Chandigarh, July 30:

A high-level delegation from the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) conducted a review visit to the Punjab Transparency and Accountability Commission (Pb-Trac), marking a significant step toward strengthening India’s Right to Service (RTS) implementation framework. The strategic engagement, led by Dr. Surendrakumar Bagde, IAS, Director General of NCGG under the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, underlined the commitment to advancing citizen-centric governance models.

The coveted meeting brought together senior administrative leaders including Sh. V.K. Janjua, Retd. IAS, Chief Commissioner of Pb-Trac, Dr. Nayan Jassal, PCS, Secretary of Pb-Trac and Ms. Shivani, Governance Fellow with the Commission. This high-level interaction facilitated substantive discussions on transformative governance practices and institutional strengthening mechanisms.

The dialogue centered on three critical governance pillars such as systematic reduction of service delivery pendency, enhancement of grievance redressal mechanisms and development of integrated digital platforms for robust monitoring andu evaluation. These initiatives showcases Punjab’s progressive approach to administrative modernization and citizen service optimization.

Dr. Bagde stressed the transformative potential of systematic monitoring frameworks in achieving superior governance outcomes, particularly highlighting their demonstrable impact on minimizing service delivery bottlenecks.

The NCGG Director General specifically commended Punjab’s data-driven methodology and proactive stance toward comprehensive public service reform initiatives.

Sh. V.K. Janjua articulated the state government’s dedication to transparency and accountability principles, detailing Punjab’s innovative IT-enabled initiatives that are revolutionizing citizen service accessibility and institutional responsiveness. These technological interventions shows paradigm shift toward efficient, transparent and accountable governance structures.

This visit constitutes a vital component of NCGG’s extensive outreach program to State RTS Commissions across India, designed to consolidate citizen-centric governance practices and accelerate administrative reforms implementation.

The engagement reinforces the collaborative framework between central and state institutions, promoting knowledge sharing and best practice dissemination to enhance India’s overall governance ecosystem.

CHANDIGARH, July 30:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 151st day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 312 locations on Wednesday leading to the arrest of 81 drug smugglers after registration of 61 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 23,942 in 151 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 337 grams heroin, 154 kg poppy husk and Rs 7490 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 150 Police teams, comprising over 900 police personnel, under the supervision of 68 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 343 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 88 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

CHANDIGARH, July 30:

          In a stern response to the tragic incident at a Jalandhar Civil Hospital, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday announced the suspension of three doctors including Medical Superintendent and Senior Medical Officer, while, dismissal of house surgeon for gross negligence that led to the loss of patient lives due to disruption in oxygen supply.

          Those suspended are Medical Superintendent Raj Kumar, Senior Medical Officer (SMO) Surjeet Singh, Consultant Anesthesia Dr Sonakshi (on-duty doctor). “All the three doctors have been placed under suspension. Detailed inquiry is being conducted and they are likely to be dismissed from the service and lose all benefits of the service,” said the Health Minister, while reaffirming that exemplary punishment will be given for this ‘unpardonable’ administrative failure.

          The House Surgeon, Dr Shaminder Singh, has been dismissed outright for gross dereliction of duty.

          As per the information, a sudden disruption in oxygen supply caused by a technical fault in the hospital’s oxygen plant resulted in death of three critically ill patients at Jalandhar Civil Hospital on Sunday evening.

          Addressing the media, Dr Balbir Singh said that the preliminary investigation has revealed that the incident occurred due to administrative failure, despite the availability of adequate infrastructure, manpower, and multiple oxygen supply sources at the facility.

          The hospital had a functional pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant with dual compressors, a manifold system with 18-20 cylinders, and a liquid medical oxygen plant—ensuring four backup sources, he said, while adding that, however, irresponsible handling by the duty staff resulted in the fatal drop in oxygen pressure. 

          “The negligence was purely administrative. The hospital has 49 internal medical officers, 46 DNB doctors, 14 house surgeons, and 17 medical officers—enough to ensure one doctor per bed. Yet, lives were lost due to sheer dereliction of duty,” said Dr Balbir Singh, while emphasising that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, has always prioritised healthcare and eduction in the state and there is no dearth of funds for healthcare and education.

           Meanwhile, the Health Minister has also issued strict directives to ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply and power backup in all critical care units, including ICUs, Operation Theatres (OTs), and emergency wards across all government health facilities in the state. “All government hospitals should have 24×7 oxygen availability, functional UPS systems with 30 minutes back-up, and fully operational generator sets for critical equipment. There will be no excuse for such lapses,” he added.

CHANDIGARH, July 30:

          In a pathbreaking initiative to combat the escalating burden of cancer, the Government of Punjab, in close technical collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) India, has launched a comprehensive and people-centred Cancer Care Pilot Project in the districts of Bathinda, SAS Nagar (Mohali), and Gurdaspur. This transformative project was jointly unveiled by Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Balbir Singh, and WHO Representative to India, Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, marking a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to strengthening cancer care and ensuring access to early, equitable, and quality treatment for all.

          This pioneering initiative is designed to enhance early detection, timely diagnosis, and prompt treatment of oral, breast, and cervical cancers — three of the most prevalent and preventable cancers in India — through a decentralised, systems-based approach. It aligns strategically with the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), and aims to seamlessly integrate cancer care into all levels of Punjab’s public health system — right from Ayushman Arogya Kendras at the grassroots, to advanced tertiary care hospitals. This synergy is aimed at reversing the current trend, where over 60% of cancer cases in Punjab are diagnosed at advanced stages, leaving limited scope for effective intervention.

          Addressing the gathering, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh emphasised, “Cancer does not mean death — it is very much curable if diagnosed in time. Early detection is the keystone of cancer care. This initiative is a reflection of our belief in health as a fundamental right, and our resolve to build a resilient and inclusive health system for all. We are leading by example and showing how innovation, backed by strong partnerships, can deliver life-saving outcomes.” He further called attention to unhealthy lifestyles and poor dietary habits as critical contributors to rising cancer incidences, advising citizens to adopt a healthier routine that includes at least an hour of daily physical activity and nutritious, home-cooked food.

          Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, applauded Punjab’s bold public health vision and efforts toward prevention and control of NCDs. He further stated that Mission Umeed with its comprehensive action plan stands out as leader in comprehensive cancer care in the country. He further stated that sustaining these investments and efforts, Punjab is well on track to achieving the NCD targets of the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3) by 2030. He concluded saying, “WHO is proud to be a partner in this important initiative, and will continue offering its full technical support to make this model a replicable success across India”.

          The cancer care pilot adopts a robust three-tier referral model, and encompasses a wide range of interventions: from universal screening of individuals aged 30 and above, capacity-building of frontline workers and clinical staff, integration of follow-up and referral systems, digital monitoring via the NP-NCD portal, to intensive community engagement and awareness campaigns led by ASHAs, Community Health Officers (CHOs), and local governance structures.

          This project builds upon Punjab’s strong collaboration with WHO India in areas such as the India Hypertension Control Initiative and now expands that partnership to address the pressing challenge of cancer. Beyond enhancing early detection and treatment adherence, the pilot aims to reduce the burden on tertiary hospitals, fortify community-level health systems, and establish a scalable model that could shape national and global strategies in cancer prevention and care.

          Earlier, Dr Balbir Singh also released updated Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs), providing a critical roadmap for healthcare providers and policymakers to deliver consistent, high-quality cancer care across the state.STGs have been prepared by technical experts from AIIMS Delhi, PGI, Homi Bhabha, Govt Medical Colleges and expert specialists from all over the State.

          On this occasion Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Special Secretary Health-cum-MD NHM Ghanshyam Thori, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, SPO NP-NCD Dr Gagandeep Singh Grover, Medical Officer Dr Ashu, Dr. Abhishek Kunwar National Professional Officer (NCD) WHO – India, Dr. Ashish Bhat National NCD Officer WHO – India, Dr. Abhishek Khanna National Professional Officer (Health Promotions & SDH) WHO – India,  were also present.

Chandigarh/Panchkula, July 29 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij, while commenting on the ongoing debate in the Lok Sabha regarding Operation Sindoor, said that “The opposition is not happy with India’s achievements and victory in Operation Sindoor, which is why they are lamenting in the Lok Sabha.”

Sh Vij was responding to questions asked by media personnel in Panchkula today. Notably, Sh. Vij had come to Sector 6 Civil Hospital in Panchkula for an eye check-up.

In response to questions regarding the opposition’s concerns about Operation Sindoor in the Lok Sabha, he said that “The whole country is witnessing that a 20-20 cricket match is underway in the Lok Sabha over Operation Sindoor. On India’s side are the BJP and its allies batting, while on Pakistan’s side are the Congress and its allies.”

*“Our army destroyed terrorist bases” -Vij*

Sh. Vij said that “The entire country knows that our army fought bravely, with advanced technology, precise targeting, and gave a befitting reply to Pakistan. Our forces destroyed terrorist hideouts, airbases and their air defense systems.”

*”Our army has made it clear that there was no mediation in the India-Pakistan ceasefire” -Vij*

He added that “Congress and the opposition are unable to digest the success of our army, which is why they keep raising these issues repeatedly and claiming that the India-Pakistan ceasefire was mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump. However, our army has clearly stated that there was no third-party mediation in the ceasefire. Our Prime Minister has also said there was no mediation. Even Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister has confirmed that there was no mediation.”

Taking a jibe at the opposition, Vij asked that “If the opposition does not trust our army or our Prime Minister, do they at least trust Pakistan, their ‘friend’, and its Deputy Prime Minister who also confirmed there was no mediation?”

Sh.Vij said that he heard Dipender Singh Hooda’s statement where he claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned the ceasefire 32 times. Vij sarcastically remarked that “The opposition has no other work; they just keep counting how many times Trump has said it—once, twice, thrice…”

*”It is good that Congress is adopting children orphaned in the Pahalgam attack”- Vij*

When asked about Congress adopting children orphaned in the Pahalgam attack, he said that “It is a good thing that Congress is adopting these children. However, in the past, whatever they adopted, they never followed up or cared for them once they were in power.”

Chandigarh, July 29

Punjab Finance Minister Cum Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee for the Resolution of Employee Issues, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, today convened productive meetings with three employee unions to discuss their demands and expedite solutions.

The meetings, held at the Finance Minister’s office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat, included representatives from the Unemployed PSTET Pass Art and Craft Sangharsh Union Punjab, the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Employees Contract Workers and Labour Union, and the PWD Field and Workshop Workers Union Punjab.

During the discussion with the Unemployed PSTET Pass Art and Craft Sangharsh Union, Finance Minister Cheema issued directives to the Education Department. He directed the department to arrange a joint meeting with all relevant unions, including the Unemployed PSTET Pass Art and Craft Sangharsh Union, to develop a proposal under a Common Minimum Program. “This resulting proposal will then be presented to the cabinet sub-committee in the next meeting for a suitable resolution”, he added.

The Finance Minister also attentively heard the concerns of the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Employees Contract Workers and Labour Union, and the PWD Field and Workshop Workers Union Punjab. He reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to addressing their legitimate demands and assured them that necessary solutions would be found promptly.

Today’s meetings witnessed the presence of key representatives including President Rakesh Kumar, Vice President Kirandeep Kaur, and Cashier Harbans Singh from the Unemployed PSTET Pass Art and Craft Sangharsh Union, General Secretary Phuman Singh, Kishore Chand Gaj, and Sukhchain Singh from the PWD Field and Workshop Workers Union Punjab, and President Sher Singh Khanna, Treasurer Gurvinder Singh Dhaliwal, and Assistant Treasurer Pradeep Singh Chhahar from the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Employees Contract Workers and Labour Union.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, July 29:

          In a major intelligence-led operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a cross-border illegal arms smuggling module with the arrest of one of its operatives working under the directions of a Pakistan-based smuggler, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

          The arrested person has been identified as Bharatpreet Singh, a resident of village Marhi Megha in Tarn Taran. Police teams have recovered five sophisticated pistols —  two 9 MM, two .30 bore and one .32 bore— from his possession, besides, impounding his Splendor motorcycle being used for transporting the consignments.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested accused person along with his two other associates was acting upon the directions of Pakistan-based smuggler, who has been using drones to drop weapon consignments from across the border. The arrested accused was further supplying the arms to criminals and gangsters in Punjab with the intention to fuel criminal activities in the state, he said.

          Sharing operation details, the DGP said that teams of CI Amritsar received specific intelligence about retrieval of weapons consignments from Indo-Pak border area falling near village Daliri in Tarn Taran. Acting swiftly, police teams have intercepted suspect Bharatpreet Singh from village Ibban-village Mulechak road in Amritsar, when he was going to deliver the consignment to some party, and recovered illegal weapons from his possession, he added.

          Further investigations are underway to uncover the network’s backward and forward linkages.

          A case FIR No. 41 dated 28-07-2025 has been registered under sections 25, 25(1)(A) and 25(1)(B) of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.

Chandigarh, July 29:

Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Sardar Jasvir Singh Garhi returned home today after his 27-day visit to New Zealand. Sardar Garhi will hear public grievances at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Sector 1, Chandigarh, on July 30, 2025.

During his New Zealand tour, Jasvir Singh Garhi visited several regions across the country.

He met members of the Punjabi community living in Auckland and Hamilton, and also held meetings with National Party Member of Parliament Cameron Brown and Senior Opposition Member of Parliament Phil Tifford, where he shared the issues faced by the Punjabi community.

Chandigarh, July 29

In a significant decision aimed at enhancing the healthcare and education sectors in Punjab, Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Tuesday that the Finance Department (FD) has officially approved the proposal from the Medical Education and Research Department to increase the retirement age for doctors and dental faculty governed by the Punjab Dental Education (Group-A) Service Rules, 2016, from 62 to 65 years.

Revealing this in a press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema elaborated that this crucial approval would extend the retirement age of the Dental Teaching Faculty to 65 years, mirroring the policy already in place for the Medical Teaching Faculty at the Government Medical Colleges and Hospitals in Amritsar and Patiala. He emphasized that this decision was made to leverage the expertise and experience of this highly skilled faculty for a longer duration, thereby enhancing the overall performance and quality within the Medical Education and Research Department.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this decision would extend the service period of 113 professionals, including 112 dental teaching faculty members and a Joint Director, thereby leveraging the expertise and experience of these medical faculty to further enhance the performance of the Medical Education and Research Department. “By retaining the services of this seasoned faculty, the Punjab government aims to harness their knowledge and skills to continually improve the dental healthcare system in the state, ultimately benefiting the students and patients who rely on these institutions,” he added.

Highlighting the state government’s commitment, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema affirmed that the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government remains steadfast in its dedication to delivering superior education and health services to the residents of Punjab. He said that this measure also underscored the government’s proactive approach to strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and ensuring a continued high standard of medical and dental education.