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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.

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WILL ENSURE ZERO-TOLRANCE AGAINST CORRUPTION IN MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS AND COUNCILS- BALKAR SINGH

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Chandigarh/Jalandhar, JUNE 1

          Punjab Local Bodies Minister Balkar Singh today asserted that zero-tolerance policy would strictly be followed across all municipal corporations and municipal councils in the state so that a smooth and corruption-free administration could be ensured across all local bodies in Punjab.

          Accompanied by Member Parliament Sushil Kumar Rinku, MLA Raman Arora, Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma, the minister while addressing a press conference here at local circuit house said that special emphasis would be laid on the availability of basic amenities in the city so that people can avail the benefit of portable drinking water, cleanliness, better road infrastructure, lighting, etc. He said that people of Jalandhar have expressed their faith in Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led state government by making Sushil Kumar Rinku win with thumping majority in Lok Sabha bye-polls; now it is our duty to fulfill the aspirations of people of Jalandhar by making this city one of the leading cities of the state. He also mentioned that a slew of special projects would be launched in Jalandhar to further put development of this city on a high-growth trajectory adding that it would be visible to everybody soon as government is all set to launch major projects for Jalandhar city.

          Earlier, a contingent of Punjab Police accorded guard of honor to Cabinet Minister on his arrival in the city while district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma welcomed the minister at local circuit house.

          Speaking on the occasion, Member Parliament Sushil Kumar Rinku said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led state government has given Jalandhar District ministerial birth in the Punjab Cabinet, which would further give impetus to the development of this city. He congratulated Cabinet Minister Balkar Singh on his induction as minister and expressed hope that he will fulfill the aspirations of people of Jalandhar.

          Prominent amongst others present of the occasion included Chiarperson Punjab State Containor and Wharehousing Corporation Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, Chairman District Planning Board Amritpal Singh, AAP Leaders Surinder Singh Sodhi, Dinesh Dhall, and Mohinder Bhagat.

Haryana

10 shooters of Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldie Brar gang arrested with illegal weapons

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Chandigarh, June 1

In a major break-through, Haryana Police have arrested 10 shooters associated with notorious gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldie Brar from Gurugram district.

The police seized four pistols, 28 live cartridges, two vehicles (a Scorpio and a Honda City), and seven police uniforms from the possession of the accused. One of the vehicles recovered was reported stolen from Delhi.

Sharing the information here today, a Haryana Police spokesperson informed that arrested accused were identified as Rakesh Kumar alias Anil, Harjot Singh alias Leela, Ajay Isharwalia alias Punjabi, Prince alias Golu, Joginder alias Joga, Sandeep alias Deep, and Sinderpal alias Bittu. All the above seven accused were arrested on specific input from Mehandwada, Bhondsi, Gurugram while they were plotting to commit a crime.

After interrogating them, their three other companions named Dharmendra alias Dharma, Deepak alias Dilawar, and Bharat were also apprehended near Rajiv Chowk Devi Lal Stadium.

During the interrogation, it was revealed that the arrested individuals were active shooters for Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldie Brar gangs. They had come to Gurugram to carry out a major dacoity and kidnapping. Their plan involved posing as police officers, with Joginder alias Joga acting as a fake police inspector, and the other members wearing police uniforms during the crime. The intention was to kidnap someone and demand a ransom of crores of rupees. However, the police managed to apprehend them before they could execute their plan.

The accused individuals confessed that they carried out these crimes under the instructions of Goldie Brar, Rohit Godara, and Veeru, who are believed to be residing abroad. They had brought police uniforms, belts, shoes, and other items to facilitate their operations in Gurugram. The gang members maintained regular contact with Goldie Brar and others abroad, following their instructions to carry out kidnappings and collect ransom. Police were able to arrest them before they could carry out the planned incident.

It was also revealed that multiple cases have been registered against the arrested individuals, including charges of robbery, dacoity, attempted murder, theft, assault, possession of illegal weapons etc. These cases have been filed in various districts of Haryana, including Bhiwani, Panchkula, Sirsa, Ambala, Gurugram as well as Mohali (Punjab), and Rajasthan.

Here is some information about the gang members:

1.     Jogendra alias Joga: He is the leader of the arrested gang members and is associated with the gangs of Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldie Brar. He hails from Baddunai in Bhiwani district and has more than 15 charges against him, including robbery, dacoity, attempted murder, and extortion. Jogendra has been to jail multiple times and served a five-year sentence in Ambala Jail from 2017 to October 2021. He was released from jail in 2021 and was arrested again in February 2022 but obtained bail after about 35 days. He has been absconding since then and has not appeared in court. During his stay in Patiala Jail, he met Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang members and after that he became an active member of this gang.

2.     Harjot Singh alias leela: He is originally from village Badraklai in Moga district, Punjab. He has six cases registered against him in Badhni Kalan Moga police station, including charges of assault, attempted murder, and drug-related offenses.

3.     Sinderpal alias Bittu: He belongs to village Kalwanu in Patiala district, Punjab. Three cases, including dacoity and drug offenses, have been registered against him in Patiala.

4.     Sandeep alias Deep: He is from Sisai village in Hisar. He has been charged with attempt to murder.

5.     Ajay Isharwalia alias Punjabi: He is from Isharwal in Bhiwani and also faces charges.

A case has been registered against all the arrested accused. The police are conducting thorough interrogations of the arrested accused to gather more information.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

PUNJAB-HARYANA MEETS OVER GRANTS FOR PANJAB UNIVERSITY

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Chandigarh, June 1

          Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to avert any change in the nature and character of the Panjab University, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the university is heritage of the state and any sort of change in it will not be tolerated.

          The Chief Minister, who participated in a meeting with the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh Banwari Lal Purohit and Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar here today, said that the Punjab government is committed to safeguard the rights of the state and its people. Bhagwant Mann, who firmly placed on record the facts pertaining to the university, said that this premier educational institute has an emotional place in the hearts of the people of Punjab on account of historical, cultural and provincial reasons. He said that Panjab University is a symbol of Punjab’s legacy and is synonymous with the name of the State.

           The Chief Minister said that the University caters only to the state of Punjab and its capital Chandigarh. Citing the history of the University, its constitution, its ethnic, socio-cultural and historical roots as well as its faculty and students who hail primarily from the state of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann said that it is important that the present legal and administrative status of the Panjab University should be preserved. He reminded that at the time of the reorganization of the State of Punjab in 1966, Panjab University was declared as an ‘Inter State Body Corporate’ under section 72(1) of the Punjab Reorganization Act 1966 enacted by the Parliament.

          The Chief Minister said that ever since its inception, the Panjab University has been continuously and uninterruptedly functioning in the State of Punjab. Bhagwant Mann recalled that it was shifted from Lahore, the then capital of Punjab, to Hoshiarpur and then to Chandigarh the present capital of Punjab. He said that at present 175 colleges of Punjab situated in the districts of Fazilka, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib and S.B.S Nagar are affiliated with the Panjab University.

Chandigarh

Jaiveer Shergill meets BJP National President J.P.Nadda

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Chandigarh, June 1

BJP National Spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill met the party’s national president J.P.Nadda in New Delhi today evening. During the meeting, Shergill discussed various issues related to Punjab with the party president. Shergill told Nadda about the “blatant misuse” of law by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to “suppress” the freedom of the Press.

Shergill told Nadda that the ruling AAP Government in Punjab is “curbing” the freedom of expression by intimidating the media agencies. He informed Nadda that in gross violation of norms; recently a Times Now female reporter was arrested by Punjab Police for exposing Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s “Aleeshan Bungalow”. 

“Now, Editor-In-Chief of a reputed vernacular daily Ajit Barjinder Singh Hamdard is being subjected to extreme harassment and has been unnecessarily summoned by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau”, the BJP Spokesperson said. Shergill added that “drunk” on power, the AAP brigade, has become so allergic to truth and fearless media that even a Punjab Minister Inderbir Nijjar had been made to resign for speaking in favour of Hamdard.

Expressing his concern on another crucial issue of ever deteriorating law and order situation in the state, Shergill, who is also the Punjab BJP Permanent Invitee member, said that “jungle raj” is prevailing in Punjab under the AAP regime. “Law and order machinery in the state has collapsed and Punjab is being ruled by gangsters”, he informed Nadda. 

Meanwhile, in the wake of the recent Judgment of the Supreme Court, permitting Jallikattu sports, Shergill also sought Nadda’s assistance in ensuring the early resumption of bullock cart races at the Kila Raipur rural Olympics held in district Ludhiana. Later, Shergill said that meeting with Nadda was fruitful and BJP’s top leadership is extremely serious about all the issues concerning Punjab. 

Chandigarh

Child labour is a stigma in modern society: Dr. Baljit Kaur

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Chandigarh, June 1:

          Child labour is a disgraceful blot on the face of modern society. The aforementioned statement was made today by Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister of Social Security, Women, and Child Development.

          A one-day workshop was organized today by the Department of Child Development in collaboration with the private organization Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) at the Mahatma Gandhi State Level Institute of Public Administration, Sector-26, Chandigarh. The workshop focused on the eradication of child labour and the rehabilitation of these children.

          During her address at the workshop, Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, stated that the Punjab government is committed to putting an end to child labour, forced labour and trafficking. She further announced that the Action Month Against Child Labour will be observed from June 1 to June 30, 2023. The objective of the workshop was to facilitate collaboration among different departments, clarifying their roles and responsibilities during raids and the rescue of children.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur urged all stakeholders to actively pursue justice and ensure the mainstreaming of all children involved in child labour through education and vocational training.

          Mrs. Madhvi Kataria, the Director of the Department of Social Security and Women and Child Development, addressed the participants and highlighted the government’s efforts to liberate children engaged in child labour. She emphasized the importance of adhering to the guidelines and judgments of the Hon’ble Supreme Court against child labour.

          The workshop was attended by Mr. Manjinder Singh, District and Sessions Judge-cum-Member and Secretary of the State Legal Services Authority, who shared his experiences. Representatives from the Labour Department, Police, and Education Department were also present.