Chandigarh, 10 July 2026:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against  corruption in the state, has apprehended Patwari Gurjit Singh posted at Revenue Estate Dhol Khurd, Sub Registrar Malaud district Ludhiana red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 3,500/-.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of village Dhol Khurd, P.S Malaud, district Ludhiana.

He said that the complainant’s parents passed away in 2016, leaving a 3-Biswa plot in village Dhol Khurd registered under his mother’s name. The inheritance mutation of this plot needed to be transferred to the complainant and his six siblings.

The complainant prepared the required documents and submitted them to Patwari Gurjit Singh. The accused took the documents and  demanded an illegal gratification of Rs 5,000/- to get the mutation done.

He further said that upon requesting, deal was settled at Rs 3500/- with accused Patwari to get the mutation done of the complainant’s plot. Complainant also recorded the entire conversation of demanding bribe.

Unwilling to pay the illegal gratification, complainant approached the VB range Ludhiana. Acting on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Patwari was arrested red handed while accepting  bribe money of Rs 3,500/- from the complainant in 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 Ludhiana and further investigation into this case is under progress.

Chandigarh:

The Chandigarh State Cooperative Bank Ltd. celebrated Cooperative Week from June 29 to July 6, 2026 with a series of customer awareness programmes and community welfare initiatives across its branches in U.T. Chandigarh. The activities were organized as per the directions of the Department of Cooperation, U.T. Chandigarh and under the guidance of Sh. D. Karthikeyan, IAS, Managing Director of the Bank.

During the week-long celebration, the Bank conducted extensive awareness campaigns to educate existing and prospective customers about its deposit products, digital banking services, Government-sponsored social security schemes, cyber security and fraud prevention measures. Customers were also sensitized about Mobile Banking, Internet Banking, UPI, RuPay Debit Cards, KYC compliance, nomination registration and safe digital banking practices. The initiatives received an encouraging response and reinforced the Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion, digital empowerment and customer awareness.

As part of the concluding event of Cooperative Week, the Bank organized a Tree Plantation Drive on July 6, 2026 at the Green Belt, Sector 51, Chandigarh, reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Sh. Jujhar Singh Badheri, Chairman of the Bank, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest while Sh. Jasmanpreet Singh, Senior Deputy Mayor, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, attended as the Special Guest.

Sh. Talochan Singh, Director and Sh. Balkrishan Rana, Director also participated in the plantation drive by planting saplings and encouraged citizens to contribute towards making Chandigarh greener and healthier.

On behalf of the Bank Hardeep Singh expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, the Special Guest, the Directors, officers, staff members and all participants for their support in making the Cooperative Week celebrations a success. He reiterated the Bank’s commitment to delivering customer-centric banking services while actively promoting financial inclusion, digital awareness, environmental sustainability and the cooperative movement in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Chandigarh :  Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) today formally launched its Chandigarh unit at a press conference here, announcing its intention to contest the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections and the Chandigarh Parliamentary seat in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing the media, S. Gurjeet Singh Talwandi, General Secretary and Party Observer (Chandigarh), said that Chandigarh is an integral part of Punjab, geographically and socially. He strongly criticised the Badal faction, stating that under the leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal as President party abandoned people of Chandigarh and its Akali workers. Their ill-informed policies left the Akali cadre demoralised either sitting at home or having joined other parties. He said under instructions of party president Giani Harpreet Singh (former Jathedar Akal Takath) and as per the 2nd December 2024 Hukamnama of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, we have successfully been able to get all Akali factions on one platform.
He said we have made zone incharge’s and they will be reaching out till grassroot level and within one month we will announce party structure.

Senior leaders who addressed the press conference included S. Gurnam Singh Sidhu (Former President, SAD Chandigarh), S. Patwant Singh Riar (Former President, SAD Chandigarh), S. Mohinder Singh (Former Deputy Mayor, Chandigarh), and S. Amrinder Singh (ex-Member, SGPC UT). The party leadership issued a call to all Panthic organisations and villages of Chandigarh to come forward and join this movement, stating that due to the absence of a regional party, the voice of Chandigarh’s people has gone unheard. They affirmed that the party will approach all societies and organisations in Chandigarh to take feedback and voice their concerns, reiterating their commitment to filling the void left by the Badal faction and giving Chandigarh the political representation it deserves.

They said we are entering Chandigarh domain with core agenda. The party outlined a comprehensive agenda built around issues that have been pending for decades but have received no attention from successive Administrations.

For surrounding villages they asked for land pooling policy should be having both acquiring option as per Gujrat model or market value compensation for owners. Villages should be developed as model villages.
 Further demanded 300 units of free electricity and 30,000 litres of free water per month for families earning below a threshold of Rs. 30,000 per month.
On the issue of identity and governance, the party demanded that Punjabi be made the official language of Chandigarh and that posts in the UT Administration be filled in the 60:40 ratio for Punjab and Haryana as stipulated by the Punjab and Haryana Reorganisation Act, 1966. The leaders pointed out that out of 11 lakh people in Chandigarh, 90 per cent speak Punjabi yet the language has not even been recognised as the second language.
The party vowed an aspirational vision for Chandigarh as a vibrant, globally competitive “24-Hour City” and a European style shopping village in sector 17 giving  a thriving economy, extended business hours and a dynamic environment attracting youth, entrepreneurs, and tourists.
They asked for a friendly industrial policy for MSME’s and specifically relaxed conversion norms for industrial to commercial plots in industrial area and demanded immediate conversion of commercial and industrial plots which are on 99-year leasehold to freehold.
Jointly they said we feel Chandigarh has not reached its full potential and we bow to bring world class infrastructure reforming ISBT, Railway Station, expanding Airport and other High tech civic amenities.

Concluding the press conference Talwandi said we are also in talks with like minded parties for alliance in Chandigarh rest assured we will only proceed on a Common minimum programme based on our vision and prioritising demands of people of Chandigarh.

Other than above eminent leaders present were Baba Gurdial Singh khuda Ali sher, Kirpal Singh and Jaspal Singh from Gurudwara sec 40, Balbir Singh and Dharma Singh Manimajra, Avtar Singh Ram darbar, Baldev Singh Kalsi Ramgarhia Bhawan, Jaspreet Singh Jassal Sector 7 Gurudwara, Davinder Singh Sigligar Ram Darbar, and Sukhchain Singh and Rattan Singh from Gursagar Gurudwara Sukhna near Lake.

Chandigarh, July 5:

Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to making higher education accessible to every deserving student, Punjab’s Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today announced that the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students for the Academic Session 2026-27 has officially commenced. The scheme is being implemented through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), which has been operational for submission of applications since July 1, 2026.

Emphasising the government’s student-centric approach, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that financial constraints should never stand in the way of a talented student’s aspirations and pursuit of higher education. She urged all eligible Scheduled Caste students across Punjab to avail themselves of the scheme and submit their applications well before the deadline to secure financial assistance and pursue their academic goals with confidence.

To ensure transparent, efficient and time-bound implementation of the scheme, the Department has notified the following schedule for the Academic Session 2026-27:

Activity      Timeline

Launch of Scheme         July 1, 2026

Last date for submission of student applications    November 15, 2026

Correction of defective applications   November 30, 2026

Institute-level verification        November 30, 2026

Final verification by DNO/SNO/MNO        December 15, 2026

Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, the Cabinet Minister said that the scholarship programme is another significant step towards realizing Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of a ‘Rangla Punjab’, where every deserving student has equal access to quality education irrespective of economic background. She said that empowering young people through higher education is essential for building a progressive, inclusive and equitable society, while financial assistance to SC students remains a cornerstone of the government’s commitment to promoting educational equity and social justice.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that the Punjab Government is committed to equipping the state’s youth with quality education and creating better employment opportunities within Punjab itself. She noted that while scholarship schemes reduce the financial burden on economically weaker families, the government’s transparent recruitment drive and merit-based employment initiatives are enabling thousands of young people to build successful careers in Punjab, thereby helping curb brain drain.

To maximise outreach and ensure that no eligible student is deprived of the benefits of the scheme due to lack of awareness, the Minister directed all District Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Officers to organise special awareness and facilitation camps across villages, urban areas and remote regions. She stressed that grassroots-level awareness is essential to ensure maximum enrolment under the scheme.

The Cabinet Minister also instructed the Directors of the Departments of Higher Education, Medical Education and Research, Technical Education and Industrial Training, School Education, and Animal Husbandry, along with all affiliated educational institutions, to proactively assist students in completing and submitting their scholarship applications within the stipulated timelines.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “Our Government is firmly committed to ensuring that every deserving student receives an equal opportunity to pursue higher education. Financial hardship should never become a barrier to education, and we will continue to extend every possible support to help our youth realise their full potential.”

Chandigarh, July 5

Haryana has initiated preparations for the Population Enumeration phase of the Census of India 2027. Informing this, Dr. Sumita Misra, Financial Commissioner Revenue and Disaster Management Department who is also the state’s nodal officer for Census 2027, said that the State Government has notified the pre-test of Population Enumeration in selected sample areas across Haryana. The field exercise will be conducted from July 6 to July 18, 2026, as part of the nationwide preparations for Census 2027.

Dr. Misra said that the pre-test is an important step towards ensuring a smooth, accurate and efficient Census operation. Before the commencement of field enumeration, eligible residents in the notified sample areas will have the option of self-enumeration from July 1 to July 5, 2026, enabling them to voluntarily submit their census particulars through the prescribed digital platform.

She further informed that after completion of the field exercise, a revisional round will be conducted from July 19 to July 20, 2026, to verify, update and validate the information collected during the pre-test.

Dr. Misra stated that the pilot exercise has been designed to assess the effectiveness of the Population Enumeration methodology, digital processes, field operations and data collection mechanisms. The experience and findings from the pre-test will help refine operational procedures, identify implementation challenges and strengthen the overall framework before the nationwide Census is undertaken.

She appealed to all residents of the selected sample areas to actively participate in the exercise and extend full cooperation to the enumerators. She said that public participation is essential for ensuring the accuracy, reliability and completeness of Census data, which serves as the foundation for evidence-based governance, development planning and welfare initiatives.

Dr. Misra further informed that the notification has been issued under the provisions of Section 17A of the Census Act, 1948, read with Rule 6D of the Census Rules, 1990, authorising the conduct of the Population Enumeration Pre-Test in Haryana as part of the Census of India 2027 preparations.

Chandigarh, July 5: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee made the greatest sacrifice for the unity and integrity of the nation. The voice he raised and the dream he envisioned were fulfilled by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi through the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Today, the Indian Tricolour is flying proudly from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a gathering on Sunday in Pathankot, Punjab, on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Pathankot MLA Sh. Ashwani Sharma, former Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Sh. Dinesh Babbu, former MLA Seema Kumari, and several other senior leaders were also present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister said that Pathankot is not merely a city but the northern frontier of ‘Bharat Mata’. It is the land of brave warriors, martyrs, patriots, and great sons of the nation who sacrificed everything to protect the country’s borders. The soil here carries the fragrance of valour, and the air is filled with the spirit of patriotism.

He said that history remembers certain personalities not merely through books but through generations that adopt their ideals in life. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was one such visionary leader who dedicated his entire life to India’s unity, integrity, self-respect, and national consciousness. He was not only a leader of his time but also a guide for future generations.

The Chief Minister said that Dr. Mookerjee was not only a renowned educationist but also an outstanding statesman.

He said that at the age of just 33, Dr. Mookerjee became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta. The people of Bengal held him in great esteem and affection and referred to him as the “Tiger of Bengal.”

The Chief Minister said that Dr. Mookerjee’s objective was to build a strong and self-reliant India. With this vision, he entered public life and became India’s first Industry Minister. However, when faced with a choice between principles and power in 1950, he chose national interest over office. He strongly opposed the displacement of millions of Hindus and Sikhs from East Pakistan and expressed serious disagreement with the Liaquat-Nehru Pact, leading to his resignation from the Union Cabinet. Through this decision, he proved that the nation was more important to him than any position.

He said that Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee gave the call, “Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan aur do Nishan nahin chalenge.” This was not merely a political slogan but the voice of India’s soul. He struggled for the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India and decided to enter the region without a permit. He was arrested while entering Jammu and Kashmir from Madhopur. At that time, former Prime Minister Late Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was with him. Later, Dr. Mookerjee passed away while in custody. This was not an ordinary death but the supreme sacrifice made for the unity and integrity of the nation.

Article 370 Abrogation Fulfilled Dr. Mookerjee’s Vision

He said that the mission for which Dr. Mookerjee sacrificed his life was fulfilled on August 5, 2019, when Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah abrogated Article 370. Today, the Indian Tricolour flies with pride and honour from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Attock to Cuttack.

India Transformed Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Leadership

The Chief Minister said that the world now views India from a new perspective. A country once considered part of global problems has emerged as a nation providing solutions to the world. This transformation did not happen overnight. It is the result of the hard work, faith, and dedication of Indians, along with the relentless efforts, commitment, sacrifice, and leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi.

He said that over the last 11 years, millions of poor families have received permanent homes through various government initiatives. Through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, poor and needy citizens have gained access to treatment for serious illnesses. He further said that in Haryana, the scope of healthcare security has been expanded by integrating the Chirayu scheme with Ayushman Bharat.

The Chief Minister said that Digital India has brought technology to every village, Skill India has equipped youth with valuable skills, and Make in India has strengthened India’s industrial capabilities. Modern expressways are being constructed across the country, advanced trains such as Vande Bharat are being introduced, and airport infrastructure is being expanded.

He said that while some people talk about “Aam Aadmi Clinics,” the Haryana Government has focused on strengthening the entire healthcare infrastructure. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of establishing a medical college in every district, Haryana has already established 17 medical colleges, while work on additional institutions continues to ensure better healthcare facilities for every citizen.

Haryana’s Model Based on Transparent Governance and Public Welfare

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government has adopted Prime Minister Modi’s model of good governance. The government works not for any caste, family, or vote bank but for the progress of every citizen. Over the last few years, nearly 2 lakh youth have been provided jobs without any “parchi-kharchi”.

He said that when he looks towards Punjab, he feels concern and pain. Today, every section of society in Punjab feels let down. Promises of employment were made to the youth, but many young people are now trapped in drug addiction.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab’s farmers were promised prosperity and better returns, yet they continue to struggle for fair prices for their produce. In contrast, Haryana has become the first state in the country where all 24 crops are being procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

He said that grand promises of financial assistance were made to women, but even after four years those promises remain unfulfilled. In Haryana, women are being provided ₹2,100 per month.

He further said that Haryana is providing full compensation to farmers for crop losses. Between 2004 and 2014, the Congress government provided only ₹1,136 crore as compensation for crop damage, whereas the present government has provided nearly ₹16,500 crore to farmers since 2014.

Punjab’s Future Will Be Decided by Its People, Not Delhi

The Chief Minister said that Punjab’s future will not be determined by Delhi’s politics but by the people of Punjab themselves. The farmers, youth, mothers, and sisters of Punjab will decide the direction and destiny of the state.

He said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is not seeking power from the people of Punjab but an opportunity to serve them. With the blessings of the people, Punjab will once again become a “Rangla Punjab.” He said that this would be the true tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and a strong foundation for building a Viksit Bharat.

Chandigarh:

The Member of Parliament from Sirsa, Former Union Minister, AICC General Secretary and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member, Kumari Selja attended the inauguration of the Nagpur Block Congress Committee office and a workers’ meeting at Hadauli village in the Ratia area of Fatehabad district as the chief guest. Calling upon party workers to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots, she urged them to continue raising public issues with commitment and dedication.

Addressing the gathering, Kumari Selja said the Congress has always stood with the people and every office-bearer and worker has a responsibility to fight for citizens’ rights. She added that the true strength of any political organisation lies in the commitment of its workers and the confidence reposed in it by the people. The programme was attended by Fatehabad MLA Balwan Singh Daulatpuria, District President Arvind Sharma, Gurjinder Johal, Gursewak, Paramjit Kaur, Devaraj Hadauli, Jai Prakash Lali, Satbir Bhuthan, Rajesh Chadiwal, Sudhir Godara and several other Congress leaders and workers.

Speaking to mediapersons after the event, Kumari Selja criticised the Haryana government over the state’s deteriorating law and order situation. She said incidents of murder, robbery, dacoity, firing, extortion and crimes against women were increasing, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity across the state. Condemning the daylight murder of former sarpanch Rajendra Khileri in Kharakheri village of Fatehabad district, she demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and strict legal action. Referring to the recent robbery of about ₹1.25 lakh from a petrol pump salesman in Panipat, she said such incidents raised serious questions about policing and public safety. 

Kumari Selja urged the government to strengthen the police system, ensure swift action against criminals, conduct a comprehensive review of the law and order situation, and make public safety its highest priority.

Chandigarh, July 5

Chandigarh Member of Parliament and former Union Minister Manish Tewari inaugurated an open-air gym and children’s swings at the CPWD residential area in Sector 7, Ward No. 2, dedicating the facilities to local residents. The project was completed with a grant of approximately ₹7 lakh from the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) Fund.

Speaking on the occasion, Tewari emphasized that a healthy individual is better equipped to fulfill responsibilities toward family and society. He said the open-air gym would provide residents with an opportunity to exercise in a healthy, open environment. Highlighting the importance of sports in tackling drug abuse, he said sports foster a spirit of healthy competition and help keep young people away from addiction. He added that the newly installed swings for children would contribute to their physical as well as mental development.

Later, the MP also inaugurated CCTV cameras installed in the Small Flats area of Sundar Nagar, Mauli Jagran. The surveillance system was set up with an MPLAD grant of approximately ₹5 lakh.

Addressing residents, Tewari said the CCTV cameras would play a vital role in curbing anti-social activities and strengthening law and order in the locality. He reiterated that the health and safety of Chandigarh residents remain among his highest priorities.

On the occasion, Chandigarh Congress President H.S. Lucky said that development is reflected through work on the ground rather than mere claims. He noted that MP Manish Tewari not only remains accessible to the public and works to resolve their issues but also utilizes his MPLAD funds to meet the city’s basic infrastructure and community needs.

Among those present were Resident Welfare Association President Vandana Rani, Siyasan Rai, Manoj, Rambali Verma, Triloki Verma, and a large number of local residents.

Chandigarh, July 2: On the occasion of National Doctors’ Day, the BJP Medical Cell, Chandigarh, reaffirmed its commitment to public welfare by organizing a Free FibroScan Camp at Global Health Clinic, Sector-21, Chandigarh. The camp was organized under the leadership of Lalit Takiyar, State Convenor, BJP Medical Cell, Chandigarh, and Dr. Sanjeev Bhatia, In-charge, BJP Medical Cell. A total of 55 patients successfully underwent FibroScan examinations and received expert medical consultation.
The programme was graced by Jatinder Pal Malhotra, President, BJP Chandigarh, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he said that doctors are not merely professionals but true pillars of humanity whose dedication, compassion and selfless service save countless lives and inspire society.
On the occasion, Dr. Guranchal, Dr. Manoj, and Dr. Sanjeev Bhatia were felicitated for their outstanding contribution to the medical profession and society. Dr. Meena Chadha, Co-Convenor of the BJP Medical Cell, also honoured Jatinder Pal Malhotra with a memento.
The programme was efficiently coordinated by Sumit Bhandari, while the overall event was led by Lalit Takiyar, State Convenor, BJP Medical Cell, Chandigarh. Speaking on the occasion, he stated that the BJP Medical Cell will continue organizing such public health initiatives and awareness programmes in the future.
Among those present were Satpal Verma, President, BJP OBC Morcha Chandigarh; Dr. Naresh Panchal, Vice President, BJP Chandigarh; Bharat Kumar, Manish Sharma, State Secretary; Ravinder Malik, District President; Vicky Shera, along with several BJP office-bearers, party workers and distinguished doctors.
At the conclusion of the programme, all the dignitaries extended their heartfelt greetings on National Doctors’ Day and appreciated the invaluable contribution of doctors for their selfless service and unwavering commitment to society.