Chandigarh, August 3, 2013: Aadil Singh Boparai, Advocate, has been appointed as the Secretary, Legal Cell, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC).

This has been stated in an official release by the PPCC.

Ludhiana, August 3, 2013: A delegation of United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association (UCPMA), Ludhiana met Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce   under the presidentship of Gurmeet Singh Kular, to discuss the problems regarding New Industrial Policy of the state.

The Principal Secretary was informed that a land of 1,742 acre was declared as Industrial Area-C under the grant incentive scheme 1992 by Punjab Government but so for this area has not been given the status as designated area. As a result, the MSME units in the area concerned feel deprived of the facilities meant for designated areas.

The delegates further said as per New Industrial Policy of the state announced recently, no incentive has been given to the MSME industry.

The delegation was comprised of Jagatvir Singh, Rajeev Jain, Varun Kapoor and  Bachittar Singh.

Mansa, August 3, 2013: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said that the anti-farmer’s stance of the Congress led UPA government at the centre has broken the back bone of the farmers of the state, who had played a pivotal role in making the country self reliant in food production.

Addressing a massive gathering at the oath administering ceremony of the newly elected Sarpanchs and Panchs of Mansa district here today, the Chief Minister said that due to the exorbitant hike in costs of agricultural inputs coupled with the non-remunerative prices, the agonies of hard working and resilient farmers of Punjab have increased manifolds. He said that with agriculture no longer remaining a profitable venture the beleaguered peasantry of the state was on crossroads but the Union government was not doing anything for mitigating their woes. He said that in such scenario the state government has extended helping hand to the farmers by providing free power to them.

Unfolding his vision for the overall development of state in the coming years, the Chief Minister said that the state government has chalked out a comprehensive strategy for developing the urban and rural areas of Punjab. Reiterating that the state government was committed for solving the problems of each and every strata of society, he said that holistic development of the every section of society was the main target of state government. Lashing out at Congress party, he said that the Congress has always ignored the interests of the Scheduled Caste communities and has always treated them as its vote bank without bothering about their well being. He said that on the other hand the SAD-BJP government has taken path breaking initiatives in the state for the welfare of the weaker sections of society.

Lauding Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the Chief Minister said that she had vigorously raised the issues concerning her constituency and state effectively in the Parliament. He said that apart from political issues Harsimrat Kaur had played a key role in fighting against the various social maladies prevalent in the state. Badal said that the people of Bathinda were fortunate to have her as MP because she had further given impetus to the all-round development and Bathinda and Mansa districts.  

The Chief Minister exhorted the newly elected Sarpanchs and Panchs to play a vital role in the growth of state by supporting the Punjab government. He also called upon them to vow that they would plant 1000 saplings every year so that Punjab could be developed as a green and clean state.

Earlier in her address the Lok Sabha MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that the UPA government would be remembered as the most corrupt government in the annals of Indian polity. She said that besides ruthlessly plundering the tax payer’s money in the country, the Congress leaders were making mockery of poor by asserting that one could eat a meal at Rs 5. She also said that the UPA government had failed to preserve the external and internal security of the country due which the sovereignty of the country was in deep peril.

She  further said that Union government has discriminated upon with the state while allotting the funds for the development of Punjab whereas it has extended huge packages to the Congress ruled states. Exhorting the people to constitute NDA government at the Centre, she said that only then fair treatment to the state was expected. She also called upon the newly elected Sarpanchs and Panchs to play a proactive role in making a clean and green Punjab by planting more and more trees. 

Later, the Chief Minister and Harsmirat Kaur Badal also handed over free saplings to the Sarpanchs and Panchs.

Earlier the Chief Minister accompanied by Lok Sabha from Bathinda Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated the University Girls College and District Suvidha Kendar besides laying down the foundation stones of 66 KV Grid, expansion of District Administrative Complex and Child Mother care Hospital in the city.

Meanwhile talking to the media persons here after inaugurating the University Girls College, the Chief Minister, while reiterating that all the decisions were being made by the SAD-BJP alliance unanimously, said that the decision on e-trip and regularisation of illegal colonies would be soon taken by the co-ordination committee of both the parties.

Replying to a query regarding the formation of new Telangana state, the Chief Minister said that it was a welcome step adding that more cases of carving new smaller states must be considered sympathetically. He said that surge in the demand for new states was the result of lop sided development of the country due to the discriminatory policies of the Union government. Badal said that the funds were issued by the Union government with the political considerations due to which regional imbalance has been created in the nation.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Surjit Singh Rakhra, Sikander Singh Maluka and Madan Mohan Mittal, Rajya Sabha MP Balwinder Singh Bhunder, MLA Prem Mittal and Chattin Singh Samao, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister KJS Cheema and Vice Chancellor Punjabi University Dr. Jaspal Singh.     

Bathinda, August 3, 2013: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said that in order to protect the interests of Punjabi farmers in Gujarat, who were apprehending displacement in the Kutch region, he would soon take up the matter with the BJP high command.

Talking to the media persons here after administering oath to newly elected Sarpanchs and Panchs of Bathinda district, the Chief Minister said that Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had always stood for safeguarding the interests of Punjabis in general and that of farming community in particular, residing across the globe. Mr. Badal said that though the matter of farmers of Kutch region was pending in the Apex court of the country but then also he would take up the matter with National BJP President Mr. Rajnath Singh and the Chief Minister of Gujarat Mr. Narendra Modi to find some solution for this issue. “I will personally take up this issue with both these leaders to ensure the well being of our brethren in Gujarat”, he added.  

Rapping the state Congress President Partap Singh Bajwa, the Chief Minister categorically said that in dearth of any issue against the state government he was misleading the people by claiming that the state government had shifted the site of Central University from Gurdaspur to Bathinda. He said that it was on record that the Union government had itself evinced keen interest in setting up Central University at Bathinda following which the state government had allotted land free of cost to them. Badal said that Congress leadership should desist from such cheap gimmicks to score brownie points in the media, as the wise voters of Punjab were aware of their dubious character.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister advocated more powers for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) so that this premier agency, which has been dubbed as ‘caged parrot’ by the supreme court, could perform its duty efficaciously,.

Earlier addressing a mammoth gathering during the function, the Chief Minister dared the Congress party to field the young scion of Nehru-Gandhi family Rahul Gandhi from Bathinda instead of supporting PPP leader Manpreet Singh Badal. He said that the Lok Sabha MP from Bathinda Harsimrat Kaur Badal had performed exceptionally well during her current tenure due to which she was very popular amongst the voters of constituency. Badal said that owing to unprecedented development in Bathinda even Rahul Gandhi could not defeat Harsimrat Kaur Badal.

Lashing out at the Union government for its anti-farmer policies, the Chief Minister categorically said that the regressive policies of the Centre have ruined the farmers of the state, who have played a vanguard role in providing food security to the nation. He said that providing free power to Punjab farmers was a moral responsibility of the state government so as to bail them out from the current crisis prevalent due to the escalating costs of the agricultural inputs on one hand and the lack of the remunerative MSP on the other. He said that if the state government had not extended a helping hand to the farmers than they would be ruined as due to the wrong policies of the Union government the beleaguered peasantry of state was already reeling under a whopping debt of Rs 30,000 crore.

The Chief Minister pointed out that unprecedented development has taken place during the SAD-BJP government in the state which would get further impetus in the coming days. He further said that with the starting of many ambitious schemes complete facelift of the state was on card. Badal said that while Rs 1700 crore would be spent on upgrading and strengthening of rural road network, an ambitious project to supply potable drinking water to every village of the state has been embarked at a cost of Rs 1604 crore. Likewise Badal said that all the villages of the state would be soon provided basic civic amenities on urban pattern. 

Congratulating the newly elected Sarpanchs and Panchs, the Chief Minister said that people have bestowed a huge responsibility upon them by expressing their faith in them. He exhorted the Sarpanchs and Panchs to chalk out a comprehensive ‘four year plan’ to ensure the development of villages in a holistic manner. He assured fulsome support and co-operation to Sarpanchs and Panchs in this noble cause.

Earlier in her address, Lok Sabha MP from Bathinda Harsimrat Kaur Badal called upon the Sarpanchs and Panchs of the villages to launch a crusade against environmental pollution by planting more and more number of trees. She who had brought 10,000 saplings with her at the venue of the function said that every Sarpanch and Panch should plant this sapling to commemorate their victory on one hand and to avow that they would make all out efforts to reduce environmental pollution in the state on the other. She said that due to the active support of people in the state government’s program to save girl child, Punjab and particularly Bathinda has improved the girl child sex ratio and now the time has come when all the Punjabis must join hands for carving a clean and green Punjab.  

Lauding the efforts made by Chief Minister for development of the state, Badal said that a new era of unprecedented growth has been heralded in Punjab. She said Badal has dedicated every second of his life for the well being of Punjab and Punjabis adding that the state has reached zenith of development due to the farsightedness and vision of the Chief Minister. Expressing happiness over the fact that a large number of women have been elected as Sarpanchs and Panchs, the Lok Sabha MP hoped that they would play a key role not only solving the public issues but also in fighting against many social maladies.

On the occasion the Chief Minister and Harsimrat Kaur Badal also handed the saplings to some of the newly elected Sarpanchs and Panchs.  

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Surjit Singh Rakhra, Sikander Singh Maluka and Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sarup Chand Singla, MLA Darshan Singh Kotfatta and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister KJS Cheema.   

Ludhiana, August 3, 2013: Team of Laghu Udyog Bharti (LUB), Ludhiana lead by its president Rajeev Pain met Zonal Municipal Commissioner P.S. Ghuman and apprised him of various problems being faced by the industrialist in Focal Point, Phase-V, Ludhiana.
Ghuman was  very positive in solving the problems and visited phase-v, personally. He visited the areas facing problems, such as encroachment done by juggis, dhabas, repair shops etc. He also saw the blocked rain water drain in phase v, which is posing threat  of disease to common man. He inspected the unfinished work of the contractor and assured to get it completed at the earliest.
Wrong parking of trucks and trailors were also shown which are posing threat to ongoing traffic and create blockage of traffic. He also saw the damaged electricity poles due to trucks and trailors.
He he was shocked to see the raised of plinth level of the road due to which industry was suffering the water blockage in their factories.
He instructed his staff to clean the drainage system of the corporation so that the flow of water is regular.
Jain gave proposal to double lane the road from flyover near Metro Tyre (unit in phase -v) in focal point to Aarti Steel in   Sherpur for the smooth flow of traffic as this road is encroached by the transporters for repair etc. posing hindrance to public.
Ghuman assured to take up this issue and assured to materialise this project at the earliest.

Insanitation conditions prevails in Focal Point (PhaseV), Ludhiana.

*Ravishingly gorgeous Deepika Padukone thanked LPU students for their Punjabi Hospitality
 *Sharukh Khan & Deepika were at LPU campus for their high energy performance
*Badshaah of Bollywood & blooming Deepika Padukone hypnotized all alcoves of LPU Campus
*Students & staff-members expressed in screams, sighs, moans, shouts, sways in response to every gesture and saying of stars
Jalandhar, August 3, 2013: Near 20,000 student- fans at LPU had close glimpse of their loving stars Badshaah of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan and ravishingly gorgeous Deepika Padukone at LPU Campus, today. At LPU, sea of people stood still when the leading stars of Indian cinema entered the campus. Each and every one was eager to be face to face with mega stars. Both reached directly from Chennai to LPU by a chartered plane to address a press conference and to perform at LPU Stage. As the hit melodies from the movies of SRK echoed, the energy level of lively LPU multitude got accelerated. Dashing King Khan with six packs revealed under his tight shirt & dazzling Deepika Padukone hypnotized all alcoves of LPU Campus. Students & staff-members expressed in screams, sighs, moans, shouts, sways in response to each gesture of the famous stars. On every waving of King Khan & Deepika towards the huge audience, there were maddened movements amid massive crowd that spilled far on to the campus near Students’ Resource Centre.
Amid King Khan’s & Deepika’s marvellous & superb performance, spell-bound crowd continued looking amorously at the stars. Both of them enlivened young fans by dancing to "Chennai Express" and other hit numbers "Kashmir Main Tu Kanya Kumari”, “One two three four!" etc. When Shahrukh uttered dialogues of his portrayed characters Raj of DDLJ, Raj Malhotra of Baazigar, Rahul of Chennai Express, Devdass and Don, the crowd got enchanted to the core. Wooing fans with key line from "Chennai Express", "Don’t underestimate the power of the common man", SRK let LPU environ resound with huge claps, shrieks and thumps. SRK told his LPU fans: “I love you LPU...this is extremely wonderful. I have visited many of the campuses in the country and the world……but this has something special in itself……I don't want to go from here………… I am all yours…..I want to remain here amid you all.”
Deepika Padukone thanked LPU students for their Punjabi Hospitality. She told that travelling from West to South and presently to North has really enchanted her. She was happy to see the bubbling Punjabi energy at the LPU campus through huge assemblage. Sharing her part of performance, she attracted the spectators through her dance steps in consonance with South.
Welcoming the heart throbs of billions at LPU campus, Chancellor Ashok Mittal said: “It is really going to be a memorable and motivating day for LPU students as they are going to start their new life at university in the inspiring company of leading stars from Indian cinema. They have reached campus to bless, guide and motivate LPU youth for their successful endeavours ahead.  I personally feel that the simplicity, humility, upbringing values and successes of the two stars will certainly let students learn and imbibe the high-traits of theirs.” Mittal also accorded his thanks to the mega stars to be a part of LPU family.
Praising students group which accompanied the stars during stage performance, the great & humble SRK boosted the youngsters. In answers made for many questions put by LPU students of Film Production & Journalism, SRK told them about his ‘mool- mantra’ of success and of being the King Khan of Bollywood. Deepika also told about her hard work in the film industry. Students were very excited to meet the stars. They said that the day will always keep on motivating them to achieve success in their life: “Such a big start of our academic pursuits is surely going to transform us into synonyms of success.”

Ludhiana, August 3, 2013: A special meeting of BJP, Ludhiana District will be held here on August 11.
BJP District President Parveen Bansal addressing a meeting of the party office-bearers at circuit house here today, reviewed the arrangements being made for the meeting. He revealed that the August 11 meeting would be addressed among others by the party’s state president Kamal Sharma, secretary generals Ajay Jaspal and Tarun Chugh.
Bansal told that the party’s state leadership would impart training to the party’s district office-bearers, executive members, mandal presidents and mandal in-charges about the party’s “mission 2014” to win forthcoming parliamentary elections next year. These leaders would also train the party men for further strengthening the party at the ground-level, he said.
Further, he said the party’s state leadership would impart training to the party men as to how successfully they could bring the ruling the sSAD-BJP’s policies and programmes at the grass root level.
Among others, the today’s meeting was attended by Neeraj Verma, Rajnish Dhiman, Ramesh Verma, Sunil Maudgil,Sarabjit Kaka, Jatinder Mittal, Pushpinder Singhal, Harish Tandon, Rajinder Hans, Satpal Saggar, Bupinder Kaur, Lucky Chopra and Sangeeta Bhandari.

Ferozepur, August 4, 2013: The Punjab Government led by Akali-BJP to generate funds for its treasuries have declared thousands of colonies in Punjab and about 90 per cent in Ferozepur.  It looks as if the whole of the city is unauthorised and from now onwards, there will be registration of plot, unless and until it is approved by the competent authority. 

Punjab government's ambitious policy of regularising almost 5,000 unauthorised housing colonies in the state has come under severe criticism with residents and property dealers terming it as impractical due to exorbitant amount of fees fixed for regularisation.

After formulated a comprehensive policy to regularise more than 5,300 unauthorised colonies, Punjab Government on Wednesday instructed all the Deputy Commissioners to launch a sustained campaign to get illegal colonies regularised in the state and complete this job as a ‘mission’.

The move, expected to come as a big relief to about 5,000 colonies and two lakh individuals plot holders or building owners across the state, is aimed at providing basic amenities to the people of Punjab.

No doubt, the government has declared the common man as criminal and the houses in which they are living for the last so many years as unauthorised but the question arises as to whether it will take action against the PUDA or other government departments who have been supporting the colonizers?  Will they be suspended under whose nose the unauthorised colonies have been carved out the piece of lands into colonies to produce an aesthetically pleasing object or design? Why the district administration officers have not initiated the action when the unauthorised colonies were carved out?

The carving out of unauthorised colonies is undertaken in alleged connivance with PUDA, Municipal Corporation and the officers related to immovable properties but remaining mute over this issue has raised a number of questions.

The decision to regularise the unauthorised colonies was taken recently in the Cabinet meeting. The policy would be applicable for one year, starting from April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014, in the entire state. Only those unapproved colonies or the buildings constructed before April 1, 2013, would be considered under this policy.

The last date of submission of application is August 25, 2013, and no further extension would be given for regularisation.

The property business in the state is almost closed down and future of crores of rupees invested in these deals is insecure and unstable. Now everyone is looking for the final decision to be taken by the government on these unauthorised colonies.

Delhi, August 4, 2013: The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan activist Nikhil Dey and Social activist Aruna Roy, have decided to register their protest on August 6 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against the proposed amendment of the RTI Act to keep political parties out of its ambit.

They have demanded that all parties spell out their stand in public on the proposed amendment before the commencement of monsoon session on August 6. It is most surprising that none of the political parties have showed interest or hinted at a public discussion on this move. Neither have they officially announced in public their move to bring an amendment.

It is not understood as to why the political parties have apprehensions in disclosing their wealth and financial transactions to the Election Commission and IT Department, over bringing them under RTI when they country needs transparency which only strengthen people’s faith in governance and they too talk about the same.

Ludhiana, August 4, 2013: A general body meeting of Ludhiana Zone of Punjab and Sind Bank Officers Federation NZ was held on Saturday at Punjabi Bhawan here.

According to a release here today, the meeting was well participated and the house was informed about latest status of wage revision talks.

It was informed that one of the officers was injured and hospitalized at Fortis Chandigarh for which general appeal was made to members to contribute generously.

The previous body was dissolved and fresh names were called for the post of zonal secretary and zonal president. The name of Satwant Singh (Senior Manager) was proposed by Tirlochan Singh an seconded by Yashpal Singh for the post of Zonal President and the name of Charanjeev Joshi (Manager) was proposed by GS Behl and seconded by GS Thind for the post of Zonal Secretary.

Newly elected candidates thanked the gathering and assured to take up all the issues for general welfare of officers and free and fair implementation of settled guidelines.

Panipat (Haryana)/Jalandhar, August 5, 2013:  Haryana Chief Minister  Bhupinder Singh Hooda has appealed to the people to continue the tradition of fellow feeling and social of Haryana. Extending Ramzan greetings to the Muslim brothers at Iftar Party in Panipat on Sunday, Hooda said that the month of Ramzan is the month of self purification. Roza does not mean only not eating food, but controlling the use of eyes, ears and tongue also.

Hooda said that Ramzan month teaches us to do good deeds. Roza enhances the spiritual power of individual and increases tolerance. There are all religions in our country. Each religion teaches us that we should have love for all human beings.

Hooda said that Roza is in every religion. Somewhere we call it Vrat and somewhere Fast. This is a matter of happiness that some brothers from other religions also observe Roza with their Muslim brothers.

He also extended the greetings of coming Id to Muslim brothers.

Earlier, Karnal MP Dr. Arvind Sharma, Samalkha MLA  Dharm Singh Chhoker, MLA OP Jain welcomed the Chief Minister and also extended greetings of Ramzan to muslim brothers.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary  Jaleb Khan, MLAs Sumita Singh, Aftab Ahmad, Akram Khan and a number of other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.

Ferozepur, August 5, 2013: The Jalalabad constituency represented by Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal is figuring in headlines these days. With the non-starting of two major projects, education and health services, there is a great resentment among the residents of the area.  The tall claims of Deputy CM to make Jalalabad better than Chandigarh are proving futile after the laying of foundation stones.

While the strike to start the Government Girls College, for which the building has already been constructed has entered the 14th day, the foundation stone laid for 100-bedded hospital about four-months back on Fazilka-Ferozpeur road with a cost of Rs.22 crore, is yet to start its construction and there is reported to be a tug-of-war between PUDA and PWD Departments and there is a great resentment among the various local NGOs and people of the area.

According to Pawan Kumar of India Against Corruption Bureau, the tug-of-war between the PUDA and PWD departments is the main cause for non-starting of constructions of the civil hospital building.  Earlier, the construction work was entrusted to PUDA but now PWD officials are trying to get this work on the plea that the work of Govt. Girls College, Municipal Committee have been undertaken satisfactorily and new projects should also be handed over to them.

Whatever may be reason behind the delay in construction of building of civil hospitals, the ultimate sufferers are the poor patients for getting the best and cheaper health services locally.

Pawan Kumar appealed to the government to stand by its commitment and ensure the construction of hospital building on priority. Another active NGO was of the view that government should fix the target time after laying the foundation stone for completion of projects.

Ludhiana, August 5, 2013: Applied Science Department of Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College (GNDEC), Ludhiana is going to organize DST sponsored five days’ INSPIRE INTERNSHIP CAMP from August 7-11.

The camp is aimed at promoting science research in the young talent. Students from various schools of Ludhiana will be participating in the camp. This camp will bring the students in direct contact with practicing scientists so that they are able to discover, what a career in science involves their own specific interests and talents.

Eminent scientists from all over India will interact with the students. The inauguration ceremony will take place at 9:00am on 7th August, 2013 in the college auditorium.

Ludhiana, August 5, 2013: While the Outbound Travel and Tourism has slowed down due to falling Rupee, the Punjab Travel Market has witnessed a growing demand for domestic tourism.

India Travel Mart (ITM) Ludhiana exhibition played a very important role to guide Punjabis in the right direction. The ITM has been organizing the mega travel and tourism exhibitions in order to offer best of the opportunities to the potential buyers. ITM’s credentials are enhanced further with continuous encouraging response from the potential buyers this year as well.

Commenting on the success of the exhibition, Ajay Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director said “With the success of the exhibition it is now confirmed that there is a huge demand in the travel and tourism market and buyers are looking for best available outbound and domestic destination with the world-class amenities.”

Indian Tourist Outbound have registered a significant decline to extent of 15-20% in the last two months due to falling rupees, but at our exhibition shows that the demand from Punjab Outbound Tourism will growing to new destinations as business as well as family touring destination. People are coming with families and friends from different parts of the Punjab taking interest to America, Canada, Philippines, Maldives, Mauritius, Fiji, Oman, Kenya and Abu Dhabi.

Gupta said, “We feel encouraged with the massive response from the buyers to our exhibition and large scale inquiries were from the genuine buyers at several stalls which is really the good sign for the travel and tourism sector”. The falling rupee is definitely resulting in a slowdown in foreign trips and spending abroad amongst Indians. As a result, Indians are likely to save money by choosing a domestic destination. On the other hand, domestic tourist destinations are going in demand in large number. The exhibition is attracting visitors from Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, Khanna and nearby cities to get maximum number domestic enquires. They are getting variety of attractive packages and deals just under one roof. It will be highly helpful for corporate houses for their group bookings and conferences packages at the venue. At ITM the visitor’s interest shows to Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Goa, Maharashtra and other places. The cheap monsoon packages for off season could get good response from domestic tourists.

Festive seasons are arriving and that means travelling is in its full swing. The most awaited, prominent and Punjab’s Biggest International Travel and Tourism Exhibition, India Travel Mart (ITM) offered  a variety of incredible deals and packages for Eid, Independence Day, Rakhi Festival, Dusshera/ Diwali/ X’mas/ New Year Vacations, Business Trips, Honeymoon and Weekend/Long Break Family Holidays/Vacations.

A representative at Cox & Kings Stall said: “ITM is a good platform for marketing and awareness for our various Outbound and Domestic Tour Packages. People are more interested for honeymoon packages and family tours. Many families have shown their interest in Festival and Winter Holiday Packages also.

Soman S Pathy, Gujarat Tourism said that the ITM event is most successful in Punjab. Gujarat is one of the favourite tourist destinations for North Indians. We are in Ludhiana for promotion of our various tourist destinations for the residents of Punjab. We are also organizing International State Fairs in the forthcoming months. We are happy to have come here and exhibited because we have made so much progress in terms of business contacts and real contracts.

A Govt Representative at Himachal Tourism stall said, Himachal is getting response among the top 5 domestic destinations in India People are more interested for honeymoon packages and family tours to Shimla, Manali and other hilly destinations. Many families have shown their interest in Summer Holiday Packages also.

Gupta added, “With the upcoming Festive Season and to spur Ludhiana people to take the plunge, most of our participants have special offers, prepared packages and the best deals and options.” Tourists and business travelers can expect to get good bargains in travel packages and hotel rates. ITM is a place where exhibitors understand the travelers from the inside of their mind and tried to fulfill their needs in a special way. ITM also providing an opportunity for the exhibitors to interact, do business and networking with travel agents and tour operators from Ludhiana and other neighboring cities.

He further added that “After browsing through hundreds of exciting options, the visitors at ITM having face-to-face interaction with tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers and other travel service provider with mutual understanding, information and make instant bookings in a hassle-free manner.”

Gupta said, “ITM is known for its unique quality of exhibitions and travel events showcasing the best from the Travel, Tourism, Hospitality and other related industries. Today’s stressful lives calls for refreshing holiday and unique travel destinations and this exhibition aims at the same. Travelling can be so much fun and such an enjoyable experience if you are properly prepared and we the ITM assure you this.”

Children’s comings with parents are taking interest in Travel Painting Competitions, Drawing, Travel Quiz and also families taking interest in Family Photographs at the venue.

Contestant from ‘India’s Best Dramebaaz’ cast in Zee TV’s ‘Ek Muthi Aasman’

Just 8 years old and starring in a primetime Zee TV show with actor Shilpa Shirodkar already??? Life is about to get more exciting for Mehnaaz Mann who was last seen on Zee TV’s ‘India’s Best Dramebaaz’. Known for her poignant delivery of dialogues and her act on the historic Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, Mehnaaz has now got her big break on television in Zee TV’s upcoming show – ‘Ek Muthi Aasman’.

On the show, she has been cast as domestic worker Kamala’s (Shilpa Shirodkar) daughter Kalpana, who grows up with her grandparents in a village near Panchgani. This young, intelligent child is extremely bright with potential to achieve great success. But she misses her mother dearly and counts the days for her board exams to get over so that she can be reunited with her mother. But with her mother being a housemaid constantly toiling away at work, will Kalpana’s dream of s[pending quality time with her mother ever be fulfilled?

“I am more recognized on the streets and in my locality after being a part of ‘India’s Best Dramebaaz’. Even my parents are getting calls for me to do ads but I never dreamed that my life would change so much after participating in IBD!” says Mehnaaz. “It felt like a dream like when they called my parents to tell them that I had been selected for the role of Kalpana in ‘Ek Muthi Aasman’. I am excited at the thought of acting opposite an accomplished actor like Shilpa Shirdokar, but I’m a bit nervous too to make my debut on national television…As indebted as I am to Team Zee TV, I hope I can do my parents and family proud with this role..this is what I’ve always dreamt of!”

Watch Mehnaaz as Kalpana in ‘Ek Muthi Aasman’ coming soon on Zee TV.

Ferozepur, August 5, 2013: The government should cut its budget by adopting the austerity measures to increase the budget on education to improve the quality of education by introducing new education systems with latest technology of power-point presentations linking it with the internet,  as without modern education, it is foolishness to dream about the development in the state, said  Ajay Thukral, President,  Punjab Aided School Teachers Union.

Ajay Thukral said, “The Punjab Government is trying to get the credit by making false promises of development in the state but the factual position is that it is unnecessary spending crore of rupees on its comforts. Whereas only 3 to 4 percent of total budget is earmarked on education and it is only the education which brings awareness among the people.  Only the educated society can take the nation towards the prosperity.  Event the BJP senior leader, Narendra Modi, CM Gujarat has said that the reason behind the development of China is due to the fact that the government of that country is spending maximum on education of the youths. Whereas just reverse against this policy, the Punjab Government is simply concentrating on free electricity, mid-day meal scheme and very few people of a particular class get benefit out of it”.

He further said, “The government should bring reforms in education.  Instead of giving permission to create mushrooming of schools, the existing schools should be taken care of by providing the required teaching faculty and infrastructure”.

Expressing his concern over the policy of the government, Thukral said, “What else can be expected in return from the teachers by the government which is not in a position to pay wages to its employees on time every month.  The government should plan its budgets in such a way for whole of the year that everything goes smoothly so that every class is satisfied so far as the basic right of wages is concerned.   

Speaking about getting the non-teaching work from the teachers despite court directions, he said, for number of non-teaching works, the teachers are given the duties such as conducting of election, preparation of votes, looking after of mid-day meal and for any survey by the government which affects the education of the students. 

The government should cut its budget by adopting the austerity measures to increase the budget on education to improve the quality of education by introducing new education systems with latest technology of power-point presentations linking it with the internet,  as without modern education, it is foolishness to dream about the development in the state, he added.

Self represents every human being, my-self, your-self, but greater than the greatest is good-self. Service before-self simply means service primary and the self secondary. Every - body learns this from Nature. The energy of every being is because of Sun known as solar-energy, i.e.  life force energy. Air blows in all directions to provide oxygen gas to keep us alive. Our thirst is quenched by water provided by Nature. Our hunger is fulfilled by grains, vegetables and fruits given by plants. Thus the service before-self is the Rule of the thumb – follow Mother Nature.  The Nature never expects even any return gift from living being.

After nature, we learn from our parents. They are ever ready to sacrifice themselves up to any extent for the welfare of their child.

The third service before-self is learnt by our respected teachers in schools and colleges. They enjoy their profession by imparting knowledge to their students to make them dutiful citizen of the country.

Speaking over Some important services before students of the modern society a great challenge these days, they are suppose to adopt few guide lines to come out with flying colours in life are:

(1) to participate in learning opportunities

(2) to participate in extra-curricular activities

(3) to obey all policies of their institutions

(4) to respect their elders and love their youngsters

(5) should be sincere, honest, co-operative and hard working

(6) should be punctual and methodical. 

Students are back-bone of our society. The progress of society depends upon positive performance of students and their excellent moral conduct.

Patriotic persons like Bhagat Singh,  Mahatma Gandhi,  Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru,  Sardar Patel  performed their noble duties to give us freedom without any selfish motto. Consciously or sub-consciously every one of us likes to remain ever happy. This can be achieved by helping others according to our capability.

The service before-self can be best enjoyed by remaining healthy, happy and with purposeful life. Dedication of self for the society gives ecstasy. Last but not the least, "I am confident to say the proverb-God helps those who help themselves."

ABOUT AUTHOR: A Retd. Professor from DAV College, Jalandhar City. (Pb)

(City Air News got this write-up through SK Vyas, Jalandhar)

Ludhiana, August 5, 2013: FAST TRAX Restaurant a Delhi-based chain of fast food has now been opened in Ludhiana, at Omaxe Mall, near Bhai Bala Chowk, under the supervision of Shamphy Chadha, Sarbeshwar Singh Chadha (Grandson of Late Bhupinder Singh Society cinema) –for Saga Hospitality Pvt Ltd.  Master Franchisee for Punjab & Chandigarh.

At the opening ceremony today, Fast Trax General Manager Shubhrant Chandra and Assistant Manager Syed Sahban Uddin said, “Fast Trax will open 50 outlets in Punjab and Chandigarh by the December-end next”.

He said, “We delivered Indian taste with international norms”, adding, they use American’s and Italian’s machineries.

Fast Trax, the young Indian brand that symbolizes the rising Indian

youth who has beaten all odds to reach the very top, has done nothing

short of phenomenal in what industry analysts would call the ‘inception period’ of a brand. 

Fast Trax is the Only Indian Leading QSR Brand to enter sports catering; executed it at various segments like Schools, Universities,Express Models, Model for Malls, Premiere Mall Model and High street Model and soon planning to come up with 150 more outlets including Drive through and National highways.

Further, he said this brand was the vision and belief of a young Indian entrepreneur, Samar Qureshi, Director, Fast Trax who had a passion for providing the Indian consumer with superior quality fast food coupled with authentic Indian taste; an arena that had been left untouched by all the players in a cluttered market.

The signature California burger, paneer tikka wrap and kabab roll, bridge the gap between authentic international fast food and mouth-watering Indian flavours, offering eager diners a wide array of finger food, and combo’s to choose from. Even its truly unique product names like the Don Burger, the Rock Star Burger and the California Burger create curiosity about the product. With growing demand and customer’s strong recommendation of Indian taste and products Fast Trax is planning to introduce more Chicken Products at its outlet, with quality, taste and affordability being the key driving factors behind the menu.

For breaking the monotony of Fast Food Chains, the Designs, Look and Feel of the Fast Trax is very up-market with vibrant colours and a Customized Chopper standing inside the Restaurant giving it a cool Feel.

In March 2010, Fast Trax was made the official food partner at the FIH World Cup Hockey 2010, outselling expectations within the first few days itself. The most prestigious honour, however, has been the appointment of Fast Trax as the food licensee for the Commonwealth Games 2010 and the official caterers for the media village at ITPO. This was the First time in Indian History that an Indian QSR Chain partnered with World sporting Event exclusively. After catering two World Class Sporting Events, Fast Trax became the First Fast Food Chain in the world to enter the League of IPL and be the Official Food and Restaurant Partner with two IPL Teams, Delhi Daredevils Team Season 4 & 5 and Kings11 Punjab season 5.

Fast Trax gives the credit to its customers. They have loved it, they have promoted it and they are the one who helped in Fast Trax in reaching where it stands today.

Nawanshahr , August 5, 2013: The computerization of entire treasury offices in Punjab ensuring all Government Payments online proved a grand success with  Punjab becoming first successful state in the country to disburse more than Rs. 7281 crore to more than 14 lakh beneficiaries in first quarter by online system.  
Deputy Commissioner Tanu Kashyap said that crediting online payments was successfully running in the District. She said that through this recently implemented system of online payments to various departments, authorities besides salaries of government officials/employees, Nawanshahr district have credited Rs. 56 crore 55 lacs and 70482 in a short span of three months.
She said that Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) has been monitoring the system of online payments from its inception on 1st April, 2013. She said that all government payments from 1st April, 2013 were being deposited directly in the bank accounts of concerned departments and authorities. Tanu Kashyap said that in Nawanshahr district 22884 people were directly benefitted with this scheme.
She said that in Nawanshahr Treasury total amount disbursed is 45 Crore 58 lac 72408 and no. of beneficiaries are 17614. Similarly in Banga Treasury total amount disbursed is 10 Crore 96 lac 98074 and no. of beneficiaries are 5270.
She further said that E-Payment system was implemented in all Government Offices/Departments, whose transactions were done through treasury offices. She added that from July 1, 2013 Punjab has set a new milestone by starting the whole work online, which would prove to be a major step to ensure paperless administration in releasing funds to various departments in the entire state. She said that no physical files would be required to be submitted now.

Ludhiana, August 5, 2013: Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana Paramjit Singh Gill held a meeting with Private Panel Members working in Crime Against Women Cell, Ludhiana at CPRC Centre.

Speaking on the occasion, ADCP I Nilambari Vijay Jagdale, introduced the working of Crime Against Women Cell, Ludhiana, and said in Ludhiana besides this Cell, there are other women cell working in Suvidha Centres (Division No.1, 2, Sarabha Nagar, Focal Point, Zone IV, Atam Nagar, Sahnewal and Sadar).

Further, she said complaints that are marked down from Commissioner of Police Ludhiana and DCP Ludhiana relating to women issues are dealt in these Women Cells and counselling is done by Private Panel Members. 70 of complaints are disposed off at the counselling level only.

It was revealed that in the year 2010, Police Station Woman was created in the Main Woman Cell, Ludhiana and till then FIR u/s 406-498A IPC is registered in this police station. She said Panel Members working in these Cells are helping hands to the Ludhiana police in the welfare of people.

In his address, Commissioner of Police welcomed all the members in the meeting and expressed his gratitude for being a support to the police. He asked for the problems, if any that a member has to face while working.

Panel members expressed their views on women issues. Commissioner of Police inspired the members to dispose off the complaints at their level while counselling. He said petty things lead to the divorce and these should be avoided and it is our duty.