Committee under the chairmanship of ADC (Development) constituted for the verification of old-aged pension cases will be abolished. The DSSO would deposit the pension in the bank accounts of the Panchayats by 10th of every month. Concerned Sarpanch would ensure disbursement of pension to the beneficiaries from 10th to 17th of every month.

          The Cabinet also gave approval for the creation of 176 vacancies of Sadar Kanungo, Naib Sadar Kanungo, Bill Clerks, Office Kanungo and Assistant Kanungo in 8 new districts and 34 Tehsils/Sub-Tehsils Offices.

The Cabinet also decided to do away with a committee set up to resolve pending cases related to mega projects under chairmanship of Chief Secretary. Now onwards, all such cases would be looked into and resolved by the concerned departments.

The Cabinet also decided to amend Standing Order No.28 of the Revenue department for negotiate purchase of land in view of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

The Cabinet also decided that the agriculture department would start a vigorous campaign for informing the disadvantages of sowing 1509 variety of Basmati as the same is not purchased by the FCI.

The Cabinet further decided that monitoring of all insurance schemes recently introduced by the government through one senior dedicated officer in the health department.

In view of the complaints regarding exorbitant fee charged by the private schools, the Cabinet directed the school education department to put some effective mechanism in place which must regulate fee and other levies charged by these schools.

The Cabinet also decided that henceforth no objection certificate required for release of residential electricity connections will no more be needed.

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NRIs Alumni of Khalsa College Honoured by Alma Mater

AMRITSAR, APRIL 23 

In the ongoing year-long programs to make connect with its old students, the Khalsa College management today honoured its three top most NRIs Alumni, appreciating their services to the mankind. US citizen and influential businessman in Virginia state Mehtab Singh Kahlon, Canada based renowned Journalist Amritjit Singh Sran and US businessman and writer Navdeep Bharti, who arrived at the special programs as part of delegation were accorded warm welcome on reaching their alma mater. 

They were given the citations, college photographs and books by Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina and Principal Dr.Mehal Singh. Chhina said that the college was proud of its rich alumni spread across the world and it is convincing to hear the stories of the success of erstwhile students of the historic College. Kahlon while addressing the group of alumni during programs said whatever he was in life was due to education received at the college.

 Kahlon runs an IT services company and is closely associated with American Sikh Congress Caucus, a group of the Congressmen in US, working for protection of the rights of Sikhs around the world. He lives in Washington DC and owns various businesses spreads from Petrol Pumps, Stores and Indian Restaurant in Virginia apart from being Member-At-Large and Youth Coordinator of the Sikh Center in US. He studied in College in 1987.

 Sran who apart from being a well known Journalist is also an actor, film Producer is working on his new film `Great Sardar’ and is known in whole of the North America. He is reporter with the PTC Channel and is area head of Vancouver region for the channel. He also owns Music company namely Apna Heritage Incorporation and will be shortly producing a Punjabi movie.  He studied in the college in 1993-94 and is settled in Surrey in British Columbia in Canada.

 Bharti who was a student editor of College magazine in 1989-93 is a writer. They arrived on the special invitation of Punjab Cultural Promotion Council Director and KCGC member Dr. Davinder Singh Chhina who works for the inter-cultural exchange programs and world Sikh heritage. ``I am proud that the old students who are friends also have come to College to recall their memories relating students life’’, said Chhina. Dr.Mehal Singh said that various alumni have approached the college for financing various projects of development and they would be happy to coordinate with them. He thanked the three alumni for starting scholarship programs for the poor students on the campus.

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Training at Multi Skill Development Centers to begin in July

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 20

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today directed the Skill Development Mission to complete the entire construction work of five upcoming Multi Skill Development Centers (MSDCs) at Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Bathinda positively by the end of June so as to enable these centres to begin their maiden skill training session from coming July.

Presiding over a meeting here at Chief Minister’s Residence on Tuesday evening, the Chief Minister asked the Punjab Skill Development Mission, which had been entrusted to run these centres to tie up with the eminent companies and industrial groups to rope in them as training partners to provide the best skill training to the youth according to the needs of the local industry. The Chief Minister also emphasized the need to solicit the services of local industrialists and manufacturers to devise special courses to impart skill training so that they could be gainfully employed in the nearby industry.

The Chief Minister was apprised that nearly 1500 to 2000 students would be imparted skill training in these five centres every year. These centres were being built at a cost of Rs.60 crore and have been provided with hostel facility, where 500 students could be accommodated. The officers in the meeting assured the Chief Minister that the construction work of these skill centres at Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Bathinda would be completed by 31^st May and Ludhiana by 30^th June. Mr. Badal also informed that the training partners for Ludhiana, Amritsar, Bathinda centres had been selected while these would be selected shortly for Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur.

Mr. Badal also asked the skill development mission to immediately initiate the work for setting up 200 skill development centres in rural areas within each block of the state. It was informed in the meeting that out of these 200 skill centres, approximately 1/3 centres were being set up for rural girls in co-educational senior secondary/high schools or exclusively girls schools which would be named ‘Nanhi Chhan Skill Centres’. The main focus was to enable the poor rural youth including rural girls to set up self employment ventures or for wage employment in private sector. All the Deputy Commissioners have already identified the sites and lay out plan/drawings have been prepared and finalized by the Chief Architect Punjab.

The Chief Minister asked the officers to launch a pro-active campaign to sensitize the youth and their parents about the significance and relevance of these ultra-modern centres. He also asked the officers to organize camps in schools regularly to create awareness amongst the students about skill development, who were keen to opt for these training courses.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of three skill development centres being set up in the Government Medical Colleges at Patiala, Amritsar and Faridkot with cooperation of Health department. He asked the implementing agencies to accomplish this task at the earliest so that the skill training courses could be started without any further delay.

Mr. Badal was also informed about the skill development centres in construction sector being set up at Mohali, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar would be completed by November 2016.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary Technical Education Mr. M.P. Singh, Secretary Technical Education Mr. Rakesh Verma, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, General Manager Punjab Skill Development Mission Mr. Gurwaryam Singh, Chief Engineer PWD (B&R) Mr. Ashok Goyal and Chief Architect Ms. Sapna.

Badal's direction to DCs on wheat procurement

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 20

In order to efficaciously monitor the smooth procurement of wheat at the ground level across the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has asked all the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to evolve a three-tier mechanism for successful completion of this entire operation.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal had directed the DCs to ensure overall supervision of the procurement process in their concerned districts by randomly visiting the grain markets. Likewise, he had asked the Deputy Commissioners to depute Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) of their respective districts to personally visit the grain markets in their concerned Sub Divisions to monitor the ongoing procurement operation. In the same manner in smaller or village level mandis, the Tehsildars/Naib Tehsildars have been asked to supervise the operations so as to ensure that farmers were not subjected to any sort of harassment.

As per this three tier mechanism these officers would personally visit the grain markets under their jurisdiction for monitoring the progress of ongoing wheat procurement  on the daily basis so that this gigantic task could be accomplished in a hassle free, quick and smooth manner. These officers have been asked to make all out efforts to ensure smooth and prompt procurement of Wheat on one hand so as to facilitate the farmers. The Chief Minister had asked the DCs to direct the officers to ensure that the farmers do not have to face any hardship or inconvenience for the sale of their produce in the mandis.

Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to lift every single grain of the farmers from the market during the ongoing procurement season, the Chief Minster said that the personal visit by these officers in grain markets would facilitate the farmers in selling their harvest without any sort of undue harassment besides reposing trust and confidence amongst the farmers. Mr. Badal further said that these officers should make personal interventions for ensuring that the procurement of the wheat was done in a smooth and effective manner. “Every officer must be made accountable for the smooth procurement operations in grain markets under his jurisdiction so that farmers do not face any sort of problem in selling their harvest” he added.

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RBI issues authorization of CCL of Rs 17.5 crore towards first installment for procurement of wheat

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 20   
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today issued authorization of Cash Credit Limit (CCL) of Rs. 17,523 cr. towards first installation for the procurement of 90 lac tonnes of wheat for Rabi season-2016 to the Punjab Government.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Harcharan Bains, Advisor on National Affairs to the Chief Minister Punjab said that the RBI would issue another authorization for second installment of CCL for the procurement of wheat during the current Rabi season shortly.
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal thanked the Prime Minister for his prompt personal intervention to get the impasse on CCL resolved.
It may be recalled the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal along with Food & Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon had called on the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi at New Delhi on Monday to urge him for the immediate clearance of CCL, added Mr. Bains. 
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CM approves Rs 750 crore project for repair/strengthening of link roads

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 19
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved Rs. 750 crore project for repair and strengthening of 6500 kilometer link roads in the state.
          While chairing a meeting to review the progress of strengthening of ongoing road infrastructure projects at CM residence, Mr. Badal finalized repair, widening and up-gradation of 6500 kilometer link road stretches in the state. He gave on the spot directions to officers of Public Works Department to ensure the construction as early as possible. He said that the project of connecting all towns and cities to 4/6 lane roads were going on war footing and the repair, widening and refurbishment of link road work should be executed on full swing. It was informed in the meeting that the work would be started before  May20.
          Meanwhile, Chief Minister also took stock of ongoing Rs. 1115 crore project of strengthening of road infrastructure of 7825 kilometers link road and directed the authorities concerned to accomplish this project before 30 June. Additional Chief Secretary of PWD informed that more than 56 percent construction under this project had been completed while the remaining work would also be finished within stipulated time frame.
          Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary PWD Mr. NS Kalsi, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandeep Singh Brar, Secretary Mandi Board Mr. Tejinder Pal Singh and senior officers of PWD and Mandi Board.
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Khalsa College introduces M. Phil, 17 other Professional Courses

AMRITSAR, APRIL 19 

The Autonomous Khalsa College Amritsar’s Governing Body today approved the M.Phil and 17 other new courses and diplomas for the next academic session 2016-17. The new courses include post-graduate degree in Fine Arts, Religious Studies, Music, Theatre, Dance, Journalism and Fashion Designing apart from the B.Sc. (Hons) in Food Science, Chemistry, Physics and B.A (Hons.) in English and Punjabi.

 College’s Governing Body meeting was presided over by the Khalsa College Governing Council President Satyajit Singh Majithia in which Council’s honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, UGC representative Dr. Vibha Chauhan, GNDU nominee Dr.Paramjit Singh Judge, Principal Dr.Mehal Singh and Councils’ Finance Secretary Gunbir Singh took part and the paramount academic body for the autonomous college gave approval to new courses.

 Apart from these degrees, the professional courses and diplomas including PG Diploma in Garment Construction and Fashion Designing, Diploma in Computerized Accounting, Diploma in Nursery Management, Diploma in Landscaping, Diploma in Field Crop Cultivation, Diploma in seed Production Technology, Diploma in Organic Farming and Diploma in Bio Pest Control was also given the green signal. 

The body which is topmost decision making forum discussed all academic, financial and administrative matters including the new regulations of Guru Nanak Dev University relating the students registration, examinations and re-evaluation. Various option and elective subjects in Agriculture including fruit Science, Vegetable Science, Floriculture, Crop Science were also given the nod, said Principal Dr.Mehal Singh.  

 The budget of the autonomous college was also unanimously passed during the meeting. The other members of the body included S. Swinder Singh Kathunagal Ajmer Singh Heir, Dr.Navreen Bawa, Dr. MS Batra, Prof..Sukhmeen Bedi, Principal Jagdish Singh.

Badal felicitates people on Ram Navami

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 14

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today extended his warm greetings to the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of 'Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama.

In his message, the Chief Minister said that this sacred day symbolizes the unity of mankind and brotherhood besides moral and spiritual values preached by Lord Rama (Maryada Purshotam). Mr. Badal said that Lord Rama showed us the path of ideal and virtuous living to carve out a prosperous and harmonious society.

The Chief Minister called upon the people to follow the teachings of Lord Rama in true spirit, which were still relevant in the present materialistic society besides redeeming the mankind from the yoke of evils and miseries.  He said, 'such pious occasions not only promote a sense of communal harmony and mutual understanding amongst the people but also showers bounty of joy and prosperity on them'.

The Chief Minister appealed the people to celebrate this sacred day collectively rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.

---balbirsingh227@gmail.com

 

Construction of SYL canal a 'death warrant' for Punjab: Badal

TALWANDI SABOO (BATHINDA), APRIL 13
Terming that the construction of Satluj Yamuna Link canal would be a 'death warrant' for the entire state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today exhorted all the Punjabis to unite and intensify struggle against the construction of this canal.
Addressing a mammoth gathering here during religious congregation to mark the Baisakhi festival, the Chief Minister said that the people of the state have to wage relentless battle against Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who were hell bent upon snatching the river waters of the state. He said that it was on record that the Congress and AAP were both the enemies of the state, who were hand in glove with each other to deprive the state of its water by constructing SYL canal. Apprising the people about the affidavit submitted by AAP government in Delhi, Mr. Badal said that the Delhi government has termed the stand taken by Punjab on SYL canal as unconstitutional and anti - national adding that even Kejriwal led government has threatened Punjabis of dire consequences due to its firm stand of not allowing the construction of Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal.
The Chief Minister said that it was a fact that as per universally accepted Riparian principle of water sharing Punjab was the only rightful owner of river waters of the state adding he said that Punjab has no single drop of water to share with any other state. However, he said that the Congress has divested the state of its rights by giving water to Rajasthan, Haryana and other states by signing the various water agreements. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the AAP was now making desperate attempts to get this canal constructed. However, he said that as a true custodian of rights of state the Shiromani Akali Dal was ever ready to make every sacrifice to protect the waters of the state.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Punjab would be ruined if SYL canal was constructed as water was the only lifetime of the state. He said that water was basic ingredient of life and any such move to share the river waters of the state would be disastrous as it would ruin Punjab. Mr. Badal categorically said that any decision to rob the state of its water is, was and would never be acceptable to the state at any cost. “We are opposing the canal because it is a direct assault on the food security of the state and Sikh panth. So no Punjabi will ever tolerate this grave injustice against the state” he added.
Training guns against the Congress party, the Chief Minister said that this party was solely responsible for the plight of Punjab and Punjabis. Reminding the people about the notorious past of the congress party, he said the Congress had irrelevantly meddled in economic, political, social and even religious affairs of the state adding that no Punjabi could ever forgive Congress for 1984 anti - Sikh Carnage and Operation Blue Star. “We all must remember that every person who supports Congress justifies Operation Blue star which was direct assault on our religious feelings”, added Mr. Badal.
Squarely blaming the Congress party for the plight of farmers in the country, the Chief Minister said that the long spell of Congress party's misrule had broken the back bone of the farmers. He said that the anti - farmer stance of the Congress and its regressive policies ruined the farmers of the country, who were now reeling under mounting debt.  Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the ever escalating costs of farm inputs coupled with non-remunerative MSP of the crops have rendered agriculture as non profitable venture.
Listing the major initiatives taken by the state government, the Chief Minister said that during the past more than nine years the state government has provided free power to farmers worth Rs 28000 crore otherwise their problems would have accentuated manifold on account of electricity bills of tube well. Mr. Badal said that the state government has started first of its kind scheme to provide interest free crop loans worth Rs 50000 to the farmers. He further said that in another historic decision it has been decided that all the farmers would be provided a health insurance cover of Rs.50,000 and an insurance of Rs.5 lac in case of accidental death or incapacitation of head of family adding that now the state government has passed a law "The Punjab Settlement of Agricultural Indebtedness Act 2016” with an aim to provide a framework for expeditious determination and settlement of non-institutional agricultural debt.
The Chief Minister said that in consonance with the path shown by great Gurus, saints and seers, the Punjab was the only state to provide free Atta-Dal to poor people besides starting Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme under which state government organizes free trains/ buses to devotees for visiting sacred cities of Sri Nanded Sahib, Varanasi, Katra (Mata Vaishno Devi) and Ajmer Sharif from Punjab and also provide other logistic facilities to pilgrims. He also said that the state government has decided to spend Rs 100 crore to commemorate the 350th birth anniversary of tenth master of Sikhs Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in an unsurpassed manner.
In his address, while calling upon Punjabi’s to be ever vigilant to guard the state against anti-Punjab and anti-Sikh forces to thwart their nefarious designs of fomenting trouble and spreading misinformation, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today reiterated that Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) being the true representative of Punjabi people, wont shy away from making even the biggest of sacrifices for the sake of Punjab. Deputy Chief Minister said that SAD has a glorious legacy of fighting for freedom of the country as well as being the voice of peasants, traders, poor people and all the other sections of society. He said that SAD fought against the imposition of emergency apart from waging relentless struggle for Punjabi Suba.
Pooh-pooing the opposition parties especially Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for spreading misleading information and also branding entire Punjabi people as drug addicts, Deputy Chief Minister said that these parties are inimical to the progress of the state and have no love for the ethos and culture of it. Lambasting congress, he said that this party under instructions from its high command in Delhi is always finding ways and means to spread malicious propaganda against Punjab. Not only this, Congress attacked the holiest of Sikh shrines Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar.
Taking on AAP, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal thundered that this party has started emulating congress policies by attacking sikh shrines which is evident from the demolishing of ‘Piau’ at Gurudwara Sri Sisganj Sahib in Delhi. He further said that AAP has its eyes on Punjab polls next year but how can it explain to the people of Punjab it’s backstabbing them on crucial SYL issue.
He vowed that anti-Punjab forces that are jealous of and inimical to the development of state, would not be allowed to take roots in Punjab and sensible Punjabi people would thwart their designs decisively.
Making a pitch for development, he said that the people friendly and welfare schemes of SAD-BJP government cannot be matched let alone excelled by any party because SAD-BJP government under able leadership of Chief Minster Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has done unprecedented development of the state and made it count amongst frontline states in the country.
He divulged that SAD-BJP government delivered what it promised. As per the promise, Punjab was made power surplus, construction of shaheedi yaadgars and memorial to Bhagat Ravidass ji were undertaken besides launching atta-dal, shagan and Insurance schemes for farmers and traders.
Making further announcements, Deputy Chief Minister disclosed that all big cities would be connected with 4 and 6 laned roads, all roads in villages would be repaired, Concretisation of canals and Khaals (water bodies) would be undertaken at Rs. 2000 crore and Rs. 1000 crore respectively. A sum of Rs. 2500 crore- Rs.6000 crore would be spent on overall development of villages. He also said that sewerage and drinking water in mandi’s of the state would be provided at a cost of Rs. 4000 crore.
Listing other pro-progress measures, he divulged that SAD-BJP government being farmer friendly, waived off tubewell bills of farmers and also formulated a scheme under which farmers can avail an interest free loan of Rs. 1 lakh per year from co-operative banks. Disclosing more, he said that under another farmer friendly measure of state government, farmers would get pensions with equal contributions by state government getting them Rs. 5000 pension per month after 10 years. Disclosing other measures, he informed that SAD-BJP government popularized kabaddi and has conceived a plan to award interest free educational loans to the students besides opening skill centers in every constituency to tarin youth of Punjab in accordance with demands of industrial sector.
The Deputy Chief Minister informed that the amount of development carried out by present government and the rapid pace all round progress remain unparalleled in the history of the country.
Earlier in her address Union Food Processing Minister Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal exhorted the people to make a firm pledge for foiling the nefarious designs of anti - Punjab forces who were hell bent upon ruining the state. She said that every Punjabi must make all out effort to ensure that such forces were not successful in their plans. Mrs. Badal said that every effort aimed at weakening the panth and Sikh community would be given a befitting reply.
The Union Minister said that it was the moral duty of every individual present in this conference to pledge and follow the tenets of Sikhism. She said that Sikh history was full of countless sacrifices made by the Sikh gurus and their followers for the sake of protection of weaker sections of the society, which must be emulated by one and all.
Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon and Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Jangveer Singh, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr Sarup Chand Singla, Mr. Mantar Singh Brar and Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas, MLAs Mr. Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Mr. Harpreet Singh, Mr. Deep Malhotra, Mr. Prem Mittal, Jathedar Chatin Singh Samao, Mr. Hari Singh Zira, Mr. Darshan Singh Kotfatta, Mrs. Rajvinder Kaur Bhagike, Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Nihalsinghwala and Mr Gurtej Singh Ghuriana, Chairman Punjab Agro Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, senior Akali leader Mr. Darbara Singh Guru, Chairman PRTC Mr. Avtar Singh Brar, Chairman Mr. Ajaib Singh Bhatti, Chairman Mr. Tejinder Singh Middukhera, Chairman Puncofed Mr. Kulwinder Singh Bhai Ka kera, Chairman District Planning committees Mr. Jagdeep Singh Nakai and Mr. Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon, former MP Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, President Youth Akali Dal Mr. Kanwarjeet Singh Rozy Barkandi and Chairman of State Youth Development Board Mr. Parambans Singh Bunty Romana.

Badal reviews progress on Sri Ram Tirath Temple-cum-Panorama complex

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 12
   Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the progress of ongoing work on the construction of Sri Ram Tirath Temple cum Panorama complex at Amritsar and Baba Jeevan Singh Memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Presiding over a meeting here at Punjab Bhawan this morning, the Chief Minister underscored the need for expediting the work of these projects for their timely completion.
The Chief Minister was apprised that 90% work for the construction of Sri Ram Tirath Temple cum Panorama complex has been completed and the remaining work would also be completed within the stipulated time frame. This project include state-of-art temple cum panorama complex, Administrative complex, langar hall, parking and sangat hall. The Chief Minister asked the Principal Secretary Cultural affair to appoint a special officer for monitoring the day-to-day work of this project.
The Chief Minister said that this iconic temple cum panorama center was coming up at Sri Valmiki Tirath in Amritsar, where Bhagwan Valmiki ji had created the great epic and masterpiece of Ramayana. Mr. Badal said that it was a matter of great pride and honor for the state government to offer humble tributes to Bhagwan Valmiki Ji by developing this site for the devotees visiting this sacred place from every nook and corner of the world. He pointed out that new Temple which would be constructed at Sri Valmiki Ashram (Ram Tirath) would be an engineering marvel spruced with rare architecture, landscaping besides aesthetically designed. “This Temple will be unique monument in the sense that it will not only help in disseminating the philosophy of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji for carving out a harmonious society in the state but it would also act as a lighthouse to guide the destiny of our youth through the great ethical and moral values preached by him” he added.
The Chief Minister also approved the design of ‘Khanda-Baata’ to be installed Baba Jeevan Singh Memorial to be constructed at a cost of Rs 25 crore. He said that internationally acclaimed companies must be roped in for the installation of this ‘Khanda-Baata’ at this memorial being built to perpetuate the memory of legendary Sikh martyr Baba Jeevan Singh, who had rendered marvelous service to the panth by bringing back the seesh of Guru Teg Bahadur ji from Chandni chowk (Delhi) to Sri Anandpur Sahib. He said that Baba Jeevan Singh confronted unimaginable hardships during his journey from Delhi to Sri Anandpur sahib but he faced them bravely.
The Chief Minister said that this memorial would remind our younger generations about exemplary courage exhibited by this legendary Sikh warrior which hardly finds any parallel in the entire Sikh history. On the occasion the Head of Architecture Department of Guru Nanak Dev University Prof. SS Behal gave a detailed presentation to Mr. Badal regarding the building plan of memorial which includes Gallery, Parking and Administrative complex. He said that the memorial would also showcase the Sikh martial art-‘Gatka’ as a humble tribute to this martyr.
Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Chairman Punjab Dalit Vikas Board Mr. Vijay Danav, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Director Cultural Affairs Mr. Navjot Pal Singh Randhawa.
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Admission charges government rehabilitation centres slashed

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 12
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today decided to slash the admission charges from Rs.200 to Rs.50 per day from the patients coming to government rehabilitation centres.
This decision was taken by Mr. Badal while presiding over the third meeting of the State Drug De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Board here at Punjab Bhawan this morning. However, the charges for de-addiction would continue at the nominal rate of Rs.200 per day, which would include cost of medicine, diet and all other expenses.
Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister said that realizing the plight of the drug addicts and the agony of their parents and relatives, this conscious decision has been taken so that maximum people inflicted with drug addiction could seek the best treatment in these centres and could be properly rehabilitated to lead a life with self respect and dignity. Mr. Badal assured that the drug rehabilitation centres would be compensated for this deficit through Cancer and Drug De-addiction Treatment Infrastructure (CADA) fund.
The Chief Minister was also updated about the status of model drug de-addiction centres and was told that out of five drug de-addiction centres, four such centres at Bathinda, Faridkot, Jalandhar and Amritsar have been made functional and another centre at Patiala was under construction. Mr. Badal also asked the Chief Secretary to visit few central jails along with Additional Chief Secretary (Home), ADGP (Jails) and Director State Narcotics Control Bureau to examine the cases of prisoners/under-trails under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and submit the report within a month.
Emphasizing the need of publicity to bring awareness amongst the drug addicts about the availability of drug rehabilitation centres in the government sector, the Chief Minister said that a vigorous media campaign should be launched to educate the people about the latest facilities being offered to the drug addicts for their treatment in these centres.
Simultaneously, chairing the fourth meeting of State Cancer and Drug De-addiction Treatment Infrastructure Board, Mr. Badal was apprised by the Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare that Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital at Sangrur and Advanced Cancer Centre in Baba Farid Medical University of Health Sciences, Faridkot were providing the latest diagnostic and treatment facilities to the cancer patients and the three other upcoming cancer treatment and research centres would be soon made operational in the Government Medical Colleges at Patiala and Amritsar besides an ultra modern 200 bedded Advanced Cancer Treatment and Research Centre at Bathinda.
She told Mr. Badal that Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital at Sangrur was commissioned on January 20, 2015 and nearly 1800 new patients have been given treatment for cancer, while chemotherapy was performed on about 2500 patients and about 15,000 laboratory tests have been done so far. A state-of-the-art linear accelerator has also been installed there, which would provide treatment to patients at 10% of the cost incurred in private hospitals.
To combat the challenge to eradicate breast cancer amongst the women, the Chief Minister also gave approval to install the facility of digital mammography in the Advanced Cancer Centre at Bathinda at the cost of Rs. 1.30 crore. The Chief Minister directed that one third of the tax on cigarettes should be credited to the CADA fund to provide for cancer treatment infrastructure.
The Chief Minister also called upon the NGOs to come forward and join hands with government to stamp out the menace of cancer and drug addiction from the state through sensitizing the people for early detection of cancer as well as the ill-effects of drug addiction.
Prominent amongst who attended these meetings included Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary (Jails) Mr. Sanjay Singh, Secretary Medical Education & Research Mr. Husan Lal, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. K.J.S. Cheema, Technical Advisor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) B.S. Dhaliwal, ADGP (Prisons) Mr. M.K. Tiwari, Director State Narcotics Control Bureau IG Mr. Ishwer Chander, DIG (Prisons) Mr. Lakhwinder Singh Jakhar, Divisional Commissioner Patiala Mr. Ajeet Singh Pannu, Divisional Commissioner Jalandhar Mr. Harbax Singh Nanda, Divisional Commissioner Faridkot Mr. V.K. Meena, Secretary Higher Education Mr. Anurag Verma, Secretary Local Government Mr. D.K. Tiwari, Secretary Revenue Mr. Sameer Kumar, Secretary Rural Development and Panchayats Mr. Dipinder Singh, Special Secretary Finance Mr. Sukhwinder Singh, Director Social Security Mr. G.S. Sidhu, Vice Chancellor Baba Farid University of Health Sciences Dr. Raj Bahadur and Director Medical Education and Research Dr. Manjit Kaur Mohi.
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Badal condoles death of photo journalist

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 9
Punjab Chief Minister  Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad and untimely demise of Chandigarh based photojournalist of the Dainik Savera Newspaper Mr. Lovedeep Singh (30), who died in a road accident near Talwara on Saturday. He is survived by his parents, wife and two brothers.
In a condolence message the Chief Minister said that it was tragic that Mr. Lovedeep Singh passed away in the prime of his youth. He said that Mr. Lovedeep’s death was a big loss for the media fraternity as it has lost an excellent photographer, who was highly committed towards his work.
Sharing his heart felt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give them strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.
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KCW student designs and exhibit costumes

AMRITSAR, APRIL 9 

The students at Khalsa College for Women (KCW) today exhibited a stylish and glittering `fashion parade’ marking annual dress designing and exhibiting costume show `Mirage’. The students from department of fashion designing put up a grand show exhibiting traditional, Punjabi and Western costumes, designed by the students themselves as the damsels romped the ramp with head held high in esteem. 

The show was a blend of tradition with modernity as described by Principal Dr.Sukhbir Kaur Mahal who while welcoming chief guest Tejinder Kaur Chhina and others said the show was an attempt to infuse confidence amongst the students to design costumes and exhibit those before the public. The students-turned-models for a while demonstrated a rare show of confidence and elegance.

 The KCW had introduced B.Sc. in Fashion Designing, the only College in the region to have such a course. ``We wanted that students get to the practical by organizing their own show like this. I happy that they were able to exhibit such a great show today’’, said Principal Mahal. The audience broke into applauds as the ramp walk in blond style and elegance. 

Tejinder Chhina said that she was overwhelmed by the confidence and talent shown by the girls today. ``I have really been amused that such a talent in designing clothes exists locally. The wide range of clothe choice and style is mind blowing and the fashion parade today competed the world level events of this kind’’, she stated in her presidential address. Dr.Mahal honoured best performers and appreciated the role of fashion designing department head Prof.Shameena apart from Prof.Harjinder Kaur Chatha, Prof.Poonam Deep Kaur and Prof. Gurjit Kaur.

 Other present during the program included Khalsa College Public School Principal Dr.Sarvjit Kaur Brar, Dr.Amandeep Kaur, Dr. Paramjit Kaur, Radhika Chugh, Kanwaljit Kaur, Dr.Manpreet Dr.Amarjit, Neelamjit, Suman Chanchal Bala, Manjit Singh Dr.Ritu, Principal DK Sandhu and others.Judges were from pearls Academy Delhi Pooja and Jyoti from Streaks Professionals. 

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World Health Day Celebrated at KCPS, KCW

AMRITSAR, APRIL 8 

World Health Day was celebrated at Khalsa College Public School to make students aware about importance of good health and how to maintain good health. An eminent doctor Dr. Amandeep Kaur from local Amandeep hospital addressed the students asking them to be careful for the physical and mental health. 

``Both physical and mental health is interlinked. By taking good balanced diet and involving ourselves in outdoor physical activities, we can keep ourselves physically healthy. Mental health depends on good positive thinking and healthy environment’’, said Dr. Amandeep Kaur.

 Principal Dr. Sarvjit Brar thanked guest speaker Amandeep Kaur for sharing valuable information with students and encouraged the students to have good physical and mental health by taking good balanced diet, avoiding junk food involving in physical exercises and having positive thinking as the `healthy mind resides in the healthy body only. 

Health Awareness Camp at KCW too

Similarly, a general health awareness camp was organized at Khalsa College for Women (KCW), today to mark the World Health Day yesterday. College Principal Dr. Sukhbir Kaur Mahal inaugurated the Camp and addressed the students highlighting the need to know well-being of individual's health. She congratulated the co-ordinator Dr. Manpreet Kaur and other members for taking up the initiative. About a hundred students underwent the tests, she said.

No state has any right on river waters of Punjab: Badal

MIDDHA (SRI MUKTSAR), APRIL 4
Terming that grave injustice was done by Congress with the state during successive water sharing agreements, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that Haryana, Rajasthan or any other state has no right on river waters of Punjab.
Addressing the public gatherings during Sangat Darshan in Lambi assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that the successive Congress governments in the centre and state completely ignored the universally accepted Riparian principle while signing these agreements due to which Punjab was denied of its legitimate right in river waters. He said that if Punjab had not been sharing existing water with Rajasthan, Haryana and other states then there would hardly have been any problem of depleting ground water in the state. Mr. Badal reminded the people that in absence of adequate canal water they had no other option then pumping out water through tube wells thereby putting ground water situation in state in alarming state.
Reiterating the firm commitment of state to protect waters of the state, the Chief Minister once again avowed to make every sacrifice to protect the river waters of the state. He categorically said that Punjab doesn’t have a single drop of spare water for anybody. Mr. Badal said that Akali Dal had been continuously opposing the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal agreement, which robbed the water of state, from day one adding that now also they were firm to their stand to not allow the construction of this canal at any cost.
The Chief Minister further said that water was basic ingredient of life and any such move to share the river waters of the state would be disastrous as it would ruin Punjab. He said that while doing the agreement of the SYL canal the then Congress government at the centre completely overlooked the universally accepted Riparian Principle on river water sharing. “Every Punjabi must be ready to oppose this move and all of us should pledge to protect the waters of the state at any cost” added Mr. Badal.
Training his guns against the Congress, the Chief Minister said that the successive Congress governments at the centre have meted out step motherly treatment with the Punjab by denying it of Punjabi speaking areas, legitimate share in river waters and even its capital. He said that the Congress has inflicted a deep wound on Sikh psyche by irrelevantly meddling in their social, political, economic and even religious matters. Mr. Badal said that no Punjabi could ever forgive Congress for its dubious role in executing anti Sikh riots and attacking Sri Darbar Sahib in 1984.
Squarely blaming the Congress party for the plight of farmers in the country, the Chief Minister said that the long spell of Congress party's misrule had broken the back bone of the farmers. He said that the anti - farmer stance of the Congress and its regressive policies ruined the farmers of the country, who were now reeling under mounting debt.  Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the ever escalating costs of farm inputs coupled with non-remunerative MSP of the crops have rendered agriculture as non profitable venture.
Later on interacting with the media persons in village Raniwala, the Chief Minister said that the Union Government must give relaxation to the jewelers, who were agitating since imposition of duty on them. He said that the jewelers were under tremendous pressure and their demand needs to be considered sympathetically. Mr. Badal said that he had already written letter to the Government of India for reconsidering this issue.
On the announcement of state Congress Chief Captain Amarinder Singh to contest SGPC elections in the state, the Chief Minister said that nobody has debarred them to do so. He said that it was democracy and everyone was free to test waters in any elections. However, Mr. Badal reminded Captain that Congress was defeated badly whenever they had tried their luck in SGPC polls.
Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the Union government must ensure remunerative prices of harvest of the farmers. Asked to comment on statements of Dr. Navjot Kur Sidhu, Mr. Badal said that she was like her daughter.  
Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Chairman Punjab Agro Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, Chairman PUNCOFED Mr Kulwinder Singh Bhai Kakera, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema, Secretary Water Supply Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sharma, Joint Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr Kumar Amit, Member Punjab State women Commission Bibi Veer Pal Kaur Tarmala and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Sumit Jaranghal.
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