Chandigarh, August 20:

In yet another move towards the welfare of labourers, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has approved a 10 percent increase in Mandi labour rates. This decision was taken during a Board of Directors meeting chaired by S. Harchand Singh Barsat, Chairman Punjab Mandi Board.

Notably, the Mandi labour rate has been hiked from Rs 17.50 to Rs 19.26 per 37.5 kg bag of paddy, marking an increase of Rs 1.76 per bag.

 S. Harchand Singh Barsat said that the 10% hike in Mandi labour rates is a response to Labour Unions’ demands, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to labour welfare under CM Mann’s leadership. The revised rates will provide much-needed relief to labourers and their families, promoting fair labour practices and improving lives of those crucial to the agricultural supply chain.

 During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held regarding initiatives being taken to increase the income of Punjab Mandi Board. Chairman Punjab Mandi Board stated that special plans have been formulated to boost the Board’s income and work is being carried out with great enthusiasm. Vacant plots in state grain markets are being auctioned through e-auction and ATMs and Unipols are being installed in various markets.

He informed that Punjab Mandi Board has been making special efforts to provide better facilities to farmers, commission agents, labourers and the general public. Development works are underway in various markets, and robust arrangements are being made for facilities during the Kharif procurement season, keeping everyone’s needs in mind.

Among others, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Ramvir, Chairman Punjab Farmers Commission Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Special Secretary Agriculture Ms. Baldeep Kaur and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh August 20, 2025 –

 The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state has arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Om Prakash, posted at police station Sohana, district Mohali for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 1. 55 lakh.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above mentioned police personnel has been arrested following an investigation of an online complaint lodged by the complainant at the Chief Minister Anti Corruption Action Line.

He further informed that as per the complaint, a police case was registered against Gurjit Singh and his wife at Sohana police station, district Mohali. The accused ASI Om Prakash, who was involved with the said case had demanded a bribe of Rs 2.50 lakh for cancellation of case registered against the complainant and his wife. Subsequently, the accused police official had accepted Rs 1.55 lakh as a bribe for this motive from the complainant.

He added that following a thorough verification, the allegations levelled in the complaint was found to be substantiated. The VB has registered a case under Prevention of Corruption Act at VB Police Station, SAS Nagar, Punjab, at Mohali against the accused ASI Om Prakash.

A spokesperson of the VB reiterated the Punjab government’s unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. This arrest demonstrates the Bureau’s resolve to take stringent action against any public servant involved in corrupt practices, irrespective of their rank or position.

Chandigarh, August 20:

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian unveiled a Photo Exhibition “Punjab in Frames” at Kala Sangam, Punjab Arts Council in Sector-16, Chandigarh. The exhibition, a labor of love by Mr. Harpreet Sandhu, State Information Commissioner, Punjab, showcases his captivating photographs and dedicated his passionate pictorial work to World Photography Day-2025.

While previewing the rare visuals, Punjab Agriculture Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the ‘Punjab in Frames’ exhibition is a unique endeavour that showcases the state’s vibrant natural beauty, rich heritage and cultural legacy through visually engaging storytelling. He said that Mr. Sandhu’s photographs beautifully capture the essence of Punjab, from its lush green fields to ancient monuments, sacred shrines and rural traditions. This noble gesture aims to instill appreciation, awareness and pride in society, especially among the younger generation, about Punjab’s glorious heritage and natural beauty. Thoughtfully curated, the exhibition offers an immersive experience, transporting visitors through the heart of Punjab, as seen through Mr. Sandhu’s lens, he added.

Meanwhile, the Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab Mr. Inderpal Singh Dhanna appreciated the remarkable initiative of Mr. Harpreet Sandhu, while applauding his sincere commitment to promoting Punjab’s cultural, natural and spiritual identity through the powerful medium of photography.

Punjab Arts Council Chairman Mr. Swaranjit Savi also lauded Mr. Harpreet Sandhu’s commendable service to society, while stating that his artistic capture and preservation of Punjab’s essence in frames reflects a deep sense of responsibility towards the state’s heritage, environment and culture. He further noted that the exhibition would provide the youth with a chance to reconnect with their roots.

The photo exhibition drew an overwhelming response, with prominent academicians, art enthusiasts and distinguished personalities visiting the event and applauding Mr. Harpreet Sandhu’s concept and artistic efforts. The exhibition will remain open to the public until August 21 evening at the Punjab Arts Council in Chandigarh, welcoming students, researchers and art enthusiasts.

Chandigarh, August 20:

          The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued the schedule for the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the electoral roll in view of the upcoming bye-election for 21 – Tarn Taran Assembly Constituency.

          Divulging the details, Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C informed that the summary revision will be carried out with reference to 1st July 2025 as the qualifying date, and the process will follow the timeline given below:

I. Rationalization of Polling Stations by 28 August 2025 (Thursday)

II. Publication of integrated draft electoral roll on 02 September 2025 (Tuesday)

III. Period of filing claims & objections from 02 September 2025 (Tuesday) to 17 September 2025 (Wednesday)

IV. Disposal of claims & objections by 25 September 2025 (Thursday)

V. Final publication of electoral roll on 30 September 2025 (Tuesday)

          CEO, Punjab Sibin C further informed that a detailed communication has already been issued to all recognized political parties in Punjab regarding the Special Summary Revision for Tarn Taran Assembly Constituency.

          Reiterating the Commission’s commitment to ensuring maximum electoral participation, Sibin C said, “The Election Commission is dedicated to providing every eligible voter the opportunity to enrol and exercise their democratic right. The Special Summary Revision is an important step to ensure that the rolls are accurate, inclusive, and transparent ahead of the bye-election in Tarn Taran. We urge electors of Tarn Taran to actively verify their entries, file claims or objections if required, and make full use of this window for correction and enrolment.”

CHANDIGARH, August 20:

 The Punjab Police has formed several teams to investigate the camps which are allegedly collecting the personal information of individuals in the name of Government Schemes.

 The inquiries have been instituted after receipt of complaints stating that personal data of citizens is being collected by unauthorized persons who are holding camps, making the personal data vulnerable to data thefts and bank frauds. It has also been reported that forms are being filled-up at these camps

 The District Police Authorities have instructed the Inquiry Teams to join concerned persons in the inquiries, visit the alleged places of holding camps and conduct investigations in accordance with law.

          A Punjab Police spokesperson has appealed to the citizens not to share their personal data, including Aadhar Cards etc. with unauthorized individuals and access the Government Schemes directly online or through authorized mechanisms.

          The spokesperson added that the Government Suvidha Centres are facilitating citizens wishing to enroll themselves in Government Schemes or download beneficiary Cards, available after authentication of identity of the applicant from the database.

Chandigarh, August 20:

The Government has received credible reports that certain private operators are illegally collecting personal data of local residents, allegedly on behalf of political parties.

Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesperson of the Government said that under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), any collection or use of personal data without consent is a punishable offence. The local police has been directed to take strict penal action against those engaged in such unlawful activities.

It has also come to notice that several individuals who shared their data were later targeted in scams and banking frauds, including cases where phone numbers and OTPs were misused to siphon off money.

The Government therefore strongly urges the citizens not to share their personal information with unauthorized persons or agencies, as it may be misused at any stage. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and immediately report any such illegal activity to the authorities.

Chandigarh, August 20, 2025

Department of Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh today organised a special lecture on the topic “Strategic Autonomy and Contemporary World” by Prof. Vijay Khare.

Prof. Khare is a distinguished academic and expert in international relations, global politics, and strategic studies. He is currently the head of department of Defence and Strategic Studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra.

In his lecture, Prof. Khare focused primarily on contemporary global order and challenges to strategic autonomy of the modern states. He traced the development of modern global political architecture from the first World War to the 21st century. He gave a chronology of major international events in order to understand the current international scenario. He pointed that India’s foreign policy of maintaining strategic autonomy was begun with the Non-Alignment Movement adopted by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and India faced various sanctions and challenges from western world in its pursuit of building a considerable economic and military power in order to maintain its strategic autonomy.

Prof. Khare emphasised that in the post Cold War era, a multipolar world is emerging, where India’s efforts have shifted from maintaining strategic autonomy to strategic balance in order to secure and pursue its national interests. He also expressed his apprehension that lack of research and innovation is hindering India progress at the world stage. He suggested that the government should invest in building its soft power to influence world opinion in its favour. He concluded the lecture by saying that India needs to maintain strategic balance along with strategic autonomy in order to secure its interests.

The lecture was organised under the guidance of Prof. Jaskaran Singh Waraich, Chairperson, Department of Defence and National Security Studies. The department felicitated the speaker, and welcomed the guest, faculty members, research scholars and students present for the event. Dr. Priya introduced the theme of the special lecture and its relevance to international politics to the audience.

Dr. Urmila proposed the vote of thanks and recognised the importance of such events for creating awareness of international events among the academic community. The lecture was attended by the faculty, research scholars, students and student officers of the Department. The session proved to be intellectually enriching and aligned with the department’s commitment to fostering critical thinking and academic dialogue.

Chandigarh, August 20, 2025

The Equal Opportunity Cell for Persons with Disabilities (EOC-PwDs), Panjab University, in collaboration with Bibi Rajni Sewa Society (BRSS), organized an awareness program titled “Limitless: Stories of Inclusion and Strength” at the Student Centre, Panjab University.

The program was graced by Prof. Ramesh Kataria, Coordinator-cum-Nodal Officer for PwDs; Prof. Namita Gupta, Dean Student Welfare (Women); Dr. Amritpal Kaur, Chairperson, Department of IETVE; and Ms. Simran Kaur, Founder of Bibi Rajni Sewa Society.

The event showcased the creative talent and resilience of PwDs students through a variety of performances, including a thought-provoking skit jointly enacted by PwDs and non-PwDs students, along with soulful singing, stand-up comedy, and poem recitations by PwDs students.

As a mark of appreciation, certificates were distributed to scribes and volunteers who provide academic support to PwDs students of the university.

Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries applauded the efforts of PwDs students and volunteers, highlighting that inclusion is not just about accessibility but also about celebrating diversity and talent. They encouraged students to continue working together in creating a compassionate, supportive, and inclusive campus environment.

Chandigarh, August 20, 2025

Panjab University, Chandigarh today hosted Principals’ Workshop on “NEP 2020: Implementation Challenges and the Way Forward” at the Seminar Hall, Rajiv Gandhi College Bhawan, Panjab University Chandigarh.

PU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig, presided over the workshop organised by the Office of the Dean, College Development Council (DCDC). In her address, she shared the future course of action regarding the Implementation of National Education Policy – 2020.

Earlier, Dean, College Development Council Prof. Ravi Inder Singh, extended a warm welcome to the Vice-Chancellor, distinguished dignitaries, and all participating principals. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between the University and its affiliated and constituent colleges to translate the vision of NEP 2020 into action.

About 120 Principals and NEP Coordinators from different affiliated and constituent colleges of Panjab University took part in the workshop to deliberate on the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Discussions revolved around addressing challenges, exploring best practices, and formulating practical solutions for institutional readiness.

Distinguished speakers shared valuable insights, and the interactive sessions are expected to inspire institutions to work collaboratively towards achieving the objectives of National Education Policy – 2020.

The workshop concluded with an interactive session, during which queries from principals and teachers were addressed by Prof. Jagat Bhushan, COE, Prof. Anil Monga, NEP Coordinator & Prof Veenu Mangat.