Chandigarh, November 9, 2026: Bringing a major relief to construction workers in Chandigarh, senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon said that the file for the long-pending Workers’ Bhawan or ‘Mazdoor Bhawan’ is being cleared and is expected to receive the final approval and signatures soon. The foundation stone of the proposed building will be laid before the next  Vishwakarma  Day celebration in the presence of the Governor, he said.

Tandon made the announcement at the programme which was attended by representatives of various community and regional organisations, BJP functionaries and construction workers including members associated with the Purvanchal, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan wings. Ram Lal, who initiated this programme was also present. Addressing the gathering organised by the Construction Workers’ Union on the occasion of  Vishwakarma Day, Tandon said the demand for a dedicated Mazdoor (Workers’) Bhawan had been consistently raised by union representatives for nearly two decades. 

Making the announcement, Tandon said, “The proposed building will provide much-needed facilities to construction workers and their families including accommodation for those visiting Chandigarh from distant places, space for family functions and weddings.”

Contrasting the BJP’s initiatives with the Congress’s electoral promises, made by MP Manish Tewari in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls, Tandon said that the sitting Congress MP had failed to fulfill his assurance of providing a monthly allowance of Rs 8,500 to women. On the other hand referring to BJP’s Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, he said more than 90 per cent of eligible senior citizens aged 70 years and above in Chandigarh had received their Ayushman cards, enabling them to avail themselves of health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually.

Highlighting the achievements of PM Narendra Modi-led government, Tandon said India had made significant strides in infrastructure, science, space exploration, defence and economic development. 

With the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections approaching , Tandon appealed to people to support those who stood by them and worked for the welfare of the poor and weaker sections of society. Tandon called upon people to vote for BJP in the upcoming MC elections as the party believed in fulfilling promises. 

Tandon highlighted several decisions concerning residents of rehabilitation colonies under the Chandigarh Housing Board. He said the decision to grant ownership rights to beneficiaries of the rehabilitation scheme was a significant step towards providing them security and stability.

He further stated that the monthly rent paid by certain beneficiaries had been reduced from Rs 3,000 to Rs 800. In another relief measure, residents with outstanding lease payments would be required to clear the principal amount, while interest accumulated over the past 15 years would be waived, he said.

Tandon added that the BJP had also taken a decision regarding the conversion of properties from leasehold to freehold and that an announcement in this regard was expected within a week.

Referring to Chhath Puja and Durga Puja, he said festivals were no longer confined to particular regions but had become a shared expression of India’s cultural unity.

Panipat. Bharatiya Janata Party State President Dr. Archana Gupta celebrated the auspicious festival of Diwali with a spirit of service, traditional values, dedication and social responsibility. She visited religious and social institutions, offered prayers and shared festive joy with orphaned children, elderly citizens and underprivileged people. On the occasion, she prayed for the happiness, prosperity, good health and well-being of the people of Haryana.

On Diwali, BJP State President Dr. Archana Gupta first visited the ancient Devi Temple in Panipat, where she offered prayers and sought the blessings of Goddess Bhagwati. She prayed for lasting peace, prosperity, positivity and happiness in the lives of the people of Haryana.

Thereafter, she visited the orphanage and old age home operated under Jan Sewa Sansthan, Rohtak. She spent time with the children and elderly residents, enquired about their well-being, distributed sweets and extended her heartfelt Diwali greetings. Speaking on the occasion, she said that the true joy of festivals can only be realised when every section of society participates in the celebrations and no individual feels lonely or neglected.

As part of her Diwali engagements, BJP State President Dr. Archana Gupta also paid a cordial visit to senior BJP leader and Democracy Fighter Dr. Manohar Lal Suneja at his residence in Eldeco. She honoured him by presenting a shawl, conveyed her Diwali greetings and sought his blessings. She also wished him good health and a long life.

Subsequently, BJP State President Dr. Archana Gupta visited the Child Labour Rehabilitation Centre in Shiv Nagar, where she celebrated Diwali with the children. She distributed sweets and fruits among them and extended her best wishes for their bright and successful future.

Addressing the gathering, BJP State President Dr. Archana Gupta said that Diwali is not merely a festival of lighting lamps and celebrations, but a great occasion that conveys the values of love, compassion, service, sensitivity and social harmony.

She emphasised that bringing happiness into the lives of underprivileged and needy people, senior citizens and children reflects the true essence of Diwali. “Our collective endeavour should be to ensure that the light of happiness reaches the last person in society and that every home and courtyard is illuminated with the light of prosperity and joy,” she said.

BJP District General Secretary Sunil Kansal, Mandal President Sachin Singal, Child Welfare Committee member Meena Sharma, Kiran Malik, Somdatt and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, November 9

In a gesture reflecting the spirit of gratitude, compassion and community service, alumni of the Golden and Silver Jubilee batches of St. John’s High School felicitated the school’s 41 Class IV support staff members on the occasion of Diwali. The initiative which was organised at the School Auditorium  was facilitated by the St. John’s Old Boys Association (SJOBA).

Speaking on the occasion, Nikhil Jaspal, President, SJOBA, said, “Diwali is most meaningful when its happiness is shared with everyone around us, particularly those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. The 41 members of our support staff are an indispensable part of the St. John’s family, and their dedication and contribution deserve our gratitude and recognition. Through this initiative, our Golden and Silver Jubilee batches wanted to make them feel valued and included in the festive celebrations. This spirit of compassion, service and solidarity is also deeply rooted in the values and ethos that St. John’s has instilled in generations of Johnians.”

As part of the initiative, each of the 41 support staff members was presented with cash assistance, essential ration supplies and traditional Diwali sweets as tokens of appreciation for their dedicated service to the institution. The gesture was aimed at sharing the joy of the festival with those whose contribution remains integral to the school’s day-to-day functioning and upkeep.

Representatives of the Golden and Silver Jubilee batches came together on the school campus to express their appreciation and reconnect with the staff members who have played an important role in nurturing and maintaining the school community over the years.

Adding to the celebrations, the Silver Jubilee batch hosted a special festive lunch for the support staff. The gathering provided an opportunity for alumni and staff members to interact, exchange memories and celebrate Diwali together as one extended Johnian family.

The initiative reflected the alumni’s commitment to upholding the values of gratitude, fellowship and service, making the festival a memorable occasion for the school’s support staff.

CHANDIGARH, 7th November 2026:

Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal presented the state’s crucial mining issues and policy demands during the high-level Conference of Mining Ministers on Reforms in Mines and Coal Sector held in Goa on November 5-6, 2026. The national conference, chaired by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, witnessed Punjab highlighting its remarkable advancements in mining governance while seeking equitable central support for states primarily dependent on minor minerals.

The Union Minister assured complete cooperation in resolving Punjab’s concerns and agreed to examine the state’s representation regarding the SASCI framework.

During this, Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said, “Punjab has secured the first position among Category-C States under the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) in FY 2025-26, earning a financial incentive of ₹200 crore for its exemplary mining reforms. However, the revised criteria under SASCI 2026-27 predominantly prioritise major mineral mine auctions and their operationalisation.”

The Mines and Geology Minister stated, “Punjab is primarily a minor mineral state, with sand, gravel and earth forming the backbone of its mining sector to meet civil construction requirements. Since the state currently has no operational major mineral sites, geological limitations should not deprive a willing and reform-oriented state of financial assistance.”

He pointed out, “Punjab has consistently demonstrated its commitment to mining reforms and transparent governance. I have urged the Union Ministry of Mines to restore equal weightage for minor mineral reforms under SASCI 2026-27 or establish alternative eligibility criteria so that states like Punjab receive equitable reform-linked financial support.”

Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said, “Punjab has significant potential to contribute towards national mineral security. We have presented a comprehensive roadmap for potash exploration currently underway in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib, alongside hydrocarbon exploration facilitated under Mission Anveshan.”

ThePunjab Mines Minister stated, “I have requested early sanctions from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) for potash exploration blocks, including those planned for 2027-28 at Patrewala, Khippanwali, Khuranj and Badian. We have also sought the upgradation of geological exploration from G-3 to G-1 in Rajpura, Gidranwali and Shergarh so that these resources become bankable and attractive for prospective investors.”

“Punjab’s 46 sq km Shergarh block has failed to attract bidders in recent auctions. I have urged the Union Ministry to encourage companies exploring the contiguous Nagaur-Ganganagar basin of Rajasthan to also participate in bidding for this block, which can unlock significant exploration potential for the state,” he added.

Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said, “To ensure smooth execution of exploration activities, Punjab has already established a State Level Coordination Committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary and a Joint Working Group to resolve land clearance issues and ensure zero operational delays for survey teams.”

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy appreciated Punjab’s progressive strides in the mining sector and assured complete cooperation in resolving all state-specific concerns. He also assured that the Ministry of Mines would actively examine Punjab’s representation regarding the SASCI framework and extend full support to expedite geological exploration and block auctions.

*Punjab’s Annual Mining Revenue Surges Nearly Sevenfold Through Technology-Driven Reforms*

Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal noted, “Punjab has emerged as a model state in digital governance and environmental stewardship in the mining sector. Through systematic integration of technology and transparent governance mechanisms, the state’s annual mining revenue has surged nearly sevenfold, from ₹123.5 crore in FY 2017-18 to ₹799 crore in FY 2025-26.”

“Under an MoU signed in March 2025, a Centre of Excellence has been established at IIT Ropar to strengthen scientific mining management. The department is undertaking DGPS, drone mapping and bathymetric surveys for river replenishment studies through this initiative. These exercises have identified 268 potential mining sites, while 13 District Survey Reports have been prepared and approved by SEIAA,” he informed.

The Minister pointed out, “The Punjab Mining Management System (PMMS) portal has established comprehensive traceability across the mining ecosystem. It integrates 447 verified crushers with smart power meters and platforms such as VAHAN, FASTag, Treasury and Pollution Control Board networks, ensuring stronger transparency and regulatory oversight.”

“Streamlined environmental clearance monitoring has reduced processing time from over a year to less than six months. As a result, the number of environmental clearances granted has increased from 15 in FY 2025-26 to 47 in FY 2026-27 so far,” he added.

The Punjab Mines Minister affirmed, “Punjab is fully prepared with the necessary institutional mechanisms and digital infrastructure to translate its exploration potential into concrete economic investment. Our objective is to ensure that scientific exploration, transparent regulation and investor-friendly policies work together to strengthen the state’s mining sector.”

*Mining Minister Holds Meeting With Senior Officials Of Union Ministry Of Mines*

On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal also held a meeting with senior officials of the Union Ministry of Mines to discuss various issues concerning Punjab’s mining sector. The meeting was attended by Dr. Veena Kumari Dermal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines; Dinesh Ganvir, Director General of Mines; and Yogendra Singh Bhamboo, Director (Technical), Ministry of Mines.

Various state-specific matters concerning the mining sector were discussed in detail during the meeting. A follow-up meeting on the issues deliberated upon will be scheduled shortly in Chandigarh to ensure that the discussions translate into concrete action.

         Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal also highlighted Punjab’s contribution of nearly 48% wheat and 21% rice to the Central Pool. He also informed that, after nearly four decades of declining groundwater levels, Punjab witnessed a remarkable rise of 1 to 1.5 metres this year, which was widely appreciated by the dignitaries attending the conference.

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 7, 2026:

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sardar Kultar Singh Sandhwan today extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of Punjab and Punjabis residing across the globe on the auspicious festival of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.

In his message, Speaker Sandhwan stated that these historic festivals symbolise the ultimate victory of light over darkness and good over evil. He said that Diwali brings peace, happiness, and prosperity into the lives of the people, and he prayed to the almighty that these festivals may fulfil the aspirations of all citizens.

Emphasising the core values of righteousness and solidarity, Sardar Sandhwan exhorted the public to follow the noble path and ideals shown by Lord Ram. He further stressed that society must always remain united to protect the welfare of humanity.

The Speaker appealed to the public to celebrate these joyous occasions together, reinforcing the rich cultural heritage, mutual harmony, and peace across the state and country.

CHANDIGARH, 7th November 2026:

In another major employee-friendly initiative, the Bhagwant Mann Government has given a Diwali bonanza to its employees by approving a historic 40% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for 6,507 Computer Teachers (PICTES) and regularising the services of 1,007 non-teaching employees working under Samagra Shiksha.

On this, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, the Punjab Government has announced a major benefit for its employees. The government has approved a historic 40% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for 6,507 Computer Teachers (PICTES), taking it from 181% to 221%.”

The Chief Minister stated, “The state government has also regularised the services of 1,007 non-teaching employees working under Samagra Shiksha. This decision will provide greater stability and security to these employees.”

He pointed out, “The state government has now also decided to extend salary-related benefits to these employees. The government is fully committed to the welfare of its employees and ensuring their secure future.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “No stone is being left unturned by the state government to ensure the welfare and well-being of its employees. We are committed to providing them with a secure future and ensuring that they receive the benefits they deserve.”

Extending his heartiest greetings to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, the Chief Minister said, “May this festival of lights bring happiness, progress and prosperity to every household across Punjab.”

Chandigarh, November 7:

In a major step toward making justice truly inclusive, the Punjab State

Legal Services Authority (PULSA), under the visionary guidance of Hon’ble Mr.

Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Chief Justice, High Court of Punjab and Haryana

and leadership of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Deepak Sibal, Judge, Punjab & Haryana

High Court and Executive Chairman, Punjab State Legal Services Authority,

successfully organised a specialized 40-Hours Mediation Training Programme for

sign language interpreters. The pioneering course was conducted from 02

November to 06 November, 2026. The initiative bridges critical communication

gaps in the legal system by integrating certified Indian Sign Language (ISL)

interpreters and specialized communication protocols into the mainstream

mediation framework.

Giving information in this regard Arun Kumar Aggarwal,

 Member Secretary said that the online training was imparted by the Senior Trainers of Mediation and

Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC), Supreme Court of India namely Sh.

Swarn Sandhir and Ms. Monika Jalota to the Sign Language interpreters

belonging to 12 districts across Punjab. It ensures that specially abled persons

have equal, unhindered access to alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

mechanisms.

Moving forward PULSA plans to institutionalise the presence of certified

sign language interpreters across all District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in

Punjab during mediation proceedings and other modes of alternative disputes

resolution mechanisms.

Chandigarh Counting farm fires tells only part of the story of stubble burning. Satellites miss fires that are not active when they pass over an area, and the number of fires detected does not show how much agricultural land has actually burned. To bridge these gaps, the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST) has launched Fire Watch, a multi-satellite dashboard designed to offer a more complete picture of crop residue burning.

Fire Watch tracks three key measures: the number and location of active fires, the time of day when burning is most intense, and the area affected over the burning season. It currently covers Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, with more states planned for the next phase.

“Current monitoring relies on fire counts from polar-orbiting satellites, which give an incomplete picture of stubble burning,” said Dr Chandra Bhushan, CEO of iFOREST. “To design effective interventions, we need to know not only how many fires are detected, but also where and when burning takes place and how much land is affected. Fire Watch brings these data together to make better information available to policymakers and the public.”

How Fire Watch works

Different satellites reveal different parts of the problem.

Polar-orbiting satellites, including MODIS and VIIRS, identify active fires and show their distribution down to the district level. But because they pass over a location only at certain times, they miss many fires.

Geostationary satellites Meteosat 8 and Meteosat 9 carrying the SEVIRI sensor provide observations approximately every 15 minutes, helping identify the hours when burning peaks.

High-resolution Sentinel-2 imagery is then used to compare land conditions before and after the burning season and estimate the total agricultural area burnt. Together, these sources give a fuller picture than fire counts alone.

The Fire Watch dashboard presents this information through interactive maps, charts and filters, making the data accessible to researchers, policymakers and the public. The dashboard will also publish weekly bulletin on stubble burning. The aim is to support better-informed decisions and more targeted action to reduce crop residue burning and its impacts on air pollution and soil health.

Fire Watch was unveiled at a webinar on air quality, agricultural policy and solutions to stubble burning. Participants included Dr Chandra Bhushan; Shri Umendra Dutt, Executive Director, Kheti Virasat; Prof. Sagnik Dey, Head of the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, IIT Delhi; Nidhi Jamwal, Founding Editor of ON AIR, HEAL and JUGNOO; Mohammad Rafiuddin, Program Lead, CEEW; and Prof. Prabhjyot Sindhu, Assistant Professor, Punjab Agriculture University.

Chandigarh, November 5, 2026: The Department of Forests & Wildlife, UT Chandigarh, organised a workshop at the Botanical Garden, Sarangpur, to address human–monkey conflict and monkey-related problems in the city. The workshop brought together wildlife experts, government departments, academic institutions and other stakeholders to explore scientific, humane and long-term solutions, with emphasis on prevention, public safety and coexistence.

Senior forest officials, including Shri Anup Kumar Soni, IFS, Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, and Shri Satyendra Maurya, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Chandigarh, led the deliberations. The Department stressed that urban monkey management requires a shift from reactive rescue operations to proactive, science-based management of habitats and the wider landscape. It highlighted ongoing measures to improve connectivity between tree canopies and increase the availability of natural fruits within reserved forest pockets, while calling for coordinated action across all line departments.

Subject expert Dr. Sandeep Sharma delivered a technical session on monkey behaviour, ecological adaptations and scientific management measures. Drawing upon his field experience, he discussed sterilisation, feeding behaviour, waste management, safe handling techniques, specialised equipment, monkey cages and operational preparedness. He emphasised the need to understand and address the factors that repeatedly attract monkeys to human settlements.

During the interactive discussions, participants raised recurring monkey-related concerns in Sectors 22 and 27, PGI, Panjab University and the Sector 26 market area. The deliberations underscored the need for targeted interventions at identified hotspots, improved solid waste management, discouraging intentional feeding of monkeys and effective complaint handling.

A key takeaway was that capture, relocation or sterilisation alone cannot provide lasting relief unless the underlying causes of human–monkey conflict are also addressed. Scientific population management, wherever appropriate, must be supported by preventive measures, institutional preparedness and responsible public behaviour.

The workshop reaffirmed that safeguarding citizens and conserving wildlife are complementary responsibilities. It was emphasised that the effectiveness of management measures should be assessed through fewer recurring conflicts, improved public safety and humane treatment of animals, rather than merely by the number of monkeys captured.

Representatives of the Municipal Corporation, Resident Welfare Associations, NGOs, various line departments and academic institutions attended the workshop, along with Eco-Club members and other stakeholders. The programme provided a platform to share experiences and strengthen collective efforts towards sustainable management of human-monkey conflict in Chandigarh.

Chandigarh: In view of the possibility of eye injuries and other emergencies during the Diwali festivities, the Department of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has put in place special emergency arrangements from November 8 to 10, 2026, to ensure timely and appropriate medical attention to patients.

A dedicated emergency roster has been prepared to manage all eye emergencies during this period. Residents have been instructed to strictly adhere to the duty roster, ensure their physical presence at the Advanced Eye Centre and manage all cases in consultation with the consultant on call.

Special emphasis has been laid on the systematic documentation of all Diwali-related emergency cases, including patient details, nature of injury and treatment provided, to ensure proper monitoring and continuity of care. Teams attending to non-Diwali-related peripheral emergency calls will also ensure continued management of patients until discharge or transfer to the appropriate clinic, wherever required.

**Prof. Usha Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Ophthalmology, PGIMER**, said, “Festivals should be a time of joy and celebration, and not of avoidable injuries. Eye injuries, particularly those caused by firecrackers, can sometimes have serious and lasting consequences. We have made dedicated arrangements to ensure that every patient reporting with an eye emergency receives prompt medical attention and appropriate specialist care. I would strongly appeal to everyone to celebrate responsibly, avoid hazardous firecrackers and take adequate precautions to protect their eyes.”

The department has advised the public to exercise particular caution while handling firecrackers, maintain a safe distance and avoid allowing children to handle fireworks independently. In case of an eye injury, immediate medical attention should be sought. Patients should avoid rubbing or pressing the injured eye or attempting home remedies.

**For all eye emergencies, the following contact facilities will remain available:**

– Mobile No.: 9814014464

– Advanced Eye Centre Emergency: 6117

PGIMER reiterates its commitment to ensuring accessible, timely and quality emergency healthcare services during the festive period.