The Panjab University in collaboration with the various departments including Departments of Alumni Relations, University Business School, UIAMS, CIIPP & DST-TEC organized an Interactive Session on “Consideration on Chandigarh’s Path to Becoming an International Financial Centre” at the SAIF/CIL Conference Hall, Panjab University.

The Chandigarh Administration has entrusted Panjab University with the responsibility of preparing the proposal for establishing an International Financial Centre (IFC) in Chandigarh. This is a matter of great pride for Panjab University, as it reflects the institution’s academic strength, research capabilities, and longstanding contribution to nation-building. With its multidisciplinary expertise and the collaborative support of CRIKC institutions, Panjab University is well positioned to provide the intellectual foundation and policy framework required for such a landmark initiative.

One of the oldest Universities in India, the Panjab University (PU) initiated at Lahore in 1882, has a long tradition of pursuing excellence in teaching and research in science and technology, humanities, social sciences, performing arts and sports. The University supports excellence and innovation in academic programmes, promotes excellence in research, scholarship and teaching. The glorious traditions of the University established during the period of more than 140 years of its long service to the nation since its inception are a source of inspiration for the present generation of faculty members and students. This is a matter of great pride for Panjab University, which has been chosen by the Chandigarh Administration to prepare the proposal for establishing an International Financial Centre in the city.

The establishment of an International Financial Centre (IFC) in Chandigarh was the central objective of the discussion. The dialogue focused on how Chandigarh, with its strategic location, modern infrastructure, strong academic and research ecosystem, and cultural vibrancy, can position itself as North India’s knowledge-driven financial hub.

Prof. Latika, Dean Alumni Relations, introduced the event and warmly welcomed the participants, setting the tone for the interactive session. She outlined the objectives of the discussion and emphasized the relevance of Chandigarh’s vision to establish an International Financial Centre.

The keynote address was delivered by Ms. Pam Kaur, Group Chief Financial Officer, HSBC, and distinguished alumna of Panjab University, who completed her B.Com and MBA (Finance) from the Panjab University, Chandigarh. She began by offering condolences to those affected by the recent floods in Punjab. After that she shared her insights on the global financial landscape, underscoring how talent building, innovation, and investor confidence can transform regional economies. She emphasized the importance of investing in human capital to create a steady pipeline of skilled professionals, citing the example of Dubai’s growth.  She also underlined the need for rule of law and reliable legal mechanisms that meet international standards.

The event was graced by Shri Diprava Lakra, Finance Secretary, Chandigarh, as Chief Guestspoke about the fundamentals of the economy—land, labour, and capital. He pointed out that in Chandigarh, land costs and rents are very high, which poses challenges for industrial expansion. He stressed that the city must also leverage opportunities in business, banking, insurance, and financial services, where it has the potential to emerge as a strong hub.Concluding his remarks, he highlighted carbon trading as a possible way forward, representing a point where Chandigarh can balance sustainability with economic development.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, expressed her appreciation for the Chandigarh Administration’s decision to entrust Panjab University with preparing the proposal for the establishment of an International Financial Centre in Chandigarh. She highlighted large alumni base of Panjab University that includes Prime Ministers, Presidents, bureaucrats, and sports personalities.She also emphasized the need for stronger industrial presence and innovation-driven growth to create opportunities for the youth and to position Chandigarh and Punjab as attractive destinations for global businesses.

We had a special guest with us, Sh. J.M. Balamurugan, IAS Officer and Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Panjab, who graced the event.

The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks, where gratitude was extended by Prof. Parmjit Kaur, Dean of Business Management and Commerce, Professor and Chairperson, University Business School, Panjab University Chandigarh to the distinguished speakers, dignitaries, participants, and organizing committee for making the event a success. It was observed that the establishment of an IFC in Chandigarh would not only transform the city but also deliver far-reaching benefits at the national level, including economic growth, regional development, global competitiveness, knowledge creation, and employment generation.

Chandigarh, September 11:

In a landmark achievement that has brought immense pride to the state, the cadets of the Punjab Directorate NCC have scripted history by winning the prestigious All India Thal Sainik Camp (AITSC) Senior Division Championship for two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025.

Congratulating the cadets for this unprecedented feat, Punjab’s Education Minister, S. Harjot Singh Bains said, “This back-to-back victory is a testament to the unyielding spirit, grit and exceptional discipline of our NCC cadets. They (PHHP&C) have triumphed over 16 directorates, including established powerhouses like Maharashtra and Karnataka, to set a new national record. They are true trailblazers.”

The Education Minister highlighted that this victory is not merely about competitions but reflects a deeper commitment to the nation. These cadets have also proven their mettle in real-world crises, from providing invaluable service during Operation Sindoor to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with civil authorities during the recent devastating floods in Punjab, in rescue and relief operations, S. Bains added.

He stated that the dual role of the cadets—as champions on the field and saviours in society—embodies the core ethos of the NCC and the Directorate’s motto “Discipline and Service Above All”.

Their success positions the Punjab Directorate as the national torchbearer of military discipline and leadership. These victories are not a culmination but the beginning of an era where Punjab will stand as the benchmark of excellence for the entire country to aspire towards, the Education Minister stated.

S. Bains extended his best wishes to the cadets for their future endeavours and commended the efforts of their instructors and the entire NCC fraternity for this extraordinary accomplishment.

Chandigarh, September 11:

The Punjab Government is carrying out large-scale relief operations in flood-affected areas, with special measures being taken to prevent the outbreak of diseases. Entire staff of health, veterinary, and other concerned departments has been working tirelessly to ensure safety of residents. 

Education and Information & Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated that he reviewed the damages caused by floods in Rupnagar with Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia. He informed that special Girdawari to assess losses has already been completed in 50% of the affected areas. He added that relief operations are continuing at full pace. While fogging machines are being deployed extensively to mitigate the spread of malaria and other diseases, regular medical camps are being organized. Veterinary teams are attending animals in the field with treatment and vaccination drives. 

Bains highlighted that all rural roads have been made operational to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. District administrations remain fully vigilant, with relief and rescue teams deployed across affected areas. 

Meanwhile, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh visited several flood-affected villages in Gurdaspur district, including Dehriewal Kiran, Ransike Tilla, Khushhalpur, Ratta, and Shahpur Jajan, along with MLA Gurdeep Singh Randhawa. On this occasion, Dr. Balbir Singh personally provided cheques of Rs. 50,000 each to affected families with the support of his colleagues. Similarly, Social Security Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur extended immediate financial assistance at Malout to families whose houses suffered roof collapses due to heavy rainfall. She emphasized that she has been continuously present in Malout city and adjoining villages, monitoring ground-level needs of people. 

Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar distributed essential supplies, including fodder, feed for livestock, to flood-hit families across villages of Patti constituency. He also visited a relief camp at Bhaowal village to meet displaced residents. Likewise, Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak distributed relief material to families in Sehora village of Bhoa constituency. Each family received two folding cots, two mattresses, one gas cylinder, and a mosquito net. 

At the same time, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal inspected the situation at Ghaggar river near Tohana bridge at Makraur Sahib and Moonak. He said that after many days of concern, water levels had finally started receding, which is a matter of relief for residents. 

In Dera Bassi constituency of Mohali district, MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa distributed relief material to nearly 150 affected and needy families at Shri Ram Talai village. In Fazilka, MLA Narinder Pal Singh Sawna reached Mahatam Nagar village, met with affected residents, and handed over relief aid. Deputy Commissioner Fazilka, Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu, informed that 15,070 ration kits and 6,236 cattle feed packets have been distributed to families and livestock farmers respectively. 

Chandigarh, September 11:

After being discharged from the hospital, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has convened a high-level meeting with senior officers at his residence on Friday to further expedite relief and rescue operations in the wake of the floods.

The Chief Minister will hold the meeting tomorrow (September 12) to review the flood situation and accelerate the pace of relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts. Deputy Commissioners of the flood-affected areas will join the meeting via video conference, while Secretaries and the Chief Secretary will attend in person at his residence. The meeting will focus on the provision of medical facilities, compensation, and concrete measures to tackle the ongoing flood situation.

The Chief Minister stated that the natural calamity has caused unprecedented damage across the state. However, he said that  the state government is undertaking extensive operations for the rescue, relief, and rehabilitation of the flood-affected population. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasised that several steps have already been taken to provide relief during this critical time.

The Chief Minister added that the state government is fully committed to supporting the distressed people in flood-ravaged districts. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that even while undergoing treatment in the hospital, he had been personally monitoring the situation caused by the floods. He said that Directions were issued to authorities to evacuate people from marooned areas and provide immediate assistance. The Chief Minister said that all departments across the state have been instructed to work in coordination to ensure maximum relief reaches the affected people during this time of crisis.

Chandigarh, September 11:

Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian today said that 40 more people were evacuated in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of evacuees across the state to 23,337.

The Revenue Minister added that floods continued to impact Punjab as 29 more villages, 42 people and nearly 398 hectares of farmland came under water during this period. With this, the cumulative tally has risen to 2214 villages affected across 22 districts, impacting a population of 3,88,508.

He further informed that two more lives were lost during the past 24 hours, one each in Fazilka and Mansa, pushing the overall death toll to 55 across the state. Presently, 111 relief camps are operational, providing shelter to 4585 people, he added.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian pointed out that crop damage has touched 1,92,380.05 hectares in 18 districts. He added that 8 NDRF teams, 2 SDRF teams, 14 Army columns and 2 Engineer Task Force are actively deployed in affected regions, while 184 boats continue to support rescue and relief operations.

Chandigarh, September 11:

Punjab’s Rural Development and Panchayats Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, has appealed to financially capable panchayats to extend support towards relief and rehabilitation efforts in flood-affected villages.

Sond said that thousands of villages in Punjab have been severely impacted by the recent floods, necessitating immediate relief measures. Urgent actions such as clearing accumulated debris, silt, and carcasses of animals, as well as repairing damaged panchayat infrastructure, are the need of the hour.

Highlighting that many panchayats possess substantial funds in the form of fixed deposits, received as compensation for land acquisition, the Minister urged them to contribute a portion of these resources.

He appealed that if panchayats were to allocate at least 5% of the principal amount of their fixed deposits towards relief efforts, it would not only serve as a humanitarian gesture but also reflect solidarity with the flood-affected communities.

Chandigarh, September 11 – The Haryana Human Rights Commission has passed an important order in the matter of late Martyr SaurabhGarg (resident of Pillukhera, District Jind). The Bench of the Commission comprising Justice LalitBatra, Chairperson; Mr.Kuldeep Jain, Member (Judicial); and Mr. Deep Bhatia, Member, delivered this order in Complaint No.1995/8/2023.

Background of the Incident

This complaint was filed by ShriChanderBhan, father of late ShriSaurabhGarg. On 08.12.2012, SaurabhGarg sacrificed his life while saving 11 innocent people trapped in a house engulfed in flames due to an LPG cylinder leakage at Pillukhera, District Jind. His act of courage, sacrifice, and selflessness remains unmatched. Despite being merely a neighbour, he rushed to the spot on a cold December morning, placed a ladder, and rescued all 11 persons (including women and children) one by one. Once all were safe, a massive explosion occurred, and he himself perished in the flames.

At the outset, the Haryana Human Rights Commission recorded with deep emotion that such bravery, where a young citizen voluntarily risks and ultimately sacrifices his life for others’ safety, epitomises the highest ideals of humanity and deserves to be recognised by the nation. The sacrifice of late SaurabhGarg is not only a personal bereavement for his family but a matter of pride for society and the State.

The deceased’s father has been pursuing recognition of this sacrifice for over a decade. Records reveal that within a week of the incident, the Deputy Commissioner, Jind, recommended the case to the Haryana Home Department. Subsequent communications followed on 14.12.2012, 15.01.2015, 23.08.2022, 27.09.2022, 29.09.2023 and 13.08.2024. On 22.02.2013, the Haryana VidhanSabha deliberated upon the incident and paid tribute by observing silence. A D.O. letter dated 13.05.2013 was also sent by the Assembly to the Deputy Commissioner, Jind, conveying condolence and sympathy to the bereaved family. Letters dated 24.12.2012 and 11.01.2013 from the Prime Minister’s Office were also addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, reflecting national-level acknowledgment.

It is noteworthy that at the relevant time, a well-established Government of India policy was in place for recommending gallantry and life-saving acts for National Awards. The Haryana Government could have forwarded the case under this policy. However, due to failure of the concerned authorities to move the file within the prescribed timeline, the deceased was deprived of this benefit.

The Full Commission headed by Justice LalitBatra strongly observed: “This delay is purely the result of administrative negligence and apathy, causing injustice not only to the family but also to society at large. Despite clear recommendations and extraordinary merit, the matter was never concluded in time and remained stuck in bureaucratic delays.”

Now, the Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Haryana, has informed that according to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Notification dated 01.04.2024, only cases within the last two years can be nominated, hence late SaurabhGarg’s name cannot be considered for the Prime Minister’s JeevanRakshaPadak. The Commission also clarified that the financial assistance of ₹5,00,000/- cannot be a substitute for the honour and recognition due to his supreme sacrifice.

Key Recommendations of the Commission

Protocol, Information & Public Relations Officer Dr.PuneetArora informed that keeping in view the above facts, the Full Commission headed by Justice LalitBatra has issued the following recommendations:

• The Chief Secretary, Haryana, shall submit a report within six weeks fixing responsibility for the delay caused since 2012.
• The State Government shall request the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to relax the restriction imposed by the Notification dated 01.04.2024 and consider this case specially.
• The State Government shall also consider conferring upon late SaurabhGarg an appropriate State-level Gallantry Award.
• A copy of the order shall be sent to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Haryana, for his personal attention and necessary action at the highest level.

Directions Regarding Memorial Maintenance

The complainant also informed that the “ShaheedSaurabhGarg Memorial” constructed by the Government is not being properly maintained. The Commission directed the Secretary, Market Committee, Pillukhera, to:

• Prepare a detailed maintenance plan for cleaning, lighting, gardening, and upkeep.
• Create a separate budget head for maintenance.
• Appoint a gardener and sanitation worker.
• Provide dustbins, benches, drinking water facility, and solar/LED lights.
• Display a notice board mentioning the significance of the memorial and the responsible authority.
• Nominate an officer for regular inspection and supervision.

Conclusion

The Haryana Human Rights Commission clearly stated that the bravery of Martyr SaurabhGarg must be recognised not only for his family but also as an inspiration for the entire society. His martyrdom conveys the eternal message that courage, humanity, and selfless service will never go unacknowledged.

Chandigarh/Nangal, September 10:

Punjab Cabinet Minister for Education and Information & Public Relations, Harjot Singh Bains, today announced that in his constituency Sri Anandpur Sahib, all flood-affected villages have had 100% road connectivity, power supply, and water supply restored to ensure relief for residents.

He informed that villagers of Singhpur-Plaasi have now started returning to their homes from relief shelters following the receding of floodwaters.

S. Bains, who has been personally working on the ground in flood-affected areas for several days, stated that villages Harsa Bela, Patti Dulchi, and Bela Shiv Singh, which had been cut off due to floodwater, are being reconnected. While 90% of the work was completed yesterday, some mechanical issues caused a delay late at night. However, he confirmed that the work would be fully completed within hours today.

The Minister added that extensive fogging and disinfectant spraying has been carried out in Singhpur-Plaasi homes, with the administration striving to ensure a hygienic environment. He said that 100% power supply has been restored, with electric poles, wires, and transformers repaired and made functional. Similarly, 100% water supply has also been restored, with the Water Supply and Sanitation Department reconnecting pipelines with the help of NDRF boats.

S. Bains further announced that the damaged wooden bridge at Bela Dhiani will now be replaced with a strong, motorable bridge, ensuring long-term safety and better connectivity. He also highlighted that the Revenue Department is actively conducting a special Girdawari exercise in flood-affected areas, which will be completed in the coming days. The reports will then be submitted to the government for compensation to affected families.

It is worth mentioning that for the past several weeks, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains has been continuously focusing on his constituency, working closely with the administration on the ground. He also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of AAP volunteers, panchayat members, sarpanches, and youth clubs, who worked alongside him during this crisis.

S. Bains informed that medical teams and the Animal Husbandry Department are actively working on the ground to support residents in flood-affected areas. He said that free medical services are being provided to the people, while a special vaccination drive for livestock is also underway. To ensure proper care of animals, 10 truckloads of fodder have already been distributed, and the supply of food and other essential items to affected families is being carried out on a regular basis.

Expressing gratitude, S. Bains said, “I heartily thank all those who played a positive role and extended their support to the people of Punjab, especially in my constituency, during these difficult days of natural disaster.”

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, September 10:

          Acting swiftly on forward-backward linkages in the 8.1 kg heroin recovery case, Commissionerate Police Amritsar has arrested four more drug smugglers and recovered 12 kg of heroin along with .30 bore pistol and a magazine from their possession, taking the total seizure of heroin in this case to 20.1 kg, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          Those arrested have been identified Gurbhej Singh (50) and his son Gurdit Singh (22), both residents of village Narla in Tarn Taran; Malkit Singh (50) of village Dall in Tarn Taran and Gurjit Singh (29) of village Kotli Saka in Ajnala, Amritsar.

          The development came close on the heels of Punjab Police busted a heroin trafficking cartel with the arrest of the notorious drug smuggler identified as Soni Singh alias Soni along with his four associates— Gursewak Singh, Vishaldeep Singh alias Gola, Gurpreet Singh and Arshdeep Singh— and recovered 8.1kg heroin from their possession.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the latest arrests have exposed another strong node of the trans-border cartel operating in Tarn Taran and Amritsar Rural sectors. All accused persons were using WhatsApp to communicate with each other and with the Pakistan-based smugglers, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigations are ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages in this case. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

          Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that during interrogation, arrested drug smuggler Gursewak Singh revealed that a father-son duo, Gurbhej Singh and Gurdit Singh, along with Malkit Singh, were running the drug syndicate in the area. Gurbhej Singh was coordinating smuggling operations in the border area of the Tarn Taran sector and maintained direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers, he said.

          The CP said that accused Gurbhej Singh had been receiving consignments via drone drop-offs in fields owned by his associate, Malkit Singh, located close to the International border.

          Accused Gurbhej was using cattle-sheds to safely conceal the heroin consignments, he said, while adding that following his disclosure, 10 kg of heroin was recovered from an earthen pit in plastic containers at his house.

          CP Gurpreet Bhullar said that further investigation in this case has led to the identification and arrest of Gurjit Singh. During search of the latter’s house, 2.006 kg of heroin, along with a .30 bore pistol and a magazine, were recovered, he said, while adding that the pistol was concealed inside his bed mattress.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 177 dated 06-09-2025 had already been registered under sections 21-B, 27-A, 21-C and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, September 10

In a landmark move to uphold the dignity and welfare of grassroots healthcare workers, Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday announced that Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and ASHA Facilitators working in Health and Family Welfare Department under the National Health Mission (NHM) will now be entitled to six months of maternity leave. This benefit will be extended under the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.

Revealing this in a press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Cheema said that this decision aligns with the government’s existing policy of providing 180 days of fully paid maternity leave to all its female employees. He clarified that this leave will not be deducted from any other leave accounts. The Finance Minister also highlighted that the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and a circular dated April 12, 2017, already cover all female employees, whether they are working on a contractual basis, as consultants, or through an agency. He said that the Finance Department had already granted approval for maternity benefits to contract, consultant, and outsourced employees.

“In light of this, the Finance Department has now officially approved the Health and Family Welfare Department’s request to grant six months of maternity leave to ASHAs and ASHA Facilitators under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961”, he added.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this decision is expected to have a transformative impact on the lives of ASHA workers, many of whom juggle demanding professional responsibilities with family and caregiving roles. “By institutionalizing maternity leave, the Punjab Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the health, dignity, and empowerment of women at the frontlines of public service”, he added.