Chandigarh, October 3: A special Women’s Health & Hygiene Camp (Mahila Swasthya Evam Swachhta Shivir) was organised at Indira Colony, Chandigarh, as part of the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, a month-long campaign launched on September 17, the birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The camp focused on bringing preventive healthcare, health awareness and essential hygiene support closer to women in the area.
The camp was organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chandigarh under the leadership of Shri Jatinder Pal Malhotra, State President, BJP Chandigarh. His emphasis on Seva, community outreach and welfare initiatives has encouraged programmes addressing the everyday needs of citizens.
The programme was organised under the Intellectual Cell by Dr. Monica B. Sood, Intellectual Head, BJP Chandigarh, and Smt. Ruchi Sekhri, State Secretary, BJP Chandigarh.
Smt. Suman Sharma, Deputy Mayor, Chandigarh and Councillor, graced the programme as the Guest of Honour. Appreciating the initiative, she emphasised the importance of creating greater awareness among women about preventive healthcare, hygiene and timely medical consultation, particularly at the grassroots level.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Monica B. Sood stressed that access to health awareness and basic preventive care should reach every woman, irrespective of her social or economic circumstances. She underlined that women often place the needs of their families before their own health and therefore community-based initiatives must encourage them to prioritise regular check-ups, nutrition, hygiene and early detection of disease.
A major focus of the camp was women’s health across different stages of life. Dr. Ruchi Ahuja delivered an informative session on cervical cancer, highlighting the importance of awareness, prevention and timely screening. She also guided women on maintaining their health through various stages of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood and advancing age.
Women attending the camp underwent health check-ups under different medical specialties, with lady doctors providing medical consultation, health guidance and addressing individual concerns. Iron tablets, multivitamins and other health-support supplements were distributed among the women. Special women’s health and hygiene kits were also provided to encourage better personal and menstrual hygiene practices.
The camp witnessed the active participation of Shri Lalit Takiar, Convener, Medical Cell, BJP Chandigarh, and Smt. Meena Chadha, Co-Convener, Medical Cell. Shri Bhupender Saini, District President, and Shri Kamal Maurya, Mandal President, were also present and extended their support to the initiative.
The programme reflected the spirit of Seva through Health, taking awareness beyond discussions and translating it into meaningful action at the community level.
The initiative concluded with a message that women’s healthcare must not remain limited to treatment after illness, but should encompass awareness, nutrition, hygiene, prevention and timely screening as integral aspects of women’s well-being.

Gurugram, 

The State Executive Committee meeting of INTUC Haryana was held in Gurugram. The meeting was attended by AICC Haryana In-charge Sanjay Dutt, Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh, INTUC Haryana President Amit Yadav, Co-Chairperson, Social Media & Digital Platform Puneet Yadav, along with INTUC office-bearers, representatives of various trade unions and labour leaders.

The meeting held detailed discussions on workers’ dignity, employment security, social security, safe working conditions, and the democratic and collective bargaining rights of trade unions. Concerns were also expressed regarding the provisions of the four new labour laws and their potential impact on workers and trade unions.

Haryana Congress In-charge Sanjay Dutt highlighted several key demands concerning trade union rights, including safeguarding the right to form, register and function independently as a trade union; strengthening collective bargaining; reviewing unnecessary restrictions on the right to strike; reducing the threshold for standing orders from 300 to 100 workers; and ensuring effective consultation with trade unions before making any changes to labour laws.

Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh highlighted key demands concerning workers’ rights, including ensuring fair minimum wages and timely payment of wages to every worker; providing contract workers with full benefits of Provident Fund, Employees’ State Insurance, bonus and other social security measures; making safety committees and occupational health and safety mechanisms effective at every workplace; protecting workers against arbitrary retrenchment and employment insecurity; and making appointment letters and salary slips mandatory for every worker.

Amit Yadav and the INTUC team prominently raised demands related to the interests of trade unions and workers. These included ensuring that no worker is discriminated against or harassed for becoming a union member; ending the practice of contractual and fixed-term employment; and ensuring the effective functioning of grievance redressal committees at every eligible establishment.

During the meeting, the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee also organized a training programme on strengthening social media and on the new labour laws. The training covered the provisions of the new labour laws, their impact on the rights of trade unions and workers, and the challenges related to workers’ rights. The training was conducted by Puneet Yadav, Co-Chairperson, Social Media & Digital Platform, Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee.

The meeting also emphasized that union representatives should have the right to meaningful dialogue and collective bargaining with management. It was further stressed that “Mazdoor Adhikar Pathshala” (Workers’ Rights Schools) should be established in every industrial area to educate workers about their legal rights.

The meeting resolved to further strengthen INTUC’s organizational structure to take the voice of workers to every factory, every industrial area and every worker. Reaching workers’ rights advocacy to “every factory, every gate and every court”, along with creating awareness among workers through gate-level Mazdoor Adhikar Pathshalas, was identified as a key objective.

Sanjay Dutt and Rao Narendra Singh emphasized the need to strengthen the organization at the grassroots level and to effectively raise issues concerning workers and the general public. The central message of the meeting was that respect for workers, protection of their rights and a strong trade union system are essential for equitable and inclusive development.

Senior Congress leader Raj Babbar said that workers play a vital role in the industrial and economic development of the country. He said that dignified employment, social security and safe working conditions are the rights of workers. He emphasized that trade unions are an important means of strengthening the collective voice of workers and that sustained and united efforts are necessary to protect workers’ rights. He appreciated INTUC’s efforts to strongly raise issues concerning the interests and rights of workers.

During the meeting, discussions were also held on strengthening organizational work related to the Social Media & Digital Platform and Connect Centre of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee.

On the occasion, Deepak Lamba, In-charge, Connect Centre, Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee, emphasized the need to strengthen organizational communication, make effective use of digital platforms, and ensure that issues concerning workers and the general public are effectively taken to a wider audience.

Chandigarh/Panipat.

A Block Congress Workers’ Conference was organised in Panipat under the guidance of Haryana Congress In-charge Sanjay Dutt and under the chairmanship of Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh. The conference called for strengthening the organisation up to the booth level, maintaining continuous dialogue with the people, and strongly raising issues concerning farmers, youth, sportspersons, traders and the general public.

Farmer Facing Problems in the Mandi and Sportsperson Lacking Adequate Facilities on the Field—Government Must Clarify Its Priorities: Sanjay Dutt

Haryana Congress In-charge Sanjay Dutt said that farmers across the state are bringing their crops to mandis, but are facing difficulties regarding the procurement, lifting and payment of paddy and bajra. Farmers should not have to make rounds of government offices to sell their produce. The government must ensure that crops are procured and lifted on time and that payments are made promptly.

He said that farmers and sportspersons are both an integral part of Haryana’s identity. A state that has produced international-level athletes for the country must provide sporting talent with adequate facilities, trained coaches, modern equipment and a secure future.

Sanjay Dutt said that sportspersons such as Mary Kom have enhanced the country’s prestige across the world through their talent, struggle and dedication. Such athletes have inspired millions of young people. The government’s responsibility should not be limited to honouring a sportsperson after winning a medal; it must also take responsibility for their training, healthcare, employment and future security.

He said there is a need for an effective system for the welfare of sportspersons and former sportspersons who have dedicated their lives to the country and the state. A sportsperson who has brought glory to the nation should not have to face economic or social insecurity in the later stages of life.

Sanjay Dutt said that during Congress governments, several measures relating to sports policy, employment and awards were introduced in Haryana to encourage sporting talent. Under the previous Congress government’s sports policy, provisions were made for providing government employment and higher positions to outstanding sportspersons, along with financial incentives for sporting talent.

He said the objective of a sports policy should not be limited to honouring a few medal-winning athletes, but should be to strengthen the entire journey of a sportsperson—from the village sports ground to the international stage.

On the issue of law and order, he said it is the government’s primary responsibility to ensure that ordinary citizens, women, traders and youth feel safe. Effective control over crime and equal enforcement of the law must be ensured.

He said employment is also a major challenge before the state. Young people need adequate employment opportunities, a transparent recruitment process and confidence in their future. The government must provide clear answers on issues related to employment and recruitment.

On the issue of SIR and electoral rolls, Sanjay Dutt said that the voting rights of every eligible citizen must be protected. Any changes to electoral rolls should be carried out through a transparent process, and every eligible voter must be given a full opportunity to present their case. Congress workers should remain vigilant in protecting democratic rights.

He said that Congress would continue to raise issues such as “vote theft and donation theft” before the people on the basis of facts and would continue to demand transparency and accountability in democratic institutions.

BJP Government Must Answer Questions Regarding the Honour and Future of Sportspersons; Congress Has Always Encouraged Sporting Talent: Rao Narendra Singh

Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh said that Haryana’s identity is not limited to its farmers and soldiers but is also defined by the exceptional talent of its sportspersons.

 Athletes from Haryana have brought glory to the country at the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and other international competitions.

He said that when a sportsperson enters the field, they do not play only for themselves but also for the state and the country. Therefore, it is the government’s responsibility to provide better grounds, modern equipment, trained coaches, medical facilities, competition preparation and dignified employment opportunities.

Rao Narendra Singh said that during the BJP government’s tenure, questions have repeatedly been raised regarding the recognition, facilities and future of sportspersons. The government should explain the condition of sports grounds and stadiums in villages, whether athletes are receiving regular training and equipment, and what concrete arrangements have been made to secure the future of talented sportspersons.

He said the example of great sportsperson Mary Kom is before us. She brought glory to the country, inspired millions of young people and gave Indian women’s boxing international recognition. The recognition of such athletes should not be limited to their active sporting careers. The government should also establish effective support and social security mechanisms for former athletes and those from economically weaker backgrounds.

Rao Narendra Singh said that during Congress governments, policies such as “Medal Lao, Pad Pao” (Win a Medal, Get a Position) were introduced to provide outstanding sportspersons opportunities in government service. During the Congress government, emphasis was placed on taking sports to villages, identifying sporting talent and securing the future of athletes.

He said Congress believes that sports are not merely a means of winning medals but are connected with the future of the youth and the identity of the state. Therefore, Congress workers will raise the problems faced by sportspersons at the village and booth levels.

Rao Narendra Singh said that the Congress organisation is not one that remains active only during elections. Booth-level workers will stand with the people in their times of happiness and difficulty and will strongly raise issues concerning farmers, youth, sportspersons, women, workers and traders.

Before Expecting Medals from Sportspersons, It Is Essential to Provide Them Better Facilities and a Secure Future: Deepender Hooda

Senior Congress leader and MP Deepender Hooda said that sportspersons from Haryana have brought glory to the country across the world through their hard work and talent. However, before expecting medals from any athlete, the government must provide them with good grounds, modern equipment, quality coaching, medical facilities and adequate training.

He said Haryana has no shortage of talent. There are many children and young people in villages who have the potential to make a mark at the national and international levels, but a lack of resources and opportunities creates obstacles in their path. The government must work at the grassroots level to bridge this gap.

Deepender Hooda said that sportspersons such as Mary Kom have demonstrated that with determination and the right opportunities, the daughters of India can raise the country’s flag high across the world. Such athletes should be honoured, and their experience should be utilised to prepare the next generation.

He said Congress governments have taken several important steps to provide sportspersons with recognition, awards, employment and facilities. Policies providing government appointments and financial rewards to outstanding athletes in Haryana were aimed at giving sportspersons confidence to pursue sports as a career.

He said honouring a sportsperson after they win a medal is not enough; the government should stand with them from the time they begin their sporting journey until after their sporting career.

Deepender Hooda said that farmers, youth and sportspersons are the strength of Haryana’s future. The state’s overall development cannot be envisioned by ignoring issues concerning these sections.

Resolve to Struggle for Every Public Issue Along with Strengthening the Organisation

At the conference, Congress leaders said that the real strength of the organisation lies in its booth-level workers. Every worker should visit villages and households, listen to people’s problems and ensure that issues concerning farmers, youth, sportspersons, women, workers and traders are taken up through the organisation at the appropriate forum.

Workers were urged to remain continuously active on public-interest issues while strengthening the organisation and to stand with the people in their times of happiness and difficulty. A strong organisation will serve as an effective means of taking the people’s voice to the government.

On the occasion, Indu Raj Narwal, Ramesh Malik, Divyanshu Budhiraja, Sachin Kundu, Balbir Valmiki, Rajendra Sharma, Jai Kumar and Manoj Bairagi, along with a large number of Congress office-bearers, workers and local leaders, were present.

Chandigarh, October 3, 2026: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sanjay Tandon met Punjab Governor and UT Chandigarh Administrator Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, seeking timely payment of salaries to the contractual employees of the City Administration.

Tandon said that the UT Administrator has promised to look into the matter on priority and would ensure that the contractual workers are paid their salaries by 7th of every month.

“I apprised the UT Administrator of the letter issued from the office of Secretary, Personnel, Chandigarh, on March 17, 2021 wherein it is clearly mentioned that the salaries/wages of the contractual employees are disbursed by 7th of every month,” said Tandon.

“If an instruction already exists, there is no reason why it should not be implemented. The salaries of these employees should not be delayed when the funds are already available with the government,” he said.

“I have requested the Administrator to ensure that all contractual employees receive their salaries by the 7th of every month. These workers are dependent on their monthly wages for their day-to-day needs, and delays of several weeks or even months cause serious hardship to them,” Tandon said.

Tandon has proposed that Chandigarh explore a system under which the salaries of contractual employees can be credited directly to their bank accounts, and not in the traditional way, via contractors – as this was delaying disbursal.

Tandon explained that salary delays were often linked to the contractor’s GST-related compliance and payment processing. He suggested that the salary component be credited directly to workers’ bank accounts, while the contractor’s commission and applicable GST are released separately, ensuring workers receive their salaries on time, preferably by the 7th of every month

He cited the example of the payment mechanism followed in cricket, where payments to players can be credited directly to their bank accounts while the concerned association raises the bill with the BCCI. Tandon also gave the example of Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam where salaries are credited to the contractual or outsourced employees not only timely but also in one go.

“The same principle can potentially be adapted for contractual employees in Chandigarh. I have been asked to submit a detailed proposal in this regard, and I will do so. If implemented, such a system could benefit around 50,000 contractual employees in Chandigarh,” Tandon said.

“Those who work as contractual employees in public institutions in Chandigarh such as PGIMER & PU and also with different departments of the Administration, deserve to receive their wages on time,” Tandon said in conclusion.

 Safai Karamcharis meet Tandon, thank him for taking up salary issue

In a development related to the issue of timely salary pay-outs to contractual workers, hundreds of contractual safai karamcharis met BJP leader Sanjay Tandon at his Sector 18 residence and thanked him for taking up their demand for timely salary payments with the Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria.

The delegation of the Contractual Union Safai Karamchari Chandigarh, led by Union President Rakesh Pohl, expressed gratitude to Tandon for raising the issue of delayed salaries with the Governor and UT Administrator. Those present included Union Advisor Sumit Ginni, Vice-Presidents Pawan Atwal and Ravi Adiwal, and General Secretary Ravinder Lot.

Pohl said contractual employees were grateful to Tandon for taking up their concerns at the highest level, adding that timely payment of salaries was a crucial issue for contractual workers.

“I am grateful to the employees for expressing their faith in my efforts. Their appreciation motivates me to work even harder for their rights and welfare. I will continue to raise their genuine concerns with the concerned authorities and pursue their resolution,” Tandon said.

He added that he had received representations from employees of various departments regarding delays in salary payments and had taken up the matter with the Chandigarh Administration and the Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University too. 

Chandigarh:

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, today held its Swachhata Awards ceremony on Gandhi Jayanti, observed as Swachh Bharat Diwas. The ceremony marked the close of the Institute’s Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign. Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Academic), was the Chief Guest and Prof. Ashok Kumar, Medical Superintendent, was the Guest of Honour.
The campaign was conducted in line with the national Swachhata Hi Seva initiative of the Government of India. It saw wide participation from doctors, nursing and paramedical staff, sanitation attendants, hospital attendants, supervisors and sanitation inspectors, along with students, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and school children.

Campaign highlights
The campaign opened on 24 September with a workshop on solid waste management. On 25 September, the Institute held a Janbhagidari programme with local RWAs to extend the message beyond the hospital campus.
The following days combined awareness with participation:

• Green and active campus: a plantation drive with the Horticulture Department and “Sports for Swachhata” zero-waste sporting competitions (27 September).
• Arts and expression: street plays (nukkad nataks), a singing competition, slogan writing, poster making, rangoli and dance competitions on the theme of cleanliness.
• Swachhata Ki Paathshala: school cleanliness and shramdaan, with IEC material placed at key points (29 September).
• Swachhata Se Samriddhi: “Kabaad Se Jugaad / Kabaad Se Kala” turned waste into useful and artistic objects (30 September).
• Children in care: Swachhata activities with children admitted in the Advanced Pediatric Centre (APC).
  Caring for those who keep the Institute clean
  SafaiMitra Suraksha health check-ups were held on 30 September and 1 October for sanitation workers. On 1 October, staff took the Swachhata Pledge and joined “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” shramdaan and plogging drives. SafaiMitras were also briefed on the welfare benefits available to them.
  Swachhata Awards ceremony, 2 October
  The ceremony opened with a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary. Dr. Vijay Tadia, Officer Incharge, Sanitation, Department of Hospital Administration, presented an overview of the campaign’s activities.
  Winners of the campaign competitions received
  certificates and awards. Dr Jitendra Sahu
  from Paediatric department and Dr Rajeev Chauhan, Additional Medical Supt., Advanced Neurosciences Centre were the judges and were felicitated with planters. Sanitation attendants, hospital attendants and supervisors were honoured with Swachhata Awards as SafaiMitras and Swachhagrahis for keeping the hospital clean, safe and orderly every day.
  What the Institute leadership said

Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, said, “Cleanliness is the first line of defence in any hospital. Every patient who walks into PGIMER deserves a safe, clean and dignified environment. This campaign showed that swachhata is not one department’s job but a shared commitment of every doctor, nurse, student, worker and visitor. Our SafaiMitras are true Karamyogi’s and backbone of this effort, and honouring them today is honouring the spirit of Swachh Bharat.”

Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Academic), PGIMER, addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, said, “Gandhiji taught us that cleanliness is a matter of discipline and dignity, not just of surroundings. Our residents, nurses and students will shape healthcare for decades. When they run plogging drives, plant trees and teach school children about waste, they learn that public health begins well before the clinic. Today’s winners show how creativity can carry that message further than any circular.”

Prof. Ashok Kumar, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, speaking as Guest of Honour, said, “A hospital of PGIMER’s scale generates waste every hour of every day, and managing it safely is central to infection control and patient safety. Our sanitation attendants, hospital attendants and supervisors do this work quietly, behind the scenes. Today’s awards and the health check-ups for our Safai Mitras are our way of saying that their work is seen and valued.”

Chandigarh, October 2 – Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated with solemnity and traditional fervor at Haryana Lok Bhavan, here today. On this occasion, Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, accompanied by First Lady of Haryana, Smt. Mitra Ghosh, paid floral tributes to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Sh Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries, observed on October 2.

On the occasion, an all-religion prayer meeting was organised at Lok Bhavan, during which Ram Dhun was recited and devotional hymns associated with Mahatma Gandhi were rendered. Religious preachers representing Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Sikh faiths participated in the prayer meeting and, through their discourses and hymns, highlighted the values of peace, communal harmony, unity and integrity of the nation.

The gathering paid tribute to the ideals and principles of Mahatma Gandhi and Sh Lal Bahadur Shastri and recalled their enduring contributions to the nation.

Prominent among those present on the occasion were Director General of Police, Sh Ajay Singhal; Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment, Welfare of Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes and Antyodaya (SEWA) Department, Smt. G. Anupama; Commissioner and Secretary, Finance Department, Sh C.G. Rajini Kaanthan; Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Sh K.M. Pandurang; Secretary to Governor, Sh Vijaykumar Bhavikatti; ADC to Governor, Sh Dheeraj Kumar Setia; and Chairman, Haryana Police Complaint Authority, Dr. R.C. Mishra.

Chandigarh, October 2:- The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh and Khadi Ashram Chandigarh organised the ‘Khadi Se Swachhata’ programme at Khadi Ashram, Sector 17, Chandigarh, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, reaffirming the collective commitment towards cleanliness, self-reliance and the values of Mahatma Gandhi.

Mayor of Chandigarh Sh. Saurabh Joshi administered the Swachhata Shapath during the programme. He was accompanied by Joint Commissioner Sh. Balbir Raj Singh, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Inderdeep Kaur, Superintending Engineer, Horticulture Sh. Pritpal Singh, Director, State Office, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Punjab & Chandigarh Dr. V. Shiva Kumar, Incharge, Khadi Ashram Chandigarh Sh. Sanjay Kumar Sharma, Sh. Sanjiv Chadha, President, Chandigarh Beopar Mandal and other prominent citizens.

Earlier, the Mayor and dignitaries paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries. They also participated in spinning on the Charkha along with artisans, highlighting the spirit of self-reliance and dignity of labour.

The Mayor also honoured Safai Sewaks and other MC employees for their achievements in various sports activities and inaugurated a special sale of Khadi products at the Ashram.

A street play titled ‘Baapu Ka Sandesh, Hamara Sankalp’, presented by renowned theatre artist Rajiv Mehta and his team, conveyed the message of cleanliness, truth, non-violence and social responsibility.

Addressing the gathering, Mayor Saurabh Joshi said that Gandhi Jayanti is an occasion to rededicate ourselves to the ideals and values of the Father of the Nation. He said Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace, tolerance and truth continues to inspire humanity. Gandhi ji’s commitment to eliminating untouchability, illiteracy, addiction and other social evils, while empowering weaker sections, remains deeply relevant.

The Mayor said that through the Charkha, Gandhi ji promoted self-reliance and self-sufficiency, while his life and teachings upheld the dignity of labour. “On this auspicious occasion, let us resolve to follow the path of truth and non-violence and work collectively towards a cleaner, capable, empowered and prosperous India,” he said.

MC Joint Commissioner Sh. Balbir Raj Singh highlighted the importance of source segregation of waste and appealed to citizens to segregate waste at source and avoid the use of single-use plastic items, making cleanliness a shared responsibility.