PNS Chandigarh

The Haryana Assembly on Tuesday witnessed heated exchanges between opposition lawmakers and the treasury benches over Rs 21 monthly allowance for women. On the third day of the Budget session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Congress MLA from Mulana Pooja Chaudhary during Question hour sought to know from the Government the time by which the monthly assistance is likely to be disbursed to the women of the state. Participating in a discussion on the governor’s address, another Congress leader and Julana MLA Vinesh Phogat also raised the issue of Rs 2100 allowance for women.

In his reply, Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi referred to the BJP’s poll promise and said, “It is under consideration and the government will take a decision on this soon,” Bedi informed the House. Ahead of the October 2024 Haryana Assembly polls, the BJP had promised to provide the amount to women each month if it returned to power.

Asking a supplementary question, the Congress MLA said, “I am surprised that this kind of reply is being given in the House. Is this the seriousness of the government?” “During the polls, this was the BJP’s first promise to women. They spoke of giving financial assistance to women. And now, five months later, this matter is under consideration. I am asking a clear question about the definite time when the scheme will be implemented,” she asked.

Responding to this, Bedi reiterated his reply and told the Congress MLAs in the House that they do not have to worry about the seriousness of the BJP government whose “promises are guarantees”. Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, the minister reminded the party about the fate of promises it had made to the people of Himachal Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.

“In neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, the Congress had made promises to women and said ‘khata khat, khata khat’. They made promises in Telangana and Karnataka, but they don’t talk about these,” Bedi said.  

BJP MLAs claim state witnessing fast development; Cong counters

 The Assembly also witnessed a discussion on the governor’s address, saw participation from legislators across the party lines.  Ruling BJP MLAs on Tuesday claimed in the Haryana Assembly that the state is witnessing fast development under the party-led government, which the opposition countered saying that the state has fallen behind on several parameters.

During this, two senior BJP MLAs also entered into a verbal spat after one of them remarked on the other, and the entire exchange was later expunged by Assembly Speaker, Harvinder Kalyan.

The ruling party legislators talked about various steps that the BJP government has taken in the state for the welfare of various sections in the past decade.

BJP MLA Laxman singh said that all round development has been undertaken by the government but the opposition can’t see it. Another MLA Kanwar Singh Yadav said that if the opposition claims no development has been undertaken, then why people brought back the BJP to power for a third time consecutive term? Our intent and policy is clear. The state is witnessing fast development, BJP leader said.  He targeted the Congress, saying people have repeatedly rejected them. “The situation is such that they are unable to even pick up their legislative leader.

Participating in a discussion on the Governor’s address in the Haryana Assembly, Senior Congress leader Ashok Arora said that address is supposed to be the road map of the government, which shows what it intends to do for the public and how to facilitate them, none of it was mentioned this time. He alleged that the drug menace had spread its tentacles in Haryana and demanded the government take strong steps to check its proliferation. He also alleged that crime has increased in the State and traders are being targeted by criminals. Government should provide them adequate security apart from taking measures to improve law and order situation in the State, he added.  

Arora also took on the state government over the alleged shortage of teachers and doctors in many schools and hospitals, respectively. He also alleged that many farmers have not got compensation for their demanded crops due to unseasonal rain. Joint operations are being conducted with neighbouring states to curb the cross-border movement of drugs. Strict action is being taken against the drugs menace and this would be further intensified, he added.

Arora further said that government’s Bina Parchi, Bina Kharchi” claims are hollow as corruption is rampant and many scams have taken place during BJP rule.

Arora claimed that a list of nearly 400 ‘patwaris’ who were allegedly involved in corruption came out. Intervening, Minister Arvind Sharma told Arora to find out during which government’s time these patwaris were appointed.

No illegal maternity clinic is being run in Nuh

Responding to a question during Question hour, Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said that no illegal maternity clinic is being run in Nuh district without a degree and licence. She said that in Nuh district, 4 private hospitals are registered under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act and 92 clinics are registered under the Health Management Information System (HMIS). Apart from these, 106 clinics are registered under the Central Registration System (CRS). She also informed that if any complaint/information is received regarding the death of a mother and newborn, immediate action is taken in the case under the Act. No such complaint has been received in Nuh district. The Health Minister, while giving detailed information, said that a hospital having more than 50 beds is required to be registered under the Haryana Clinical Establishment Act. In Nuh district, only Civil Hospital Mandikheda and Medical College Nuh are registered hospitals under this Act.

Chandigarh, March 10, 2025 – The Alliance Française de Chandigarh, Sector 36, today announced an exciting lineup of events for Francophonie 2025, celebrating the richness and diversity of the French-speaking world. Throughout March, visitors can enjoy culinary experiences, exhibitions, competitions, film screenings, and interactive activities that highlight the vibrancy of Francophone cultures worldwide.

Giving the information Ms. Ophélie Belin, director, Alliance Française Chandigarh, said, “Francophonie is the sharing of cultures from four continents, centered around a language that has constantly reinvented itself and evolved across the world. In March, we celebrate this diversity through the medium of the French language.”

Francophonie Gastronomy (March 17–21, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM)

An exquisite culinary journey through Francophone countries, featuring themed weeks of authentic cuisine from Francophone countries of the 4 continents: Africa, Asia, North America and Europe crafted by French Cheffe Govinda. These special dishes will be served at lunch time at the Rooftop Café of Alliance Française Chandigarh.

Location: Café La Terrasse Bleue, Alliance Française, Chandigarh

Exhibition: “Writing in French – A world of voices” (March 13–31, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

A captivating exhibition exploring Francophone literature by various writers of different nationalities through panels and video displays. This Exhibition will be available in both French & English languages. The Exhibition is proposed by Alliance Française de Paris in collaboration with the French Institute in India.
Location: Art Gallery, Alliance Française Chandigarh

La Plume d’Or Competition (March 19, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM)

Every year during Francophonie week, a prestigious French-language competition La Plume d’Or is organized for the students of Alliances Françaisesnetwork worldwide & the first prize of the competition will be a trip to Paris. Other than that all the students will get a participation certificate. This exam is based on the French language competency & the knowledge of French culture.
Location: Art Gallery, Alliance Française Chandigarh

Reflections on the Indian Ocean – A Cinematic & Culinary Francophone Journey (March 21, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM)

An immersive experience featuring three short films from the Francophone Indian Ocean, paired with a curated three-course meal from Réunion, Mauritius, and Mayotte.

Prior registration is required to book the three-course meal before March 18. The registration applies to the dinner but not to the screening, which is open to all.

Location: Garden, Alliance Française Chandigarh

Short Films Lineup:

●      Mauritius:Pié dan lo – Kim Yip Tong (13 min)

●      Réunion:Kabriimanz salad – Nicolas Séry (20 min)

●      Mayotte:Djo – Laura Henno (20 min)

Pétanque Competition (March 22, 10:00 AM)

AF Chandigarh will organize an exciting pétanque tournament, introducing Chandigarh to this traditional French outdoor game. Prizes will be given to the winners. The registration can be done by sending an email at communication.chandigarh@afindia.org.
Free & open to all!
Location: Parking, AF Chandigarh

Vin de France – a French wine tasting ((March 29, 4.00 – 6.00 PM)

Join us for an exclusive French Wine Tasting, where you’ll savor the delicate nuances of five French wines under the guidance of Arunanshu Bansal.
Location : Fola, Sector 9, Chandigarh
Save your spot now – +91 97805 41686

Some other activities will also be organized in the month of March like workshops in the Library, AF’s got Talent – open stage for the students to show their creativity in French, Table Tennis tournament representing different francophone countries, Francophonie visual – Indian Ocean Edition: An interactive artistic display, online quiz etc.

Chandigarh:

A single theme workshop on Neonatal Sepsis (meaning serious infections in newborn babies) is currently underway at the Advanced Pediatric Centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh. 100 delegates from all over India are attending this workshop. On the second day of the workshop, several important lectures were delivered followed by case discussions of real-life cases of newborn babies with serious infections.

The second day’s proceedings started with a talk on newborn meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain) by the organising secretary of the workshop, Prof Sourabh Dutta. He stressed that the occurrence of meningitis is more common in the newborn period than in any other age group. The consequences of missing a diagnosis of meningitis or undertreating meningitis are devastating and lifelong. A sample of spinal fluid has to be analysed for diagnosing meningitis.

Dr Sajan Saini spoke about a dangerous but rare complication of meningitis called ventriculitis. In this the central fluid spaces inside the brain get infected. This disease requires prolonged periods of antibiotics and long hospitalisation. There are typical changes on MRI of the brain and ultrasound of the brain which help to identify this dreaded complication.

Dr Nandkishor Kabra spoke about urinary tract infections in newborn babies. He said that paediatricians need to look more actively for urinary infections in newborn babies than what they are currently doing. To be able to get a clean sample of the urine without contamination, the urine has to be collected either by catheterisation of the urinary bladder or by inserting a needle in the urinary bladder. A diagnosis of urinary infection may require further investigations such as ultrasounds of the kidneys.

Prof Deepak Chawla spoke about non-antibiotic ancilliary treatments and preventive strategies of newborn infections. These included several innovative approaches such as the application of colostrum (mother’s first thick milk) in the oral cavity and throat of newborn babies, using probiotics (friendly bacteria), lactoferrin (an anti-infective component of human milk), oil application etc.
Prof Praveen Kumar, the head of the neonatal unit and the chairperson of the workshop, spoke about the important topic of antibiotic stewardship.

Antibiotic stewardship refers to a coordinated set of strategies aimed at optimising the use of antibiotics to improve patient outcomes, reduce antimicrobial resistance and minimise adverse events and unnecessary healthcare costs. Antibiotic stewardship involves having written down policies and audit procedures to ensure that antibiotics are used sparingly and rationally in a neonatal unit, they are proactively and immediately stopped when they are not required.

Dr Jogender Kumar and Dr Harsimran Kaur jointly presented an important talk on fungal infections in newborn babies. The incidence of fungal infections is gradually rising in India, especially among smaller hospitals and neonatal units, which is a matter of grave concern. Dr Joginder Kumar spoke about when to suspect and diagnose fungal infections and how to treat them effectively. Dr Harsimran Kaur dealt with the issues of laboratory diagnosis of fungal infections among newborn babies. PGI has one of the most advanced mycology (study of fungal diseases) centres in the country.

The highlight of the 2nd day of the workshop were 3 case discussions of actual newborn babies who had been managed for severe newborn infections in the PGIMER unit in recent times. Identification details of these babies were anonymized but all their clinical and laboratory details were discussed at length with the delegates.

Chandigarh:

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in collaboration with AMRIT Pharmacy has reported a serious incident involving the misuse of a stolen indent book and counterfeit stamps to divert medications intended for patients enrolled in the Ayushman Bharat cashless schemes.

The unauthorized individual was apprehended on February 18, 2025, and subsequently handed over to local police authorities for further investigation.

In response to this fraudulent activity, PGIMER and AMRIT have jointly filed a formal complaint with the relevant law enforcement agencies and have established an internal committee tasked with investigating the matter and providing recommendations to prevent future occurrences.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of our healthcare services, PGIMER is implementing the following immediate measures:

Transition to Online Indenting System: The existing manual indenting system for patients under cashless schemes will be discontinued and replaced with a secure online indenting process. The Computer Section of PGIMER, in collaboration with the internal committee, has developed a solution to be integrated into the existing Hospital Information System (HIS 1). We anticipate this transition will be completed within one week.

Dedicated Service Area for Cashless Beneficiaries: A designated area outside the Emergency department has been identified for AMRIT to exclusively serve beneficiaries of cashless schemes, including Ayushman Bhara

Enhanced Manpower for improved service : PGIMER will work with AMRIT to increase staffing levels to ensure that medications and implants processed through the new online system are delivered directly to patients at their bedside.

PGIMER is committed to provide quality medical care and is assisting the police authorities in every way in their efforts to find the culprits trying to exploit PGIMER and tarnish its image.

Chandigarh:

Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable irreversible blindness, and the figures are increasing. One in each 200 people, aged 40, has glaucoma, and the number rises to one in 8, aged 80. As the world ages, and the population increases as well, glaucoma is becoming more and more common. Currently, glaucoma affects approximately 80 million people around the world, about half of whom are unaware that they have the disease and may not have access to much needed care This number is forecasted to increase in the coming years, as over 111.8 million people will be impacted by glaucoma by 2040.
Our country, second most populated country, bears a huge chunk of patients, every 8th individual or nearly 40 million has either glaucoma or is at risk of developing the disease. 11.2 million Indians suffer from the disease with 1.1 million blinds, including children.
Most often glaucoma cause silent vision loss as the patient will not be symptomatic till the moderate to an advanced stage and the vision loss can’t be regained. Early recognition and treatment are at most important to prevent the progression of glaucoma. Thus, the earlier it is diagnosed, the less damage is done.
For decades the Advanced Eye Centre, PGIMER (top most institute in the region), Chandigarh, has been working to raise the awareness about glaucoma and importance of the prevention. Today (March 9, 2025) The advanced Eye Centre has conducted a series event under the leadership of Prof Surinder Singh Pandav, the Chief of department and events were a huge success. The program started with an awareness walk begun from Rock Garden Chandigarh at 7.30 am with the slogan of “Uniting for Glaucoma Free world”. The event was graced by the presence of Padmashri Prof. Jagat Ram former director PGIMER and other dignitaries. We have participation of large number of health workers from various sections form the PGIMER, GMCH-32 and people from various like Chandigarh Ophthalmological Society and Glaucoma Support group Chandigarh, and Lions Club Chandigarh.
Following conclusion of awareness walk at Sukhna Lake Chandigarh by 8.0 am the slogan was again highlighted by a glaucoma awareness skit by Chandigarh Theatre group under the guidance of Mr Rajeev Mehta. The skit was really an eye opener for public gathered at Sukhna Lake and conveyed the message of requirement of glaucoma screening and treatment. This occasion has graced by the participation of more than 180 people.

Chandigarh:

The Annual meeting of obstetrics & Gynaecology Society of Northern India was conducted successfully at PGI on 9th March 2025 under the aegis of FOGSI. This annual meeting proved to be an academic bonanza and was attended in large numbers both by practicing gynecologists and postgraduate residents. The honorable Director, PGI Chandigarh graced the occasion and motivated the students to “sweat themselves “to gain maximum touch with the patients in their residency days.
The endoscopic surgical video session demonstrating the hysteroscopic and laparoscopic technique in benign and malignant gynecological conditions was a treat to watch. The present chairperson of ICOG, the academic wing of FOGSI, Dr Parag Biniwale congratulated the organizing team about the excellent scientific program. The immediate past president of ICOG, Dr Parul Kotdawala from Ahmedabad joined the gathering at PGI and shared videos from his three-decade long experience of hysteroscopic procedures. The updates and advances in gynecological cancers were covered in detail by stalwarts in the field of surgical oncology, radiation oncology and medical oncology while the pathologists presented their insights about the same. The postgraduate students were awarded for their poster and oral presentations. Overall, this conference, dedicated to women’s health was a true celebration of International Women’s Day.