Chandigarh, September 17, 2025

As part of the Orientation Week for the new batch of PG in Human Rights and Duties at Panjab University (PU), Founder of Coventurers and a seasoned professional Mr. Anas Shah Khan today delivered a lecture on “Social Entrepreneurship, Start-ups and Business Acumen: Empowering Human Rights for Social Change” at the Centre for Human Rights and Duties (CHRD), Panjab University.  

Mr. Khan delivered the lecture and inspired students to view human rights through the lens of innovation and enterprise. He shared his personal journey of building initiatives and collaborating with diverse organisations, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of working at the intersection of rights and entrepreneurship. Drawing on real-life examples, he explained how social entrepreneurship can transform everyday problems—such as inequality, unemployment, and injustice—into opportunities for dignity, livelihood, and sustainable impact. He underlined the importance of business acumen for social good, noting that financial management, communication skills, and teamwork are essential to sustaining meaningful change.

In his closing message, Khan urged students not to wait for perfect conditions but to begin with what they have, where they are: “Small sparks become big flames when hands join.” The lecture left the audience motivated, energised, and better equipped to connect human rights advocacy with entrepreneurial spirit.

Dr. Upneet Kaur Mangat, Chairperson, Centre for Human Rights and Duties shared the lecture emphasised the start-up mindset: beginning small, experimenting, learning from failures, and scaling successful ideas.

Students were encouraged to think critically about problems in their own communities and to design small-scale pilot projects, even with minimal resources.

Chandigarh, September 17

Panjab University, Chandigarh today organised a lecture by Professor Ashwani Pareek, Executive Director of NABI, Mohali on “Innovate, Create, Transform: Empowering Youth through Biomanufacturing”. The lecture was organised by the Department of Biotechnology under the aegis of INSA Chandigarh Chapter.

Highlighting the BioE3 Policy (Education, Entrepreneurship, Empowerment), Professor Pareek underlined the pivotal role of biotechnology in the ongoing “era of Biorevolution”, urging youth to actively contribute as innovators and entrepreneurs. He explained its role in fostering sustainable solutions across healthcare, agriculture, and industry, while also serving as a roadmap towards India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 – a fully developed, self-reliant, and prosperous nation. He emphasised that public and private sector investments are driving the biotechnology ecosystem, opening immense opportunities for startups and young researchers.

The lecture was chaired by Professor Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER, SAS Nagar Mohali, who encouraged students to explore interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurship. He stressed that institutional collaborations and incubation centres provide young scientists with platforms to transform ideas into proofs of concept.

Concluding remarks were given by Co-Coordinator of Chandigarh Chapter of INSA Professor R.C. Sobti, former Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Central University, Lucknow, who reiterated the importance of the BioE3 framework in shaping careers in biotechnology. Professor Neena Capalash, Chairperson, Department of Biotechnology, delivered the vote of thanks.

Chandigarh, September 17

The camp, organised in association Akhil Bharatiya Terapanth Yuvak Parishad under the guidance of Dr.Parveen Goyal, NSS, Programme Coordinator and Programme Officers Dr. Sonia Sharma and Dr.Neelam Goyal, began by celebrating National Engineers Day. The blood donation camp received encouraging response from the students and 41 Units of blood was donated.

Addressing the function, Director UIET Prof. Sukhwinder Singh appreciated for celebrating thus auspicious day. In his address Prof. Sukhwinder highlighted the importance of celebrating the Birthday of M. Visvesvaraya as National Engineers Day.

Prof. Prashant Jindal, Prof. Sarbajit, Prof.Mamta, Prof.Naveen Aggarwal and Dr. Gaurav Sapra addressed the students and told them the importance of Engineers in articulating the nation. They also motivated students for start ups.

Chandigarh: Panjab University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Renu Vig released the special edition of the Department of Economics’ six-monthly newsletter, Arthashastrika. 

Covering the period from January to June 2025, this special edition also documents the renaming of Arts block III as Dr. Manmohan Singh Hall. The edition also highlights a range of activities over the past six months, including academic and cultural events, memorial lectures, Ph.D. viva examinations, department trip, farewell week, notable achievements, and national-level selections and placements.

On this occasion, Department’s Chairperson Dr. Smita Sharma informed that the department oversees four research centres and is actively looking forward to pursuing international Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).  

Editorial team of Arthashastrika was also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, September 17

The General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has said that the recent devastating floods have caused huge damage to farmers’ crops. Instead of providing relief to farmers in this difficult time, the government is entrapping them in the complications of the portal. In such a situation, it is the government’s responsibility to immediately take steps in the interest of farmers and provide proper compensation to the affected farmers at the earliest. 

In a statement released to the media, Kumari Selja said that farmers are complaining that the portal created for flood victims neither has timely internet access nor is it functioning properly. At many places, the portal was found to be non-functional, and despite September 17 being the last date, farmers were unable to register their crops. On September 15, the server remained down the entire day. Kumari Selja said it is extremely unfortunate that when farmers urgently need support and relief, the government is shirking its responsibility. Kumari Selja said that the portals launched by the state BJP government can only succeed if internet services are improved. Compared to cities, the condition of internet facilities in rural areas is very poor. Farmers keep making rounds of CSC centers from morning till evening, only to be told every time that the server is down or the internet is not working. MP Kumari Selja said that the government should not take any step that troubles farmers. Paddy has been the most affected crop due to the floods, and insurance companies are reluctant to provide compensation for it. The government should also take action in this regard. 

Kumari Selja demanded that the government itself conduct a girdawari (crop damage assessment) and evaluate the actual damage caused by floods, provide immediate compensation to farmers without delay, postpone recovery of affected farmers’ loans for one year, bear the interest of this period itself, and instead of entangling farmers in portal-related technical issues, deliver relief and assistance directly to them. Kumari Selja said that the floods have dealt a severe blow to farmers’ livelihoods, and it is the government’s duty to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety of farmers’ lives and future.

Chandigarh/Bhogpur (Jalandhar), September 17:

The Food, Civil Supplies Minister & Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today formally commenced the paddy procurement season at Bhogpur Dana Mandi in Jalandhar district, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to lift every Single grain farmers’ produce.

Reviewing the procurement arrangements, the Minister said the State Government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is determined to ensure smooth and hassle free procurement season for all the stakeholders.

Despite the challenges posed by recent floods, robust arrangements had been made across Punjab to ensure that farmers face no implications in selling their crops, added Mr. Kataruchak.

Addressing the media, Mr. Kataruchak noted that farmers’ welfare has always remained the top priority of the state during procurement seasons.

He informed that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy has been fixed at ₹2,389 per quintal, and the government has already secured Cash Credit Limits (CCL) worth ₹15,000 crore for September and ₹27,000 crore for October. He further said that adequate arrangements of bardana (gunny bags) have been made to avoid inconvenience to farmers.

This year, the target of 172 lakh MT paddy procurement was given to Punjab but arrangements have been made to procure nearly 190 lakh MT paddy.

The Minister assured that lifting and payment will go hand in hand, with prompt transfer of payments directly into farmers’ accounts. He directed officials of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Punjab Mandi Board, and District Administration to personally monitor operations in mandis to ensure transparency and efficiency.

The Punjab Mandi Board has operationalized 1822 Mandis/Purchase Centers to ensure smooth procurement besides ensuring the adequate arrangements with regard to electricity, clean drinking water and other amenities in the mandis.

During his visit, he also interacted with farmers Gurkirat Singh, Jaspal Singh, and Sukhraj Singh, who appreciated the swift procurement process in Bhogpur Dana Mandi. The Minister assured them that their payments would be made at the earliest. He also appealed to farmers to bring only fully dried paddy to the mandis, as higher moisture levels could hinder procurement.

Senior AAP leader Pawan Kumar Tinu, SDM Randeep Singh Heer, DFSC Harveen Kaur, and officials from various departments were also present on the occasion.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, September 17:

          In a major breakthrough against cross-border narco-terror networks amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a drug-free state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted drug smuggling syndicate being operated by Moga-based Jagpreet Singh alias Jagga with the arrest of its key operative and recovered 7.1 kg heroin from his possession, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Yasin Mohammed (22), a resident of village Atwa in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh (UP), presently residing at Village Lalru in Mohali. The accused has criminal background with cases pertaining to Arms Act, NDPS Act, Theft and Snatching registered against him.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that accused Jagpreet Singh alias Jagga was in touch with Pak-based smugglers and he along with arrested accused Yasin Mohammed was running the network.

          The DGP said that a thorough investigation is currently underway to uncover the full nexus, including both backward and forward linkages of the network.

          Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that the police teams had received a reliable input that on instructions of accused Jagpreet, his associate picked up the heroin consignment— dropped via drone by Pak-based smugglers— from designated area in Ajnala sector. Acting swiftly police teams launched an intel-based operation and arrested suspect Yasin Mohammed from Wadali in Chheharta, when he was returning after retrieving the heroin consignment, he said.

          The CP said that preliminary investigation has revealed that after retrieval of contraband, arrested accused Yasin used to deliver it to Jagpreet, who further disseminated it to his linkages in Malwa region of Punjab. They both were together lodged in Ludhiana jail, he said.

          He said that further investigation is on. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 186 dated 15.09.2025 has been registered under sections 21C and 25 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar Commissionerate.

Chandigarh, September 17:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday launched ‘Mission Chardi Kala’- a global fundraising campaign to raise funds for the state Government’s rehabilitation efforts for 2025 Punjab flood victims

In a video message, the Chief Minister said that in the past days, the state witnessed a scene that our generations will never forget. He said that the floods didn’t just bring water rather it washed away millions of dreams. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 2,300 villages submerged, more than 2 million people affected, five lakh acres of crops destroyed, 56 precious lives were lost and seven lakh people have become homeless.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that 3,200 government schools have been damaged, 19 colleges turned into rubble,1,400 clinics and hospitals have been ruined, 8,500 kilometers of roads have been destroyed and 2,500 bridges have collapsed. He said that According to initial estimates, the loss is around ₹13,800 crore, and the actual damage may be even greater. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the most horrifying tragedy in Punjab’s history adding that this is state’s biggest test too as every time Punjab has faced a crisis, we have never bowed down but we have stood tall, with strength and courage.

The Chief Minister said that even during this flood, he saw how the youth risked their lives to save others, how gurdwaras and temples opened their doors and served food to distressed people and how entire Punjab stood together like one big family, which is our greatest strength. He said that now it is time to move beyond relief and begin rehabilitation as our farmers need to sow their fields again, Our children need to return to school and Families need to rebuild their homes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the reason why the state government has launched Mission Chardi Kala, which means strength even in sorrow, hope even in darkness.

The Chief Minister appealed to every Punjabi, to every citizen of India, to industrialists, artists, charitable trusts, and to all Punjabi brothers and sisters across the world that today Punjab needs them. He gave them a clarion call to come together and hold Punjab’s hand in this time of need adding that all of them should open their hearts and support Punjab generously. Bhagwant Singh Mann promised that every single rupee of their contribution will be used with full honesty and transparency, solely for rehabilitation and rebuilding.

The Chief Minister urged the people that they should contribute by visiting www.rangla.punjab.gov.in. He expressed hope that together Punjabis will once again prove that Punjab never gives up and it always remains in Chardi Kala. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a special war room has also been set up in his office to directly oversee all activities related to Mission Chardi-Kala adding that he will monitor these efforts personally on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister held a video conference with the Deputy Commissioners of all districts to review the flood relief efforts. He directed the Deputy Commissioners to visit the flood relief camps and other affected areas daily to ensure that people do not face any kind of inconvenience. Bhagwant Singh Mann apprised them of Mission Chardi Kala and stated that every single penny collected under this mission will be spent on the rehabilitation of the flood-affected people.

On the occasion Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and others were also present.

Chandigarh, September 17 – Under the guidance of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij, the Labour Department organized a ‘Shramik Samman evam Jagrukta Samaroh’ across the state on the auspicious occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. This programme was held simultaneously at a total of 146 labour squares located in all districts of the state, in which around 33,000 workers participated. A large number of workers from factories, shops, construction sites, and the unorganized sector were present.

A government spokesperson informed that the main objective of this programme was to make workers aware of their rights, safety provisions, and welfare schemes being run by the government, as well as to honour their contribution to society. On this occasion, workers were informed about their rights and safety provisions under labour laws. They were also given detailed information about various welfare schemes being run by the Labour Department.

He further said that to explain the information in a simple and effective way, specially prepared information brochures, posters, and banners were used. Through this, workers could easily understand the schemes in simple language. During the programme, sweets were distributed among all the workers as a mark of respect. Departmental officers, public representatives, social workers, and local distinguished guests were present at each venue. They appreciated the workers’ efforts and contributions and encouraged them to avail the benefits of welfare schemes.

On this occasion, speakers said that workers are the backbone of the state’s economic and industrial progress. It is through their hard work and dedication that industries, construction, transport, and trade flourish. The goal of the Labour Department is to ensure that every worker is aware of his rights, works in a safe environment, and can secure a better life for his family.

The workers also shared their problems and experiences, which the departmental officers discussed attentively and assured solutions.

This initiative of the Haryana Labour Department is not only an important step towards spreading awareness among the working class but also a symbol of honouring their contribution and enhancing the dignity of workers in society.

Chandigarh, September 17 – Haryana Environment and Forest Minister, Rao Narbir Singh said that from September 17 to October 2, a Special campaign will be carried out across the state, fully dedicated to promoting environmental protection and greenery.The aim of this campaign is to spread Mahatma Gandhi’s message of maintaining cleanliness to every citizen and to implement Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

Sharing information in this regard, the Forest Minister said that the Haryana Forest Department has prepared a special action plan to make this campaign a great success. Under this plan, the slogan “Ek Ped Hazaron Sanson Ka Sahara, Aaj Lagao Kal Bachao” will be widely promoted. As part of this effort, ‘Namo Van’ or parks will be established at 75 locations across the state. These parks will serve as a unique gift from the people of Haryana to Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday. Through these forests and parks, Haryana will not only enhance greenery but will also provide a clean environment for future generations.

He further said that on September 25, on the occasion of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Jayanti activities like, cleanliness drive, awareness campaign etc. will be organised under the “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” campaign. On this day, all Forest Department officers, and employees will also participate in this cleanliness drive at various public places, promoting the message of cleanliness in society.

Rao Narbir Singh said that to spread the message of importance of cleanliness and greenery to the general public, the department has prepared four special mobile vans. These vans will be deployed sequentially in all circles and districts of the state. In the North Circle, the campaign will run for three days each in Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, and Ambala districts. Similarly, in the Central Circle, the vans will be active for three days each in Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, and Jhajjar. In the South Circle, programmes will be conducted for three days each in Faridabad, Nuh, and Rewari, and for two days each in Palwal, Gurugram, and Mahendragarh districts. In the West Circle, the campaign will run for three days each in Jind, Sirsa, and Bhiwani, and for two days each in Fatehabad, Hisar, and Charkhi Dadri districts.Through these vans, the general public will be motivated toward environmental protection and cleanliness.

Rao Narbir Singh appealed to the people of the state that every citizen must actively participate in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and treat the cleanliness initiative as a personal responsibility. He especially appealed to the youth and students to take part in environmental and cleanliness-related programmes during this Special campaign, inspiring their families, society, and the entire state.

During the Special campaign, the Forest Department will also organise slogan writing, painting competitions, and other cultural activities for school children to raise environmental and cleanliness awareness from childhood itself. He emphasised that if even small children in society start thinking and taking steps in this direction, not just Haryana but the entire country will surely become clean and green, he added.

Rao Narbir Singh further said that the Special campaign is not just a government formality but a call to every citizen’s responsibility. If everyone comes together to plant trees and make the pledge of cleanliness part of life, environmental protection will no longer be a distant dream but a near-future reality.