Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh

Strict Action by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on ‘Irregularities’ Exposed in the Labour Department

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Chandigarh, January 1

Taking serious note of the irregularities related to the verification of work slips and registration of workers in the Haryana Labour Department, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directed immediate action. On Chief Minister’s orders, a high-level inquiry committee has been constituted to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, which will submit its detailed report to the government within one month.

Media reports have claimed that the Labour Minister, Haryana, had written a letter to the Chief Minister informing him about the matter; however, no such letter was received in the Chief Minister’s Office. Nevertheless, a file on the issue was presented by the department, in which the Chief Minister was informed that the department had constituted a committee to investigate the matter and that reports from 13 districts had been prepared, while reports from the remaining nine districts were pending. Therefore, the department stated that a complete report would be submitted after receiving reports from the remaining districts.

The Chief Minister took the issue seriously and returned the file the very next day, directing the Labour Minister to submit a complete report from all districts along with accurate figures of financial loss. However, the report is still pending. The issue pertains to construction workers and the benefits provided to them under various schemes of the Labour Department. It has been alleged that the works on which these individuals claimed to have laboured were not genuine, thereby casting doubt on their registration as building and construction workers.

Considering the seriousness of the allegations, the Chief Minister has constituted a high-level committee under the chairmanship of Sh. Pankaj Aggarwal, IAS, with Sh. Rajiv Rattan, IAS, and Sh. Pankaj Nain, IPS, as members.

The committee will investigate the entire matter and ascertain the irregularities committed by various officers and other individuals. In addition, the committee will also recommend corrective or preventive measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. After examining all facts, the committee will submit its report within one month.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Chandigarh Press Club Condemns FIRs Against Journalists and YouTubers; Calls It an Attack on Press Freedom

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Chandigarh:

The Chandigarh Press Club strongly condemns the action of the Punjab Police and the Punjab Government for registering FIRs against several journalists from the Bathinda region and YouTubers from Ludhiana. These FIRs have reportedly been filed in connection with journalistic reports highlighting the alleged misuse of the official helicopter of the Chief Minister of Punjab.

The Chandigarh Press Club believes that the state government’s action reflects intolerance towards critical reporting. Registering FIRs against journalists and digital content creators is a clear attempt to intimidate and pressurise the media fraternity for reporting on issues of public interest and holding those in power accountable.

If the government had objections to the facts or interpretation presented in these reports, there were established democratic and legal mechanisms available—such as issuing clarifications, denials, or rebuttals. Resorting to criminal proceedings instead sends a chilling message to journalists and is a deliberate attempt to suppress independent voices and discourage investigative journalism.

The Chandigarh Press Club is deeply concerned that this is not an isolated incident. There have been earlier instances as well where the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab has taken steps that undermine the freedom of speech and expression, a fundamental pillar of democracy.

The Chandigarh Press Club reiterates that a free, fearless, and independent press is essential for the healthy functioning of a democracy. Any attempt to muzzle the media through coercive state action is unacceptable.

The Chandigarh Press Club stands firmly with the journalists and content creators facing these FIRs and demands that the Punjab Government immediately withdraw the cases.

Journalists from Bathinda named in the FIR: Maninderjit Sidhu, Mintu Gursaria, Mandeep Singh and RTI activist Manik Goyal. 

FIRs have also been registered against six YouTubers from Ludhiana.

The Chandigarh Press Club reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of press freedom and freedom of expression.

Chandigarh

IPS officer Ajay Singhal is new Haryana DGP

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Chandigarh:

Senior IPS officer Ajay Singhal was appointed the new Director General of Police of Haryana on Wednesday.  Singhal currently holds the position of Director General of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, Haryana.

Haryana Government picked IPS officer Singhal out of a panel of three senior IPS officers prepared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Singhal replaces OP Singh, who retired from service on Wednesday after a career spanning more than 33 years.

Singh was given the additional charge of DGP on October 14 when Shatrujeet Kapur proceeded on leave amid mounting attacks from the opposition over fellow IPS officer Y Puran Kumar’s alleged suicide. On December 14, Singh was appointed the officiating DGP.

Hailing from Rewari, 57- year- old Singhal is an IPS officer of the 1992 batch who has spent most of his career in Haryana, with stints in various operational and administrative roles.

According to official order issued by Haryana’s Home Department, Singhal, a 1992-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre, has been appointed for a minimum tenure of two years from the date he assumes charge. Singhal is due to retire in October 2028. The order was issued by additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra and will take effect immediately.

The order stated that the government picked Singhal out of a panel of three senior IPS officers prepared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Besides Singhal, the panel included 1990-batch IPS officer Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor and 1993-batch IPS officer Alok Mittal.

Singhal, an IIT Delhi Graduate (B.Tech-Mechanical),  takes over the reins at a time when the Haryana Police is focusing on consolidating gains made under outgoing DGP OP Singh, whose tenure was marked by a strong emphasis on public accessibility, digital outreach, crackdowns on organised crime, drug networks, and cyber fraud, and reforms in grievance redressal and forensic capabilities.

For his outstanding, dedicated and meritorious service, Singhal was awarded the Police Medal in the year 2008 and the President’s Police Medal in the year 2017.

A seasoned officer, Singhal who held several key operational and administrative positions during his career, including roles in district policing, intelligence, and specialised units (Law and Order, Crime Control, Vigilance, Railway Police, CID, Special Branch, Cyber Crime and Internal Security),is likely to prioritise strengthening district-level policing, tackling organised gangs and narcotics supply chains, and expanding cybercrime response capabilities.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh

PGIMER Ends 2025 with Landmark Reforms and Expansion as Institute Body Meets in New Delhi Under chairmanship of Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Hon’ble Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare

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Chandigarh:

Bringing 2025 to a decisive and high-impact close, the Institute Body (IB) of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, met in New Delhi on 30th December under the chairmanship of Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Hon’ble Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare.

The meeting marked a defining moment in PGIMER’s growth trajectory, with the approval and endorsement of major academic, administrative and patient-centric initiatives aligned with national healthcare priorities.

The Institute Body formally recorded its appreciation for Operation Sindoor, recognising PGIMER’s exceptional institutional preparedness, seamless inter-departmental coordination and unwavering commitment to patient care during a critical operational response. The acknowledgement underscored the Institute’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to exigencies while upholding its core values of professionalism, compassion and public service.

The IB was also presented with a comprehensive Vision and Roadmap up to 2047, outlining PGIMER’s long-term strategy centred on clinical excellence, research leadership, academic expansion, digital transformation and inclusive, patient-centric healthcare delivery, fully aligned with India’s healthcare aspirations.

During the meeting, members were apprised of the progress and growing impact of Project SARATHI, PGIMER’s flagship volunteer-driven patient facilitation initiative. A short video presentation highlighted its role in enhancing patient experience, easing navigation within hospital systems and strengthening human connect in care delivery, while also showcasing its scalability and replicability. The initiative received strong appreciation from the Institute Body, with emphasis laid on the need for continued institutional support and patronage to sustain and expand its reach.

A major highlight of the meeting was the recognition of far-reaching digital reforms in procurement and supply systems. The Institute Body noted that the manual indenting system for drugs, consumables and implants through AMRIT Pharmacy has been completely replaced by a fully online, human-interaction-free system, effective 15 April 2025. With manual indent books and stamping entirely discontinued, the reform has already resulted in 1,33,528  online indents, facilitating the supply of approximately ₹70 crore worth of drugs, implants and consumables. This transition marks a significant leap in transparency, efficiency, accountability and audit readiness, reinforcing institutional integrity.

The Institute Body endorsed key academic expansion proposals, including the introduction of MDS courses in Conservative & Endodontics and Public Health & Preventive Dentistry, strengthening postgraduate dental education with a balanced focus on advanced restorative care and community-level oral health promotion.

Proposals to frame student–teacher ratio guidelines in parity with AIIMS, New Delhi were also approved, with ratios of 5:1 for DM/M.Ch. and fellowship programmes and 3:1 for MD/MS/MDS courses, ensuring academic rigor while safeguarding patient care amidst increasing clinical workload.

Addressing growing service demands, the IB considered and placed on record approvals for expansion in forensic and super-specialty training, including an increase in MD (Forensic Medicine) seats and the creation of 68 additional DM/M.Ch. seats across departments, in respo

nse to rising patient footfall and the need for advanced specialised care. Recognising a 12.8% to 800% surge in diagnostic services over the past decade and over 25% growth in new patient registrations, the Institute Body also considered the creation of 27 Junior Technician (Laboratory) posts, critical for sustaining diagnostic excellence.

Infrastructure strengthening through additional engineering posts for the Satellite Centre at Sangrur was also placed before the IB.

Faculty welfare measures featured prominently, with the Institute Body considering the grant of Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) to eligible Professors, including non-medical faculty, reinforcing academic parity, morale and institutional equity.

In a significant patient-support initiative, the IB was apprised of a proposal to collaborate with Aarogya Foundation for the construction and operation of a Vishram Sadan at Sarangpur, by earmarking 6,000 square metres of land at no financial cost to PGIMER, aimed at supporting attendants of patients.

The meeting concluded with a collective reaffirmation of PGIMER’s role as a national centre of excellence, committed to transparent governance, academic leadership and compassionate, patient-first care, under the guidance of the Hon’ble Union Health Minister.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Gurmeet Khudian Assures Swift Resolution of Veterinary Inspectors’ Demands

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Chandigarh, December 31:–

Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian today intervened to address the long-pending demands of the state’s Veterinary Inspectors.

During a meeting with Punjab State Veterinary Inspectors Association’s delegation led by President Gurdeep Singh Bassi here at Punjab Civil Secretariat, S. Khudian held detailed deliberations and assured the association that their legitimate demands would be addressed expeditiously. The association has demanded to consider 18 month service as regular service of 400 Veterinary Inspectors recruited in 2011, create 87 new posts of Veterinary Inspectors at Tehsil level and implementation of the recommendations of 6th pay commission. After S. Khudian’s assurance the association has decided to call off the proposed Lambi rally.

He also directed the Director Animal Husbandry to fast-track the follow-up on the demands. The Minister specifically committed to facilitating an early meeting with Punjab’s Finance Minister, S. Harpal Singh Cheema, to work towards a resolution on the following core issues.

Chandigarh

Year Ender 2025: Defence Services Welfare Department

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Chandigarh, December 31

During the year 2025, the Defence Services Welfare Department of Punjab remained fully committed to the welfare of families of martyred soldiers, ex-servicemen, widows and disabled soldiers. Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and as per the directions of Cabinet Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat, several significant steps were taken to strengthen welfare measures for the defence community.

Sharing further details, Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat said that the Punjab Government has been discharging its responsibility towards the families of soldiers who laid down their lives for the defence of the nation with utmost sensitivity and respect.

He informed that during 2025, government jobs were provided to the next of kin of 10 martyred soldiers under the Honour and Gratitude Policy in various departments of the Punjab Government.

The Minister further stated that on the occasion of Kargil Day, family members of 65 soldiers martyred during Operation Vijay were honoured in recognition of their supreme sacrifice and dedicated service to the nation.

Mr. Bhagat said that the State Government disbursed ₹3.66 crore as ex-gratia grant to the families of martyred soldiers and disabled soldiers during the year.

He added that during the current financial year, a budget provision of ₹63.22 crore has been made under various schemes for the welfare of families of martyred soldiers, gallantry awardees and ex-servicemen.

The Minister said that pensions of ex-servicemen and widows are being disbursed in a transparent manner through the SPARSH portal. To resolve pension-related issues, 15-day assistance camps were organised at all District Defence Services Welfare Offices across Punjab.

In addition, Mr. Bhagat informed that the State Government distributed electric three-wheel scooters to 10 disabled soldiers to facilitate their mobility and improve their quality of life.

Reiterating the commitment of the State Government, the Minister said that Punjab Government remains fully dedicated to the welfare of martyrs’ families and ex-servicemen and more welfare-oriented initiatives will be introduced in the coming times.

Chandigarh

Unauthorised vending to invite Police Action; MC Steps Up Enforcement Drive

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Chandigarh, December 31: In a bid to ensure smooth pedestrian movement and maintain civic order, the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh has intensified its action against unauthorised and illegal street vending across the city.

The Enforcement wing has recorded that a large number of vendors are illegally occupying footpaths, pavements and public passages by placing stalls, rehris and tables, resulting in inconvenience to pedestrians and disruption of public movement. It has further been observed that during enforcement and anti-encroachment drives, some of these vendors create disturbances, obstruct official duties and, at times, resort to abusive behaviour and physical altercations, leading to law and order concerns.

Such illegal vending activities have been found predominantly in Sectors 15, 17, 19, 22, 41 and Manimajra. Despite repeated challans and seizure of vending material by the Enforcement Branch, these vendors continue to resume unauthorised vending, showing disregard for civic regulations.

To address this issue firmly, the Municipal Corporation has directed the Chandigarh Police to register cases against illegal and unauthorised vendors under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, on receipt of complaints from the Municipal Corporation, citizens or otherwise.

At the same time, the Engineering Wing of the Municipal Corporation has been instructed to strengthen civic infrastructure within designated vending zones by ensuring proper lighting, adequate water supply, installation of paver blocks and clear demarcation of vending sites for registered street vendors, enabling lawful and organised vending.

The Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh has appealed to citizens to support this initiative, which aims to enhance civic amenities, ensure public convenience and enforce compliance with municipal laws in the interest of the city.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Faridabad Gang Rape Case: Congress State President Rao Narendra Singh Launches Sharp Attack on BJP Government, Calls It a Failure of Law and Order

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Chandigarh, December 31, 2025

The inhuman gang rape of a woman in Faridabad has shaken the entire state of Haryana. Reacting strongly to this heinous crime, Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh launched a sharp attack on the BJP government, calling the incident a living example of the complete collapse of law and order under BJP rule.

In his statement, Rao Narendra Singh said,

“Giving a lift, forcing a woman into a car, raping her, roaming around with her for hours and then throwing her on the road—this incident exposes the utter failure of the BJP government. Under BJP rule, criminals are emboldened and women are feeling unsafe.”

Referring to the incident that took place on the Faridabad–Gurugram Road, he said that a married woman aged between 25–28 years was given a lift and made to sit in an Eco van. The accused allegedly gang-raped her inside the moving vehicle for nearly 2–3 hours, assaulted her, and then threw her onto the road while the vehicle was still moving. The victim sustained serious injuries to her head and face, requiring stitches, and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital.

Rao Narendra Singh said that this incident raises serious questions about women’s safety in the state. He asked,

“When women are not safe, what claims is the government making? The failure of the police administration and the government’s insensitivity have given criminals a free hand.”

Demanding immediate action, Rao Narendra Singh said:

The accused must be arrested immediately and the case should be tried in a fast-track court.

The victim should be provided adequate compensation and complete security.

He further demanded a high-level investigation into the entire incident and strict action against the responsible officials.

Rao Narendra Singh concluded by saying,

“There will be no compromise on the safety of Haryana’s daughters. The BJP government must take moral responsibility for this crime.”

Chandigarh, Haryana

Kumari Selja writes to Gadkari seeking development of Sirsa–Ellenabad–Hanumangarh road as a National Highway

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Sirsa / Chandigarh / December 31

The demand to develop the Sirsa–Ellenabad–Hanumangarh road as a National Highway has once again gained momentum. In this connection, All India Congress Committee General Secretary, former Union Minister, and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has written a letter to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, seeking a feasibility study and preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the route. In her letter to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Kumari Selja said this road is a very important connectivity route linking the border areas of Haryana and Rajasthan. Granting it National Highway status would significantly benefit agriculture, logistics, trade activities, and industrial development in the region. At present, the narrow road causes serious difficulties in movement, resulting in major hardships for farmers and traders.

MP Kumari Selja said the Sirsa, Ellenabad, and Hanumangarh regions are primarily agriculture-based, with large-scale production of crops such as cotton, wheat, and mustard. Due to inadequate road infrastructure, farmers incur higher costs and delays in transporting their produce to markets. With National Highway development, not only will transportation become smoother, but investment in sectors such as cold storage, warehousing, and food processing will also receive a boost.

Kumari Selja said this route could be linked to the proposed Bikaner–Chandigarh Industrial Corridor and the Bharatmala Project, giving fresh momentum to industrial and border areas of North India. She also emphasized that the route is strategically important, as it connects areas close to the international border. The MP urged the Union Minister to initiate a feasibility study and DPR at the earliest in the public interest so that the road can be developed as a National Highway. People of the region have welcomed Kumari Selja’s initiative and expressed hope that the demand will be fulfilled soon, giving a new direction to regional development.

:-The Vacant posts for reserved categories are against the spirit of the Constitution:-Kumari Selja

Expressing deep concern over the teacher recruitment crisis, Kumari Selja said the current selection process of the Haryana Public Service Commission is weakening the state’s education system. Due to the mandatory requirement of 35 percent qualifying marks, thousands of eligible candidates—many of whom hold PhDs, NET qualifications, and years of experience are being excluded from selection. This is causing the greatest harm to educationally backward regions like Sirsa, which already suffer from a severe shortage of teachers. Kumari Selja said the vacant posts meant for reserved categories go against the spirit of the Constitution. If the government truly wants to reform education, it must immediately abolish impractical policies such as “Not Found Suitable.” Filling all posts, providing opportunities to qualified candidates, and strengthening the education system is the government’s responsibility. She warned that if a decision is not taken soon, the Congress party will raise this issue forcefully from the streets to the legislature.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Minister Anil Vij hits back at Surjewala: “We don’t hide scams; we expose them. It’s possible this scam is from their time

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Chandigarh, December 31 — Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij strongly responded to allegations of a scam against the government made by Congress leader Randeep Surjewala in the workslip scam case in the Labour Department. He said that “Sh. Surjewala, unlike you, we do not hide scams. If a scam has occurred, it has been exposed. I have written to the Chief Minister for a high-level investigation, and the Chief Minister has also ordered that the investigation be completed immediately in the remaining nine districts so that a decision can be taken in this matter.”

He also said that as elections approach in Bengal, Mamata Banerjee suddenly remembers the entire Mahabharata; once the elections are over, it’s back to ‘Allahu Akbar.’

While speaking to media persons, Labour Minister Anil Vij took a dig at Surjewala, saying that it is possible that this case dates back to their (Congress’s) time. It is not yet clear since when this irregularity has been occurring, nor during whose tenure it happened.

*“As soon as elections approach, Mamata remembers the Mahabharata; once they’re over, it’s back to ‘Allahu Akbar’”: Anil Vij’s sharp jibe at Mamata*

Reacting to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks—made after Union Minister Amit Shah’s entry into West Bengal—that Dushasana came to Bengal at Shakuni’s behest, Energy Minister Anil Vij said in his characteristic style, “Elections have approach in Bengal, so Mamata Banerjee remembers the entire Mahabharata. Once the elections are over, it’s back to ‘Allahu Akbar.’”

*Our BJP government in Haryana is a government that delivers: Vij*

Responding to a question about new roadmaps for his departments with a view to 2026, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that something new happens here every day; the government does something new every day. This is why, for the third time, the aware people of Haryana have formed a BJP government. This has happened for the first time because this is a government that works.

*Anil Vij’s counter to Deepender Hooda on the Aravalli issue: “Is Hooda accusing the Supreme Court?”*

Responding to MP Deepender Hooda’s allegation that the entire Aravalli issue is being played out for donations amounting to Rs.10,500 crore, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that Deepender Hooda is making baseless and unfounded statements. What happened in the Aravalli matter was done by the Supreme Court, and the stay on its decision was also imposed by the Supreme Court. This means he is accusing the Supreme Court. If he is saying that such a decision was taken for that amount of money, then is he accusing the Supreme Court?