Chandigarh, August 29:

Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today said during a press conference at Punjab Bhawan that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is taking immediate and appropriate steps to ensure safety and relief for the people affected by floods. She emphasized that protecting human lives and providing security to citizens is the government’s foremost priority.

Special Arrangements for Senior Citizens

Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that currently 41 Old Age Homes are operational in Punjab, with a total capacity of housing 572 senior citizens, which is being expanded to 700. She said that elderly persons affected by floods will be provided safe accommodation, food, clothing, medicines, and regular medical checkups in these homes. She added that District Social Security Officers, District Programme Officers, Child Protection Officers and Anganwadi workers have been deployed to safely relocate the elderly to secure places.She said that as a special measure, the Punjab Government has directed the concerned district authorities to utilize all Old Age Homes in the state as temporary shelter homes for the flood-affected people.

Initiatives for Children

The Minister said that Anganwadi Centres in flood-hit areas have been prepared as safe shelters for children. Through these centres, khichdi, porridge, and other ready-to-eat meals will be provided. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are also covered under this plan. For child-related emergencies, the 1098 helpline will remain functional 24×7.

Support for Women

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that Sakhi One Stop Centres are equipped to provide special assistance to pregnant and needy women. In addition, free sanitary pads are being distributed to flood-affected women.

Helpline Services

The Minister announced that dedicated helpline numbers have been activated for immediate assistance:

For Children: 1098

For Women: 181

For Senior Citizens: 14567

Chief Minister’s Helpline: 1812240064

All these helplines will operate round the clock, and every call will receive prompt action.

Assurance to People

Dr. Baljit Kaur assured that the Punjab Government is not only committed to relocating people to safe shelters during floods but is also fully prepared to prevent the outbreak of diseases in the aftermath. She reaffirmed the government’s determination to make every possible effort to support flood-affected families.

Safer, Simpler & Affordable Solution for High-Flow AV Fistulae in Nephrology Care

In a significant breakthrough for dialysis patient care, the Department of Nephrology at PGIMER has introduced a pioneering solution to address high-flow AV fistulae complications—an issue affecting a large number of patients. This innovative banding technique, designed as a safe, simple, and affordable day-care procedure, provides an effective alternative to traditional treatments and marks a major advancement in nephrology care.

Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, stated, “This ground-breaking approach exemplifies how tailored, cost-effective solutions can revolutionize patient management, especially in resource-limited settings like ours. We are proud to lead in this field and improve the quality of life for our dialysis patients.”

Underpinning the affordability and cost effectiveness of the technique Prof. H S Kohli, Head, Department of Nephrology, PGIMER, said, “The development of this technique has been a game-changer. It provides a safe, simple, and affordable option for managing high-flow Arterio-venous fistulae, directly addressing a major complication in dialysis care.”

High-flow fistulae are a common complication among dialysis patients. These fistulae, which are surgically created connections between an artery and a vein, are vital for effective dialysis. However, when the fistula’s flow rate becomes excessive, it can lead to increased pressure on the heart, resulting in heart failure, inadequate dialysis, and risks of fistula rupture. Until now, managing such high-flow fistulae required complex procedures involving angiography, hospitalization, and expensive equipment like catheterization labs, often costing around 50,000 rupees—posing a financial burden on patients and healthcare systems alike.

Recognizing this challenge, PGIMER team led by Prof. Manish Rathi from Department of Nephrology and ably supported by Dr Ajay Salwania from Department of General Surgery , developed a simple yet effective banding technique that can be performed without the need for advanced imaging or hospitalization.

Detailing about the technique, Prof. Manish Rathi shared, “Over the past three years, we have successfully carried out this procedure for numerous patients, gaining the world’s largest experience with this approach. The procedure involves placing a controlled constriction on the fistula to reduce its flow, thereby alleviating cardiac strain and preventing further complications. It is performed as a day-care procedure, requiring no anaesthesia in most cases, and can be completed within a short outpatient visit.”

Prof. Rathi further detailed, “This breakthrough method offers multiple benefits. The entire procedure costs approximately 5,000 rupees as compared to Rs 50,000 otherwise with traditional procedures, making it accessible to a broader patient population. It is minimally invasive, eliminating the need for angiography or catheterization labs, which reduces risk and shortens recovery time. Being a day-care procedure, patients can return home the same day, significantly enhancing convenience and reducing hospital stay. Our extensive experience and data have demonstrated high success rates, with sustained improvements in fistula function and cardiac health, providing a new lease on life for many patients suffering from high-flow fistula complications.”

“Our pioneering work has been recognized internationally. We presented our findings at a prominent national conference in Delhi, showcasing the largest body of experience with this technique worldwide. The significance and innovation of our work were further acknowledged when we received the prestigious Best Paper Award two years ago, highlighting our contribution to advancing nephrology care,” further added Prof. Rathi.

“This development marks a major leap forward in managing high-flow fistula complications, offering a safe, affordable, and effective solution. It empowers us, the healthcare providers, to improve patient outcomes while reducing treatment costs and risks associated with traditional procedures.”

“Our team remains committed to enhancing dialysis patient care through ongoing research and innovation. We plan to continue refining this technique and expanding its availability, ensuring that more patients benefit from this life-changing procedure,” concluded Prof. Rathi.

Chandigarh:

The Department of Telemedicine at PGIMER has garnered international attention, attracting delegates from various countries. Notably, representatives from different nations visited the department on 27th August 2025

The Department of Telemedicine hosted a group of health experts from ECUADOR, ETHIOPIA, GHANA, KENYA, MALAWI, MAURITIUS, NIGERIA, RWANDA, TAJIKISTAN, UGANDA, UZBEKISTAN, ZAMBIA and ZIMBABWE . This visit was conducted under a program organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, in collaboration with CDAC, Mohali

Dr Amit Agarwal, Project Lead and Consultant in the Department of Telemedicine, welcomed the delegation, providing insights into the ongoing activities. Emphasis was placed on the development of the Learning Management Information System (LMIS) for undergraduates, tele-education initiatives, and the significance of Clinicopathological Conferences (CPCs), a unique feature of PGIMER. The telecasts of these CPCs will be made available to the visiting countries. Dr. Agarwal also explained that the Department of Telemedicine has been designated as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Centre of Excellence for Telepathology by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, running several projects under these CoEs.

Dr Richa Gupta, Consultant in the AB-HWC project, highlighted the teleconsultation services offered through e-Sanjeevani 2.0 under the AB-HWC project, NHM Haryana. The delegation was informed about the tele-consultation process and witnessed live demonstrations of e-prescription generation. Additionally, Dr. Parminder and Dr Shagun, Consultant Pediatrics, Dr. Anil E., Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Kanya Rani, Consultant Dermatology, and Dr. Atul Arora, Consultant Ophthalmology, Dr. Supriya and Dr Manjinder, Consultants, Pediatrics engaged in interactions with the visiting delegation. Dr. Anil Chauhan, Ms Maanvi and Mr. Pankaj Pant were also present and actively participated in the engagement.

Chandigarh, August 27 – Haryana Energy, Transport & Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij today took a sharp dig at the Opposition in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, stating that “It is true that the Opposition has the right to speak, but the Opposition must also have the capacity to listen. History is witness that all rights of deserters are taken away, he added.”

Sh. Vij was speaking during a debate in the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, in reference to objections raised by the Opposition over the use of the word “Shaitaan”.

He said that the Opposition should also have the patience to listen, but instead they walked out. “When you (the Opposition) do not listen and leave the House, and repeatedly raise the same issue, then it should be considered that the Opposition itself has withdrawn the resolution. Therefore, the Opposition must accept that they have withdrawn the resolution,” he remarked.

Chandigarh, August 27 – Haryana Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that once the construction of the ESI hospital building in Bawal Industrial Area is completed and handed over, the hospital will be equipped with furniture, equipment and staff within three months, inaugurated, and dedicated to the public. He further said that his effort is to ensure that wherever there is a higher demand from workers, a 100-bedded hospital must be established to provide them with health facilities. He informed that 100-bedded hospitals are to be built in Rohtak, Hisar, Ambala, Sonipat and Karnal, for which the process of land transfer is progressing rapidly so that these projects can be completed at the earliest.

Sh. Vij was responding to a question asked by Bawal MLA Dr. Krishan Kumar during the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha. He said that the government has decided to provide land at concessional rates for such hospitals wherever there is greater demand from workers.

He clarified that the ESI hospital in Bawal is not being constructed by the Haryana Government, but rather by ESI, New Delhi, with the construction being carried out by CPWD. Sh. Vij informed that about 85 percent of the construction work of this hospital has been completed, and he has written to the Union Labour Minister to expedite its completion.

Highlighting various projects, Sh. Vij said that he has also written regarding several ESI projects in the state, including a 100-bedded ESI hospital at Ballabhgarh, an ESI dispensary at Panchkula and the construction of the ESI hospital and dispensary in Sonipat. He added that officers of the State Labour Department are in constant coordination with the Central Ministry/Department to ensure speedy completion of these projects.

Sh. Vij said about MLA Dr. Krishan Kumar that he is happy that this is his first time being elected and that he is actively raising issues of Bawal, striving to ensure that the people of the area get benefits as soon as possible.

Chandigarh, August 27:

In a significant recognition to Punjab’s exemplary work in animal husbandry, the Government of India has lauded the state’s Animal Husbandry department for its innovative use of social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook to disseminate crucial information and promote extension activities among livestock farmers. The Centre has also appreciated the department’s doorstep artificial insemination services and exhorted other northern states to adopt this successful model.

The Punjab Animal Husbandry department received accolades during the Regional Review Meeting (RRM) for Northern states and Union Territories, hosted by the Punjab Government and chaired by Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. The meeting reviewed the progress of the Livestock Health Disease Control Program and National Livestock Mission. Eight northern states and UTs – Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Ladakh, Chandigarh and Punjab – came together to review the progress of livestock health and development schemes for 2024-25 and formulate plans for 2025-26, aligning with their approved annual action plans.

Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, Punjab, Mr. Rahul Bhandari, highlighted the department’s key achievements, which include procurement of 3.75 lakh doses of sex-sorted semen for producing female calves to tackle stray cattle issues and achieving 100% FMD vaccination coverage of the target population. The department has made significant strides by conducting 22.26 lakh Artificial Inseminations (AIs) in FY 2024-25, supported by the production of 18.50 lakh semen straws (6.47 lakh for cows and 12.03 lakh for buffaloes), he added.

Mr. Rahul Bhandari also presented the physical and financial progress reports for 2024-25 and 2025-26. The centre’s team led by Ms. Varsha Joshi, comprising Additional Secretary DAHD (GoI) Mr. Rama Shankar Sinha, Joint Secretary DAHD (GoI) Dr. Muthukumarasamy B., and Adviser (Statistics) DAHD (GoI) Mr. Jagat Hazarika, commended the Animal Husbandry Department, Punjab’s efforts and assured additional funding for approved schemes. They also lauded Punjab’s effective implementation of the Punjab Bovine Breeding Act, which regulates breeding activities in cattle and buffalo.

Expressing gratitude to the Centre’s team for their support and appreciation, Mr. Rahul Bhandari noted that the meeting provided a valuable platform to participating states and UTs to share experiences, best practices, and challenges in implementing various programs and policies. The discussions aimed to identify areas for improvement, explore collaboration opportunities, and find solutions to common problems, ultimately fostering inter-state cooperation, idea exchange and knowledge sharing among the participating entities.

He reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s commitment on collaborating with other states and UTs to drive growth and development in animal husbandry, dairy development and fisheries. The meeting was also attended by senior officials from participating states and UTs engage in productive discussions, fostering a spirit of cooperation and collective progress in the region.

Chandigarh, August 27 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij today, during the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, placed a resolution regarding the tragic loss of lives and property in Vaishno Devi, Jammu’s Doda, and Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu and Manali, as well as other affected regions. Under this resolution, all members of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha stood in silence for two minutes to pray for peace to the departed souls of those who lost their lives in these disasters.

While moving the resolution, Sh. Vij said that the previous day, over 30 lives were lost due to a landslide on the route leading to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Similarly, the popular tourist destinations Kullu and Manali also witnessed heavy loss of life and property. In Jammu’s Doda district, cloudbursts caused major devastation, although the complete figures are still awaited. Therefore, he urged that prayers be offered for the peace of those who lost their lives in these calamities.

Following this, Speaker Sh. Harvinder Kalyan directed all members of the Assembly to stand in silence for two minutes in memory of the departed souls.

Chandigarh, August 27:

          Punjab has registered a record labour cess collection of Rs 310 crore in the financial year 2024–25, the highest in the past four years. This marks a significant increase from Rs 203.94 crore in 2021–22, Rs 208.92 crore in 2022–23, and Rs 180 crore in 2023–24.

          Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that this achievement reflects the concerted efforts of the Punjab Government to enhance compliance, improve transparency, and strengthen monitoring mechanisms related to labour welfare. The Labour Department, under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has streamlined cess collection processes, and leveraged digital platforms to ensure accountability and efficiency.

          He said that the government has reiterated its commitment to utilizing the collected funds for the welfare of construction workers, including better access to healthcare, education, skill development, and social security schemes. Sond further said that the robust increase is not only a financial milestone but also an indicator of improved governance and proactive policy implementation in the labour sector. It is pertinent to mention that the Labour Cess is primarily collected from construction-related activities and projects within the state to ensure safety, health and welfare of workers.

          Labour Minister said that the Punjab Building & Other Construction workers welfare board & the Punjab Building Workers Welfare Board has simplified the terms and conditions of the various welfare schemes including Stipend Scheme, LTC Scheme, Shagun Scheme and all services/industrial schemes provided by Labour department under various Acts have been digitized.

Chandigarh, August 27

Punjab Finance Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee for resolving employees’ issues, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, today met with delegations from the various Art and Craft Teachers’ Unions, ETT TET Pass Adhyapak Association (Jai Singh Wala), AIE Kacche Adhyapak Union, Associate Pre Primary Adhyapak Union, All Punjab DST/CTS Contract Instructor Union and Beruzgar Multipurpose Health Worker Union. During these meetings held at the Finance Minister’s office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema listened to the issues and demands raised by the union leaders with sympathy and discussed with senior officials from the concerned departments to find solutions.

In a joint meeting with the Art and Craft Teachers’ unions, Minister Cheema urged the leaders to create a Common Minimum Program to help identify a suitable solution. He also asked them to submit their arguments and supported documents to the Education Department, which will then initiate further action. The Finance Minister also heard the concerns of leaders from the ETT TET Pass Teachers Association (Jai Singh Wala), AIE Temporary Teachers Union, and the Associate Pre-Primary Teachers Union. He gave directives to the Education departments to resolve their legitimate demands soon.

Similarly, during his meeting with the All Punjab DST/CTS Contract Instructors Union and the Unemployed Multipurpose Health Workers Union, the Finance Minister directed the concerned departments to ensure swift action is taken to address the unions’ genuine demands.

In meeting with the Art and Craft Teachers’ unions, President Sandeep Singh of the Berujgar Drawing Masters Sangharash Committee, President Ranjit Singh of the B.Ed PST TET Pass Arts and Craft Teachers Union, President Harjinder Singh of the Art and Craft TET Pass Berujgar Adhyapak Union, and President Rakesh Kumar of the Berujgar PS TET Pass Art and Craft Sangharsh Union, presented their respective cases.

Representatives from other unions including Kamal Thakur (President), Sohan Singh (General Secretary), and Gurmukh Singh (Committee Member) from the ETT TET Pass Adhyapak Association (Jai Singh Wala); Tejinder Kaur (President), Kiranjeet Kaur (Secretary), and Tejinder Singh (Treasurer) from the AIE Kacche Adhyapak Union; Sukhchain Singh (President), Makhan Singh (Secretary), and Sukhbir Kaur from the Associate Pre Primary Adhyapak Union; Sandeep Singh (President) and Jaswinder Singh (General Secretary) from the All Punjab DST/CTS Contract Instructor Union; and Sukhwinder Singh Dhilwan (President) and Raman Kumar (Convener) from the Beruzgar Multipurpose Health Worker Union also presented their demands and issues.

Chandigarh, August 27:

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today said that state-wide flood control rooms are working 24×7 for public assistance during emergency situations. He urged the people to contact these numbers in case of any emergency.

The Cabinet Minister said that district flood control room numbers are Ludhiana: 0161-2433100, Ropar: 01881-221157, Gurdaspur: 01874-266376 and 18001801852, Mansa: 01652-229082, Pathankot: 0186-2346944 and 97791-02351, Amritsar: 0183-2229125, Tarn Taran: 01852-224107, Hoshiarpur: 01882-220412, Jalandhar: 0181-2224417 and 94176-57802, SBS Nagar: 01823-220645, Sangrur: 01672-234196, Patiala: 0175-2350550 and 2358550, SAS Nagar: 0172-2219506, Sri Muktsar Sahib: 01633-260341, Faridkot: 01639-250338, Fazilka: 01638-262153, Ferozepur: 01632-245366, Barnala: 01679-233031, Bathinda: 0164-2862100 and 0164-2862101, Kapurthala: 01822-231990, Fatehgarh Sahib: 01763-232838, Moga: 01636-235206 and Malerkotla: 01675-252003.

All these control rooms are operational 24×7 to ensure immediate response during emergency situations, said Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, adding that the state government has implemented robust flood mitigation measures and comprehensive preparedness protocols to tackle every potential scenario.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the control rooms are equipped with modern communication systems and are manned by trained personnel who can coordinate rescue and relief operations effectively. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and immediately contact the control rooms in case of any emergency.