All posts by admin

Chandigarh

PUNJAB TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO PREMIER HUB OF DEFENCE MANUFACTURING: AMAN ARORA

Leave a comment

Chandigarh, January 10:

In a significant move to position Punjab at the forefront of India’s defence manufacturing by align the state capabilities with national defence imperatives, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, on Saturday, organised a high-level Defence Skills Conclave, focused on skill development for Defence, Aerospace & Strategic Sectors. The conclave, presided over by Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora, served as a pivotal platform to architect a robust talent pipeline for the country’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The Conclave convened a distinguished gathering of Defence Secretary (GoI) Mr. Rajesh Kumar Singh, Punjab Chief Secretary Mr. KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training Ms. Alaknanda Dayal and senior policymakers, industry titans from leading Defence PSUs and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), heads of premier academic institutions, and skilling experts. The aim was to design a cohesive, industry-driven skilling ecosystem that meets the evolving technological demands of modern warfare and aerospace.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Aman Arora highlighted the state’s rich legacy in India’s defence, citing its contributions from the Mughal era to the present days. He stated that in today’s era of technological warfare, bravery must be complemented with cutting-edge skills. This conclave is CM Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to transform Punjab into a premier hub which not only produce soldiers but also the highly skilled technologists and engineers to make the country ‘Atmanirbhar’ in defence manufacturing.

He also highlighted that the state contributes over 12% of the country’s soldiers despite having only 2% of the population, while pointing out that Punjab has a rich legacy in defence and is well-positioned to attract investment in the defence industry, with international airports in Mohali and Amritsar and one of India’s largest air force bases in Adampur, besides, conducive and business friendly policies and environment in the state. The government is working closely with industry leaders, educational institutions and stakeholders to identify skill gaps and develop targeted training programs for the defence sector, he added.

Highlighting Punjab’s potential to contribute significantly to India’s defence skilling efforts, Mr. Aman Arora stated, “In the coming times, if any state can serve the country the most in terms of skilling for defence—digitally, psychologically and emotionally—it is the Punjab.” He stressed the need for collaborative policy-making between industry and Central  government to harness this potential and position Punjab as the nation’s steadfast shield.

Defence Secretary (GoI) Mr. Rajesh Kumar Singh lauded the Punjab Government for hosting the Conclave, calling it a step towards making India a global manufacturing hub. He emphasised creating strong skill eco-system and a diversified industrial base. He said that Punjab has immense potential in defence manufacturing as the state’s has a strong military tradition.

Mr. KAP Sinha and Ms Alaknanda Dayal assured full support from the state government to facilitate the investments in defence manufacturing sector, while underscoring the strategic importance of the defence, aerospace and strategic sectors in ensuring national security and driving economic growth also leading to more employment opportunities for the youth. The CS Mr. Sinha said that the Conclave will foster collaboration to drive innovation and self-reliance in India’s defence sector.

Meanwhile, the state government has signed MoUs with premier organisations including the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), NASSCOM, Microsoft, IBM, and 1M1B (1 Million for 1 Billion). These collaborations are designed to enhance the employability and technological adeptness of Punjab’s youth for high-value roles in defence and aerospace.

The conclave witnessed multidisciplinary participation from institutes like IIT Delhi, IIT Ropar, IIT Indore, Punjab Engineering College and Chandigarh University, alongside defence industry giants including Bharat Forge Ltd, Mahindra Defence Systems, L&T Defence, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Safran India. Notably, the event saw significant multi-state engagement, with delegates from Haryana, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and UP Defence Industrial Corridor, among others. The Defence Skills Conclave marks a transformative step in Punjab’s journey, positioning the state as a nucleus for creating a skilled, innovative and sustainable workforce ready to secure India’s future.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana Registers Record 3,738 NDPS Cases in 2025, Arrests Over 6,800 Accused Including 33 Foreigners in Major Anti-Drug Crackdown

Leave a comment

Chandigarh, January 10 – In a significant milestone in the fight against narcotics, Haryana registered a record 3,738 FIRs under the NDPS Act and arrested 6,801 accused persons during 2025, marking the state’s strongest enforcement action against drug trafficking to date. Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra shared these achievements here today.

From 2020 to 2025, she said that the state registered 20,519 FIRs under the NDPS Act and arrested an impressive 35,207 accused persons during the last six years. This sustained crackdown has sent a strong deterrent message to drug traffickers across the region, with enforcement numbers showing a steady upward trajectory year after year.

The arrests spanned multiple states with the largest numbers coming from Uttar Pradesh with 169 arrests, followed by Punjab with 147, Rajasthan with 64, and Delhi with 45 accused. Other states including Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and several north eastern states also saw their residents arrested in Haryana for drug-related offenses.

Among foreign nationals, authorities apprehended 26 Nigerians, 6 Nepalis, and 1 Senegal (Africa) individual, demonstrating the state’s capability to tackle sophisticated international drug cartels operating within its borders.

The state has achieved particular success in combating commercial drug operations, which represent large-scale trafficking networks. In 2025 alone, authorities registered 457 commercial NDPS cases and arrested 1,227 accused, the highest annual figures in the six-year period. Overall, commercial cases resulted in 2,224 FIRs and 5,824 arrests during the period under report.

Haryana’s anti-narcotics teams have successfully penetrated inter-state and international drug networks with remarkable efficiency. In 2025, a total of 586 accused were arrested, including 553 from other states and 33 foreign nationals, representing a significant increase from 444 arrests in 2024. This showcases the growing reach and effectiveness of Haryana’s enforcement agencies.

Over the six-year period, Haryana has seized narcotics worth hundreds of crores, striking a major blow to drug trafficking networks. The seizures include a staggering 55,701 kilograms of ganja, disrupting cannabis supply chains across northern India. Poppy straw emerged as the largest category with 89,696 kilograms seized, followed by 1,300 kilograms of charas and 229 kilograms of heroin. Notably, in 2025 alone, authorities confiscated 55.84 kilograms of heroin, one of the highest annual seizures for this dangerous narcotic, Dr. Misra added.

Other significant recoveries included 1,819 kilograms of opium, 3,392 kilograms of opium plants, and 814 grams of cocaine over the six-year period. The authorities also seized emerging synthetic drugs including over one kilogram of MD, MDA, and MDMA, along with smaller quantities of methamphetamine, LSD, and brown sugar.

Dr. Misra further informed that in year 2025, enforcement agencies confiscated 18,039 kilograms of poppy straw and 6,257 kilograms of ganja, along with 645 grams of MDMA and 240 grams of cocaine. A particularly concerning category has been pharmaceutical drugs, where authorities seized over 58.44 lakh units including capsules, injections, tablets, and bottles that were being diverted for abuse. In 2025 alone, more than 6.59 lakh pharmaceutical drug units were recovered from illegal channels.

“We are ensuring that crime doesn’t pay,” emphasized Dr. Misra, highlighting the state’s focus on economic disruption of drug networks. From 2007 to 2025, Haryana has seized, frozen, and forfeited properties worth Rs. 67.01 crore belonging to 370 drug traffickers under the NDPS Act. This aggressive asset seizure strategy has proven to be a powerful deterrent, as it directly impacts the financial motivation behind drug trafficking.

In 2025 alone, properties worth Rs. 13.59 crore belonging to 143 affected persons were attached, while in 2023 and 2024, properties worth Rs. 13.27 crore and Rs. 7.55 crore were seized from 61 and 54 individuals respectively. This sustained focus on financial investigation and asset forfeiture ensures that convicted drug dealers cannot enjoy the proceeds of their illegal activities.

To ensure speedy trials and justice, Haryana has established eight operational NDPS Fast Track and Special Courts across the state. These dedicated courts function in the districts of Sirsa, Fatehabad, Ambala, Hisar, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, and Panipat, exclusively handling NDPS cases to expedite the judicial process.

The first two courts were established in Sirsa and Fatehabad in April 2022, followed by six more courts in February 2023. The state government has demonstrated continued commitment to strengthening the judicial infrastructure, with proposals already submitted for additional dedicated NDPS courts at Yamunanagar, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Rohtak. These proposed courts will further enhance the capacity for swift justice and reduce case backlogs in high-incidence areas.

Under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1988, Haryana has detained 147 hardcore drug offenders from 2022 to 2025, effectively neutralizing habitual offenders who posed a continuing threat to society. The numbers show a dramatic increase in the use of this preventive measure, with just three detentions in 2022, rising sharply to 51 in 2023, 12 in 2024, and 76 in 2025. This preventive action has proven crucial in breaking the cycle of repeat offenses by known drug traffickers.

“Prevention through awareness is our strongest weapon,” stated Dr. Misra, highlighting the state’s comprehensive outreach programs that complement enforcement efforts. Haryana has conducted an impressive 18,540 anti-drug awareness programmes across the state, reaching 28.46 lakh participants from all walks of life. These programmes have been strategically designed to target schools, colleges, workplaces, and community centers to maximize impact.

Chandigarh

DPS Chandigarh Hosts Two-Day CBSE Capacity Building Programme in English

Leave a comment

Chandigarh:

Delhi Public School, Chandigarh, organised a two-day CBSE Capacity Building Programme in English under the able guidance of the school Director, Mrs Reema Dewan. Emphasising the importance of continuous professional growth, Mrs Dewan highlighted that regular upskilling of teachers is essential to keep pace with evolving educational trends. She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening teachers’ soft skills through such initiatives.

The interactive programme for secondary-level teachers was conducted by eminent resource persons Mrs Kulwant Kaur Rehal and Ms Arti Sharma and proved to be highly enriching. Mrs Rehal, a renowned educationist with over 30 years of experience, holds a B.Ed and a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance. Ms Arti Sharma, PGT English and Head of Department at Satluj World School, Derabassi, brings over 15 years of teaching experience.

The sessions focused on innovative strategies for teaching reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar and story writing through engaging activities. Teachers also received practical, hands-on techniques to make language learning more effective. The programme received positive feedback, with participants appreciating the fresh insights and classroom-ready strategies.

Chandigarh, Haryana

40% Drop in Extortion Cases, 9 Major Conspiracies Foiled — Haryana Police Tighten Grip on Overseas Crime Networks

Leave a comment

Chandigarh, January 10. Haryana’s decisive crackdown on organized crime and extortion rackets is now yielding strong, visible results. Compared to 2024, the state recorded a remarkable 40% reduction in extortion-related incidents in 2025. Not only this, but police teams successfully foiled nine major targeted-murder conspiracies, preventing large-scale criminal violence and restoring public confidence.

High-Level Review at Police Headquarters

These developments were shared during a high-level review meeting chaired by Director General of Police Ajay Singhal at the Police Headquarters. Opening the session, DGP Singhal highlighted the growing threats posed by gangsters and their overseas handlers, making it clear that no individual spreading fear or intimidation in the state will be spared.

Zero Tolerance for Terror-Like Activities

Emphasizing an uncompromising approach, DGP Singhal stated that individuals who create an atmosphere of fear among citizens will be treated on par with terrorists and dealt with under the harshest provisions of law. He stressed that the only effective way to dismantle organized crime is to examine the entire structure of these gangs and strike at the core sources of their power.

STF Presentation Highlights International Links

During the meeting, IG STF Satish Balan delivered a detailed presentation outlining the operational architecture and technological mechanisms used by organized criminal groups. He revealed that several gangsters operate from foreign locations, managing their network through social media platforms, encrypted applications and internet-based calling systems. Using virtual numbers and fake online identities, these criminals issue instructions, coordinate operations and even attempt recruitment from abroad.

Close Surveillance on Criminals Operating From Overseas

IG Balan informed attendees that STF is maintaining continuous surveillance on such individuals and is working in close coordination with international agencies to facilitate their deportation. DGP Singhal stressed the need to strengthen this coordination further, noting that no country wants to shelter criminals, and cooperation at the global level is essential.

Rising Influence of Gangsters on Youth a Serious Concern

The meeting also raised concern over the growing trend of young people being influenced by gangsters through rapidly expanding social media channels. Criminals lure impressionable youth into performing minor tasks and gradually push them into serious offences, while gang leaders remain protected in remote or foreign locations.

Focus on Prevention and Public Awareness

To counter this trend, officials recommended expanding awareness and counselling programs among youth alongside ongoing technical surveillance. They also emphasized the need to map specific regions where criminal influence is rising, enabling targeted prevention measures at the grassroots level.

Directive to Strike at the Root of Organized Crime

The meeting concluded with a strong directive from DGP Singhal to intensify and sustain the campaign against organized crime. He stated that this fight cannot end with arrests alone—it must continue until the entire ecosystem of organized crime, including its financial foundation, is dismantled completely.

Chandigarh

Central Government is determined to snatch away the rights of the poor: Kumari Selja

Leave a comment

Chandigarh, January 10

The General Secretary of

All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and Sirsa Lok Sabha MP Kumari Selja accused the Narendra Modi-led Central Government of deliberately weakening MGNREGA. She said the BJP government is systematically conspiring to dismantle the constitutional and legal rights granted to the poor during the Congress regime. Kumari Selja said the MGNREGA has not merely been renamed; rather, its very spirit especially the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi is being destroyed, something the Congress will never tolerate at any cost.

MP Selja was addressing journalists at the Congress Bhawan in Sirsa on Tuesday. Earlier, she also addressed a press conference at Hotel Ganga in Fatehabad, where she raised several serious questions regarding the Centre’s intentions toward MGNREGA. Kumari Selja said through MGNREGA, the Congress had provided the poor with a legal guarantee of minimum wages, but the Central Government is now trying to dismantle this guarantee by altering rules and procedures. This, she said, is a clear reflection of an anti-poor mindset. She emphasized that weakening MGNREGA would directly impact rural poor families, laborers, and women, something the Congress will never accept. Kumari Selja informed that the Congress is conducting a nationwide agitation against the Centre’s anti-MGNREGA decisions, and as part of this movement, strong protests will be held at all district headquarters across Haryana on January 11.

Responding to a question, Kumari Selja said that whenever elections are held in any state, central agencies such as the ED and CBI suddenly become active. Money is deposited into people’s accounts, and once elections are over, everything is conveniently forgotten. She said in Haryana, the Lado Laxmi Scheme is being weakened, MGNREGA is being diluted, and farmers have still not received compensation, clearly exposing the intentions of the BJP government. Raising the issue of the Fatehabad–Sirsa railway line, she said the government announcements regarding this project are completely hollow, as no concrete work has taken place on the ground so far. She said that if the Haryana government is claiming a budget allocation of ₹1,400 crore for this project, it is misleading. She assured that she would once again raise this issue forcefully in Parliament.

Daughters and sisters are not safe in Haryana

Targeting the Haryana government, Kumari Selja said that corruption in the state has crossed all limits. Officials are unchecked, women and girls are unsafe, and the common people are struggling with basic problems. Despite tall claims of cleanliness drives, conditions in cities and villages are worsening, putting public health at serious risk.

Selja said instead of providing basic amenities, the BJP government is trying to divert public attention through superficial publicity. The Congress’s policy is clear to protect the rights of the poor, laborers, and farmers. By weakening MGNREGA, the Central Government is snatching away the rights of the poor and forcing them to beg once again, which the Congress will never allow to succeed. During the press conference at the Congress Bhawan in Sirsa, Kalanwali MLA Shishpal Keharwala, District President Santosh Beniwal, senior Congress leader Dr. K.V. Singh, Women’s District President Krishna Phogat, Rajkumar Sharma, Naveen Kedia, Rajesh Chadiwal, Sandeep Nehra, and a large number of Congress workers were present. At the press conference held at Hotel Ganga in Fatehabad, MLA Balwan Singh Daulatpuria, District President Arvind Sharma, former MLA Prahlad Singh Gillakheda, Jaipal Singh Lali, Mangat Ram Lalwas, Mahesh Sharma, and several other senior leaders were also present.

Chandigarh, Haryana

MNREGA is the backbone of rural livelihoods; tampering with its core structure is disastrous: Rao Narendra Singh

Leave a comment

Chandigarh/Narnaul.
January 10, 2026

The Congress party has adopted an aggressive stance against the Central Government’s attempts to alter the original structure of MNREGA. Under the “Save MNREGA Campaign,” the party has begun organizing press conferences across the state as part of a well-planned strategy. As part of this campaign, press conferences were held simultaneously at all district headquarters, including Narnaul, under the leadership of State Congress President Rao Narendra Singh.
Addressing the press conference, Rao Narendra Singh said that MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), implemented by the UPA government in 2005, is a rights-based law that provides every rural household with a legal right to demand employment. He said that for the past 20 years, MNREGA has remained the lifeline of rural India.
Rao Narendra Singh stated that during the difficult period of the COVID pandemic, MNREGA provided employment to 4.6 crore families. The scheme functions as the backbone of rural livelihood security. Every year, 5 to 6 crore families receive employment under MNREGA, which helps reduce migration from rural areas to cities. He added that women’s participation accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total person-days generated under MNREGA.
The State President said that the UPA government ensured that even the last person in society had the right to demand work. Any unemployed person in rural areas could demand work from the government without any qualification, and employment had to be provided within 15 days.
He alleged that the Central Government is now preparing to scrap MNREGA and replace it with the (GRAM G) – Viksit Bharat Rozgar Aajeevika Guarantee Mission Bill, which abolishes the legal guarantee of work, weakens village communities and panchayats, and gives the Central Government the authority to decide in which states the scheme will be implemented and in which it will not.
Rao Narendra Singh said that earlier, nearly 90 percent of MNREGA expenditure was borne by the Central Government, with only 10 percent borne by state governments. Now, however, up to 40 percent of the burden is being shifted to the states. State governments are already under heavy debt, and in such a situation, they will be unable to make payments, leading to the gradual shutdown of MNREGA.
He warned that this would result in a sharp increase in rural unemployment, exploitation of families without minimum wages, increased migration to cities, and the erosion of powers and rights of gram panchayats.
During the press conference, District President Satbir Yadav said that this is a well-planned conspiracy by the BJP government against MNREGA. He termed it the daylight murder of MNREGA, a robbery of the rights of crores of workers, and a direct attack on the livelihood of the working class. He said the right of the poor to demand work is being snatched away. He added that over 90 percent of MNREGA beneficiaries come from Dalit and backward classes, and this is a conspiracy to deprive them of social justice.
State Youth Congress President Nishit Kataria said that under the MNREGA scheme introduced by the Congress government, every family was guaranteed a minimum of 100 days of work by law. Now, beneficiaries will be left without any legal guarantee, and work will be available only in villages selected by the Central Government.
District Women Congress President Dr. Raj Sunesh said that MNREGA legally guaranteed minimum wages, but after the changes made by the Modi government, work will not be available during crop-harvesting seasons and wages will be fixed arbitrarily by the government.
Calling the situation extremely shameful, Rao Narendra Singh said that gram panchayats are now being sidelined. Earlier, development work in villages was carried out through gram panchayats with the support of MNREGA mates and employment assistants. Now, the government will decide who works where and on what, and workers will not even receive assistance from mates or employment assistants.
He asserted that the Congress party will continue its struggle—from the streets to Parliament—to protect MNREGA and the rights of rural workers.
Those present on the occasion included Mahender Ratan, Manoj Patikara, Youth Block President Ravindra Mandi, Ram Singh Joya, Tota Ram Kohli, Advocate Kuldeep Bhardgarh, OBC President Vikram Awana, former judge Rakesh Yadav, Professor Bhup Singh, Seva Dal President Ajit Yadav, Avinash Mandi, Shyam Sunder Soni, Chairman Dalip Singh, Professor Rajbir, Shakti Mandhana, Rewari Youth President Raj Prakash, and several other Congress workers.

Chandigarh

‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 315, PUNJAB POLICE NABS 82 DRUG SMUGGLERS WITH 7.7KG HEROIN

Leave a comment

CHANDIGARH, January 10:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 315th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 301 locations on Saturday leading to the arrest of 82 drug smugglers after registration of 61 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 43,950 in 315 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 7.7 kg heroin, 8759 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 12,790 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Over 100 Police teams, comprising over 800 police personnel, under the supervision of 57 gazetted officers have conducted 301 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 470 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          The state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 28 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur Dedicates Rs 9.12 cr worth “Satkaar Ghar” To The Elderly

Leave a comment

Chandigarh/Mansa, January 10

   Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to the welfare of every section of society. The elderly are our treasure. For their care and service, the Punjab Government has constructed a “Satkar Ghar” Senior Citizen Home at a cost of ₹9.12 crore.

    The Punjab’s Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur said this while inaugurating the government-run “Satkar Ghar” for senior citizens here today.

   She said that this “Satkar Ghar,” with a capacity of 72 beds, offers free facilities to the elderly, including day care, meals, medical assistance, a library, yoga room and recreation hall. She further said that the Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development is launching special programs for senior citizens, while health camps will also be organized in the coming days.

  On this occasion, Dr. Baljit Kaur met the senior citizens residing at “Satkar Ghar” and honored them. She also honored 21 newborn baby girls during the state-level “Dhiyan Di Lohri” celebration organized on this occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Budhlada MLA Principal Budh Ram said that the Punjab Government is making tireless efforts for the welfare of all sections of society. Along with the ongoing campaign against drugs, development projects worth crores of rupees are also in progress.

Speaking on the occasion, Mansa MLA Dr. Vijay Singla said that the Punjab Government has made a major initiative to ensure the care and support of needy elderly persons in their old age. He added that while a sewerage project worth over ₹40 crore is underway in Mansa, several road construction works are also in progress and will be completed within next 3–4 months.

   Director of the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Mrs. Vimi Bhullar, said that the department is continuously working on various projects for the welfare of senior citizens, women and children.

Deputy Commissioner Madam Navjot Kaur IAS expressed gratitude to Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur and all attendees, assuring that senior citizens will be well cared for in a homelike environment at the facility.

On this occasion, the chief guest Dr. Baljit Kaur distributed wheelchairs and spectacles to persons with disabilities in collaboration with ALIMCO and Neki Foundation. She also honored meritorious girls excelling in education, sports and other fields and distributed pension approval letters to senior citizens. Prior to this, she visited departmental stalls showcasing various schemes and medical camp services. Students from different schools presented cultural performances during the event.

Among those present were Joint Secretary, Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Shri Anand Sagar Sharma, Additional Director Charanjit Singh Mann, SSP Bhagirath Singh Meena, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Anuprita Johal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Akash Bansal, IAS (under training) Gurleen Kaur, SDM Mansa Kala Ram Kansal, SDM Sardulgarh Harjinder Singh Jassal, SDM Budhlada Gagandeep Singh, District Planning Board Chairman Mansa Gurpreet Singh Bhuchar, Budhlada Market Committee Chairman Satish Singla, Bhikhi Market Committee Chairman Varinder Soni, Mansa Municipal Council President Sunil Kumar Neenu, Women’s Wing President Sharanjit Kaur, Zone In-Charge Jaswinder Kaur, Deputy Director Inderpreet Kaur, District Social Security Officer Naveen Garhwal, District Programme Officer Khushveer Kaur and other departmental officials and local residents.

Business, Chandigarh, Food, Haryana, Punjab, Punjab

Blue Tokai Brings Origins, Their Flagship Café Experience, to Mohali

Leave a comment

Mohali, January 10, 2026: Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, India’s largest specialty coffee brand, has announced the launch of Blue Tokai Origins at HLP Galleria, Sector 62, Mohali. With this opening, the brand takes its most immersive coffee experience beyond metros to a

fast-growing, culturally curious market. Guests can explore some of India’s rarest micro-lots, chef-curated meals, and immersive experiences that present coffee in a new light.

At the launch event, co-founder and COO, Shivam Shahi said, “With Origins Mohali, we’re bringing the story of Indian coffee closer to a new audience… one that’s curious, evolving, and ready to engage deeply with the craft. It’s where we slow coffee down so people can truly understand the work, people, and the journey behind every cup”.

Celebrating Indian Coffee at Scale, Without Losing Craft

While focusing on increasing footprint in a rapidly growing industry, Origins stands as Blue Tokai’s proof that scale and craft can co-exist. This flagship experience store highlights Indian estates, regional terroirs, and a wide range of brewing methods,

reinforcing the brand’s farmer-first philosophy.

At The Play Bar, some of the rarest coffee lots roasted by Blue Tokai, frozen at peak flavour, are preserved in a temperature-controlled space. Guests can taste their way through seven distinct brewing methods, including Chemex, Syphon, Slow Drip, and more.

Adding to this experience is the Nitro Cold Brew tap, serving chilled, nitrogen-infused single-origin cold brew crafted using patented technology that extracts a wider range of flavour compounds.

A Comfort-First, Craft-Led Menu

The menu is designed in collaboration with Chef Auroni Mukherjee, one of India’s most celebrated young chefs, known for his flavour-first approach to modern Indian cuisine. Highlights include:

·      Handmade pastas with twists such as Chilli Crunch Carbonara

·      Gourmet club sandwiches and open-faced toasts built on signature sourdough

breads by Suchali’s Artisan Bakehouse

·      A selection of desserts featuring familiar comforts and sweet surprises such as classic tiramisu and a light-yet-decadent Coconut Berry Lamington

It blends warmth and technique, reflective of the brand’s own identity—rooted in mastery without losing accessibility for a wide audience.

A Space Brewing Community

Origins is designed as a community-driven space. Cuppings, workshops, collaborations, and cultural events position it as a hub for learning and exchange.

The space encourages dialogue between baristas and guests, as well as between

farmers’ stories and everyday drinkers.

“Origins is where coffee becomes a shared language, bringing together growers,

brewers, and drinkers in one space.”, said Shivam Shahi.

About Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters is India’s largest specialty coffee brand, founded in 2013 and dedicated to sourcing, roasting, and brewing coffee from more than 80 of India’s finest coffee farms. Its mission is rooted in making high-quality Indian specialty coffee accessible to more people through its cafés and products. With a commitment to quality and innovation, the brand has built a loyal community of coffee lovers and continues to redefine coffee culture in India.

Chandigarh

DC issues strict instructions to the task force to make the district child labour-free

Leave a comment

Panchkula, January 9: Deputy Commissioner Sh Satpal Sharma today chaired a meeting of the District Task Force and Vigilance Committee constituted for the prevention of child labour and bonded labour in the district. The meeting was held at the conference room of the Mini Secretariat. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed the task force to conduct regular surprise inspections at locations where child labour is likely to occur, with the objective of making the district completely free from child labour.

The Deputy Commissioner said that his objective is to make Panchkula district completely free from child labour. He emphasized that along with taking strict measures to curb child labour, spreading awareness in society is equally important.

He directed that surprise inspections should be carried out at roadside eateries, brick kilns, industrial units, shops, traffic light points, and other locations where instances of child labour are likely to occur. If children are found employed at any such place, strict action should be taken against the offenders as per the prescribed rules.
In addition, he instructed that awareness programmes should be organized at regular intervals at these locations to sensitize people about the social evil of child labour. The Deputy Commissioner also directed the police department to maintain special vigilance at various traffic points.

While reviewing the action taken by the District Task Force, the Deputy Commissioner directed that a detailed report on the measures taken to prevent child labour be presented at the next meeting. The report should also include details of the locations where raids were conducted by the task force.

He stated that to completely eradicate this social evil, strict action must be taken against those who force children into labour. Along with action under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, public awareness campaigns should be conducted to sensitize people about this illegal practice. He further emphasized that under the Child Labour Act, employing children below the age of 14 years in any form of business or work is strictly prohibited.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the steps being taken by the Vigilance Committee constituted to prevent bonded labour in the district and issued necessary directions. He instructed that it must be ensured that no bonded labour exists anywhere in the district.

Present on the occasion were SDM Panchkula, Sh Chanderkant Kataria; SDM Kalka, Sh Sanyam Garg; ACP Sh Vikram Nehra; Assistant Labour Commissioner Smt Anjana; Chairperson of the Child Welfare Council Panchkula, Smt Veena Rani Arora; members Smt Ritu Agarwal and Sh Dinesh Jangra; Tehsildar Sh Suresh Kumar; ASMO Sh Mohit Sharma; Labour Inspectors Sh Tejbir Singh and Sh Krishna Kumar Saini; Sh Rahul Deswal from DLSA; Smt Navjeet Kaur from the DCPO office; and other non-governmental members of the committee.