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Play Holi but with caution

IEP Chandigarh

Holi, the festival of colors, is considered incomplete without the sound of drums and the joy of colors. This year, the festival of Holi will be celebrated across the country on March 25th. People apply colorful gulal to each other to make this day special. However, in the past, people used to play Holi with natural colors made from flowers or other organic materials, but today, synthetic chemical colors are commonly used. These colors contain chemicals like lead oxide, chromium iodide, copper sulfate, zinc, and aluminum bromide, which can cause various health problems for individuals. Former Assistant Professor Dr. H.K Kharbanda explained on this occasion how playing Holi with chemical colors can cause significant harm to health and what are the ways to prevent it.

Eye-related issues:

Chemical colors, especially those containing silica and zinc, can cause damage to the eyes even with a small amount getting into them. These colors can cause irritation and burning sensation in the eyes, and they may even damage the corneas. If color gets into the eyes, do not rub them with hands or cloth; instead, rinse them with water immediately and consult an eye doctor nearby.

Gastrointestinal problems:

Playing Holi with chemical colors, if ingested in large quantities, can lead to gastrointestinal issues. This can cause problems like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and stomach infections.

Toxicity:

Chemical colors used in Holi contain dangerous chemicals like zinc, lead, chromium, and ammonia. If these colors accidentally enter the mouth or are absorbed through the skin during Holi play, it can increase toxicity in the body. This can lead to serious illnesses like cancer. Moreover, such colors can pose a risk to pregnant women and the developing fetus.

Respiratory issues:

Holi colors contain harmful chemicals like lead, silica, and zinc, which can damage the lungs. Additionally, these colors can contribute to respiratory diseases, leading to breathing difficulties and coughing.

Skin-related problems:

Playing Holi with chemical colors can cause issues like rashes, burning sensation, itching, and redness of the skin. Some people may also develop allergies to these colors, resulting in small bumps on the skin.

Precautions to take while playing Holi:

– Always use herbal colors for playing Holi.
– Wear protective eyewear to keep your eyes safe from colors.
– Apply oil to your body before playing Holi to protect your face and skin from chemical colors.
– If color accidentally enters the eyes or mouth, immediately wash with water or gargle.

These precautions can help prevent health issues associated with playing Holi with chemical colors.

Neuroanaesthesia Unit at PGIMER, Chandigarh Raises Awareness on Head Injury and Prevention with Walkathon Event

IEP Chandigarh

The Division of Neuroanaesthesia and Neurocritical care at PGIMER, Chandigarh organized a Walkathon on March 24, 2024, to raise awareness about Head Injury, its Prevention, and the importance of Primary Care. The event took place at Sukhna Lake and was attended by 70-80 doctors including Prof. Y Narayana, Head, Department of Anesthesia and Intensive care along with senior faculty members , who actively participated and advocated for the prevention of Head Injury throughout the walk.

The Walkathon was organized to commemorate Head Injury Awareness month and aimed to educate the general public about the early signs and symptoms of Head Injury, which should not be ignored. The event also highlighted the significance of immediate transfer to the hospital for vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, who experience a fall and hit their heads. The importance of wearing helmets for both drivers and pillion riders was emphasized during the event.

To engage the audience and further reinforce the importance of Head Injury prevention, resident doctors carried out a skit at the entrance of Sukhna Lake. The skit portrayed three common scenarios of children and the elderly falling and hitting their heads, demonstrating the need for immediate medical attention. The event was a success with approximately 100 attendees who enthusiastically supported the cause.

India is facing an increasing burden of Head Injuries, with road traffic accidents primarily affecting the younger population, especially males, during evening and night hours (approximately-66%). The statistics reveal that pedestrians (26%), two-wheeler riders (31%), pillions (12%), and bicyclists (8%) are most at risk. Major behavioral factors contributing to Head Injuries include not wearing helmets, driving under the influence of alcohol, over-speeding, and reckless overtaking. Head Injury is currently one of the leading causes of death and disability in India.

Prof Nidhi Panda, Head of the Division of Neuroanaesthesia and Neurocritical care, spoke about the event and emphasized the significance of Head Injury awareness. She said, “March 20th marks World Head Injury Awareness Day every year. The need of the hour is to raise awareness about Head Injury, its symptoms, and the importance of immediate assistance during the Golden Hour, which can save many lives. This Walkathon is an attempt in that direction, and I hope this message reaches the public at large.”

The Division of Neuroanaesthesia and Neurocritical care at PGIMER, Chandigarh remains committed to promoting awareness and educating the public about Head Injuries, their prevention, and the significance of timely medical care.

Pregnant women should take special precautions in Holi: Dr. Sujata Sanjay

IEP Dehradun

Pregnancy is an exciting time, in anticipation of new beginnings. With Holi round the corner on Friday, doctors recommend some basic care so as not to let pregnancy mar the festive spirit. For instance, did you know that some colours, despite being branded ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ can still be harmful? ‘Some colours termed natural are made from fruits and flowers, but their powder base could have harmful chemicals such as lead and mercury which can get absorbed and cause pregnancy complications like premature birth or even a miscarriage. These colours can also adversely affect the nervous and reproductive system of expecting women says Dr.Sujata Sanjay, gynaecologist at Sanjay Maternity Centre, Jakhan, told.

 “Younger babies less than six month of the age are strongly suggested to stay away from the colours. It’s best not to put any colours on babies, younger than six months because of their delicate skin. A red sandalwood tikka would be enough to ritualize and symbolically celebrate the festival.”Says Dr. Sujata

Dr. Sujata Sanjay advises to take some precautions, so that the health of pregnant women does not deteriorate and the enthusiasm of the festival remains in them. She told that if precautions are not taken, there may be problems like premature birth, loss of baby’s weight during birth and miscarriage. She suggests that pregnant women can play with herbal colours, which are made from fruits and flowers.

Holi, the festival of being immersed in colors, gathering, eating and drinking, and fun . Holi is celebrated everywhere. Everyone wants to get drenched in colours. But as much fun, jumping and hustle-bustle can be done by ordinary people on Holi, pregnant women have to be as careful. If a pregnant woman is a little negligent in the fun of Holi festival, then her skin will be damaged and her unborn child may also suffer. Along with colors, water is also used a lot in the festival of Holi, due to which there is a risk of you falling ill. Remember, playing Holi is a form of entertainment. But pregnant women should keep in mind that now it is not only you, there is also a little life with you, which has to be taken care of.

Dr. Sujata Sanjay clearly forbids the consumption of substances like alcohol. Although chemical-rich colors and adulterated sweets can be dangerous for anyone, pregnant women are advised to take special care; these things can prove to be harmful for both the pregnant woman and her unborn child.

If you are a new mom and get your baby breast-feeding, then you should also stay away from harmful chemicals with chemicals during Holi. This is because if these colors reach the baby’s body through your milk, then it can be fatal to the health of the newborn.

Clean yourself completely after playing Holi. People sometimes use things like kerosene, nail paint remover to clean the colors, but you do not need to do anything like this. You can also use gram flour to remove the colours, which is completely natural. If someone has put a wet or chemical dye on you, wash your face immediately with clean water. Use only herbal ingredients to remove the colours. If there is irritation, dryness and pimples on the colored skin, then get it checked by the doctor. Protect your eyes from color and gulal.

This year also corona virus is around us, so pregnant women have to take double care. It would be good that you play Holi at home this year and include only your family members in this festival. Avoid inviting as many outside guests as possible. To add more fun this Holi, you can make very good and delicious dishes and sweets at home.

The most important thing for you during pregnancy should be your safety and that of your baby and not playing Holi. Therefore, while playing Holi, follow all the safety rules carefully and do not take the slightest carelessness regarding the health of the child towards you. Otherwise it can be a very heavy Holi on you and your entire family. Do follow these tips.

Prime Minister gifts several development projects worth Rs. 9,770 crore to the people of Haryana

IEP Chandigarh

The Prime Minister of India, Sh. Narendra Modi has once again bestowed a significant gift of development projects worth Rs 9770 crore to the land of farmers, players, and brave hearts, Haryana. Today, he laid the foundation stone for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Majra Mustil Bhalaki village of Rewari district, which will be built at a cost of approximately Rs 1650 crore. This institution will prove to be a milestone in strengthening healthcare facilities in Haryana, providing high-quality modern healthcare services to the people of Haryana and other states.

In a  grand program held in Rewari district today, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Gurugram Metro project virtually, at a cost of Rs. 5450 crore. The Gurugram Metro line will connect the new Gurugram with the old Gurugram. The Haryana Governor, Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya, Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal, and other dignitaries  also attended the programme.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stones of doubling of Bhiwani-Dobh Bhali rail line with a cost of Rs 470 crore, Manheru-Bawani Khera rail line with a cost of Rs 410 crore, Rewari-Khatuwas rail line with a cost of Rs 350 crore, and the Khatuwas-Narnaul rail line with a cost of Rs 310 crore. Doubling these lines will enhance connectivity and make transportation of passengers and goods smoother.

Inauguration of Rohtak-Meham-Hansi New Railway Line

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Rohtak-Maham-Hansi new railway line constructed at a cost of Rs 890 crore and flagged off the first train service on this line. This railway line will provide direct rail connectivity from Hisar to Delhi. Additionally, it will boost industrial development in the region, leading to increased employment opportunities and socio-economic progress.

Inauguration of Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra, an Opportunity to Witness Events Related to Mahabharata in a Vivid Manner

The Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi also inaugurated the Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra built in Kurukshetra at a cost of Rs 240 crore. This Anubhav Kendra will showcase artistic, thematic, and multimedia exhibitions related to the story of Mahabharata. Equipped with interactive displays, LED walls, projection screens, immersive rooms, kinetic installations, etc., this museum is designed with innovative technologies. Through this kendra, pilgrims visiting the Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra will have the opportunity to vividly witness events related to Mahabharata. This will promote religious tourism and provide employment opportunities for the local people.

Union Minister of State for Statistics and Program Implementation, Rao Inderjit, Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Chautala, Cooperation Minister, Dr. Banwari Lal, Rajya Sabha MP, Sh. Biplab Deb, Lok Sabha MP and BJP State President, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, MP Sh. Dharambir Singh and other dignitaries also remained present on this occasion.

Prime Minister lays foundation stone for AIIMS Rewari to be built at a cost of about Rs 1,650 crores

IEP Chandigarh

Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi today urged the people of Haryana at the Veer Dhara of Rewari to extend their unstinted support to propel India to become the third largest economic superpower in the world in the coming years. Describing Haryana as a state of incredible possibilities, he stated that it is emerging as a preferred investment destination, and with increased investment, job opportunities will also rise. The double engine government is dedicated to transforming Haryana into a developed state, ensuring a bright future for today’s young generation. With expanding opportunities in every sector – from technology to textile and tourism to trade – youth are getting employment and self-employment opportunities.

Haryana Governor, Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya, Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, and other signatures also attended the programme.

Highlighting the significance of projects worth approximately Rs. 10,000 crore that were inaugurated and laid foundation for in the state, the Prime Minister called upon the people of Haryana to support the government’s endeavours.

Addressing the gathering, Sh. Narendra Modi reminisced about his first campaign rally in Rewari when he was declared the Prime Minister candidate by the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2013. At that time, Rewari had given him blessings for victory, which became a reality as he secured 272 seats. Now, he is back in Rewari once again seeking their blessings, aiming for the BJP government to cross the 400-seat mark. He urged the youth, particularly those preparing to vote for the first time, to continue to bless the “double-engine” government, symbolizing the synergy between the central and state administrations in driving development initiatives. Emphasizing the importance of seats in a democracy, he stated that the greatest asset for him is the blessings of the people. 

The respect India receives worldwide is not just Modi’s but every Indian’s respect, PM

Highlighting India’s remarkable progress on the global stage, the Prime Minister articulated his vision for India to ascend to the ranks of the world’s third-largest economic power in the next term. He said that the respect India receives worldwide is not just Modi’s but every Indian’s respect. He attributed India’s current elevated status to the unwavering support and blessings of its people, highlighting Haryana’s integral role in this trajectory of growth and prosperity.

Blessings of the people of Rewari are a huge asset for me, PM

Reflecting on past achievements, the Prime Minister recalled his previous campaign rally in Rewari and reiterated the importance of public support in realizing its goals. He stated that Rewari is the first witness to Modi’s Gaurantee. He credited the blessings of the people to India soaring to new heights in the world.

Congress people used to consider Lord Rama as fictional, who never wanted a temple of Lord Rama in Ayodhya, PM

The Prime Minister underscored key milestones such as the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the historic abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, affirming the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and advancing the nation’s interests. While commenting on the opposition, the Prime Minister said that Congress people used to consider Lord Rama as fictional, who never wanted a temple of Lord Rama in Ayodhya, and today they too have started chanting Jai Siya Ram.

Taking a dig at his opponents, the Prime Minister also critiqued the Opposition, particularly the Congress party, for its obstructive stance on critical issues such as Article 370. He said that he had assured the citizens that Article 370 would be removed from Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the efforts of the Congress, today Article 370 has been lost in the pages of history. People have taken another resolution, and the public sentiment is saying that the BJP has removed 370, and this time the party will be given a mandate of 370 seats.

PM recalled accomplishing the guarantee of ‘One Rank One Pension’ to ex-servicemen in Rewari

The Prime Minister recalled accomplishing the guarantee of ‘One Rank One Pension’ to ex-servicemen in Rewari and informed about providing about Rs 1 lakh crores so far, where many ex-servicemen from Haryana have reaped its benefits. Prime Minister informed that In Rewari beneficiaries of OROP have received more than Rs 600 crores so far. He also pointed out that the previous government had earmarked a budget of Rs 500 crores for OROP nationally which is less than the amount received by the families of the servicemen in Rewari alone.

AIIMS to be built at a cost of about Rs 1,650 crores

The Prime Minister assured that after laying the foundation stone of AIIMS at Rewari today, he will also inaugurate Rewari AIIMS. He said this will ensure better treatment and opportunity to become a doctor for the local citizens. Noting that Rewari AIIMS is the 22nd AIIMS, Prime MInister informed that 15 new AIIMS have been sanctioned in the last 10 years. More than 300 medical colleges established in the last 10 years, while only 380 medical colleges were established after independence till 2014. In Haryana too, work is going on to ensure at least one medical college in every district.

The more the Congress conspires, the stronger the public makes me, PM

The Prime Minister accused the Congress party of keeping more than half of the country’s population away from small needs for decades, prioritizing the interests of one family over the interests of the nation and its citizens, promoting the biggest scams, terrorism, and separatism, and weakening the army and soldiers. He said that more the Congress conspires against him the stronger the public makes him. He said that once again, Congress has opened all fronts against him, but the country’s public support and blessings are with him.

Sh. Narendra Modi said that the Congress still has the same team, the same leaders, and the same intentions, all of whom are devoted to one family, so their policies will also be the same, which include loot, corruption, and destruction. He said that the Congress believes that staying in power is their birthright. Since this poor son became the Prime Minister, they have been conspiring against him one after another.

The condition of the Congress in Haryana is also the same as Nationally, PM

The Prime Minister said that in the grip of one family’s influence, the condition of the Congress in Haryana is also the same. Today, Congress is going through the most pitiful phase of its history. Today, the old leaders of Congress are leaving them one by one, those who had once intended to join, are also running away from them. The situation is such that Congress does not even have its workers left. Wherever Congress is in power, their governments are not being managed. There are difficulties in paying salaries and pensions in Himachal Pradesh. Development work is not being done in Karnataka. On one hand, there is Congress misrule, and on the other hand, there is BJP’s good governance.

Prime Minister praised the functioning of Manohar government

The Prime Minister drew the comparison between the good and bad governance of the present and the past governments and highlighted the presence of double-engine government in Haryana for the past 10 years. He informed that the state stands at the top when it comes to abiding by policies formulated by the central government for the welfare of the poor. He touched upon Haryana’s growth in the agricultural sector and the state’s expansion of industries. He also highlighted the fast-paced development of South Haryana which lagged for decades, be it road, rail or metro services. The Prime Minister informed that the first phase of Delhi-Dausa-Lalsot section of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway has already been inaugurated, while adding that the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, the longest expressway in India, passes through Gurugram, Palwal and Nuh districts of Haryana.

Haryana is emerging as a good state for investment, and increasing investment means an increase in new job opportunities, PM

The Prime Minister said that hundreds of fortune companies from around the world are operating in Haryana, providing employment opportunities to the youth. Haryana is emerging as an excellent state for investment in India, leading to the creation of new job opportunities. The double-engine government is working to make Haryana a developed state. New opportunities are also emerging from technology to textiles and from tourism to trade. He said that the Prime Minister Vishwakarma Yojana is being implemented for traditional artisans, under which a sum of Rs. 13000 crore will be spent. This scheme will change the lives of these artisans.

The Prime Minister said that Modi’s guarantee is with those who have nothing to offer as a guarantee. We have made the lives of the people prosperous by implementing various schemes like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Swanidhi, Mudra Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission. In addition to this, in the last 10 years, 10 crore women have been connected to self-help groups across the country, including lakhs of women from Haryana. He said that the target in this year’s budget is to make 3 crore women Lakhpati Didi, while so far, 1 crore women have already become Lakhpati Didi.

Whatever expectations the centre has from Haryana, we will fulfill them, assures CM

Earlier, the Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal welcomed Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi on behalf of the people of Haryana. He said that today is a historic day when the foundation stone of the country’s 22nd AIIMS has been laid here. He said that in 2013, when the Prime Minister was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, at that time, the people of the country  saw him to be the next Prime Minister, and his journey as Prime Minister began from the land of Rewari on September 15, 2013.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the people here had been demanding for years that a centre like AIIMS be opened, and today its foundation stone has been laid. The campaign to open medical colleges in every district of the state, which has been launched by the Haryana government, also holds great importance in health services. This AIIMS will not only benefit the people of southern Haryana but also the people of Rajasthan. He also expressed gratitude to the people of Majra village, who have donated their panchayat land for this AIIMS. Private land has also been purchased for this.

Sh. Manohar Lal also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for laying the foundation stone of the Gurugram Metro project, which costs around Rs. 5500 crore. This metro service will benefit people from all over the country and abroad. He said that Millennium City Gurugram plays a very important role in the progress of the country and the state.

The Chief Minister said that Haryana’s first airport is being built in Hisar district. Domestic and international flights will start there very soon. Similarly, to strengthen the railway network, the Prime Minister has also inaugurated the Rohtak-Hansi railway line from Rohtak today. He said that today’s day is also important from a cultural point of view. The Prime Minister has inaugurated the Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that Haryana has made a significant contribution to the progress of the country. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, Haryana is progressing in leaps and bounds. He assured that whatever expectations the centre has from Haryana, we will fulfill them.

The work done under the leadership of the Prime Minister in the last 10 years is not just remarkable but also unparalleled, Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit

The Union Minister of State for Statistics and Program Implementation, Rao Inderjit said that in 2014, there were only 7 AIIMS in the country, while today the Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone of the country’s 22nd AIIMS. In 2014, only 23 kilometers of metro was established in a year, which is now increasing to 63 kilometers per year. The inauguration of the 27-kilometer metro line from Huda City Center to Cyber City has also been done in Gurugram. He said that the work done under the leadership of the Prime Minister in the last 10 years is not just remarkable but also unparalleled.

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Chautala, Cooperation Minister, Dr. Banwari Lal, Rajya Sabha MP, Sh. Biplab Deb, Lok Sabha MP and BJP State President, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, MP Sh. Dharambir Singh and other dignitaries also remained present on this occasion.

Rajeev Verma assumes charge as Advisor to the Administrator

IEP Chandigarh

In a ceremonial event today, the Chandigarh Police extended a Guard of Honour to the newly appointed Advisor to the Administrator, Sh. Rajeev Verma, as he joined  his duties at the Chandigarh Secretariat, Sector 9, Chandigarh. The new Advisor received a warm welcome from officials of UT Chandigarh Administration, including Sh. Nitin Kumar Yadav, Home Secretary, Praveer Ranjan DGP and other senior officials.

Sh. Rajeev Verma, IAS with his extensive experience and dedication to public service, brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role as Advisor to the Administrator. His appointment signifies a pivotal moment for the administration, as his leadership is expected to drive significant development and welfare initiatives across the union territory.

During the briefing session with the Secrataries and Head of Departments today, Sh. Rajeev Verma emphasized on  aligning the Chandigarh Administration with Prime Minister’s Vision 2047, aiming to position Chandigarh as the smartest city in every aspect. He set ambitious goals, envisioning Chandigarh as the first Union Territory to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and secure the top rank for cleanliness nationwide. Sh. Verma also  stressed  upon the importance of a corruption-free administration, particularly in public-dealing  departments. He said that there is a need to 

implement an effective anti-bribery management system which supports a working culture based on transparency and integrity.

Under Sh. Rajeev Verma’s guidance, the Chandigarh Administration is poised to embark on a transformative journey towards becoming the cleanest city and achieving top-tier status in sustainable development, setting a precedent for other UTs and states to follow.

Completion of various canal water supply projects will significantly enhance the state’s water supply network: Balkar Singh

IEP Chandigarh

          Reviewing the ongoing canal water supply projects, Minister Balkar Singh emphasized the commitment of the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to improving civic amenities for residents. He said that with completion of ongoing canal water supply projects in cities, there will be a major improvement in the State’s water supply network.

          During the review at Municipal Bhawan Chandigarh today, the Minister directed the India Heads and Project Managers of L&T Company to expedite the completion of these projects.

          In the presence of senior department officers, the Cabinet Minister highlighted the ongoing project to provide canal water supply to Amritsar and Jalandhar residents, along with the initiative for 24×7 canal water supply in Patiala.

          The Minister urged L&T Company to implement innovative ideas in urban areas to minimize disruption to city dwellers.

          Principal Secretary of the Local Government Department Ajoy Sharma, PMIDC CEO Deepti Uppal, and Director of the Local Government Department Uma Shankar Gupta, along with other officials, were present on this occasion.

VB nabs MC employee for taking Rs 6,000 bribe

IEP Chandigarh February 7

          Aiming to curb the menace of corruption in the state, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Wednesday nabbed Harish Kumar, a part time employee of the Municipal Corporation (MC) Ludhiana red handed  while he was accepting second instalment of bribe of Rs 6,000.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above mentioned accused has been apprehended on the complaint of Jagdish Singh, a resident of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Ludhiana.

          He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and stated that he had to procure Tax Superintendent Register Number 1 (TS-1) certificate from MC Ludhiana for getting transfer an ancestral house in his name. He met an employee Harish Kumar who introduced himself as a clerk in House Tax branch of the corporation and he demanded bribe money of Rs 10,000 from him for getting issued TS-1 of his house from the concerned junior engineer. The complainant further alleged that the accused employee has took Rs 4000 from him on the spot and told to give the balance money Rs 6000 at the time of handing over TS-1 to him. The complainant informed that the accused employee was demanding the remaining amount through GooglePay but he didn’t know how to use the same and asked him to take the cash. He recorded the entire conversation in his mobile and handed over the VB as evidence so that the accused could be get trapped.

          The spokesperson informed that after preliminary investigation of this complaint a VB team from Ludhiana range laid a trap and the above mentioned accused apprehended while he was accepting bribe of Rs 6,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under section 7, 7A of Prevention of Corruption Act and 420 of IPC has been registered against the said accused at VB police station Ludhiana. He would be produced in the competent court tomorrow. Further investigation into this case was under progress and role of other officials would also be probed, he said.

VB Arrests Market Committee Employee for Taking Rs 30,000 Bribe

IEP Chandigarh

          The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state on Wednesday nabbed Hari Ram, Auction Recorder of Market Committee Ludhiana, red handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above mentioned official has been arrested on the complaint of Sonu, a resident of Ashok Nagar, Salem Tabri, Ludhiana who is secretary of Gill Cooperative Labour and Construction Society Ludhiana.

          He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and informed that their above said society used to take the cleaning contract of Mandis, Fish Markets etc falling within Ludhiana city. The cleaning contract of Kara-Bara Chowk, Bahadurke Road, near Sabji Mandi Ludhiana has been allotted to the said Society by Market Committee Ludhiana for the period from 01-04-2023 to 31-03-2024.

          He further alleged that the market committee employee Hari Ram has been demanding a bribe of Rs. 30,000 every month in lieu of getting the monthly bills of Society passed from Secretary Market Committee. He managed to record the conversation with the said accused employee while he was demanding the bribe and handed over to the VB as an evidence.

          The spokesperson added that after preliminary investigation of this complaint a VB team from Ludhiana range laid a trap in which the above said accused was arrested while accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the said accused at VB police station Ludhiana range and the accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow. Further investigation into this case was under progress and role of other officials would also be probed, he said.

ENSURE OPTIMUM UTILIZATION OF MULTI SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTRES TO OPEN NEW JOB AVENUES FOR YOUTH, AMAN ARORA TO EMPLOYMENT GENERATION DEPT OFFICIALS

IEP Chandigarh

          With an aim at open new job avenues for the youth of the state by honing their skills, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora, on Wednesday, directed the department officials to ensure optimum utilization of the Multi Skill Development Centres (MSDCs).

          Chairing a high-level meeting here at Punjab Bhawan, he also took inputs from representatives of Sector Skill Councils, Training Partners, Industry Associations and officials of the state departments concerned to bring out the best from these centres.

          Stressing on the need to ensure optimum utilization of all the five MSDCs situated in Bathinda, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur, Mr. Aman Arora said that courses must run in the MSDCs according to requirements of the Industry. Apart from this, there are three Health Skill Development Centres and 198 Rural Skill Centres in the state. He also asked the officials to focus on bridging the gap between industrial requirements and skilled manpower.

          He further informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is all set to introduce state’s own Skill Training Scheme to further enhance youth employability, besides, equipping college, ITI and polytechnic students with the life & soft skills. 

          Principal Secretary Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Ms Jaspreet Talwar, Director Ms Amrit Singh, Deputy Commissioner Bathinda Jaspreet Singh, officials from the departments of Industry, Technical Education, Medical Education, Higher Education, School Education and representatives of Leather Sector Skill Council, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council, Electronics Sector Skills Council of India, Water Management & Plumbing Skill Council, Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC), Rubber, Chemical & Petrochemical Skill Development Council, Capital Goods & Strategic Skill Council, BFSI Sector Skill Council of India, IT-ITeS Sector Skills Council, Jalandhar Focal Point Extension industrial association, Sports Goods Manufacturers & exporters association, Khel Bharti and Jalandhar MSME association also attended the meeting.