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Congress Relied on Lofty Promises, Double-Engine Government Delivered Welfare Benefits to Every Eligible Citizen: Haryana CM

Chandigarh, July 10- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the Centre and the Haryana Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has ensured that the benefits of welfare schemes reach every eligible person standing at the last mile without any discrimination, guided by the principles of transparency, good governance and Antyodaya. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was addressing media persons here today.

He said every welfare initiative of the government is aimed at making the lives of the poor, farmers, youth, women, senior citizens and other deprived sections of society easier, more dignified and self-reliant.

Drawing a sharp contrast with the previous Congress governments, the Chief Minister said that while the Congress spent decades making promises in the name of the poor, farmers, youth and senior citizens, the present government has ensured that the intended beneficiaries actually receive the benefits of welfare schemes.

He said that the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have consistently sought to mislead people through election-time promises and false assurances, whereas the double-engine government remains firmly committed to translating every promise made to the people into reality.

Eligible Beneficiaries No Longer Have to Run from Office to Office

The Chief Minister said that during the Congress regime, senior citizens had to spend years making repeated visits to government offices to secure old-age pension benefits. They were compelled to seek recommendations and endure numerous hardships before receiving government assistance. In contrast, under Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s guarantee, government assistance is now being transferred directly into the bank accounts of every eligible beneficiary, he said.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that for the first time since Independence, a system has been established under which eligible beneficiaries receive government assistance without having to seek favours from anyone or make repeated rounds of government offices.

Prime Minister Modi’s Welfare Policies Have Transformed the Lives of the Poor

The Chief Minister said the Congress raised the slogan of Garibi Hatao for years, but instead of improving the condition of the poor, it pushed them further into poverty.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that while the Congress abandoned the poor after making lofty promises, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s welfare-centric governance has restored dignity, security and hope to those who had remained neglected for decades.

He said the transformation visible in the lives of the poor today is the outcome of the Prime Minister’s welfare-oriented policies and his compassionate and sensitive leadership.

The Chief Minister further said that the Congress had promised 100-square-yard residential plots to the poor, but neither were the plots allotted nor were the promised benefits delivered.

He said the Congress’ politics has remained confined to false assurances and election-time promises. People have now seen through the Congress and no longer believe its false promises, he added.

The Chief Minister said Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has empowered the poor through a wide range of welfare initiatives aimed at ensuring a life of dignity for every deserving citizen. Whether it is providing permanent houses to the underprivileged, free foodgrains, healthcare security under the Ayushman Bharat scheme or direct financial assistance through bank transfers, every initiative, he said, is designed to enable the poor and the needy to live with dignity and self-respect.

AAP Made Grand Promises in Punjab but Failed to Deliver- Chief Minister

Referring to the Punjab Government, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said people in the neighbouring state were sold lofty promises that never translated into action. Commitments made to farmers regarding procurement of their crops and assurances of employment for the youth, he said, were aimed merely at securing votes and remained unfulfilled after the party assumed office.

He said that false promises were made in pursuit of political power, leaving people disillusioned after the elections.

 Merit has Replaced ‘Parchi’ and ‘Kharchi’ in Haryana’s Recruitment System

Drawing a comparison with Haryana, the Chief Minister said the State Government has institutionalised a transparent recruitment system under which government jobs are being provided purely on the basis of merit, without parchi  kharchi.

He said that during the past one-and-a-half years, the Haryana Government has provided government employment to more than 50,000   youth through a completely transparent recruitment process. Haryana today offers employment opportunities on the basis of talent and merit. This has significantly strengthened the confidence of young people in the fairness of the recruitment system,  said the Chief Minister.

Youth Need Opportunities, Not Mere Political Announcements

Referring to the menace of drug abuse in Punjab, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Congress had pushed the state into the grip of drug addiction and that the Aam Aadmi Party has also failed to effectively tackle the challenge after coming to power.

He said governments must focus on creating opportunities for young people and securing their future through decisive action, adding that announcements alone cannot bring about meaningfulchange.

Direct Benefit Transfer Reflects Government’s Commitment to Transparent Governance

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism introduced by the double-engine government stands as a testimony to its commitment to transparency and good governance.

Today, government assistance is being transferred directly into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries without the involvement of any middlemen, he said.

The government’s resolve is to ensure that assistance reaches every deserving person on time and that every commitment made to the people is fulfilled with complete honesty and sincerity, the Chief Minister added.

Referring to a recent programme he attended in Punjab, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said people there were surprised when they learnt about the houses provided to poor and eligible families in Haryana and the wide range of welfare schemes being implemented by the State Government.

He said many people acknowledged that while their own government had confined itself to making promises, the Haryana Government had translated its commitments into action and ensured that the benefits reached the people.

Modi-Led Governments Present Their Report Card Before the People

The Chief Minister said that wherever governments led by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi is in office, they regularly present a report card of their performance before the people. The public is informed about the work undertaken by the government and the commitments it has fulfilled, he said.

In contrast, he said that the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party treat election manifestos merely as instruments to mislead the electorate. They simply repackage old promises with a fresh coat of paint before every election, while having little to show by way of achievements, he said.

India Has Witnessed a New Era of Development and Good Governance Under Prime Minister Modi, says CM

The Chief Minister said the Congress remained in power for several decades but failed to take the country forward at the desired pace. Despite ruling the nation for such a long period, he said, the party could not transform India’s trajectory of development.

In contrast, under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, India has, over the past 12 years, carved out a new identity in the fields of development, good governance and global stature, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

He said India’s achievements are now being acknowledged not only across the country but around the world, reflecting the transformative changes witnessed under the present leadership.

The Chief Minister further said that the Congress has steadily lost the trust of the people in several states, including Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. He added that India’s global standing has continued to rise under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and that the country’s voice today carries greater weight and influence on the world stage than ever before.

Prime Minister’s Upcoming Haryana Visit Expected to Further Accelerate the State’s Development

Replying to a question regarding the Prime Minister’s proposed visit to Haryana on July 17, the Chief Minister  said that every visit by the Prime Minister to the state has brought major development projects and new opportunities for Haryana.

Expressing confidence over the forthcoming visit, he said it would further accelerate the pace of development in the state and provide fresh momentum to several key initiatives.

Government Working on a War Footing to Prevent Waterlogging During the Monsoon

Replying to another question, the Chief Minister said the State Government is working extensively to address the problem of waterlogging during the monsoon season.

He said borewells are being constructed to ensure better rainwater management, while the drainage infrastructure is being strengthened across the state so that incidents of waterlogging can be effectively prevented. The Government is working with complete seriousness to ensure that people do not face any inconvenience during the rainy season, he said.

Haryana Government launches online registration for Welfare of former-CAPF Personnel

Chandigarh, July 10

Haryana Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, today announced a significant initiative for the welfare of former personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). He said Haryana is the first state in the country to extend various benefits to former CAPF personnel on par with ex-servicemen from the Armed Forces. He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of CAPF veterans and their families.

Taking another major step in this direction, the Department of Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare, Haryana (Panchkula) has launched the online registration facility for former CAPF personnel on its official website.

The Minister said that all former personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Assam Rifles, and other CAPF organisations, along with their family members, can now register online through the department’s website.

He further said that the families of martyrs from the former CAPF fraternity, who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, will be able to directly avail themselves of the various welfare schemes being implemented by the Haryana Government.

Rao Narbir Singh also said that registered former CAPF personnel and their eligible family members will receive a CAPF Personnel Identity Card through the department. In addition, if former personnel of the BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, Assam Rifles, or other CAPF organisations have any discrepancies in their service records or long-pending service-related issues, these can now be addressed through this registration process.

The Minister said the Government’s objective is to ensure that every individual who has contributed to the nation’s border security and internal security receives the support and recognition they deserve.

He appealed to all former CAPF personnel and their family members to complete their registration on the department’s website at the earliest and take full advantage of the welfare schemes offered by the State Government.

Rao Narbir Singh also directed departmental officers to undertake extensive awareness campaigns so that former CAPF personnel and their families living across every part of Haryana are informed about this initiative, ensuring that no eligible beneficiary is deprived of the available benefits.

Eligible beneficiaries can register online through the department’s official website: www.sainikwelfareharyana.gov.in.

Tele-ECG service emerges as a lifeline for heart patients in Haryana

Chandigarh, July 10- Haryana’s Tele-ECG service has emerged as a lifesaving initiative for patients suffering from heart ailments. The effectiveness of the programme is evident from the fact that, within a short period of its launch, 2,688 patients across the state have already benefited from the service.

Most significantly, the rapid diagnostic system identified 131 critically ill patients within just over a month, enabling timely medical intervention and saving their lives.

The Tele-ECG service was formally launched by Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini from Panchkula on May 29, 2026, in the presence of Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao. The initiative currently covers 600 government healthcare institutions across Haryana, including 71 District Civil Hospitals and Sub-Divisional Civil Hospitals, 121 Community Health Centres (CHCs), and 408 Primary Health Centres (PHCs). With this service now operational, patients in rural and remote areas can access specialist cardiac diagnosis close to their homes. This will significantly reduce unnecessary referrals to larger hospitals and prevent delays in treatment.

This initiative by the Haryana government is considered as a major step towards strengthening the state’s public healthcare system through digital technology. Introduced under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the Tele-ECG service aims to provide rapid diagnosis and expert management of cardiac emergencies such as Acute Myocardial Infarction (heart attack), Arrhythmias, and other serious cardiovascular conditions at district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals, CHCs, and PHCs.

Life-Saving care during the ‘Golden Hour’

In medical science, the first hour after a heart attack is known as the “Golden Hour,” when immediate treatment offers the highest chance of survival. The Tele-ECG service is playing a crucial role in ensuring patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment during this critical period. The long-term objective of the initiative is to reduce premature deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases by one-third. Timely reporting and consultation by expert cardiologists are already leading to significantly improved patient outcomes.

ECG Report Within 10 Minutes for Just Rs.89

The service has been designed to be both affordable and efficient. Each ECG costs only Rs.89, which includes not only the ECG test but also interpretation and reporting by an expert cardiologist through tele-reporting technology within 10 minutes. The project has been approved by the Government of India under the Record of Proceedings (RoP) 2026-27. A budget of Rs. 2.92 crore has been sanctioned under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) to support this digital health initiative.

Approximately 3,28,320 ECGs expected annually

Haryana has 192 District Civil Hospitals, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, and Community Health Centres, where an average of 100 ECGs per month is expected at each facility, resulting in approximately 2,30,400 ECGs annually, at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.05 crore. Besides this, the state’s 408 Primary Health Centres are expected to conduct around 20 ECGs per month each, resulting in 97,920 ECGs annually, at an estimated expenditure of Rs. 87.14 lakh.

Overall, approximately 3,28,320 ECGs are expected to be conducted every year across Haryana under this programme.

Tele-ECG will revolutionise rural healthcare: Arti Singh Rao

Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao, expressing satisfaction over the success of the initiative and its future roadmap, said the Tele-ECG service marks a historic milestone in Haryana’s healthcare sector and has the potential to bring a healthcare revolution to the state’s rural areas.

She said that our government’s foremost objective is to ensure that world-class and timely healthcare reaches every citizen, including those living in the remotest parts of the state. Delays in treating cardiac emergencies during the Golden Hour often proved fatal in rural areas. Through this digital initiative, we have brought the expertise of specialist cardiologists directly to Primary Health Centres in villages and small towns. Receiving an  ECG report within just 10 minutes for only Rs. 89 demonstrates our commitment to making healthcare not only accessible but also highly affordable through technology, she added.

The Health Minister further said that the government remains committed to introducing more digital healthcare innovations across Haryana to ensure better health and safety for every citizen.

A Compassionate Initiative Inspired by a Tragic Incident

The Tele-ECG programme was conceived following a deeply tragic incident that profoundly impacted Health Minister, Ms Arti Singh Rao.

Some time ago, the Minister was informed of a case in which a heart attack patient lost his life at a Sub-Divisional Hospital (SDH) because an ECG facility was not available. Without an ECG, doctors were unable to accurately assess the patient’s cardiac condition or confirm a heart attack in time. Had the facility been available, the patient could have been referred immediately to a higher healthcare centre during the Golden Hour, significantly increasing the chances of survival.

The incident deeply moved the Health Minister and prompted her to take immediate action. Rather than treating it as a mere incident, she directed senior officers of the Health Department to ensure that ECG facilities were made available at every level of the public healthcare system—from Sub-Divisional Hospitals to Primary Health Centres. It is this compassionate and visionary leadership that has resulted in the rollout of Tele-ECG services across 600 government healthcare institutions in Haryana.

The initiative has already proved lifesaving for more than 131 critically ill patients, ensuring timely diagnosis and prompt treatment for those suffering from cardiac emergencies.

Shahzadpur Government Women’s College Renamed as ‘Maharani Padmini Government Women’s College’: Education Minister

Chandigarh, July 10-  Haryana Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said that the State Government has taken another significant step towards promoting women’s education while preserving the State’s rich cultural heritage. In line with the Chief Minister’s announcement, the proposal to rename the Government Women’s College at Shahzadpur as Maharani Padmini Government Women’s College, Shahzadpur has received formal approval.

The Education Minister said that Maharani Padmini’s life symbolises sacrifice, courage and unparalleled self-respect. Naming the college after her will not only inspire young women in the region but also encourage them to better understand their responsibilities towards the nation and society. He said it is essential to acquaint future generations with the country’s glorious history and the sacrifices made by its great personalities.

Sh. Mahipal Dhanda further said that the present State Government is fully committed to strengthening educational infrastructure across Haryana while ensuring value-based education. Renaming the women’s college at Shahzadpur, he said, will instil a sense of pride, dignity and high ideals among young women. He also expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for approving the proposal.

PU Celebrates Van Mahotsav With Plantation Drive

Chandigarh, July 10, 2026

Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh celebrated Van Mahotsav with a plantation drive at the road between Convention Centre and Government School, Sector 25 and the area around the PU Convention Centre, South Campus.

PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig inaugurated the drive by planting a sapling near the Convention Centre gate. About 200 trees and shrubs of various species, including Gulmohar, Ficus, Golden Cypress, Terminalia, Ficus Microcarpa and Conocarpus, were planted during the inaugural drive organised by the PU Horticulture Division.

PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig appreciated the efforts of the Horticulture Division and extended her best wishes for future plantation drives in monsoon season.

Prof. Meenakshi Goyal, Dean of University Instructions presided over the plantation; Prof. Y.P. Verma, Registrar; Prof. Jagat Bhushan, Controller of Examinations; Prof. Ravi Inder Singh, Dean College Development Council; Prof. Simrit Kahlon, Chief Vigilance Officer; Prof. Namita Gupta, Dean Student Welfare (W); Er. Anil Thakur, Executive Engineer-II; Er.Vinay Lalia, Executive Engineer-I; Ar. Inder Gulati, Architect; Sh. Honey Thakur, President, PUSA (NT); Prof. Amarjeet Naura, President, PUTA; Chairpersons of various departments; Wardens of various hostels; Representatives of PUTA, PUSA (NT) and other employees unions were present on the occasion.

During the plantation a young participant, Mehul Thakur, also came to plant the tree in the Campus.

Er. Amandeep Singla, Assistant Engineer (H) stated that the Horticulture Division will organise plantation drives during the coming monsoon season in different departments and Hostels to spread awareness about the environment among the masses.

The plantation drive also started in different departments and Hostels in Sector-14 and Sector-25, South Campus. The Horticulture Division will plant Jacaranda, Bottle Brush, Neem, Gulmohar, Ashoka, Hibiscus, Tulsi, Lemon Grass, Moringa, Kaner Kachnar, Aloe Vera Double Chandni, Single Chandni etc. within the Campus.

Vigilance Bureau nabs Patwari red handed accepting bribe of Rs. 3,500

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.

Fortis Hospital Mohali and Intuitive sign MoU to establish India’s first Total Program Observation site in a non-metro city

Chandigarh | July 09, 2026: Fortis Mohali and Intuitive, a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish India’s first Total Program Observation (TPO) site in a non-metro city. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Abhijit Singh , Head – Strategic Business Unit (SBU), Fortis Mohali; Dr. Bishnu Panigrahi , Group Head – Medical Strategy and Operations, Fortis Healthcare; Glenn Vavoso , Senior Vice President and President, Intuitive Asia Pacific; and Rohitt Mahajan , Vice President and General Manager, Intuitive India.

The collaboration reflects a shared vision to support the next phase of robotic-assisted surgery in India, with a focus on programme maturity, structured training, patient safety and multidisciplinary readiness. The TPO site at Fortis Hospital Mohali will create a peer-to-peer learning platform for healthcare professionals to observe how an established robotic programme is built, governed and sustained in a real-world Indian healthcare setting.

Fortis Hospital Mohali has developed a multidisciplinary robotic-assisted surgery programme across specialties including gynaecology, gastrointestinal oncology, urology and head and neck surgery. The hospital has completed more than 3,600 robotic-assisted procedures, supported by 18 robotic surgeons and two da Vinci surgical systems. Serving patients across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and neighbouring regions, Fortis Hospital Mohali offers a valuable non-metro reference point for institutions looking to strengthen robotic-assisted surgery programmes in similar healthcare settings.

Through the TPO site, visiting surgeons, care teams, hospital administrators and executive leaders will have the opportunity to engage in structured peer-to-peer learning with an established robotic-assisted surgery programme. Beyond clinical observation, participants will gain exposure to the broader elements that support programme maturity, including surgeon training pathways, multidisciplinary team coordination, operating room workflows, patient safety processes, programme governance, executive alignment, financial planning and long-term service development.

Sharing a global perspective, Glenn Vavoso, Senior Vice President and President, Intuitive Asia Pacific, said, “Across the world, we are seeing healthcare systems increasingly focused on building robotic-assisted surgery programmes that are sustainable, scalable and integrated into broader models of clinical excellence. Total Program Observation sites support this by enabling healthcare teams to observe established programmes and apply relevant learnings within their own institutions. Fortis Hospital Mohali’s inclusion in this global network is a testament to India’s growing leadership in robotic-assisted surgery and its commitment to advancing high-quality, minimally invasive care through collaboration, education and peer learning.”

Commenting on India’s evolving robotic-assisted surgery landscape, Rohitt Mahajan, Vice President and General Manager, Intuitive India, said, “Robotic-assisted surgery in India is entering a new phase of growth, where success will be defined not just by technology adoption, but by building sustainable, high-quality surgical programmes. Fortis Hospital Mohali’s recognition as India’s first Total Program Observation site in a non-metro city reflects the growing maturity of the ecosystem and the important role experienced institutions can play in advancing best practices, strengthening capabilities and expanding access to minimally invasive care across the country.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Abhijit Singh, Head – Strategic Business Unit (SBU), Fortis Mohali, said, “Robotic-assisted surgery continues to expand across India, healthcare institutions are increasingly looking to understand how to build sustainable programmes around the technology. Total Program Observation supports this need by enabling structured peer-to-peer learning across clinical, operational and leadership functions. It also reflects a shared commitment to strengthening training, sharing best practices in programme governance and safety processes, and helping hospitals build the capabilities required to deliver advanced minimally invasive care with greater consistency.”

This collaboration is expected to strengthen India’s robotic-assisted surgery ecosystem by creating a practical learning platform for hospitals seeking to build or enhance their own programmes, particularly beyond major metropolitan centres.

About Intuitive India:

Intuitive Surgical India Pvt Ltd, the subsidiary of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Nasdaq: ISRG), is a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). Intuitive India brings more than two decades of leadership in advanced robotics, including the da Vinci surgical system. A growing community of passionate and committed Indian surgeons are adopting the solutions in indication areas including gynaecology, urology, general surgery, and surgical oncology, among others. Today, India has over 2000 robotic-assisted trained surgeons and over 250 da Vinci systems installed across major private and government hospitals.

Chandigarh State Cooperative Bank Ltd. Celebrates Cooperative Week with Customer Awareness Campaigns and Tree Plantation Drive

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.

Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) Sounds Poll Bugle in 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.

Dr. Baljit Kaur Announces Launch of Post-Matric Scholarship Portal for SC Students; Directs District Officials to Hold Village-Level Awareness Camps

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.”