Chandigarh, November 16– On the auspicious occasion of the International Gita Mahotsav-2025, artists from different states, invited by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), have arrived to participate in the festival. These artists will continue to showcase the beauty of their folk traditions till 5 December 2025. Every artist in the country eagerly waits to be a part of this grand festival. Tourists are once again getting the opportunity to witness diverse folk cultures on the banks of Brahma Sarovar.

On Sunday, the International Gita Mahotsav witnessed a confluence of art from different states. Amid this cultural fusion, the artists beautifully presented the folk traditions of their respective regions. The artists said that even in today’s modern times, they have kept their traditional art alive; it is this art that keeps them alive, and they are taking their culture to international platforms. Their art has earned them recognition even abroad. Artists present at the Mahotsav said that the International Gita Mahotsav is a platform where they can proudly showcase their talent.

Artists from different states said that they are once again delighted to be part of the Gita Mahotsav and to present their folk traditions to the public. Various colours of folk culture from across the nation are visible at the ghats of Brahma Sarovar. These artists will continue their efforts to connect people with the folk culture of their respective states until December 5.

Chandigarh, November 16 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini made several development-related announcements for Narnaul during the state-level Maharaja Shoor Saini Jayanti celebration held in Narnaul.

During the event, Narnaul MLA Sh. Om Prakash Yadav presented 27 development demands for the Narnaul Assembly constituency, all of which were immediately approved by the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs 51 lakh for the Saini Sabha, Narnaul. In addition, Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Singh Dhanda, Public Works Minister Sh. Ranbir Singh Gangwa, Health Minister Arti Singh Rao, and MP Sh. Dharambir Singh also announced Rs 11 lakh each for the Saini Sabha, Narnaul.

Addressing the Maharaja Shoor Saini celebration, the Chief Minister approved all demands placed by MLA Sh. Om Parkash Yadav and announced Rs 10 crore for the remodelling of the Narnaul Distributary. He also announced Rs 8 crore for constructing water storage tanks to support sprinkler irrigation systems in Nangal Katha, Chindalia, Dohar Kalan, and Amarpur Jorasi.

Approval was given for an RCC pipeline for the Krishnavati River, supplying water from the minor to the Shobha Sagar pond, and remodelling drainage systems for floodwater in the hilly areas of village Tahla and Mukundpura.

The Chief Minister also announced the construction of irrigation canal bridges in the villages of Kutubpur, Mandlana, Patikara, Lahroda, Gehli, Nang Tihari, Guwani, Seva, Kanwi, and Seehma. In addition, new ponds will be constructed in villages Bazaad and Ganiyar to help improve groundwater levels.

He approved the construction of canal colony residences, a new sewerage system, Rs 5 crore for the development of HUDA Sector in Narnaul, construction of a new ITI building, a 12-room teaching block in the Government College, and repair of the Women’s ITI building.

At the Jayanti celebration, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini further announced the construction of a boundary wall for Government Women’s College, Narnaul, and development of a stadium on 6 acres of land at Government PG College. He also approved construction of a Sub-Health Centre at Dhani Bathotha, Narnaul; construction of a building for the Sub-Divisional Office of the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN); and the establishment of a new CP-2 subdivision.

He announced the replacement of old electricity wires and realignment of poles at appropriate distances. The Chief Minister also approved Rs 7 crore for covering the old drain in the Narnaul Municipal Council area, construction of new disposal facilities at Lal Pahadi and Eidgah Colony, laying of 25 km of new sewer lines, and replacement of 3 km of old sewer lines.

Repairs will be undertaken at the STP located on Rewari Road. He also announced construction of new waterworks for drinking water supply at Seehma, Rampura, Barkoda, and Kutubpur, and new waterworks in Kojinda, Nasibpur, and Patikara. New drinking water pipelines will be laid in 11 colonies of the city.

Further, the Chief Minister announced repair of 95 km of 36 PWD roads, and regularization of 13 unauthorised colonies in Narnaul. He also announced construction of a four-lane road up to the Maharishi Chyawan Medical College and said that the general hospital to be built at the college will be named after Shaheed Rao Tula Ram.

The Chief Minister declared that 25 km of rural ‘kachcha’ paths will be converted into pucca roads, and an additional Rs5 crore will be allocated specifically for development works in Narnaul. He added that all seven demands placed by the Saini Sabha will undergo feasibility checks and will be approved accordingly.

Chandigarh, November 16:

In a significant step toward strengthening social welfare services in Punjab, the State Cabinet has approved several key decisions related to the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development. Sharing this information, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur expressed gratitude to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and the entire Cabinet, stating that these decisions will provide major relief to the weaker and needy sections of society.

Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the Cabinet has approved the filling of 16 posts of Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs). She stated that this will significantly improve the monitoring and implementation of various welfare schemes for women and children being run by the Central and State Governments. With these posts filled, these programmes will be executed more effectively at the grassroots level.

In this connection, Dr. Baljit Kaur further added that the process to fill the 19 already vacant CDPO posts was already underway. With the Cabinet’s approval for 16 new posts, a total of 35 CDPO posts will now be filled through the PPSC. This, she said, will greatly enhance the functioning and efficiency of child development services across the state.

For the welfare of the transgender community, the Cabinet has taken an important decision to grant the Department of Social Security the full authority to frame and amend rules related to transgender matters. Dr. Baljit Kaur said this will enable more sensitive, effective and timely implementation of policies for the transgender community.

Prioritizing the health needs of underprivileged girls and women, the Cabinet has approved ₹53 crore for the distribution of sanitary pads through Anganwadi Workers. Dr. Baljit Kaur said this initiative will play an important role in improving health, hygiene and menstrual awareness among lakhs of girls and women across Punjab.

Speaking about the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the present government is giving top priority to the protection, dignity and social support of the vulnerable sections. The latest Cabinet decisions reflect CM Mann’s unwavering commitment to public welfare and his visionary approach toward bringing real, ground-level reforms for the people of Punjab.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, November 16:

          Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has dismantled a Pakistan-linked arms and narco network with the arrest of five persons and recovered six sophisticated pistols along with 1.01 kg heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Akash Masih and Prince, both residents of village Pandori in Amritsar Rural; Karanbir Singh alias Karan, a resident of village Chaugawan in Amritsar Rural; Sukhwinder Singh, a resident of village Hetampura in Amritsar Rural; and Gurbhej Singh alias Bheja, a resident of village Lahian in Tarn Taran. The recovered pistols include five .30 bore and one 9MM Glock.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were coordinating with Pak-based handlers via social media applications to collect and deliver illegal weapons and narcotics within Punjab. All accused belong to villages located in close proximity to the International Border and were receiving consignments as per the directions of their handlers, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigation is ongoing to established backward and forward linkages in this case to identify handlers and dismantle the entire network.

          Sharing operational details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that during a planned Nakabandi near Chheharta, police teams apprehended accused Akash Masih and Prince, and recovered one .30 bore pistol and one Glock 9mm pistol from their possession.

          Acting on technical leads in the follow-up of the case, police teams have arrested Karanbir Singh and Sukhwinder Singh, recovering three .30 bore pistols and 1 kg 10 gm heroin from them, he said while adding that, on the disclosure of accused Karanbir Singh alias Karan, police further arrested Gurbhej Singh alias Bheja, from whom one .30 bore pistol was recovered.

          The CP said that after retrieving the consignments of illegal weapons, arrested persons were further distributing to criminal elements in the region.

          In this regard, two separate cases— FIR No. 223 dated 06.11.2025 under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar and FIR No. 239 dated 12.11.2025 under sections 25(1-B) and 25 of the Arms Act and sections 21-C and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Cantonment in Amritsar— have been registered.

Chandigarh, November 16:

On the occasion of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, which is observed globally on the third Sunday of November, Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar convened a special meeting with officials of the Lead Agency on Road Safety and representatives of civil society organizations. The meeting, held here today, marked the formal launch of the Action Plan for the Hit and Run Compensation Scheme in the state. The day is observed in memory of road crash victims, in support of their bereaved families and to strengthen collective efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Addressing the gathering, the Transport Minister reiterated the State Government’s commitment to reducing road crash fatalities and improving support mechanisms for victims and their families. He said that the Action Plan reflects Punjab’s resolve to expand awareness and ensure timely assistance under the Hit and Run Compensation Scheme, a key component of the state’s road safety system. Under the Hit and Run Compensation Scheme, 2022, financial assistance of ₹2,00,000 is provided in cases of death and ₹50,000 in cases of grievous injury, where the offending vehicle or driver remains untraceable.

Citing Punjab Traffic Police data, the Minister informed that there are 3,324 pending hit-and-run cases from 2022 and 2023, including 2,510 fatalities and 1,317 grievously injured persons. He assured that the government will make all efforts to clear pending cases from these years by March 31, 2026, ensuring relief to affected families.

R. Venkat Ratnam, IAS (Retd.), Director General of the Lead Agency on Road Safety, said that the Lead Agency has drawn up a schedule of training and capacity-building sessions across six district headquarters—Jalandhar, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Bathinda, Tarn Taran, Firozpur, and Patiala—covering nearby districts as well. These sessions, to be held from November 25 to December 31, 2025, will train SDMs, SPs/DSPs (Traffic), Civil Surgeons, and RTOs in processing and uploading case documents quickly to speed up compensation disbursal. The training will be conducted by Harpreet Singh, national awardee for road safety, in collaboration with Avoid Accident NGO and other empanelled road safety organizations. A detailed checklist has been prepared to streamline file processing.

Paramjit Singh, Joint Director, Lead Agency (Road Safety), informed that after completion of the training programme, the Lead Agency will organize facilitation camps in partnership with NGOs such as Mayank Foundation, Muktsar Welfare Club, and Avoid Accident to help claimants complete documentation on the spot and speed up compensation delivery. These initiatives reflect the Transport Department’s continued efforts not only to strengthen road safety measures but also to protect the dignity and rights of road crash victims and their families. With a coordinated and compassionate approach, the Punjab Government aims to make compensation processes more accessible, efficient and impactful.

Chandigarh 16 November 2025:

As part of the celebrations dedicated to the 350th centenary of the martyrdom of Sahib-e-Kamal Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Punjab Government is organizing a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha for the first time outside Chandigarh on the holy land of Sri Anandpur Sahib. In this context,  Speaker  Punjab Vidhan Sabha S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan  extended an invitation letter to the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party and former Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri Arvind Kejriwal.

S. Sandhwan said that the sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji is inspiring not only for the Sikh community, but also for the entire humanity. The 350th centenary of this great sacrifice made for secularism, religious freedom, peace and human rights is an important historical moment for the entire world. The organization of a special session in Anandpur Sahib by the Punjab Government is a historic step which will remain memorable moment for centuries.

Speaker Sandhwan said that during this special session, There will be a special discussion on the unique sacrifice and teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

All MLAs, representatives of various religious institutions and special guests will be present during the special session.

He said that the beginning of this special session from Anandpur Sahib, which is the birthplace of Khalsa, will further strengthen the spiritual heritage of Punjab and will send a common message of peace, brotherhood and humanity to the world.

Presenting the invitation letter to Shri Kejriwal, S. Sandhwan hoped that he would join the special session to participate in this historic moment.

Chandigarh, November 16 :

Punjab Information and Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of senior journalist Sh. Nalin Acharya. The 67-year-old Sh. Nalin, who was the owner and editor of “Him Prabha” newspaper and a former President of the Chandigarh Press Club, passed away this morning. He is survived by his wife, a son, daughter-In-law and two grandchildren.

In his heartfelt condolence message, S. Bains highlighted Sh. Nalin Acharya’s contributions in the field of journalism, religious & social activities. His leadership at the Chandigarh Press Club and his stewardship of Him Prabha have left an indelible mark.

Expressing his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and relatives, S. Harjot Singh Bains prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed noble soul and give strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.

CHANDIGARH, November 16:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 260th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 298 locations on Sunday leading to the arrest of 72 drug smugglers after registration of 46 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 36,855 in 260 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 3.1 kg heroin, 1.5 kg opium, 215 intoxicant pills and Rs 1.5 lakhs drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Over 120 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 59 gazetted officers have conducted 298 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 315 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          The state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 35 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Sarabha (Ludhiana), November 16:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today paid floral tributes to the great freedom fighter Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha on his martyrdom anniversary and announced development projects worth Rs 45.84 crore for complete facelift of his native village.

Addressing the state-level event, the Chief Minister said that as a mark of respect to the martyr, development works worth Rs 45 crore 84 lakh will be undertaken in Sarabha village to provide basic infrastructure, clean drinking water, sports facilities, defence training, and other amenities. He said that this would be a true tribute to the martyr, adding that the state government will leave no stone unturned to develop this great martyr’s native village as a model village. On this occasion, Bhagwant Singh Mann also paid homage to the companions of Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, Vishnu Ganesh Pingle, Bakhshish Singh, Jagat Singh, Surein Singh (Senior), Shaheed Harnam Singh Sialkoti and Surein Singh (Junior) who were also executed on the same day.

The Chief Minister said that Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha was one of India’s youngest revolutionaries, who sacrificed his life at the tender age of 19. He said that despite being so young, Kartar Singh Sarabha’s selfless service to the nation continues to inspire generations. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that the young martyr played a crucial role in freeing the country from foreign imperialism.

The Chief Minister said that as an active leader of the Ghadar Party, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarbha worked tirelessly first in abroad and then in India for India’s freedom. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had took oath as Chief Minister at the ancestral village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Khatkar Kalan, and that his government is fully committed to realising the dreams of the martyrs. During the event, the he exhorted Punjabis to participate in the commemorative events being organised at Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23-25 to mark 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

The Chief Minister said that on this historic occasion, the Punjab Government is organising light and sound shows, Nagar Kirtans, drone shows, Kirtan Darbars, and other programmes to ensure that the life and teachings of Guru Sahib reach every household. He added that all Punjabis are fortunate to witness this historic moment adding that everyone should participate in these events. Earlier, Bhagwant Singh Mann also visited the ancestral home of Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha and paid floral tributes.

The Chief Minister said that Rs 40 crore will be spent on widening the existing two-lane road from Lalto Kalan to Sarabha, Raikot and Halwara into a four-lane road. He said that this road will directly connect to Halwara Airport. Similarly, Rs 2 crore 82 lakh will be spent on a surface water supply scheme, Rs 2 crore on a 10-metre indoor shooting range with a target safety setup, Rs 10 lakh on the renovation of the basketball ground, and Rs 3 lakh on developing a volleyball court and constructing six concrete benches at the sports ground. Additionally, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Rs 89 lakh will be spent on upgrading the Forest Nursery with modern technology adding that a training academy for security and police forces will also be established, which will include a derelict MiG-21 aircraft from the Air Force Academy for pilot and drone training.

Mohali: As many as 32 doctors attended a CME on renal care advancement. During the CME, the kidney transplant team of Livasa Hospital shared insights into advanced renal transplant procedures, emphasizing early diagnosis, coordinated care, and public awareness regarding kidney health.

Anurag Yadav, CEO, Livasa Hospitals said that our goal has always been to bring advanced healthcare within reach of every community, so that no one must travel far for life-saving treatments.