Citizen Charter - Faridkot

Chapter 1

Faridkot District

Introduction

Faridkot District takes its name from the historic town of Faridkot, which now serves as the District Headquarters. We can trace the history of this erstwhile princely State to the 13th Century. This town was founded by Raja Mokalsi, the grandson of Rai Munj, a Bhatti Chief of Rajasthan and named Mokalhar after his name.  A famous Sufi Saint Hazrat Baba Sheikh Farid happened to pass through this town during the same time. Baba Farid was captured by the soldiers of Raja Mokalsi and put to bonded labour for the ongoing construction work of the fort at Faridkot. The basket full of earth while being carried by Baba Farid was seen floating over his head. On seeing this miracle, Raja touched the feet of Baba Farid and begged pardon. Baba Farid pardoned the Raja and meditated at a place near the fort, where he penanced for forty days. From that day the name of Mokalhar was changed to Faridkot.

Prior to independence large part of the district was under the princely rule of Maharaja Faridkot and later it became part of the Patiala & East Punjab States Union (PEPSU )  in 1948. Faridkot was carved out as a separate district on 7th August 1972 out of the areas of Bathinda District (Faridkot Tehsil) and Ferozepur District (Moga and Muktsar Tehsils). However in November 1995, the Faridkot District was trifurcated when two of its sub divisions viz Muktsar and Moga were given the status of independent districts.

Faridkot district is surrounded by district Ferozepur in the North-West, Muktsar in the South-West, Bathinda in the South and Moga in the West. The District covers an area of 1469 Sq. Kms which is 2.92% of the total area of the State and accommodates a population of 5,52,466, which is 2.27% of the total population of the State. It has two Sub divisions/ Tehsils namely Faridkot and Jaito and two Sub Tehsils namely Kotkapura and Sadiq comprising of a total of 171 villages.  Faridkot District has two development blocks namely Faridkot and Kotkapura.

            The topography of the district is plain, with only 1.4% of its area under forest cover. There are no rivers or natural drains flowing through the district. There is, however, a vast network of canals flowing through the district. Sirhind Canal system has been taking care of the irrigation and drinking water needs of the District since a long time.

            According to census of population 2001, the total population of District is 5,52,466 out of which 66.11% resides in the rural areas and 33.89% resides in the urban areas. The growth rate of population for the last decade was 21.42 %. The density of population was 376 per square KM and sex ratio was 881 per thousand. 42.4% of the total population constitutes the work force in the District (47.6% are in rural areas and 32.0% in urban areas). Out of total main workers of the population, 2.6% of the labour force were working in cottage industries and allied manufacturing activities and 42.2% of them were categorized as other workers.

            According to 2001 census, the district continues to be progressing in matter of literacy. Literacy rate was 63.34% as compared to 49.79% in 1991 Census. However there was a gap in the literacy rate of rural and urban areas. 58.58% of the population in the rural area and 72.71% of the population in the urban areas of the district was literate. The district still lags behind in literacy as compared to state literacy rate of 69.95%.

Administrative Setup  

The Deputy Commissioner is the head of the administrative setup of the District. He draws his authority under various Central and State Laws. He is responsible for implementing the policies & programmes of the Government, maintaining Law & Order within the district and redressing the grievances of the people. In order to achieve this, the Deputy Commissioner has to keep liaison with all the departments and reviews their works at the district level. As such the office of the Deputy Commissioner is considered as the hub of the Government at the District level.

The Deputy Commissioner is assisted by a team of officers who help him to run the day to day affairs of the District Administration. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development), District Revenue Officer, District Development & Panchayat Officer, Assistant Commissioner (General), Assistant Commissioner (Grievances), Sub Divisional Magistrates and Executive Magistrates are appointed in the District by the Government. All these officers work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Commissioner.

The Administrative works of the Sub Divisions are looked after by the concerned Sub Divisional Magistrates.  Tehsildar, BDPO, Naib Tehsildars, Kanungos and Patwaris assist him.

Chapter 2

These files are requisitioned by the criminal, civil and revenue courts. Hence these files are sent accordingly as per the orders of these courts. Besides, if any person desires inspection of any file, he can apply and inspect after paying requisite inspection fee of Rs.5/-. Records for issuance of copies by the copying branch is made available by this branch.

Local Fund (L.F.A) Branch

Matters related to all the municipal committees of the district are dealt with by this branch in the following manner:-

1)               Resolutions passed by all the Municipal Committees of the district are approved in public interest by this branch. If any such resolution is not in public interest in views of Deputy Commissioner, the same can be stayed/rejected by him.

2)               During open auction for the sale of municipal properties or giving the same on rent/lease by the municipal committees, a senior officer is deputed through this branch as a representative of Deputy Commissioner to ensure transparency, free and fair open auctions.

3)               Market rates for the sale of lands belonging to the municipal committees of the district are approved on the recommendation of concerned Executive Officer by a District level committee under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner. Work relating to removal of illegal encroachments on the municipal land/properties is monitored by this branch and prevailing situations in this regard are reviewed from time to time by holding meetings in this respect.

SADAR KANUNGO BRANCH

In this branch Land Record of the farmer is kept. Incharge of this branch is District Revenue Officer. In this branch main works are dealt with as under:-

1.MAINTENANCE OF  REVENUE RECORDS:-

In this branch record from the consolidation till today is lying. . In every year due Jamabandis of villages are prepared. These Jamabandies are deposited in the office of Tehsildar on 7 September. Immediately after that Circle Revenue Officer and Girdawar Kanungo inspect the same and when the Jamabandi is completed then it is deposited by the  Patwari Halqa himself in Sadar Office  on 30 April.

2.INSPECTION OF RECORDS:

When any farmer wants to inspect the revenue record, he can move an application  by affixing a court fee of Rs. 5/- on and it after the approval from the District Revenue Officer , can inspect the relevant revenue record.

3.FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF MOHTAMA

When any Mohtamam/Muafidar is dead and any person moves an application for appointment of new Mohtamam, a detailed report is obtained from Sub Divisional Magistrate, and after hearing on the same, the appointment is made by the Court of District Collector (Deputy Commissioner).

4. JAMABANDI

Jamabandi is prepared every five years of each village and every change in the revenue record (during the last 5 years), on the basis of  decided mutations upto current year till 15th  June, are made in the Jamabandi. If any person want to get the information in respect of his right of share he can contact this branch.  Information regarding entries  of pedigree-table,  Musavi or Map of land can be obtained from this office i.e. information regarding revenue record or any other kind of information can be obtained from this office.

5.GIRDAWARI

Half yearly Girdawari is an essential  work relating to landed property on the basis of which the revenue record  is prepared. In this connection every owner of land/cultivator is aware about this. Girdawari for the crop Rabi is carried out from Ist March to 31 March and for the crop of Kharif it is done from 16 September to 15 October every. At the time of Girdwari every person is required to accompany the Lambardar and Patwari and get it confirmed that the entries regarding his cultivated crop are correct. In case of any kind of complaint related land owner/cultivator can contact the concerned Circle Revenue Officer (Naib Tehsildar/Tehsildar) or the concerned Sub Divisional Magistrate. It is mentioned here that the Patwari has no right to change the Girdwari without  the consent or signature of the  concerned person during regular Girdawries.

6.DETAILS OF JINASWAR/RAIN FALL

From this branch  information regarding the detail of the crops and   area under cultivation  can also be held. This branch also supplies information regarding damaged crops in the District during the rainy season and Date/day/month on which the rain was occurred can also be obtained from this branch.

7.MUTATION

Any person getting ownership rights  by way of sale deed, Hiba-nama, inheritance, Patta-nama, mortgage etc. is required under section 34 of the Punjab Land Revenue Act 1887 to report the entering Patwari for  the mutation  to correct the  entries in the revenue record .It is the duty of the Patwari to make the entry of all the changes by way of mutation immediately and get it inspected from the Girdawar Kanungo that  correct entries have been made  in Parat Patwar of the mutation and Parat Sarkar  and Tehsildar or Naib Tehsildar decides the same as Assistant Collector, IInd Grade  any party  has any objection regarding the mutation, then after declaring it as contested the said mutation is referred by the concerned Circle Revenue Officer  to the concerned Sub Divisional Magistrate,fee for sanctioning of mutation is Rs. 150/- at present. Time Schedule for different activities are as under:-

a)    Date for sending the Registration Memoranda (Parch Yadashat) from the Tehsil office to Kanungo is 1st and 16th of every month.

b)    One month Period for the entry of the mutation is taken by the Patwari after the receipt of Parcha Yadashat.

c)     Period of decision of uncontested mutation is within three month from the date of entry.

d)    Period of decision of contested mutation is within Six month from the date of entry.

e)    Tendering of New Jamabandi which is prepared in Tehsil is 7 September in the tehsil.

f)     Period of Rabi Girdawari is upto 31 March.

g)    Period of Extra Rabi Girdawari is upto 31 May.

h)    Period of extra Kharif Girdawari is from Ist December to 15December.

i)     Period of giving the demarcation by Kanungo is one month from the date of receipt of application.

j)    Period of supply of copies by the Patwari is within 3 days.

Election Branch

This office is situated near Railway Station (In Mini Secretariat) District Election office is the only office in District and has no branch. Deputy Commissioner is the Head of this office. Head office of the District Election office is at Chandigarh whose incharge is Chief Electoral Officer Punjab. Staff of election office work under the control of Chief Electrol Office.

Election Tehsildar is incharge of Distt. Election Office. Election Kaungo is incharge of every Assembly Constituency and  rest of office employees work under his/her guidance. Distt Faridkot is parliamentary constituency . In this Distt. there are three Assembly Constituencies i.e. 102-Panj Grain Kalan ,103-Kotkapura and 104 Faridkot whose incharges are the Returning Officer who also work as  Electoral  Registration officer in their respective constituency. In their Constituency they are responsible for free and fair conduct of Election.

The elections for Parliament, Assembly and Shiromani    Gurudawara  Prabandhak Committee are conducted by this office.  This office conduct the work of Summary and intensive revision of electrol roles. Summary revision is done by every year while the intensive revision  is done by every 5th year of as ordered by the Election Commission of India

This office also supervise the work relating to prepration of voter   Identity Cards, as directed by  Election Commission of India. Voter’s age should not be less than 18 year and should be resident of the constituency.

Attested copies of Voter list is issued under the signature of Election Tehsildar. Application should be submitted to the Tehsildar Election with court fee stamp of Rs.1.25 pasted on it.  The following fee is  also required to be  deposited in challan 32-A in Government  Treasury:-

1. For 30 Voter name               Rs. 5/-

2. For 50 Voters                       Rs. 5/-

3. Search fees                           Rs.2/-

4. Urgent Fees.                         Rs.2/-

Any eligible voter desirous of adding his name in Voter list can submit his claim  in form 6 and to delete his name in form 7 and for correction in form 8 to the Electoral Registration Officer of the Assembly segment i.e. Sub Divisional Magistrate Faridkot for 104 – Faridkot, Sub Divisional Magistrate Jaitu for 103 – Kotkapura and District Transport Officer, Faridkot for 102 – Panjgrain.

Chapter 3

Office of the Sub Divisional Magistrate

There are two Sub-Divisions in the Faridkot District, namely Faridkot and Jaitu. The Office of Sub-Divisional Magistrate Faridkot is situated in the mini secretariat adjoining the office of Deputy Commissioner, Faridkot, whereas the office of Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jaitu is situated in the building of Market Committee Jaitu .
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate is the administrative head of the Sub Division. The office of Tehsildar and Naib Tehsildar works under his control. His main duties are given as under:-
    1. To maintain law and order situation in the Sub Division.
    2. As Electoral Registration Officer, to decide objection and claims of voters.
  3.  To inspect weapons for renewal of Arms licences, to verify persons injured through Thrashers or Tokas, Recommendation
      regarding, issue of Legal Heirs Certificates, NOCs for Petrol Pumps, LPG and Kerosene Oil Depots.
    4. Issuance of rural area certificates.
    5. To provide facilities to terrorist affected, Blue Star Operation and 1984 riots affected persons,
    6. To give permission to organize public functions.
    7. To accord sanction regarding late entry of Death and Birth.
    8. To dispose off complaints of general public
    9. To attest affidavits
    10. To distribute compensation amongst affected persons for which amount is received from Government. Verifickation for
          freedom fighters certificates to the grand sons and daughters of freedom fighters.
    11. To conduct enquiries as A. R.O. and R.O. in Lok Sabha and State Assembly Elections, Gurudawara Elections,Zila 
          Parishad and Panchyat Elections.

Office of the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Jaitu

Tehsils and Sub Tehsils in the District Faridkot:

There are two Tehsils and two sub Tehsils in this district, namely Faridkot Tehsil, Tehsil Jaitu, sub Tehsil Kotkapura and sub Tehsil Sadiq. Faridkot Tehsil is situated in the District Administrative complex (Ground Floor of Mini Secretariat). Jaitu Tehsil is situated in the old building of old Hospital, Jaitu, sub Tehsil Kotkapura is situated in the building of Market Committee, Kotkapura. Which is quite near the old bus stand, whereas sub Tehsil Sadiq is situated in the building of Panchayat Ghar. Various main function performed at the Tehsil and sub Tehsil level are as under: -
      At Tehsil Level:
        1.Registration of various documents:
           Tehsildars/Naib Tehsildars perform their duties as sub Registrar at Tehsil level and various documents such as sale 
           deeds, mortgage deeds, gift deeds, Adoption deeds, Wills, Power of attorneys, registration of unregistered wills, Lease
           deeds, and all other documents listed under Section 17 and 18 of the Indian Registration Act, 1908 are registered at
           the tehsils. list of fees charged for ragistration of documents is as under:-

                                            REGISTRATION FEE CHART

Note:- 1) Minimum Registration fee is Rs.50/- (Rupees Fifty only)
            2) Maximum Registration fee is Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only)
            3) Rs.150/- (Rupees One hundred & fifty only) are charged being the User's Charges.

            2.Registration of Marriages:
                Marriages are registred at Tehsil level by the Tehsildars under Hindu Marriage Act and Rules for which application   
                on the prescribed profoma and payment of Rs.11/-being the registration fee, either of the spouses, who lives in the
                jurisdiction of the tehsil can apply for the purpose, presence of both the bride and bride groom plus two independent
                witnesses alongwith the witness of the parents is required. Naib Tehsildar at Tehsil Head Quarter is also empowered
                to register marriages in the absence of Tehsildar. Marriages are registered by there officers as Registrar Hindu 
                Marriages.
 

        3.Partition Cases:

               Tehsildars in the capacity of Assistant Collector First Grade decide Partition cases at Tehsil level under the
               provisions of Punjab Land Revenue Act and the releted paras of Punjab Land Records Mannual. Interested share
               holders desirous of separating their portion of holding can apply to A.C.Ist Grade (Tehsildar) After receipt of such
               application, all the necessery parties are summoned, & Naksha Alaf (U)is called from the field staff. After passing the
               Naksha, mode of partition is proposed and passed, there after, Naksha Bay (n)is called for form the concerned filed
               Kanugo and the holdings are separated as per share of each share holdar and ways and watercourses are allotted
               where necessary. After passing Naksha Bay (n), partition deed i.e. Naksha jeem is passed and if there is no appeal
               filed by any party sanad Takseem (Partition Deed) is issued and after changing of possessions as per partition deed,
               Mutation to this affect is orderd be entered. Every interim order in partition Cases is appealable.
 

        4.Correction of Khasra Girdawari Cases:

Both Tehsildar and Naib Tehsildars entertain applications in this regard as Assistant Collector IInd Grade in their respective revenue circles. Any person, who is in the physical possession of land, of which the girdawari is not entered in his name, can submit such application for the correction of Khasra Girdawari Respondent atre summoned who submit reply. after this both the counsels argue. First of allapplicant submit documentary evidence in support of his possession over the Land. Therefore,respondent submit documentary evidence. Spot of the disputed Land is inspected inpresence of both the parties, numberdar,respectable etc. On the basis of above facts. the possession is decided. Patwari is informed of the decision which is incorporate in the record and the girdawari is corrected accordingly.

        5.Issuance of Various Certificates:

Sceheduled Caste Certificates, Caste Certificates, Residence Certificates, Backward Class Certificates, and other Backward Class (OBC) Certificates, are issued at Tehsil level Application should be accompanied with an affidavit, two Photographs and residence proof i.e. copy of ration card, voter identity card etc.which is forwarded to the patwari halqa for verification. After necessary verification certificate is issued.

        6.Issuace of Registration Memoranda (Parcha Yadashat):

On the basis of all the sale deeds/mortgage deeds which have khasra number registered at the Tehsil, registration memoranda i.e.Parcha Yadashat are issued and sent to the field staff through office Kannugo for entrance of mutations/rapat in the roznamcha waqiati.

        7.Issuance of Non encumbrance Certificates:

Any person/institution desirous of mortgaging his/its land, can apply for this certificate after paying normal fees of Rs.14/-(for 12 Yrs.)

        8.Issuance of Certificates Copies Registered Documents:

Any person can apply for the certified copies of the registered documents after paying fee Rs.100/- for twenty years old document & Rs. 175/-above twenty years old alongwith a stamp paper of Rs.15/-. A copy of will and power of attorney can only be obtained by the executant of by the beneficiary. After the death of executant any body can apply alongwith death prood and affidavit.

        9.Attestation of Mutations:

Tehsilars/Naib Tehsidars attest mutations every month on the spot for every revenue estate falling under their respective revenue circles for the convenience of the people and updating the revenue records. Delayed mutations can be got sanctioned after paying prescribed late fee under section 39 of the Punjab Land Revenue Act.which is up to five times of normal fee.

        10. Law and order situations and natural Calamities:

Tehsilars /Naib Tehsidars work as executive magistrates under the orders of Distt Magistrate or concerned Sub Divisional Magistrate to watch be law and order situations, as and when the same exist. Likewise, Tehsil agency is actively involved during natural calamities to provide immediate relief to the effected persons etc.

        11. Recommendations for the appointment of Lambardars/Chowkidars:

Lambardars are appointed by the Distt. Collector and chowkidars are appointed by the concerned Sub Divisional Magistrate, Howevere, claims of the applicants are verified at Tehsil level and recommendation regarding the name of suitable candidates are forwarded to the higher authorties through Tehsildar.

        12. Recommendation reports for Issuance of Dependents Certificate, Birth and Death Certificate, Legal heirs
              etc.

Applications for Issuance of these certificates are verified at Tehsil level and then sent to the concerned higher authorities i.e. Deputy Commissioner through Sub Divisional Magistrates for doing the needful in the matter.

        13.Attestation of Affidavits:

           Tehsildar/Naib Tehsildar as executive Magistrate attests all sorts of affidavits at Tehsil office.

        14. Demarcation of Land:

Any person intending to have Demarcation of Land. aubmits an application to the Circle Revenue Officer duly stamped with court fees Rs.1-25 in duplicate along with copy of latest jamabandi. The application is entered in the register. One copy of it is sent to the concerned halqa Kanugo. The halqa Kanungo would ensure that this demarcation is done within one month. The Revenue Officer would call the applicant on a Data Fixed so that he may bring to the notice of Revenue Officer whether Demarcation of Land has been done or not. The Revenue Officer will ensure that the applicant is not called more that twice.
 

At Sub Tehsil Level:

All the functions performed at the tehsil level are performed at sub tehsil level exept the partition cases and issuance of certificates. If any person is in need of any sort of certificate to be issued at Tehsil level, can apply for the same at sub tehsil level, which is after geting verified by the concerned Naib tehsildar of the sub tehsil forwarded to the tehsildar for doing the needful.
Registration work is performed at sub Tehsil level three a week i.e an every monday, wednesday and thursday.

Duties performed in Public Interest by the Field Kanungos and Patwaris: -

Field staff comprising field kanungos and patwaris are the back-bone of revenue administration in the district . Main duties performed by them in Public interest are as under:

        Field Kanugos:-

Field Kanungos carryout all the demarcations on the orders of respective Circle Revenue Officers. All sorts of attachments and warrant of possession are executed by them .All the verification reports received from the patwaris working under them are forwarded by them to the concerned Circle Revenue Officers. During drought, heavy rain falls etc 100% of the inspections of occurred losses are made by the field kanungos on the basis of which relief is distributed by the Govt . to the effected persons.

        Patwaris:-

 
Preperation & mantaince of the revenue record is the duties of a patwari Certified copies of all the revenue records available with the patwaris are issued by them namely copies of Jamabandi , Khasra Girdawari, Mutations (Parat Patwar),Pedigree Table (Kursinama), copies of Rapat Rojnamcha waqiati and Farad Badars etc. All type of verification reports regarding issuance of Scheduled Caste , Caste, Backward Class, Other Backward Class(OBC) rural area, residence certificates inluding dependent certificates ,birth and death certificates, pensions and verification reports for granting relief to the victims of agricultural labourers / persons etc. are made by the patwaris in the public interest. Besides, verification of votes, work related to issuance of voters identity cards and requisite arrangements for boarding and lodging of polling parties during election are made by the concerned patwaris. In the event of natural calamities like drought, hail storms and heavy rain falls, special girdwari is conducted by the patwaris on the order of the Govt. in order to assess the actual loss, on the basis of which relief/ compensation is distributed to the effected persons. During harvesting season, in the event of loss of the crops due to fire etc. is immedidately reported to the higher authorities by the patwaris, on the basis of which requisite compensation ,if any is distributed to the related effected land owners.Land owner can directly approach the patwari to enter his mutation alongwith requisite copy of proof of change of ownership.

Chapter 4

DISTRICT RURAL DEVELOPTMENT AGENCY(D.R.D.A.)

                                    Central Govt. has launched a new programme knows as Swaran Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana(SGSY) from April 1999. This is a holistic programme covering all aspects of self employment such as organisation of the poor into self help groups training credit, technolgy infrastructure and marketing.With the coming into force of SGSY the earlier programme like IRDP, TRYSEM, DWCRA,SITRA,GKY and MWS were merged in the new programme and earlier schemes are no longer in operation.SGSY is funded by the Centre and the State in the ratio of 75:25.

Main  Objectives Of the Scheme

                                    The main efforts under SGSY is to cover 30% of the poor in the each block next five years. The objective under SGSY is to bring every assisted family above the poverty line in 3 years in view of the following guidelines:-

1)The beneficiaries  are to be identified by the Gram Sabhas from poorest of the poor .

2) 4 to 5 key activities are to be idenfied from each block to  benefit the swarozgaries by way of adopting these activities.Project reports of the key activities will also be prepared for the identified key activities by the blocks and duly approved by the Distt. level SGSY Committee 

3)Subsidy under SGSY will be uniform at 30% of the project cost, subject to a maximum of Rs. 7500. In respect of SC/STs, however there will be 50% and Rs. 10000 respectively. For groups of Swarozgaries(SHGs) the subsidy would be at 50% of the cost of the scheme subject to a ceiling of Rs. 1.25 lakh. Subsidy will be back ended. However there is no limit for the loan to be availed from the bank.

4)Categorywise reservation for 50% SC, 40% women and 5% handicapped swarozgaries will be kept in view while selecting the prospective swarozgaries.        

Selection of Swarozgaries.

1)Individual Swarozgaries

                                    Individual swarozgaries will be selected by the 3 memebr committee i.e. Bank Manager,BDPOs and Sarpanch of the village from the panel of beneficiaries approved by the Gram Sabha.

2)Self Help Groups

                                    Self Help Group is a group of rural poor who have volunteered to organise themselves into a group for eradication of poverty of the members. They agree to save regularly and convert their savings into a common Fund. The members of the group agree to use this common fund and such other funds that they may receive as a group through a common management.

                                    The group formation will keep in view the following broad guidelines.

                        i) Under SGSY, a self help group may consist of 10 to 20 persons. In the case of minor irrigation and in the case of disabled persons, this number may be in a minimum of five (5)

                        ii) All members of the group should belong to families below poverty line. The group shall not consist of more than one member from the same family. A person should not be a member of more than one group.

                        iii) The group should devise a code of conduct (Group Management Norms). This should be in the form of regular meetings(weekly or fortnightly), functioning in a democratic manner allowing free exchange of views to ensure partricipation by the members in the decision making process.

                        iv) The group should be able to draw up an agenda for each meeting and take up discussion as per the agenda.

                        v) The members should build their corpus through regular savings. The members themselves should decide the quantum of savings. The group should also collect the minimum vountary saving amount from all the members regularly. The savings so collected will be the group corpus fund.

                        vi) The group corpus fund should be used to advance loans to the members. The groups should develop financial management norms covering the loans sanction procedure, repayment schedule and interest rates.

                        vii) The members in the group meetings should take all the  decisions regarding loans through a participatory decision making process.

                        viii) The groups should be able to fill the loan applications, fix repayment schedule, fix appropriate rate of interest for the loans advanced and closely monitor the repayment of the loans instalments from the loanees.

                        ix) The groups should operate account so as to deposit the balance amounts left with the groups after disbursing loans to its members.

                        x) The group should maintain simple basic records such as minues book,Attendance register, Loan ledger, General ledger, Cash book, Bank Passbook and individual passbooks.

Grading of Self Help Group

                                    The formation stage generally lasts for 6 months At the end of the 6 months grading exercises are done to identify the weaknesses of the  group if any and help the group to overcome the same so as to develop into a good group.After grading as good group the DRDA to establish the linkages for the good groups with the banks by way of enhancing the capacity of the self help group by providing revolving fund of Rs. 10000 or equivalant to corpus of the groups  which ever is less and the revolving funds becomes part and parcel of the group corpus.Thereafter the group is linked with the bank by way of Cash Credit limit of 3  to 4 time of the revolving fund from which group can draw the amount as per its requirement on same norms for utilisation as in case of their own saving fund.However the bank can not charge interst on withdrawal from Cash Credit limit up to the amount of revolving funds released by the DRDA.This procedure of inter loaning again last for 6 months and second grading is exercised to identify the group eligible for loan activities. The group after passing second grading will decide to take an activity for which loan is arranged from the bank as per the project cost and subsidy is provided by the DRDA as per rules upto Rs. 1.25 lacs.                   

Self Help Group.

            To raise the standard of people who are living below the poverty line in the villages, self help groups are formed under S.J.S.R.Y. (Sawaran Jyanti Save-Rozgar-Yojna) and under Nabard Scheme which helps the people get Bank Loans etc. so that they may be able to start their own business and increase their income. This scheme is very useful. In this scheme the people who are living below the poverty line and who are not defaulter of any Bank are joined.

·        Forming different types of Farmer Organizations with in the District. Such as Self Help Group (SHG) Farmer Interest Group (FIG) at village level and Farmer Organization (FO)/Commodity Association (CA) at Block & District Level.

·        For the benefit of farmers the information required for marketing of their produce in the district market, the use of information Technology is supplied to the Farmers by Establishing Computer System using Internet at Block Level.

·        Arrange Exposure Visit to the Farm Organization/Commodities Associations with in India for providing them the Validating and refined Technology to increase their Income.

·        Arrange Demonstration of new crops and training to farmers to increase their knowledge in Agriculture and Allied Activities.

·        For the replication of Success Stories Exposures Visit would be arranged and Successful farmers Would be used as a Resource person to replicate the success stories at faster speed.

·        Private Sector be encouraged to involve in Technology Transfer.

·        Emphasis on Training to in services officers/officials be made to increase their Competency and behavior.

·        New Public-Private Partnership is developed.

DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT & PANCHAYAT OFFICER

DEVELOPMENT BRANCH:- This office is on the IIIrd floor of Mini Secretariat. It deals with following schemes.

CD 2.32:-       Grants in aid to strengthen the infrastructure.

                        Grant in above scheme is sanctioned by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Punjab to the Deputy Commissioner Faridkot through Director Rural Development & Panchayat (Planning Branch). Deputy Commissioner orders the District Development & Panchayat Officer to disburse the grant to concerned institution. D.D. & P.O. draws the amount from Treasury Office Faridkot and disburses the grant to concerned institution through Bank Draft. Institution is also advised to follow the Govt. instructions as follows:-  

1.                  To utilize the amount fully within one year and issue the utilization certificate.

2.                  The work started with the grant will not be left incomplete and will have to be completed by the institution from its own sources.

3.                  Grant will be deposited in any Govt. Bank/ Post Office and the interest received will be part of the grant.

4.                  Receipt of expenditure will be attested by the Head of the Institution and entered in Cash book. This record will be made available to the audit party of Accountant General Punjab.

5.                  Any Officer can check the work.

6.                  The grant sanctioned is drawn from the treasury by D.D.P.O immediately by presenting a bill. It is disbursed to the agency after obtaining security bond, estimate of work, project report, agreement bond attested by Executive Magistrate from the agency. An attested copy of these documents is sent to the department.   

D.D. & P.O. AS COLLECTOR

            Punjab Government vide its notification no. SO82/PA-1861 S-277 dated 26-12-1977 has appointed D.D. & P.O. under Punjab Village Common Land Act 1968 (Punjab Act No. 18 of 1961) as Collector to remove illegal possession, encroachments from Panchayat Land, to cancel the auction of Shamlat Lands not done as per rules. D.D. & P.O. hears above cases in the Court as Collector. In case illegal possession is found on Shamlat Land, Court issues the warrant to get the possession of land restored to Panchayat. Action under section 216 of Punjab Village Common Land Act, 1968 is taken against the Panchs and Sarpanchs who mis-utilizes the Govt. Grants / Funds.

DISCRETIONARY GRANTS:-

            Discretionary grants are sanctioned by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Ministers, and Ministers of State from their discretionary quota for development works. Minister sanctioning the grant sends the sanction in proforma to Finance Secretary Punjab. On this basis Controller Panchayati Raj Finance issues the sanction order. D.D. & P.O. draws the grant from treasury and disburses to the concerned Executive agencies through bank drafts. Generally these grants are sanctioned for construction of streets and drains, S.C. Dharamshalas, Shamshan Ghat, Burial Grounds, Memorial Gates and other Development works in the villagers. Grants are also released to Mehla Mandals for purchase of utensils and to the Youth Clubs also.

            These grants are required to be spent within one year and utilization certificate is sent after that. The work got done with these grants can be checked by any officer of the department and record maintained by the agency is made available to Audit party for audit.

POVERTY ALLEVIATION SCHEMES:-

            Yellow Cards Scheme has been abolished by Govt. People living below poverty line are given the facilities in shape of grant and food grain on subsidized rates, and other facilities as loan etc. on subsidy. The families with annual income upto Rs.20,000 and not having Pucca House, T.V., Refrigerator or any machinery are covered in the scheme. The details of population/elected representatives are as under:-

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES

PANCHAYAT SAMITI MEMBERS

Block Development & Panchyat Officer (BDPO)

There are two Development Blocks in the Faridkot district, namely Faridkot and Kotkapura. The office of BDPO Faridkot is situated on Talwandi Road, Near Railway crossing, whereas the office of BDPO Kotkapura is situated near the Civil hospital at Kotkapura.

The administrative head of a development block is the Block Development & Panchyat Officer (BDPO). To assist the Block Development  & Panchyat officer, there is Social Education & Panchyat Officer, Panchyat Officers and  Panchyat Secretaries. Every Panchyat Secretary has on  an average five Panchyats. Besides this, there are superintendent, Accountant and other Clerks etc. appointed in the office to do the work.

            It is the responsibility of this office to implement various schemes started by the Govt. for the development works of the villages from time to time. Likewise, the people who are living below poverty line, who have katcha houses & who have no source of income, they are given Rs.20,000/- as Grant by the Govt.under the scheme I.A.Y For obtaining this grant, firstly, meeting of the Gram Sabha is convened under the Presidentship of the B.D.P.O. wherein the beneficiaries are identified and thereupon , applications are procured from these persons in a prescribed preforma, which upon the recommendation of the B.D. & P.O. are sent to the Deputy C.E.O., Zila parished. After release of grant by them, the same is sent to the B.D.P.O which is then given to the beneficiaries in two installments, with which they construct their Pacca houses. Besides this, the grants are given under other schemes by the Govt. such as S.G.R.Y-1, S.G.R.Y-2, P.M.G.Y, S.G.S.Y., M.P.LAD, Untied Funds, Rural Development funds, Primary School, Panchyat Ghar, Drains & Streets, Burial Places, Veterinary & Civil Dispensaries, which  are spent by the Gram Panchyat, After incurring expenditure, the Receipt files are prepared by the Panchyat regarding expenditure, according to which the Junior Engineers makes comparison and see as to whether the work done by the Panchyat, is in accordance with the Estimate, is correct or not. In case of not being correct, the deficiency found by the Junior Engineer, the Sarpanches are directed get done other work or to deposit the due amount. In thisway, the entire work is got done under the supervision of the Block authority. Its jurisdiction is limited upto villages only.

ZILA PARISHAD , FARIDKOT

                        The office of the Zila Parishad is situated in Sadiq Chowk,  near Guru Gobind Singh Medical Road at the start point. This institution is mainly for the  rural area . The constitution of this is done by way of election, in which  people of rural area only participate. In Faridkot for making the Zila Parishad house 10 members are elected directly by the people  by casting their Votes. Apart from this all the Chairman of Panchayat Samiti and M. P. of the District, and all M. L. A 's. are also members of the house, who elect the Chairman and   Vice Chairman of the Zila Parishad. On the non-availability of the Zila Parishad house, the Deputy Commissioner of the district is working as Administrator of the same .In the Zila Parishad there are two posts of Govt. Officers,  out of which one is of the  designation of Chief Executive Officer who is  Addl. Deputy Commissioner (Development) with the power of drawing and disbursement i.e. income and expenses and second is Deputy Chief Executive Officer, who is  equal to the designation of District Development and Panchayat  Officer. Under the Zila Parishad there are 181 Panchayats and 2 Panchayat Samities . In 1980 the Zila Parishad Faridkot has constructed a  Panchayat Bhawan adjoining to this office, in which the meetings of the  district are held .  Zila Parishad for the self employment  of the people of Faridkot city constructed two shopping complex .One shopping complex is situated near Arra market under the name of Neta Ji Subash Market . In this market 10 big show rooms and 36 shops are situated. Apart from this second shopping centre is situated  in Sadiq Chowk near office of the Zila Parishad .

                        Funds are allotted under various schemes to the Zila Parishad by the Govt. of India and State Govt. for giving the facilities to the people of the rural area equal to the urban area, which are further distributed to the Panchayat in shape of grant.  Gram Panchayats themselves spen these funds under the supervision of the Zila Parishad. Technical assistance is supplied  by the Technical Wing of the Panchayati Raj . Details of the schemes which are being run by the Zila Parishad are as under:-

1.                  COMPLETE GRAMIN EMPLOYMENT SCHEME

                        From 1.4.2002 the Govt. of India has startd this new scheme. Under this scheme  efforts are made to create  employment / opportunities for the labourers on a daily basis and the labourers are given 50% in cash and 50% in shape of wheat. Beside this 22.5% of the amount is given in this shape  to the Backward classes  so that their income  may be increased and there living standard  can be up graded .

2.                  INDRA AWAS YOJNA

                        This is a beneficiary scheme of the Govt. of India. Under this scheme Rs. 25000/- are given to people of the rural area which are living below the poverty line for construction of Pucca house and for the repair Rs. 12,500/- is given  in the shape of grant. Alongwith construction of the house, smokeless Chulla and low cost latrine is also part of this scheme. All the construction work is done by the beneficiaries themselves . For getting the benefit under this scheme the identification is made by the Gram Sabha. Izlas of the Gram Sabha is presided by the B.D.P.O. .After identification the beneficiary applies  on one simple form which is available from the office of B.D.P.O. Form duly completed and verified by the Panchayat is to be submitted to the office of Zila Parishad through B.D.P.O. alongwith this the beneficiary submits an affidavit in which it is mentioned that the amount of grant shall be spent for the same purpose .

 PRIME MINISTER GRAMDHOG YOJNA (GRAMIN   AWAS)

                        This scheme is in operation under Indra Awas Yojna as per Govt. instructions  .According to this people who are without house are given an amount of Rs. 25,000/- for the construction of the house and Rs. 12,500/- is given  for the repair of the house  as grant.

Panchayati Raj Public Works Division, Faridkot

            Panchayati Raj Public Works circle, Punjab came into being in 1962 to oversee the development works undertaken by Panchayats, Panchayat samitis and Zila Parishads, This organization works under the administrative control of Rural Development and Panchayats Department and presently has a post of Executive Engineer (Panchayati Raj) at district headquarters and a Sub-divisional Officer (Panchayati Raj) at Sub-Divisional Level) Posts of Executive Engineers in newly carved districts of Moga, Muktsar and Nawan Shahar are yet to be created) Government has provided for 3 Junior Engineers in each of the development blocks of Punjab to oversee the construction works of these organizations.

            Executive Engineer (Panchayati Raj) Faridkot who looks after the development works in districts of Faridkot and Muktsar has its office in Zila Parishad Complex, Faridkot, He has under him one Sub- Divisional Officer (Panchayati Raj) who is also having his office in the Zila Parishad Complex, Faridkot, 3 No. Junior Engineers have been provided in each of the two development blocks of the district.

            This office formulates/ prepares estimates of works to be executed with grants sanctioned by District Development and Planning Board, Faridkot and other sources to Panchayts, Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishad. Sub divisional Officer Panchayat Raj supervises the construction works and provides technical know how to Panchayats as per their requirement. Works are evaluated by recording the measurements in the Measurement Books (M.Bs). Besides, this office also executes deposit work construction works with the funds made available to it by District Development and Planning Board and other Govt. departments. These works are undertaken as per prevailing practice/ procedures in Public Works departments.  

Chapter 5

Chief Agricultural Officer

This office is situated at circular road near New Model School . The head of the department is Chief Agricultural Officer. The cropping density of the district is 197% and area under irrigation is 99%. The detailed information regarding area is as follows:-

Different Schemes under department is as follows:-

1) Agriculture Implements:

Following implements are given on subsidy by the department:-

2) Improvement of Soil Health:  

                        Punjab Government  to popularize the Green maturing under this scheme has provided Jantar seed on 25% subsidy during 2004 and 40 demonstrations  were also conducted at farmer’s fields under ATMA Scheme in the District Eight units of vermiculture are running successfully in the District and financial aid of Rs.1000/- has been given to each unit under ATMA Scheme.

3) Bee-Keeping Scheme:              Under this scheme, training is given to the farmers free of cost and material is supplied to the bee-keepers on reasonable rates by the Department. Farmers are getting lot of profit in this field. At present, 90 bee-keepers and 3500 honey bee colonies in the District are working and producing 450 quintals of honey.

4) Contract Farming:         This scheme is in vogue since  Rabi-2002-03 in the District Main aim of this scheme is to diversify the area from Wheat- Paddy rotation to Pulses, Oil Seed and cash crops. Year wise detail of contract farming in the District is as follows:-

5) Quality Control:              Under this scheme sample of fertilizers, seeds and pesticides are taken from the dealer’s shops to control the quality. Licence is canceled if sample is fails. The detail of samples taken by Department. of Agriculture during 2003-04 are as under:-

6) Farmer Training Camp:            To provide technical knowledge about Rabi and kharif crops to the farmers, Department. organizes District level, Block level and village level camps. The detail of camps organized by Department. during year 2003-04 are as follows:-

7) Soil Testing Lab:            Only one Soil Testing Laboratory is working under this Department. in the District Faridkot. The samples of soil and water are tested in this laboratory  and recommendations are given according to testing report. The achievements of laboratory for the last four years are as follows:-

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)

            Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Faridkot located at Circular Road, near the office of Chief Agriculture Officer,Faridkot. This Kendra was sanctioned by Indian Council of Agriculture Research and was established in 1995 under the administrative control of Director Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. KVK, Faridkot, serve as a pivotal Farm Training Centre for imparting practical trainings in different income- generating and agro-based trades to the rural youths (male & female).

Mandates of KVK:

1.Organize training for farmers and farm women on the different subjects.

2.Organize In-Service training to update knowledge of extension personals.

3.Organize Front Line Demonstration in various crops to generate production data and feed back information.

4To conduct “On Farm Trial” on different crops and new technology.

Training programmes organized by KVK:

            KVK, Faridkot organizes trainings on subsidiary occupations like Bee keeping, Poultry, Dairy, Mushroom cultivation, Horticulture and Vegetables and production of hybrid seeds of different crops, which increase the income of farmers. Besides these, other training related to Home Sciences like, prickle preparation, interior decoration and Agriculture Farm Machinery are also organized by this institute.

Other Activities:

1.         Front Line Demonstrations on oilseeds like Raya, Gobhi Sarson, Groundnut etc. and Pulses like Gram, Moong, Mash, are  conducted at Farmers fields.

2.         Demonstrations on cotton are also conducted at farmers fields.

3.         Seed of approved varieties recommended by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana is produced by KVK, Faridkot and supplied to the farmers.

4.         Training camps in the villages are also organized.

Subject Specialists:

            Under the Associate Director ( Training), the following subject specialists are working in this institute:-

1.                  Assistant Professor (Animal Science).

2.                  Assistant Professor (Agri. Engg.)

3.                  Assistant Professor( Agronomy)

4.                  Assistant Professor( Plant Protection)

5.                  Assistant Professor( Home Science)

6.                  Assistant Professor( Horticulture/Vegetable)

Roles and Responsibilities of ATMA Governing Board:      ATMA is supported by Governing Board(GB) and Management Committee(MC) headed by the Deputy Commissioner. The Governing Board is a policy making body and provide guidance as well as review the progress and functioning of the ATMA.

ATMA GOVERNING BOARD (GB)

Key functions of ATMA Governing Board:

            The key functions of ATMA Governing Board would be to:

• Review and approve Strategic Research and Extension Plan (SREP) and annual action plans that are prepared and submitted by the participating units.
• Receive and review annual reports presented by the participating units, providing feedback and direction to them as needed, for various research and extension activities being carried out within the district.
• Receive and allocate project funds to carry out priority research, extension and related activities within the district.
• Foster the organization and development of Farmers Interest Groups (FIGs) and Farmers Organizations (Fos) within the district.
• Facilitate the greater involvement of private sector and firms and organizations in providing inputs, technical support, agro-processing and marketing services to farmers.
• Encourage agriculture lending Institutions to increase the availability of capital to resource poor and marginal farmers, especially SC, ST and women farmers.
• Encourage each line department, plus the KVK and ZRS, to establish farmer advisory committees to provide feedback and input into their respective R - E programmes.
• Enter into contracts and agreements as appropriate to promote and support agricultural development activities within the district.
• Identify other sources of financial support that would help ensure the financial sustainability of the ATMA and its participating units.
• Establish revolving funds / accounts for each participating unit, and encourage each unit to make available technical services, such as artificial insemination or soil testing, on a cost recovery basis moving towards full cost recovery in a phased manner.
• Arrange for the periodic audit of ATMA's financial accounts; and Adopt and amend the rules and by-laws for the ATMA.

Atma Management Committee (AMC):             The Management Committee would be responsible for planning and executing the day-to-day activities of ATMA.

Key Functions of Management Committee (MC):     The Functions and tasks to be carried out by the ATMA Management Committee would include the following:

• Carryout periodic Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRAs) to identify the problems and constraints faced by different socio-economic groups and farmers within the district.
• Prepare an integrated, Strategic Research and Extension Plan (SREP) for the district that would specify short and medium term adaptive research as well as technology validation and refinement and extension priorities for the district: these priorities should reflect during the PRA.       .
• Prepare annual action plans that would be submitted to the ATMA Governing Board for review, possible modification and approval
• Maintain appropriate project accounts for submission to Technology Dissemination Unit (TDU) for audit purposes
• Coordinate the execution of these annual action plans through participant line departments, ZRSs, KVKs, NGOs, FIGs /FOs and allied institutions, including private sector firms.
• Establish coordinating mechanisms at the Block level, such as Farm Information & Advisory Centers (FIACs) that would integrate extension and technology transfer activities at the block and village levels,
• Provide annual performance reports to the Governing Board outlining the various research extension and related targets that were actually carried out, including targets achieved.
• Provide secretariat to Governing Board and initiate action on policy direction,            investment decisions and other guidance received from the Governing Board.

Soil and Water Conservation Depertment, Faridkot

Organisation

            Department of Soil and water  conservation came into existence in Faridkot District in the year 1972-73. The Soil and water conservation Department in Faridkot District is headed by Divisional Soil conservation officer. There are two numbers of Sub-divisions one in Moga District and IInd one in Faridkot District is working alongwith Field Staff. In Faridkot Sub-Division Three numbers Sections in Faridkot and Two numbers sections in Jaitu are working alongwith their Field Staff, which are headed by Soil Conservation Officers of the Department.

Objectives

            Soil and water are two natural resources and the successful crop production depends upon the way, how best we utilise these two resources. The main objective is to conserve soil and water resources for their judicious use  to obtain return on sustained basis.

Activities

            Faridkot District is failing in the southern zone of the state. In this region sub-soil water level is generally brackish and not fit for irrigation. Mostly irrigation water is available from network of canal irrigation system. The department is providing best way of irrigation through the following types of work under soil conservation and water management work:-

LAYING OF UNDER GROUND PIPE LINE

            Irrigation through under ground pip line is done form the below noted water sources to save the water losses in conveyance system.

1.    Ecologically Handicapped Area

Area where the ground water is not fit for irrigation or any other problematic area where the ground water is very deep. Good quality of water is available in certain pockets near the canal/river. But on account of their location at high elevation or Sand dunes hindring the conveyance of irrigation water to these areas & these areas could not be brought under irrigation with gravity flow through open channels. Development of these areas can be done through laying of U.G.D.H. System.

2.    Lift irrigation Scheme

Keeping in view the need of irrigation facilities to the farmers along the Sirhind canal and Rajasthan feeder, the Govt. has sanctioned lift pumps to irrigate the Barani high elevated and sand dunes areas where the water can not be utilized in command area because the water could not be carried to the command area with gravity floor. The conveyance provided by installation of under ground pipe line system the above type of uncommand area can be brought under irrigation command.

3.    Utilization of Sullage water

Sullage water of city is not being properly utilized for irrigation purposes. In many areas it is being wasted and further creating insanitary conditions. Some samples of sullage water have been got tested from the PAU Ludhiana. They have recommended that this water is fit for irrigation. In some cases this sewage water will become fit for irrigation after diluting the same with fresh tubewell water. After installation of lift pump this sewage water can be utilized for faraway area's through laying of under ground pipe line system.

      One project of use of sullage water has already been constructed at Ariyanwala Road. This project is giving irrigation to the 300hectare land. Municipal committee is earning 1 lakh rupees every year from selling  this water to the  farmers.

4.    Individual Tubewells

As per stastics available more than approx. 25000 nos. Shallow tubewell have been installed  through out the district. Thus there is a very limited scope for everging more tubewell which would  exhaust the under ground water as well as consume more electricity & diesel which are already in short fall. By cutting down the losses in conveyance of irrigation water we can save electricity & diesel. This can be achieved by laying of under ground pipe line for each tubewell.

5.    Drip/Micro Irrigation System

Drip irrigation is the latest and the best method of water management in the world. It is a widely practiced method of irrigation in developed countries and is gaining popularity in Punjab also. It is most suited for horticulture and vegetable crops, etc. Under this system water is to be carried to plants under low pressure through small diameter plastic pipes delivered at the root some, drop by drop through drippers. Many successful drip irrigation system in the orchard are working in the Dist. like in village Gondara, Kotkapura, Sandhawan, Arayianwala Kalan.

6.    Water Storage Tank

Due to the scarcity  of irrigation water in Punjab, Govt. is very keen to implement. Diversification of crops for agriculture. In which soil conservation deptt. is already in process to implement drip irrigation system for orchard & vegetable crops. Orchard needs daily recommended quantity of water which can be only given by drip/micro irrigation System. But is can not be possible in canal. Irrigation System because the farmers turn comes after seven days. To meet this daily requirement construction of water storage tank is very necessary. The department is giving every technical guidance for constructing the water storage tanks to the concerned farmers. Department has already constructed more than 25 nos. water storage tank in different villages.

7.    Rain water Harvesting and Roof Rain water harvesting structure

As we know that the underground water is depleting very fast in Punjab. Every year our water table is going down near about 1 metre. The reason is very simple that recharging of water is not occurring naturally. So it is the need of the hour that artificial recharging should be done. Department has started various rain water harvesting and roof rain water harvesting structures. This scheme will be implemented on the availability of funds. 

8.    Land Scrapping/Land Leveling

Under this work sand dunes in this region are being reclaimed by scrapping of sand and to bring out good soil below it for irrigation purposes. There is also a good scope for development of land already under cultivation by carrying out land leveling and land shaping works.

9.    Misc. Works.

The department hs also carried out other soil & water conservation works like sub-surface drainage. Renovation of village Pond, etc. on the availability of funds and request from the farmers.

10.           Finances & Subsidies

For executing these soil conservation works, no state fund has been allotted to the department during the  previous years. A loan from the PADB under NABARD scheme has been raised. The loan application for execution of soil conservation works has been sponsored to the PADB. The farmers can execute these soil conversation works by their own financial source also with the technical guidance of the department. 25% subsidy in drip system & 50% Subsidy in water storage tanks is provided on the availability of funds from the Govt. side also.

Benefits

            It has been estimated that the treated area can give additional production to the extent of ½ tonne per hectare. During the last thirteen years i.e  from 1991-92 to 2003-04, total area of 4466 hectare has been covered under various schemes of soil and water conversation which gives in additional production of 2233 tonne at the rate of half tonne per hectare per year. The value of additional product at the rate of 6500/- per tonne works out to be 145.14 lac per year. In addition to this additional agriculture production, the soil and water conservation works generate employment in the rural areas.

Removal of Grievances

            In case of any grievance farmers are advised to contact Divisional Soil Conservation Officer Narain Nagar, Gali No. 2 , Faridkot & Sub Divisional Soil Conservation Officer, Harindera Nagar, Faridkot.

INTRODUCTION; 

 This organization has been  registered since 17.3.79 through  Registrar Coop. Societies Punjab, is working with the name of “The Faridkot Distt. Coop. Milk Prods, Union Ltd. Faridkot. Its Distt. Office is situated at 5-New,Harindra Nagar, Faridkot and the Head of this Organisation is called “General Manager .

OBJECTS;

1. Purchase of Milk through Milk Producers Coop. Societies.

2. Doing jobs for increasing production of milk.     

3. Providing of technical facilities to Milk Producers at village level.

4. guidance to the Milk Producers regarding complete Clean Milk Production.

5. Providing of Cattlefeed at lower cost to its Milk Producers.

STRUCTURES;

There are Four Milk Chilling Centres and Three Bulk Milk Coolers (BMCs) in milkshed area Faridkot which are situated at;

Bajakhana, Doda, Malout & Moga (Milk Chilling Centres)

Baghapurana, Mann singh wala & Patto Hira singh(BMCs)

On these centres milk is being collected and chilled and then sent to Milk Plants. 374  Milk Producer Societies  and 21833 members  are attached with these centres. Its area of operation is old Distt. Faridkot   (Moga, Muktsar and Faridkot).

Milk Union Provides following main facilities to its Milk Producers;

1. Providing of  high Milk Rates to Milk producers through its Milk Producers Coop. Societies.

2. Finalization of that activities  which produce clean milk production.

3. Providing of balanced Verka Cattlefeed to its Milk producers through Milk Producers coop. Societies. Mineral Mixture and Animal lick is also provided to Producers which save the animals from diseases.

4.  Vaccination to animals to save them from dangerous diseases.

5.  To provide  standarised  vaccination to its Milk Producers

6.  To make arrangements for providing Rabi & Kharif seeds to producers.

7. To guide the villagers regarding clean milk production through general awarenes camps , guidance of new techniqes through animal health care camps.

8.  Milk Union Faridkot has provided employment to 21000  persons  indirectly.

               In addition to above, Milk Union is giving following facilities to its customers and  dealers;

1)         Providing Verka Milk and Verka Producers on lesser rates.

2)         Providing of Verka ghee, Verka lassi, paneer, Butter, Raseela,etc.      to         general people and Milk Producers.

3)         AIl Training  given to Matric pass  unemployed  youths   and self            empoyment is being provided to them so that they  can improve up          their     living standards.

Department of Horticulture, Faridkot

Department of Horticulture was separated from Agriculture department in the year 1979. The main objective of Horticulture department is diversification of crops. This department encourages the farmers to bring more area under Horticulture crops i.e. vegetables, Floriculture, Mushroom cultivation etc. Main functions of this department are as under:-

Structure:            Deputy Director Horticulture is District Head of this office. Which is situated at the court road; opposite Civil Hospital Faridkot .There are two posts of Horticulture Development officer at District Headquarter. Extension services and Community Canning centre are imparting training regarding preparation of by-products of fruits and vegetables.

Extension Services:          One more Horticulture Development Officer is posted at block Kotkapura to provide technical know how to the farmers. He visit farmers’ field and also provides technical know how about the cultivation of Mushroom and flowers.

Govt Garden and Nursery:         It provides good quality disease free plants of innow, Lemon, Malta, Guava, Ber, Peach , Soft pear , Papaya etc to the farmers at Government's prescribed rates.

About Orchards Plantation:         As District Faridkot falls in arid irrigated zone and the soils are mostly sandy and the ground water is mostly brackish in nature,  department recommends to plant Kinnow, Guava, Amla, Ber Orchards. There are two seasons of plantation that’s Feb-March and Aug-Sept.

Other Services:                             

 (i) Horticulture loans:       Department arranges / forwards the loan cases to different banks for new orchard plantation.                          

  (ii) Mushroom cultivation:          This department arranges for the spawn (seed) to encourage the cultivation of Mushroom / Dhingri. According to the climate Mushroom can be grown from Aug to March. Department adopts three Villages in each block Dhingri cultivation of Dhingri.

 (iii) Floriculture:     Flower Cultivation is a profitable job. Department encourages the farmers to adopt floriculture. Department also provides seeds of flowers.

(iv) Training Camps:          Department arranges one district level and ten Village level farmer camps to impart technical Knowledge to the farmers.

(v) Schemes:          

            a)       A (P) 14.3 (Dev. of Horticulture in the state)

It is a state department Scheme. Under this Scheme 50% Subsidy is provided to small and marginal farmers on spray pump, barbed wire, Horticulture tools etc.

            b)         A (P) 14.14 (Quality Improvement in grapes)

Under this Scheme quality of grapes is improved by giving treatment of brushing, girdling, gibberallic Acid which is provided free of cost.

            c)         Centrally Sponsored Schemes

Use of plastic in Horticulture crops for getting early crop and more yield, department provide 50% Subsidy on Material. Department also provides plastic crates for marketing of fruits and vegetables on 50% subsidy.

            d)         Marketing of Horticulture Crops

Department provides 50% subsidy on grading and waxing of fruit and also provide 20% subsidy on transportation charges to other States.

For seeking any sort of details/information regarding functioning and schemes of the department, farmers can contact Deputy Director Horticulture Faridkot on Telephone no:  01639-253883.

Department Of Cooperation

                        In order to guide people regarding Co-operative movement and to involve them in great numbers for their good welfare co-operative department has established an office of Deputy Registrar Co-operative Societies in Narayan Nagar, Street No.2  Faridkot. There are two posts of the Assistant Registrars at Tehsil Level for the Tehsil Faridkot and Jaitu. There are Nineteen Posts of Inspector Co-op. Societies at each focal point. At block-level a post of Inspector Milk-Supply is there who is the Incharge of Milk-supply societies. In the same way, there is one post of Inspector under-winding-up societies whose main duty is to cancel and to revive the societies. Apart from this there is one Labour & construction Inspector & one Inspector Primary Agriculture Development Bank who is the Incharge of Primary  Agriculture Development Bank as well as Marketing Societies  and industrial  societies..

                        Main object of this department is to improve the economical condition of the farmers and help them get proper value of the produce brought by them to the market. Presently there are different kinds of central/primary societies total of which comes to 335 and these societies are working for the welfare of such farmers.

                        Any 35 members of farmers in any village of Punjab can form Milk-Producers Society, which can be formed under the guidance of inspector Co-op Society. M/supply & the Assistant Registrar Co-op Societies. with the approval of Registrar Coop Societies Punjab, Chandigarh.

                        These societies can collect milk for sale against reasonable payment. Presently, 93 Milk-Producers Coop-Societies are working in the district.  

                        Similarly 21 or above members can also form Labour coop-Society in any village. From such societies Government does not demand any security and also gives priority for contract of work upto ten lacs of rupees.

                        Any farmer who comes under area of operation of the society and owns land is eligible to get loan from the society by giving details of his own land and need not to pledge it for the purpose. Such member can avail facility for revolving case credit limit from the Central Coop. Bank. There is only one Central Coop. Bank in Faridkot District. having twenty four branches. Every farmer/ businessman, in this district can get loan under various scheme of Non form sector.

                        There is also two Primary Agriculture Development Bank in this district which helps its members for obtaining loan for the following purposes: -

1. For Leveling the Land.
2. For Purchase of Tractor.
3. For Animals such as fish, Goats, Pigs, Bee keeping, horticulture and drainage.

                        Urban & Rural House Building Societies can avail long term loan through Housefed. The Punjab Government also grants subsidies under various schemes to the members of Industrial societies, weaver societies, shoe-making societies, Fruit & Vegetable Marketing Societies and Transport coop-society from time to time.

                           There is only one Coop. Sugar Mills in Faridkot district which buy Sugar Cane from the farmers at reasonable rates.

            If any information is required it can be got from the office of Asst. Deputy Registrar Coop. Societies Faridkot on any working day during office hours.

Department Of Fisheries, Faridkot

            The Office of Assistant Director Fisheries is located in Mini Secretariat. Inspite of a vast net work of canals emanating from Sirhand Canal system and Sirhind feeder, there is no scope for capture fisheries as no river flows through this district. In year 1990-91, State Govt. with the help of department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Govt. of India established Fish Farmers Development Agency in the district to propagate aqua-culture in village ponds, tanks and low-lying area on scientific lines by providing technical guidance and financial help to fish farmers, besides providing the seed of culturable species of fish.

            The following services are provided by the department of fish Farmers:-

1.                    Helps site selection & development of fish ponds.

2.                    Training to new farmers

3.                    The department has 7.3 acres Fish Seed Farm located on Faridkot Talwandi Bhai Road where fish seeds of culturable varieties such as Rahu, Mrigal, Catla, Common Carp, Grass Carp & Silver Carp are produced. The common carp seed is available in the second week of March. Silver Carp & Grass Carp in the month of May and Catla, Rabu, Mrigal in to the month of June. The fish seed supply continues up to September. The seed is supplied at following rates.

Size                            Rate

1" to 2"                       Rs. 100/-

2" to 4"                       Rs. 200/-

Above 4"                    Rs. 250/-

For commercialization of fish seed production, Fish farmers were motivated to set up hatcheries for the fish seed production culturable varieties. The hatchery has been set up by S.Gurpartap Singh Machaki Mal Singh Road, Faridkot.

4.                    Helps the farmers in rearing fish by providing technical guidance.

5.                    Helps in securing S.P. Electrical connection for tube well on priority basis to fulfill water supply needs.

6.                    Helps the farmers by providing backward-forward linkages.

7.                    Arranges loans from Primary Agricultural Development Bank and Commercial Banks as given below:

a)     Excavation of new ponds including tube well -     2,00,000 per hectare

b)     Renovation of old pond                          -        70,000 per hectare

8.                    Provides subsidy at following rates:

Excavation of new pond including tube well

20% of cost maximum Rs. 40,000/- per hectare (For scheduled caste 25% of cost maximum Rs. 50,000/- per hectare)

Old Pond

20% of cost maximum Rs. 12000/- per hectare (for scheduled caste 25% cost maximum Rs. 15,000/- per hectare)

Inputs

20% of cost maximum Rs. 6000/- per hectare (for scheduled caste 25% cost maximum Rs. 7500/- per hectare)

Aerator 

25% of cost maximum Rs. 12500/- per hactare all farmers.

Integrated Fish Farming 

           The fish culture can be integrated with Poultry, Piggery, Duckery. The subsidy for this unit is as below besides normal subsidy. 20% of cost maximum Rs. 16000/- per hectare on proposed cost of Rs. 80,000/- (for scheduled caste 25% cost maximum Rs. 20,000/- per hectare)

In this district, the department of Fisheries is headed by Assistant Director of Fisheries, Cum-Vice Chairman, Fish Farmers Development Agency. To execute development activities/schemes, Assistant Director of Fisheries is helped by Fisheries Extension Officer and Fisheries Officer in field and Farm Suppt. at fish seed production. 

Dairy Development Department, Punjab      

            Dairy Development Department came into existence during the year 1964 which was entrusted with the responsibility to collect milk and make it available to the consumers along with development of dairying. The department of Dairy Development is contributing its major share in increasing the milk production since 1974 and Dairy Development schemes have been implemented in the rural areas so as to increase the milk production of the state. As a result of this, new milk plants and milk chilling centres have been established in those pockets where milk producers faced difficulties to sell their milk for want of remunerative price. At present nine milk plants in coop Sector, Five milk plants in the private sector and Forty seven milk chilling centres are in operation in the state of Punjab. The main thrust of this department is to create avenues of employment in order to provide employment opportunities, for rural educated youth. With a view to achieve this objective, the details of the development programmes being implemented by this department is as under:-

Dairy Development Scheme of Department

1.      Self Employment Scheme

A)    For Educated Unemployed Youth

The department has established Regional Dairy Training Centres of Bija (Ludhiana), Tarntaran (Amritsar) and Sardulgarh (Mansa) for imparting training to candidates who are interested in adopting dairying as a vocation. Two such centres are also being established at Phagwara (Kapurthala). The Candidates in between the age group of 18-50 years and having annual income less than Rs. 10000 P.A., after making selection through the District level Department Selection Committees are given 15 days training at the Regional Dairy Training Centres. Rs. 200/- given to the training centre to get the training for General Category and Rs. 150/- for S.C. Category. Free hostel facilities are available at all the Regional Dairy Training Centres.

The loan case amounting to Rs.  132000/- for 5 milch animal ( 5 milch – Rs. One Lacs for Five Milch Animals and Rs. 32000/- for Cattle Shad).

For 10 milch animal – 264000/-

(Rs. Two Lacs for 10 Milch Animals and Rs. 64000/- for Cattle Shad)

For 20 milch animal – 528000/-

The loan amount is repaid with in a period five years in equal monthly installments. Likewise, candidates having the arrangement of mortgaging 2 ¼ acres of irrigated land are assisted in purchasing 10 milch animals.

The beneficiary is bound to sell 50% of the total milk to the milk  plant established in organised sector.

Chapter 6

District Controller Food, Supply and Consumer Affairs

          Office of District Food & Supply Controller is situated at the 2nd floor of Mini Secretariat and  District Food & Supply Officer at tehsil level and at block level Assistant Food & Supply Officer are working, who do the work of distribution of the essential commodities with the working of Inspector .This department celebrates the Consumer protection week every year in the month of March and December.

            Main function of this department is to provide Food and other essential commodities from time to time at fair price and its proper distribution to the poor families who are living below poverty line (B.P.L.). Supply of Wheat, Rice, and Kerosene Oil and levy Sugar given. Government changes the list of the same as per existing circumstances. In Punjab State the   Tradition Public Distribution System (T.P.D.S.) came into existence with effect from 1.10.1997.Under this scheme the State Government provide 35 Kg of wheat to every family of the schedule caste at subscribed rate as per scale provided by the Government. Of India for every month to the whole family, who are the holder of Yellow Card. Food is given in the shape of wheat through Fair Price Shop/Depot..

To provide the essential commodities to the public of Faridkot District Government Fair Price Shops (Depot) are functional through which Sugar, Kerosene Oil and Wheat is distributed.

Information about getting 'Ration Card'

Licence Procedure:            In open Market to keep the control over the essential commodities the whole-sale license of P.T.A. for Sugar, Ghee, Dal etc are issued by the Food & Supply Department. In Faridkot there were total 1277 P.T.A. licence, but now the Government has abolished the P.T.A. control. To meet the requirement of the consumers for bricks there are 61 brick-kilns in the District.

Petrol/Diesel:           In District Faridkot there are 42 Petrol Pump  to meet the requirement of the consumer for Petrol/Diesel .To stop the adulteration in the petrol the officer of the department checks the Petrol Pumps time to time.

Domestic Gas:         In District Faridkot 6 Gas Agencies are working and in the District there are total l44123 Gas Card, in which 41261 are D.C.C. and 2862 S.B.C. Gas Card.

Kerosene Oil:          About 570 Kilolitre Kerosene oil is distributed among the consumer through Depot/licensee every month in the district.  For doing this work  there are 11 whole sale dealers and 38 Retail dealers, for purchase of Wheat/Paddy

                        For the purchase of Government. wheat/Paddy there are 52 Mandies in the district out of which purchase/receipt has been done through 51 Mandies  During the Kharif 2004-05 in the district total 339460 M.T Paddy was purchased and during the Rabi season 2004-05 total wheat purchase 339389 M.T. was done.

                        For the protection of consumer rights this department celebrates the Consumer week with the help of  Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum every year from 15   March to 21 March and from 24 December to 30 December at District/tehsil/block level, in which Seminars for consumer protection are held and literature is distributed showing their constitutional rights in it.

MARKFED

            MARKFED play pivotal role as a catalyst for integrated development & growth in the rural areas of Punjab. It helps in stabilising the market rates of farm produce, ensures supply of quality goods, help in generating employment and contributes substantially towards earning foreign exchange.

            MARKFED complex at District Head Quarter, Faridkot is situated on Kotkapura road, Opposite Dhillon Filling Station. It has three Branch Offices at Faridkot, Kotkapura and Jaito. The field work is controlled at Branch level by the respective Branch Officer. The storage of paddy and wheat is maintained by the Field Officers and sale of MARKFED products viz. Fertilizers, Pesticides and Insecticides and Cattle feed is looked after by the Salesman of MARKFED.

            The functioning of all the Branch Offices is controlled by District Office. The work of receipt and payment is controlled by the accounts branch. The Sr. Accounts Officer is the head of accounts branch. In the same way Technical Officer is the Incharge of Field work. The sale and supply of fertilizers, cattle feed and insecticides is done by the F.S.O. at District level.

            MARKFED being the Cooperative department, it owns the work to supply the fertilizer and insecticides to the doors of farmers. The rates of fertilizer are fixed by the state level committee headed by the Registrar Cooperative Societies, Punjab. The MARKFED being distribution agency controls the fluctuations in the rates of fertilizers in the Market.

            Inspite of this MARKFED has installed a modern rice mill having capacity of four tons at Jaitu. It has started shelling rice and is now functioning at full swing.

Punjab State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd.(PUNSUP), Faridkot