Chandigarh, June 7

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-2 Conference will be hosted by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh from June 8 to 10. The conference will be inaugurated on Monday by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

The inaugural session will be attended by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Presiding Officers and Deputy Presiding Officers from 15 legislatures across the country, along with Members of Legislative Assemblies. The conference will feature deliberations on key issues such as the role of legislatures in nation building, Viksit Bharat 2047, and the opportunities and challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence.

During the inaugural session, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan will deliver the welcome address. A special documentary showcasing the rich history, culture and heritage of Haryana will also be screened. Thereafter, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will address the gathering.

A cultural evening will be organised at Tagore Theatre following the inaugural session, presenting glimpses of India’s constitutional values and cultural heritage. Speaker Harvinder Kalyan stated that extensive preparations have been made to ensure the successful conduct of the conference.

On June 9, the second day of the conference, three thematic sessions will be held. The central theme will be “Role of an Aware Society and Legislators in realizing futuse challenges & goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. Legislators, parliamentary experts and policymakers from different states will share their perspectives on this important subject.

Manoj Yadav, Director General of the Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), will deliver an in-depth presentation on the topic. The session is expected to provide a significant platform for discussing the implications of technological advancements and the emerging challenges before democratic institutions.

The valedictory session will be addressed by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Middha and other dignitaries.

The conference will focus on strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing legislative processes and examining the role of legislatures in achieving the vision of a developed India. Several formal events will also be organised in honour of delegates and representatives participating from various states and Union Territories.

Chandigarh, June 6

The upcoming Zone-II Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region will reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for prudent use of resources and reduction in fuel consumption. Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, who is hosting the conference, has directed all nodal officers associated with the event to prioritize frugality, environmental sustainability, and efficient management while ensuring that no unnecessary expenditure is incurred during the conference.

In line with this vision, transportation arrangements for all delegates and officials attending the conference have been made through electric buses. The initiative is expected to reduce the consumption of petroleum fuels while also bringing down transportation costs through the use of larger, shared vehicles. The Haryana Vidhan Sabha Secretariat has arranged six modern e-buses for the movement of delegates. The three-day conference will be hosted by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh from June 8 to 10.

According to the schedule, six electric buses operated by the Haryana Transport Department will commence services on the morning of June 8 from the Haryana and Punjab MLA Hostels as well as other accommodation venues of the delegates. All delegates will be transported to Haryana Lok Bhawan by 12 noon, where a luncheon will be hosted in their honour by Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh. During the programme, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will also hold a brief interaction with the Presiding Officers.

Thereafter, at 2 p.m., all delegates will travel by e-buses to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha to participate in the inaugural session of the conference. Prior to the inauguration, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will be accorded a Guard of Honour at the Ceremonial Gate, followed by a group photograph of all delegates.

After the inaugural session, the delegates will be taken by e-buses to Tagore Theatre in Sector 18, Chandigarh, where a special theatrical presentation based on constitutional values and democratic traditions will be staged. Throughout the day, transportation for all official engagements will be provided exclusively through e-buses, and the delegates will be dropped back at their respective accommodation venues in the same manner.

Speaking on the initiative, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan said that the conference would not only serve as a platform for parliamentary deliberations but would also set an example in environmental conservation, energy efficiency, and responsible use of public resources. He added that the arrangements represent a meaningful step towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of development coupled with environmental protection, resource conservation, and good governance.

Chandigarh:

The Departmental Promotion & Administrative reforms related to restructuring of Technical Cadres (Laboratory/X-ray/Radiotherapy) at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh has achieved a milestone after continuous efforts spanning more than three decades.

Vide Office Order No. PGI-MA-2025/F-010-579 dated 04.07.2025 (F/A), sanction was accorded for restructuring of Technical Cadres (Laboratory/X-ray/Radiotherapy) based on the recommendations of the Cadre Anomaly Committee of PGIMER i.e. Prof. S. Prabhakar Committee w.e.f. 01.03.1992 (i.e. the date of implementation in the case of other categories of employees of PGIMER), in pursuance of the approval granted by the Governing Body of the Institute vide Agenda Item No. F-1 in its meeting held on 26.02.2025 and subsequent approval by the Institute Body vide Agenda Item No. 17 in its meeting held on 16.05.2025.
This long-pending matter, which remained unresolved for more than 30 years, required extensive administrative, technical and record-based examination. Recognizing the complexity and importance of the issue, the Director PGI constituted a Special Cell on 11.07.2025 for expeditious processing and implementation of the restructuring exercise.

During the implementation process, the Special Cell undertook an extensive exercise involving scrutiny, preparation and processing of promotion-related cases across X-Ray, Radiotherapy and Laboratory Technical Cadres for the period from 01.03.1992 to 31.12.2024. The exercise covered approximately 659 employees and involved preparation of around 193 DPC memorandums relating to approximately 1120 promotions in different categories/posts.
In the X-Ray cadre, approximately 173 promotions were processed through 64 DPC memorandums covering the posts of Sr. Technician (X-Ray), Technical Assistant (X-Ray), Technical Officer (X-Ray) and Sr. Technical Officer (X-Ray), involving around 111 employees.
Similarly, in the Radiotherapy cadre, approximately 48 promotions were processed through 25 DPC memorandums covering various technical posts involving around 28 employees.

The Laboratory cadre involved the most extensive exercise wherein approximately 899 promotions were processed through 104 DPC memorandums covering around 520 employees in various categories including Sr. Technician (Lab.), Technical Assistant (Lab.), Technical Officer (Lab.) and Sr. Technical Officer (Lab.).
The implementation process required detailed verification of seniority records, service particulars, eligibility conditions, recruitment rules, historical promotion data and reconstruction of old records spanning more than three decades. Despite the magnitude and complexity of the task, the Special Cell completed the entire exercise in a systematic and time-bound manner through continuous coordination with multiple Sections and Departments of the Institute.
The Special Cell worked with utmost dedication and commitment and completed the exercise in a remarkably short span of time despite numerous challenges. The work involved scrutiny of voluminous and decades-old records/data, much of which was either scattered or not readily available. The team had to coordinate extensively with various Sections/Departments of the Institute to trace, collect and verify historical records and reconstruct the entire data from the initial stage.
The successful completion of this exercise reflects the commitment of the Institute administration towards addressing long-standing service matters of employees in a fair and transparent manner.

Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, appreciated the collective team effort of the Special Cell constituted for Cadre Review (consisting of Ms. Ambika Saini, AO, Sh. G.S. Sandhu, Consultant, Sh. Lalit Pant, JAO, Sh. Sachin Sharma, SAA, Mrs. Shweta Rawat, SAA, Ms Surbhi Sharma, JAA, Sh. Vivek Kumar, SAA, Sh. Naveen Singh Negi, LDC, Sh. Vivek Wadhwa, LDC, Sh. Saurabh Sharma, JAA, Gurpreet Singh, LDC, and the Special DPC constituted under Dr. R.K. Ratho, Dean (Academic) as Charman, Mr Pankaj Rai, DDA Dr V. Goni, Liaison Officer Prof. Nandita Kakka, HoD, Histopathology Sh. Rattan Lal Thakur, Sr. Admn. Officer (Vig.) and representative of Financial Advisor. The Special committee worked day in and day out to make the impossible happen, He furher stated that this achievement reflects PGIMER’s unwavering commitment to fairness, transparency and responsive administration. The restructuring of technical cadres was not merely an administrative process but a long-pending matter linked to the dignity, recognition and professional growth of our employees. I appreciate the dedicated efforts of the Special Cell and all concerned departments who worked tirelessly to complete this complex exercise and deliver long-awaited relief to our technical workforce.”

Chandigarh, May 29 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij today offered prayers at the sacred Saraswati origin site, Shri Adibadri Narayan Temple, located in Yamunanagar district, and prayed for the happiness, prosperity, peace and continuous progress of the people of Haryana.

On this occasion, Sh. Vij said that the Adibadri region is an important centre of Haryana’s religious, cultural and historical heritage. Situated in the foothills of the Shivalik ranges, this ancient site is widely known as the origin point of the mythological Saraswati River. He said that according to religious beliefs, many sages and saints performed penance and yajnas here during the Mahabharata era, making it a major centre of faith and devotion for devotees.

The Energy Minister said that Shri Adibadri Narayan Temple also finds mention in several ancient religious scriptures and Puranas. Devotees from across the country visit the temple to offer prayers and experience spiritual peace. He further stated that the Haryana Government is continuously making efforts to develop the Adibadri region as a major religious tourism and cultural heritage destination so that future generations can remain connected with this historic and spiritual legacy.

Sh. Vij prayed for peace, brotherhood, development and prosperity in the state and said that the government is fully committed to the overall development and welfare of the people of Haryana.

On this occasion, BJP District President Rajesh Sapra, Mayor Suman Bahmani, Vyaspur SDM Dr. Kuldeep Singh, former MLA Balwant Singh, Chairman of Market Committee Yamunanagar Rakesh Tyagi, DIPRO Dr. Manoj Kumar, Executive Engineer of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Gurmeet Singh, BDPO Shyam Lal, Dr. Satpal Bahmani, along with BJP office-bearers, administrative officers and other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh:

 “A health problem anywhere in the world is a concern for everybody in the world. The lesson is clear — we must collaborate more, interact more, share our challenges and share our success stories,” stated Vijay Nehra, Additional Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, while addressing the valedictory session of the 33rd International Public Health Management Development Program (IPHMDP) at PGIMER Chandigarh.

Conducted under the prestigious Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the program marked the successful completion of its decennial edition, reaffirming India’s growing role in global public health leadership, academic diplomacy and South-South cooperation.

The ten-day international leadership program brought together 41 healthcare professionals and public health leaders from 18 countries, creating a vibrant platform for policy dialogue, cross-learning and exchange of best practices in public health management and health systems strengthening.

Complementing the Ministry of External Affairs, School of Public Health and Department of Community Medicine, Nehra praised the quality and impact of the initiative as he observed, “This has been a mutually beneficial exercise. It is not merely about governments inviting participants; those interacting with you also benefit by expanding their horizons and understanding diverse healthcare realities and cultures across the globe.”

Reflecting on the interconnected global health landscape, Nehra emphasized that amid wars and geopolitical tensions, concern for health remains one of humanity’s strongest unifying forces.

Recalling lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Additional Secretary, MoHFW remarked, “COVID was not the first pandemic and certainly not the last. What it taught us is that health security cannot be isolated. During difficult times, nations collaborated, vaccines crossed borders and pharmaceuticals reached people across the world. That spirit of collaboration must become stronger.”

Highlighting India’s public health journey and the challenge of delivering healthcare to nearly 1.5 billion people, Mr. Nehra referred to his experience leading the Indian delegation during G20 Health Working Group meetings and underscored the vast scope for international cooperation.

“India has as much to learn from each one of you as we can share from our own experiences. Institutions like PGIMER Chandigarh represent some of the finest strengths of our healthcare ecosystem and spending time here is a valuable opportunity for every participant,” Additional Secretary, MoHFW said.

Congratulating delegates and faculty, Mr. Nehra appreciated the learning environment fostered by PGIMER and expressed confidence that the relationships built during the program would endure well beyond the course.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER Chandigarh, congratulated participants and organizers on the successful culmination of the landmark edition and highlighted the institute’s expanding global engagement.

“Over the last decade, IPHMDP has evolved into a globally respected model of leadership and management training that reflects India’s timeless philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — the world is one family. Beyond academic learning, this initiative has built enduring bridges of trust, knowledge and friendship across nations, positioning PGIMER Chandigarh at the forefront of international public health capacity building and academic diplomacy,” stated Prof. Lal.

Director PGIMER further shared that following the recent participation of Viraj Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the Ministry has expressed keen interest in expanding collaborations and launching additional international training initiatives with PGIMER under the ITEC framework, recognising the sustained success and global impact of IPHMDP over the past decade.

Other dignitaries gracing the occasion included Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER Chandigarh, along with senior faculty members and officials associated with the program.

Sharing his thoughts, Rai said, “IPHMDP reflects PGIMER’s commitment to global collaboration, knowledge exchange and strengthening public health partnerships across nations.”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sonu Goel, Program Director, IPHMDP, noted that the 33rd edition carried forward the program’s distinguished legacy through experiential learning, leadership exercises and cultural immersion.

“This program is no longer merely a training initiative; it is a global movement of public health leadership. Through our growing network of IPHMDP ambassadors, ideas and innovations shared at PGIMER continue to strengthen health systems across continents,” Prof. Goel said.

He formally inducted participants into the growing international network of ‘IPHMDP Ambassadors’, who continue to replicate best practices and contribute to strengthening health systems in their respective countries.

Participants from several nations appreciated the program’s practical learning approach and exposure to innovative public health models at PGIMER, particularly telemedicine and tele-evidence initiatives that hold promise for strengthening healthcare delivery in resource-constrained settings. The program concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony.

The 33rd edition of IPHMDP once again showcased India’s expanding influence in global public health leadership and reinforced PGIMER Chandigarh’s emergence as a trusted international hub for sustainable health systems strengthening and global knowledge exchange.

Chandigarh: A new literary collective Writers’ Forum (WF) was formally launched at Novotel Chandigarh for the tricity region and beyond with the vision of creating an inclusive, intellectually enriching, and democratic platform for writers, poets, critics, and literary enthusiasts. The founder and core members of  WF  also unveiled the forum’s logo.

Founded on the slogan, ‘Where words meet their voice, Where writers meet their tribe,’ the forum seeks to encourage authentic literary expression and meaningful creative engagement beyond the constraints of popularity or social influence.

The forum has been established under the leadership of founder Sudha Aggarwal, an acclaimed poet and author.  While speaking about the initiative at a press conference, Sudha said that the forum was born out of the need to create a literary space where writers are respected for the sincerity of their ideas and the strength of their expression rather than external validation or social standing.

Notably, Sudha has penned the poetry collection HIRAETH, which was launched at Tagore Theatre in 2023. A picture titled SEHGAL HOUSE was also adapted from her poetry book by The Narrator’s Art Society.

 “The Writers’ Forum is not merely another literary group. It is a sincere effort to build a creative community where writers can express themselves fearlessly, participate meaningfully, and evolve collectively through dialogue and mutual respect,” she said.

Highlighting the objectives of the forum, she said it will create opportunities for emerging writers to flourish with confidence and dignity, encourage freedom of expression without intimidation, preserve originality and genuine talent, provide leadership opportunities to every member, and ensure respectful literary engagement through attentive listening and meaningful interaction.

The forum also aims to function on democratic principles, with decisions taken collectively through majority consensus to ensure transparency and equal participation.

Dr. Manjit Kaur, noted author, literary critic, and former Professor of English, said, “In today’s rapidly changing literary environment, there is a growing need for platforms that value substance over superficiality. The Writers’ Forum seeks to revive meaningful literary conversations.”

It is worth mentioning that Dr. Kaur has been honoured with the Literary Excellence Award, besides receiving international recognition in Dubai in 2018.

Dr. Anu Girdhar, poet, academic, and Professor & Head of Prosthodontics at National Dental College, Dera Bassi said, “A literary forum becomes truly meaningful when it encourages participation without hierarchy and inspires individuals to discover their own creative voice. This initiative is committed to creating such an environment where learning and creativity coexist harmoniously,”

Dr. Girdhar is the author of five poetry books and recipient of several prestigious honours, including the Rabindranath Tagore Literary Award in 2022.

Seema Sharma, author of Words That Whisper and Director–Operations at Amaira Multispeciality Hospital, said “Literature thrives where empathy, attentive listening, and respectful dialogue are nurtured. Our endeavour is to create a space where writers not only share their work but also genuinely connect with each other’s journeys and perspectives,”

Sanjeev Bansal, Chandigarh-based poet and novelist known for his lyrical explorations of love, longing and human emotions, said, Literature gives language to silence and dignity to human vulnerability. He added “Originality often gets overshadowed in the race for visibility and validation. The Writers’ Forum seeks to remind writers that enduring literature emerges from honesty, depth, and lived experiences.”

The forum plans to organise regular literary sessions, poetry readings, discussions, workshops, and interactive engagements aimed at fostering creativity, collaboration, and intellectual growth among writers across the region and even beyond.

Chandigarh:

In a unique and inspiring initiative under the flagship student awareness programme “Be the Change, Be an Organ Donor,” St. Xavier’s Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh, in collaboration with ROTTO (North), PGIMER, transformed its Parent-Teacher Meeting into a meaningful platform for organ donation awareness and humanitarian action. Organised alongside a Blood Donation Camp, the initiative witnessed overwhelming participation from parents, teachers and school staff, many of whom came forward to support and pledge for the noble cause of organ donation.

The awareness programme aimed to sensitise students, parents and educators about the importance of organ and tissue donation, while addressing common myths and misconceptions associated with the subject. By integrating the initiative with the Parent-Teacher Meeting, the school created a rare opportunity to engage entire families in a life-saving social movement and encourage young minds to become ambassadors of compassion, empathy and community service.

The ROTTO North team interacted extensively with attendees, explaining how one organ donor can save multiple lives and restore hope to families awaiting transplants. The programme highlighted the growing role of educational institutions in shaping socially responsible citizens and demonstrated how schools can become catalysts for positive societal change beyond academics.

The camp saw enthusiastic participation from teachers and non-teaching staff, many of whom voluntarily pledged to donate their organs. Parents attending the Parent-Teacher interaction also showed keen interest in understanding the process and significance of organ donation and expressed their willingness to support the cause.

The school administration played a pivotal role in successfully organising the initiative and creating a supportive environment for spreading awareness among families and students alike. Through such educational outreach programmes, ROTTO North continues to strengthen community participation and foster a culture of compassion, humanity and social responsibility.

Dr. Vijay Tadia, Nodal Officer, ROTTO North, PGIMER, said, “Awareness at the school level creates a ripple effect in society. When teachers, parents and young minds come together for a humanitarian cause like organ donation, it helps build a more informed and compassionate community. Every pledge carries the potential to save multiple lives in the future.”

Dr. IvorineCastellas, Principal St. Xavier’s School, stated, “Schools are not only centres of academic learning but also platforms for nurturing values of empathy and social responsibility. We are proud to collaborate with ROTTO North in spreading the message of organ donation and encouraging our school community to contribute towards this noble cause.”

ROTTO North, PGIMER has been continuously organising awareness drives, sensitisation sessions, pledge campaigns and community outreach activities across educational institutions, healthcare facilities and public forums to strengthen the national movement for organ donation and transplantation.