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More than 600 complaints have been resolved in online NRI Milnees, says Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal

Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab

More than 600 complaints have been resolved in online NRI Milnees, says Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal

123 complaints received in sixth monthly online NRI Milnee held at Amritsar

Chandigarh/Amritsar, 31 May 2025:

While conducting the sixth online NRI Milnee, NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal informed that more than 600 complaints of NRI Punjabis have been resolved so far in the online NRI Milnees.  The sixth monthly online NRI Milnee held today at Amritsar to resolve the grievances of NRI Punjabis. 

Speaking about today’s Milnee, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that today we have received 123 complaints from NRI Punjabis from all over the world through various platforms.  He said that we are holding these NRI Milnees every month to resolve the grievances of NRI Punjabis.  He added that all these grievances would be resolved before the next meeting which is to be held in the month of June. 

He further informed that 658 cases have been received from different countries in these six months, out of which only 51 cases are pending due to court cases, all the remaining cases have been resolved.  He appealed to all NRI Punjabis that they can raise their complaints in the NRI Milnees held every month.  He further said that he is committed to resolve the issues of NRI Punjabis and feels great pride and happiness in resolving these complaints.

During the sixth NRI online Milnee, DIG NRI Affairs Rajpal Singh Sandhu, AIG Jagjit Singh Walia, AIG Ajinder Singh NRI Wing of Punjab Police, District Revenue Officer Navkirat Singh and other officials were present.

MEGA PTM A HUGE SUCCESS, OVER 17L PARENTS PARTICIPATE

Chandigarh, May 31:

In a bid to strengthen parents-teachers collaboration and boost students outcomes, the Punjab School Education Department hosted Mega Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) in all the government schools across the state on Saturday, marking a first-ever initiative to engage and inform the parents about their children’s performance before commencement of summer holidays.  said S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.

S. Harjot Singh Bains today personally visited visited government schools in several villages of Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency, including Swamipur, Bhabor Sahib, Kalsera, Rampur Sahni, Maujowal, Chhotewal, Surewal, Sukhsal, Kulgran, to engage with parents, teachers and students.

Over 17 lakh parents have attended the Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs), showcasing an overwhelming response and enthusiasm to receive updates on their children’s academic progress and overall development, said the Education Minister.

Highlighting the objective of the Mega PTMs, the Education Minister stated that the Mega PTMs aimed to boost student learning outcomes through active parental involvement. He added that school heads informed parents about holiday homework and encouraged them to ensure its completion during summer break.

Additionally, parents have also been informed about the syllabus for the bi-monthly test scheduled for July 15, 2025. Furthermore, parents and students in Classes III-VIII have been apprised of video lectures and practice questions under Mission Samarth, designed to promote continuous learning during the summer holidays.

Underscoring the School Education Department’s commitment to fostering a collaborative learning environment in government schools, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that these interactions will further strengthen the bond between home and school, ultimately benefiting the students.

The Education Minister said that the Government schools also celebrated World Environment Day 2025 with activities promoting environmental conservation and sustainability, aligning with the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally.” Alongside the Mega PTM, over 19,000 government participated in tree plantation drives, cloth bag stitching demonstrations, cloth bag distribution, and School Nutrition Garden creation. This initiative aims to foster eco-friendly practices, reduce plastic usage, and promote sustainable living among students to create a greener future.

S. Bains said that Class 6th to 10th celebrated Bagless Day with hands-on activities, including handicrafts, games and artistic performances, to promote experiential learning. These initiative underscores the School Education department’s commitment to student-centred learning and parental involvement, marking a significant step towards holistic education.

Hry to Conduct State-Wide Civil Defence Exercise “Operation Shield” today

Chandigarh: Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra on Friday said that the State Government will conduct a major state-wide Civil Defence exercise, named “Operation Shield,” on Saturday across all 22 districts to enhance the state’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM, this comprehensive drill is being organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to simulate critical incidents such as air raids, drone attacks, and other wartime scenarios in the light of current national security concerns. Earlier, this mock drill was scheduled for May 29 but was postponed as per the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), she added.

Talking to Reporters, Misra said that the exercise aims to test existing emergency mechanisms, improve coordination between the civil administration, defence forces, and local communities and to identify areas that need to be strengthened, thus  ensuring  swift and effective response during any crisis. She informed that currently there are around 32,000 Civil Defence Volunteers across state who will also contribute in this exercise. All Deputy Commissioners have been directed to call out Civil Defence Volunteers, NSS, NCC, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Home Gaurds, etc. of their respective districts in order to brief them regarding their deployment, duties and exercises to be undertaken.

She further said that key components include drills responding to aerial threats such as air raids and swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), activation of air raid sirens, and testing of control room communication hotlines established with the Indian Air Force. Additionally, a controlled blackout of 15 minutes will be observed from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM near vital installations, with exception of essential emergency services such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations.

Misra highlighted that the exercise aligns with the Incident Response System (IRS), which Haryana officially notified on January 28, 2025, under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, providing a structured framework for effective emergency response. She directed all Deputy Commissioners, who are also Chairpersons of District Disaster Management Authorities, along with Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, to ensure meticulous planning and execution of the exercise in their jurisdictions. They have been instructed to submit detailed Action Taken Reports to the Commandant General, Home Guards, and Director, Civil Defence, Haryana, which will be compiled for state-level review and forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The above mock exercises are scheduled for May 31 between 5 PM to 9 PM and should not be the cause of alarm for the citizen, she added.

Extreme Neglect: Haryana Human Rights Commission Cracks Down on Apathy in Blood Relations

Chandigarh, May 31, 2025:

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken serious cognizance of the disturbing condition of a 96-year-old man and his 86-year-old wife, allegedly abandoned and neglected by their son, Mr. Rajesh Mitra, in Flat No. J-046, Ridgewood Estate, DLF City, Phase-IV, Gurugram. Acting upon Complaint No. 470/5/2025 submitted by residents and representatives of the Ridgewood Estate Condominium Association, the Commission has issued urgent directions to the district administration and health authorities to conduct an immediate medical, psychological, and social assessment of the elderly couple.

The complaint alleges that the senior citizens have been left in a state of grave neglect, relying solely on two untrained female attendants, without proper medical supervision. The elderly man is often heard crying out in pain, causing severe emotional trauma not just to his wife but also to other senior residents in the vicinity. Despite repeated appeals to the son and local authorities, no effective action had been taken, prompting the intervention of the Commission.

Chairperson of the HHRC, Justice LalitBatra, expressed deep concern over the prolonged mental and physical suffering endured by the couple, calling it a blatant violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to live with dignity. He emphasized that such situations are not “private family matters” but public human rights concerns, especially when society and the state fail in their shared responsibility to protect vulnerable citizens.

Justice Batra highlighted provisions under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, particularly Section 20, which obligates the state to provide adequate healthcare services for senior citizens, including reserved hospital beds, separate queues, and subsidized treatment. If intentional abandonment is established, the Commission noted, criminal liability under Section 24 of the Act may be invoked against the responsible party.

In view of the gravity of the situation, the Commission has directed the Deputy Commissioner, Gurugram, to constitute a multi-disciplinary Medical and Welfare Committee, comprising:

  • Commissioner of Police, Gurugram
  • Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Gurugram
  • Civil Surgeon, Gurugram
  • District Social Welfare Officer (also designated as Maintenance Officer under Section 18 of the Act)

This team is instructed to visit the residence and conduct a comprehensive assessment of the couple’s physical, emotional, and social condition. A status report and long-term action plan for their treatment care, or rehabilitation is to be submitted to the Commission before the next hearing on July 3, 2025.

Speaking on behalf of the Commission,Dr.PuneetArora, Protocol, Information and Public Relations Officer, affirmed that strict compliance is expected from all concerned authorities, and further action will be considered based on the findings of the field report.

KONE India Accelerates North India Expansion with Strategic Mohali Office

Chandigarh, May 30

KONE Elevator India, a leading provider of elevators, escalators, and automatic building doors, has expanded its footprint in North India with the inauguration of a new office in Mohali, Punjab. This move reflects KONE’s strategic commitment under its Rise strategy, which aims to accelerate growth, strengthen local engagement, and shape the future of cities with smart and sustainable urban mobility solutions.

The new office, strategically located at Mohali Phase-11, SAS Nagar, will cater to the increasing demand for elevator and escalator solutions across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and parts of Haryana. It will also serve as an exhibition center, showcasing KONE’s advanced elevator designs, innovative features, and cutting-edge technology. The office will support Sales, Installation, Service and Modernization teams working across key cities in the states.

KONE Elevator India takes pride in partnering with prestigious projects and institutions in Tricity, Himachal & Jammu- Falcon View-JLPL, Homeland Heights-Unity Group, ISB, IISER, Punjab & Haryana High Court, Omaxe- India Trade Tower, Ambika- Florence, New PCA- Stadium, Homi Bhabha-Cancer Hospital, PGI Hospital-Chandigarh, Fortis Hospital- Mohali,  Sushma -Projects, Orbit Mall, Ananta Aspire- Savasitiga Group, Nirwana Heights & Square One, Prisma- Plaza-City, Chitkara University, MMU University, Grand Walk, East Wood, MBD Mall, Mittal Mall, ITC Hotel, IIT Mandi, IIT Jammu & Jammu ISBT .The CLIO by Jubilee Group , Trident Hills by Trident Group. Many existing and Premium High rise upcoming projects will be managed from the new office.

Speaking at the inauguration, Amit Gossain, Managing Director, KONE India and South Asia, said-“We are delighted to expand our presence in Mohali—an important and fast-growing economic and cultural center in Punjab. This new office reflects our continued investment in North India and is a key step in delivering our ‘Rise to lead’ strategy on the ground. By being closer to our customers, we can offer better service, smarter solutions, and faster response times”

With a growing network of offices across India, KONE remains focused on driving innovation, excellence, and sustainability across the residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors. The Mohali office adds further momentum to KONE India’s efforts to support rapid urbanization with efficient and future-ready people flow solutions.

The new office is located at KONE Elevator India Pvt Ltd, Plot No: 372, Bulk Material Market, Phase XI, Mohali, S.A.S Nagar – 160062.

Personal hearing held for Fee-Defaulter Vendors by Mayor Chandigarh

Chandigarh, May 29:

A personal hearing for street vendors who are fee defaulters was conducted today under the chairpersonship of Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, Mayor and Appellate Authority, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh.

The hearing was held in compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court, in connection with the proposed cancellation of vending licenses of defaulting vendors.

The meeting was attended by the other two members namely Sh. Saurabh Joshi and Sh. Yogesh Dhingra, both MC Councillors along with Sh. Sumeet Sihag, Joint Commissioner, and officials from the Vendor Cell of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh.

During the hearing, the vendors were given an opportunity to present their cases and explain the reasons behind the non-payment of the required fees. The Mayor emphasized the importance of complying with vending rules and maintaining regular fee payments for the continuation of vending licenses.

The Municipal Corporation reiterated its commitment to following due legal process while taking action against defaulters. Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the hearing and in accordance with the law. The Corporation urged all vendors to clear their dues promptly to avoid cancellation of licenses.

Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla reviews Pre-RFP meeting on Smart Parking solution

Chandigarh, May 27

City Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla reviewed a key consultation meeting held today to discuss the development of Smart Parking solution under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The meeting focused on finalizing the framework for the upcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) for the project.

The consultation meeting was attended by committee chairman Sh. Saurabh Joshi, Councillor and other Committee members were also present included Sh. Umesh Ghai, Smt. Jaswinder Kaur, and Smt. Darshana Puri (all Councillors), along with Sh. Sumeet Sihag, Joint Commissioner and other concerned MCC officials.

During the meeting, Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla emphasized the importance of adopting innovative and efficient technologies to address Chandigarh’s growing parking needs. She called for a transparent and forward-looking approach to ensure a sustainable urban mobility solution for the city.

Key suggestions discussed included implementing AI-based and RFID-enabled systems, incorporating Proof of Concept (PoC), valet parking services, LED display boards for real-time availability, and use of technologies such as ANPR/OCR. Proposals also included zoning of parking areas, allowing consortiums and international firms, and choosing between POS or ticketing machines for cost-effectiveness.

Additional points raised involved ensuring manpower compliance, introducing Geo-fencing, addressing stamp duty regulations etc.

The MCC will carefully evaluate all inputs to refine the RFP and move towards deploying a state-of-the-art Smart Parking System that meets the city’s future needs.

Fortis Mohali introduces advanced clot retrieval devices for treatment of vascular-related disorders

Chandigarh:

Fortis Hospital Mohali has taken a major leap forward in the treatment of vascular-related disorders, particularly Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), with the introduction of state-of-the-art clot retrieval technologies. The Department of Vascular Surgery, under the leadership of Dr Ravul Jindal, Director, Vascular SurgeryFortis Hospital Mohali has successfully implemented advanced non-thrombolytic mechanical thrombectomy devices that offer faster, safer, and more effective treatment for patients suffering from extensive blood clots.

DVT is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Traditionally, DVT was managed with anticoagulant therapy, which only prevents the clot from growing but does not actively remove it.

Fortis Mohali now offers next-generation clot retrieval systems such as the Penumbra Indigo Lightning System, a vacuum-based, image-guided aspiration system, and the Inari ClotTriever System, a catheter-based device designed for minimally invasive removal of large clots in a single session without the use of thrombolytic drugs. These advanced technologies significantly reduce the risk of bleeding, enhance patient safety, and ensure quicker recovery. Subsequently, the use of AngioJet (thrombectomy system used to break down and remove blood clots or thrombi from blood vessels) along with thrombolytics offered a more aggressive approach to dissolve and remove clots.

Anticoagulation, while essential, only prevents clot propagation and does not actively remove thrombus. In extensive DVT, early clot removal can prevent long-term venous obstruction, reduce venous hypertension, significantly lower the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), and improve quality of life and mobility. These modern technologies allow for immediate and effective clot removal without the complications associated with thrombolytic agents. Early intervention not only restores normal venous circulation but also prevents PTS, a debilitating long-term condition that causes leg swelling, pain, and skin changes,” said Dr Ravul Jindal

Patients from across the region are now benefiting from quicker recovery, improved clinical outcomes, and reduced hospital stays, making Fortis Hospital Mohali a leading centre for DVT treatment in North India.

Congress puts up united, strong show ahead of Ashu’s nomination

LUDHIANA, May 29: The Congress today put up a strong and united show ahead of the party candidate from Ludhiana West Bharat Bhushan Ashu’s filing of his nomination papers.
A galaxy of leaders including general secretary in charge Punjab Bhupesh Baghel, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, the PCC president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma, Amritsar MP Gurjit Singh Aujla, Rana Gurjit, Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa, MP Gurjit Singh Aujla, MLA Rana Gurjit, MLA Pragat Singh, MLA Sukhbinder Singh Sukh Sarkaria and others joining the party programme ahead of the filing of the nomination papers.
Speaking on the occasion, Baghel expressed confidence that given the overwhelming response of thousands of party workers, the writing was on the wall that the Congress will win this seat with a record margin.
Addressing the gathering, PCC president Warring congratulated Ashu and expressed confidence that he will win the seat and mark the new beginning for the party in the state.
Warring appealed to the rank and file of the party to work wholeheartedly like they were fighting their personal election. “Each one of you is going to be the MLA”, he exhorted them, adding, “it will be the victory of each and every party worker”.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashu expressed his gratitude to the party leadership, both the central and the state for reposing faith in him and supporting him. Taking a dig at opposition parties, he remarked, “our president is standing with us, now let the AAP and the BJP tell us, where are their state presidents?”
The presence of the entire senior leadership ahead of the filing of the nomination papers has boosted the rank and file of the party, who are feeling confident of winning back this seat, the party lost in 2022.
Ms Mamta Ashu filed papers as a covering candidate for Ashu.
Among those present on the occasion included MLA Rana Indra Pratap Singh, MLA Aruna Chaudhary, Former Ministers Vijay Indra Singla, Sham Sunder Arora, Malkeet Singh Dakha, Former MLA Raj Kumar Verka, Rakesh Pandey, Surinder Dawer, Balwinder Singh Bains, Simarjit Singh Bains, Lakhbir Singh Lakha, Kuldeep Vaid, Rajindra Berry, Former Youth Congress President Raminder Singh Awla, Ishwarjot Cheemba and others.

PRO-FARMERS LAND POOLING POLICY AIMED AT GIVING IMPETUS TO DEVELOPMENT OF STATE: CM

Bathinda, May 29:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said that the new Land Pooling scheme of the state is aimed at providing a sustainable source of income to the farmers as agriculture is no longer a profitable venture.

Interacting with the farmers here today, the Chief Minister said that the land pooling is aimed at creating a perennial source of income for the farmers and making them an active partner in growth and progress of the state. He said that no forcible acquisition of land will be done in the state and only those farmers who will agree under the policy will give their land. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as per the policy the farmers will get commercial and residential plots in the scheme apart from the compensation.

The Chief Minister said that the commercial property in the planned colonies to be carved out in this land pooling scheme will be a permanent asset for the farmers for their income. He said that the state government’s new Land Pooling Policy is aimed at giving impetus to the overall growth of the state adding that this scheme will benefit every common man by giving a major fillip to the overall development of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured everyone that no land will be forcibly taken and that all development on acquired land will proceed in a legal and transparent manner.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that Punjab has the highest number of illegal colonies in the country—an issue he blamed on previous governments. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these colonies do not have any basic civic amenities due to which people have to suffer. He said that to check this haphazard growth land pooling scheme has been introduced in which it will be totally prerogative of the land owner to adopt this or not adding that the land acquired by state with consent of people will be used for constructing Urban Estates thereby giving push to planned development. 

The Chief Minister said that contrary to earlier times when the leaders of the state used to jeopardize the interests of Punjab, the state government today is focusing on overall growth and prosperity of the state. He said that the earlier leaders were afraid of meeting the people whereas the state government today is interacting with the people and seeking their feedback. Bhagwant Singh Mann every effort will be made to safeguard the interests of the state and its people by making them an active partner in social economic development of the state.

The Chief Minister said that it is a moment of immense pride and satisfaction that more than 54000 jobs have been provided to the youth of the state. He said that all the jobs have been given completely on the basis of merit, without any corruption or nepotism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is making the youth an active partner in socio economic development of Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched an ambitious project of Easy Registration of land which has been introduced in Mohali and will be introduced in the state from August 1. He said that it is a part of state government’s commitment to further streamline the functioning of government offices adding that people now have the freedom to visit any Sub Registrar Office within the district to get their property registered without hassle. As part of the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, Bhagwant Singh Mann said this initiative will play a key role in eliminating corruption in Tehsil offices.

The Chief Minister highlighted how canal water had been neglected by previous governments due to which the state has suffered adversely. He said that excessive reliance on tube wells had resulted in the alarming depletion of groundwater which proved very fatal for the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to revive the traditional Water Courses, 700 km of pipeline has already been installed across the state to bring water back to dried-up areas even at tail end villages.