Tech and forest sectors get a boost in Punjab

Also, in order to meet the demands of wood-based industries in the state, the forest department has been directed to plant 30 million plants in the state.

Following the footsteps of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and MP and General Secretary of All India Congress Committee Rahul Gandhi, the state government is planning to launch austerity measures for the state’s high profile officers.

Samsung IT Brandshop launched in Punjab
Digital technology leader, Samsung India Electronics, has opened up its first Samsung IT Brandshop in Punjab and the second one in Chandigarh on Sept. 18.

An entire range of Samsung IT and digital products like notebooks, netbooks, monitors, printers, consumables, digital cameras and digital camcorders are showcased in the IT Brandshop.

Other accessories like laptop bags, headphones etc. are also on display, confirmed sources.

Ranjit Yadav, director IT, Samsung India Electronics, inaugurated the Samsung IT Brandshop in the presence of other Samsung representatives, proprietors and customers.

Punjab to plant 30 million saplings
To meet the demand of three million cubic meter of wood annually by nearly 5,000 wood-based industries in the state, the forest department has been directed to plant 30 million plants.

The decision was taken at a high level meeting of forest officials chaired by Punjab’s forest minister Tikshan Sud on Wednesday.

However, not enough land is available in the state to plant 30 million saplings on an annual basis.

The minister said, “If the requisite government land for the afforestation programmes is not available in the state, plantation of high quality planting stock of clonal origin having greater yield per unit area should be promoted on private land to cater to the demand of the industry.”

A committee of senior forest officers has been set up in order to explore the feasibility of undertaking agro-forestry plantations on the private farm lands; like the vacant farm lands of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and absentee farmers by offering them appropriate incentives.

However, the government cannot force this on the farm owners, and the ultimate decision lies in the hands of the owners, maintained the officials.

Punjab to introduce lower vehicle category privilege for officers
The Punjab government has decided to launch stern measures in the state by lowering vehicle category entitlement for officers including chief secretary, principal secretaries, financial commissioners, administrative secretaries and heads of departments.

The chief secretary, who was earlier entitled for Toyota Camary, would now be given Toyota Corolla and officers including principal secretaries, financial commissioners and administrative secretaries would now be entitled for Honda City or Maruti SX-4, informed the sources.

The head of the departments would be given a choice between Ambassador or Swift DeZire (diesel) or Tata Indigo (diesel).

The decision was taken by the Motor Vehicle Board under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary S.C. Agarwal.