ECI amends expenditure monitoring instrusctions

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com

CHANDIGARH, JAN 28 

        The Election Commission of India has amended the expenditure monitoring instructions.   

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the CEO Punjab today said that that as per the amended ECI instructions assistant expenditure observers, video surveillance teams, video viewing teams, video teams for tracking illegal cash transactions, accounting teams, media certification and monitoring committee, expenditure monitoring control room with 24X7 hrs, call center and expenditure monitoring cell should be in place.     

He said during the bye election model code of conduct would be force in only Moga district. He said that during the checking, if any cash exceeding Rs 50 thousand is found in a vehicle carrying a candidate or his agent, party worker, carrying posters, election materials any drugs, liquor, arms or gift items valued more then 10,000, which are likely to be used for inducement of electoral or any other illicit articles are found in a vehicle, the same should be subject to seizure.

He further said that the whole event of checking and seizure to be video graphed by a video team, which would submit the copy of the video CD to the returning officer. The flying squad should also be in constant touch with official deputed by the law enforcement authorities. 

Jasbir Gill elected NRI Sabha Punjab president

by Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, JAN 28

Mr. Jasbir Singh Gill has been elected President of the NRI Sabha, Punjab. He  defeated Mr. Kamaljit Singh Hayer, former President of NRI Sabha by a margin of 197 votes. The election was held today at Jalandhar.

Announcing the results, Assisrant Returning Officer, NRI Sabha, Punjab Iqbal Singh Sandhu,PCS, said that Mr Jasbir Singh Gill polled 657 votes while  Mr. Kamaljit Singh Hayer received  460 votes. Mr. Pritam Singh Narangpur obtained 452 votes. One thousand six hundred and twenty four  votes were polled out which 55 were rejected on technical grounds..

Punjab steps to tackle the menance of drugs

By Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, JAN 27

In a bid to tackle the menace of drugs in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Health department to work out a viable proposal for delegating the powers like Drug Inspector’s to the Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) to raid and take action against the Chemist shops involved in illegal selling of drugs. 

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal during a meeting with a delegation of Bharti Kisan Union (BKU) led by its President Mr. Balbir Singh Rajewal here at Punjab Bhawan this morning. On the issue raised by the delegation that due to the shortage of the drug Inspectors, administration was helpless to take any strict legal action against the erring Chemists especially in the rural areas, Mr. Badal asked Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal who was also present in the meeting, to take early necessary action in this regard.

Expressing concern over the situation Mr. Badal said that it was the responsibility of the Centre to safeguard the International borders and take effective measures to check the menace of drug trafficking through intensified patrolling by the BSF and other Central Para-military forces which were under Centre’s control directly. He further said that open sale of poppy husk in neigbouring state Rajasthan was also imposing a great threat to Punjab. Mr. Badal said that SAD-BJP government had already taken strict actions to control drug menace and seized a large quantity of drugs during its regime.

 Ensuring the improvement of link road network in the state, Mr. Badal informed the delegation that government had prepared a comprehensive plan to repair 13,000 KM of link roads at a cost of Rs. 1700 crore.

Responding to another demand of the union regarding the one time settlement scheme to settle the Loans of the farmers, Mr. Badal agreed to extend the scheme up to June 30, 2013.

Mr. Badal approved to constitute a committee comprising the representatives of Animal Husbandry Department, PAU, MILKFED, Progressive Dairy Farmers and a representative of BKU (Rajewal) to study the viability of dairy farming in the state. Mr. Badal also assured to give due representation to the farmers in various District Grievances Committees.

Regarding the issues related to power supply, Mr. Badal directed the Chairman POWERCOM to take immediate necessary action to settle all the power related issues amicably. He also mentioned that state government had already paying Rs. 5000 crore annually to the POWERCOM on the count of free power to farmers for irrigation in the state. The Chief Minister asked the farmers to adopt drip irrigation to save the water. He also informed that government was preparing a plan to provide a subsidy on solar pumps.

On the issue of adulteration in fertilizers, the Director Agriculture informed in the meeting that department had collected 2770 samples out of which 77 samples have failed and necessary legal action was being taken against these erring firms.

During the meeting, the Secretary Mandi Board informed that to facilitate the farmers, the state government was setting up three new timber markets, two in district Hoshiarpur and one at Balachaur in district Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.

In order to prevent the loss of the farmers due to the frequent invasion of wild animals in their fields, Mr. Badal informed that the Forest Department had already raised 28 KM chain link fencing across the sanctuaries out of 81 KM and remaining would also be completed at a cost of Rs. 13.74 crore in the state.

Prominent amongst who attended the meeting included the Health & Family Welfare Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. GS Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. NS Kang, Financial Commissioner Forest Mr. DS Bains, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry  Mr. G Vajralingam, Secretary Power Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, Principal Chief Conservator Forest Mr. HS Gujral, Secretary Mandi Board Mr. Deepinder Singh, Director Rural Development Mr. Karuna Raju, MD MILKFED Dr. Balwinder Singh Sidhu, Chairman PPCB Mr. Ravinder Singh, Chairman Power Com KD Chaudhary, Director Agriculture Mr. Mangal Singh Sandhu and Director Dairy Development Mr. Inderjeet Singh besides other officers of the
state administration and the office bearers of the BKU.

Crime against women is dirty blot on Indian society: Chief Justice

by Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, JAN 26

The 64th Republic Day was celebrated in the premises of the Punjab and Haryana High Court with great zeal and gaiety. The Chief Justice Mr. Justice Arjun Kumar Sikri unfurled the national flag.

While congratulating the august gathering on this occasion he recounted the progress made by this Court in various fields to provide the citizen centric services to the general public. 
The Chief Justice highlighted the work done by the District Courts in speedy disposal of the cases relating to heinous crime against the women by taking up the proceedings on day-to-day basis. He happily recounted that the best practices being followed by this Court is attracting the attention of various other High Courts. 

The invigorating speech of  the Chief Justice was followed by a cultural programme. The function was attended by sitting Judges, their spouses, former judges, judicial officers of tricity, members of the bar and officials of the High Court.
 The contingent of ITBP presented an impressive Guard of Honour. The general public was distributed sweets while appreciation certificates were issued to the participants.

Sukhbir urges parents to play pro-active role in crusade against drugs

By Punjabnewswire4u

BATHINDA, JAN 26

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister  Sukhbir Singh Badal today exhorted the parents to play pro-active role in taking special care of their teenage children to save them from falling in the trap of drug addiction and promised to continue the crusade launched by SAD-BJP government against menace of drug addiction till its logical end. He also underlined the need for bringing more sensitivity towards the core issue of gender equality by empowering the women.

Addressing a huge gathering after unfurling the National flag here at Multi-Purpose Stadium on the occasion of 64^th Republic Day function , the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that Punjab being on the transit route of international drug trafficking  always remained vulnerable but due to the concerted efforts of state police the drug recoveries has increased manifold  in last 5-6 years. He said that this crusade would continue and nobody would be allowed to ruin the youth power of the state. 

He also urged the parents to take special care of their teenage children to save them from menace of drugs.

He further said that the unfortunate incident of criminal assault on women in various parts of the country serve us a grim reminder that during last 65 years of independence we have faltered on the front inculcating gender sensitization amongst our masses. He said that the society had also lagged behind in educating girl child besides checking the menace of female foeticide. 

He said that it was the high time that the country should launch a sustained program for empowerment of women; ensure strict legal provisions to give deterrent punishment to the culprits of crime against women besides setting up of fast track courts for time bound adjudication of such cases. He said the State Government has dedicated the year 2013 for empowerment of women and we should vow to become active partner in this campaign to save our humanity from extinction.

Congratulating the people of Punjab on the occasion of 64^th Republic Day, Mr. Badal said we were proud of the fact that Punjabis have made more than 80% sacrifices in the freedom struggle. Punjab inherited the legacy of sacrifices in struggle from its Gurus' and Saints' who taught us to work selflessly for betterment of humanity. It was with the indomitable Punjabi spirit that Punjab despite having 2.5% population of the country had contributed more than 80% sacrifices in the freedom struggle.

Mr. Badal said that ours most elaborate written Constitution during last 63 years has withstood the rigorous test of democracy and it was because of the strength of our Constitution and our belief in democratic values, the largest democracy of the world – India has become mature enough to ensure smooth transition of Governments by the use of ballot paper.

He said that by exercising this Right of franchise, the electorate of Punjab has created a history by giving a repeat term to the incumbent SAD-BJP Government, rewarding it for its pro-people, pro-poor policies. The responsibility given to us by the electorates has given us a challenge to fulfil their heightened aspirations by fulfilling our promises with redoubled zeal and efforts, he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister informed that with power surplus by the end of this year, 3 international and 3 domestic airports , linking of all cities and towns with 4/6 lane roads, development all towns and cities with approved master plans, Rs . 9, 000 crore project for up gradation of civic infrastructure in all 147 cities & town and Rs. 10, 000 crore project for overall development of all villages, the State would have the best infrastructure in the country in next three years. He said that the construction of four laning of Bathinda- Chandigarh road, a Rs. 2500 crore project would start next month.

He said that our Government has upgraded the sports infrastructure in the state with the setting up of 6 Astroturf hockey stadium, 7 multipurpose stadiums, Sports complex at Mohali, Punjab Institute of Sports at Ghudda and International sports hostel at the cost of Rs. 200 crore. Besides this, the SAD-BJP government has always taken care of poor by spending Rs. 1313 crore on Atta-Daal scheme, Rs. 2240 crore on old age pension scheme, Rs. 297 on Shagun Scheme, Rs. 455 on setting up of rural toilets in last five years.

Earlier, Mr Badal unfurled the National Flag and inspected the parade before taking salute from an impressive march past led by DSP Rajpal Singh. A captivating cultural programme mesmerized the audience. Tableaus of different departments showcased the overall development besides giving social message. Mr Badal also honoured freedom fighters. Physically challenged persons got gift of tri-cycles and needy women of sewing machines. Various contingents and troupes that excelled in the march past and cultural programme got prizes from Mr Badal. The Deputy Chief Minister also distributed commendation certificates to sportsmen, social workers and talented children.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included: Mr. N.S. Dhillon, IG Zonal, Mr. Jaspal Singh, District & Sessions Judge, Mr. K.K.Yadav, Deputy Commissioner and Mr. Ravcharn Singh Brar, SSP, Bathinda.

Badal for setting up genuine federal structure

by Punjabnewsswire4u

AMRITSAR, JAN 26-

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said that setting up of genuine federal structure in the country was the need of hour to fulfill the cardinal ideas of justice, equality and liberty enshrined in the constitution by our great freedom fighters and leaders.

Addressing a mammoth gathering here at Gandhi ground after unfurling the national tricolor flag on the 64^th Republic day, the Chief Minister said that the framers of our constitution had envisaged Federal structure in the country for ensuring the well being of all the sections of society but the policy of the successive Congress governments at the Centre to usurp the powers of the states, has today turned India into a unitary state. He bemoaned that our great freedom fighters and patriots had laid down their lives during freedom struggle for ensuring the welfare of countrymen but it was unfortunate that the unitary structure of governance in country has given birth to a number of problems due to which the dreams of our forefathers still remains unfulfilled.

Citing an example regarding infringement of state’s right by the Union government and its serious repercussions, the Chief Minister said that as per the constitution Agriculture was a state subject but now grabbing it the Centre was fixing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops and finalizing the prices of diesel and fertilizers besides other Agriculture inputs due to which the agonies of farmers have increased manifolds. He said that due to non remunerative MSP and the escalating costs of agricultural inputs, farming has no longer remained a profitable venture. Mr Badal said that due to such ill conceived policies the hard working farmer of the state was under reeling under heavy debt of more than Rs 32000 crore adding that as per the figures of Union government more than 2.90 lakh farmers across the country have been forced to commit suicide.

The Chief Minister categorically said that the system of running government in the country needs to be amended not only for fulfilling the aspirations of our great freedom fighters but also for eradicating social evils like poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and others which were engulfing the nation.  Therefore, he emphasized that the states need to be strengthened by giving them more financial and political autonomy, especially with regard to decision-making process on issues of local and regional development. “Federalism was the only key to cherish the dreams of our forefathers to build strong and sovereign nation” added Mr Badal.

Recalling the great contribution of Punjabis in the national freedom struggle, the Chief Minister said that watershed movements like Kuka, Ghadar, Babbar Akali, Pagri Sambhal Jatta, Gurdwara Sudhar, Parja Mandal and others were spearheaded from this sacred land adding that great martyrs and freedom fighters like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Diwan Singh Kalepani, Baba Ram Singh and Sohan Singh Bhakna besides several unsung heroes made supreme sacrifices to free our motherland from the shackles of slavery. He also said that it was a matter of pride for them that despite of being 2.5% of the total population of the country Punjabis had made supreme sacrifices during the national freedom struggle and more than 80% of freedom fighters, who were imprisoned, executed or exiled during the movement for attaining independence, belonged to Punjab.

Expressing gratitude towards the people of Punjab for their historic mandate to bring the SAD-BJP government back in power for the second consecutive term, the Chief Minister said that this verdict has filled them with even greater humility and responsibility to fulfill the promises made to the people. He said that during last six years this government has worked hard to promote communal harmony, peace, brotherhood and amity in the state due to which despite of being a border state, Punjab was today the most peaceful state of the country. Mr Badal said that not only this but the SAD-BJP government also has the rare distinction of representing every strata of the society due to which Punjabis irrespective of their caste, colour or creed terms it as their own government.

Renewing the pledge to take the people towards a society that matches the aspirations of freedom fighters, the Chief Minister said that to put Punjab on the fast track of development, the SAD-BJP Government has taken bold initiatives coupled with pragmatic policies and programs due to which an era of unprecedented development has been ushered in the state. Mr Badal said that due to the concerted efforts of the state government Punjab, which earlier ranked 14^th in the country today leads it in the field of education. He said that in order to provide quality education to youth the state government has in a path breaking initiative opened nine new universities besides 17 colleges.

Likewise the Chief Minister said that fully aware of the fact that Power was the engine of growth in a state’s economy the SAD-BJP government has laid special thrust to increase power production in the state. He said that work was going on in full swing at three thermal plants in Talwandi Sabo (1980 MW), Goindwal Sahib (1860 MW) and Rajpura (2100 MW) adding that after the commissioning of these plants the state would become a power surplus state by next year. 

The Chief Minister further said that the state toady leads the country in the field of Infra structure development adding that a whopping investment of Rs 76000 crore was being made for the construction of four/six laning express highways on the major roads in the state. He also said that to provide hassle free journey to the people the work of strengthening and upgradation of all the rural roads network in the state would be completed within three years at the cost of Rs 1700 crore. Likewise Mr Badal said thatRs. 10,000 crore would be spent in the coming years to equip all the 147 cities and towns of the state with facilities like uninterrupted power supply, 100% drinking water & sewerage coverage besides, proper solid waste management and smooth traffic flow.

The Chief Minister further said that due to the efforts of state government Punjab’s performance on Health Infrastructure has been adjudged “excellent” by agency of Government of India. He said that the state government has started a crusade against Cancer in the state for which two super Specialty Max Hospital at Bathinda and SAS Nagar (Mohali) besides two Cancer Diagnostic & Treatment Centres at Bathinda and Faridkot have been set up. Mr Badal also said that to provide world class treatment to cancer patients an ultra modern hospital on the lines of Tata Cancer hospital Mumbai would come up soon at Medicity for which the state government has already allocated 50 acres of land.

Underlining the commitment of state government to provide new employment opportunities to the youth, the Chief Minister said that in its previous term the SAD-BJP government had provided employment to more than 1.25 lakh youth adding that to further enhance the prospects of employability of youth a network of skill Centers has been set up across the state. Mr Badal also said that Punjab government has embarked upon an ambitious program of the cleaning of the river Satluj, the Beas and the Ghaggar at a cost of about Rs.2500 crore by ensuring facilities of proper drainage and safe drinking water with the installation of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) as well as Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in 44 towns on these rivers in the state.

Reiterating the commitment of state government to protect honour and dignity of women, the Chief Minister said that the state government was fully sensitized about the crime against women due to which they have decided that women SHO would be appointed at every Police station for which recruitment of 500 women Sub Inspectors would be done. Mr Badal said that he had also issued directions that no women would be called to the Police station for any enquiry and the Police accompanied by a lady officer would examine the facts at her residence in presence of her family members.

Exhorting the people to play a proactive role in developing the state, the Chief Minister said that public support was very crucial for ensuring the all-round development of the state. He said that the active co-operation of people would go a long way not only in developing the state but also in realizing the dreams of our great freedom fighters.

Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected the parade led by Mr J Elinchelian, IPS and took a salute during an impressive march past by 19 contingents of Punjab Police, Punjab Home Guards, Punjab Forest Guards, NCC Cadets, Bharat Scouts and Guides besides the Punjab Police band and other school bands.  The students of various local schools presented a colorful variety program including Bhangra, Gidha, Group Dance, PT show and group singing. Number of tableaux from various departments aptly depicted the ongoing developmental activities of the State Government.   On the occasion Mr Badal also honoured the Freedom fighters for their valuable contribution towards the country. Mr Badal also gave tri-cycles to the physical challenged persons and honoured the eminent personalities from different walks of life for their outstanding services towards the society.

Badals mourn death of Ram Aadhar

 by Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, JAN 25

 Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of Mr Ram Aadhar (95), who passed away at Varanasi this morning after a brief illness.

In a mourning message, the Chief Minister recalled the outstanding services extended by Mr Ram Aadhar during his service period. Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and courage to family members to bear this irreparable loss.

 Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal y mourned the death of Mr. Ram Aadhar.

            In a condolence message, Mr. Sukhbir Badal said that the services rendered by Mr. Ram Aadhar in public sector would always be remembered. Meanwhile, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue and Public Relations Minister also expressed deep grief over the demise of Mr. Ram Aadhar.

            Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family, Mr. Badal and Mr. Majithia prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss.