Chandigarh, August 24

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare of freedom fighters and their families. To honour the brave heroes who made supreme sacrifices for India’s independence, the State Government is providing a monthly pension of Rs 11,000 to freedom fighters and their dependents.

Freedom Fighters Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat said that earlier the pension was only Rs 9,400 per month, but the Mann Government increased it to Rs 11,000. This step has further enhanced the dignity and respect of these families. He affirmed that the Punjab Government stands shoulder to shoulder with freedom fighters and their dependents at all times.

Mr. Bhagat stated that, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, serving and honouring freedom fighters is the foremost duty of the Government. He said that these great sons of the soil, who contributed immensely to the freedom struggle, are a source of inspiration for all of us, and paying them respect is a matter of pride.

The Minister further added that Punjabis made an unparalleled contribution to the freedom struggle against foreign powers. “It was their courage and sacrifices that secured our nation’s independence. Their legacy will continue to inspire patriotism and love for the country among generations to come,” he remarked.

CHANDIGARH, August 24:

          Amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the information received from the people on Punjab’s ‘Safe Punjab’ WhatsApp Chatbot portal— 9779100200— has led to the registration of 5,562 first information reports (FIRs) since March 1, 2025.

          Notably, the ‘Safe Punjab’ anti-drug helpline 97791-00200 is a flagship initiative of the Punjab Government aimed at providing anonymous, accessible, and non-judgmental support to individuals grappling with drug-related issues.

          “Safe Punjab Chatbot has emerged as a game-changer as it has received an overwhelming response from the public for its confidentiality feature encouraging individuals to report smugglers, addicts, and providing suggestions,” said the Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, while further encouraging people to anonymously share information regarding drug traffickers on this chatbot without any fear.

          The Special DGP said that apart from the ongoing crackdown against the drug smugglers and peddlers, the Punjab Police under the leadership of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav has also embarked on a special anti-drug awareness campaign to foster a sense of unity and collaboration among the general public in the fight against this critical issue.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that under this special campaign against drugs, Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police (CPs/SSPs) have been directed to organise different awareness events including SAMPARK programmes, Meeting with Students, etc. in their respective districts to engage the general public, youth, non-government organisations (NGOs), clubs, etc in the fight against drugs. Since March 1, 2025, Punjab Police has organised 1153 SAMPARK meetings, while, 4293 meetings have been organised with the students, he said.

          Sharing outcome of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, Special DGP Arpit Shukla said that Punjab Police has registered 17,373 FIRs and arrested 26,995 drug smugglers since March 1, 2025, and recovered 1096 kg heroin, 380 kg opium, 23 ton poppy husk, 29 kg charas, 421 kg ganja, 6 kg ICE, 3.3 kg cocaine, 32.91 lakh intoxicant pills/tablets and Rs 12.43 crores drug money from their possession.

          Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its cordon and search operation (CASO) against drugs on Day 176, and conducted raids at 320 locations on Sunday leading to the arrest of 68 drug smugglers after registration of 48 first information reports (FIRs) across the state.

          The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 1 kg heroin, 5633 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 23,910 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          He informed that over 120 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 70 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 345 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          The Special DGP said that with 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 47 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, August 23, 2025

On the second day of the three-day Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave (HBCC) 2025, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, inaugurated the state-of-the-art Robotic-Assisted Cancer Surgery facility at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC), Punjab.

The prestigious conclave, being held at the campus of Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Chandigarh, has brought together leading oncologists, researchers, and healthcare experts from across the country to deliberate on the latest innovations in cancer treatment, care, and prevention.

The ceremony was graced by Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, as the Chief Guest. During the event, he inaugurated Robotic-Assisted Cancer Surgery at HBCH&RC Punjab. Commending the hospital’s contributions to cancer care in the region, the Governor said, “Over the past 80 years, Tata Memorial Centre has carved out a unique identity in the field of cancer treatment worldwide. With the alarming rise in the number of cancer patients in our country, the expansion of TMC has become a necessity. Today, there are nine centers established across India, two of which are in Punjab—a region that was in dire need of such advanced facilities.”

The second edition of Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave witnessed participation from distinguished medical leaders including Dr. Shripad D. Banavali, Director (Academics), Tata Memorial Centre; Dr. A.K. Attri, Director Principal, GMCH-32 Chandigarh, Dr. Satyajit Pradhan, Director, HBCH & MPMMCC Varanasi, and Dr. Umesh Mahantshetty, Director, HBCH&RC Vizag.

The ceremony began with a welcome address by Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC), Punjab, followed by the release of the Annual Magazine and the much-awaited launch of Robotic Cancer Surgery at HBCH&RC Punjab —a milestone in advanced cancer treatment for the region.

Highlighting environmental and lifestyle-related factors, the Governor remarked on the rising cancer burden, “Industrial pollution, contamination of the Sutlej river, increased use of chemical fertilizers, and lifestyle changes are all contributing to the rise of cancer cases. It is essential to focus on prevention and awareness while addressing the root causes of cancer if we are to control its spread.”

Speaking about national health initiatives, he added, “A healthy individual is the foundation of a healthy society, and a healthy society is the foundation of a healthy nation. No country can progress without health as its top priority. In 2013-14, India’s health budget was ₹33,000 crore. Today, it has increased to ₹1 lakh crore, a testament to the Government of India’s commitment to healthcare under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

Praising HBCH&RC’s preventive campaigns, the Governor said, “The hospital has screened more than 1.7 lakh people for early detection of cancer and treated many patients at an early stage. This is a remarkable achievement.”

Launch of Robotic Cancer Surgery at HBCH&RC Punjab

The introduction of robotic surgery marks a transformative leap in cancer treatment at HBCH&RC, Punjab. This cutting-edge technology enables surgeons to perform complex cancer surgeries with greater precision, minimal blood loss, and quicker recovery times. With this launch, HBCH&RC becomes one of the very few government cancer hospitals in North India to offer robotic-assisted surgical care, ensuring that patients from Punjab and neighboring states have access to world-class cancer treatment without the need to travel outside the region.

In a patient-centric initiative, Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director, HBCH&RC Punjab announced that the first 80 robotic surgeries for patients in the general category will be provided free of cost.

On this occasion, Director Gulia, highlighted the vision of the conclave, “HBCC 2025 is a confluence of science, innovation, and collaboration. Our mission is to bring cutting-edge cancer treatment to patients while creating an ecosystem where knowledge and research directly translate into improved patient care. The launch of robotic cancer surgery aligns with our commitment to precision oncology, ensuring that no patient in Punjab has to travel far for advanced treatment.”

He further added, “We are delighted to have over 400 experts and delegates joining us for HBCC 2025. I extend my gratitude to NMIMS for supporting us in hosting this academic event in North India. We remain committed to advancing education and awareness about common cancers across the region.”

The session also featured academic discussions on molecular pathology, gynecological and genitourinary cancers, pediatric oncology, breast oncology, and musculoskeletal oncology, along with masterclasses on advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

The conclave is hosting lectures, debates, panel discussions, and a special Cancer Awareness Walkathon at Sukhna Lake.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Alok K. Goel, Organizing Secretary, who acknowledged the contributions of dignitaries, faculty, and delegates in making HBCC 2025 a landmark event in the fight against cancer.

Chandigarh, August 23 — The grand unveiling and welcome ceremony of the Hero Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025 trophy was held in Chandigarh. The event took place at Hotel Hyatt Centric, Sector 17, and was organized by Hockey Chandigarh. Bollywood actor Jimmy Shergill and Punjab MP Malvinder Singh Kang graced the occasion as special guests. Speaking at the event, Shergill said, “Hockey is a heritage deeply tied to our national sporting spirit. Such tournaments inspire the youth to take up sports and bring pride to India.” MP Malvinder Singh Kang added, “Events like the Asia Cup are not just about sports but also promote unity and brotherhood. It is a matter of pride that India is hosting this mega event.” Hockey Chandigarh President Karan Gilhotra expressed that Chandigarh has always been the nursery of Indian hockey and this tournament would serve as a source of inspiration for the younger generation. Senior Vice President Pushvinderjit Singh and Vice President Anil Vohra of Hockey Chandigarh were also present. The prestigious tournament will be held from August 29 to September 7, 2025, at the newly built Hockey Stadium in the historic city of Rajgir, Bihar. A total of eight teams will participate in the 12th edition of the Asia Cup — India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, China, and Malaysia, while the remaining two teams will qualify through the AHF Cup. This tournament is expected to mark a new milestone in India’s sports infrastructure and place Bihar prominently on the international sporting map. Notably, Rajgir had earlier successfully hosted the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in November 2024, where India emerged as the winner. Bollywood actor Jimmy Shergill and Punjab MP Malvinder Singh Kang with Hockey Chandigarh President Karan Gilhotra , Secretary Anil Vohra and Senior Vice President Pushvinderjit Singh during the unveiling of the Hero Asia Cup 2025 Trophy in Chandigarh.

Chandigarh, August 23 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday inaugurated the newly constructed building of the Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute of Fiscal Management in Sector-3, Panchkula. The state-of-the-art building has been built at a cost of  Rs 50.12 crore.

Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goyal, Public Works Minister Ranbir Gangwa and Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao were also present on the occasion.

Extending his best wishes, the Chief Minister said that the institute would serve as a high-quality think tank, providing the Haryana Government with policy advice, data-driven insights and innovative solutions. He said that the institute would act as the backbone of financial decision-making in the state. Its vision, he said, is aligned with the recommendations of the Seventh State Finance Commission and Haryana’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This initiative would bring new direction and momentum to fiscal management in Haryana, he added.

Highlighting the importance of sound fiscal management, Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that effective financial planning plays a pivotal role in accelerating a state’s development. Recalling Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047, he said that Haryana would make a significant contribution towards this national vision. He further said that the Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute of Fiscal Management, as an apex institution of the state government, will focus on financial policy, research and implementation of SDGs.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Chairman State Finance Commission Sh. Sanjeev Kausal,  Director General of the Institute Dr. Anshaj Singh, Panchkula Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal, former Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta, and Deputy Commissioner Monika Gupta along with several senior officers were also present on this occasion.

Chandigarh August 23: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini urged the officers to work together as ‘Team Haryana’ to build a new and better Haryana. He said that, with the goal of making the state cleaner, greener, and more beautiful, a Swachta Ranking of all Haryana cities will soon be launched, on the lines of Centre’s Swachh Survekshan. Cities that perform best in cleanliness will be honored for their efforts.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini was presiding over a cleanliness review meeting with senior state government officers including Additional Deputy Commissioners from all districts, the Municipal Corporation Commissioners, District Municipal Commissioners, Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), and Principal Medical Officer (PMOs), in Panchkula today. The Deputy Commissioners joined the meeting through video conferencing. Earlier, he inaugurated the newly constructed building of the Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management in Sector-3.

Urban Local Bodies Minister Sh Vipul Goel, Public Works Minister Sh Ranbir Gangwa, and Health and Family Welfare Minister Ms. Arti Singh Rao were also present in the meeting.

Keeping our surroundings clean is everyone’s responsibility

 Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has envisioned making India a developed nation by 2047, and the officers will play a crucial role in shaping this vision. He recalled that when the Prime Minister assumed office in 2014, he gave a message of Swachh Bharat-Swasth Bharat, which has had a positive impact on future generations. Today, every child is aware of the importance of cleanliness. Sh Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that it is the collective responsibility of all of us to keep our surroundings clean and to guide society towards a new direction.

 All cleanliness complaints should be addressed promptly

 He said that ‘Seva Pakhwada’ will be celebrated across the state from 17 September to 2 October, during which many awareness programs will be organized to ensure active public participation. He directed the Municipal Corporation officials to promptly resolve even the smallest cleanliness complaints to further build public trust in the government. He also emphasized involving Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and other social organizations in cleanliness efforts. Additionally, he called for the beautification and maintenance of round-abouts (chowks) under CSR initiatives to enhance the beauty of the cities.

No stray cattle should be seen on roads in the state

 While taking cognizance of the problem of stray cattle in the cities, the Chief Minister directed to ensure that not even single stray cattle should remain on the roads. He emphasized that if even a single cow is found wandering, it must be immediately sent to Gaushalas. He said that an unprecedented increase has been made in the budget for the construction of Guashalas in the state.

Government committed to improving lives and bringing positive change

 The Chief Minister said the state government is working with promptness to fulfill the basic needs of the people, including electricity, water, education, health, and sanitation. The government’s goal is to make life easier for the people and bring about positive change. He urged officials to work together as a team and carry out their duties with full dedication and honesty for the benefit of society.

Ensure the best medical facilities are available to every patient

 Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that a doctor is like a god to patients. Every patient visiting the hospital should be listened to patiently and provided with the best medical care. The government’s objective is to ensure that health facilities in all civil hospitals match those of private hospitals, so people do not need to seek treatment elsewhere. To achieve this, district hospitals are being equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as CT scans, MRI, digital X-rays, ultrasounds, and testing labs.

In the meeting, Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Sh Vipul Goel said that, following the instructions of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, the drainage system during this monsoon season has improved significantly. He also praised the department officials for their efforts. Sh Goel also informed that the Urban Local Bodies Department will launch an 11-week cleanliness campaign across the state starting August 24, focusing on cleaning buildings, roads, hospitals, and other urban establishments.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Ms Arti Singh Rao said that Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini aims to ensure that civil hospitals provide better medical facilities than private hospitals. She added that renovation and beautification work is underway in civil hospitals to create a more welcoming environment for patients.

Chief Secretary Sh Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary Health Sh Sudhir Rajpal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh Arun Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary of Urban Local Bodies Department Sh Vikas Gupta, Director General of Information, Public Relations and Languages Department Sh K.M. Pandurang, and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, August 23 – Haryana’s Minister of Cooperation, Jails, Elections, Heritage and Tourism Dr. Arvind Sharma said that under the able guidance of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the state government led by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini is fulfilling the resolve to enhance the respect of cattle. Today, the government’s efforts to improve basic facilities in cowsheds and make them self-reliant are being witnessed by everyone. He handed over fodder grant cheques worth ₹4.70 crore to cowsheds of Gohana and nearby areas.

Dr. Arvind Sharma was speaking after distributing fodder grant cheques to operators of 9 cowsheds at a programme held in Gohana on Saturday.

He said the Haryana Government is continuously taking steps to make the state free from stray cattle and to make cowsheds self-reliant. He added that during the Congress regime, only ₹2 crore per year was allocated for cattle promotion, but in the past 10 and a half years under the BJP government in Haryana, this budget has increased to ₹595 crore. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has released ₹88.50 crore as fodder grant for 605 cowsheds from Sirsa, while in the past 10 and a half years, ₹270 crore has already been released for fodder grants.

Chandigarh, August 23 – In a proud moment for the Bharat Scouts and Guides, Dr. Rupam Sandhu has been elected as a Member of the Asia-Pacific Regional (APR) Committee for the term 2025–2028. Her election places India alongside Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and the Maldives in the prestigious regional body.

Dr. Rupam Sandhu, who currently serves as the State Commissioner (Guide) of the Haryana State Bharat Scouts and Guides, was elected through a democratic voting process at the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference held in New Delhi. The conference, hosted by India this year, witnessed participation from over 200 young women representatives from 23 countries. The votes of these delegates led to her well-deserved selection to the Committee.

A Senior Dental Surgeon by profession, Dr. Sandhu has been associated with Scouting for many years and has contributed significantly to the movement. Her vision and dedication were widely appreciated by voters across the region, culminating in this remarkable victory for India.

On this occasion, Dr. K.K. Khandelwal, IAS (Retd.), Chief National Commissioner of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, congratulated Dr. Sandhu and stated that this is the first time India has secured representation in this world body. He further emphasized that this achievement is a matter of immense pride for the Bharat Scouts and Guides, and through the efforts of Dr. Shandhu, the Girl Guide movement in India will become more empowered and stronger.

Chandigarh, August 23 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the State Government is continuously working for the protection and welfare of cows. Along with financial grants for fodder, efforts are being made to make gaushalas self-reliant.

The Chief Minister was addressing a ceremony for distribution of fodder grants to gaushalas at Shri Krishna Gaushala, Badopal in Fatehabad district on Saturday. At the event, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to Shri Rajendranand Maharaj, calling his life a source of inspiration, and urged citizens to take inspiration from his life and carry forward social work. In the gaushalas premises, he planted a Triveni sapling under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign to give the message of environmental protection. On this occasion, the Chief Minister handed over fodder grant cheques of ₹7.2 crore to managers of 67 gaushalas in the district. He said that this year, a total grant of ₹88.50 crore is being released for 605 gaushalas of the state.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also announced ₹21 lakh for the development of village Badopal and declared that the wildlife treatment centre in Badopal will be named after Shri Rajendranand Maharaj. He also announced that six demands raised for the Fatehabad Assembly constituency will be fulfilled after checking feasibility at the departmental level. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare & Animal Husbandry Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, Public Works Minister Sh. Ranbir Singh Gangwa, and Rajya Sabha MP Shri Subhash Barala also announced to give ₹11 lakh each to the Badopal gaushalas.

The Chief Minister said under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, in the past 11 years, the double-engine government has been working for the protection of the cow, the Gita, and the Ganga.

Along with financial aid for fodder, gaushalas are also being supported to become self-reliant by providing machinery as per demand. For Panchagavya production, 101 gaushalas have been given a grant of ₹6.50 crore for purchasing machines.

He said that in the last 10 and a half years, fodder grants worth ₹358.50 crore have been given. Solar power plants have been installed in 330 gaushalas, and the remaining gaushalas will soon get them. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has implemented the Rashtriya Gokul Mission for the protection and promotion of indigenous cow breeds.

The Chief Minister stated that till 2014, there were only 215 registered gaushalas in the state with 1.75 lakh cattle. In the past 10 years, the government has increased this number, and currently there are 686 registered gaushalas where 4 lakh stray cattle are being taken care of. In 2014-15, the budget for the Gau Seva Aayog was only ₹2 crore, which the present government has increased to ₹595 crore. For the rehabilitation of cattle, 200 gaushalas have been given grants of ₹10 lakh each for building sheds, out of which 51 sheds have already been completed. He said that 800 e-rickshaws will be given to gaushalas, and the procurement process is underway.

Haryana contributing to the dream of a ‘Viksit Bharat’

The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has taken a pledge to make India a developed nation by 2047. Haryana is making a significant contribution in this direction. The state government is implementing welfare schemes for the poor and working strongly towards simplifying people’s lives, thereby playing an important role in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Work done for farmers’ welfare

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the State Government has implemented many schemes for farmers’ welfare. While farmers are being encouraged for natural farming, their crops are also being procured at Minimum Support Price (MSP). He said that between 2004 and 2014, only ₹1,155 crore was given as compensation for crop loss. But between 2014 and 2025, the present government has given ₹15,500 crore as compensation for crop damage. The Chief Minister said a permanent solution will be provided to the problem of waterlogging (sem) in some villages of Fatehabad area, and work has already started. Orders have been issued to HAREDA to check the capacity of solar pumps.

On this occasion, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the cow is linked to our culture. The cow has historical and mythological importance. The milk of indigenous cows has medicinal properties, and cows embody five elements. He said the main purpose of organizing such a programme is to create public awareness and sensitivity towards serving cows. Every household should have a place for the cow, and citizens should contribute to cow protection and promotion with this spirit. He praised the working style of the Chief Minister and said due to the government’s policies, excellent work has been done in the direction of cow protection and the feeling of ‘gau seva’ has developed among people.

MLA Sh. Randhir Panihar, former minister Sh. Devender Babli, Chairman of Haryana Scheduled Commission Prof. Ravindra Baliyala, former MLA Sh. Dura Ram and a large number of villagers were present at the event.

Chandigarh: A state-of-the-art oncology clinic was launched at Shalby Hospital Mohali on Saturday. The clinic was launched by Deep Inder Kaur Shergill, a philanthropist and social worker. The clinic is designed to provide holistic cancer care, with a strong focus on early diagnosis, prevention, and personalized treatment, said Dr Ashwani Kumar Sachdeva senior consultant surgical oncology.