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PUNJABI GOES SOUTH: ANDHRA STUDENTS TO LEARN LANGUAGE IN 5-DAY CULTURAL EXCHANGE

CHANDIGARH, May 24:

In a momentous occasion marking a new milestone for Punjab and its global diaspora, the students of Andhra Pradesh Government Schools will learn basics of Punjabi language under a 5-day exchange program to promote cultural exchange, linguistic diversity and foster national unity, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.

 S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that Punjab and Andhra Pradesh have been paired under the program as per directives from the Union Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education and Literacy. As part of the exchange, students from classes VI to X in Punjab government schools will learn the basics of Telugu, while Andhra Pradesh government schools will reciprocate by teaching Punjabi to their students.

 The Education Minister said that this pan-India initiative has seen diverse state pairings, including J&K and Ladakh with Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh with Kerala, Uttarakhand with Karnataka, Haryana with Telangana, Rajasthan with Assam, Gujarat with Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra with Odisha, Goa with Jharkhand, Delhi with Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh with Manipur & Nagaland, UP with Arunachal Pradesh & Meghalaya and Bihar with Tripura & Mizoram, showcasing the program’s extensive reach and cultural exchange potential.

 This initiative aims to encourage students to learn an additional Indian language, promoting multilingualism and appreciation for regional cultures, the Education Minister said, while emphasising the importance of preserving regional languages and cultures.

 S. Harjot Singh Bains asserted that the importance of Punjabi, as the mother tongue and official language of the state, would not be undermined, while dismissing the objections raised on the Summer Camp as ‘mere politicking’.

 He slammed those who rush to media for headlines without proper understanding of any issue. He reminded them of the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s bold step to counter CBSE’s attempt to marginalise regional languages. Notably, Punjab had taken a pioneering step by making Punjabi a mandatory subject in all schools, regardless of their board affiliation.

 The Education Minister added that the summer camp aims to promote multilingualism and cultural unity by encouraging students to learn an additional Indian language. The program will focus on developing basic conversational skills, exploring linguistic and cultural connections, and fostering a sense of national unity through joyful learning experiences. Students will learn fundamentals such as greetings, expressions, alphabets, numbers, songs, and conversations, as well as aspects of local culture, history and traditions.

Haryana Introduces Model Online Transfer Policy with Inclusive Provisions

Chandigarh, May 24 – The Haryana Government  has notified the Model Online Transfer Policy under Articles 162 and 166 of the Constitution of India, a progressive initiative to ensure fair, transparent, and efficient employee transfers across government cadres. Effective immediately, the policy aims to enhance administrative efficiency and job satisfaction through a merit-based online system. A notification to this effect was issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi.

The policy covers employees in cadres with 50 or more sanctioned posts, excluding All India Services, Haryana Civil Services (Executive Branch), and Allied Services, unless exempted by the Human Resource Department (HRD). Smaller cadres with fewer than 50 posts may be included at the competent authority’s discretion. All cadre posts, including headquarters positions, are part of the transfer drive. Within 15 days of notification, departments must publish a list of covered cadres, specifying Prescribed Tenure, Minimum Tenure, and Unit, with provisions for periodic revisions with HRD approval.

According to the policy, Post allocations are based on a composite merit score out of 80 points. Age contributes up to 60 points, calculated as age in days divided by 365 (up to four decimal points). For example, a 40-year-old employee scores approximately 40 points. Up to 20 points are awarded for special circumstances: 10 points for all female employees; 10 points for female employees who are unmarried and over 40, widows, divorced, or judicially separated; 10 points for male employees who are divorced, widowers with minor children, or judicially separated with minor children; 5 points for employees whose spouses work in State or Central Government if the transfer reduces posting distance; 10 points for spouses of military or paramilitary personnel; 10 points for employees or their immediate family with debilitating disorders (certified by authorized medical boards like AIIMS or PGI Chandigarh); 10 points for those with 100% differently abled or mentally challenged children; and up to 20 points for employees with disabilities under the RPWD Act 2016, based on disability percentage starting from 40%.

Qualifying debilitating disorders include Chronic Heart Diseases (e.g., Cardiomyopathy, Heart Failure), Chronic Cardiac Dysrhythmias, Interstitial Lung Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Cirrhosis of Liver, Chronic Renal Failure, Epilepsy, Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Hemiplegia, Parkinson’s Disease, Degenerative Disorders of the Nervous System (e.g., Motor Neuron Disease), Chronic Demyelinating Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cerebral Vascular Accident, Multiple Sclerosis, Myopathies, Thalassemia, Haemophilia, Aplastic Anaemia, all types of Cancer, Schizophrenia, AIDS, and Organ Transplants (Heart, Liver, Kidney, Lung, Intestine). Valid medical certificates from authorized institutions are required for this.

Apart from this, an employee who has been awarded major penalty under HCS (Punishment &  Appeal) Rules, 2016 shall invite a penalty of -10 marks during the currency of the punishment.

Ensuring more transparency

Transparency is ensured through the publication of cadre details within 15 days, with the online system minimizing subjectivity. The policy supports employees with personal challenges, such as women, those with medical conditions, or disabled children, enhancing access to preferred postings. Departments must comply with the 15-day deadline, and employees should ensure documentation like medical certificates.

Employees may file grievances within 15 days of order issuance, but only after joining at the new place of posting. Complaints must be submitted through intraHaryana.nic.in, and will be addressed within the same time frame.

Administrative Powers and Relaxation

The Chief Minister retains the authority to relax or modify provisions in public interest or administrative exigency. The Human Resources Department will also be the final authority on clarifications.

General online transfers will be made preferably once in a year. However, transfer/posting necessitated

by promotion, direct recruitment or administrative exigencies, can be made anytime with the prior approval of the Chief Minister.

Repeal of Earlier Guidelines

All previous transfer policies, including the General Principles for Online Transfers (2020) and related departmental notifications, stand withdrawn from the date of this notification.

Rationalization Process

The department will undertake rationalization to redistribute or ascertain the number of posts in any unit based on administrative requirements and efficiency. This entire stage will be completed  within 15 days. Within first 7 days, the department will undertake the preliminary rationalization exercise. There may be a possibility that the number of employees posted in any unit are in excess of the administrative requirement. Such surplus employees will be required to participate  in the ongoing transfer drive. Amongst such surplus employees, the employee with the longest stay shall have to participate in the transfer drive. In case where more than one employee are

having the same period of stay, then the younger employee shall have to participate in the transfer drive. Further surplus employees, who belong to the Protected Category shall not be transferred  without their consent subject to the condition that not more than 50% of such excess employees in that unit belong to the Protected Category.

The new Model Online Transfer Policy reflects the Haryana Government’s commitment to ensuring fair, technology-driven governance. All departments have been instructed to complete the integration and publication of cadre-specific details promptly to facilitate the successful rollout of the new policy.

Government celebrates birth anniversaries of saints under the ‘Sant Mahapurush Samman evem Vichar Prasar Yojana’ says Dr. Arvind Sharma

Chandigarh, May 24 – Haryana Cooperation Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, said that since 2014, the state government has been officially celebrating the birth anniversaries of great saints under the ‘Sant Mahapurush Samman evem Vichar Prasar Yojana’ in the state. This initiative continues the vision of the then Chief Minister and now Union Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal. A state-level event is being organised on May, 30 in Pahrawar, Rohtak, to mark the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Parshuram. There is great enthusiasm among the Brahmin Samaj and people from all 36 biradri regarding this event.

Dr. Arvind Sharma said this during a programme in Sonipat on Saturday. He invited members of the Brahmin Samaj and all sections of society to attend the upcoming state-level celebration of Bhagwan Parshuram’s birth anniversary.

He further said that Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will attend the programme on May 30 as the Chief Guest. Dr. Sharma said that the active participation of the people will make this programme grand and memorable.

Minister urges youth to follow Maharishi Kashyap’s path to eradicate social evils and promote brotherhood

Chandigarh, May 24 — Haryana Development and Panchayats Minister Sh Krishan Lal Panwar, while addressing gatherings on the occasion of Maharishi Kashyap Jayanti in villages Matalouda, Dariyapur, Israna, Uralana Kalan, Bhadad, and other areas of the Israna Assembly constituency in Panipat district on Saturday, emphasized the importance of the younger generation following the path shown by Maharishi Kashyap. He urged them to work actively towards eradicating societal evils and fostering a spirit of mutual brotherhood and humanity.

He further stated that the Haryana Government has resolved to officially celebrate the birth anniversaries of all revered saints and sages at both the state and district levels. The Panchayat Minister highlighted that it is the responsibility of every citizen to draw inspiration from the lives and teachings of saints and contribute positively to society. In Indian culture, saints are held in the highest regard as torchbearers of virtue and wisdom. Their teachings not only guide individuals but also serve to inspire governance to remain committed to public welfare.

Minister Krishan Lal Panwar added that true global peace can only be achieved by rising above caste-based discrimination and ensuring equitable access to quality modern education for children across all sections of society—following the ideals laid down by our saints and sages.

State-level Maharana Pratap Jayanti to be celebrated on May 29 in village Salwan says Shyam Singh Rana 

Chandigarh, May 24

Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, said that Prithviraj Chauhan was a great warrior. Prithviraj Chauhan and the Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap are strong sources of inspiration for today’s youth. He said that Maharana Pratap Jayanti will be celebrated on May 29 in village Salwan at the state level. Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will participate as Chief Guest in the Programme.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana participated as Chief Guest in district-level Prithviraj Chauhan Jayanti programme in Ambala on Saturday. He encouraged everyone to attend the state-level programme on May 29 in the village Salwan in large numbers. He also announced a grant of Rs.11 lakh for the construction of Maharana Pratap Bhawan in Salwan.

MLA, Sh. Yogendra Rana and former state minister Sh. Aseem Goel also remained present on this occasion. 

Fortis Mohali revolutionises treatment via robot-aided surgeries

Chandigarh:

The department of robotic surgery, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, has successfully performed over 2,600 robot-aided surgeries using the world’s most-advanced 4th generation robot – Da Vinci Xi. To meet the growing demand and ensure greater patient access to minimally invasive procedures, the hospital has now added a second Da Vinci Xi robot to its surgical capabilities.

Doctors from various specialties of the hospital, who have conducted robot-aided surgeries, shared its benefits during a press conference organised here today. The team of doctors, including Dr Atul Joshi, director, general surgery, laparoscopic and oncology surgeon; Dr Swapna Misra, director of obstetrics, gynaecology & robotic surgery; Dr RP Doley, director, general surgery; Dr Rohit Dadhwal, consultant, department of urology, andrology and robotic surgery; and Dr Kuldeep Thakur, consultant, head and neck onco-surgery, discussed how these have been revolutionising the treatment of various complex ailments.

Dr Atul Joshi, said, “Robot-aided surgery has transformed the field of minimal invasive surgery. It provides a 3D view of the operative field via a special camera inserted into the body of the patient.”

Drive against corruption : VB flying squad nabs PUNBUS Superintendent accepting Rs 20,000 bribe

Chandigarh, May 22, 2025 –

 The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its drive against corruption in the state, has arrested Jagjivan Singh, Superintendent at the office of the Director, State Transport -cum- MD PUNBUS, Sector 17, Chandigarh, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the VB said the accused Superintendent has been arrested following a complaint lodged by a private transporter and a resident of village Dharar, in Amritsar district.

The complaint has alleged that the said accused was demanding Rs 5,000 per bus (totaling Rs 20,000) to approve the release of his Rs 2 lakh security deposit with the department. The complainant had recorded the conversation providing irrefutable evidence of the demand. As per the complaint the refund pertains to the four buses of the complainant who had leased to PUNBUS under a kilometre scheme between the years 2014 and 2020. Despite submitting the required documents and obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Depot Manager, Amritsar, in May 2023, his file had been deliberately delayed under frivolous pretexts for three years. 

The spokesperson further added that after a preliminary enquiry of this complaint, the VB flying squad team laid a trap during which the accused Superintendent was apprehended red handed while he was receiving the bribe of Rs 20000 bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses outside his office. In this regard a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused under the prevention of corruption act at VB police station flying squad-1, Punjab at Mohali. Further investigations are ongoing to ascertain if higher officials were complicit in the extortion, he said. The VB has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against corruption and urged citizens to report graft via helpline numbers.

MRSAFPI CADETS DRAW INSPIRATION FROM VC & MVC AWARDEE JEMADAR NAND SINGH’S VALOR AS DAUGHTER SHARES HIS HEROIC TALE

Chandigarh, May 22:

The Punjab Government’s Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute in SAS Nagar hosted a motivational interactive session with Ms. Amarjeet Kaur, daughter of the illustrious Jemadar Nand Singh, a Victoria Cross and Maha Vir Chakra awardee. The session aimed to inspire cadets to set high goals in life and strive for excellence, drawing from the legacy of bravery and sacrifice embodied by Jemadar Nand Singh.

Notably, Jemadar Nand Singh, VC, MVC, was born on September 24, 1914 in village Bahadurpur (Mansa), is known as the highest decorated Indian soldier for exemplifying bravery and sacrifice. He served with distinction in the 1 SIKH Battalion. As Acting Naik, he was awarded with the Victoria Cross for his exceptional courage in World War II, particularly during the capture of the steep ‘India Hill’ in Arakan, Burma, where he led his platoon in destroying a Japanese position. Later, in the 1947-48 Kashmir War, he made the ultimate sacrifice while saving his men from an ambush, earning a posthumous Maha Vir Chakra for his gallantry.

Sharing captivating anecdotes from her father’s illustrious military career, Ms. Amarjeet Kaur emphasized the importance of determination and discipline in achieving success in life. Her inspiring words motivated the young cadets to strive harder, while instilling in them a renewed sense of patriotism and pride in serving the nation.

The Director of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute Major General (Retd.) Ajay H Chauhan said that Jemadar Nand Singh’s legacy is a testament to his unwavering bravery and selflessness. As the highest decorated Indian soldier, his heroic actions in World War II and the 1947-48 Kashmir War continue to inspire generations to come. His life story reflects his unrelenting spirit and commitment to duty.

Vigilance Bureau nabs ANTF ASI, his driver red handed taking Rs 1,05,000 bribe

Chandigarh May 22, 2025 –

 The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy against corruption adopted by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government, apprehended Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Major Singh, posted at Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Bathinda range and his private driver Ram Singh, red-handed while receiving a bribe of Rs. 1,05,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrests have been made following a complaint lodged by a resident of village Raipur, tehsil Sardulgarh, in district Mansa.

He added that the complainant has approached the VB and informed that the ANTF, team Mansa had registered a case under NDPS act at Mohali against his son and others. During investigation of this case, ASI Major Singh came to his shop and told him to release the gold kept in possession of police during body search (Jamtalashi) of his son upon his arrest and demanded Rs 2 lakh bribe in lieu of this work.

The complainant further alleged that upon his request  to reduce the bribe money the said driver Ram Singh demanded Rs 5,000 for himself and one and a half lakh rupees for his boss (ASI). The complainant has recorded the conversation while the accused was demanding the bribe and submitted to the VB as an evidence.

The spokesman further added that after a preliminary enquiry of this complaint, the VB team laid a trap and arrested the aforementioned ASI Major Singh and his private driver Ram Singh while accepting a bribe of Rs.1,05,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against both the said accused at VB Police Station Bathinda range. Further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

Zero tolerance against corruption : B.D.P.O nabbed red handed accepting Rs 40000 bribe

Chandigarh May 22, 2025 –

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy against corruption adopted by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government, apprehended Kulwant Singh, Block Development and Panchayat Officer (B.D.P.O) Rayya, in Amritsar district red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 40000.

An official spokesperson of the state VB informed that the arrest has been made based on a complaint filed by a resident of village Shahpur, in Amritsar district.

He further added that the complainant her wife was sarpanch of village Shahpur from year 2019-2024. There were allegations about embezzlement of Panchayat

funds and creation of fake job cards during her tenure. The complainant alleged that the aforementioned BDPO being the enquiry officer, has demanded Rs one lakh bribe from him to settle the said case. The complainant pleaded to reduce the bribe amount but the officer remained adamant to pay the aforesaid bribe money.

The spokesperson added that after a preliminary enquiry of this complaint the VB team laid a trap during which the accused BDPO was arrested red handed while he was accepting RS 40000 as a first instalment of bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Amritsar range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.