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Chandigarh, Haryana

Central Industrial Security Force unit conducts ‘Tiranga Yatra’

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 12, 2022

The officers and jawans of the Industrial Security Forces working in the Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat conducted the Tiranga Yatra under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra’ campaign. Chief Commandant of Central Industrial Security Force Unit, Sh. Yogesh Prakash Singh inaugurated the Tiranga Yatra.

During the ‘Tiranga Yatra’, people were inspired and made aware to hoist the tricolor at every home. The youth was filled with enthusiasm and spirit of patriotism. The Tiranga Yatra was carried out from Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat to Khuda Alisher village, Chandigarh. The tricolor is a symbol of pride and honor of our country. People will actively participate in the government’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra’ campaign from 13 to 15 August.

Chandigarh, Haryana

MHA awards 4 Haryana cops with ‘Union Home Minister’s Medal for excellence in investigation

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 12, 2022

Four police officers and personnel of Haryana Police have been chosen for the ‘Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation’ for the year 2022.

Sharing the information here today, the Haryana Police spokesperson informed that Sh Basant Kumar Inspector, Smt Suman Devi Sub Inspector, Sh Yogesh Kumar Sub Inspector and Gopal Chand Head Constable are among the 151 awardees selected from across the country this year.

While congratulating all the police officers and personnel, the Director General of Police (DGP), Haryana, Sh. P.K. Agrawal said that it is a matter of great pride for the entire Haryana Police that four of its officials had been selected for this prestigious honour. He also wished them more success and recognition in the future.

The Police officers/officials decorated with prestigious awards will receive the honour in recognition of their outstanding contribution in the field of investigation through scientific probes that led to the cracking of cases, he added.

Established in 2018, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has instituted this award with the objective to promote high professional standards of investigation of crime and to recognize such excellence in investigation by investigating officers.

Chandigarh, Punjab

GoM DIRECTS TO PROCURE 3.33 LAKH MORE DOSES OF GOAT POX VACCINE TO PREVENT LUMPY SKIN DISEASE

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 12, 2022

The Group of Ministers (GoM) formed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for effective monitoring for the prevention of lumpy skin disease in the state, has directed to procure 3.33 lakh more doses of Goat Pox vaccine for the prevention of lumpy skin.

During a meeting here at Punjab Bhawan today, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Animal Husbandry Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar directed that 3.33 lakh more doses should immediately be ordered from approved veterinary research institutes and distributed to all the districts so as to ensure no hindrance in vaccination drive.

“The Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is personally monitoring the situation and daily taking report of the ongoing relief operations in the state” they apprised.

While reviewing the vaccination drive, the Ministers directed that vaccination should be intensified and the target should be doubled to 50,000 per day besides ensuring that vaccination is being done free of cost. They said that so far more than 1.30 lakh cattle have been vaccinated in the state.

GoM Committee Members Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Vikas Pratap, Finance Commissioner Rural Development K. Siva Prasad and Director Animal Husbandry Dr.  Sanjeev Goel was present in the meeting, while Dr. SPS Ghuman, Dean of Veterinary Science College and Dr. SS  Randhawa, Director Clinics, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana attended meeting through video conferencing.

The Cabinet Ministers directed the senior officials of the concerned departments to issue instructions to the district officials for providing calcium, vitamins and other necessary medicines for the animals of the state.  And, ensure that the guidelines regarding prohibition of entry of livestock from other states into Punjab and holding of animal fair should be followed in letter and spirit, till the disease is contained. The Ministers also reviewed the activities related to spraying of mosquito repellent in the state.

The Cabinet Ministers said that to shun the practice of throwing carcasses of dead animals in the open, the government has issued funds to the BDPOs besides directing them to arrange JCB to ensure burial of dead cattle and remain in touch with sarpanchs of villages. The ministers also urged farmers not to throw the dead animals in the open.

Rejecting the rumors about not consuming the milk of the affected animals, the Animal Husbandry Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that this disease does not affect the human body if the milk is well boiled.

He said that the Punjab government stands shoulder to shoulder with farmers in this crisis and committed to provide all possible help to prevent this disease.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Water Resources Minister urges people not to dispose of carcasses in any waterbody

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 12, 2022

Punjab Water Resources Minister  Harjot Singh Bains today urged livestock farmers and general public of the state not to dispose of carcasses of dead animals in any waterbody.

In a statement issued here today, Mr Bains said that it has come to his notice that some people are disposing of carcasses of cattles killed by lumpy skin disease in Waterbodies and 5 dead cattles has been found floating in Kotbhai tributary near Mahima Bhagwana village in Bathinda.

 Urging the people to bury the animals killed by Lumpy Skin Disease by digging a deep pit, the minister said that carcasses should be disposed of as per the instructions issued by the Animal Husbandry Department. 

This trend should be stopped immediately as it can aggravate the situation further, said Mr Bains .

On the instructions of the Minister of Water Resources, the Principal Secretary of the Department has issued a letter to the Deputy Commissioner, Bathinda, asking that necessary steps should be taken to prevent animals killed by Lumpy Skin Disease from being disposing of into the waterbodies if found anyone doing so a necessary action should be taken.

Chandigarh

Sustainable Solutions for Future Generations

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 12, 2022

Prof. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University & Caroline Rowett,  British deputy high commissioner in Chandigarh, release ‘Cloth Bags’  prepared by a social start up – an initiative by alumna of Centre for Social Work, Panjab University 

12.08.2022 :  Centre for Social Work and Department of Public Relations, Panjab University today organised an event on the occasion of International Youth Day. The Day is commemorated every year on 12 August, bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community. Panjab University today celebrated the event by giving a message of sustainable development to youth  through sustainable solutions.  The chief guest for the event was Prof. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University and Caroline Rowett, British deputy high commissioner in Chandigarh was the guest of honour. 

The event began with Dr. Gaurav Gaur, Chairperson, Centre for Social Work formally welcoming the guests and introducing them to the social start up initiated by Ms. Seema an alumna of Panjab University. Dr. Gaur shared that the start-up aimed at providing sustainable solutions and prepared cloth bags. The start-up involves women from less privileged sections of society. Prof. Sudhir Kumar, Dean Research and Development Cell to introduced the theme of the event and spoke about role of youth in building of a sustainable world. 

Prof. Raj Kumar appreciated the efforts of the team and said that social start ups are the need of the hour and it is these start ups that can lead to transformation of the society and help bridge the gap between several sections of society. Caroline Rowett, British deputy high commissioner in Chandigarh and the guest of honour for the day said that it was heart warming to see such initiatives being undertaken by the Panjab University and the young alumni of the institution. She also said that she looked forward to be a part of such ventures and collaborations with the University.

Ms. Seema shared her experience of bringing the women together for her initiative, Prof. Supreet Kaur, USOL, Panjab University donated for the noble cause of taking this project forth by providing monetary help to buy two new sewing machines.

The event was also graced with the presence of Prof. Renu Vig, DUI, Panjab University and Prof. Jagtar Singh, DSW (Men), senior faculty members and students. Prof. Monica Munjial (Centre for Social Work) proposed a vote of thanks. 

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab CM orders stern action against educational institutes withholding degree of SC students

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 11, 2022

Underlining that the funds under Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme is an issue between the Government and the institutes but not the students, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday directed that severest of severe action must be taken against educational institutes withholding the degree of Scheduled Caste (SC) students on the pretext of the scholarship scheme.

Mann, in a major relief to the students belonging to the Schedule Caste (SC) category, directed, “Take severest of severe action against educational institutions indulging in such tantrums to ruin the future of SC students and ensure that degree of not even a single student is withheld by any educational institute.”

The Chief Minister, chairing a meeting of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, unequivocally said that the payment of funds under the scheme is a matter between the State Government and the educational institutions. “The students from the underprivileged and weaker sections of society have nothing to do with this and they should not suffer at any cost…The educational institutes have no right to withhold the degrees of the students and ruin their career,” he said.

Mann categorically said that it is a cynical move on the part of educational institutions to act in such a shameful manner. “It also reflects the myopic mindset of some educational institutions which are trying to create barriers in the way of SC students,” he said, adding that stern action should be taken against erring educational institutes resorting to such tactics.

Chandigarh

Three days special Swasthya Raksha program based on YOG & AYURVED wellness scriptures held

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 11, 2022

On the Auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan, three days special Swasthya Raksha (Protective and Promotive Health awareness) program based on YOG & AYURVED wellness scriptures has been organized by Model Jail, Prison Department especially for its female Jail Inmates . 

​​This program starting today will be carried out till 13th August. Yog Knowledge Sessions will be taken by various female Yog faculties of Government College of Yoga Education & Health, Chandigarh and all Ayurved Sessions will be taken by renowned speakers of Lokayurved Wellness Concept. 

​​The program was inaugurated in the esteemed presence of Chief Guest Ms. Anita Pal, Educationist and Mr. Deepak Purohit, IG-prisons, Dr. Palika Arora, JIG– Prisons and Dr. Sapna Nanda, Principal, GCYEH.  

​​Yog College faculty Ms. Kiran Sharma took session on Aasana whereas Ms. Sarghi Kohli will take session tomorrow on Prayanam and Dhyaan will taken by Ms. Nitika on the last day.  

​​Ayurveda Sessions namely “Swasthya Vivek” means Health Wisdom Introduction was taken by Ms. Shyampriyaa, Lokayurved Key Catalyst and “Kali se Kusum Tak” – special session on women health in various stages of Life will be taken  tomorrow and “Manojaya” – Ways to achieve Mental Health and stability will be on the last of program . 

​​This Indian Knowledge System (IKS) based Yog and Ayurved – Combo Wellness Awareness Initiative is one of its kinds and is taken first time by any Prison Department which will enhance Physical, Mental & Spiritual Health of Women Jail Inmates. 

​​Special permission was granted by the Inspector General of Prisons, UT Chandigarh to tie Rakhi to all the inmates whose sisters came to tie Rakhi. The Prajapati Bharam Kumaris also tie Rakhi to the inmates and they also gave a message to them to leave the path of crime. The female inmates were also allowed to make Video Call with their family members by the Inspector General of Prisons, UT Chandigarh.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab CM accepts resignation of Baba Farid medical varsity VC

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 11, 2022

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accepted the resignation of Dr Raj Bahadur, the vice-chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences who was allegedly forced to lie on a dirty mattress at a hospital by the state’s health minister during an inspection.

The state government has given the charge of the university VC to the director, medical education. The CM after accepting the resignation forwarded it to the Punjab governor. Dr Raj Bahadur had tendered his resignation after he felt ”humiliated” at the hands of Health Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra.

It happened last month when Jouramajra was on an inspection to Faridkot’s Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, which comes under the university.

A video clip of the incident that circulated on social media had shown Jouramajra placing a hand on the veteran surgeon’s shoulder as he pointed towards the ”damaged and dirty condition” of a mattress at the hospital. The minister was then seen allegedly forcing Dr Bahadur to lie down on the same mattress.

After the incident, Dr Bahadur had conveyed to the Punjab chief minister the ”humiliation” and requested that he be relieved from service as the work environment was not conducive. The incident had triggered an outrage and various doctors’ bodies, including the Indian Medical Association, flayed the health minister over his behaviour and demanded his dismissal from the state Cabinet.

Chandigarh

Haryana Govt will give guaranteed jobs to Agniveers, says Khattar

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 11

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar informed the Assembly on the last day of the monsoon session on Wednesday that Agnipath is a very beneficial scheme. Under this scheme, the Central Government has made a provision to give 10 percent reservation to the Agniveers in paramilitary forces and Assam rifles. The Haryana government will also be giving guaranteed government jobs to these Agniveers. A policy in this regard will be framed immediately.  Some private industrialists have also offered jobs to these Agniveers, informed Khattar.

Haryana players who secured medals at Commonwealth games to be felicitated in Gurugram on August 16

The Chief Minister said that the players of the State have performed brilliantly in the Commonwealth Games. Out of the state’s contingent of 43 players, 29 players won medals and one player came fourth. A felicitation ceremony will be held on August 16 in Gurugram to honour these players. The Chief Minister congratulated all the people of the state on the eve of Raksha Bandhan. Free transport facility will be provided to the women till 12 midnight, he added.

Haryana to celebrate Har Ghar Tiranga campaign from 13 to 15 August
The Chief Minister said that yearlong programmes will be organized in the State under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence. Besides this, the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign will be celebrated across the country from August 13 to 15. In Haryana also, the tricolour will be hoisted at every house.

Govt to open 500 Model Sanskriti schools

Khattar said that the admission process in schools other than Model Sanskriti schools will continue as earlier. However, the State Government has fixed a target of opening 500 Model Sanskriti Schools across the State, of which 138 have already been opened. Education is being imparted in these schools through English medium. In these schools, free education is being imparted to the children of families having an annual income of upto 1.80 lakh. While nominal fee is being charged from the students belonging to families above this income group, said Khattar. The Chief Minister said that some people wish to get their children enrolled in private schools, fulfilling the same, the State Government has implemented ‘Cheerag’ scheme. Under this scheme, the government will give Rs 700 to private schools for children  studying in the classes from I to V, while an amount of Rs 900 and Rs 1100  will be paid for the students studying in classes VI to VII and IX to XII respectively. So far around 300 schools have given their consent under this scheme and 2700 children have enrolled, informed Khattar.

Dehradun

Misuse of the Dowry Prohibition Ac

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IEP DEHRADUN AUGUST 11, 2022

DOWRY PROHIBHITION ACT 1961

Dowry refers to the money and property given by the bride’s family to the groom’s family on the occasion of their marriage. The Dowry Prohibition act was passed on May 1stin the year 1961which made the receiving and giving of dowry illegal in India. It is applicable to every individual irrespective of their caste and religion. Violation of the act is punishable with imprisonment not less than 6 months but which can be extended for life depending on the nature of the crime. An additional fine of rupees 10,000 is also charged. In the year 1983the law was amended to add section 304B and 498A of the Indian penal code in its framework to make it easier for a wife/bride to file a complaint and seek redressal.Sec304B deals with the laws related to the death of a woman within 7 years of marriage. While sec 498B is related to cruelty (mental and physical) subjected upon a woman.

Dowry was and still is the bone of contention for the death of various women in India and the act was passed to ensure the safety of women from being subjected to various offences like cruelty , torture etc which are mainly committed  due to a dispute on dowry. The act has been amended various times but still the violence related to it is prevalent and now there is another challenge on the rise that is the misuse of dowry act by the women for egocentric purposes.

CAUSES FOR THE MISUSE OF THE DOWRY ACT

There are various causes for the misuse of the act but first and foremost, it is because the laws are stringent in nature. It is a non bailable and non compoundable offence making it onerous for the accused and his family to get bail. Due to such strict framework of this act the women have started misusing it to a great extent for malicious and other purposes. Further, the laws are clearly victim biased; the universally followed doctrine of innocent until proven guilty is reversed in the case of the dowry act .Here the accused is considered to be guilty until proven innocent. The major reason for the misuse is to attain monetary benefit from the spouse and his family such as properties, huge amounts of cash , etc. In India out of 4,66,079 cases that were pending in the beginning of the year 2013 ,only 7,528 were convicted while 38,165 were acquitted and 8,218 were withdrawn. Every year 90,000 -1,00,000 dowry cases are filed and a huge proportion of them turns out to be false which makes the law one of the most abused laws in the country. In the year 2011 a trial court termed the misuse of the act as legal terrorism.

CASES RELATED TO THE MISUSE OF THE DOWRY ACT

The Nisha Sharma dowry case was a landmark anti dowry lawsuit and it showcased how the various laws under the dowry prohibition act can be misused. It started in the year 2003 and continued till 2012.Nisha accused her fiancé  Munish Dalal of demanding dowry and the case was covered by Indian as well as International media. In the year 2012 the court acquitted all the accused. It was found that and all the allegations against the accused were false and Nisha misused the law to avoid getting married to her fiancé. Another lawsuit Ansh Kumar Vs The State Of Bihar was a landmark judgement where the court stated that sec 498A was a deadly weapon in the hands of the disgruntled wives and led to the conviction of innocent people without any evidence which was due to the non – bailable framework of the law.

IMPACT OF THE FALSE ALLEGATIONS ON THE VICTIM

The men and their family have to bear with various consequences as a result of the injustice done to them. A complaint by the wife/ bride grants the right to the police to arrest the accused without a warrant. They are then tortured and harassed by the police which further  leads to mental trauma and humiliation.Majority of the times the accused and his family commit suicide because of the social stigma . To add on, the respondent suffers huge financial losses and false conviction also negatively affects their career and reputation. A huge financial and mental strain is developed on the accused and their families.

CONCLUSION

In the previous judgements the Supreme court has stated that the provisions of the dowry act needs to be re- examined. While in the past years every case that resulted in a conviction, five other cases resulted in an acquittal and one case was withdrawn with the result being that only one out of seven cases resulted in a conviction. Hence the government should work on possible ways to safeguard the rights of both men and women and conduct a preliminary inquiry before making arrests to curb the misuse of the act. It was passed to act as a shield for the women but instead is being used as a weapon by them. (The writer is Riya Bhatia, student of THE Montessari School, Uttarakhand)