IN AFTERMATH OF HEAVY DOWNPOUR ADMINISTRATION PULL ALL PLUGS AND RESTORES NORMALCY IN SULTANPUR LODHI WITHIN HOURS · HOLY CITY WELCOMES DEVOTEES FOR THE 550TH COMMEMORATIVE CELEBRATIONS

Chandigarh/Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala), November 8-

After the district administration pumped all its resources to ensure smooth conduct of 550th parkash purb celebrations in Sultanpur Lodhi, the holy city returned back to normalcy within 12 hours of heavy downpour in city on Friday.

As soon as the heavy rain started in the holy city on Thursday, the district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Mr. DPS Kharbanda swung into action with its foolproof action plan to meet any sort of unforeseen crisis. The result was that around 1000 personnel from various departments including Police, Local Government, Roadways, PSPCL, Health, Water Supply and others were seen on road to tackle any sort of eventuality. The result was that despite of heavy rain showers no major loss to life and property was reported.

The Deputy Commissioner, who remained in field till 3 am in the morning, led from the front and ensured that the administrative machinery performs its duty efficaciously to ensure minimum inconvenience to the devotees in the holy city. Mr. Kharbanda personally visited all the three tent cities erected for devotees namely Guru Nanak Nagar I, Guru Nanak Nagar II and Guru Nanak Nagar III constructed at villages Maachijoa, Taraf Behbal Bahadur (on Lohian Road) and Randhipur respectively. He supervised the tent cities and asked the officers to perform their duties zealously to ensure that pilgrims do not face any sort of inconvenience during their stay in tent cities.

The result was that by the morning all the tent cities and the city was clean and open to receive the pilgrims that came to the city for paying their obeisance here. Similarly, there was no garbage or mud on roads and they were cleaned thoroughly for the convenience of the pilgrims. The water and power supply also remained uninterrupted after the midnight, so that devotees were facilitated during their visit in the holy city.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner said that the inclement weather conditions were beyond the control of human being but due to the futuristic planning and meticulously designed strategy the administration was able to pass the first litmus test. Mr. Kharbanda said that with the grace of God the state government led by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh was committed for commemorating the 550th parkash purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji in an unsurpassed manner.

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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab

More than 50,000 availed benefit of Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojna: Health Minister

Government spent around 55 Crore for treatment of beneficiaries: Balbir Sidhu

Chandigarh, November 8:

Health and Family Welfare Minister Punjab Balbir Singh Sidhu informed that more than 50,000 beneficiaries have availed the benefits of around 55 crore Rupees under the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (SSBY). Cabinet minister appealed the people to avail free treatment benefits under the scheme as 75 percent population of the state has already been covered by the Punjab Government. He added that the family could avail the benefit of free treatment upto Rs. 5 lakh from as many as 600 hospitals including major private hospitals of Punjab.

Mr. Sidhu said that health and education are the main priorities of the Captain Amarinder Singh led Punjab government as the residents were being provided with superior health facilities. He said that the government has also initiated a special drive to improve the condition of health institutions. He added that apart from these sectors, the government has ensured plantation of 550 saplings in each village of Punjab to ensure clean and green environment.

The cabinet minister also appealed the people to actively participate in the events of Punjab Government being organized at various places to commemorate 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji.

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CAPT AMARINDER CONDEMNS SPG WITHDRAWAL FROM GANDHI FAMILY, URGES CENTRE TO REVIEW DECISION IN PREVAILING SECURITY SCENARIO

Chandigarh, November 8: Strongly condemning the withdrawal of SPG cover from Sonia Gandhi and her children, Rahul and Priyanka, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has demanded immediate revocation of the central government’s ‘politically motivated’ decision.

Reacting to the announcement of the Centre’s decision, the Chief Minister urged the central government to reconsider its decision, particularly in view of the security scenario currently prevailing in the country, with the terror threat from across the border growing every day.

Considering that Sonia Gandhi’s husband Rajiv Gandhi and mother-in-law Indira Gandhi were assassinated, the grant of SPG cover to the Gandhi family was not a political favour but a necessity, said Captain Amarinder.

By withdrawing the Special Protection (SPG) cover of the Congress President, as well as MP Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the central government had showed extreme pettiness and a total disregard for the safety of a family that had made huge sacrifices for the country, the Chief Minister said.

Recalling the SPG withdrawal of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh a few months ago, the Chief Minister said neither decision was based on ground reality. The reason given for SPG withdrawal of the Gandhis clearly endorsed this, he said, citing reports indicating that the security review that led to the latest decision had found that the Gandhi family ‘did not cooperate and impeded smooth functioning of SPG by not using the SPG protection on several occasions.’

“Does that justify the withdrawal of the SPG cover from the family,” he asked, adding that if the Centre did feel so strongly about this, it should have taken up the matter with the Gandhis. Not using the SPG protection cannot be interpreted to mean that the security threat that had necessitated the cover in the first place had disappeared, he added.

Captain said that in Punjab, he had ensured continuation of the same security cover to former Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal, and his son and former Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Badal, that they enjoyed while in office in view of the threat they continue to face.

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550thPrakashPurb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Dera Baba Nanak Utsav commences with Spiritual Richness

· Cooperation Minister Randhawa inaugurates 4 day Utsav

Chandigarh/Dera Baba Nanak (Gurdaspur), November 8:

“The main rationale behind organizing ‘Dera Baba Nanak Utsav’ on the occasion of opening of Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on eve of 550thPrakashPurb celebrations of Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, is to connect all the sections of the society especially the youth with the philosophy of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and exhort them to follow these in life.” These views were expressed here today by the Cooperation and Jails Minister, Punjab, S. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa after inaugurating the utsav. He also said that the opening of the corridor brings to the fruition the long pending wish of the Nanak NaamLevaSangat.

Earlier, S. Randhawa formally inaugurated the 4 day utsav having religious, spiritual and artistic colours. This utsav is being organized by all the institutions of the cooperative sector from 8th-11th November. Despite the heavy downpour that the town witnessed yesterday which sent the arrangements at main pandal and the tented city into a tizzy, the enthusiasm of the vast number of people coming to witness the Dera Baba Nanak Utsav added to the spiritual atmosphere .

In his address on the occasion, S. Randhawa said that apart from the religious, the cultural and artistic presentations are also being showcased in the utsav so as to help connect maximum people with the philosophy of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He further added that renowned Poets, Writers, Playwrights are participating in the utsav who would also spread awareness about the all-encompassing philosophy of Sri Guru Nanak DevJi in various educational institutions. He also said that working for the entire humanity in a selfless manner today is the need of the hour and it is the real purpose of commemorating the centenaries of Guru Sahiban.

The 50 students of Khalsa College, Amritsar started the utsav with the ‘Aarti’ in the praise of flora and fauna recited by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. After that, the students of Police DAV School, Amritsar made a mesmerizing presentation of the action song ‘Guru Nanak Mahima’. The play directed by the Shiromani Award winning playwright Dr. Kewal Dhaliwal titled ‘Jagat Guru Baba Nanak’ was also very ably presented highlighting the ideology and life of Sri Guru Nanak DevJi.

In the aftermath of this, the popular folk dance ‘Malwai Giddha’ was presented which captivated the audience. The special feature of the presentation were the ‘Boliyan’ related to Sri Guru Nanak DevJi. The minister on the occasion released 5 books dedicated to the prakashpurb. These were, ‘Kartarpur Karta VaseySantanKePaas’ (Prithipal Singh Kapoor), ‘Guru Nanak-ParamparaAteyDarshan’ edited by Dr. Amarjit Singh, ‘Guru Nanak BaniAtey Punjabi Chintan’ edited by Dr. Naresh, ‘Jithe Baba Pair Dhare’ edited by Dr. KewalDhaliwal and special edition of KaavShastar dedicated to Sri Guru Nanak DevJi.

Among other dignitaries present on the occasion included the Chairman of Punjab Kala Parishad Dr. SurjitPatar, Chairman of Sarbat Da Bhala Trust Dr. S.P.S. Oberoi, MD Markfed Mr. VarunRoojam, MDMilkfed Mr. Kamaldeep Singh Sangha, MD Sugarfed Mr. PuneetGoyal. MD Punjab State Cooperative Bank Limited Dr. S.K. Batish, Coordinator of the utsav Mr. Amarjit Singh Grewal and Mr. Bhagwant Singh Sachar.

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550th Parkash Purb

Punjab government to dedicate all the events of November 9 to Babe Nanaki

–Sewa will be held at Sultanpur Lodhi from 11 am to 6 pm by popular Kirtani / Ragi / Kavishari and dhadi jathas

–Channi appeals Sangat to join in large numbers to celebrate Gurpurb

Chandigarh/Sultanpur Lodhi, 8 November

All ceremonies will be dedicated to Babe Nanaki Ji in respect of women on November 9 at ‘Guru Nanak Darbar’ Main Pandal during the occasion of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th Parkash Purb.

Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs Charanjit Singh Channi stating this today said that Gurbani teaches us to give high respect to women and the Punjab government’s functions to be held at Sultanpur Lodhi on November 9 will be organized to further spread this teaching. He said that the commencement of the program on this day was at 11 AM when Jasmeet Kaur from Jammu Jatha will perform then at 12 pm Bibi Simran Kaur from Ragi Jatha Kirtan of Ludhiana will perform. Similarly at 1 pm Bibi Jasleen Kaur Delhi, at 2 pm. Dr. Gurinder Kaur Delhi, at 3 pm Bibi Ishwineek Kaur Delhi, at 4 pm Bibi Prabhjot Kaur Batala and from 5pm to 6pm Dr Jasbir Kaur will perform before the Sangat.

Appealing the sangat to arrive at Sultanpur Lodhi during the Gurpurb ceremonies, Channi said that a special free bus service has also been launched from all different parts of the state to facilitate the Sangat by the Punjab government. He said that Punjab Government has made arrangements for transport, parking, lodging for the convenience of the Sangat. He said that special measures are taken by the State Government to extend every possible help to the devotees who are visiting Sultanpur Lodhi to pay obeisance during the occasion of 550th Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

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Officials of Punjab Government have no need to take ex-India leave

Chandigarh, November 8,

The officers/officials of Punjab Government who want to visit Kartarpur Sahib (Pakistan ) to pay obeisance on the occasion of 550th Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji have no need to take ex-India leave. This was disclosed by a spokesman of Punjab Government here today.

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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab

Health minister directs administration to double capacity of medical lounge

Decision taken amid heavy footfall of pilgrims at Sultanpur Lodhi: Balbir Singh Sidhu

Chandigarh/Sultanpur Lodhi, November 8:

In the view of heavy footfall of pilgrims at Sultanpur Lodhi, health and family welfare minister Punjab Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu today ordered the health department officials to increase the capacity of medical lounge set up here near the main pandal, Guru Nanak Darbar. The minister directed Civil Surgeon Kapurthala Dr. Jasmeet Kaur Bawa to depute more medical and para-medical staff to apart from the capacity of the tent site as around 10,000 have availed medical services so far. He was also accompanied by local MLA Navtej Singh Cheema when he visited the medical lounge after paying obeisance at Guru Nanak Darbar.

Health Minister said that the pilgrims were appreciating the arrangements done by the Punjab Government to commemorate one of the biggest events in Sikh history. He added that as the arrival of devotees has been increased drastically, it was the need of the hour to increase the capacity of the lounge to provide hassle free health facilities to needy.

Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu informed that at present, two OPDs were being run by 4 medical officers along with para-medical staff which would be doubled from today onwards. He added that apart from this, the number of bike ambulances will also be raised from 20 to 40 for smooth transportation of patients from busy streets of the city.

Meanwhile, local MLA Navtej Singh Cheema said that local administration has put on toes for the smooth operations here at Sultanpur Lodhi and the Punjab Government is ensuring every possible facility for Sangat. He also directed the tent city organizers to immediately increase the capacity of tent of medical lounge.

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· Punjab Government to facilitate means to increment the income of Fair Price Shop holders-Ashu

· Vast array of consumables, fresh fruit juices, pickles and 5 Kg LPG cylinders to be sold at Fair Price Shops

Chandigarh, November 8:

Coming forward for hand holding of the Fair Price Shop owners, the State government would facilitate the ways and means to increment their income, informed Mr.Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Punjab in a meeting with the office bearers of Depot Holders Associations at Anaj Bhawan, Chandigarh.

The Minister informed that so far the Fair Price Shop owners distribute only the food grains which fetches them margin money but at the behest of Depot Holders, the Department of Food and Civil Supplies has facilitated their meeting with some companies who would provide them consumables to that they may transform their depots into full fledged Kiryana/Grocery Stores and more articles are made available to Smart Card holders at a reasonable cost.

Mr. Bharat Bhushan said that the representatives of Hindustan Unilever Limited, HPMC (Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation. Ltd), Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum have participated in the meeting and shared their offers which include the vast array of consumables, fresh fruit juices and pickles. He said that besides this, the permission has already been granted to sell 5 Kg LPG cylinders. He said that the companies are willing to work out the modalities with the depot holders and strike a deal with them, with the role of government being galvanising the two.

He said that it has been brought into his notice that the sale of 5 Kg LPG cylinders by depot holders to Rehriwalas and other similar consumers faced some hassles as the local gas agencies poach their customers. This was brought into the immediate notice of the representatives of Indian Oil Corporation who in turn assured to resolve the issue.

Besides the Ration Depot Holders and the representatives of various companies, Ms. Anindita Mitra, Director Food and Civil Supplies Department was present on the occasion.

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RUSSIAN DELEGATION LED BY FORMER DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER EVINCES INTEREST TO MAKE INVESTMENTS IN PUNJAB

· INVEST PUNJAB EXTENDS INVITATION FOR PROGRESSIVE INVESTORS SUMMIT TO BE HELD ON 5TH AND ‪6TH DECEMBER

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 8: In a bid to woo investments from Russian companies, the Punjab Government has extended invitation to former Deputy Prime Minister and incumbent Chairman of Russian State Development Corporation Igor Shuvalov for participation of the Russian delegation to the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2019. The Summit would be held on 5th and ‪6th ‪December in Indian School of Business (ISB), Mohali.

Disclosing this here today a Spokesperson of the Invest Punjab said that State Government’s delegation led by Additional Chief Secretary Investment Promotion Vini Mahajan and CEO Invest Punjab Rajat Agarwal met Mr. Igor Shuvalov and Vice Chairman of VEB Mr. Tsekhomsky along with 20-member team.

The Spokesperson said that the Russian delegation was looking at the opportunities for collaboration in areas related to Smart Cities, Power, Water, Healthcare, and Agro and Food Processing in India. They visited Punjab to engage with the State Government and explore possible areas of collaboration. The spokesperson said that the Punjab Government had already identified 3 smart cities- Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana where smart and electric mobility is a key focus area.

Apprising delegation about the varied transformative initiatives for the facilitation of industry, the CEO Invest Punjab said that Punjab had firmed up over INR 50,000cr investment in Punjab during last two years. He elaborated the advantages of investing in Punjab, specifically in Smart Cities. He said that Punjab is one of the most urbanized states in India with having enormous potential in creating linkages of startups especially in Agritech.

The State is promoting manufacturing of smart electronics and vehicles by setting up an industrial park- High-Tech valley over 380 acres in Ludhiana to set up Electric Vehicles and Battery Manufacturing units. This state-of-the-art facility will include common facilities for effluent treatment, water treatment plant, design facilities, convention and exhibition centre, warehousing and logistic services, he added.

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CAPT AMARINDER ORDERS FINALISATION OF MODALITIES FOR IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF SC DIRECTIVES ON STUBBLE BURNING

Chandigarh, November 8: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday ordered the Agriculture Department to work out the modalities for immediate implementation of the Supreme Court orders on providing financial assistance to small and marginal farmers who had not burnt any paddy straw.

At the same time, the Chief Minister also ordered stringent action against those found violating the ban on stubble burning, in line with the apex court’s directives on penalization of such farmers.

The Chief Minister chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the implications of the Supreme Court orders, which would put an additional burden on the cash strapped state, which was already reeling under fiscal problems in the GST regime. He stressed that the central government would have to support the state for a permanent resolution of the problem.

Farmers who had refrained from burning paddy straw despite the financial problems they were facing needed to be incentivized and encouraged, said Captain Amarinder, asking the Agriculture and Finance Departments to take immediate steps to ensure the implementation of the Supreme Court orders on providing compensation to such farmers. The Chief Minister asked the Finance Department to ensure requisite funds for the necessary payment to farmers.

Captain Amarinder also asked the Police department to crack down on all offending farmers and identify those who needed to be penalized for indulging in burning of paddy straw, which had contributed to the severe air pollution in the state and neighbouring regions.

The meeting was informed that more than 900 FIRs had so far been registered against erring farmers, mostly in Sri Muktsar Sahib and Bathinda, with some cases reported in Sangrur.

The meeting was attended by Cabinet Ministers Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Manpreet Singh Badal, Media Advisor to CM Raveen Thukral, Chief Principal Secretary to CM Suresh Kumar, Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh, DGP Intelligence V K Bhawra, Financial Commissioner Revenue KBS Sidhu, Additional Chief Secretary Development Viswajeet Khanna, Principal Secretary to CM Tejveer Singh, Principal Secretary Environment Rakesh Kumar Verma and Secretary Agriculture Kahan Singh Pannu.

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PUNJAB GOVT DECLARES GAZETTED HOLIDAY ON NOVEMBER 11

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 8: Punjab Government has declared gazetted holiday in the state for November 11, 2019.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that in view of the 550th Prakash Purb celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, gazetted holiday has been declared in all Governement offices, boards/corporations and educational institutions.

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PUNJAB GOVT TAKES UP ISSUE OF ANTI-INDIA APP WITH GOOGLE, CAPT AMARINDER DEMANDS ITS IMMEDIATE REMOVAL

· CM DIRECTS DGP TO COORDINATE WITH CENTRAL SECURITY AGENCIES TO TACKLE THE SECESSIONIST THREAT

Chandigarh, November 8: Seriously perturbed over reports of the launch of a secessionist, anti-India app by Google, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday directed his officers to take up the matter with the IT giant, even as he urged the Centre to direct the company to take down the controversial app immediately.

The state government has taken up the issue with Google, said an official spokesperson, adding that, acting on the Chief Minister’s directives, DGP Punjab Dinkar Gupta is also coordinating with the central security agencies to tackle the threat triggered by the launch of the ‘2020 Sikh Referendum’ App, just ahead of the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor.

The App, freely available for download on Google Play, is clearly aimed at pushing the ISI agenda of dividing the Sikh community amid the 550th Prakash Purb celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, said the Chief Minister, demanding that the app be immediately taken off.

“How and why Google allowed such an App to be uploaded by a known radical extremist group in the first place is questionable,” said the Chief Minister, expressing shock at the IT company’s irresponsible act in letting this happen. Google should remove the App from its Play store without a minute’s delay if it did not want to be perceived to be supporting an extremist group, he asserted.

The Chief Minister said the development raises serious concerns about the security threat to Punjab specifically, and to India as a whole. The timing of the launch of App indicates a patently sinister agenda by ISI to leverage the opportunity created by the Kartarpur Corridor to divide the Indian Sikh community, said Captain Amarinder, who has been repeatedly cautioning India against the ISI design behind the Pakistani decision to open the Corridor.

Pointing out that the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), under whose guise the ISI has been pushing Referendum 2020, had been declared as an Unlawful Association under UAPA by the central government some months ago, the Chief Minister said the organisation’s brazen involvement in violent acts had prompted the action against it. However, with the sustained support of ISI, the SFJ continued to push its anti-India campaign, and the Google App was just the latest in the series of tools it was employing to further its agenda, he added.

Underlining the need for India to stay on high alert in the light of the persistent attempts by ISI to destabilize Punjab with its secessionist activities, Captain Amarinder reiterated that extreme caution would have to be exercised on the momentous occasion of the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor. While every Sikh aspired for ‘darshan’ at the historic Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara, Pakistan should not try to play any games that threaten the integrity and peace of the country.

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Punjab Govt Declares Local Holiday in Gurdaspur, Kapurthala and Amritsar Districts

Chandigarh, November 8

Punjab Government today declared local holiday in Gurdaspur, Kapurthala and Amritsar districts on November 9, 2019 in connection with the celebrations of the 550th Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that all the offices of Punjab Government, Boards, Corporations and Educational Institutions in these districts would remain closed on the auspicious occasion.

A notification has been issued by the Personnel Department, Punjab in this regard.

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