Chouhan leads at halfway stage of 13th TATA Open

JAMSHEDPUR, DEC 19
Mhow golfer Om Prakash Chouhan took the lead in round two of the 13th TATA Open after firing a five-under-67 at Beldih Golf Club on Friday. Chouhan, who had shot a four-under-67 in the first round at Golmuri Golf Club, took his two-day total to nine-under-134. Delhi’s Shamim Khan carded a six-under-65 at Golmuri to be placed second at eight-under-135.
On Thursday one half of the field had played its 18 holes at the par-72 Beldih Golf Club while the golfers in the other half had completed their rounds at the par-71 Golmuri Golf Club. On Friday both halves of the field switched venues (those who played at Beldih on day one, played 18 holes at Golmuri on day two and vice-versa).
The cut was declared at two-over-145. Fifty-three professionals made the cut.
Om Prakash Chouhan, who began day two in tied third place, had a quiet front-nine as he birdied the third and bogeyed the eighth as a result of a three-putt. Chouhan, currently second in the Rolex Rankings, picked up the pace on the back-nine with five birdies. The 28-year-old landed it within five feet for birdies on the 11th, 12th, 15th, 16th and 18th. Om Prakash, a three-time winner on the PGTI, will be looking for a victory at Jamshedpur in order to take the lead in the Rolex Rankings.
Chouhan said, “I felt my hitting and putting was better in round two as compared to round one. I played some excellent wedge shots to set up birdies on the back-nine. Had my chip not lipped-out on the 16th I would’ve had an eagle there. I’ve always played well at Jamshedpur and finished in the top-10 in the last two editions of the TATA Open. I’m keen to produce another top performance this year. This has been my best season so far as I’ve won a title, finished runner-up on two occasions and had five other top-10s. I want to keep the momentum going in the last two events of the season.” 
Shamim Khan was one stroke off the lead in second place. He followed up his first round two-under-70 at Beldih with a bogey-free six-under-65 at Golmuri on day two.
Bangalore’s C Muniyappa occupied third place at seven-under-136 post his round of five-under-66 at Golmuri.
Gurgaon-based Abhishek Kuhar and Delhi’s Karan Vasudeva shared fourth place at six-under-137.
Rolex Rankings leader Chikkarangappa of Bangalore was a further shot behind in tied sixth spot along with the DLF Golf & Country Club trio of Himmat Singh Rai, Shubhankar Sharma and Digvijay Singh.
Jamshedpur’s Karan Taunk was placed tied 21st at two-under-141 while defending champion M Dharma of Bangalore was in tied 36th at one-over-144.
Navtez Singh, another Jamshedpur-based professional, occupied tied 62nd position at four-over-147.
===balbirsingh227@gmail.com 

CM orders to advance winter break from December 20

CHANDIGARH, DEC 19

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

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

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

 CHANDIGARH, NOV 10With the personal endeavor of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal the Jiangsu province of China has principally agreed to initiate ‘Twin Province’ project with the state for promoting fresh water fisheries in the state as a part of state government’s crop diversification program.
The Chief Minister who called on Governor of Jiangsu province Mr. Li Xueyong at the Government Provincial Hall recalled the age old relations between India and China, in every field. He apprised the Governor that Punjab was a very progressive state where there was a lot of scope of fish farming as the land use was almost like Jiangsu province. Throwing light on the state government’s ambitious crop diversification program, Mr. Badal said that the state government wants to develop fresh water fisheries to bail out its farmers from the prevailing agrarian crisis.
The Chief Minister apprised Mr. Xueyong that currently the production of fish in Punjab was six tons per hectare whereas the state government aspires to the double this production in the coming three years. Likewise, he said that the state government also wants to double the area under fishery from the currently 14400 hectares in the same time period. Mr. Badal said that at present there were 21 hatcheries in the state with fry production of 222 million which could be increased up to 900 million in the coming three years.
Soliciting the help of the Government of Jiangsu province for promoting fish farming through the ‘Twin Province project’, the Chief Minister said that present production from fish reservoirs was 100-150 kilograms per hectare which was very low but could be enhanced by four folds, with the expertise from Jiangsu province. He urged Mr. Xueyong to send their experts to Punjab so as to update the Punjabi farmers about their latest technology. Mr. Badal also urged the Governor to ensure strategic tie up between the institutions of the both the state so that Punjab could be immensely benefitted from it.
Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Xueyong assured fulsome support and cooperation to Punjab in every way. The Governor said that he was confident that under the able leadership of Mr. Badal there were huge possibilities ahead for both the states. He asked Director General Jiangsu Oceanic and Fishery Bureau Mr Tang Jianming and President Jiangsu Academy of Agri Sciences Mr Yi Zhongyi to personally ensure that both the states could forge an alliance in this regard. He also assured Mr. Badal that he would surely visit Punjab once interdepartmental confidence has been established for the twin provinces projects.
Earlier the Chief Minister was accorded a warm welcome on reaching the Jiangsu province.
The delegation of progressive fish farmers led by the Chief Minister included Mr. Gurjatinder Singh Virk from Village Kandola (Roop Nagar), Mr. Manwinder Singh Village Jhurar (Sri Mukatsar Sahib), Mr. Harinderpal Singh Bajwa Village Warring (TarnTaran), Mr. Bir Inder Singh Guron (Samrala), Mr. Khushwant Singh Village Chhangal (Hoshiarpur), Mr. Abhijinder Singh Village Nanokee (Patiala), Mr. Azadwinder Singh Village Kandhola (Roop Nagar) and Mr. Paramjit Singh Bhullar Village Nagra (Sangrur).
Apart from these fish farmers, Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Mr. Raj Kumar, Assistant Director Fisheries, Kapurthala, Dr. KaleKattu Gopalapillai Padma Kumar Fisheries Expert, Dr. Asha Dhawan, Dean College of Fisheries, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana were also the part of delegation.
Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Secretary General Jiangsu Provincial Government Mr. Zhang Jinghua, Director General Jiangsu Agri committee Mr. Wu Peiliang, Director General Jiangsu oceanic and fishery bureau Mr. Tang Jianming, President Jiangsu Academy of Agri Sciences Mr. Yi Zhongyi and Director General Department of Commerce Mr. Ma Minglong.
===balbirsingh227@gmail.com

110 candidates shorlisted in 21st Aryans Job Festival

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

===balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Badals mourn death of Nawan Zamana correspondent

CHANDIGARH, SEPT 29
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad and untimely demise of Chandigarh-based correspondent of Nawan Zamana Baljeet Singh (52), who passed away after a massive heart attack in Kharar.
Recalling the outstanding journalistic services rendered by Mr. Baljeet Singh during his professional career, the Chief Minister described him as a fearless and upright journalist who discharged his duties with utmost dedication, sincerity and professional commitment. He said that in the death of Mr. Baljeet Singh a void has been created in the journalistic fraternity which was difficult to be filled in near future.
Sharing his heartfelt condolences with the bereaved family members, friends and relatives, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to them for bearing this irreparable loss in this hour of grief.
Meanwhile Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also mourned the passing away of Mr. Baljeet Singh and shared their heartfelt condolences with the family.
Expressing deep shock over the death of Baljeet Singh the Governing Council on behalf of the members of the Chandigarh Press Club prayed to the Almighty to provide eternal rest to his soul and bestow his entire family with the strength to bear the loss.
===balbirsingh227@gmail.com

World Bank pats Punjab for PWWSS project Phase I

CHANDIGARH, SEPT 19
          The 16th World Bank mission today rated the achievements under Rs. 1280 crore Punjab Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (PRWSS) project Phase-I as the best in the country as the project has not only exceeded the implementation targets under water supply component by 127%, but was also providing water connections to each household in the village and running about 50 schemes on 24x7 basis.
These observations were made by the World Bank team led by its Task Team Leader Mr. S. Poddipireddy during a wrap up meeting with the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to apprise him about the progress and achievements made under the ongoing World Bank Aided PRWSS Project here at CMR on Thursday evening.  
Mr. Poddipireddy informed the Chief Minister that Water meters have been installed in 196 villages where water tariff was being charged on volumetric basis. More than 961 villages implemented under the project have already achieved 100% connectivity and each household in these villages was drawing high quality water from its own tap in the house. Gram Panchayat Water and Sanitation Committees (GPWSCs) of more than 50% (2083) villages implemented under the project were operating and maintaining their schemes on sustainable basis without any financial assistance from the Government and have even generated sufficient funds in their Operation & Maintenance (O&M) accounts varying from Rs. one lac to 10 lac, which was the unique achievement of the project. He envisioned Punjab to be a role model state for others to replicate this project in the country.
The team task leader also apprised Mr. Badal that World Bank has already accorded in principle approval to Rs. 2200 crore Phase-II of PRWSS project on the recommendations of Union Ministries of Finance and Water Supply & Sanitation for providing the facility of sewerage system and potable drinking water besides setting up of Capacity Building Project Management and Training Institute in the state. 
While highly appreciating the performance of Phase-I of the project, Financial Expert from the World Bank Mr. Tanuj Mathur remarked that initially it was apprehended that since the project was to be implemented by adopting decentralized mode, the GPWSCs may not be able to manage the funds properly for the implementation of water supply schemes, but the regular auditing of financial accounts of GPWSC by independent auditors have not revealed any discrepancy. This was mainly due to excellent management of the accounts by GPWSCs with the assistance of department. Mrs. Vandana Mehra, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Specialist from World Bank conveyed that woman folk in the villages also expressed extreme happiness and satisfaction about the assured availability of water as a result of this project.
Mr. Poddipireddy said that the World Bank mission was fully satisfied with the performance of project and the enormous support and cooperation rendered by the officers of the state government to ensure its implementation within stipulated time schedule. He also thanked the Chief Minister for his overall supervision, guidance and regular monitoring of the project activities without which the outcome achieved under the project would have not been possible. He said that it was purely an imitative CM to motivate the village panchaytas and the local residents of the village during his visits to the different parts of the rural areas across the state for making mandatory contribution for the scheme besides sensitizing them about the significance of good quality water to stay healthy and fit.  He also told Chief Minister that at present the work on 44 water supply, 57 sewerage schemes and 43 water supply augmentation schemes was in full swing and would be completed by December, 2014. 
Prominent amongst who were present in the meeting Water Supply & Sanitation Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, FCD-cum-Principal Secretary Water Supply & Sanitation Mr. Suresh Kumar, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar,  Mr. A.K. Soni CE-cum-Program Director and Mr. S.R. Aggarwal Chief Technical Coordinator.
The World Bank team was led by Mr. S. Poddipireddy, Task Team Leader besides other members including Co-Team Leader Ms. Partibha Mistry, Mr. Tanuj Mathur, Financial Specialist from World Bank and Mr. Manish Kumar, Ms. Vandana Mehra and Ms. Laura Inha from WSP.
===balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Written test fpr 110 posts of female sub-inspectors on Oct 12

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

---balbirsingh227@gmail.com