Chandigarh, August 20:

          The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued the schedule for the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the electoral roll in view of the upcoming bye-election for 21 – Tarn Taran Assembly Constituency.

          Divulging the details, Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C informed that the summary revision will be carried out with reference to 1st July 2025 as the qualifying date, and the process will follow the timeline given below:

I. Rationalization of Polling Stations by 28 August 2025 (Thursday)

II. Publication of integrated draft electoral roll on 02 September 2025 (Tuesday)

III. Period of filing claims & objections from 02 September 2025 (Tuesday) to 17 September 2025 (Wednesday)

IV. Disposal of claims & objections by 25 September 2025 (Thursday)

V. Final publication of electoral roll on 30 September 2025 (Tuesday)

          CEO, Punjab Sibin C further informed that a detailed communication has already been issued to all recognized political parties in Punjab regarding the Special Summary Revision for Tarn Taran Assembly Constituency.

          Reiterating the Commission’s commitment to ensuring maximum electoral participation, Sibin C said, “The Election Commission is dedicated to providing every eligible voter the opportunity to enrol and exercise their democratic right. The Special Summary Revision is an important step to ensure that the rolls are accurate, inclusive, and transparent ahead of the bye-election in Tarn Taran. We urge electors of Tarn Taran to actively verify their entries, file claims or objections if required, and make full use of this window for correction and enrolment.”

CHANDIGARH, August 20:

 The Punjab Police has formed several teams to investigate the camps which are allegedly collecting the personal information of individuals in the name of Government Schemes.

 The inquiries have been instituted after receipt of complaints stating that personal data of citizens is being collected by unauthorized persons who are holding camps, making the personal data vulnerable to data thefts and bank frauds. It has also been reported that forms are being filled-up at these camps

 The District Police Authorities have instructed the Inquiry Teams to join concerned persons in the inquiries, visit the alleged places of holding camps and conduct investigations in accordance with law.

          A Punjab Police spokesperson has appealed to the citizens not to share their personal data, including Aadhar Cards etc. with unauthorized individuals and access the Government Schemes directly online or through authorized mechanisms.

          The spokesperson added that the Government Suvidha Centres are facilitating citizens wishing to enroll themselves in Government Schemes or download beneficiary Cards, available after authentication of identity of the applicant from the database.

Chandigarh, August 20:

The Government has received credible reports that certain private operators are illegally collecting personal data of local residents, allegedly on behalf of political parties.

Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesperson of the Government said that under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), any collection or use of personal data without consent is a punishable offence. The local police has been directed to take strict penal action against those engaged in such unlawful activities.

It has also come to notice that several individuals who shared their data were later targeted in scams and banking frauds, including cases where phone numbers and OTPs were misused to siphon off money.

The Government therefore strongly urges the citizens not to share their personal information with unauthorized persons or agencies, as it may be misused at any stage. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and immediately report any such illegal activity to the authorities.

Chandigarh, August 20, 2025

Department of Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh today organised a special lecture on the topic “Strategic Autonomy and Contemporary World” by Prof. Vijay Khare.

Prof. Khare is a distinguished academic and expert in international relations, global politics, and strategic studies. He is currently the head of department of Defence and Strategic Studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra.

In his lecture, Prof. Khare focused primarily on contemporary global order and challenges to strategic autonomy of the modern states. He traced the development of modern global political architecture from the first World War to the 21st century. He gave a chronology of major international events in order to understand the current international scenario. He pointed that India’s foreign policy of maintaining strategic autonomy was begun with the Non-Alignment Movement adopted by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and India faced various sanctions and challenges from western world in its pursuit of building a considerable economic and military power in order to maintain its strategic autonomy.

Prof. Khare emphasised that in the post Cold War era, a multipolar world is emerging, where India’s efforts have shifted from maintaining strategic autonomy to strategic balance in order to secure and pursue its national interests. He also expressed his apprehension that lack of research and innovation is hindering India progress at the world stage. He suggested that the government should invest in building its soft power to influence world opinion in its favour. He concluded the lecture by saying that India needs to maintain strategic balance along with strategic autonomy in order to secure its interests.

The lecture was organised under the guidance of Prof. Jaskaran Singh Waraich, Chairperson, Department of Defence and National Security Studies. The department felicitated the speaker, and welcomed the guest, faculty members, research scholars and students present for the event. Dr. Priya introduced the theme of the special lecture and its relevance to international politics to the audience.

Dr. Urmila proposed the vote of thanks and recognised the importance of such events for creating awareness of international events among the academic community. The lecture was attended by the faculty, research scholars, students and student officers of the Department. The session proved to be intellectually enriching and aligned with the department’s commitment to fostering critical thinking and academic dialogue.

Chandigarh, August 20, 2025

The Equal Opportunity Cell for Persons with Disabilities (EOC-PwDs), Panjab University, in collaboration with Bibi Rajni Sewa Society (BRSS), organized an awareness program titled “Limitless: Stories of Inclusion and Strength” at the Student Centre, Panjab University.

The program was graced by Prof. Ramesh Kataria, Coordinator-cum-Nodal Officer for PwDs; Prof. Namita Gupta, Dean Student Welfare (Women); Dr. Amritpal Kaur, Chairperson, Department of IETVE; and Ms. Simran Kaur, Founder of Bibi Rajni Sewa Society.

The event showcased the creative talent and resilience of PwDs students through a variety of performances, including a thought-provoking skit jointly enacted by PwDs and non-PwDs students, along with soulful singing, stand-up comedy, and poem recitations by PwDs students.

As a mark of appreciation, certificates were distributed to scribes and volunteers who provide academic support to PwDs students of the university.

Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries applauded the efforts of PwDs students and volunteers, highlighting that inclusion is not just about accessibility but also about celebrating diversity and talent. They encouraged students to continue working together in creating a compassionate, supportive, and inclusive campus environment.

Chandigarh, August 20, 2025

Panjab University, Chandigarh today hosted Principals’ Workshop on “NEP 2020: Implementation Challenges and the Way Forward” at the Seminar Hall, Rajiv Gandhi College Bhawan, Panjab University Chandigarh.

PU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig, presided over the workshop organised by the Office of the Dean, College Development Council (DCDC). In her address, she shared the future course of action regarding the Implementation of National Education Policy – 2020.

Earlier, Dean, College Development Council Prof. Ravi Inder Singh, extended a warm welcome to the Vice-Chancellor, distinguished dignitaries, and all participating principals. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between the University and its affiliated and constituent colleges to translate the vision of NEP 2020 into action.

About 120 Principals and NEP Coordinators from different affiliated and constituent colleges of Panjab University took part in the workshop to deliberate on the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Discussions revolved around addressing challenges, exploring best practices, and formulating practical solutions for institutional readiness.

Distinguished speakers shared valuable insights, and the interactive sessions are expected to inspire institutions to work collaboratively towards achieving the objectives of National Education Policy – 2020.

The workshop concluded with an interactive session, during which queries from principals and teachers were addressed by Prof. Jagat Bhushan, COE, Prof. Anil Monga, NEP Coordinator & Prof Veenu Mangat.

CHANDIGARH, August 20:

 The Punjab Police has formed several teams to investigate the camps which are allegedly collecting the personal information of individuals in the name of Government Schemes.

 The inquiries have been instituted after receipt of complaints stating that personal data of citizens is being collected by unauthorized persons who are holding camps, making the personal data vulnerable to data thefts and bank frauds. It has also been reported that forms are being filled-up at these camps

 The District Police Authorities have instructed the Inquiry Teams to join concerned persons in the inquiries, visit the alleged places of holding camps and conduct investigations in accordance with law.

          A Punjab Police spokesperson has appealed to the citizens not to share their personal data, including Aadhar Cards etc. with unauthorized individuals and access the Government Schemes directly online or through authorized mechanisms.

          The spokesperson added that the Government Suvidha Centres are facilitating citizens wishing to enroll themselves in Government Schemes or download beneficiary Cards, available after authentication of identity of the applicant from the database.

Chandigarh, August 20:

The Government has received credible reports that certain private operators are illegally collecting personal data of local residents, allegedly on behalf of political parties.

Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesperson of the Government said that under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), any collection or use of personal data without consent is a punishable offence. The local police has been directed to take strict penal action against those engaged in such unlawful activities.

It has also come to notice that several individuals who shared their data were later targeted in scams and banking frauds, including cases where phone numbers and OTPs were misused to siphon off money.

The Government therefore strongly urges the citizens not to share their personal information with unauthorized persons or agencies, as it may be misused at any stage. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and immediately report any such illegal activity to the authorities.

Chandigarh, 18 August 2025:

The general elections to elect the members of the Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads are to be held by 05.10.2025 as per Notification no. P.A.9/1994/S.209/2025/6205 dated 05.08.2025, issued by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats.  For these elections, the Panchayat voter lists already published on 03.03.2025 by the Districts are to be updated. The State Election Commission has issued directions vide its letter dated 14.08.2025  addressed to all the Deputy Commissioners for updation of the electoral rolls of the voters with qualifying date of 01.09.2025, as under:-

PROGRAMME

I Draft publication of existing Electoral Rolls: On 19.08.2025.

II Filing of Claims and Objections, if any : From 20.8.2025 to 27.8.2025

III Disposal of claims and objections :By 01.09.2025

IV Final publication of electoral rolls: On 03.09.2025.

For this purpose, eligible persons may use Form-I (for inclusion of name); Form-II (for objections to inclusion of name); Form-III (objections to particulars in any entry).  These Forms are available with the concerned SDMs (Electoral Registration Officers), and are readily also available for download on the Commission’s website (https://sec.punjab.gov.in/ PANCHAYAT ELECTION→ STATUTORY FORMS).

 All the Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers in the State have been directed to give wide publicity at local level in all the rural areas covering Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis constituencies, so that all the eligible persons having completed 18 years of age as on 01.09.2025, are given due opportunity to register themselves as voters to participate in the elections.

State Election Commission duly informs the general public in rural areas as well as interested eligible voters to use this opportunity to enter their names in the voter list for the ensuing Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samitis elections, or to submit application to carry out any deletions, or amendments, if so warranted.

Chandigarh, August 18

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, who also serves as the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee formed to address the issues and demands of government employees, on Monday held meetings with the representatives from the Powercom & Transco Contractual Employees Union, the Punjab Ayurvedic Medical Services Association, and the Homeopathic Medical Officers Association to discuss their concerns in detail.

During a meeting at the PSPCL Guest House with the Powercom & Transco Contractual Employees Union, Finance Minister Cheema was joined by Power Minister Harbhajan Singh E.T.O and PSPCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director A.K. Sinha. The Finance Minister was briefed on the actions taken so far by the department in the direction of resolving the union’s legitimate demands.

Finance Minister Cheema directed department officials to prepare a proposal regarding these demands and discuss it with the Finance and Personnel Departments to facilitate further action. He assured the union leaders that the Punjab government is committed to resolving their legitimate demands. The union was represented by State President Balihar Singh, General Secretary Tek Chand, and Press Secretary Inderpreet Singh.

Earlier, at his Civil Secretariat office, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema held separate meetings with the Punjab Ayurvedic Medical Services Association and the Homoeopathic Medical Officers Association. He engaged in detailed discussions regarding their demands and instructed both departments to prepare proposals for a quick resolution and submit them to the Finance Department. The union leaders thanked the Finance Minister for his sympathetic consideration of their demands.

Attendees from the Ayurvedic Medical Services Association included Patron Dr. Sanjeev Goyal, President Dr. Amanpreet Singh, and General Secretary Dr. Rajiv Mehta. The Homoeopathic Medical Officers Association was represented by Patron Dr. Rajiv, President Dr. Balwinder Kumar, General Secretary Dr. Harinder Pal Singh, and Vice President Dr. Richa.