KCA students bag top positions

 By Punjabnewswire4u

AMRITSAR, MARCH 29

 Sukhmanpreet Kaur, a student from Department of Punjabi at Khalsa College Amritsar (KCA) bagged the second position while Harpreet Kaur, Satnam Kaur and Puja Sharma got fourth, sixth and seventh positions subsequently  in Guru Nanak Dev University in Semester examinations.     

 Baljinder Singh from the department has also done proud by clearing the UGC examination in the first attempt, stated KCA Principal, Dr. Daljit Singh who congratulated the students on achievements and head of department Dr.Davinderpal Kaur and Prof.Kuldeep Singh.

Adarsh schools to have vocational training centres

By Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29

Taking a leap forward towards imparting technical training to the unemployed youth of the state thereby opening the new vistas of self employment for them, the Punjab government today gave nod for setting up vocational training Centers in all the Adarsh Schools of the state.

A decision to this effect was taken in the eighth meeting of the Punjab Education Development Board held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal here at his official residence.

In the meeting, the Chief Minister asked the Chief Secretary to draft a policy for setting up vocational training centers in all the Adarsh Schools of the state so that quality technical training could be imparted to the youth belonging to the rural areas. Mr Badal emphasized that with the opening of these centers quality education could be imparted to the students besides opening the new avenues of the self employment for them.

During the meeting permission was granted to Adarsh School being run by the Bharti Foundation to open one such centre at the school. Divulging the details Member of the Board Mr Rakesh Mittal said that these centers would be opened in two out of the five schools run by the foundation as Pilot projects.  He said that in these centres the unemployed youth of the area along with the students of senior secondary classes in the schools would be imparted the technical training thereby enabling them for the self employment. Mr Mittal categorically said that these centres would not take any fee from the students against the technical training imparted to them.

It was also decided in the meeting hand over the management of seven operational ASdarsh schools in village Bhopal (Mansa), Mallan (Faridkot), Hardasa (Ferozepur), Daultpura Neevan (Moga), Ransinh Kalan (Moga), Chauke (Bathinda) and Boha (Mansa). The Board also gave approval for handing the management of Adarsh Senior Secondary School village Ucha (Kapurthala) to the Chief Khalsa Diwan Charitable Society. Likewise it was also decided to open another Adarsh School with private partnership at village Dialpura Bhai ke (Bathinda), which would be established with the help of Sant Mahesh Muni Ji Bhore wale Welfare Society.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion include Education Minister Mr Sikander Singh Maluka, Chief Secretary Mr Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary Finance Mr Satish Chandra, Secretary Scholl Education Mrs Anjali Bhanwra, Director General School Education (DGSE) Mr Kahan Singh Pannu, Vice Chancellor Punjabi University Dr Jaspal Singh, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and Member Mr Madan Mohan Vyaas. 

State-of-the- art temple at Sri Valmiki Ashram

By Punjabnewswire4u

 CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29

             In a bid to perpetuate the rich legacy of Bhagwan Vailmiki Maharaj Ji, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today approved the construction plan of the state-of-the art Temple, Museum and Panorama in Sri Valmiki Ashram (Ram Tirath) near Amritsar at a cost of Rs 115 crore.

            A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister in a meeting with the members of Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Vikas Board constituted for the development of Sri Valmki Ashram (Ram Tirath) under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Minister Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike.

            Paying reverence to the great spiritual ambassador who propagated the concept of egalitarian society by composing the legendary epic ‘Ramyana’, the Chief Minister said that it was a matter of great pride and honor for the state government to offer humble tributes to Bhagwan Vailmki Maharaj Ji by developing this site for the devotees visiting this sacred place from every nook and corner of the world. It may be recalled that Bhagwan Valmiki Maharaj Ji resided and composed his masterpiece ‘Ramayana’ at this sacred place. He said that realizing the paramount significance and sanctity of this historic place the state government has made concerted efforts to develop it adding that so far Rs 20 crores has been spent for its beautification. However Mr Badal 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.

            The Chief Minister categorically said that this Temple would be unique in the sense that it would not only help in disseminating the philosophy of Bhagwan Valmiki Maharaj 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 said that the museum and the panorama to be constructed at Sri Valmiki Ashram would showcase the teachings of Bhagwan Valmiki Maharaj Ji which emphasized equality in the society along with the Principles of what an ideal man, ideal ruler and ideal people should follow for the formation of an ideal state or society. This temple would be a befitting tribute to Bhagwan Valmiki Maharaj Ji, who was the “Pitaamah” of Sanskrit language and first poet or the Adi Kavi of the world who by his immortal and masterpiece composition the “Ramayana” propagated the message of victory of good over evil, added Mr Badal.

            The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government was fully committed to undertake renovation and beautification of this sacred place from its historical and religious perspective adding that the work on this ambitious project would be commenced soon and was likely to be completed within two years. He further said that the work would be executed in a phased manner and during the first phase the construction of Temple and Multi Storey Bus/car parking would be undertaken followed by construction of Langar Hall, Sangat Hall and Museum in the second, third and fourth phase respectively. Mr Badal also asked the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar Mr Rajat Aggarwal who also participated in the meeting to ensure that timely commissioning of this prestigious project.

            Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for making all out efforts to ensure unprecedented development of this historical and sacred place, Speaker of Punjab Assembly Dr Charanjeet Singh Atwal and Cabinet Minister Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike said that with the approval of this project Ram Tirath, which was the sacred place of all the religions and communities, would emerge as a prominent religious destination on the world religious tourism map. They also said that community would be ever indebted to the Chief Minister for showing the magnanimity to ensure overall development and beautification at Sri Valmiki Ashram (Ram Tirath) in view of the religious sentiments of the community.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Vice Chairman of Board Mr Hans Raj Hans, Members Mr Vijay Danav, Mr Lakshman Dravid, Mr Naresh Dhingan, Mr Om Parkash Gabbar, Mr Randeep Gill, Mr DP Khosla, Mr Karnail Singh Sahota and others.    

CM okays slew of reforms to upgrade services in co-operative banking sector

 By Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29

            In order to benefit the farmers by strengthening the co-operative banking sector in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today approved a slew of reforms for the upgradation of services in this sector to the advantage of the peasantry.

             A decision to this effect was taken in a high level review meeting of the Co-Operation Department held under the Chief Minister here at his official residence.

In another significant decision the Chief Minister also decided to do away with the prevalent practice of electing political appointees of MDs in the district branches of banks across the state. The step is aimed at bringing far more efficiency in the delivery system of the banks on one hand and enhancing profitability on the other through appointing professional on these posts to make these institutions financially viable and economically sustainable. The process of making appointing professional with expertise in banking sector would be implemented gradually. 

The Chief Minister laid thrust on the complete renovation of these banks by computerization of all its 805 branches in the state along with implementing the Core Banking Service in them. Mr Badal said that it was the need of the hour to expedite the process of giving these services to the consumers so as to benefit them on one hand and plug the leakages of the banks on the other. He also asked the department to adopt consumer centric approach by providing the ATM facility in all the branches of these banks so as to expand their business.

            Giving his nod for the recruitment of 300 Clerks, 21 Assistant System Analysist and 50 Managers, the Chief Minister asked the department to ensure that the recruitment was held every year through Centralized recruitment process in a transparent manner so as to attract the best talent for the banking services. He said that efforts must be made to provide perfect banking services to the people especially the farmers in rural areas which would go a long way in strengthening these banks. In order to further enhance the quality of services provided by the Co-operative banks by engaging the Professionals in the Board of Governors, Mr Badal also constituted a committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary to study the entire matter.   

            Dwelling on the issues pertaining to the Milkfed and Markfed, the Chief Minister laid thrust on increasing the business of these agencies by further popularizing the products manufactured by them. He said that both these agencies should make all out efforts for the better marketing of their products which were renowned all over the world due its good quality and mouth watering taste. Mr Badal asked these agencies to lay focus on enhancing the sales of their wide range of products in the national and international markets.

            In order to check the sale of spurious cattle feeds in the state, the Chief Minister also gave in Principle approval for enacting an Act to check this malpractice. He said that the sale of poor quality cattle feed was not in the interest of the peasantry of the state and effective steps were needed to check it, so as to benefit the diary farmers of the state.

            During the meeting Principal Secretary of the Chief Minister and Financial Commissioner Co-operation Mr SK Sandhu apprised the Chief Minister that the Co-Operative banks were performing exceptionally well especially in the field of disbursing the loans to the farmers, Diary farmers and other customers. He said that in accordance with the directions of the Chief Minister the work on computerization of the Co-Operative banks would also be completed soon for giving better services to the customers. Mr Sandhu also revealed that efforts were afoot to start a vigorous campaign for effectively marketing the popular products of Markfed and Milkfed both the within the country and globally.

            Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Registrar Co-operative Societies Mr AS Miglani, MD Markfed Dr Karamjeet Singh Sra, Director Milkfed Mr Balwinder Singh Sidhu and Managing Director Punjab State Co-operative Agriculture Development Bank Mr GS Mangat.          

Badal reiterates firm commitment for the welfare of serving and ex-servicemen

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal alongwith General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Command Lt. General Sanjiv Chachra, AVSM, VSM, during Civil Military Liaison conference at Chandimandir on Thursday.

By Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIMANDIR/CHANDIGARH, MARCH 28

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today presided over the Civil Military Liaison Conference (CMLC) here at Headquarters Western Command in the presence of Food and Civil supplies Minister Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon and senior officers of the Army and State administration.

Taking Part in the deliberations Mr. Badal reiterated the firm commitment of the state government for the welfare of the serving and ex-servicemen. He said that state government had taken path-breaking initiatives in this regard by establishing a 'Monitoring Cell' to monitor the re-employment of ex-servicemen by ensuring 13% reservation in all Punjab Government Services. Likewise the amount under various financial assistances had also been doubled besides, enhancing the assistance for Gallantry Award Winners by 20%. The Punjab Government had taken a policy decision to offer Honour and Gratitude appointment to the widows/ dependants of  the family of  War Heroes added Mr. Badal and 437 jobs were given which included 9 - PCS, 24 - Class I & II, 252 – Class III and 152 – Class IV.

Expressing concern over the decline in the numbers of Punjabis in the defence services, Mr. Badal said that to restore the imbalance in officer cadre of the Defence Services the state of Punjab had launched a motivational scheme wherein, a cadet joining National Defence Academy Pune (NDA), Indian Military Academy Dehradun (IMA), Officers Training Academy Chennai (OTA), Naval/Air Force Academies with effect from 01 Apr 2010 and subsequent dates, would be given an incentive of Rs one  lakh. This would motivate youth from Punjab to seek commission in the Defence Services,     under this scheme sum of Rs 146 Lac rupees had been released to concerned District Defence Services Welfare Offices for payment to 146 cadets during year 2012-13.

The Chief Minister also informed in the meeting that issues pertaining to inadequate water supply at Fazilka Military station at a cost of Rs. 12.50 crore, Civil Sewage and Sludge Disposal at Air Force Station, Pathankot, reimbursement of additional excise duty in lieu of octroi charged by government in Jalandhar, Ferozepur cantonments, exemption of entry tax on lubricating oil, besides acquisition of 350 acres of land at Patiala and other many issues had also been resolved.

Earlier, in his welcome address the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Command, Lieutenant General Sanjiv Chachra, AVSM, VSM, thanked the Chief Minister and Civil administration that had always been responsive and helpful to the need of the Defence Forces. He mentioned that with Mr. Badal’s personal intervention numerous issues related to defence services had already been resolved through interactive sessions held prior to the CMLC.

He further said that Punjab and the Armed Forces shared a strong and enduring relationship, which the Army was proud of. The State had given the Armed Forces distinguished military leaders, brave heart soldiers and had always been generous to the ex-servicemen community when rolling out concessions and benefits for their yeoman service. The Army Commander was confident that this trend would continue in the years to come.

The issues were discussed in a frank & forthright manner. Punjab Government sought coaches from Army for training of members of Punjab Amateur Rowing Association (PARA) which was agreed to by Army. The issue of Ammunition Dump Patti was discussed along with other Dumps with Army where various unauthorized constructions had come up in the notified area. Army Commander clarified that the provisions of the Act could not be violated being a Government of India Notification. It was decided that a committee would study the case and come out with concrete recommendations. Army also made a request for 500 acres at Mand for setting up an Aviation Base.

The Chief Secretary brought out that the development of the area as a Greenfield Project could be considered. Army raised the requirement of land for Jai Jawan Awas Yojna and AWHO colonies. Chief Secretary mentioned that State Government was constructing housing colonies in 50 Tier I and II towns and a certain percentage could be shared based on their requirement. The Hon’ble CM also agreed to extend all possible support to bring up the standard of Sainik School Kapurthala. The Government also agreed to analyse whether wards of Defence personnel could be classified as a ‘disadvantaged group’ under the RTE Act. The CM agreed wholeheartedly to provide all possible help to ensure greater employment to retired officers, JCOs and jawans. The flooding issue of Chandigarh Airport also came up for discussion and Govt agreed to address the problems afflicting the Airport at an early date. It was also decided in the meeting that Army authorities would re-examine the construction of security wall around the Jalandhar Cantonment.

On conclusion, a vote of thanks was proposed by the Army for the Hon’ble CM and the Goverment of Punjab for their positive response to all issues discussed. The Government of Punjab assured greater interaction at functional level for early resolution of all ongoing issues.