सीएम धामी ने प्रदेश के सभी स्वर्णकारो से आग्रह किया है कि वे उत्तराखंड की पारंपरिक आभूषणों को भी वैश्विक मंचों पर भी प्रस्तुत करने का प्रयास करें। मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा है कि आज संपूर्ण विश्व भारतीय कला, संस्कृति और डिज़ाइन की ओर आकर्षित हो रहा है इसलिए हमें चाहिए कि हम अपने पारंपरिक डिज़ाइन को वैश्विक बाजार की मांग के अनुरूप ढालें, जिससे भविष्य में ‘लोकल टू ग्लोबल’ का सपना साकार हो सके।  

मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि स्वर्णकारों का यह प्रयास हमारी युवा पीढ़ी को भी अपनी संस्कृति और विरासत से जोड़ने का माध्यम बनेगा, जो आज आधुनिकता की दौड़ में अपने पारंपरिक आभूषणों और लोकशिल्प से विमुख होती जा रही है।

मुख्यमंत्री ने स्वर्णकारों को आश्वस्त किया है कि यदि उनके संगठन के माध्यम से कोई ठोस प्रस्ताव लेकर आते हैं, जो हमारे राज्य में स्वर्णकार समाज के कौशल विकास, पारंपरिक आभूषणों के संरक्षण और उनके वैश्वीकरण को बढ़ावा देने में सहायक हो तो राज्य सरकार उसे पूरा सहयोग प्रदान करेगी। सरकार राज्य में स्वर्णकार बोर्ड बनाने के विषय पर विचार करेगी।

मुख्यमंत्री श्री पुष्कर सिंह धामी रविवार को सन इन पार्क होटल, देहरादून में आयोजित अखिल भारतीय स्वर्णकार संघ की गोल्ड एपरेसल की कार्यशाला एवं राष्ट्रीय कार्यकारिणी की बैठक में मुख्य अतिथि के रूप में सम्मिलित हुए।

भारत की गौरवशाली परंपरा और सांस्कृतिक विरासत को सहेजने में स्वर्णकारों की महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका

अखिल भारतीय स्वर्णकार संघ की राष्ट्रीय कार्यकारिणी की बैठक में देशभर से आए स्वर्णकारो, उद्यमियों, कारीगरों और हस्तशिल्पियों का उत्तराखंड आगमन पर स्वागत एवं अभिनंदन करते हुए मुख्यमंत्री श्री पुष्कर सिंह धामी ने कहा कि स्वर्णकार केवल आभूषणों का निर्माण नहीं करते, बल्कि भारत की गौरवशाली परंपरा और सांस्कृतिक विरासत को सहेजने तथा उसे अगली पीढ़ियों तक पहुंचाने का कार्य भी करते हैं। हमारे इतिहास में स्वर्णकारों ने न केवल आभूषणों के माध्यम से भारतीय नारी की सुंदरता को सजाया है, बल्कि राजाओं- महाराजाओं के समय में मुद्रा निर्माण से लेकर मंदिरों की शिल्पकला तक में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई है।

प्रधानमंत्री जी के प्रयासों से देश के कारीगरों, शिल्पकारों और स्वदेशी उत्पादों को नई पहचान मिली

मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेंद्र मोदी जी के कुशल नेतृत्व में ‘वोकल फॉर लोकल’, ‘मेक इन इंडिया’, ‘मेड इन इंडिया’ और ‘स्टार्टअप इंडिया’ जैसी पहलों के माध्यम से ’आत्मनिर्भर भारत’ के स्वप्न को साकार करने की दिशा में ठोस कदम उठाए जा रहे हैं।  प्रधानमंत्री जी के अथक प्रयासों के परिणामस्वरूप आज देश के कारीगरों, शिल्पकारों और स्वदेशी उत्पादों को न केवल नई पहचान मिल रही है, बल्कि वैश्विक मंच पर भी उनका गौरव बढ़ रहा है।

भारत बनेगा वैश्विक ज्वेलरी मैन्युफैक्चरिंग और डिजाइनिंग हब

मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि प्रधानमंत्री जी “विकसित भारत 2047” के लक्ष्य को साकार करने की दिशा में भारत को वैश्विक ज्वेलरी मैन्युफैक्चरिंग और डिजाइनिंग का हब बनाने हेतु प्रयासरत हैं। इस दिशा में केंद्र सरकार द्वारा आधारभूत संरचना के विकास, कौशल प्रशिक्षण, निर्यात संवर्धन और गुणवत्ता मानकों को सुनिश्चित करने हेतु बहुआयामी योजनाएं संचालित की जा रही हैं। प्रधानमंत्री जी ने पिछले वर्ष मुंबई में ’भारत रत्न मेगा कॉमन फैसिलिटी सेंटर’ की आधारशिला रखी थी, जो देश में जेम्स एंड ज्वैलरी सेक्टर को विश्वस्तरीय तकनीक, अत्याधुनिक डिजाइनिंग सुविधाएं और वैश्विक प्रतिस्पर्धा की क्षमता प्रदान करने की दिशा में एक क्रांतिकारी कदम है।

उत्तराखंड में पारंपरिक कारीगरों को आधुनिक तकनीकों का प्रशिक्षण

मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि प्रधानमंत्री जी के मार्गदर्शन एवं सहयोग से हमारी सरकार भी प्रदेश में पारंपरिक कौशल को बढ़ावा देने और हस्तशिल्प से जुड़े समुदायों को सशक्त करने हेतु अनेक योजनाएं चला रही है। हम विभिन्न कौशल विकास कार्यक्रमों के माध्यम से पारंपरिक कारीगरों को आधुनिक तकनीकों से प्रशिक्षित करने का प्रयास कर रही है।
आर्थिक सहायता योजनाओं के अंतर्गत लघु एवं कुटीर उद्योगों को सस्ती दरों पर ऋण और सब्सिडी की सुविधाएं भी उपलब्ध कराई जा रही हैं।

मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि हमारी सरकार ने राज्य में अनेक विभिन्न योजनाओं और नीतियों को सफलतापूर्वक लागू किया है, जिससे आज राज्य का समग्र विकास सुनिश्चित हो रहा है। यही कारण है कि हमारा राज्य ईज ऑफ डूइंग बिजनेस में एचीवर्स और स्टार्टअप रैंकिंग में लीडर्स की श्रेणी में आया है। आज हमारा राज्य युवाओं को रोजगार देने में भी अग्रणी राज्य बनकर उभरा है, हमने एक वर्ष में बेरोजारी दर में 4.4 प्रतिशत की कमी लाकर राष्ट्रीय औसत को भी पीछे छोड़ने का काम किया है।

मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि  हमने राज्य हित में कई ऐतिहासिक निर्णय भी लिए हैं, जिन्हें पूर्व की सरकारों ने अपने राजनीतिक स्वार्थों के चलते ठंडे बस्ते में डाल दिया था। हमने देश में सबसे पहले “समान नागरिक संहिता” को लागू करने का ऐतिहासिक कार्य किया है। साथ ही, हमने प्रदेश में देश का सबसे प्रभावी नकल विरोधी कानून लागू किया है, जिसके परिणाम स्वरूप उत्तराखंड में पिछले 3 वर्ष में लगभग 23 हजार से अधिक युवाओं ने सरकारी नौकरियां पाने में सफलता प्राप्त की है।

ऑपरेशन कालनेमि“ का विस्तार किया जाएगा

मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि  हमारी सरकार देवभूमि उत्तराखंड के सांस्कृतिक मूल्यों और डेमोग्राफी को संरक्षित रखने के प्रति भी पूर्ण रूप से संकल्पबद्ध है। इसी संकल्प के साथ, हमने प्रदेश में लैंड जिहाद, लव जिहाद और थूक जिहाद जैसी घृणित मानसिकताओं के खिलाफ कड़ी कार्रवाई सुनिश्चित की है, साथ ही, हमने प्रदेश में एक सख्त धर्मांतरण विरोधी कानून भी लागू किया है।वर्तमान में पूरे प्रदेश भर में चल रहा “ऑपरेशन कालनेमि“ सनातन धर्म को बदनाम करने वाले ढोंगियों का पर्दाफाश कर रहा है। इस ऑपरेशन को आने वाले दिनों में और अधिक विस्तार प्रदान करने की हमारी मंशा है।

कार्यक्रम में विधायक श्री खजान दास, श्रीमती सविता कपूर, श्री बृज भूषण गैरोला, श्री प्रीतम पंवार, उत्तराखंड स्वर्णकार संघ सहित विभिन्न राज्यों के स्वर्णकार  संघो सदस्य, बड़ी संख्या में देशभर और राज्य से आए स्वर्णकार, उद्यमी कारीगर और हस्तशिल्पी उपस्थित थे।

Nangal/Chandigarh, July 27

Starting August 1, a new anti-drug education subject will be introduced in Punjab’s government schools, as part of the state government’s special initiative “War Against Drugs”. This move is being hailed as a strong grassroots-level step under Punjab’s broader mission to create a drug-free society.

The announcement was made by Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains, who handles the Departments of Education and Information & Public Relations, while addressing a large and impactful gathering during the anti-drug seminar organized by the Electronic Media Press Club at the School of Eminence in Nangal.

Minister Bains emphasized that the “War Against Drugs” campaign has received wholehearted support from the press fraternity, who have played a critical role in taking the government’s efforts to the people. He acknowledged the media as the “fourth pillar” of democracy and an essential medium for communicating the government’s performance and messages to the public in an accessible manner.

During the event, he announced the construction of a 500-seat auditorium at the government school in Nangal. He also highlighted that an all-season swimming pool is already under construction at the school. The introduction of anti-drug curriculum in schools, he said, will help spread awareness to every household, ensuring the message of a drug-free Punjab reaches all corners.

Minister Bains praised the drawing competitions and cultural performances held during the event and thanked local social workers for their continuous support in previous anti-drug campaigns. On this occasion, individuals who have raised their voices against drug abuse and contributed positively to society were specially honored. He congratulated the organizers of the event and thanked them for their significant contributions.

Also present at the seminar, DIG Rupnagar Range Harcharan Singh Bhullar and SSP Gulneet Singh Khurana affirmed that the Punjab Government is working intensively to eliminate drug abuse from its roots. Drug traffickers are being jailed, supply chains are being dismantled, properties amassed through drug money are being demolished, and patients are being admitted to de-addiction centers for treatment. They urged the public to support this mission by fearlessly sharing information about drug traffickers with the police.

Students from local schools also took a pledge to work towards building a drug-free society. The success of the seminar was celebrated widely, with congratulatory messages coming in from electronic media members, local residents, print media representatives, and community organization leaders.

Chandigarh, July 27:

Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today informed that under the ongoing state-level campaign “Project JEEVANJYOT–2”, three child beggars were rescued during 11 special raids carried out across various districts of Punjab. Since the launch of this phase of the campaign, a total of 195 children have been rescued through 190 special raids conducted over the last 11 days.

She added that these raids were conducted by the district-level Child Protection Teams in Barnala, Bathinda, Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Patiala, Sangrur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Tarn Taran.

During the recent raids, two children were rescued in Hoshiarpur and one in Sangrur. After counselling, the child rescued in Sangrur was reunited with the parents, while the documentation of the two children rescued in Hoshiarpur is still under process, and both have been shifted to a Child Care Institution (CCI).

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that a total of 102 children have been admitted to CCIs during these 11 days. She further informed that if there is any suspicion regarding the relationship between a rescued child and the accompanying adult, the District Child Welfare Committee is authorized to recommend DNA testing with the approval of the Deputy Commissioner to ensure the child’s safety and identity.

Issuing a stern message, the Minister said that any parent found forcing their child into begging, even after repeated counselling, will be declared unfit guardians and face legal consequences. Moreover, any individual involved in child trafficking or exploitation will also face strict punitive action under the law.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated the Punjab Government’s firm commitment towards the protection and welfare of children. She said that “Project JEEVANJYOT” is not just about rescuing children from the streets, but also about ensuring they are provided with education, nutrition, shelter, and a dignified life.

She also appealed to the public to refrain from giving alms to child beggars and to immediately inform the authorities if any child is seen begging. Citizens can report such cases by calling the Child Helpline at 1098, so that timely intervention can help transform the lives of these children.

CHANDIGARH, July 27:

          In a significant stride under the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has recovered 1,002 kilograms of heroin in less than five months. Since the launch of the campaign on March 1, 2025, Punjab Police has registered 14,906 first information reports (FIRs) and arrested 23,647 drug smugglers, reaffirming its commitment to a drug-free Punjab.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. Since the launch of the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, Punjab Police under the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav has been conducting different operations including cordon and search operations, night domination and raids at drug hotspots acros the state.

          Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who has been personally overseeing the operations, revealed that apart from the 1,002 kg haul of heroin, police have also seized 344 kg opium, 182 quintals poppy husk, 14 kg charas, 365 kg ganja, 6 kg ICE, 30.9 lakh intoxicant pills/tablets, and ₹12.03 crore drug money.

          “The recovery of 1002 kg heroin in less than five months is a testament to Punjab Police’s unwavering resolve to eradicate drugs from the state,” said the Special DGP.

          Sharing details of outcome of the 148th day, the Special DGP said that Police teams conducted raids at 425 locations on Sunday leading to the arrest of 99 drug smugglers after registration of 72 first information reports (FIRs) across the state.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 12.9 kg heroin, 701 grams opium, 70,720 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 8.38 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Over 180 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 86 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 443 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 78 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Samrala/ Libra (Ludhiana), July 27:

In a paradigm shift from previous regimes people’s CM (Chief Minister) Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday interacted with the people of the villages under shades of tree and sought their vital inputs regarding the carving out of Rangla Punjab and apprised them about key initiatives of his government.

There were no cozy sofas or the formalities of government protocol in usual meetings of the state government but there was a sense of belongingness where a Chief Minister visited the ground to open his mind with the people and get feedback from them. Likewise, the people also reciprocated and talked freely with the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and gave their views to him. The camaraderie and bonhomie amongst the Chief Minister and people was at its peak as Bhagwant Singh Mann struck an emotional chord with them on political, social and other issues of the state.

The Chief Minister said that at the time he assumed office, only 21% of canal water was being used for irrigation but today that number has risen to 63%. He said that due to the concerted efforts of the Punjab government for the first time the water of canals and rivers have reached the villages in the tail end of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann also mentioned that his government successfully safeguarded Punjab’s water resources from being diverted to other states.

The Chief Minister informed the farmers that in order to avoid complications to them in selling their paddy harvest due to high moisture content in October, the state government has advanced the paddy cultivation season from June 1. For this, he said that zone wise cultivation of the paddy crop has been ensured in the state along with necessary planning and arrangements. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state was divided into zones to implement this sowing mechanism in an effective manner and the dates of paddy cultivation in a phased manner were announced soon so that farmers can take benefit from it.

The Chief Minister also said that as the state government had advanced the dates of paddy transplantation in the state so he had urged the Union government to prepone the procurement of paddy by 15 days. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had called the Union Food Minister and urged that now the procurement of paddy must start from September 15 so that the farmers of the state can sell their in a smooth and hassle free manner. He said that this will enable the farmers to bring moisture free grains in the Mandis thereby ensuring their smooth procurement.

The Chief Minister said that he wants to hand over tiffins in the hands of youth by giving them employment so that they shun the syringes and menace of other drugs. He said that as Idle hands are a devil’s workshop, the state government is trying its best to ensure that maximum youth get jobs so that they do not fall prey to the social menaces. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that unemployment is the root cause of several social problems due to which the state government is focusing on eradicating this malady and so far around 55,000 government jobs have been provided to the youth.

The Chief Minister said that the drug mafia was patronized by the earlier governments but his government has launched a crusade against drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said meticulous planning has been done to wipe out the menace of drugs from the state and now war against drugs has begun in a full-fledged manner. He said that apart from snapping the supply lines of drugs the state government has put the big fishes involved in this crime behind the bars adding that now the property of the drug peddlers is being seized and destroyed.

Highlighting another major welfare initiative, the Chief Minister spoke about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna — the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country that provides cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh for every resident family in Punjab. He proudly stated that Punjab is the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage, which will significantly ease the financial burden on the public while ensuring quality health services. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this historic move is aimed at providing universal health care to all the families of the state.

The Chief Minister said that after cleaning the mess of previous regimes for three years, the state government is now on the path of restoring the pristine glory of Punjab. He bemoaned that the state has lagged behind in the process of development due to the regressive policies and malicious intent of the previous regimes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that since day one of assuming charge in office his government had focused on holistic development of the state and prosperity of its people.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has fulfilled almost all the guarantees promised to people adding that even those guarantees which were not made have also been given to people. He said that unfortunately water had depleted in 117 out 153 blocks, which went into black dark zone. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the previous governments never bothered about making any effort to save the groundwater and the farmers at the tail ends, on this land of five rivers, never got water.

The Chief Minister said after assuming charge the AAP government has revived 15947 water courses in the state due to which water has reached at the tail ends even in remotest villages. Likewise, he said that his government has provided free power to households from the month of July after which 90% of them are getting free power. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for the first time the state government has purchased a power plant from a private firm to make the state surplus in power production.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the state government has named this thermal plant after Sri Guru Amar Dass ji- the third Sikh Guru. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state has enough supply and stock of coal through which these plants can be run efficiently. He said that the state government is supplying uninterrupted and regular power to all the sectors even during the peak paddy season.

Expressing concern over big fat weddings in the state, the Chief Minister said that they are putting a huge burden on the pockets of the common farmers. Bhagwant Singh Mann, while batting for simple weddings, said that it is the need of the hour so that farmers can be pulled out of the vicious circle of debt. He said that the lavish weddings should be avoided as they put the farmers of the state under huge debt thereby leading to serious repercussions in the coming times adding that the farmers should come out of the mad race of competing with each other on spending the money lavishly just as their neighbours or relatives had been doing so.

The Chief Minister also called upon the farmers to adopt the technique of using the farm equipment on custom hiring basis from the Cooperative societies as it will help them in curtailing the heavy cost expenditure meted out on farming. He said that the state government was already giving huge subsidies to the cooperative societies for purchasing such equipment.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these resources should be utilized judiciously to make agriculture a profitable venture by cutting the expenditure meted out on it.

The Chief Minister quipped that the top leaders of the opposition are not even aware of the basic Punjabi due to which they can’t read or write it well. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders who had taken education from Sanwar and Doon school are poor in speaking Punjabi due to which they can’t connect with masses. He said that these leaders had ignored education in the state due to which people had ousted them and paved the way for new people to come and join politics.

Reiterating that there will be no mercy against the people who had spread the curse of drugs in the state, the Chief Minister said that the ‘ drug Jarnails’ who were considered invincible have been put behind the bars. He said that the drug trade flourished and was patronised by those who were elected by the people to serve them but unfortunately they supplied drugs in their official cars. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders enjoyed paramount power during their heydays and no one dared to touch them despite the fact they were hand in glove with the drug smugglers.

However, the Chief Minister said that his government has put these leaders behind the bars as they had committed genocide of the youth by flourishing drug trade adding he solicited fulsome support and cooperation of the people for teaching these traitors of Punjab a befitting lesson. He said that the resounding success of the Yudh Nasheyan Virudh is a testimony to the fact that the people of state are with the state government in this war against drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this crusade will further continue in the coming times so as to make Punjab free from scourge of drugs.

The Chief Minister said that agriculture and farmers have always been the top priority of his government and Continuous efforts are being made to make agriculture a profitable venture. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that  farmers shared that there is no shortage of electricity or canal water, and they are receiving an uninterrupted supply. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is heartening to see smiles returning to the faces of the farmers.

Libra/ Samrala (Ludhiana), July 27:

Surprised over the visit of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann in their fields, the people of these villages exclaimed that in the last 70 years they have for the first time witnessed this historic moment when the head of the state was amongst them to discuss key issues.

The farmers including Balwinder Singh s/o Harminder Singh, Naib Singh s/o Darshan Singh, Avtar Singh Otala, s/o Sampuran Singh, Mehar Singh s/o Inder Singh, Gagandeep Singh Mann (Sarpanch), s/o Balveer Singh Mann, Balveer Singh, s/o Kaka Singh, Tara Singh, s/o Sadhu Singh, Major Singh, s/o Karnail Singh, Sarwan Singh, s/o Sadhu Singh, Satnam Singh, s/o Hardyal Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Yadvinder Singh Bittu, Avtar Singh Libhra, Manjot Singh Libhra, Dr. Gyan Singh Libhra, Kirandeep Singh Libhra, Akbar Khan, Noni Libhra, Lakhvir Singh Libhra, Harpreet Singh Libhra, Pawan Kang Libhra, Hani Libhra, Kulbir Singh, Harpal Singh Bahomajra, Kuldeep Singh Goh, Jatinder Singh Goh, Lakhvir Singh Goh, Mansa Singh and Malkit Singh Meeta said that it is for the first time in the history of the state that any Chief Minister has came to them, sat in their fields on a cot and interacted with them on various issues pertaining to the state. They also thanked the Chief Minister for ensuring canal waters to their fields adding that for the first this miracle has taken place in the villages. They said that due to the Chief Minister paddy cultivation has taken place with the canal water and the regular supply of power has ensured that they do not face any problem.

The farmers also said that they had already sold their generators used for pumping the water as they are no longer required due to the supply of canal water. They categorically said that no one did this in the last 70 years and Bhagwant Singh Mann has created history by taking several path breaking initiatives. They also hailed the Chief Minister for checking the scourge of drugs with a heavy hand and putting the affluent leaders behind the bars.

They also said that the Old age pensions are being given regularly to the beneficiaries which are a record in itself. They also hailed the Chief Minister for ensuring the live telecast of proceedings of the house so that they are able to see the performance of their elected leaders in the house. The villagers also lauded the Chief Minister for opening Aam Aadmi Clinics which has revolutionized the health care sector by imparting them quality health services free of cost.

Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the release of canal water to the fields of Balwinder Singh s/o Harminder Singh, village Baudli from Mogha Burji 4500 Khabba Pail. A 2.5-kilometer-long pipeline will be installed at a cost of ₹80 lakhs from this Mogha to supply canal water to 300 acres of land in the villages of Baudli, Bondal, and Dayalpur. The project has already been approved but due to paddy cultivation in the fields, the pipeline will be laid after the paddy is harvested.

Chandigarh, July 27: The Member of Parliament from the Union Territory of Chandigarh and Former Union Minister Manish Tewari had met the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh Shri Gulab Chand Kataria on 3rd of July 2025 to once again impress upon him to resolve the five outstanding issues of Chandigarh namely (a) Share-wise sale of Property, (b)  Need based changes in Chandigarh Housing Board residential dwellings (c) Ownership rights to people living in Relief and Rehabilitation Colonies, (d) abolition of Lal Dora in 22 urban villages of Chandigarh, (e)  Amalgamated Problems of Cooperative group housing  societies in the Southern Sectors of Chandigarh.

At the instance of the Hon’ble Governor Manish Tewari wrote to him again on 8th July 2025 on all these five issues. The said letters exhaustively detailed the problem and the corresponding solution to each of these outstanding issues that have been hanging fire now in case of certain issues going back two and a half decades (Copies of the said letters attached to this press release).

Mr Tewari has earlier also on numerous occasions taken up these issues with the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab  and his  predecessor  Sh Banwari Lal Purohit both in personal meetings and through regular correspondence in this regard.

It would be worth mentioning that Mr. Tewari has taken up all these five issues through Parliamentary Questions, Special Mentions and Zero Hour interventions in the Lok Sabha over the past thirteen odd months.

Mr Tewari has also taken up these five issues with the Prime Minister and Home Minister of the Union of India .

Mr Tewari urged upon the Governor that  five separate Empowered Group of Officials  with representation of Stakeholders in each group must be immediately set up without any further delay to resolve these five outstanding issues with dispatch because all of them pertain to the governance sphere of the Chandigarh Administration.

Once again I would like to impress upon the Administrator of Chandigarh  that the lives of the residents of Chandigarh is ‘sheer hell’ for the lack of a better metaphor because of the non resolution of these problems

Mohali, july 27: A Free Cervical Cancer Vaccination Drive for Economically Weaker Section girls was conducted by The Touch Clinic in Association with Rotary – AOGIN (Asia Oceania Research Organization in Genital Infection & Neoplasia) and Rotary Club Chandigarh at Mohali’s The Touch Clinic.
The vaccination drive which was a major step toward preventive women’s healthcare, took place under the expert stewardship of Dr Preeti Jindal, Director The Touch Clinic, Mohali; Senior Consultant Gynaecologist, IVF Specialist, High Risk Pregnancy expert and Robotic Surgeon. Fifty (50) girls from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) benefitted from the camp.
Dr. Preeti Jindal stated: “Prevention is the most powerful tool we have in healthcare. Through this initiative, our aim is to ensure that even the most underserved girls in our community get access to this life-saving vaccine. Every girl deserves protection from a cancer that can be stopped before it starts.”
Dr Preeti Jindal held the drive under a social initiative of the clinic. Dr Preeti provided a vaccine which normally costs Rs. 4000 free of cost to the needy girls.
Dr Preeti informed that cervical cancer which occurs in the lower part of the uterus, called the cervix, is the second most common cancer in Indian women, with more than 120,000 new cases each year. She added that tragically, India accounts for nearly a third of all cervical cancer deaths globally.
Dr Preeti further said that, “The good news is that there is now an HPV vaccine available that protects against the virus and helps prevent cervical cancer. This vaccine works best when given to girls between the ages of 9 to 14, ideally before they become sexually active. Doctors and the government now strongly recommend this vaccine for young girls to build protection early.”
Notably, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common viral infection, is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer. It is pertinent to state here that the HPV vaccine offers effective protection against the most dangerous strains of the virus. When administered before exposure (typically in adolescence), it can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by up to 90%.
Unfortunately, due to lack of awareness and financial challenges, many girls from poor families are not able to get this vaccine. That’s why it’s important for doctors, NGOs, and responsible citizens to come together and provide free or low-cost vaccination for these children. In this regard, The Touch Clinic has set an example worth emulating by other health service providers.
Meanwhile, this vaccination drive was a step toward achieving India’s vision of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030, in line with WHO targets. It also demonstrated how committed collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations can lead to lasting impact.

Mohali, July 27, 2025: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fortis Hospital Mohali is spreading awareness regarding a new drug, Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) as first line therapy for patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune Hepatitis, a lesser-known but serious and chronic liver disease that, if left untreated, can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer.

World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 every year. The theme of World Hepatitis Day-2025 is “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down”.

What is Autoimmune Hepatitis?

While giving the information on World Hepatitis Day, Dr Arvind Sahni, Director Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, said, “Unlike viral hepatitis, Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking liver cells. The disease is more common in females, though it affects males too, with peak incidence seen in childhood, adolescence, and adults aged 40-60. With an incidence rate of 1.3 per lakh population, AIH often goes undetected. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of patients are already in advanced stages of liver disease at diagnosis.”

Symptoms and Signs

Symptoms range from none at all to severe, mimicking viral hepatitis or drug-induced liver injury. Patients may experience fatigue, jaundice, swelling of the legs, abdominal fluid build-up, gastrointestinal bleeding, menstrual irregularities, and neurological symptoms. Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) is also common, said Dr Sahni.

Diagnosis of Autoimmune Hepatitis

Diagnosis involves specific blood tests for liver function and autoimmune markers such as antinuclear antibodies and smooth muscle antibodies. A liver biopsy is essential for confirmation.

Treatment

Autoimmune Hepatitis needs lifelong immunosuppressive treatment which includes steroids and azathioprine. Recently Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) is a new drug which has been approved as first line treatment in autoimmune hepatitis. MMF is more effective and better tolerated than traditional drugs like azathioprine, though it is contraindicated during pregnancy due to teratogenic risks. Liver transplantation may be considered in cases with decompensated cirrhosis”, he added. Incidentally, MMF is also used in Kidney and Liver Transplant recipients.

Dr Sahni emphasized, “Awareness about autoimmune hepatitis is critical. While it is less common than viral hepatitis, it is potentially more dangerous if undiagnosed or mismanaged. Early detection and timely intervention with newer therapies like MMF can significantly improve outcomes.”

About Fortis Healthcare Limited

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities, ~4,750 operational beds (including O&M facilities), and over 400 diagnostics centers (including JVs). The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with a global major and parent company – IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs over 23,000 people (including Agilus Diagnostics Limited) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.