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Chandigarh, Punjab

A Book ‘ALL ONE MUST KNOW ABOUT THE SIKH FAITH’ released

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IEP Chandigarh

A unique book titled ALL ONE MUST KNOW ABOUT THE SIKH FAITH, nineteenth by the author Colonel Daljeet Singh Cheema, a Panjab Ratan awardee, and published by Abhishek Publications, Chandigarh was released on 3 June at Chandigarh Press Club. Eminent dignitaries who were the guests of honor included Gen V P Malik (Retd), AVSM, PVSM, former army chief, Madhav Kaushik President National Sahitya Academy , Professor P K Khosla, Chancellor Shoolini University, Vivek Atray, former IAS officer, and  Roopinder Singh, The event began on a soothing note of Mool Mantar sung in the very melodious voice of  Sunaini Sharma. As MC, Lily Swran kept the audience glued to their seats with her exceptional oratory skills and sharp wit.

 Vivek Atray, in his opening remarks appreciated the courage of Col Cheema to attempt a book of love, compassion and peace. Gen Malik spoke about the need of such a book in a strife-torn world of today. Madhav Kaushik felt that the message of Oneness of God and Universal Brotherhood was the need of the hour. Professor Khosla brought about certain unknown facts that make Sikhism a unique faith. 

Later, Roopinder Singh and Col Cheema discussed the unique features of the book. Col Cheema laid emphasis on the necessity of future generations understanding and interpreting their cultural and religious heritage in correct perspective.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Universities of Punjab shines in Khelo India University Games

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IEP Chandigarh, June 4

          In the Khelo India University Games held in Uttar Pradesh, the Universities of Punjab have shined. Four Universities of the State occupied the first five places in the final medal tally. Panjab University Chandigarh became the overall champion while Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar was the runner-up. Punjabi University Patiala secured the fourth position and Guru Kashi University Damdama Sahib secured the fifth position.

          Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hare congratulated all the winning players and Universities for this achievement and attributed it to the students, their parents, coaches and higher officials of the Universities and sports departments.

          Meet Hayer said that this is a big boost to the efforts of the State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to again make Punjab number one state in the country in the field of sports. Under the directives of the Chief Minister, a platform has been provided to the sportspersons to progress in the form of Khedan Watan Punjab Deya in the state.

          Panjab University Chandigarh, won a total of 69 medals with 26 gold, 17 silver and 26 bronze medals. Similarly, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, which came second, bagged a total of 68 medals with 24 gold, 27 silver and 17 bronze medals, Punjabi University, Patiala, which came fourth, bagged a total of 34 medals with 12 gold, 14 silver and 8 bronze medals and Guru Kashi University Damdama Sahib, which came in fifth place, won a total of 28 medals with 9 gold, 10 silver and 9 bronze medals.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab to rationalise staff in Rural Development & Panchayats Dept

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IEP Chandigarh, June 4

          Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Sunday, said that the rationalization of the staff of Rural Development and Panchayats department will be done soon to speed up the work at the ground level.

          Rural Development and Panchayats Minister said, it has come to his notice that additional staff was deployed in many districts, whereas other districts are struggling to complete their task in a timely manner due to lack of staff.

          The Cabinet Minister directed the Finance Commissioner Rural Development and Panchayats Mr. K. Siva Prasad and Director RD&P Mr. Gurpreet Singh Khaira to provide lists of staff of all the wings within two days so as to ensure the deployment of staff in required number in all the districts.

          S. Bhullar said that 73 regular BDPOs are working in total 153 blocks in the state, while 80 posts of BDPOs are vacant. Likewise, 97 blocks of the state are sans Senior Assistant (Accounts).

          S. Laljit Singh Bhullar also asked the authorities to provide the lists of DDPOs and BDPOs working in the same district for past several years. Besides this, the officials have also been asked to provide the number of vacant posts of BDPOs of direct and promotional quota and make arrangements at the earliest to fill these posts.

Chandigarh

Chandigarh Smart City and Municipal Corporation, join hands to celebrate World Bicycling Day

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IEP Chandigarh

Aiming at encouraging people to cycle to the work and emphasise on the benefits of cycling, Chandigarh Smart City and Municipal Corporation Chandigarh in association with its co-partner NGO ‘Patiala Foundation’ organized a cycle rally to mark the World Bicycle day, at Sector 42, here today.

Mayor Sh. Anup Gupta led the cyclothon along with Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Sh. Jasbir Singh Bunty, area councilor, other councilors, officers and residents.

The rally started at 6.30 from Sector 42 community centre and passed through Sector 35/36, 23/36, 37/36 and culminated after completing 6 Kms route. 

The Cyclothon highlighted the rare distinction the city of having 200 Kms of dedicated cycle tracks and the largest public bike sharing system in the country, with 5000 cycles. To ensure road safety of cyclists, reflective stickers were pasted by Patiala Foundation, on the bicycles to make them visible at night.

More than 700 participants, including councilors, employees of Municipal Corporation, professional cyclists, students, local residents etc. participated enthusiastically in this cycle rally, organized jointly by CSCL and MCC. 300 smart bikes were also arranged for the cycle lovers to take free rides today.

While addressing the cycle lovers, the Mayor said that this time the CSCL and MCC has taken unique initiative to mark the world bicycle day by involving the cyclists who use cycles as “transport” and not “sport”, people who peddle to work daily. This event was aimed at encouraging and appreciating them.

The Mayor said that the officials and staff of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh should cycle to work regularly. 

He said that it is very important to make people aware about the importance of using bicycles for transportation. There is a need to create awareness so that vehicular pollution can be reduced. 

Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, CEO, Chandigarh Smart City Ltd. congratulated all the cycle lovers of city on World Bicycle Day and emphasized that cycling not just keeps the person healthy but also protects the environment by reducing greenhouse emissions. It also reduces traffic congestion. She said that if it is not possible to ride day long, one should start with smaller distances, may be a ride to the grocery store or in a local park.

Help desks and counters with the provision of first aid and water dispensers were provided at the venue and throughout the route. Chandigarh Traffic Police officer ASI Bhupinder Singh sung a beautiful composition on cycling and road safety.

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Spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat” showcases in Telangana Foundation Day Celebration at Punjab Raj Bhawan

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IEP Chandigarh, June 2

Fostering the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat” (One India, Great India), the Telangana Foundation Day was celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm at Punjab Raj Bhawan. 

The event organized jointly by Punjab Raj Bhawan and the Administration  of  UT, Chandigarh, served as a platform to celebrate the oneness of India and the harmonious coexistence of different cultures.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh Banwari Lal Purohit, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh emphasized the significance of promoting cultural exchange and fostering harmonious coexistence. He said that the strength of our country lies in its unity, where each state contributes to the rich fabric of our collective identity.

He said that Telangana is the youngest state in the country. The formation of Telangana marked a historic moment in our country’s journey towards decentralization and inclusive governance. He added that Telangana is a state where traditions and customs blend seamlessly with modernity. The region is known for its Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb culture (Hindu-Muslim culture being practiced together).

The evening unfolded with a vibrant cultural extravaganza that showcased the rich heritage of Telangana through mesmerizing dance performances and melodious music. The attendees were captivated by the graceful movements of the traditional folk dances, such as Gussadi and Lambadi, which resonated with the soul of Telangana. The melodies of the classical Carnatic music and the energetic beats of the dappu drum enthralled the audience, filling the air with an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including Mr. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Arun Sood, President, BJP, Mr. Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India and Mr. Dharam Pal, Adviser to Administrator, UT, Chandigarh.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Punjab Health Department to Organise Cycle Rallies across the state today: Dr. Balbir Singh

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IEP Chandigarh, June 2

          To sensitise people about the benefits of adopting healthy lifestyle to keep the various lifestyle diseases such as Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular and Stroke away, the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh has directed to organise cycle rallies at all district headquarters and Health & Wellness Centres across state.

          It is pertinent to mention here that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are accounting for more than 63% deaths in the country. Out of which Cardiovascular diseases cause 27%, Cancer causes 9%, Respiratory Diseases 11% and Diabetes contributes to 3% of deaths in India. Most of these NCDs are strongly associated with major behaviour risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol use, poor dietary habits, insufficient physical activity, and air pollution.

          Dr. Balbir Singh said that in order to promote and inculcate a healthy lifestyle and to prevent such diseases, a Cycle Event would be organised on Saturday in all the districts of Punjab. The Health Minister has also instructed the Mass Education and Media wing of the Health Department to conduct various awareness activities regarding the importance of physical activity for good health at all Health & Wellness Centres on the occasion of “World Bicycle Day’ to promote physical and mental well-being through eco friendly conveyance.

          Director Health and Family Welfare Dr. Adarshpal Kaur informed that “Cycling is a low-impact exercise and incorporating cycling into our exercise routine or as a recreational activity can benefit people of all ages and improve their quality of life. Cycling can also help us beat a sedentary lifestyle. “The activity in the state shall be organised under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) and theme of the day will be ‘Cycle for Health’.” She added.

          Assistant Director cum State Programme Officer Dr. Sandeep Singh Gill said that the focus has now shifted from communicable diseases to the non communicable diseases as NCDs are now more prevalent and cause more deaths. These diseases can be prevented by following healthy lifestyle habits.

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NHRC notices to the Union Health & Family Welfare Ministry, FSSAI, and the Drugs Controller General of India over the reported production of spurious drugs in the name of food supplements by nutraceutical companies in Himachal Pradesh

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New Delhi, June 2

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that the Baddi Industrial area of Solan in Himachal Pradesh has become a production hub of spurious vitamins, syrups, and drugs in the name of food supplements by the nutraceutical companies. Reportedly, there are more than 100 nutraceutical companies active in the area, which have the license to produce only food products under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.  Hence, these are beyond the purview of the Drug Controller General of India and the State Food Safety Department. The companies are taking advantage of the lack of coordination between the government departments.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue relating to the right to life of the people due to an apparent lack of coordination and apathy on the part of the government departments.   Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the Chairperson, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and the Drugs Controller General of India calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks. 

The reports should include the present status of the implementation of the relevant laws to check the supply and sale of spurious drugs in the State of Himachal Pradesh by the nutraceutical companies in the name of producing vitamins and supplements etc.

According to the media report, carried on 30th May, 2023 five companies have been sealed, out of which three companies had licenses to produce food items and according to the law they cannot produce allopathic medicines.  Till the year 2006, all the nutraceutical companies were within the ambit of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and the Food Safety Department of the State was the authority to test the samples, conduct investigations and issue the licenses but when the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 came into existence, all the powers were shifted to the central agencies.

Reportedly, the licenses of these companies are granted by the FSSAI under the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, which manages to visit Himachal Pradesh for checking the samples hardly once or twice a year only if any complaint is received.  Neither the Drug Controller nor the Food Supply Department of the State can conduct tests on the samples of the drugs and inquiries against these companies.

Punjab

FATEHGARH SAHIB DACOITY CASE: PUNJAB POLICE’S AGTF ARRESTS TWO MAIN ACCUSED AFTER BRIEF EXCHANGE OF FIRE; THREE PISTOLS RECOVERED

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CHANDIGARH/FATEHGARH SAHIB, June 1:

          Amidst the ongoing drive against anti-social elements launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of Punjab Police in a joint operation with Fatehgarh Sahib Police have successfully cracked the daylight dacoity in Fatehgarh Sahib with the arrest of two criminals after a brief exchange of fire, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Gurpreet Singh of village Johal Dhai Wala in Tarn Taran and Harpreet Singh of village Bantara in Tarn Taran. Both the accused persons were involved in the loot of Rs 40.8 lakh from an employee of a petrol pump in Bhatmajra village of Fatehgarh Sahib.

          Police teams have also recovered three .32 bore pistols along with live cartridges from the possession of both the accused persons.

          Giving details, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that a team of AGTF headed by ADGP Promod Ban got a reliable input that persons involved in the daylight dacoity are expected to visit village Macchli Khurd to pick their car, which was used to commit the crime.

          Following the information, a team from AGTF led by AIG Sandeep Goel, DSP Bikram Brar and DSP Rajan Parminder along with local Fatehgarh Sahib Police laid a trap and signalled the car to stop. “Instead of stopping the car, people sitting in the car opened fire at the police party, prompting Police parties to retaliate,” he said.

          After a brief exchange of fire, the DGP said that Police teams have managed to overpower both the accused persons, who have sustained bullet injuries on their legs. Both the accused persons have been undergoing treatment at a local hospital, he added.

          Meanwhile, a fresh case FIR no. 115 dated 1-6-2023 has been registered under sections 307 and 473 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station Kharar.

Punjab

State-Level Event for Women Journalists to be Held in Patiala Next Year: Chetan Singh Jaura Majra

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Chandigarh, June 1

          The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, remains committed to granting women their due status and respect. In line with this objective, Chetan Singh Jaura Majra, Minister of Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters, Information and Public Relations, and Minister of Horticulture, along with Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, and Social Security, Women and Child Development, attended the National Women Journalist Conference at the Press Club Chandigarh today.

          During the event, Public Relations Minister Chetan Singh Jaura Majra emphasized the indispensable role of women in society. The aim of this conference is to instill courage and enthusiasm among women who are successfully excelling in the field of journalism today. He announced that a state-level event for women journalists will be held in Patiala next year. The purpose of this gathering is to create a platform for women journalists to discuss the challenges they encounter in their profession and foster an environment conducive to finding solutions.

          Minister Chetan Singh Jaura Majra further expressed his profound respect for women, emphasizing their pivotal roles as mothers, sisters, and wives in society. He stressed that the progress of society is unattainable without the active involvement of women and urged everyone to honor and respect them.

          Regarding women’s safety, Minister Chetan Singh Jaura Majra acknowledged that even fathers, including himself, feel insecure about their daughters’ safety, regardless of their own professional roles. He condemned those who disregard the dignity of women and affirmed that the government is making comprehensive efforts to ensure women’s safety.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, highlighted that today’s era is no longer dominated by males, as women are increasingly participating in various fields. She commended women for their exemplary contributions, whether in their domestic duties or outside responsibilities. Dr. Baljit Kaur viewed the present era as an opportunity for women to excel in all spheres of life. Encouraging women journalists, she emphasized their diverse skills and urged them to step forward and elevate their reputation in society.

          During the event, women journalists shared their experiences, addressing the challenges they face in their profession, and presented a list of demands to Public Relations Minister Chetan Singh Jodi Majra. The minister assured them that their legitimate demands would be met. Additionally, women journalists from Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, Delhi, and Odisha were honored.

Punjab

PUNJAB POLICE GEAR UP TO ENSURE PEACEFUL OBSERVANCE OF ‘OPERATION BLUESTAR ANNIVERSARY’

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CHANDIGARH, June 1

          Keeping in view the Operation Bluestar Anniversary— also known as Ghallughara Week, Punjab Police have beefed up the security across the state to ensure peaceful observance of this week.

          On Thursday, Police teams led by CPs/SSPs have also conducted Flag Marches in the sensitive and vulnerable areas of their concerned districts as a measure to instil the confidence among the general public. As many as 110 flag marches were conducted covering 192 sensitive/vulnerable areas in all the 28 Police districts.

          The exercise was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav as part of the ongoing drive to make Punjab safe and secure as per vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

          Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that the CPs/SSPs were directed to conduct Flag Marches in the sensitive areas of their respective districts. Police teams have also apprehended 368 suspicious persons during flag marches.

          He said that the exercise was aimed to boost the confidence of the general public, besides, preparing police personnel to tackle any untoward situation.

          “Punjab Police will ensure peaceful observance of the Operation Bluestar Anniversary, for which foolproof arrangements are in place and adequate security has also been deployed across the state,” said Arpit Shukla.

          The Special DGP said that deployment of police teams have also been intensified at vital places including bus stands, railway stations and other sensitive areas to prevent intrusion of anti-social elements.

          Meanwhile, CPs/SSPs have also been asked to intensify Police nakas in their jurisdictions and conduct checking of all the entering/exiting suspicious vehicles.