EVERY PUNJABI IS KING NOW AS SUKHBIR UNVEILS PUNJAB RIGHT TO SERVICE ACT
FIRST STATE IN THE COUNTRY TO OFFER 67 SERVICES UNDER THE AMBIT OF ACT
NO MORE ‘MAI BAAP’ CULTURE AS CITIZENS WOULD GET SERVICES AS A MATTER OF RIGHT
RTS STRIKES AT THE ROOT CAUSE OF CORRUPTION
FORTNIGHT LONG CAMPAIGN TO DISSEMINATE ACT AT THE GRASS ROOT LEVEL
LUDHIANA, OCTOBER 10: The State of Punjab today took lead in the country in the anti-corruption campaign scripting a new history in the independent India by unveiling “The Punjab Right to Service Act-2011 (RTS)”, ensuring timebound delivery of 67 citizen services to the citizens as a matter of right.
Launching the Act in the inaugural function of Public interaction to disseminate the new legislation and seeks suggestions from Public to further improve it, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal described it a historic moment for empowering citizens. He said that this act strikes at the root cause of corruption by taking away discretions of the government officials besides binding them to deliver time bound services.
Describing it a furtherance of Anna Hazare’s Anti-Corruption Crusade, Mr. Badal said that by making the systems transparent through e-governance and e-tendering we had struck heavily on corrupt practices. “If congress led UPA government had gone for E-tendering for allocation of spectrum, there would not have been any 1.76 lakh crore 2G Scam,” Mr. Badal quipped. He said that RTS coupled with governance reforms and IT enabled services besides E-Governance would make it a most successful model of governance.
Giving the historical background of this landmark act, Mr. Badal said that this act was planned as a part governance reforms initiative by the Government as citizen was getting service as ‘Khairat’. He said that he wanted to empower citizen as a ‘King’ doing away the culture of ‘Mai Baap’ since British Rule. He said that the purpose of this act was empowering citizens restoring their dignity, reposing trust of the citizens in the transparency of administration and making administration accountable to the public.
Mr. Badal said that elimination of affidavits, doing away with discretionary powers of Tehsildars allowing citizens for self-certification of certificate rather than by Gazetted officers, self-certification of building plans were certain measures that empowered the citizens.
Giving the salient features of the act, Mr. Badal said that this act was backed by statutory provisions ensuring timely delivery of services and has definite scope for improvement. He said that this act was a learning process and after stabilising in implementation of this act, more services would be added in the scope of this act.
Giving details of notified services covered in the act, Mr. Badal said that the act covers 12 services of local government department, 9 of transport department, 8 of housing and urban development department, 6 of revenue department, 4 of health, 4 of home, 2 of social security, 1 of food and civil supplies, 1 of rural water supply and record 20 services of Police department.
The act provides sanction of building plans within 30 days, occupation certificate within 15 days, NOC within 21 days, conveyance deed within 15 days, No Due Certificates within 7 days, retransfer of property within 15 days, retransfer of property in case of death within 45 days, permission to mortgage within 7 days, completion certificate within 15 days, sanction of water connection within 7 days and sewage connection also in 7 days. Now citizens would be able to get copies of birth/death certificates within 2 days, post-mortem reports within 3 days, certified copies of record within 7 days, demarcation of land within 21 days, attestation of uncontested mutations within 15 days.
Elaborating the governance reforms initiated by the Government, Mr. Badal said that legislative reforms in archaic revenue acts improving citizen services delivery by IT initiatives were set to make the administration transparent. Illustrating the revenue act amendments Mr. Badal said that to expedite the revenue disputes now no appeal was allowed against interim order and power of remand in appeal cases has been restricted to first appeleate authority only. He said that after amendment now Divisional Commissioners and Financial Commissioner Revenue cannot remand the case to lower revenue authority and they would have to decide the case. Similarly, amendments in the tenancy act would enable ejectment of tenant after stipulated period. He said that now dealers would be able to issue Registration Certificates (RCs) and college principals have been authorised to issue learner’s license.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that computerisation of Land Record, smart card based driving license and RCs, e-tendering in all departments, e-gram centres and e-barriers for toll collection were certain citizen centric steps that would make the life of citizen pleasant. Mr. Badal said that 137 Fard Kendras have already started working and 17 more would be operational within one month.
Congratulating the people of Punjab, Mr. Badal said that his core team of officers, under the Chief Secretary Mr. S. C. Aggarwal have made this act possible and they deserve a pat on the back.
Taking the message of to the grass root level, Mr. Badal said that a fortnight long campaign has been launched throughout the districts and a secretary level office would hold ‘Citizen Awareness cum Interaction Programme’ at block level to educate the public regarding the provisions of new act so that they could benefit from this.
Earlier Mr. Tikshan Sud, Local Government and Industries Minister said that this act was reflection of commitment of SAD-BJP Government to fight corruption and he lambasted congress led UPA Government for giving shelter to corrupt people.
Earlier Chief Secretary Mr. S.C. Aggarwal spoke about the salient features of the act. He said that realising the problem of shortage of staff in the field level, service selection board has been requested to notify the selection of 3000 new recruitments so that they could be deputed in the districts. He said that department of planning has already equipped Sub Divisions and Districts with requisite computer software and hardware for effective implementation of this act.
Deputy Commissioners from all the districts, all Financial Commissioners and Secretaries, who have been deputed in the districts for educational program of this act were amongst thousands of dignitaries, who were witness to unveiling of this historic act.
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INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT PUNJAB
BRIGHTER DIWALI FOR URBAN REPRESENTATIVES AS PUNJAB INCREASES THEIR HONORARIUM AND ALLOWANCES SUBSTANTIALLY – TIKSHAN SUD
Chandigarh, October 10:
The Punjab government today increased the honorarium and allowances for the Presidents and the Councilors of all the all Municipal Councils in the state with effect from October 1, 2011.
Disclosing this here today Local Bodies Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud said that the President of Class-1 Municipal Councils would now get increased honorarium of Rs. 10,000/- per month instead of Rs. 7500 earlier whereas President of Municipal Corporations Class-II would now get Rs. 7500/- per month. Similarly, Presidents of Municipal Councils Class-III would be eligible to get Rs. 6000/- per month honorarium. Mr. Sud said that earlier Presidents of Class-1 MC were entitled for Rs. 7500/- per month, Presidents of Class-II MC were getting Rs. 6000/- and Presidents of Class-III MC were entitled for Rs. 4500/- per month as honorarium.
He said that the government had also increased the allowance for the meeting of councilors from Rs. 300/- per day (at the maximum Rs.3000/- per month) to Rs. 500/- per day (at the maximum Rs. 5000/- per month). He said that the area allowance of the President and Councilors of the Municipal Council had also been increased. He said that for Class I Municipal Council area allowance had been increased from Rs. 4000 per month to Rs. 7000/- per month. For Class-II from Rs. 3000/- per month to Rs. 5000 per month and for Class-III Municipal Council /Nagar Panchayat area allowance had been increased from Rs. 2000/- per month Rs. 4000/- per month.
Mr. Sud said that the Telephone allowance had also been increased from Rs. 500/- per month to Rs. 1000/- per month. He said that the Presidents of Municipal Councils would get Telephone allowance separately, which would not be a part of the other allowances sanctioned to them. All these increased allowances would be implemented from October 1, 2011.
No-PR-11/632
DIWALI BONANZA FOR TEACHING EMPLOYEES
· Pay scales of JBT/ETT/Head Teachers/ Classical & Varnacular Teachers/Centre Head Teacher/Master/ Mistress/BPEO/School Lecturer/Vocational Masters/Head Masters enhanced
Chandigarh October 10:
The Punjab Government today announced Diwali bonanza for teaching Employees by substantially enhancing their pay scales.
Disclosing this an official spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Govt. has revised the pay scales of JBT, ETT and Head Teachers w.e.f 1st October 2011. The JBT, ETT and Head Teachers who were earlier in the pay band of 5910-20200 with grade pay of 3000 and initial pay of 11470 w.e.f 1-1-2006 have been put in the pay band of 10300-34800+ GP 4200 with initial pay of 16290 w.e.f 1-10-2011.
Similarly, Classical & Varnacular Teachers who were in the pay band of 10300-34800 with grade pay of 3200 and initial pay of 13500 w.e.f. 1-1-2006 have been put in the pay scale of 10300-34800 with grade pay of 4400 with initial pay of 17420.
The scales of Centre Head Teacher, Master and Mistress that was 10300-34800 with GP 3600 and initial pay of 14430 w.e.f 1-1-2006 has been revised to 10300-34800 + 4600 GP with initial pay of 18030 w.e.f. 1-10-2011. The pay scale of BPEO, School Lecturer and Vocational Masters that was 10300-34800 + 4200 GP with initial pay of 16290 w.e.f. 1-1-2006 has been revised to 10300-34800 + 5000 GP with initial pay of 18450. The scales of Head Masters that was 10300-34800 with GP 2000 and initial pay of 17420 w.e.f 1-1-2006 has been revised to 10300-34800 + 5400 GP with initial pay of 20300 w.e.f. 1-10-2011.
No:PR-11/634
13.98 LAKH TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB
Chandigarh, October 10: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 1398040 tonnes of Paddy till last evening against 1937842 tonnes procurement of previous year.
Out of total procurement of 1398040 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 12.74 lakh tonnes of paddy (91.1%) till date whereas private traders procured 123949 tonnes (8.9%) of paddy. Till October 9, PUNGRAIN had procured 360713 tonnes (28.3%) whereas MARKFED procured 170440 tonnes (21.2%). PUNSUP procured 319215 tonnes (25.1%) , PSWC procured 158883 tonnes (12.5%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 153023 tonnes (12.0 %) of paddy.
The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 11817 (0.9%) tonnes.
The spokesman added that District Tarn Taran with 176028 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Jalandhar with 174352 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Kaputhala with 153964 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.
The State Government has set up 1745 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added.
PR-11/631
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SUKHBIR MOURNS THE UNTIMELY DEMISE OF GAZAL MAESTRO JAGJIT SINGH
Chandigarh October 10:
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today expressed deep shock at the untimely and sudden demise of Gazal exponent Jagjit Singh who died today at Mumbai after brain haemorege.
In a condolence message Mr. Badal said that Mr. Jagjit Singh would be remembered for popularizing gazal amongst masses while maintaining the richness of traditional music. He said that this contribution in brining Punjabi folklore on international seen would be remembered by all.
He expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed to god to give peace to the departed soul and strength to them to bear this irreparable loss.
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FIRST SIKH CIRCUIT TOURISM TRAIN TOUR
FROM 25TH NOVEMBER APPROVED
CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 10;
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal approved to engage the services of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for restoration work of Bassian Kothi at a cost of Rs. 2.65 crore to develop it as a memorial in the remembrance of Late Maharaja Dalip Singh, where he was arrested prior to his exile in Uttar Pradesh by the British in 1849 after the Punjab was annexed.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister at a high level meeting held at his residence late last evening. Mr. Badal asked Director Tourism & Cultural Affairs to release Rs. 80 lac as initial money to INTACH immediately to start work on this prestigious project.
On the occasion the Chief Architect of INTACH Mr. Divya Gupta along with the Governing Council Member of INTACH Dr. Sukhdev Singh explained the whole restoration project through a power point presentation.
Meanwhile, in an another significant decision in a separate meeting of Tourism department regarding the Sikh Circuit Tourism in the state, Mr. Badal approved the plan of first Sikh Circuit Tourism Train tour of nine days. The Principal Secretary Tourism Mrs. Geetika Kalha informed in the meeting that Ministry of Railways had agreed to provide a luxury train to visit all Sikh Religious places, which would start from Amritsar on 25th November and would cover the route through Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Bathinda, Delhi, Patna Sahib, Nanded Sahib, Gwalior, Agra and return to Amritsar via Delhi, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar on 4th January 2012.
Mr. Badal also approved the action plan of state Tourism Department to invite the private players to start Luxury and Budget AC buses for five-day Sikh religious Circuit Tourism with in the state.
To boost Farm Tourism in Punjab, Mr. Badal also approved to enhance the validity period of Farm Tourism Certificate being issued by the state government from two years to five years. He said that there was a huge tourism potential in the state as the Punjab state had been ranked at 14th position as tourism destination in the country from 28th in last two years.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary Tourism Mrs. Geetika Kalha, Secretary Expenditure Mr. Jaspal Singh, Director Tourism & Cultural Affairs Dr. Karamjit Singh Sra, Secretary PWD(B&R) SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary Transport Mr. Hussan Lal, Director local Government Mr. Sumir Kumar, Chief Architect of INTACH Mr. Divya Gupta and Governing Council Member of INTACH Dr. Sukhdev Singh.
No. CMO-2011/262
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BADAL CALLS FOR CHANGE IN CRITERION OF POPULATION BASED RECRUITMENT IN DEFENCE FORCES
SAS NAGAR (MOHALI) , October 10
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Ministry of Defence, GoI to immediately change its criterion of population based recruitment quota so that the valiant people of Punjab who had a rich legacy in the Indian Military since its inception, should not be denied an opportunity to serve in the Armed forces.
Addressing a state level rally of ex-serviceman here after laying a foundation stone of Sainik Sadan and its Bhumi Pujan, Mr. Badal said that he had already taken this issue with the Government of India several times at different forums even with the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also. Mr. Badal said he had also taken up this issue with the Union Defence Minister Mr. A.K. Antony recently in a meeting at New Delhi and demanded these parameters for the population based recruitment must be done away with and the selection in defence forces should be only allowed on the basis of abilities and capabilities of the aspirants, a like in the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) and other state civil services.
He said that our defence personnel have inherited the indomitable spirit for self sacrifice from our great Gurus. He said the SAD-BJP government was committed for the overall welfare of the ex-servicemen and we were indebted to them for their outstanding contribution to defend the national security.
On the occasion, Mr. Badal announced to raise an eco-batalian in the state to preserve and protect the environment from the pollution. He said that the state government had taken several landmark initiatives to revive the trend for recruitment of our youth in the national defence forces, which had been considerably declined in the past. He mentioned two NCC battalions for boys and girls were being established at Ropar and Malout. The Chief Minister further said that to motivate the state’s youth to join the Defence service by setting Maharaja Ranjit Singh Preparatory Institute for Military Training at Mohali, which had been made functional and the first batch was being imparted training. Likewise, a network of C-PYTEs across the state had been imparting training to our youth to enable them to be gainfully employed in defence forces and nearly 30 % of the trainees from these centres had been recruited in the Army. He said plans were afoot to upgrade the C-PYTEs into Institutes so that they could impart training to our unemployed youth in far more efficient and result oriented manner. He also appreciated the role of Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO) in the rehabilitation of Ex-Servicemen. Mr. Badal also stated that our government had launched a unique scheme to encourage our youth to join defence services first of its kind in the country by honoring the cadets hailing from Punjab, who have been selected in the Indian Military Academy and National Defence Academy with a cash award of Rs. One lac.
Earlier, the Defence Services Welfare Minister Capt. Balbir singh Bath in his welcome address, said that the state government was making all out efforts for the welfare of the Ex-Servicemen so that they could lead their life with self-respect and dignity. He said the upcoming War Museum in the memory of our brave soldiers who made supreme sacrifices in defending the security of our country would be soon dedicated to the nation.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of `Sainik Sadan` to be built over an area four acres at a cost of Rs. 4 Cr. here in Phase-X, which would be completed in 18 months. He also awarded cash prizes to seven ex-servicemen out of them one posthumously amounting Rs. 42.5 lac besides also gave away three appointments letters for Government jobs to the next of kin killed in the army operations.
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Principal Secretary Defence Services Mr. C. Roul, Brig. Raj Kumar from Western Command, Chairman PESCO Mr. U.S. Sidhu, MLA Dera Bassi Mr. Jasjit Singh Bunny, Director Sainik Welfare Lt. Col. Harvinder Pal Singh.
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MEDIA ADVISOR PINS RANK ON THE NEWLY PROMOTED ASIs
Chandigarh, October 10:
Mr. Harcharan Bains Media Adviser to the Punjab Chief Minister today pinned the rank to the Head Constables Jatinder Singh, Tarlochan Singh and Gurpreet Singh on their promotion as Assistant Sub Inspectors (ASIs).
On the occasion, Mr. Bains exhorted the newly promoted police personnel to discharge their duties with utmost dedication, sincerity and professional commitment.
