All posts by admin

NATIONAL FISH FARMERS DAY: FISHERIES FLOURISH IN PUNJAB AS FISH PRODUCTION SOARS TO 2L MT

Chandigarh, July 10:

Making a notable stride in the fish farming sector, Punjab has been producing 2 lakh metric tons (MT) of fish annually from natural waters, private and panchayati ponds, informed S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, on the occasion of National Fish Farmers Day, on Thursday.

Highlighting recent developments in the fisheries sector, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that Punjab currently has over 43,683 acres dedicated to fish farming and 985 acres to shrimp farming, which is showcasing the state’s growing aquaculture landscape.

He further informed that 16 government fish seed farms, 11 fish feed mills, and 7 laboratories have been actively serving the state farmers to promote fishing sector. Additionally, 637 fish farmer beneficiaries have received financial assistance worth Rs 30.64  crore for fish farming projects including pond construction for fish & shrimp farming, fish feed mills, Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Biofloc-Culture Systems, insulated vehicles, motorcycles & auto-rickshaws with ice boxes, with subsidies ranging from from 40% to 60%.

Apart from this, 8 private fish kiosks have also been set up to facilitate the sale of fish and fish products in a hygienic environment, he added.

Extending warm greetings to the state fish farmers, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the fisheries sector has been flourishing under the dynamic leadership of the Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. These efforts have created vast potential for growth in fish farming and allied industries, with significant scope for development in fish and shrimp processing. This growth will, in turn, generate new employment opportunities to further boost Punjab’s economy.

The Fisheries Minister urged the state’s youth to explore fish farming as a lucrative self-employment opportunity, contributing to the state’s economic growth by embracing this promising venture.

Punjab Government to Send 1,500 Best-Performing Women Sarpanch/ Panchs to Nanded Sahib: CM

Chandigarh, July 10 :

In a significant step towards women empowerment, the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has decided to send 1,500 of the best-performing women Sarpanch/ Panchs to Nanded Sahib to pay obeisance.

Providing details, the Chief Minister said the initiative is being undertaken to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of the ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib. He said that the state government will bear the entire cost of boarding and lodging for these women Sarpanch/ Panchs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Special trains will be arranged to facilitate their visit to the sacred site, where they will also receive training in Maharashtra.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Nanded Sahib holds immense spiritual importance for every Punjabi, and many aspire to visit it at least once in their lifetime. He added that these women Sarpanch/ Panch exemplify the spirit of women empowerment, and the government wants to honor their contributions by enabling them to undertake this pilgrimage. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that these Sarpanch/ Panchs would pray for peace, progress, and prosperity for the state and its people adding that the government is finalizing all necessary modalities to ensure the smooth execution of this initiative.

The Chief Minister further stated that the previous Congress government had agreed to deploy CISF personnel to protect dams across Punjab. However, he announced that the current government would introduce a resolution in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday to reverse this decision. Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that the Punjab Police is fully capable of safeguarding the state’s interests, noting, “If Punjabis can guard the nation’s borders, they can certainly protect their own dams.”

In a sharp political jab, the Chief Minister advised Sunil Jakhar to focus on saving his party and position rather than commenting on other issues. He remarked that the former Congress leader, now in the BJP, is rattled by the saffron party’s recent defeat in the Ludhiana by-election. Bhagwant Singh Mann criticized such leaders for frequently switching allegiances and showing little concern for the people of Punjab.

Highlighting reforms in the state police, the Chief Minister noted that efforts are underway to enhance manpower and resources in the Punjab Police, which hasn’t seen a manpower increase in years. He said the government is committed to strengthening the force’s efficiency and upholding its proud legacy. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is the bounden duty of the government in the larger interest of state and its people.

The Chief Minister also declared that the government would expose the “dubious character” of opposition leaders, including those from the Congress, during the upcoming Vidhan Sabha session. He accused leaders like Jakhar and Bajwa of raising baseless issues adding that they were least bothered about state during their days in power. Speaking on drug-related issues, Bhagwant Singh Mann blamed the Akali regime for fostering the drug trade, noting that the kingpin of the ‘Chitta’ (synthetic drugs) racket is currently lodged in Nabha jail adding that those responsible would face legal consequences for their actions.

The Chief Minister also criticized certain Kisan Unions, alleging that they no longer represent genuine farmer interests and have instead become self-serving entities. He reiterated the state’s commitment to curbing illegal colonies through its proposed land pooling policy. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the self proclaimed farmer leaders are trying to mislead people on this issue.

Finally, taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that while the PM finds time to tour foreign countries, he fails to address the concerns of 140 crore Indians. He criticized Modi for celebrating foreign honors from countries with populations as small as 10,000 while neglecting the nation’s pressing issues. “This reflects the sorry state of affairs in the country,” Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

State Government working diligently to address concerns of rice millers and other stakeholders: Group of Ministers

Chandigarh, July 10:

The Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted for ensuring the seamless and hassle free procurement of Wheat and Paddy today held a comprehensive meeting with the rice Millers of Punjab with a view to allay their concerns and give a patient hearing to their issues.

The Chairman of the Group of Ministers,

Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is proactively making comprehensive arrangements to ensure a seamless Kharif procurement season. As sowing has commenced, the state administration is working diligently to address the concerns and demands of millers and other stakeholders, while taking into account their requirements and demands to facilitate a smooth procurement operations in the state.

The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak during interaction with the mediapersons said that the millers are appreciative of the fact that the State Government has begun preparations many months in advance about upcoming Paddy procurement season. He also stated that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is painstakingly working to resolve all the issues pertaining to the millers and is scheduled to meet the Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi over the matters which are in the domain of the Union Government.

Assuring all the stakeholders viz. Farmers, Rice Millers, Arhtiyas and the Labourers of protecting their interests, the Minister divulged that the Punjab Government is committed to fulfill their justified demands. On the movement of foodgrains from the State to ensure storage space, Mr. Kataruchak added that till now, 105 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of foodgrains has been moved out.

The Transport and Jails Minister Mr. Laljit Singh Bhullar assured that the Punjab Government said that the rice millers form the backbone of the procurement process and the State Government is formulating every step taking their welfare into active consideration. The Water Resources Minister Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the Punjab Government stands shoulder to shoulder with all the stakeholders in their every hour of need and views them as active partners not just in the procurement process but in the overall development of Punjab.

Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tiwari, Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Varinder Kumar Sharma, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Ramvir, MD PUNSUP Sonali Giri besides representatives of the rice millers.

Agroha Medical College is a key pillar of healthcare and medical education in Haryana: Health Minister Arti Singh Rao

Chandigarh, July 10 – Haryana Health Minister, Kumari Arti Singh Rao, today formally inaugurated the newly renovated administrative building of Maharaja Agrasen Medical College in Agroha. On this occasion, she also announced a grant of Rs.21 lakh for various development works in the college. President, Maharaja Agrasen Medical Education and Scientific Research Society and MLA, Hisar Smt. Savitri Jindal, former MP General D.P. Vats, Senior Vice Chairman, Sh. Madhusudan Agrawal was also present.

During the ceremony, Kumari Arti Rao appreciated the college administration for upgrading the building with modern amenities and advanced technology. She said that this new facility will help streamline academic and administrative functions, creating a better environment for students, faculty, and staff.

After the inauguration, the Health Minister also chaired a meeting of the Executive Council of the Maharaja Agrasen Medical College Society. Key discussions focused on the development of the college, enhancing academic excellence, and strengthening the healthcare infrastructure.

She said that Maharaja Agrasen Medical College stands as a vital institution for both medical education and healthcare services in the state.  Our goal is to ensure that this college not only imparts high-quality medical education but also provides the people of Haryana with reliable and accessible healthcare, she added.

Smt.Savitri Jindal highlighted the Maharaja Agrasen Medical Education and Scientific Research society’s goals and future plans. She shared how the society, in collaboration with the Haryana Government, is dedicated to excellence in medical education and research, while ensuring quality health services reach the community.

Professors , faculty members, officers from the Health Department, and others also remained present. 

Our government has been working on water drainage in Gurugram for the past 10 years: Vij

https://we.tl/t-ZSUNewoOPuDownload Link
===========

*‘पंजाब के मुख्यमंत्री भगवंत मान साहब को मनोचिकित्सक से अपनी जांच करवानी चाहिए’- ऊर्जा, परिवहन एवं श्रम मंत्री श्री अनिल विज*

*पंजाब के मुख्यमंत्री भगवंत सिंह मान द्वारा प्रधानमंत्री के बारे में की गई टिप्पणी दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण हैं- अनिल विज*

*‘‘जिस प्रकार छोटे बच्चे सुबह उठकर दूध के लिए रोने लग जाते हैं उसी प्रकार रणदीप सिंह सुरजेवाला भी सुबह उठकर रोने लग जाते है’’ – विज*

*हमारी सरकार पिछले 10 साल से गुडगांव में पानी निकासी के लिए काम कर रही  – विज*

चण्डीगढ, 11 जुलाई- हरियाणा के ऊर्जा, परिवहन एवं श्रम मंत्री श्री अनिल विज ने आज फिर पंजाब के मुख्यमंत्री भगवंत सिंह मान को सलाह देते हुए कहा कि ‘‘पंजाब के मुख्यमंत्री भगवंत मान साहब को मनोचिकित्सक से अपनी जांच करवानी चाहिए क्योंकि वे प्रधानमंत्री के बारे में इस प्रकार की बातें कर रहे हैं, जोकि ठीक नहीं है’’। इसी प्रकार, श्री विज ने आज कांग्रेस नेता रणदीप सिंह सूरजेवाला को भी आडे हाथों लेते हुए कहा कि ‘‘जिस प्रकार छोटे बच्चे सुबह उठकर दूध के लिए रोने लग जाते हैं उसी प्रकार सुरजेवाला भी सुबह उठकर रोने लग जाते है’’।

श्री विज आज मीडिया कर्मियों द्वारा पंजाब के मुख्यमंत्री भगवंत सिंह मान द्वारा प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी को लेकर दिए गए मजाकिया ब्यान कि उन्हें लगता है कि प्रधानमंत्री घाना गए हुए हैं और वो भी 140 करोड आबादी वाले देश को छोडकर 10 हजार आबादी वाले देश में गए हैं, जहां उन्हें सर्वोच्च पुरस्कार भी मिलता है, के संबंध में पूछे गए सवाल का जवाब दे रहे थे।

*प्रधानमंत्री नरेन्द्र मोदी को विदेश में वहां का सर्वोच्च पुरस्कार मिलना गर्व की बात है- विज*  

उन्होंने पंजाब के मुख्यमंत्री पर पलटवार करते हुए भगवंत मान से सवाल करते हुए कहा कि देश के प्रधानमंत्री अफ्रीका, घाना, त्रिनीदाद जैसे देशों की यात्रा पर गए थे, क्या वे देश नहीं है ? क्या वहां लोगों के साथ संबंध नहीं बनाने चाहिए? श्री विज ने कहा कि हमें सभी देशों के साथ संबंध बनाने चाहिए, लेकिन मान साहब द्वारा इस प्रकार की टिप्पणी करना बहुत ही दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है। श्री विज ने पंजाब के मुख्यमंत्री को समझाते हुए कहा कि प्रधानमंत्री नरेन्द्र मोदी हर देश में जा रहे हैं इसमें छोटे-बड़े का कोई सवाल नहीं है और वहां से कुछ लोगों ने उन्हें सर्वाेच्च का पुरस्कार भी दिया है जो देश के लिए गर्व की बात है।

*हमारी सरकार पिछले 10 साल से गुडगांव में पानी निकासी के लिए काम कर रही  – विज*

कांग्रेस नेता रणदीप सिंह सुरजेवाला ने गुरुग्राम में हुए जलभराव को लेकर ट्वीट करते हुए लिखा है कि मिलेनियम सिटी गुड़गांव से जलगांव तक बीजेपी की ट्रिपल इंजन सरकार का तोहफा है, के संबंध में पत्रकारों द्वारा पूछे गए सवाल के जवाब में श्री विज ने कहा कि गुड़गांव जब बसा था, तब कांग्रेस की ही सरकार थी, नाले नालियां और निकासी का काम जब शहर बस रहा होता है तभी किया जाता है, लेकिन हमारी सरकार पिछले 10 साल से पानी निकासी के लिए काम कर रही है।

उन्होंने तंज कसते हुए रणदीप सिंह सूरजेवाला की तुलना छोटे बच्चे से करते हुए कहा कि ‘‘जिस प्रकार छोटे बच्चे सुबह उठकर दूध के लिए रोने लग जाते हैं उसी प्रकार सुरजेवाला भी सुबह उठकर रोने लग जाते है’’।
——–

*“Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann should get himself examined by a psychiatrist” – Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij*

*“The remarks made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann about the Prime Minister are unfortunate” – Anil Vij*

*“Just like small children wake up in the morning crying for milk, Randeep Singh Surjewala also wakes up and starts crying” – Vij*

*“Our government has been working on water drainage in Gurugram for the past 10 years” – Vij*

Chandigarh, July 11 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij once again commented on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, and said that “Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann should get himself examined by a psychiatrist because the way he speaks about the Prime Minister is not appropriate.” In the same context, Sh. Vij also criticized Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, and said that “Just like small children cry in the morning for milk, Surjewala too wakes up and starts crying every morning.”

Sh.  Vij was responding to media questions regarding a sarcastic comment made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which Mann reportedly said that it seems the PM went to Ghana—leaving behind a country of 1.4 billion to visit a country with only 10,000 people—and even received their highest award.

*“It is a matter of pride that Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the highest award from a foreign country” – Vij*

Responding strongly to Bhagwant Mann’s comment, Sh. Anil Vij questioned that “The Prime Minister visited countries like Africa, Ghana, and Trinidad. Are these not countries? Should we not build relations with their people?” He added that India should foster relations with all nations and called Mann’s remarks deeply unfortunate. He emphasized that“The Prime Minister visits all countries, whether big or small, and has received top honors from some of them — which is a proud moment for our nation.”

*“Our government has been working on water drainage in Gurugram for the last 10 years” – Vij*

When asked about Randeep Singh Surjewala’s tweet criticizing the BJP for waterlogging in Gurugram — where he wrote, “From Millennium City to ‘Jalgaon’ is the gift of BJP’s triple-engine government”, Sh. Vij responded that “When Gurugram was developed, it was under Congress rule. Drainage systems, sewers, and water exit planning are done at the time of city planning. Our government, however, has been working on water drainage for the past 10 years.” He again mocked Surjewala and said that “Just like children wake up crying for milk, Surjewala wakes up crying every morning.”

पोषण ट्रैकर समीक्षा बैठक में जिलाधिकारी ने अधिकारियों को दिए निर्देश

चमोली,

पोषण ट्रैकर समीक्षा बैठक में जिलाधिकारी ने अधिकारियों को दिए निर्देश

जिले में कुपोषण की स्थिति सुधारने पर दिया जोर

जिलाधिकारी  संदीप तिवारी की अध्यक्षता में पोषण ट्रैकर ऐप की प्रगति हेतु जिलाधिकारी वीसी कक्ष में समीक्षा बैठक आयोजित की गई। बैठक में जिले में चिन्हित कुपोषित एवं अति कुपोषित बच्चों की संख्या, स्वास्थ्य स्थिति तथा सुधार के प्रयासों पर विस्तृत चर्चा की गई।

जिलाधिकारी ने निर्देश दिए कि सभी सीडीपीओ यह सुनिश्चित करें कि आंगनबाड़ी केंद्रों में वितरित किए जा रहे संपूरक पोषण आहार की गुणवत्ता व मात्रा मानक अनुसार हो। उन्होंने कहा बाल विकास परियोजना अधिकारी स्वयं क्षेत्र भ्रमण कर आँगनबाड़ी केंद्रों की भौतिक स्थिति, कार्य संचालन, उपस्थिति रजिस्टर व गतिविधियों की निगरानी करें।

उन्होंने निर्देश दिए कि जिले के सभी आंगनबाड़ी केंद्रों में बच्चों के वजन व ऊंचाई की नियमित माप,  संपूरक पोषण और आहार की गुणवत्ता की निरंतर निगरानी की जाए। इस दौरान सीडीपीओ जोशीमठ अभिजीत कुमार को मीटिंग में आवश्यक जानकारी न देने पर नाराजगी व्यक्त की और मीटिंग में पूर्ण तैयारी के साथ बैठने के निर्देश दिए।

जिलाधिकारी द्वारा  निर्देश दिए गए कि सभी आँगनबाड़ी केंद्रों द्वारा पोषण ट्रैकर पोर्टल पर  बच्चों, गर्भवती महिलाओं एवं धात्री माताओं का डेटा समयबद्ध रूप से अपलोड किया जाए।उन्होंने कहा चिन्हित कुपोषित  व अति कुपोषित बच्चों की समीक्षा की जाए तथा स्वास्थ्य विभाग के सहयोग से नियमित स्वास्थ्य परीक्षण व फॉलोअप सुनिश्चित किया जाए।

 जिला कार्यक्रम अधिकारी हिमांशु बडोला द्वारा अवगत कराया गया कि पोषण ट्रैकर पोर्टल के माध्यम से जिले में कुल 17234 बच्चों को ट्रैक किया जा रहा है, जिनमें से  जून माह में 186 बच्चे कुपोषित तथा 45 अति कुपोषित की श्रेणी में चिन्हित किए गए हैं। उन्होंने बताया इन बच्चों को संपूरक पोषण आहार, नियमित स्वास्थ्य परीक्षण एवं विशेष देखरेख के माध्यम से पोषण स्तर सुधारने का प्रयास किया जा रहा है।

बैठक में मुख्य विकास अधिकारी अभिषेक त्रिपाठी ,सभी बाल विकास परियोजना अधिकारी वी सी के माध्यम से उपस्थित रहे।

Wave of Change: Haryana NCB’s Mission Mode Operation – A Triple-Front Attack on Drugs: Legal, Economic, and Social

Chandigarh, 09 July 2025. Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) chief O.P. Singh stated that the campaign against drug traffickers will no longer remain limited to arrests alone, but will now move forward to completely dismantle the illegal earnings, properties, and networks of drug smugglers. This fight will be fought simultaneously on three fronts — law, technology, and society.
He made these remarks while addressing officers at a meeting held at the headquarters in Panchkula. The meeting was attended by HSNCB Superintendents of Police Pankhuri Kumar, Mohit Handa, District Public Prosecutors, DSPs, and Unit In-Charges from across the state.

– Focus on Urban Hotspots – Coordination of Law, Society, and Public Awareness
During the meeting, Mr. Singh directed that the major drug-affected urban areas in the state should be identified, and a coordinated strategy should be implemented there — combining legal action, public participation, and extensive awareness campaigns. He stated that drugs are a social disease that must be eradicated with the joint effort of the public, administration, and police. This war will not be won merely through arrests but also through social consciousness and behavioral change.

– Economic Front Attack: Illicit Properties of Smugglers to be Seized and Destroyed
The HSNCB chief also made it clear that the main focus of the crackdown will now be on eliminating the illicit wealth of drug traffickers. Under the PIT NDPS Act, habitual drug offenders will be detained, their properties will be attached first, then seized and publicly destroyed. The message is clear: in Haryana, every illegally earned asset from drugs will now come under the scrutiny of the law and be struck at its foundation.

– Six-Month Action Shows Impact: 138 FIRs Registered, 247 Arrests
The meeting reviewed the report from January to June 2025, which revealed that HSNCB registered 138 FIRs and arrested 247 drug traffickers during this period. Out of these, 40 cases were related to commercial quantities, while the rest involved medium and small quantities. Mr. Singh emphasized the need to improve these numbers further and instructed the officers to focus more on commercial drug cases and take necessary steps to expedite pending cases in courts.

– Cyber, Economic, and Digital Investigations Will Be New Weapons
It was also decided to give technology a key role in this fight. The HSNCB chief said that now the digital networks of drug dealing, online transactions, social media connections, and other cyber links will be investigated. Police units have been directed to monitor all aspects of criminals — economic, cyber, and networking — through multi-dimensional investigation and integrate digital forensics into their probes.

– Synthetic Drugs in Gurugram-NCR a Concern: Special Surveillance Ordered
Concern was expressed over the rising trend of synthetic and pharmaceutical drugs in Gurugram and NCR regions. The HSNCB has issued directions to run special vigilance campaigns and strengthen the intelligence network in these areas. It was emphasized that it is imperative to destroy these drug networks targeting the youth.

– Public Cooperation Crucial: Information Can Be Shared on Helpline Numbers 9050891508 and 1933
To actively involve the general public in this campaign, NCB has released two helpline numbers — 9050891508 and 1933. Anyone can confidentially share information about drug activities in their locality through these numbers. The public was urged to participate in this mission, as this fight is not just the police’s, but of the entire society.

– Priority to School-College Campaigns and Rehabilitation
The HSNCB chief said that to strike at the social roots of drug addiction, campaigns including seminars in schools and colleges, discussions on the ill effects of drugs, and street plays are being planned. Additionally, new rehabilitation centers will be established for drug victims, and emotionally resonant messages like “Rehabilitation is a Right” will be used to promote positive thinking in society.

– Not Just Arrests – The Mission Will Succeed by Hitting Networks, Money, and Mindset
The HSNCB meeting made it clear that the anti-drug campaign in the state will no longer remain superficial. It has become a comprehensive and state-wide public movement, with a concrete action plan across legal enforcement, economic disruption, and social participation. This mission is not just a government effort, but a people’s commitment to make Haryana drug-free.

Research Appreciation Day observed

The occasion of Research Appreciation Day was successfully observed in the Advanced Paediatric Centre (APC) Auditorium, PGIMER, Chandigarh, organised by the Association of Basic Medical Scientists (ABMS), under the leadership of Ms. Shaveta Jain (President, ABMS), from 4th – 5th July, 2025. The event aimed to recognize and celebrate the hard work, innovation, and dedication of the research fraternity of PGIMER, as well as honour the efforts being put by every single researcher in advancing knowledge and solving real-world problems to improve lives. The event emphasized on appreciating the mentors, colleagues, collaborators, funding agencies, and institutions—without whom the efforts of researchers would lack the structure and support needed to thrive. The event was a reminder that research is never a solitary journey, but a collaborative mission. The attendees were students from various courses, research scholars, and staff. The event started with a welcome address by Ms. Shaveta Jain (President, ABMS). Prof. R K Ratho, Dean (Academics), PGIMER, inaugurated the event. This was followed by the cover page reveal of the ABMS magazine “BioRachana” by Prof. R K Ratho and Dr. Parmananda Guptasarma (Dean of Faculty, IISER Mohali), set to be released during this calendar year. Faculty from various departments of PGIMER also marked their presence during this 2-day event including Dr. Sapna Pahil (Medical Microbiology), Dr. Rani Ojha (Urology), Dr. Anupam Mittal (Translational & Regenerative Medicine), Dr. Subhabrata Sarkar (Virology), and Dr. Deeksha Pal (Urology).

The event included lectures from eminent personalities including Dr. Parmananda Guptasarma (Dean of Faculty, IISER Mohali), Dr. Akhilesh Kumar (Scientist, ThermoFisher Scientific India), and Dr. Akshay Nag (CEO, Central University of Punjab Research & Development Foundation). The attendees were given insights into the scope of career in academia and industry for researchers. The event also highlighted that research is not only about discovering new knowledge but also about making a positive impact on people’s lives. Various activities & competitions were conducted during the 2-day event to bring out the creative side of the researchers. These included Open mic, Magazine cover competition, Petri Plate Painting Competition, “Behind the Paper” Storytelling, Photography & Videography competitions, and Science Quiz.  There was a lucky draw as well at the end of both the days where selected attendees received surprise gifts. The 2-day event ended with a movie night. During the vote of thanks, Ms. Shaveta Jain motivated the researchers to create an environment that encourages young minds to join in the spirit of ABMS where research is not feared for its complexity but admired for its power to transform. The organizing team comprised of the current ABMS executive committee including, Mr. Ajay Kumar (Vice- President), Ms. Ankita Arora (General Secretary), Shivani Kavidayal (Joint Secretary Female), Mr. Shiv Charan (Joint Secretary Male), Ms. Praisy K Prabha (Treasurer), Mr. Jagdeep Singh (Literary Secretary), Ms. Rupali Dhingra (Cultural Secretary), Mr. Anikait Kaushal (Sports Secretary), Ms. Gurkirat Kaur (Hostel Secretary Female), and Mr. Inderjeet Kumar (Hostel Secretary Male), under the leadership of Ms. Shaveta Jain (President).

 BJP Government playing with public sentiments in the name of healthcare facilities: Kumari Selja

Chandigarh:

The General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and Member of Parliament from Sirsa,
Kumari Selja expressed strong displeasure over the Haryana government’s inactivity and bureaucratic arbitrariness regarding the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat/Chirayu scheme. She said that the purpose of this scheme was to provide free and quality healthcare services to the underprivileged sections of the country. However, due to government negligence, bureaucracy has crippled the scheme, depriving the public of its benefits. If this scheme is to be saved, the Prime Minister or the Union Health Minister should intervene directly, as the situation regarding payments between the government and private hospital operators is becoming critical.

In a statement released to the media Kumari Selja said that the Haryana government adopted the scheme under the name Chirayu, but what is currently happening is a direct assault on the public’s health rights. Under this scheme, eligible persons are issued Ayushman cards, which allow them to receive free treatment at listed private hospitals. The government makes payments directly to the hospitals. However, despite praising the scheme at every platform, the government does not pay attention to its implementation. The bureaucracy is acting arbitrarily and has crippled the scheme. Patients and their caregivers, deprived of benefits, are cursing the government bitterly because it is not paying private hospital operators. Even when payments are made, they are done with heavy deductions. As a result, private hospitals are now reluctant to provide treatment under this scheme. Payments to private hospitals are delayed by 3-6 months, while as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), payments should be made within 15 days with provisions for interest on delays.

Kumari Selja said the government has refused to pay interest and payments are only made when hospitals threaten to withdraw from the scheme. Unjustified deductions, unnecessary objections, and years-old pending claims are being rejected as false claims. Recently, five popular packages were removed from the private sector, although adequate arrangements for these services are not available in public hospitals. Even after spending Rs. 1300 crore in the financial year 2023-24 and Rs. 1800 crore in 2024-25, the budget for 2025-26 has been drastically reduced to only Rs. 700 crore, despite including citizens aged 70 and above. The MP said Haryana’s bureaucracy is determined to fail this scheme. The participation of private hospitals is the backbone of this scheme, and by harassing them, the scheme is being rendered inactive.

Kumari Selja demanded that the government immediately increase the Ayushman Bharat/Chirayu scheme’s 2025-26 budget to a minimum of Rs. 2000 crore, conduct a high-level inquiry into the delays and deductions in payments, establish transparent dialogue with private hospitals, restore the removed packages, implement the MoU guarantee for interest payments on delays, and that the Prime Minister and Union Health Minister intervene directly to save the scheme. She urged the government to stop deceiving the public. The MP questioned whether this scheme has now become just an election slogan. Kumari Selja asked why the government announced inclusion of the 70+ age group if it cannot increase the budget, calling it a betrayal of the public.

Haryana Government amends Right to Service Act

Chandigarh, July 9 – Taking a big step towards ensuring timely services to its citizens, the state government has amended the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014. Now, if the designated officer or grievance redressal authority does not decide on the application or appeal within the stipulated time period, the Right to Service Commission will be able to take suo motu cognizance in such cases. If undue delay is found in the disposal of the application or appeal, the Commission will be able to pass appropriate orders.

According to a notification issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, a new provision has been added replacing Rule 9 of the Haryana Right to Service Rules, 2014. These rules will be called ‘Haryana Right to Service (Amendment) Rules, 2025’.

If before the application for availing any notified service, the matter concerned is pending before any Court or the Revisional Authority of the concerned Department, then the Commission shall not exercise its powers under section 17 of the Act against the designated officer or the First or Second Grievance Redressal Authority until a final decision is given by the Court or the Revisional Authority.