New Delhi/Jalandhar, June 23, 2013: Haryana Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda today visited Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar  to meet the people belonging to Haryana who have been rescued from various parts of Uttrakhand.  

Hooda also reviewed the functioning of centers set up at Dehradun and Rishikesh by the State Government for providing necessary help   to the people belonging to Haryana, who are stranded at various places of Uttrakhand.

Hooda said that thousands of people are still stranded at various places in Uttrakhandand rescue operations are being carried out at faster pace. He said that with the help of Government, military and other volunteers, stranded people were being taken to safer places.

Hooda said that 50,000 blankets would be sent for people stranded at various places in Uttrakhandand out of these, 25,000 blankets have already been dispatched from Haryana today.

He said that buses of Haryana Roadways have been deployed to carry rescued persons from Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar to their destinations free of cost. He said that the disaster in Uttrakhandis a big tragedy and State Government is providing every possible help to the stranded persons.

On this occasion,  Hooda also met persons who have been provided shelter at railway station, bus stand, ashram and dharamshalas.

Madhopur (Pathankot), June 23, 2013: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today gave a clarion call to the people for launching second freedom struggle to free India from the corrupt hands of vision less, direction less and weak Congress led UPA government in the Centre.
Badal was addressing a mammoth gathering during a State level function on 60th Martyrdom day of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who had sacrificed his life in 1953 for the unity and the integrity of our Country by raising voice against the wrong policy of the then Congress Party’s Government at Centre according conferred on J&K a  Special Status that imposed prohibition on Indian citizens from settling in a state within their own country and mandated that they carry ID cards in J&K. Dr. Mukherjee went to observe a hunger strike in Kashmir to protest the unjust law. He was arrested by the J&K Government at Madhopur border and died under mysterious circumstances on 23 May 1953.
Badal said that Dr. Mukherjee had sacrificed his life for the cause to protect democratic values like Punjabis who have the honour to contribute 80% sacrifices in the freedom struggle, but had never been recognised by the Congress that had ruled for the maximum period at the Centre. The dreams of our martyrs yet to be fulfilled as poverty, unemployment, illiteracy were still exist in our country. He further said that the cause for which Dr. Mukherjee had sacrificed his life would be fulfilled only if Congress would completely be rooted out from the political canvass of the country. Mr. Badal said that the upbeat mood of the people in the today’s rally was a prophecy for the UPA government that its days were numbered, as its fall was imminent due to un-controllable corruption, inflation and Congress's autocratic style of functioning that resulted in ill-conceived anti-people decisions.     
Welcoming the National leader of the BJP Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that with the elevation of Modi as the Chairman Election Campaigning Committee of BJP a new hope to built new and Modern India has born. He gave assurance to Modi that SAD-BJP alliance would win all the 13 parliamentary seats of Punjab in forthcoming general elections and support Modi in forming next NDA government at centre.
Expressing concern over the security of the country, Badal said that recent incidents were evident enough that the external as well as internal security of India was in danger due to the directionless and weak policies of UPA government. He said that during emergency days Congress government had completely smashed the democratic structure of the country and Shiromani Akali Dal had launched 19 month long massive agitation against the emergency. The brave people of Punjab had supported SAD. Now again when the real face of Congress has been revealed people were with SAD and BJP.  
Badal asked Modi to spare his time so that Punjab could arrange much bigger rally in support similar as a previous one arrange in support of Jai Parkash Narayanan at Ludhiana that had changed the entire scene of Country's politics.
In his address while paying homage to Dr. Mukherjee, Narendra Modi said that Dr. Mukherjee was the first martyr in free India who sacrifices his life for the unity and the integrity of the country. Talking about the mystery of the death of Dr. Mukherjee, he said that the then Congress government had never bothered to inquire about the circumstances under which Dr. Mukherjee’s died, despite lodging a complaint by his mother to carry out an enquiry. He asked what type of democracy it was. Today again when Congress led UPA government had involved in number of scams, the faith as well as fate of Indians are in danger. He called upon the people to teach a lesson to Congress during forth coming elections.
Referring the relations of Gujarat with Punjab, Modi pointed out that the roots of this relation between both the states was very deep rooted and like a blood relation as one out of five Piaras of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib was from Gujrat.
Earlier, Modi alongwith Mr. Badal and others leaders paid floral tribute at the statue of Dr. Shyama Parsad Mukerjee at Ekta Sathal on the Punjab and Jammu Kashmir state border.
Prominent amongst those who paid tributes to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee included Senior BJP leader Shanta Kumar, Punjab BJP Chief Kamal Sharma, former Punjab BJP Chief Ashwini Sharma, Member Parliament Anurag Thakur, Health and Family Welfare Minister Madan Mohan Mittal, Member Parliament Avinash Rai Khana, Manorajan Kalia and Tikshan Sood (both former Ministers) besides Swaran Salaria and Brij Lal Rinwa.  
Prominent who were present on the occasion included BJP leader Balram ji Tandon, Former Minister Laxmi Kanta Chawala , former MP Vinod Khanna and many others.

Ludhiana, June 23, 2013: A large number of men, women and children gathered at the Sarabha Nagar market at Ludhiana on Sunday evening and lit candles, to pay tributes to victims of natural disaster in Uttrakhand. They were carrying play cards carrying slogans such as “Ludhianvis must unite for fellow countrymen in need”, “Pray for Uttrakhand”, “United we stand, divided we fail” and “Unite for victims of Himalayan Tsunami!” in their hands.

New Delhi/Jalandhar, June 23, 2013: Haryana Chief Minister Bupinder Singh Hooda has offered to rebuild at least 25 villages devastated in floods in Uttarakhand.

He has also offered to provide all help in the reconstruction of destroyed temples. 

This offer was made by Hooda at a press conference in Dehradun, where  Ambika Soni and  Moti Lal Vora were also present.

Hooda said that a number of people have lost their lives in this natural calamity. “Our feelings are with their families”, he said.

He said that relief and rescue measures are going on in full swing in the state and more than 90 thousand people have been evacuated to safer places. Army and social organizations are also assisting the state govt. in this task. Haryana Government has also established help centres at Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh. Haryana Roadways buses have been deployed to carry the people to their destinations.

The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand has suffered huge loss of property  due to this calamity. Whole of country is with Uttarakhand. Haryana is ready to provide all necessary help. This is not the time for politics or criticising, but of extending cooperation, he said.

Jalandhar, June 24, 2013: The Sikh Regimental Centre Ramgarh Cantt (Jharkhand) will be organising a recruitment rally at Ramgarh Cantt under Unit Headquarter Quota for wards of Son of Servicemen/Son of Ex-Servicemen son of Widows/Son of War Widows for enrolment of Soldier General Duty and Soldier Tradesmen (Carpenter, Washerman,Tailor & Musician) from 08 Jul 2013 to 09 Jul 2013.  No recruitment will be carried out in open category.  All Sikh candidates except Mazbi, Ramdasia, SC and ST from any states/UT of India (only for relationship candidates) can appear for Soldier General Duty category.  As regards screening for Soldier Tradesman (Carpenter, Waserman, & Tailor) relationship candidates from state of Punjab Haryana and UP only will be considered.  Sikh aspirants for musician having musical skills may hail from any state/UT of India.

For General Duty Soldier, a candidates should have class X pass with min 32% mark in each subject and 45% marks in aggregate.  Candidates having higher qualification need not to have this stipulated % of marks in X class.  Candidates hailing from J&K except Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts should have simple 10th class pass. For the category of Tradesmen (Carpenter, Waserman & Tailor candidates hailing from Punjab, Haryana and UP only should have simple class 10th/ITI.  As regards stipulated % of marks for state Education Boards including CBSC, who have adopted grading system a candidate must have the grade with contains 45% in each individual subject to be considered eligible for enrolment.

The candidates should be between 17 ½ - 21 years of age for Soldier General Duty category and 17 ½ to 23 years for Soldier Tradesmen category.  Candidates belonging to states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan & Western UP should have a minimum of 170 cms height and 50 kg weight.  Candidates belonging to Eastern UP must have a minimum of 169 cm height and 50 kg weight.  Candidates belonging to HP, Punjab Hill (Kandi Area), J&K should have a minimum of 166 cm height and 48 weight.  As regards candidates for Soldier Tradesman  belonging to Haryana, Punjab & UP, the height should be 170 cm, and weight 50 kg for all the candidates chest should be 77 to 82 cm.

Candidates are required to bring their original educational certificate marks sheet, Residence certificate, Caste certificate issued from Sub Divisional Magistrate/Tehsildar.  School character certificate in original issued by Headmaster/village Sarapanch (within six months from the date of issue) and Sports/NCC certificate (if held).  Candidates from Kandi area should bring their Kandi Area certificate (only declared by Central Govt in case candidates hailing from Punjab hills).  Candidates from J&K must be in possession of state subject certificate.

The candidates should bring 12 copies of their latest passport size colour photographs where as Sikh candidates should bring 12 copies of their photographs with turban and 12 copies of photographs without turban.  Children of servicemen and Ex-servicemen should bring their Relation certificate from concerned Records in original (certificate issued by any other agency will not be accepted).  The candidates should also bring their family photographs of all members and his own unmarried certificate duly verified by the village sarapanch with stamp affixed and paste on the reverse side of certificate.

Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust has done an incredible 'Sewa' by evacuating more than 11,000 pilgrims who were stranded at various locations in Uttrakhand. Only couple of thousand are left as on date and most likely they will brought to safer places today or tomorrow.

We acknowledge the services of the 500+strong team of Sewadars, Managers, and staff of the Trust in working day and night to make arrangements, co-ordinate with State Government and the Army officials, arranging helicopters, food and shelter for all! The Trust is committed to provide all help to the stranded pilgrims and ensure safe return to home.

The Untold Story:

The Disaster that struck Gurdwara Gobind Ghat on 16 June could have been worst, but for the timely action by a young Electrician of the Gurdwara, who was working on repairs in the Generator room in the early hours. He saw water gushing into the Generator and electrical room. After sensing the neck deep waters, he rushed towards the main building, the Parkash Asthan and announced on PA System to the sleeping pilgrims to evacuate the lower areas and rush to safety on upper region. Manager and his staff, granthis and sewadars immediately raised the alarm, used all means to take the holy Granth to a safe place and help people in distress. This timely warning helped to save thousands of lives and its Almighty who came as Saviour of the people.

The Army and ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police)--the Valiant Soldiers of the Indian Army, from a soldier to the General swooped into action, they took all their men and materials to help the Pilgrims. The foremost task was to evacuate the Pilgrims to safer places and to nearly Joshimath, which is District HQ and has many places to provide shelter to the pilgrims. The helicopters were deployed, temporary bridges were constructed, Army trucks were employed, medical aid was provided. Gurdwara Dushtdaman, Joshimath, its Staff and Sewadars co-ordinated the efforts of Army, Civil Authorities, and other agencies.

Salute to the Army!

India has hope!!

(The writer is noted author and industrialist.)

Madhopur (Pathankot), June 23, 2013: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the BJP’s `Sankalp Rally’ at Madhopur in Pathankot district today, has indicated certain issues on which the party is likely to contest the parliamentary elections due next year.
The Madhopur’s Rally was the Modi’s first public rally after being elevated as the BJP’s election campaign committee chief. It was organised on the death anniversary of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.
Modi laid wreaths before the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee's statue and recalled his services rendered to the nation.
In his address, Modi spoke about the Kashmir issue. He asserted on the need to resolve the long-pending issue after giving a healing touch to the wounds of Kashmir and associating the youths of Kashmir with the national mainstream for the development of the state. His words for Kashmir clearly depicts that he has a great concern for finding a permanent solution to the Kashmir issue. Recalling the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said the task Vajpayee left incomplete would be pursued by BJP if voted to power.
Modi condemned the UPA led government at the Centre. He said the present government at the Centre was following faulty policies on the Kashmir issue, economy and national security. It clearly indicates that the BJP will not only contest the forthcoming parliamentary elections on the Kashmir issue, but also on the economic, national security and development issues. He recalled the overall development taken place across the country during the Vajpayee-led government at the Centre.
Modi is also likely to launch anti-Congress campaign, as he made repeated attacks on the Congress during his speech. He even condemned the Congress for not recognising Dr Mukherjee as a “martyr”. He said the nation was unsafe in the hands of the Congress.
Related copy:

NARENDRA Modi calls upon people to make Congress-free nation

Narendra Modi laying wreaths before the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee's statue.

Massive gathering at the rally.

Women also participated in large numbers at the rally.

Chandigarh, June 23, 2013: On the directions of the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, the state government has undertaken all out efforts to ensure smooth relief and rescue operations by shifting nearly 4700 Punjab pilgrims so far from Kedarnath, Badrinath and Govind Ghat in Uttarakhand safely to their respective destination across the state.    

According to a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, Badal himself was personally reviewing the progress of the entire relief and rehabilitation process and was in constant touch with the Civil and Army authorities in Uttarakhand.

It may be recalled that the Punjab Government had already stationed two teams comprising Secretary Housing and Urban Development A. Venu Prasad, Director State Transport Sumer Singh Gurjar, DIG Khubi Ram and Commandant Rakesh Kaushal at Rishikesh and another consisting of DGSE Kahan Singh Pannu, MD Punjab State Cooperative Bank Kamaldeep Singh Sangha besides a DSP and Inspector who joined them yesterday at Joshimath. These teams were keeping Badal updated from time to time.  

Giving the details of relief operations, the spokesperson said that out of 95 Buses, 71 of Punjab Roadways and 24 of Punjab Police have so far transported nearly 4700 pilgrims from Uttarakhand to Punjab at different headquarters, from where they were received by the Deputy Commissioners and sent to their homes directly in private taxis at state administration's expense.

As many as 60 Mini Buses of the Punjab Police dispatched from Rishikesh to Joshimath on Saturday and another 36 Mini Buses/Trax Vehicles were pressed into service to Joshimath today, of which Six Mini Buses of Punjab Police had reached Rishikesh from Joshimath and another 23 Mini Buses carrying about 450 passengers were on the way from Joshimath to Rishikesh till the filling of the press note. These vehicles were likely to be slightly delayed due to a blockade following the landslide between Chamoli and Srinagar and subsequently they were following an alternate route. As per available information at 5 PM today, no pilgrim was awaiting evacuation neither at Joshimath and nor any transportation from Rishikesh.

On the directions of the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also holds the portfolio of Home, has directed the DGP to immediately send two special platoons comprising 60 policemen, 40 drivers and 16 other miscellaneous help under the DIG Khubi Ram and Gautam Cheema to evacuate pilgrims stranded beyond Joshimath. These platoons would also carry ambulances and 15 Xylo/Scorpio and two canters besides 10 mountaineering, search and rescue trained personnel.

Sukhbir Singh Badal also asked the DGP to extend all possible help and cooperation to the Civil and Army authorities for the safe evacuation of the pilgrims trapped in Uttrakhand on the priority. He categorically said that the state government would leave no stone unturned until each and every pilgrim was safely brought from Uttrakhand to Punjab.

The Punjab Government had already hired the services of private helicopter to bring out the pilgrims from Uttrakhand Valley especially from Govind Ghat, Badrinath and Kedarnath and the same was carrying out evacuation operations in full swing under the command of Army authorities till the receipt of last reports. The helicopter has so far made 66 sorties resulting in the evacuation of 212 passengers besides sending more than 400 kg of relief material, food and water and 100 kg of rope to cross over the river.

Highly appreciating the role of Punjab Police in this hour of crisis, the Chief Minister asked the police personnel to work with far more missionary zeal in tandem with civil administration to mitigate the sufferings of the pilgrims who were still trapped there in Uttrakhand. 

As many as 10 Ambulances of the Punjab Health Department besides two of Punjab Police equipped with doctors and paramedics had reached Rishikesh. Of them five have been stationed at Rishikesh and the rest has been pressed into service at Srinagar, Chamoli and Joshimath to render medical rendered medical aid to the pilgrims, who needed such assistance.  

Ludhiana, June 24, 2013: President North zone Urological Society of India- Dr Baldev Singh Aulakh (Professor of Urology and Head of Transplant Unit at DMCH) recently inaugurated  a conference on ‘Recent Advances in Kidney Cancer’ which was  held at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) , New Delhi.

Large number of urologist and cancer surgeons attended this conference and faculty of national and international refute discussed their views and experience on kidney cancer.Various doctors from the University of Texas, USA were present in the conference. They discussed and various surgical treatment and newer drugs for kidney cancer.
In recognition of his pioneering work on kidney cancer, Dr Aulakh is considered as an eminent figure in North India. He has pioneered minimally invasive treatment for Kidney Cancer in Punjab.  Partial nephrectomy is a type of surgery for kidney cancer in which the kidney is preserved removing all the tumor tissue is routinely performed by him. This surgery involves amalgamation of experience, surgical skills and knowledge, Dr Aulakh is one of the few surgeons in India who do such type of surgeries.  This surgery help to preserve kidney function and still get the tumor removed.
With advances in laparoscopic surgeries, large tumors of kidney can be easily removed without giving large incision over body, says Dr Aulakh. With the advent of various surgical techniques and fine instruments even children are getting benefit of minimally invasive surgery.
In his presidential address at the conference Dr Aulakh told: “The NZUSI is a remarkable organisation and as its president, I am delighted address  this august gathering,” “There have never been more opportunities to make a major impact on renal cell cancer than this, and I want to congratulate Dr sudhir and Dr PN Dogra for taking initiative to conduct CME on this hot topic. Renal cell carcinoma is not a single entity but spectrum of diseases with varying histology, genetic predisposition, profile proneness, prognosis and treatment. Apart from new surgical techniques like laparoscopic, robotic, elective nephron-sparing surgeries; there are many drug therapies in advanced tumor which has changed dismal scenario in these malignancies. This is a momentous time for cancer research. “It is critical that we continue to strive for innovation in basic science and the rapid translation of this knowledge to our clinics. At the same time, we must work to overcome funding and other challenges. To be at the helm of the preeminent NZUSI at this time is truly an incredible opportunity. I look forward to furthering the mission and important work of OUR ASSOCIATION as president this year.”

Ferozepur, June 24, 2013: An Army Recruitment Rally for soldiers, soldier clerks, soldier technical and soldier tradesmen is being organised in Bathinda from July 4-12.

According to the Major Uday Partap, executive director, recruitment, Ferozepur, this will be an open rally for candidates hailing from Ferozepur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Fazilka and Faridkot districts of Punjab.

However, for the categories of soldier clerk and soldier technical, and nursing assistant candidates from all districts of Punjab are also eligible in case they fulfill the required educational qualifications.

For recruitment of soldier (general duty) category, age for candidates should be between 17 and ½ years to 21 years, height should be at least 170 cms (for candidates from Kandi area 166 cms), 50 kg weight and he should have either 45 per cent marks in Matric or class XII with minimum 32 per cent marks in each subject.

For recruitment in the soldier (clerk)/store keeper technical category, the age should be from 17 and a half years to 23 years, height 170 cm, (for candidates from Kandi area, height 162 cms) and educational qualification should be class X pass with 40 per cent marks in all subjects and class XII or X with English, Math, accounts, book keeping with minimum 40 per cent marks. In addition, the computer test will also be compulsory.

Major Uday Singh informed that those interested for recruitment as soldier (technical) for all categories in Punjab, the age of the candidate should be between 17 and a half years to 23 years and height should be 170 cms with 50 kg weight. The candidate should have passed class XII with English,math, physical and chemistry.

He further said, for soldier (NA), all the categories, age for candidates should be between 17 and ½ years to 23 years, height should be at least 170 cms, 50 kg weight and candidate must be XII pass with 50 per cent marks with English, physical, biology and chemistry with 40 per cent marks in each subject.

Major Uday Partap said, the token will be issued to Ferozepur and Fazilka district for all category candidates on June 4 at  5 AM, for Bhatinda districts on 5 July at 5 AM, for Faridkot and Muktsar Sahib district for all categories on 6 July at 5 AM.  He further said, except for Faridkot, Mukatsar Sahib, Bathinda, Fazilka nd Ferozepur, for soldier clerk, soldier technical and soldier (NA) all the candidates of Punjab will be given toke on 7 July at 5 AM.

He also informed, the interested candidates must bring 20 photographs passport size photographs and Sikh candidates are to bring 20 photographs with turban and 20 photographs without turban apart from original and attested copies of testimonials issued by the Punjab School Education Board and permanent resident certified issued by tehsildar and SDM, caste certificate, religion certificate attested by tehsildar and SDM. For Sikh candidates, there should be special mention of word Sikh in the certificate, character certificate issued by school or college or issued by sarpanch, MC or police and it should not be more than six months old.

Director, recruiting, Army Recruiting Office, Ferozepur, emphasised that the candidate below the age of 21 years at the time of screening should be unmarried should also be brought. The photograph prepared on the computer will not be entertained. He also stressed upon that the candidates having a tattoo marks on their on the arm, food or on the back of the hand are allowed to participate in the recruitment rally but in case of tattoo marks on any other part of the body will be out from the rally permanently.

Major further said that for any other information, army recruitment office can be contacted on phone No.01632-249199. He particular advised the aspirant for recruitment in army should not come in contact with any agent as the recruitment is free and no money is charged for recruitment in the army.

New Delhi/Jalandhar, June 24, 2013: Haryana Youth Congress today sent 27 trucks of relief material to Uttarakhand for the flood effected people. This relief material has been collected by Haryana Youth Congress from all Lok Sabha constituencies of Haryana.

Haryana MP from Rohtak, Deepender Singh Hooda had a look on the relief material in New Delhi before being sent to Uttarakhand. Relief material includes different items of necessity like atta, rice, bread, biscuits, medicines, clothes, blankets etc. 

Deepender Hooda complimented the Haryana Youth Congress for the commendable work done by it. This is a humanitarian work. Your efforts are an example for others.  

Deepender Hooda said that Haryana Chief Minister has already announced to rebuild at least 25 villages of Uttarakhand devastated in flood. Haryana Youth volunteers will also go and work in these villages. Haryana Youth Congress will also adopt some villages for development.

The President of Haryana Youth Congress, Amit Sihag said that one team of Haryana Youth Congress volunteers has already been sent to Uttarakhand, which includes about 20 volunteers. Two more teams will also be sent in a couple of days. In addition to providing relief material to the flood affected people, workers will also help in other needs of the villages.

A large number of Haryana Youth Congress workers were present on this occasion, including  General Secretaries of HYC Pramod Sehwag, Anant Dahiya, Raj Gopal, Raj Rani and Secretaries Rakesh Sharma, Amit Yadav and Sheesh Pal, Lok Sabha Youth Congress President, Karnal Sachin Kundu, Lok Sabha Youth Congress President, Kurukshetra Gaurav Sharma, Lok Sabha Youth Congress President, Ambala Brijendra Gill,  Assembly Youth  President, Hisar Tarun Jain, besides Anup Malik, Virender Kadiyan, Ravinder Kaushik and others.

Chandigarh, June 25, 2013: The Punjab Government today assured the flood victims and people of Uttarakhand of all help, support and assistance in their hour of grief in the wake of unprecedented natural calamity.

In an emergency meeting here on Monday, the Punjab Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal expressed sincerest condolences, sympathies and solidarity with the thousands of affected families and said that the government and the people of state would stand by them, shoulder to shoulder and no stone will be left unturned to ensure their safety, relief and rehabilitation.

The Cabinet in a unanimously adopted resolution expressed profound grief and sorrow over this tragedy which claimed several precious human lives. The Cabinet also prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and give enormous courage to the members of the bereaved families to bear this huge loss. The meeting also appreciated the pro-active role of Army, ITBP, NDRF and other security forces besides the local residents of Uttarakhand for showing exemplary courage and valour with missionary zeal to save the lives of people.

The Punjab government launched all out efforts to tackle this most devastating natural calamity by deputing special teams of Police and Civil officers to carry out relief operations. Rising above their limited duties, each and every member of these teams displayed humanitarian spirit to extend relief and rehabilitation measures to the calamity stricken people all the day and night. The meeting also lauded the contribution of Govt. of Punjab and People of Punjab to help the people of Uttarakhand to rebuild their lives in any way. The meeting also appreciated all officers and employees for discharging their duties in this hour of crisis with the sense of utmost dedication, sincerity and devotion. The meeting also highly appreciated the role of different departments of Transport, Punjab Police, and Health and Family Welfare besides the members of the team deputed at Rishikesh comprising A. Venu Parsad, Sumer Singh Gurjar, Khubi Ram and Kulwinder Singh. Apart from this, another team undertaking relief operations from Joshimath camp including KS Pannu, Kamaldeep Singh Sangha, Rajdeep Singh and Kulbhushan, who executed the entire relief operations with tremendous commitment and devotion.

The Cabinet in this meeting also appreciated the unprecedented role of Punjabis, countrymen for extending all possible help and assistance to the victims and the affected families in these difficult times. The meeting also lauded the enormous contribution of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC), Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee (DGMC) besides several religious and social voluntary organizations who played a vanguard role throughout day and night in the right earnest. The Punjab Cabinet feels proud on their rare contribution and expresses gratitude to them for their unparalleled services for the welfare of mankind.

The meeting also fervently appeals to the all Punjabis and countrymen to come forward for making liberal donations for these relief and rehabilitation operations. The meeting also prays to the Almighty for the security and safety of life and property of the people afflicted with this tragedy and the state government assures of all help and cooperation to them.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet also appreciated the concerted efforts of the Chief Minister, who cut short his foreign visit and straight way reached Chandigarh to oversee the entire relief and rehabilitation operations and ensure the safe evacuation of pilgrims from Uttarakhand to Punjab.

It may be recalled that all the SAD-BJP MPs and MLAs had already decided to contribute one month salary toward the Calamity Fund.

The Punjab government also decided to grant Rs. 3 crore each to rebuild Sri Kedarnath temple, Sri Badrinath temple and Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib besides a sum of Re. one crore for the revamping of other infrastructure/installations at Uttarakhand which had been damaged due to these flash floods.

On the occasion, the Cabinet also observed the two minutes silence in the memory of departed souls and prayed to God to grant eternal peace to them and give strength to their families to bear this irreparable loss.

The Cabinet was also briefed about the state government’s relentless efforts to carry out relief operations in Uttarakhand.

It was informed that a helicopter was placed at the disposal of Uttarakhand government/Army authorities since June 19, 2013 which had evacuated 575 pilgrims. As many as 280 buses/Mini buses/trucks/jeeps were dispatched to Rishikesh and Joshimath. 119 bus trips were made from Rishikesh to Chandigarh and other places in the state. Approximately 5500 pilgrims brought till date from Rishikesh through these buses. 2050 pilgrims were evacuated from Joshimath to Rishikesh in 61 Punjab Police Mini buses and 25 seater vehicles of the Transport Department.

The Chief Minister visited Sector 43 ISBT twice to meet the pilgrims brought from Rishikesh in government buses. All stranded pilgrims at Gobind Ghat, Joshimath and Rishikesh were evacuated to safer places till today morning. 12 Ambulances sent to Uttarakhand, 5 were stations at Rishikesh and 7 between Rishikesh and Joshimath. Arrangements were made for supply of diesel to all these vehicles at Rishikesh by Food and Civil Supplies Department. 24-hour control room was set up at Headquarter to provide information to the relatives of pilgrims and coordinate rescue operations. More than 1000 personnel of Punjab Police were also deployed in this operation at Rishikesh and Joshimath and a special police contingent of 160 jawans has been sent to evacuate pilgrims from the higher reaches beyond Joshimath.

Rishikesh/Chandigarh, June 24, 2013: Rescue operations to evacuate the pilgrims from the flood ravaged area of Uttarakhand have been further expedited and all the pilgrims stranded over there have been safely evacuated from Sri Hemkunt Sahib.

According to the Housing and Urban Development Secretary A. Venu Parsad, who was stationed at Rishikesh to oversee the entire relief and rehabilitation operations of the pilgrims from Punjab till last night five thousand pilgrims have been safely dispatched to Punjab. Majority of the pilgrims from Punjab went to pay obeisance at Sri Hemkunt Sahib and every single pilgrim from that area has been evacuated.

Divulging the details of rescue operations, DIG Punjab Police Khubi Ram said that a fleet of 36 Mini Buses has been moved for Joshi Math from Rishikesh. He said that the Punjab Government has set up a base camp at Gurdwara Sahib in Rishikesh and the pilgrims from the flood hit areas were being transporting on mini buses/trax vehicles to the base camp. The distance from Rishikesh to Joshi Math is 248 km which is totally hilly terrain. He further said that the Punjab Police was setting up its own wireless system at Joshi Math to ease out the communication network. The Punjab Government has also set up another base camp at railway station Rishikesh, where the rescued pilgrims have been extended much needed medical treatment and other relief material. From this base camp the pilgrims were being dispatched to the various parts of the Punjab through the state roadways buses. Relief operations at this base camp were in full swing and manned by the Punjab Police personal. A helicopter has been pressed into service for bringing the pilgrims, who had been trapped in these areas to Joshi Math. Needy Pilgrims were being provided with every kind of basic and necessary facility at the base camps set up at Rishikesh and Joshi Math.

A.Venu Parshad has been supervising the rescue operations. He said that the Punjab Government has stationed 10 ambulances at Joshi Math and Rishikesh to provide immediate first aid to the critical injured and other serious pilgrims and to ferry them to the nearby hospitals. Besides the relief camp of Punjab Government, several social and voluntary organisations and people from Punjab villages have been organising Langars along the way from Rishikesh to Joshi Math. Parshad has been closely monitoring the rescue operations and regularly convene meeting of senior officers at 10:30 am, every day.

Both the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal were being updated by the senior officers deputed in Rishikesh and Joshimath about the ongoing rescue operations in Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister has directed his Special Principal Secretary Gaggandeep Singh Brar to be in constant touch with these officers stationed in Uttarakhand to ensure the smooth rescue operations besides providing the required logistics.

New Delhi/Jalandhar, June, 24, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested an Army Naik Sachin Kadam, posted at Bombay Engineering Group Centre, Kirkee, Pune (Maharashtra) for demanding and accepting bribe of Rs. 10,000 from the complainant. Another official allegedly involved in the case has also been arrested.

A Case as registered on June 22, 2013  u/s 7 of P.C.Act,1988 against Army Naik Sachin Kadam, Bombay Engineering Group Centre, Kirkee, Pune for demanding bribe of Rs. 1,50,000 from the complainant for issuing the call letter in the name of his son  who was   selected for the post of Army Jawan.

CBI sleuths laid a trap wherein Army Naik  Sachin Kadam was caught red handed while demanding and accepting the part payment of Rs. 10,000 from the complainant. During interrogation of the accused, it came to light that another official was also involved in the said crime. Thereafter, search at the residence of both accused was conducted and incriminating documents have been recovered.

Both the arrested accused were produced before the Special Judge, Pune and remanded to Police Custody till July 1, 2013.

Further investigation is in progress.

Rishikesh (Uttrakhand)/Chandigarh, June 24, 2013: The Chopper of Punjab Government today safely evacuated more than 80 pilgrims from Badrinath, who were stranded at Badrinath for last few days.      

According to A. Venuprasad, Secretary Housing, the rescue operations were going on war footing by the Punjab Government and the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister was constantly monitoring the ongoing rescue operations after massive natural disaster in Uttarakhand.

Prasad said that after evacuating all the pilgrims stranded at Sri Hemkunt Sahib the chopper of Punjab Government today started to rescue the pilgrims from Badrinath and it evacuated more than 80 pilgrims, who were brought to the various relief camps at Joshimatth. He said that due to unfair weather conditions and heavy rains the rescue operations hampered due a breach on Srinagar-Joshimatth National Highway. He said that teams of Border Roads Organisation were working day and night to bridge the breach, which would be completed before early morning.

Giving details about Pilgrims evacuated from Sri Hemkunt Sahib and Badrinath, who were at Gurdwara Nandramu, Mr. Prasad said that the rescue operations would restart from Tuesday morning after 6am and more than 2000 pilgrims at Nandramu would be brought to Rishikesh from where they would further leave for their respective destinations in Punjab through the transport arrangements made by Punjab Government.    

Meanwhile, the teams of rescue operations of Punjab brought a two group of 15 people to the relief camp late evening at Rishikesh out of which 8 were from Ludhiana including Gagandeep Singh, Jaskaran Singh, Gurjot Singh, Harkirat Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Jaspal Singh and Neetu Singh while the rest ones from Nakodar including  Dilawar Singh, Udham Singh, Jagir Singh, Amrik Singh, Manminder Kaur, Devinder Singh and Gurjant Singh. They have been sent to their native places in the buses of Punjab Roadways.

Ludhiana, June 25, 2013: City police have arrested 25-years-old school teacher Sandeep Kumar who had allegedly raped a 13-year-old girl student studying in Class 10 in a local school on May 2 this year.

Addressing a press conference here this evening, Nilambari Jagdale, ADCP, Ludhiana-I, said the accused was working as a band and sports teacher in a private school. She added the accused managed to take alongwith him the girl students after alluring and threatening on May 2 this from the school premises. The accused had fled away after committing the crime. On this, Salem Tabri Police had registered a case under Sections 363, 366, 376, 506 IPC and Section 4 of the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offence Act 2012 against the accused on May 2.

Police conducted raids on all possible hideouts at Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Saharanpur (UP). But, the accused could not be traced at any of his relatives houses at these places. In-fact, the accused had hidden in an unknown place, the police said.

On this, the police started search for him in a scientific manner following which police got a tip-off that the accused was hiding in Panipat (Haryana). Local police with the help of Panipat police laid a trap and arrested the accused today.

The police officer told that a motorcycles under in the crime, seven cell phones and jewellery has been recovered from the arrested accused.

The accused was in a move to go abroad. Police had already given an information about him at the airports.

ADCP Ludhiana-I further told that the accused was so clever that he had changed his look and grown French cut beard, so that he could not be recognised easily.

She said the accused had worked as a band and sports teacher in different private schools in the past. The accused was shunted out from the schools for his indecent activities.

The accused is a married person.

Further police investigation is in progress.

Nilambari Jagdale, ADCP, Ludhiana-I, addressing the media persons at Ludhiana on Tuesday.

School teacher Sandeep Kumar, an accuse of  raping a 13-year-old girl student studying in Class 10 in a Ludhiana school on May 2 this year, in police custody at Ludhiana on Tuesday.

Chandigarh, June 25, 2013: The Punjab IAS officers Association strongly condemns the brutal attack on KS Pannu, IAS, Director General, School Education, while brilliantly performing rescue and relief duties in Uttarakhand.

To add insult to injury, one amongst that group video-graphed the thrashing of the IAS officer and uploaded it on social media. Pannu has categorically informed that the attack was unprovoked and pre-meditated, and perhaps the outcome of some conspiracy. He has denied having provided any provocation whatsoever. In fact, according to him, the group verified the identity of K S Pannu, and when they were sure that he was K S Pannu, they pounced upon him. According to him, much has been made out of his so called apology, which was

only the last resort from being beaten endlessly, and would have to be resorted to by anyone, without having done anything wrong for saving his life. The brave officer, however, decided to resume his duties within an hour of his brutal manhandling and set a great example of public spiritedness. The Punjab IAS officers have never been second to anyone in helping relief and rescue operations, whether it was in Bhuj in Gujarat, Tsunami in Orissa or In Uttarakhand or wherever they were required to contribute to a noble cause. It is extremely unfortunate

that certain elements attacked Pannu in an allegedly per-meditated and conspiratorial manner even though he was working day and night to rescue the fellow human beings at the risk of his own life.

This dastardly attack on an IAS officer has raised a number of issues which require to be addressed on priority. First, the criminals must not go unpunished. Therefore, the Association demands that our State Government should take up the matter with Uttarakhand Government for lodging an FIR and entrusting the investigation to a Special Investigation Team in due course after completing the rescue operations. Secondly, if the roots of any conspiracy exist in Punjab,

the Association demands that our State Government should direct the DGP to get the matter thoroughly investigated and the law should take its right course. Thirdly, the Association suggests that while sending rescue and relief teams to other states, it should be ensured that they are sent under a well coordinated unified command of a senior IAS officer, and should include an IPS officer and requisite police manpower not only to help the operations, but also to safeguard our

own officers, men and material from miscreants. The R&R team must also include doctors, paramedical personnel, civil supply, transport officers and wireless communication officials. That will not only streamline the disaster management operations, but also take care of any security or general mishap issues during the operations. Finally, despite this highly condemnable brutal attack on one of its officers engaged in a noble cause, the Punjab State IAS Association resolves to continue providing the best of public services to ameliorate the sufferings our fellow human feelings in any part of the country.

Meanwhile, the PCS Officers Association has also strongly condemned the dastardly incident and has expressed its solidarity and support to the IAS Officers Association in general and Kahan Singh Pannu in particular.

Rishikesh (Uttrakhand)/Chandigarh, June 25, 2013: The halted rescue and relief operations has resumed late evening on the upper hills of Rishikesh, where thousands of pilgrims were stranded due to a massive flash floods.  

Stating this here A. Venu Prasad, Secretary Housing, Punjab, who was stationed here to oversee and monitor the whole ongoing operations, said that with the resumption of rescue and relief operations, the teams of Punjab Government started transferring of Pilgrims in private hired vehicles from Nadrasu Gurdwara. He said that by 7 pm more than 200 Pilgrims has been received at the base relief camp setup in Gurdwara Sri Hemkunt Management Trust, Rishikesh. He said that out of them more than 100 has been left for their respective homes in Punjab at Ludhiana, Moga, Chandigarh, Mahilpur, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Tanda etc. 

Giving more details regarding arrival of Pilgrims at Rishikesh, Venu Prasad said that with the recommencement of rescue operations, it was expected that hundreds of pilgrims could be reached Rishikesh by late night. He said that by Wednesday afternoon  all the Pilgrims stranded at Nadrasu Gurdwara will be brought to Rishikesh in public transport, from where they would be further dispatched to their respective destinations in Punjab. 

New Delhi/Jalandhar, June 25, 2013: Another consignment of 11,000 tents has been sent today to Uttarakhand from Haryana  to help the flood effected people. Haryana Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda in his meeting with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna at Dehradun recently had said that all necessary help will be provided to Uttarakhand.
Besides a large quantity of relief material, a consignment of 25 thousand blankets has already been sent to Uttarakhand.
Giving this information at Chandigarh, Additional Chief Secretary-cum- Financial Commissioner, Revenue and Disaster Management, Haryana,  Krishna Mohan said that tents have been sent on the specific demand of  Uttarakhand Government.
He said that according to the reports received from control room set up by Haryana Government in Chandigarh, out of the total 1044 pilgrims stranded in Uttarakhand, 385 have safely reached their homes today. In addition, the Deputy Commissioner, Ghaziabad has also sent 31 pilgrims back to their homes in Haryana.