Separate body for upkeep of infras in state industrial areas

The objective of the SPV would be to provide efficient service to industrial houses at reasonable service charges and to work for the cause of good maintenance of common infrastructure.

He said that the SPV would operate within its jurisdiction on ‘no profit,no loss’ basis.

The funds to be given to the SPV would be out of the proceeds of municipalities,the spokesman said,adding the percentage of funds to be given would be decided by the state government through an executive order.

The funds will be transferred by the concerned municipalities to the ‘common infrastructure maintenance fund’ to be created and maintained in the local government department. The department would then transfer the money to the concerned SPV as per its requirements,which would be assessed and approved by a committee,he said.

There is a need for creating a statutory framework to provide for the regulation and maintenance of common infrastructure like roads,parks,street lights,water supply and sewerage system,drainage water sewerage treatment plant,in an industrial area and to change for the common maintenance expenses,the spokesperson added.

Free steno training to SC graduates

Chandigarh: The Punjab government will impart free stenography training and basic computer course for one year to graduates belonging to Scheduled Castes besides providing them a monthly scholarship of Rs 750. SC/BC Welfare Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike said desirous candidates can send their detailed applications for the 2012-13 session by July 27. The candidate should be resident of Punjab and his/her age should not exceed 30 years as on June,30,2012. Priority would be given to the candidates from BPL families,he said.

Digital mapping of villages soon

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government on Tuesday gave its nod for digital mapping of more than 12,000 plus villages in the state. This will be done in collaboration with the Remote Sensing Department of the Punjab Agriculture University,Ludhiana,Rural Development and Panchayat minister Surjit Singh Rakhra said,adding that Punjab will be the first state in the country to initiate digital mapping of all its villages. A clear pictorial view of location and measurement of village common land and the extent of encroachment on this land will be available through the exercise,Rakhra added.