Chandigarh, February 25

Dr. Ravjot Singh, Punjab Local Government Minister, assured the Vidhan Sabha today that the state government is actively addressing the issue of stray dogs, which has become a growing concern for residents across both urban and rural areas.

Responding to a notice under Rule 66 moved by Sangrur MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj, Dr. Singh acknowledged the seriousness of the problem and detailed the steps being taken to control the stray dog population and ensure public safety.

He informed the House that the government is strictly adhering to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, to manage the issue effectively. “Sterilization is the most effective solution to control the stray dog population and reduce aggression. So far, around 2,18,063 dogs have been sterilized in the state, with nearly 80,000 procedures conducted between 2022 and 2024,” he said.

Cabinet Minister Dr.Ravjot Singh further stated that under the ABC program, 14 urban local bodies have established Animal Birth Control Centers, with successful operations underway in Amritsar, Mohali, Bathinda, Patiala, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar. Additionally, eight municipal bodies have set up dog pounds for the temporary sheltering of stray animals.

Emphasizing the government’s commitment to public safety, the minister highlighted that compensation provisions have been introduced for victims of animal attacks. Under The Punjab Compensation to the Victims of Animal Attacks and Accidents Policy, 2023, families of deceased victims will receive ₹5 lakh, while those suffering permanent disability will get ₹2 lakh.

Dr. Ravjot Singh assured the House that the Local Government Department, in coordination with the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and Animal Husbandry departments, will take further steps to strengthen sterilization infrastructure and implement strict measures to effectively curb the menace.

Chandigarh, February 22

In what can be termed as the growing interests of the student community in getting to know about the Wildlife of the State, the number of students visiting the Chhatbir Zoo under the Student Zoo Club has witnessed phenomenal increase.

          Due to the concerted efforts by the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the initiatives undertaken by the Forests & Wildlife Preservation Department under the guidance of Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, a total of 939 Government schools as well as 403 private schools have organized visits to the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park better known as the Chhatbir Zoo, revealed an official spokesperson.

          These visits were undertaken during the period between April 22nd, 2024 and January 18th, 2025 with the number of Government schools’ students pegged at 50,294 and that of the private schools’ students at 39,876.

          This huge number signifies the growing curiosity among the younger generation of Punjab about the diverse flora and fauna besides wildlife of the State and the significant steps taken by the State Government to inculcate a sense of empathy towards the wild animals as they are also an important part of the nature.

 Chandigarh, February 22

At the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela, Anjumanara Begum from West Bengal, has become an example of women’s empowerment. She is fulfilling Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. 

In 2002, at just 17 years old, Anjumanara participated in a handicrafts exhibition in Patna, where her weaving skills were recognized. Encouraged by this, she followed in her mother’s footsteps and made the khadi fabric business her profession. Today, her handcrafted garments are not only sold in India but also exported to the USA, UK, France, Iran, Iraq, and other countries. She feels proud to showcase her talent at the Surajkund Mela. 

In her village, Anjumanara started a small business with 10 women, making and selling women’s clothing, bedsheets, wall hangings, kurtis, jackets, and fabric-based decorative items. 

Anjumanara further shared that she took a Rs.10,000 loan from a gramin bank 13 years ago to start embroidery work on tracing paper and fabric frames using needle and thread. She repaid the loan on time and later took a Rs.25,000 loan, followed by another of Rs.50,000 to expand her work. In 2009, she received a major boost when Khadi Gramodyog provided her with a Rs.5 lakh loan, increasing her confidence and helping her grow her business further. 

Today, at 41 years old, Anjumanara leads the Dhanalakshmi Self-Help Group, empowering over 450 women in her village and nearby areas by helping them become financially independent. 

Bed sheets range from Rs.1,000 to Rs.60,000

Anjumanara makes beautiful bedsheets, priced between Rs.1,000 and Rs.60,000. One of her most popular designs depicts the life of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, which is in high demand. The women in her group also craft cotton and silk sarees, dupattas, kurtis, suits, kurtas, stoles, and blouses. Their finely embroidered sarees and suits are especially loved by customers.    

Anjumanara expressed her excitement about visiting Haryana and Mela for the first time. She said that attending the Surajkund Mela has been a wonderful experience, allowing her to learn about diverse cultures from across India. 

She extended her gratitude to Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and the state government for organising such a magnificent event, which she said she will always cherish.

Chandigarh, February 22

The love and admiration for India’s unity and peace are not just felt by its people but also by neighboring countries. This was evident from the experiences shared by Afghan artisans at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela. They said they would always remember their time here and believe that India is the best and the most beautiful country in the world.

At stall number FC-24, Asif Yaqubi, a young businessman from Afghanistan selling carpets and rugs, shared his thoughts. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, businesses are getting great support. He believes that neighboring countries should learn from India. Despite having so many different cultures and religions, people in India live together peacefully with their families. Women have complete freedom to grow and succeed in life. Asif said he has never seen a better country than India.

Asif runs a business named zulkarni and said that carpet making is a major industry in Afghanistan. Men, women, and even children weave carpets from sheep’s wool in their homes. These carpets are sold not just in India but also in Iraq, Qatar, Iran, Turkey, and China. Along with Asif, Abdul Aziz, Abdul Hakim, and Waheed Ahmadi have also come to the mela. Waheed has set up a jewelry stall. 

Waheed said that their carpets range from Rs.10,000 to Rs. 2 lakh. His grandfather, Mohammad Hassan, started the business, and the family has been carrying it forward. One of the most special items in their stall is a portrait of an Afghan woman, priced at Rs. 2 lakh. Asif said that making such detailed artwork takes almost a year.