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| Message from Jassi... |
Thank you for all the positive feedback after last month’s introductory e-newsletter and for the correspondence that I received regarding matters in that newsletter. Do keep the comments coming in and let me know of things you’d like to see reported (click here to email me).
The highlight of June for me was undoubtedly the launch of the first MDVL Satellite Unit at Phallewal…and the low point was the deplorable attack on Ludhiana’s Tehsildar, to whom I send all my best wishes for a speedy recovery. This month I also wrote strong letters to Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal about representation of women and Manpreet Badal regarding the Budget Session (to view those letters click here).
As a postscript I must add that Sukbir Badal’s resignation from the role of Deputy Chief Minister today is something that does not surprise me since the position was untenable. However, in a press release (click here to read)I have expressed my opinion that the Rs5crore wasted on his coronation should certainly be repaid to the exchequer. |
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| Attack on Ludhiana Tehsildar |
This month we held a press conference at very short notice regarding the appalling attack on Ludhiana Tehsildar Major (Retd.) Gurjinder Singh Benipal. This vicious attack, allegedly not even by Akali henchmen but by an Akali leader and his goondas, shocked many.
This gentleman had stood up against corruption and refused to be cowed by the threats of thugs who asked him to carry out illegal work and, when he refused, returned and beat him savagely, making no attempt to hide their identities. As a human being, not even as a legislator, I find these attacks utterly unacceptable. |
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| More so, I find it utterly despicable that neither the Chief Minister nor the Deputy Chief Minister have made a statement condemning this violence, which was carried out in the name of the Akali party. When it comes to Tehsildars being battered to within an inch of their lives by these criminals, who are then not arrested, it makes me think “who is next”. It makes me wonder just who is safe any more? It makes me wonder why these men are allowed what appears to be immunity? I simply cannot accept this as the modus operandi of a Government. |
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| NRI news |
| More NRIs have been in touch with me this month: some old faces and some new. From across the diaspora I’m hearing similar stories: that NRIs are really seeking a new type of governance back home here in India. I have a feeling that a more NRIs may soon return from overseas to join the political fray…I hope so. I am always encouraged when people tell me they have been hoping for a new type of leadership, and a fresh type of government and that they can now see this on the horizon. This month, still basking in the glow of the election successes, there has been much in that vein. I am going to try and keep that momentum and confidence. |
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This month Bhupinder Sidhu, from Brampton, Toronto came back again to India. He joined the opening and closing ceremonies of the 5th Junior National Soft Tennis Championship which Ludhiana was proud to host. Bhupinder also donated Rs1 lakh to the Association for the development of the sport, saying he strongly believed that sport was extremely important for any child and that he hoped more of our youth would be able to participate in coming years.
If you have news of visiting NRIs, do let us know at info@qilaraipur.org. |
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| Planned USA and Canada visit |
| Following successful visits in Nov 2008 and Jan 2009, I am now finalising dates for my next visit. With the 3 Punjab by-election dates now finally announced for 3 August, I am planning a 15 day visit starting from 1 October. Cities to be covered will include Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, New York, New Jersey and Detroit. If there is time I may return to the Bay Area. I must stress that these dates are at this stage tentative and final dates may not be confirmed until mid September. I look forward to meeting old friends and making new friends. |
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| TV |
| I spent a very enjoyable day with the crew from Punjabi TV which broadcasts in the UK, USA and Canada. They are doing a series on “Punjabi Achievers” and decided I should feature. We visited the dairy project MDVL, they followed me to some home visits in the halqa, then to the Lok Daftar where I was conducting a surgery. They stayed for the rest of the day. The program should air in about 6 weeks. Do let me know if you see it – and if you do, what you think of the MDVL project especially! |
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| Thank you functions |
| There were rousing functions in Mullanpur, Ghawaddi and Delhon where Manish Tewari, MP and myself held functions to thank voters for electing Manish. Similar functions took place in Jhammat and Siarh to thank all those who supported, worked, and voted for Sukhdev Singh Libra, MP. (see pics). |
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| Power problems |
It has been a very hot summer here. Everyone has felt the pressure of extremely long power cuts (which of course, also then results in water shortages). Whilst Sukhbir Badal is out of India on holiday unaware of the (im)practical reality of the problems here, I have daily been hearing stories of businesses and individuals suffering from extended power cuts across the state.
Punjab will not be able to be develop until we have these problems under control. Where has such an enormous increase in demand come from over last year? |
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| Where is the incentive to people to build their businesses here when they cannot rely on the State for basic services? Enough is enough and we need to get to the bottom of the power problem in this state. I wrote a letter about this to national newspaper editors which was published in the Asian Age and the Telegraph. (click here to read it) |
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| Community |
| The Phallewal Satellite Unit launch was an enormous milestone for the MDVL dairy project. I had underestimated how excited the Women Entrepreneurs would be by their bank account, and by joining the scheme. They and their families, and the MDVL team came for the opening, along with the first 50 WE owned animals. Chief Guest Shri Raju Parmar, former Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat also joined us. The WEs have immediately made a strong and enthusiastic start. Its very exciting to see this dream starting to come to fruition (see pics). |
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| Vidhan Sabha |
| The Budget Session in the Vidhan Sabha is currently underway and I will be in attendance there. I have sent 7 questions and as of now one has been accepted. It remains to be seen how many of the others will be. If the past record is anything to go by, rest assured that some of my questions will be disallowed. |
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| Education |
| Our English language volunteers arrive in just a couple of weeks. Next time we will update you on their progress! Narangwal College is currently on summer vacation but if their success during this year is anything to go by, when they come back refreshed from the summer we can expect to see more high achievements from these keen and energetic youth and the staff. This last year they won numerous sports medals in competitions at Punjab University including kabaddi, kayaking, badminton, basketball, athletics and wrestling. (see pics) If you would like to join our support for Narangwal College or would like us to feature any other students in the area, you can contact us on info@qilaraipur.org |
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| CHKM – Certificate in Hospitality Kitchen Management |
| Our CHKM girls batch has currently been offered auditions for a TV cookery show: a producer and crew had met the girls when at Majestic Park Plaza to film a cookery program “Currys & Journeys” for Punjab TV, and noticed they were so well presented and had good knowledge of food some might like to audition for any potential future roles. (see pic). We have also extended their training at Majestic Park Plaza for one more month, to add to their skill sets. 15 boys meanwhile have been shortlisted for trainee positions in Sarovar properties around India: a fantastic opportunity for them to learn more about the industry and build their skills. |
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The 6th batch are about to embark on 6 months IT training starting in July: acknowledging that in a modern hotel property everyone needs to be on top of IT.
We are also delighted to report that 4 former CHKM boys have been granted a Working Holiday Maker visa for the UK which will allow them to learn about that country and work to fund their visit. “The Only Way is the Legal Way” is a campaign I am a firm believer in, and it is heartening to see that when a good application is made, success comes to these young achievers. |
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Best regards,
Jassi Khangura MLA
Punjab's Most Responsive MLA
Read my CV Read My Communications Watch My Videos Go To My Website
Office: +91 161 301 1330
Mobile: +91 98761 97761
Fax: +91 161 277 1888
www.qilaraipur.org |
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