Chandigarh, November 3- Haryana Transport Minister, Sh. Anil Vij today said that the addition of five new air-conditioned electric buses (e-buses) to Ambala’s local transport network will further boost the city’s eco-friendly public transport infrastructure.  With this addition, the total number of e-buses operating in Ambala has increased to 15, marking another significant step towards sustainable and comfortable urban mobility.

Sh. Vij said that these new AC e-buses have been allocated to the Ambala Roadways Depot and will soon begin operations on various local routes. These buses will provide a comfortable, convenient, and eco-friendly travel experience to passengers, he added.

23 modern bus queue Shelters Under Construction

Sh. Vij said that to enhance passenger convenience, 23 new modern bus queue shelters are being constructed along Ambala’s local routes. Each shelter will feature seating arrangements, lighting, and fans to ensure comfort for commuters while they wait for buses.

He said that the initiative aims to ensure that passengers no longer have to wait in discomfort for local buses. The shelters are being developed at key locations such as Capital Chowk, Chungi Chowk, Tundla, Defence Colony, Kalrahedi, Shastri Colony, DRM Office, Sundar Nagar, Chandpuri Colony, Machonda, Shahpur, Civil Hospital (Ambala Cantt), Subhash Park, BD Floor Mill, Hathi Khana Mandir, Rangia Mandi Chowk, Nanheda, SD College, Mahesh Nagar, Tangri Bandh Road, Babyal, Dalipgarh, and Boh.

Local Bus Service relaunched After 25 Years, Thanks to Vij’s Efforts

Due to the persistent efforts of the Transport Minister, Sh. Anil Vij, Ambala’s local bus service was revived after nearly 25 years. The service was relaunched on November 1 last year with 10 mini-buses. Subsequently, five AC electric buses were introduced on January 26 (Republic Day), followed by five more on June 5, 2025 (World Environment Day). With today’s addition of another five e-buses, the total has now reached 15 electric AC buses operating on city routes.

Chandigarh:

Dr. Suresh Kumar has been selected for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar: Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in Medicine for the year 2025 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care. He is among the 15 Vigyan Yuva Awardees for the year of 2025.

After graduating from Government Medical College, Jammu, Dr. Kumar completed his MD in Pediatrics, Senior Residency in Pediatrics, and DM in Pediatric Critical Care at PGIMER, Chandigarh. Currently, he is working as Additional Professor in the Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatric Centre (APC), Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh

His pioneering research has substantially advanced understanding of the gut microbiome’s role in critical illness and infection prevention in children. Dr. Kumar led several landmark clinical trials on probiotics in pediatric intensive care. A pivotal randomized controlled trial (Critical Care Medicine, 2013) demonstrated that a multi-strain probiotic mix significantly reduced gastrointestinal candida colonization and candiduria in children on broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Another randomized trial (Critical Care Medicine, 2018) showed that probiotics attenuated inflammation in severe sepsis by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhancing anti-inflammatory mediators, and improving clinical outcomes. A before–after study (Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, 2013) involving 720 children established that routine probiotic use decreased the incidence of candiduria and invasive candidiasis. Collectively, these studies provided robust evidence for integrating probiotics into the management of critically ill children. In several review articles, Dr Suresh Kumar explained the mechanism of action of probiotics in critically ill children and highlighted the role of probiotics in restoring gut microbiome, preventing bacterial translocation, and modulating inflammation.

Dr. Kumar made pivotal contributions during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, elucidating the clinical spectrum and outcomes of pediatric COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in India. His work characterized cardiovascular involvement, shock, and long-term outcomes, contributing to national management protocols and guidelines. He also published a systematic review and meta-analysis on PIMS-TS. The comparative analysis of MIS-C and Severe Dengue informed understanding of these inflammatory disorders in children.

Dr. Kumar has demonstrated leadership in several national and international collaborative studies, including the ICMR-funded ReLiSCh-M Trial on fluid management in ventilated children, Effect of various therapeutic options on outcomes in MIS-C, and Development and Validation of Indian Children Length-Based Tape (InChiTape) for pediatric resuscitation. His international collaborations include the Severe Pneumonia in Children (S-PIC) study under PACCMAN (Singapore) and PRoVENT–PED on ventilation practices in critically ill children.

With over 240 publications in leading journals, 60 conference presentations, and contributions to more than 20 book chapters, Dr. Suresh Kumar has made exceptional contributions to pediatric intensive care research.

His work has been recognized with numerous national honors, including Dr. H.B. Dingley Memorial Award (ICMR), Dr. Tulsi Das Chugh Award (NAMS), Major General Amir Chand Gold Medal, and Prof. D. Subrahmanyam Gold Medal.

Dr. Suresh Kumar’s work exemplifies translational research that bridges bench to bedside, improving outcomes for critically ill children across India and beyond as he stated, ” I am deeply honored to receive the prestigious Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar: Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (Medicine, 2025). It is a moment of great pride and humility for a person like me, coming from a modest background, to be recognized with such a coveted national award. I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty, my teachers and mentors (Prof Sunit Singhi, Prof Jayashree M, and Prof Arun Bansal), my parents, family, and friends for their unwavering support and guidance. I am deeply thankful to the critically ill children and their families for their trust, and to PGIMER, Chandigarh for providing the platform and environment to pursue meaningful research and patient care. This Puraskar belongs to our Unit, Department, and Institute which provided the wonderful platform to serve humanity. My sincere thanks to the Government of India and the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Secretariat for this recognition. This honor will continue to inspire me to work with greater dedication toward improving outcomes and quality of care for critically ill children in India.”

Chandigarh:

At the 29th Annual Conference of the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (NZ-AROI) held at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana,  Dr. Rakesh Kapoor, Professor& Head (Unit-II), Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, delivered the prestigious B.D. Gupta Oration in honour of Prof. (Dr.) Braham Dutt Gupta, the founding Head of Radiotherapy at PGIMER and a pioneer in establishing brachytherapy services in India.

In his address, Dr. Kapoor reflected on Dr. Gupta’s visionary contributions, including the early development of structured radiation oncology training, indigenous brachytherapy advancements, and the establishment of systematic treatment practices that positioned PGIMER among the leading cancer care centres in the country. Archival clinical material and historical treatment protocols were highlighted to showcase the rich legacy and precision-driven foundations laid at PGI.

During the oration, Dr. Kapoor also presented his talk titled “Reintegrating Brachytherapy: A Strategic Shift in Modern Radiation Oncology Practice.” He emphasized that despite significant technological progress in external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy remains indispensable for certain cancers due to its precision, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in a resource-sensitive healthcare environment. He highlighted the need to reintegrate brachytherapy training, infrastructure, and clinical adoption in India, supported by modern advances including image guidance, AI-assisted planning, personalized applicators, and improved workflow systems.

A proud moment for the department came as Dr. Shilpa Kaushal, Brachytherapy Fellow at PGIMER, secured first prize in the oral presentation category for her innovative work titled “In-house prototype development of a rectal brachytherapy applicator using artificial intelligence and 3D printing.” The project, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Kapoor and Dr Arun Oinam (Medical Physist), reflects PGIMER’s leadership in innovation and clinical excellence in brachytherapy. Dr. Swapnil, Junior Resident in the Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology won the third prize for her presentation titled “Evaluating acute toxicity and quality of life in extended field radiotherapy versus pelvic radiotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer with positive pelvic nodes.”

The oration and academic achievement in an annual conference further highlights PGIMER’s commitment to advancing precision-based cancer care, bridging tradition with technology, and fostering the next generation of oncology innovators.

Chandigarh, November 1 – Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has directed all doctors serving in government hospitals to sign OPD slips, lab reports, and prescriptions issued by them. She has also instructed that the generic names of medicines must be written in bold and clear letters on all prescriptions.

The minister has ordered strict compliance with these directions, and a circular in this regard has been sent to all Civil Surgeons across districts.

Arti Singh Rao said that it has been commonly observed that many doctors do not mention the generic names of medicines in prescriptions, and OPD slips as well as lab reports often lack the doctor’s seal and name.

She issued clear instructions that all prescriptions must include the generic names of medicines in large and legible letters. In addition, every prescription must carry the doctor’s seal and signature, along with their name, designation and registration number.

Lab reports provided to patients must also bear the doctor’s name, designation, and registration number.

The Health Minister stated that these directives should be implemented with immediate effect. She emphasized that these measures have been issued to enhance transparency in the state’s healthcare services and to safeguard the interests of patients.

Chandigarh, November 1 – Due to the efforts of Haryana’s Health and AYUSH Minister, Arti Singh Rao, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, has re-granted permission to Baba Khetanath Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Patikara (Narnaul) to admit students in all 100 BAMS seats for the academic session 2025–26.

Arti Singh Rao informed that over the past few academic sessions, due to a shortage of faculty and technical staff, the college was unable to admit students in all 100 seats, reducing the intake to only 63 seats. The state government took prompt action to fill the required teaching positions, improve infrastructure, and meet the academic standards. With effective departmental coordination, NCISM has now restored full recognition for the college’s total capacity of 100 seats.

The AYUSH Minister said that this decision will bring great relief to students who aspire to pursue BAMS studies from Haryana’s only government Ayurvedic college. The state government is continuously working to strengthen Ayurvedic healthcare and education to provide better opportunities for the younger generation.

She further added that the government is also planning to expand Ayurvedic institutions in the state and develop new projects equipped with modern facilities to ensure the AYUSH healthcare system reaches every section of society.

Chandigarh, November 1- On the occasion of Haryana Day, women across the state received a significant gift aimed at promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Friday released Rs. 2,100 each to 5,22,162 eligible women beneficiaries under the ‘Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana’. These women beneficiaries received a benefit of Rs. 109 crore 65 lakh 40 thoudand 200.

The initiative reflects Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s guarantee and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini resolve, which together are scripting a new chapter of progress in Haryana. This step toward women’s empowerment is not merely a government scheme, it is a shining example of the transparent policy and honest intent of the double-engine government committed to social transformation.

While addressing the media persons  during a press conference, the Chief Minister said that the ‘Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi’ mobile app was launched on September 25, marking the 109th birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya. Till midnight of October 31, 2025, a total of 6,97,697 women had successfully applied through the app- 6,51,529 married and 46,168 unmarried.

Remarkably, within just 24 hours between midnight of October 30 and October 31, around 37,735 new applications were received, showing the growing popularity and wide public acceptance of the scheme.

Explaining the eligibility criteria, the Chief Minister said that women aged 23 years or above, belonging to families with an annual income below Rs. 1 lakh, can avail the benefit. A unique feature of the scheme is that all eligible women within a household can apply. The entire application process is transparent, simple, and fully online. Women can submit their forms anytime and from anywhere through the Lado Lakshmi mobile app.

He said that once the application is submitted, the verification process is completed within 24 to 48 hours. Eligible applicants receive an SMS notification requesting them to re-login and upload a live photograph on the app. This triggers instant e-KYC verification through the Aadhaar database, after which the SEWA Department issues a ID for the beneficiary.

As of midnight on October 31, out of the 6,97,697 total applicants, 5,22,162 women were verified as eligible and sent congratulatory SMS messages. Among these, 3,96,983 women had already completed the Aadhaar KYC process, while 1,75,179 were still pending verification at that stage. Today, financial assistance of Rs. 2,100 each was directly transferred to the bank accounts of all 5,22,162 eligible women beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister urged those whose Aadhaar KYC process remains incomplete to finish it at the earliest, assuring that the amount will be credited immediately upon completion.

Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner Revenue & Disaster Management, Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes Welfare & Antyodaya Department, Smt. G. Anupama, Director General, Information, Public Relations, Languages & Culture Department Sh. K. M Pandurang, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Special Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management, Sh. Yash Pal, Director, SEWA Department, Sh. Prashant Panwar, and Media Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Praveen Attrey and other dignitaries also remained  present on this occasion. 

Chandigarh, November 1 – Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh said under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and the dedicated efforts of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana has achieved remarkable progress in the fields of healthcare, education, industrial development, investment promotion, infrastructure enhancement, and law and order. Working in full coordination on the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas’, the state government has fulfilled the expectations of every section of society, especially the last person in the queue. This, he said, is the roadmap to realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat and Viksit Haryana’.

The Governor was addressing the state-level function organized in Panchkula on the occasion of Haryana’s 60th Foundation Day. He extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Haryana on Haryana Day. Prior to the function, the Governor, along with his wife and First Lady Smt. Mitra Ghosh and Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, inaugurated an exhibition showcasing Haryana’s rich culture and heritage and also visited there. On this occasion, Tourism and Heritage Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, and former Speaker Sh. Gian Chand Gupta were also present.

Appreciating the exhibition and cultural performances depicting Haryana’s heritage, the Governor said that these presentations clearly reflect that the future of Haryana’s culture and legacy is indeed bright. He said it was a matter of great pride for him to serve the people of Haryana from Raj Bhawan.

He noted that since its formation on November 1, 1966, Haryana has been on the path of rapid growth and prosperity with remarkable achievements in all sectors. This progress has been possible because of the hard work, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Haryana. Reflecting on the state’s 59-year development journey, he said Haryana has crossed several milestones, progressing from poverty to prosperity. Despite comprising only 1.34 percent of the country’s area and 2.09 percent of its population, Haryana contributes 3.6 percent to the national GDP. The state’s per capita income is the highest among large states—around Rs 3.53 lakh—whereas it was merely Rs 343 in 1966. Haryana’s exports, which stood at Rs 4.5 crore in 1966, have now risen to over Rs 2.75 lakh crore. Similarly, Haryana is among the leading states in per capita GST collection. More than 250 Fortune companies have their offices in Haryana.

He further mentioned that Haryana is the first state in the country to procure 24 crops at MSP. It also offers the highest sugarcane price in the country—Rs 415 per quintal—and provides a social security pension of Rs 3,200 per month, the highest in India. Every district of Haryana is connected by national highways. By granting 50 percent representation to women in Panchayati Raj institutions, Haryana has set an example for the entire nation.

The Governor praised the initiatives being taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for the welfare of women, children, senior citizens, Scheduled Castes, and Other Backward Classes. He expressed confidence that the people of Haryana would agree that true and sustainable development is achieved only when every welfare scheme and service reaches the last person in society. The Haryana Government, he said, remains steadfast in ensuring that the benefits of development reach every citizen. He called upon everyone to uphold the ideals of equality, justice, and fraternity through collective efforts and to take Haryana’s glory to greater heights.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini honoured the Governor by presenting him with a ‘pagdi’ (traditional turban), a unique memento symbolizing the state’s progress in agriculture, sports, and women’s empowerment, and a shawl. During the event, the Governor also inaugurated the filmed version of the State Song adopted on March 28, 2025.

Haryana Presented a Digital Model to the Nation Through Quick & Online Services: Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, in his welcome address, greeted and congratulated the Governor, Chief Minister, and other distinguished guests on the occasion of the Haryana Day state-level function. He extended warm wishes to the people of Haryana on the 60th Foundation Day, calling it a day of pride and honour for every Haryanvi.

He recalled that when Haryana was formed on November 1, 1966, after its separation from the erstwhile Punjab, many doubted whether the state could sustain itself. The state’s income was so low that it was uncertain whether it could even pay salaries to its employees. Haryana’s first budget for 1967–68 was Rs 19.30 crore. However, people underestimated the hardworking, committed, and strong-willed nature of Haryanvis—who neither feared challenges nor paused after achievements. Because of such people, Haryana today earns more revenue than many larger states in India.

He said the state is moving toward new heights of growth through a triveni (trinity) of agriculture, industry, and technology. Though Haryana accounts for only 1.3 percent of India’s geographical area, it contributes about 3.6 percent to the national GDP, almost three times its area share.

The Chief Secretary said Haryana has set a digital model before the nation through transparent administration, citizen-centric schemes, and quick online services. “The courage of our soldiers, the hard work of our farmers, the dedication of our workers, the entrepreneurship of our industrialists, and the energy of our youth are our real strength,” he said.

He added that though Haryana has progressed in every field, it did not have its own state song for many years. Two years ago, the State Assembly passed an official resolution to adopt one, and a committee was formed. Based on its recommendations, the state song was adopted during the Assembly session on March 28, 2025. “Today, Haryana proudly has its own state song,” he said.

Sh. Rastogi expressed hope that every person in the state will be healthy, educated, and self-reliant, contributing to Haryana’s ongoing development.

On this occasion, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Director General of Information, Public Relations, Languages, Art and Culture, Sh. K.M. Pandurang, along with several serving and retired senior administrative and police officers, schoolchildren, and citizens from across the state were present in large numbers.

Chandigarh November 1: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that blood donation is a great donation and a true service to humanity. People of the state are donating blood on various occasions, and when a special day is celebrated with a virtuous act like blood donation, its social value and spiritual merit increases manifold.

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering after inaugurating a state-level blood donation camp organized to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Kisan Bhawan, Sector 14, Panchkula. Extending his greetings to the people of the state on Haryana Day, he said that today is a day to celebrate the creation of Haryana and draw inspiration from the sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Earlier, the Chief Minister encouraged the blood donors at the camp by pinning badges on them, offering his heartfelt congratulations, and wishing them for their noble contribution.  Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma and Health Minister Kumari Arti Singh Rao were also present on the occasion.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that organizing this blood donation camp is a true tribute to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He stated that Guru Ji’s life teaches us that the protection of religion is not achieved through the sword alone, but through sacrifice and truth. At a time when the soul of India was groaning under the tyranny of Aurangzeb and people were being forced to convert, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji declared, “I gave my head, but not my faith.” His supreme sacrifice was not for any one community, but for the freedom, religious faith, and liberty of expression of all humanity.

He said that today, when we are donating blood in the blood donation camp organized to commemorate the martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, it is not merely an act of giving life to someone, but a profound expression of Guru Ji’s message. Guru Ji taught us the virtue of selfless sacrifice for the welfare of others. By donating blood today, we are carrying forward that noble tradition of altruism. Blood donation is truly life donation and there is no greater religion, no greater service, and no greater worship than giving life to another, he added.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini further said that blood donation gives a patient a new lease on life, and the recipient remains forever grateful to the donor. Although science continues to make great strides, it has not yet discovered a substitute for blood. It cannot be manufactured; a life can only be saved through the generosity of donors. He emphasized that when we donate blood; we not only save one life, but also spare an entire family from grief and hardship. Therefore, it is essential for all of us to recognize that blood donation is not just a noble act, but also a vital social responsibility.

The Chief Minister expressed his pride in seeing a large number of young people come forward to donate blood at the camp. He congratulated all the youth, describing them as the driving force of change that guides society. He said that the active participation of young people in noble causes like blood donation will help build a more compassionate, strong, and enlightened Haryana and India in the future. He urged everyone to take away one key message from this blood donation camp that service to humanity is the truest form of worship of God.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Health Minister Kumari Arti Singh Rao said that Haryana has always upheld its strong commitment to health, welfare, and social service. On this auspicious day of Haryana Day, she reaffirmed the state’s dedication to progress and development. She said that blood donation is one of the greatest acts of humanity,  a gift of life and a silent pledge to stand by someone in their hour of need.

The Health Minister emphasized that in any emergency or serious illness, a single unit of blood can mean the difference between life and death. She expressed pride in the fact that Haryana has consistently played a leading role in strengthening public health facilities. The state’s government and private blood banks are continuously working to ensure the availability of safe and timely blood. At present, Haryana has a total of 152 licensed blood centers including 34 government-run and 118 private or charitable. Of the 34 government centers, 26 have blood component facilities, and 12 are equipped with platelet apheresis units.

Today , more than 800 donors contributed blood at 39 blood donation camps organized across the state, including over 150 donors in Panchkula alone.

Also present on the occasion were Mayor Sh Kulbhushan Goyal, former Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Sh Gian Chand Gupta,  Deputy Commissioner Sh Satpal Sharma, DGHS Dr. Manish Bansal, Civil Surgeon Panchkula Dr. Mukta Kumar, OSD to Chief Minister Sh Rakesh Sandhu, OSD Dr. Prabhleen, Singh along with doctors, healthcare workers, and other dignitaries.