Chandigarh, September 21:

In a swift and effective response to protect Punjab’s agrarian economy from the floods aftermath, the Punjab Government has successfully immunised over 1.75 lakh livestock against Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS) disease within a remarkably short span of just one week. The targeted inoculation drive, covering 713 villages across flood-affected districts, has helped avert a potential animal health crisis, informed S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, Punjab.

Elaborating on the mass inoculation drive, S. Khudian revealed that the campaign, launched on September 14, is a crucial component of the state’s flood rehabilitation action plan, being implemented to safeguard the primary asset and livelihood of thousands of affected farmers by protecting their livestock from potential health crisis.

Directing the department officials and field staff to complete the inoculation drive by the end of this month, the Animal Husbandry Minister stated, “This critical immunisation drive is a protective shield for the livestock, which are the backbone of Punjab’s agrarian economy. Protecting the livestock is equivalent to securing the financial future of thousands of families affected by the recent floods.” Notably, the districts covered under this critical initiative include Amritsar, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Moga, Pathankot, Rupnagar and Tarn Taran.

Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh led Punjab Government’s multi-pronged animal relief action plan has made significant stride, with over 1,300 special camps set up in 713 flood-hit villages, delivering medical treatment to over 2.52 lakh animals, said S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian.

Underlining the proactive steps being taken to support livestock nutrition and health, Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry department Mr. Rahul Bhandari informed that Uromin Licks have been distributed in 428 villages and Mineral Mixture in 388 villages so far to strengthen livestock immunity.  Additionally, KMnO4 crystals have also been distributing the affected villages as a preventive measure to safeguard animal health.

Animal Husbandry department’s large-scale, door-to-door campaign was made possible by mobilising hundreds of veterinarians and field staff. Their relentless efforts ensured that help reached even the most remote, flood-affected areas, added Mr. Bhandari.

Chandigarh, September 21:

Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today informed that the department has mounted a wide-ranging flood relief and restoration campaign across the affected towns and villages. He said that apart from general measures such as debris clearance, carcass disposal, sewer cleaning and repair of public assets, the department has initiated targeted actions to ensure speed and efficiency in recovery efforts.

Dr. Ravjot Singh stated that each officer has been assigned a specific jurisdiction under an “Area Responsibility Plan” with directions to prepare a detailed account of damages to houses, shops, roads, sewerage and other infrastructure. Immediate steps for repair and restoration have already been initiated and tenders are being processed on war footing to enable early execution.

Highlighting measures for public health and safety, the Cabinet Minister said that stray animals are being systematically taken into custody by municipal teams. With the assistance of the Health Department, anti-rabies injections are being administered to stray dogs while vaccination drives for cattle and other animals are being organized in all affected areas. Special shelters have been identified to house stray cattle and animals until conditions return to normal. These steps are crucial to control stray animal movement, prevent infections and ensure humane care, he added.

Giving details of sanitation restoration, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the Government has placed sewerage restoration at the centre of its relief operations. A total of 4,407 sewermen have been deployed round the clock across flood-affected Urban Local Bodies to clear clogged sewers and prevent health hazards. Mapping of sewer networks has been undertaken to identify heavily clogged and damaged stretches while modern machinery and manual intervention are being combined for large-scale de-silting. Critical institutions such as hospitals, schools, marketplaces and densely populated neighbourhoods are being accorded top priority.

He further pointed out that the safety and well-being of sewermen remains a top concern with protective gear, mechanized tools and medical support being provided to those working in hazardous conditions. Along with immediate clearance, repair of damaged sewer lines, manholes and pumping stations is underway to restore long-term functionality of the system.

The Cabinet Minister also mentioned that the relief campaign is not confined to sewerage alone. Restoration of damaged houses and shops under PMAY–Urban 2.0 has begun for eligible beneficiaries. Financial assistance is being extended to street vendors through a special campaign from September 17 to October 2 offering loans of Rs.10,000 with a total credit facility of up to Rs.80,000 under guarantee coverage.

Simultaneously, debris removal and scientific carcass disposal are being carried out to restore hygienic conditions while 543 fogging machines have been deployed for mass operations to curb vector-borne diseases, he added.

Dr. Ravjot Singh categorically said that daily monitoring reports are being compiled under the supervision of municipal engineers to ensure effective outcomes. He said that the entire operation is being closely monitored at both district and state levels. Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Executive Officers are directly supervising progress while a centralized monitoring cell is tracking daily reports from ULBs to ensure transparency. Ward-level committees and community volunteers are also extending vital support in identifying blocked points and assisting in ground-level execution.

Chandigarh, September 19. Haryana Railway Police has once again proved its promptness and efficiency. Within just 50 hours of the sensational abduction of a 4-year-old girl from Gurgaon Railway Station, the police rescued the child safely from Pilibhit Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh and handed her over to her family. This operation is not only an example of swift action but also a perfect blend of technological surveillance and ground-level effort.

Sensitive Action of Railway Police: From Saving Lives to Strengthening Public Trust

On this occasion, Director General of Police, Haryana, Mr. Shatrujeet Kapur said that the functioning of Railway Police is not limited to discharging duties alone, but it is a living example of humanity and public service. Restoring the smile of an innocent child, reuniting missing children with their parents, or giving new hope to people standing on the edge of despair—these efforts are the strongest bonds that connect police with the public. He further said that the sensitivity and promptness of the Railway Police has not only saved lives but also deepened the sense of security in society, strengthening public trust and confidence in the police. This trust, he added, ultimately becomes the greatest strength for crime control and social peace.

The Incident: Abduction of the Innocent Child

On September 16, 2025, at Gurgaon Railway Station, an unknown accused drugged a man and, taking advantage of the situation, abducted his young daughter.

Police’s Swift Strategy

As soon as the information was received, Railway Superintendent of Police Mrs. Nitika Gehlot gave the matter top priority and immediately took charge of the action. Under her instructions, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Faridabad, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, supervised the formation of 18 raiding parties. Each team comprised three police personnel, cyber experts, and experienced officers skilled in analyzing CCTV footage.

Blend of Technology and Field Operations

Police scanned CCTV footage from Gurgaon to Anand Vihar Railway Station. Images of the suspect were widely circulated by the RPF and Railway Police. Considering the seriousness of the matter, some teams were also dispatched to Rajasthan (Kotputli, Alwar) and Uttar Pradesh (Bareilly, Pilibhit).

Operation Pilibhit: A Success Story

When the police team was searching at Pilibhit Railway Station, the accused realized the police activity. Under pressure, he abandoned the child there and fled the spot. The police immediately took the child into their protection and, after conducting a medical examination, handed her over to her family. The girl was absolutely safe. The family was overwhelmed with joy upon getting their missing child back and repeatedly thanked the police personnel.

Local Cooperation and Humanitarian Effort

The role of the technical surveillance team was crucial in this entire operation. In addition, taxi and auto drivers at Gurgaon Railway Station also actively assisted the police. This cooperation emerged as an excellent example of police-public partnership.

Recent Achievements of Railway Police

In just the past month, GRP Haryana has achieved several remarkable feats. Twenty-four innocent children, who were being illegally transported through trains, were rescued safely and reunited with their families. During the same period, 23 children separated on platforms and trains were traced and handed over to their families. In addition, 2 men and 9 women who had reached the railway tracks with the intention of committing suicide were saved and safely sent back to their homes.

Symbol of Public Trust

This operation by the Railway Police demonstrates that if sensitivity, technology, and teamwork are combined in the right direction, even the most difficult challenges can be overcome. The safe return of the child is not only a matter of relief for the family but also a living example of the police’s efficiency and commitment to public service.

Chandigarh, September 17.

Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has demanded that the support price of sugarcane be fixed at a minimum of ₹500 per quintal, that paddy procurement be started immediately, and that the market fee be reduced by 1 percent. He announced that he would donate one month’s salary to the flood relief fund and appealed to all MLAs, including Congress legislators, to also contribute one month’s salary to provide meaningful assistance to the flood-affected. Hooda was addressing reporters at his residence.

He said that floods have devastated nearly 30 lakh acres of farmland across Haryana, and around 5.1 lakh farmers are suffering losses. Despite more than a month having passed, the state continues to grapple with the aftermath, yet the BJP government has failed to take concrete steps to provide relief. Hooda, who personally visited flood-affected areas from Jind and Rohtak to Yamunanagar, said that everywhere people complained of a lack of assistance and inadequate relief measures.

Hooda expressed surprise that the Haryana government has neither declared the state flood-affected nor sought a relief package from the Centre. He said this reveals the government’s intention of keeping people trapped in prolonged processes of portals and land surveys, thereby withholding timely compensation.

According to Hooda, farmers have suffered losses of nearly ₹1 lakh per acre, with standing crops completely destroyed and no prospects for the coming harvest. This means farmers are facing losses for two consecutive seasons. He said that farmers must receive compensation of at least ₹60,000 to ₹70,000 per acre, while the government is offering an amount that is even less than the cost of fertiliser.

He pointed out that the floods have also hit the paddy crop hard. Whatever little farmers managed to save has begun reaching mandis, but procurement has not yet started. Hooda demanded that procurement begin on September 20 and that the entire crop be purchased at the MSP. He further urged the government to reduce the market fee from 4 percent to 1 percent, noting that high fees are forcing mills to migrate from Haryana to other states. Many of these mills were established in Haryana during the Congress regime when fees were kept lower but are now shifting away due to the burden of higher charges.

Hooda said that the floods have exposed not only the poor arrangements of the BJP government but also its corruption. In cities, scams were carried out in the name of the Amrit scheme and sewerage cleaning, with the result that entire towns turned into ponds with the first rainfall. In villages and fields, canals and drains were neither cleaned nor embankments strengthened. He alleged that scams were also committed in the name of laying pipelines in many villages, which proved useless as no water was drained when the floods came.

He also raised questions about the conduct of the Election Commission, saying that it has not given any clear answers regarding the issue of fake votes. It has not explained how such a large number of bogus votes were created, who was responsible, and what action has been taken. Hooda said that fake votes are widespread in Haryana as well and that the BJP misused ration cards to manipulate elections. Just before polls, the number of BPL cards was inflated to 52 lakh, implying that nearly 80 percent of the state’s population was below the poverty line. Yet soon after elections, cancellations began, and 11 lakh ration cards have already been revoked. He asked whether such cards were issued to steal votes or to enable a ration scam and said that in either case this is a grave instance of corruption and theft of mandate that warrants strict action against the guilty.

On the state of higher education, Hooda said that not a single university in Haryana has figured in the top 100 institutions of the country. Since the BJP came to power, the quality of higher education in the state has steadily deteriorated. He pointed out that in the NIRF 2025 rankings released on September 4, no university from Haryana found a place among the top 100.

Commenting on the INLD, Hooda said that both the INLD and the JJP are merely proxies of the BJP. As the BJP cannot face the Congress directly in Haryana, it resorts to fighting through such alliances. He recalled that last time the BJP fought a proxy battle with the support of the JJP, while this time it has tied up with the INLD. In Sirsa, the BJP even withdrew its candidate to ensure the victory of INLD ally Gopal Kanda, whose statement itself brought the BJP-INLD alliance out in the open.

He added that in constituencies such as Rania, Narwana, Ellenabad, and Dabwali, the INLD extended support to the BJP while the BJP openly backed INLD candidates. Hooda said that the people of Haryana fully understand their true nature and that there is no need to waste time responding to their claims.

Chandigarh, September 17:

Urban Local Bodies across Punjab have stepped up action under the ongoing 10-day cleanliness campaign with focused work on road repair, clearance of silt from drains, restoration of damaged streetlights and water supply lines and removal of garbage from vulnerable points. Dedicated teams supported with JCBs, tractor trolleys, compactors and fogging machines are working round the clock to restore normalcy in flood-affected towns and cities.

Divulging further, Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh said that ward-wise rosters have been prepared and circulated, ensuring daily focus areas are assigned to teams for systematic execution. Nodal officers including Zonal Commissioners in larger corporations like Ludhiana are directly monitoring the operations by supervising two to three wards daily, in addition to regular sanitation drives.

The Cabinet Minister informed that awareness activities are being carried out every day to educate citizens about cleanliness and encourage their participation. He highlighted that staff and local residents are being actively engaged through personal involvement of officers to motivate communities in maintaining hygiene.

Dr. Ravjot Singh further stated that compactors and waste processing plants are being monitored daily, while damaged infrastructure including roads, water supply networks and streetlights is being repaired proactively. Special teams have been mobilised to clear garbage vulnerable points and reduce waste accumulation.

He said that the entire campaign is being documented through before-and-after photographs. PESCO ex-servicemen have been deputed in all urban areas to support reporting, verification and monitoring of works to ensure accountability. A grievance redressal mechanism has also been activated to address the concerns of flood-affected residents.

Chandigarh, September 17

In a spirited beginning to the 9th edition of the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025 campaign, Sh. Rajeev Verma, IAS, Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, formally launched the citywide initiative under the aegis of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The 15-day campaign titled ‘Swachhotsav’, ‘Whole of Government and Whole of Society’ commenced at the iconic Rose Garden, with a powerful display of a human chain by Safaimitras representing the principles of Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle (RRR). This was followed by a Swachhata Rally, and presentation of manpower and sanitation machinery mobilized by the Municipal Corporation for the duration of the campaign.

Running from 17th September to 2nd October, culminating on Gandhi Jayanti, Swachhotsav 2025 aims to ignite a collective call to action across the “City Beautiful,” inspiring mass public participation in high-impact swachhata drives. The campaign uniquely combines the cultural fervour of the Indian festive season with civic responsibility, promoting cleanliness as a way of life.

During his address, Chief Secretary Sh. Rajeev Verma emphasized the campaign’s core theme of blending celebration with responsibility. He highlighted that Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs)—spaces in the city that are dark, dirty, or neglected—will be rapidly identified, transformed, and beautified not only during the campaign but also in the long term. He reiterated that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi Ji, SHS 2025 is anchored on the transformation of CTUs, the welfare and safety of Safaimitras, and building a plastic-free, sustainable urban environment. He appealed to citizens from all sections of society to come together for the celebration of Swachhta hi Seva.

Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary-cum-Secretary Local Government, Chandigarh, elaborated on the five key focus areas of Swachhotsav. These include the fast-track transformation of CTUs, cleanliness activities across public spaces, the organization of SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivirs—single-window camps for health, safety, and dignity of sanitation workers, promotion of Clean Green Festivities that are eco-friendly and zero-waste, and Swachhata Advocacy to spread the message of responsible sanitation practices. He stressed that the “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” shramdaan on September 25 will see active participation from citizens, political representatives, SBM ambassadors, youth groups, NGOs, partner organizations, and influencers. He also informed that during these Shivirs, frontline sanitation workers will be recognized and felicitated for their tireless contributions.

Municipal Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, who welcomed all dignitaries, detailed the series of initiatives being undertaken during the 15-day pakhwara. These include Clean Park Drives, Swachh School – Swachh Kal campaigns, Waste to Art Exhibitions, targeted cleanliness drives in collaboration with Resident Welfare Associations and Market Welfare Associations, Swachh Kanjak events, plastic collection drives, and the grand felicitation ceremony for cleanliness champions at the conclusion of the campaign.

 He encouraged citizens to actively participate in the Swachhata Pratiyogita, a citywide competition launched during the event to involve all sections of society. Participants can register and submit their entries through the digital link https://shorturl.at/XkJqI.

The launch event itself was a zero-waste programme, strictly adhering to sustainability guidelines, setting an example of how public events can remain environmentally conscious. The occasion was graced by several senior officials from the Chandigarh Administration and the Municipal Corporation, reflecting a united and determined approach toward making Chandigarh a model of cleanliness and civic pride.

Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 reaffirms Chandigarh’s commitment to cleanliness, sustainability, and inclusive urban development, encouraging all citizens to be agents of change.

Chandigarh:

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, successfully organised a Mega Health Camp under the Government of India’s flagship Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan. The camp witnessed an overwhelming response from the community, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to strengthening women’s health and family well-being through early detection, preventive care, and awareness generation.

Adding a global dimension, a group of final-year medical students from Lund University, Sweden, currently on an elective training programme at the Advanced Paediatric Centre (APC), also participated. The delegation engaged with Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, and faculty teams, commending the camp’s scale, efficiency, and people-centric approach.

Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER,“The participation of international students underlines the global relevance of India’s health initiatives. At PGIMER, we are committed to strengthening women’s health, and it is gratifying to see our efforts being appreciated beyond borders. Such exchanges enrich both sides and strengthen our collective vision for healthier societies.”

Ms. Tilda Gunnarsson, a visiting student, observed, “The organisation and outreach of this camp are truly inspiring. Seeing long queues of women waiting patiently and the effort to address every concern was moving. PGIMER’s ability to combine compassion with efficiency is something we aspire to replicate in our healthcare system.”

Echoing her sentiments, Ms. Pavel Larsson added, “What impressed me most is how seamlessly awareness, screening, and treatment are integrated under one roof. The emphasis on women’s health empowers not only individuals but entire families. This is healthcare that is both accessible and deeply humane.”

In sync with their teammates, Ms. Maria Kökeritz and Ms. Mai Stensson shared, ““The energy, compassion, and commitment here are extraordinary. Few large-scale initiatives match such attention to detail. The focus on preventive care and early detection is particularly valuable. For us, this has been an eye-opening experience with lessons far beyond textbooks.”

The Lund University delegation, led by faculty from Skåne University Hospital, is in PGIMER from 15–19 September. Their elective focuses on paediatrics in low- and middle-income settings, offering exposure to diverse clinical presentations, healthcare priorities, and structured workflows in India. Their programme includes ward rounds, specialty clinics, academic sessions, and emergency care observation.

The collaboration, facilitated by Professors Arun Bansal and Sanjay Verma, seeks to foster cross-learning and strengthen global medical education. The visit not only highlighted PGIMER’s role in public health outreachbut also reinforced its position as ahub for international exchange and collaboration in healthcare.

The Mega Health Camp at PGIMER under Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan recorded an impressive turnout with a strong focus on women’s health. A total of 259 antenatal check-ups were conducted, along with 2,459 haemoglobin screenings and 690 breast cancer screenings. Preventive care remained central, with 901 diabetes, 1,079 hypertension, 77 cervical cancer, 238 oral cancer, and 378 sickle cell disease screenings. In addition, PGIMER also conducted , 94 major surgeries, and facilitated 450 blood donations through various camps today. In line with the objective of Govt. of India, Ayushman Bharat cards and ABHA ids were generated at the camp, reflecting PGIMER’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare and community outreach.

Chandigarh, September 17, 2025:

The Department of Sociology at Panjab University today hosted a seminar on “Clean and Safe Drinking Water: A Human Right” led by Mr. Paramjit Singh Rana, from Canada, an expert in environmental health and water management.

Mr. Rana began the seminar by explaining the differences between various types of drinking water, including tap water, reverse osmosis (RO) water, and underground water. He outlined the different values and uses of each type, stressing the importance of understanding the quality of water sources for effective public health strategies.

A significant part of his presentation focused on the degradation of water sources, particularly in areas like Cherapunzi, which receives the highest rainfall in the country. He highlighted how water quality in different regions across India has deteriorated over the last few decades due to rising levels of radiation and heavy metals, as well as inefficient sewage management systems.

The session, which was attended by over 40 students, was earlier inaugurated by Dr. Vinod Kumar, Chairperson of the Department of Sociology. The seminar focused on the crucial issue of water quality and its direct impact on public health and human rights.

Chandigarh, September 17, 2025

As part of Alumni Connect Series, the Department of Library and Information Science, Panjab University, Chandigarh, today organised a special lecture on “Education, Ethics & Professional Experiences in Library and Information Science”.

Mr. M. Lokendro Singh, an alumnus of the department and presently serving as Assistant Librarian at Manipur University, Imphal delivered the lecture. The lecture was attended by research scholars and students of the B.Lib.I.Sc. and M.Lib.I.Sc. programs.

Mr. M. Lokendro Singh emphasised that education in the modern era must move beyond textbooks to cultivate ethical reasoning and professional competence. He noted that while degrees provide technical expertise, ethics shape character and professional experiences build practical judgment, together forming the foundation of holistic growth. He highlighted how breaches of ethics affect both individual reputations and institutional credibility, urging students to imbibe values of honesty, accountability, and social responsibility.

Earlier, Prof. Rupak Chakravarty extended a warm welcome to the resource person.

Chandigarh, September 17, 2025

The Centre for Police Administration today organised the Induction cum Orientation Programme-Rookie 2025 for the new batch of First year students of Masters in Police Administration,at the Centre.

The programme commenced with an inspiring inaugural session with Professor BS Ghuman, former Vice Chancellor, Punjabi  University, Patiala as the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Mr. Manjeet Sheoran, SP Intelligence, Headquarters, SP EOW, Assistant Commandant General Home Guards, Communication in Chandigarh Police and Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Chairperson, Centre for Police Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh graced the occasion.

Chief Guest Prof. BS Ghuman emphasised the purpose of the Centre for Police Administration to link the theoretical perspectives of Police Administration with practical aspects of policing. He put forth that the purpose of induction has been to promote social cohesion and also to acquaint the students with their potential to seek life skills for greater sustainability in future. He mentioned the significance of upholding moral integrity and compassion towards human being, in course of pursuit of individual goals.

Mr. Manjeet Sheoran, SP, highlighted the significance of laws and rules i.e. BNS for creating an ideal society for coming generation. He stated the police, as a civil agency, consistently work towards creating more secure and livable social environment. This also calls for genuine compliance of rules by the citizens as well. He also spoke about the challenges faced by police administration in undertaking policing function.

Earlier, Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Chairperson, welcomed the esteemed guests for sparing their valuable time to share their academic and professional insight. He also stated the Induction Programme aimed to introduce the newly admitted students to the course that is a blend of public service, governance, and academic inquiry.

In Session two, Dr. L.S. Rana, Former Deputy Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Punjab, Guest of Honour shared his insight regarding relationship of forensic science with police administration. Dr. Hemant Kumar, DIG (Rtd.), BSF, Keynote Speaker motivated students about career orientation in police and other armed services.

Session three was graced by Dr. R.K. Sharma, former Professor of Public Administration, PU encouraged the students to define their vision and mission while pursuing the course of police administration. Dr. Parvesh Kumari, Inspector, addressed the students to be rule oriented and law-abiding citizens. She encouraged the students to lead a life with a well-defined purpose.

The Programme was attended by an approximate sixty participants including, the students of MA Ist & IInd year, faculty members i.e. Dr. Shaveta Begra, Dr. Satnam Singh, Dr. Daljit Singh and Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan, research scholars and office staff.