IEP Chandigarh, June 27

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed across the world today. In this series, School Education Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal motivated the youth of Haryana to stay away from drugs and flagged off an awareness rally at Mukund Lal District Civil Hospital premises in Yamunanagar today. The School Education Minister also administered drug free oath to the people present in the programme.He said that drug peddlers cannot be treated as individual criminals but as people infecting the entire society. The menace of drugs is spoiling society. Therefore, to ensure a drug-free society, social organisations should put up a collective effort and work in tandem with the government to defeat the negative forces emanating from the abuse of drugsHe said that social organisations should work dedicatedly to create awareness about the vicious cycle of drugs and the harm they are inflicting on society. He said that youth should channelise their energies through sports and physical activities.Sh. Kanwar Pal said that the movement against drugs will be strengthened only when people from society will come together and pledge to eliminate this societal ill.   Today’s youth is the leader of tomorrow. Development of the nation would be assured if youth is given the right direction, he added.

IEP Chandigarh, June 27

The Chairman of the National Green Tribunal, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, highlighted the significance of the District Environment Plan (DEP) as a strategic document designed to address environmental issues and promote sustainable development. While inaugurating a one-day training programme on the implementation of District Environment Plans held at the Haryana Institute of Public Administration in Gurugram, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel emphasized the role of DEPs in integrating environmental considerations into various developmental activities at the district level.Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel emphasized that DEPs follow a participatory approach, fostering collaboration among government agencies, local authorities, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and community representatives. These plans adhere to national and state-level environmental policies and guidelines, ensuring alignment with broader environmental objectives.An essential component of the DEP, is conducting an environmental assessment, which involves analyzing existing environmental conditions, identifying key challenges specific to the district, and assessing potential impacts resulting from developmental activities. This assessment provides the foundation for setting goals and objectives that address the identified environmental issues and promote sustainable development within the district.Furthermore, Justice Goel said that DEPs outline specific action plans aimed at achieving established goals and objectives. These action plans encompass measures for pollution control, waste management, conservation of natural resources, promotion of renewable energy, and environmental education and awareness. By integrating these actions into decision-making processes, DEPs ensure that environmental considerations receive due importance and become integrated across various sectors and activities within the district.Justice Goel also stressed the importance of establishing a robust institutional framework within the District Environment Plan. This framework identifies responsible agencies, coordination mechanisms, and the roles of different stakeholders involved in the implementation and monitoring of the DEP. Clear lines of responsibility are established, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration among various entities to achieve the desired environmental outcomes.To track progress and effectiveness, Justice Goel emphasized the need for monitoring and evaluation mechanisms within the DEP. These mechanisms enable continuous improvement, ensuring that the DEP remains responsive to evolving environmental challenges and the priorities of the district.Justice Goel further highlighted the alarming state of our environment, emphasizing the need for conservation and protection. He stated that human activities have posed a significant threat to the environment, impacting not only other forms of life but also our own. Recognizing this, various environmental protection programmes are being implemented at individual, organizational, and government levels, aiming to establish a balance between humans and the environment.The District Environment Plan serves as a crucial tool in this endeavour, enabling the creation of sustainable development practices and fostering a harmonious relationship between mankind and the environment, he added.Haryana Chief Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal, Dr. M M Kutty, Chairperson of CAQM, Mrs. Urvashi Gulati, Former Chief Secretary of Haryana, Mr. Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Forest and Wildlife, Mr. P. Raghavendra Rao, Chairman of HSPCB, and Mrs. Chandralekha Mukherjee, Director General of HIPA were also present during the training programme. 

IEP Chandigarh, June 26     

     In compliance with the instructions of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, a one-day training workshop was organized by the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat for nodal officers from various departments. This workshop marks another significant stride towards making the entire proceedings of the house paperless.          During the workshop, the Nodal Officers, appointed by the Administrative Secretaries of different departments, given detailed information about the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) and the website, which will facilitate the sharing of all relevant information related to the house.          Addressing the nodal officers in the Regional Hall, Vidhan Sabha Secretary Mr. Ram Lok Khatana emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann and Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, the upcoming session of the assembly would be truly unique. It would be the first of its kind in history to be conducted entirely electronically.          Mr. Khatana urged the nodal officers to extend their full support in ensuring the success of this mission, while highlighting that by making the proceedings of the house paperless, not only will it save time for all departments, but it will also contribute to the government’s environmental conservation efforts.          Furthermore, he stated that besides the house proceedings, the functioning of the legislative committees will also be made paperless, and all records of the house will be digitized.          The workshop included training sessions conducted by Mr. Vivek Verma, SIO, NIC Punjab, and other officers. They provided instruction on various modules of NeVA to the nodal officers, who were also briefed about the procedure for replying to notices sent by the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat.          Senior officials of the Vidhan Sabha and NIC Punjab were also present during the workshop.

IEP CHANDIGARH, June 26

To mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Monday joined hundreds of people in taking pledge titled “Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs” for making drug-free world during an event organised by Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib (Himachal Pradesh). The event was organised at Sukhna Lake here to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.The Health Minister, who was accompanied by International shooter Gauri Sheron, Director of Akal Drug De-Addiction Centres Dr (Col) Rajinder Singh and President of Kalgidhar Trust Dr Davinder Singh also took part in the massive ‘Hand Impression Campaign against Drug Abuse’, where approximately 300 participants, including children, staff, and the general public, left their colourful hand impressions on a 20-foot canvas. This symbolic gesture represented their united stand against drug abuse and their determination to eradicate this menace from society.Dr Balbir Singh, while terming the drug addiction as a vicious trap, said that with changing lifestyles, people— especially youth and school children— are falling into the trap of drugs as their families do not spend quality time with them leading them to depression and anxiety. “Nowadays, parents could buy their children all the luxuries including gadgets and fancy vehicles, but they don’t spend quality time with them, which is the wrong attitude,” he said, while asking parents to introspect.Human beings are social animals, who don’t need money and luxuries, but quality time with the family, he said, while urging parents to have at least one meal with their children.The Health Minister urged people to show sympathy and empathy towards drug addicts or patients of substance use disorders. “If we get to know anyone in our neighbourhood consuming drugs, we should ask them why they are doing this and should lend a helping hand by exhorting them to do meditation, exercise or yoga,” he said.Dr (Col) Rajinder Singh, who is also a renowned social activist and psychiatrist emphasised on the importance of saying no to drugs and embracing a drug-free life. Dr Davinder Singh expressed his gratitude to all the participants and attendees for their active involvement in raising awareness about drug abuse.Meanwhile, Students from Akal College of Nursing performed a mime act that vividly portrayed the detrimental effects of drug abuse.

IEP Chandigarh, June 26     

     Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday said that as per the directions of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government has decided to double the War Jagir from the existing Rs 10,000 per annum to Rs 20,000 per annum under the Punjab War Awards Act, 1948.          Revealing this, Mr. Harpal Singh Cheema said that after June 2013, no increase was made in War Jagir during the last 10 years. He said that the amount of Rs 10,000 being awarded annually is insignificant under the current level of inflation. He said that it is the duty of the government to increase the War Jagir for the parents of the heroes of the country keeping in view the current level of inflation.          The Finance Minister further added that the proposal sent by the Defense Services Welfare Department in this regard has been approved by the Finance Department. He said that the Punjab government is indebted to those parents who had encouraged their sons to join Indian Army for safeguarding the country during national crises.          It may be mentioned here that the parents, who are residents of Punjab and whose only son or 2 to 3 sons served in the Indian Army during World War II, National Emergency 1962 and National Emergency 1971, are being awarded an annual War Jagir by the Punjab Government as an honour.