Chandigarh, August 23:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their anti-people stance  aimed at depriving 55 lakh citizens of state from free food grains under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Addressing media persons here, the Chief Minister said that out of of total 1.53 crore ration cards in the state, the BjP led government has conspired to discontinue free ration being given to 55 lakh poor. He said that making an excuse of not having KYC the centre had already stopped free ration for 23 lakh poor in July this year and now they have threatened to discontinue this benefit from 32 lakh more individuals from September 30 onwards. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the centre government will not succeed in its evil motives and he will not allow them to struck off even a single card. 

The Chief Minister said that while the BJP claims to be pro-people and boasts of providing food grains to 80 crore people through the PDS, it is now attempting to cancel 8,02,493 ration cards in Punjab. This, he said, would effectively deprive around 32 lakh people of their entitlement to free rations. Bhagwant Singh Mann accused the BJP of shifting from “vote theft” to “ration theft,” asserting that it is especially unjust to target Punjab—a state that produces food grains to make the country self-reliant.

The Chief Minister criticized the rationale being used to delete ration cards, which includes ownership of four-wheelers, government jobs, small landholdings, and income. He pointed out the absurdity of penalizing entire families when just one member may fulfill one of these criteria. Bhagwant Singh Mann categorically stated that as long as he is the Chief Minister, not a single ration card will be deleted. In the state adding he dared BJP leaders to showcase this “achievement” during their ongoing mass outreach programs.

The Chief Minister also ridiculed the contradictory nature of central government schemes—one offering gas connections to the poor while another withdraws benefits on the same basis. Bhagwant Singh Mann said the BJP’s anti-poor agenda has been exposed, and reiterated that he has urged the Prime Minister and other central leaders to reconsider the exclusionary criteria. He emphasized the need to relax these conditions so that the maximum number of economically weaker and underprivileged people can benefit. 

The Chief Minister made it clear that the Punjab government will strongly oppose this discriminatory move and has already requested a six-month window to thoroughly review the matter. He warned the Union Government to stop treating Punjabis as beggars, adding that the people of Punjab are not dependent on the Centre for their dignity and rights. Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that Punjabis will not succumb to the pressure tactics of the Union Government and will not surrender their legitimate rights. 

The Chief Minister said that while Punjab has traditionally enjoyed a better standard of living than many other states, it has suffered adversely due to the poor governance of previous regimes. Hence, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Centre must revise the conditions of these schemes to ensure that deserving beneficiaries are not denied assistance. He reminded the Prime Minister that his vision of making India a Vishwaguru (global leader) cannot be realized while 32 lakh people in Punjab are being starved due to technicalities and ill-conceived policies. 

The Chief Minister vowed that the state government would not allow the rights of its people to be usurped by the Government of India. Responding to a query, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that BJP leaders are facing legal action because they are attempting to breach the privacy of citizens by organizing camps to collect personal data—something that will not be permitted. 

The Chief Minister further that the BJP has already been exposed for manipulating voter rolls and attempting to gain power through backdoor tactics in several states. However, he said that such efforts will not succeed in Punjab, and the government will ensure that citizens’ privacy remains protected. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab government is committed to safeguard the interests of the state and its people adding that no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause. 

On a separate question, the Chief Minister said the state government is working on channelizing water sources to prevent devastation in Punjab caused by heavy rainfall in hilly regions. He noted the irony that while rains occur elsewhere in the hilly terrains but Punjab bears the brunt. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a comprehensive mechanism is being developed to address this issue and that he has already instructed officials to prepare a robust strategy after visiting flood-affected areas.

Chandigarh, August 23:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will attend a prestigious function in Chennai as the Chief Guest to mark the expansion of the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme by the Tamil Nadu Government.

Rajya Sabha MP from Tamil Nadu, Shri Wilson, called on Chief Minister Mann today and formally extended an invitation on behalf of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The function, scheduled for August 26, will mark the expansion of the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme to all government-aided schools in urban areas.

During his interaction with the Rajya Sabha MP, Chief Minister expressed immense pride and satisfaction in being part of the event. He lauded the Tamil Nadu Government, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, for launching several progressive and welfare-oriented schemes.Speaking about the initiative, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is heartening to learn that the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme, launched in 2022, has delivered remarkable outcomes—such as improved school attendance, enhanced attention spans, and a reduction in morbidity rates among primary school children.

The Chief Minister said the scheme has played a vital role in ensuring children attend school without hunger, improving their nutritional status, boosting learning capabilities, and easing the burden on working mothers. He that the scheme has already benefited 7.53 lakh students across 34,987 schools. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that it is an “August opportunity” to witness the expansion of such an ambitious and people-centric initiative.

The Chief Minister emphasized that schemes like this are the need of the hour to ensure the welfare of the most vulnerable and underprivileged sections of society. He further stated that the Aam Aadmi Party, under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, has brought education and healthcare to the forefront of national political discourse, emphasizing these sectors as key pillars of governance. Bhagwant Singh Mann profusely thanked the Rajya Sabha MP for extending the invitation on behalf of Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister. “It will be a unique and enriching experience to witness the launch of a major educational reform in Tamil Nadu—a state known for its pioneering role in social and educational transformation”, he added.

CHANDIGARH, August 23:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 175th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 470 locations on Saturday leading to the arrest of 134 drug smugglers after registration of 95 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 27,039 in 175 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 2.9 kg heroin, 9 kg poppy husk, 963 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 12,420 from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 150 Police teams, comprising over 1400 police personnel, under the supervision of 82 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 490 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          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 70 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

The Advanced Eye Centre, PGIMER, in collaboration with the Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College & Hospital, successfully hosted the 36th Annual Conference of the Chandigarh Ophthalmological Society from 23rd to 25th August 2025. The event is being held under the aegis of the Chandigarh Ophthalmological Society and brought together nearly 180 delegates from across North India.

The Organizing Chairperson Prof. Amit Gupta and Organizing Secretary Prof. Parul Ichhpujani highlighted that the conference provided a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, academic discussions, and skill enhancement in the field of ophthalmology.

The two-day conference opened with research paper presentations, where delegates shared cutting-edge findings across subspecialties. Notable presentations included a rare case of Takayasu arteritis with ocular manifestations, advancements in the management of keratoconus through collagen cross-linking, insights into linezolid-induced ocular toxicity, the impact of screen time and sleep quality on dry eye disease, and the role of vitamin supplementation in glaucoma, Retinopathy of prematurity screening guidelines, among others.

The second session featured challenging and rare clinical case presentations, sparking interactive discussions and providing practical learning opportunities for attendees.

The day concluded with a quiz competition, where teams demonstrated their clinical expertise and quick thinking. The Ist prize won by GMCH-32 ,  Dr Varnika & Dr Arushi GMCH, Chandigarh, 2nd prize won by  Dr Pranav and Dr Ashish from PGIMER Chandigarh, and 3rd prize Dr Archeesha and Dr Akshat from PGIMER Chandigarh

The conference Day 1 concluded on a high note, reinforcing the spirit of academic collaboration iety and innovation in ophthalmology.

Chandigarh, August 23, 2025:

Panjab University is all set to provide its students with a powerful new platform for innovation through the launch of a Pre-Incubation Fab Lab under RUSA 2.0. With an investment of about ₹1.6 crores, the proposed facility will offer hands-on access to cutting-edge tools, enabling students to turn ideas into working prototypes, industry-ready projects, and even startups.

The Fab Lab will focus on skill development, employability, and entrepreneurship. Students from diverse disciplines will be able to design and fabricate their own Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), integrate hardware and software systems, and work with advanced technologies like IoT, robotics, AI, and embedded systems. By reducing dependence on external vendors, the facility will save time and cost while giving students practical exposure to real-world processes.

The lab will feature a PCB design and fabrication unit capable of producing single, double, and multilayer boards, supported by advanced machinery such as CNC milling systems, automated soldering stations, UV exposure units, reflow ovens, and a complete assembly and testing setup. A dedicated Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) lab will offer IoT gateways, robotics kits, embedded platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi, GPUs for AI applications, and testing equipment. Licensed PCB design software and high-performance workstations will be available for students to design, simulate, and execute projects.

For students, the benefits are manifold: faster turnaround for academic projects, hands-on training in modern prototyping tools, improved placement opportunities through demonstrable skills, and pathways into entrepreneurship.

Research scholars will be able to quickly test prototypes, while undergraduate students can gain valuable project experience. The facility will also support student competitions, workshops, and certifications, enhancing both learning outcomes and career readiness.

Beyond academics, the lab will strengthen collaboration with startups and industries in the Tricity region, giving students opportunities for internships, live projects, and mentorship. By combining education, research, and industry services, the University aims to create a sustainable ecosystem where students can learn, innovate, and launch ventures directly from campus.

PU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig said, “The world is changing fast, and we are consistently working to empower our students with the skills and confidence to innovate for the future. The Pre-Incubation Fab Lab is not just an infrastructure project but a launchpad for our students’ ideas, research, and entrepreneurial journeys. By providing hands-on access to world-class tools and mentorship, we aim to nurture job creators, innovators, and leaders who will shape tomorrow’s industries.” She added that the lab will be operational in this semester, with structured training sessions, project support, and pre-incubation opportunities open to all interested students.

Chandigarh, August 23 :

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday expressed deep shock and anguish over the tragic mishap in village Mandiala, Hoshiarpur district, where two people lost their lives and 21 were injured following an explosion in an LPG tanker.

Expressing profound grief and sorrow over the incident, the Chief Minister extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed to the Almighty to grant them strength to bear this irreparable loss, and peace to the departed souls. Meanwhile, he announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and stated that he is in constant touch with the district administration to regularly monitor the situation. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said he has directed the district administration to ensure free treatment for all the injured and wished them a speedy recovery.

SAS Nagar, August 23:

Kamal Kishore Soan, Additional Secretary & Mission Director (NJJM & SBM), Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, visited Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) District today for field inspections and review of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swatchh Bharat Mission (SBM-G) works.
During his visit, Sh. Soan first inspected the Liquid Waste Management (Thapar Model) project at Village Nangal Garhian, Block Majri, District SAS Nagar. He interacted with officials and community members and took note of the innovative efforts being undertaken for sustainable wastewater treatment at the village level. Present on the occasion were the Chief Engineer (South); J J Goyal Director Sanitation, DWSS Punjab; Manoj Malhotra, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development), SAS Nagar; Sonam Chaudhary and SDM Kharar Smt. Divya P and Executive Engineer, Division No. 3, Mohali; Ramanpreet Singh.
Subsequently, the Additional Secretary GOI visited Village Fatehgarh, Block Majri, District SAS Nagar, where he reviewed the functional household tap connection-based water supply scheme. He observed that a tubewell worth Rs. 19.01 lacs had been installed in 2022 under the scheme. He appreciated the commendable efforts of the Gram Panchayat Water Supply Committee (GPWSC), which has been successfully managing and operating the scheme since 2010, ensuring reliable and safe drinking water to the community.
Sh. Soan lauded the collective efforts of the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation, Punjab, and the local Gram Panchayats in implementing the objectives of Jal Jeevan Mission and SLWM initiatives, reiterating the Government of India’s commitment to providing safe water and improved sanitation services to every rural household.

CHANDIGARH : On India’s 79th Independence Day, Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP and Founder-Chancellor of Lovely Professional University (LPU), Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal issued a bold ultimatum to the United States that if the 50% tariff hike on Indian goods is not revoked by August 27, all American soft drinks and beverage companies will be banned from the campus of Lovely Professional University (one of India’s largest private universities, catering to over 40,000 students.

The ultimatum followed Dr. Mittal’s open letter to U.S. President Donald J. Trump on August 7, where he described the tariff hike announced by the United States as ‘unfair’ and disruptive. He urged President Trump to roll back the decision and return to principles of dialogue, not diktats. In the same letter, Dr. Mittal asked a pointed question, ‘What if 146 crore Indians initiate a strategic restriction of U.S. businesses?’ ~ a sentiment that has since ignited a nationwide debate, with several universities and youth organisations across India mulling similar restrictions on American products.

Today, with momentum growing on the ground, Dr. Mittal has once again underlined the importance of cooperation over coercion. He has called for constructive dialogue where the possibility of revoking the tariff hike can be discussed at length and a decision fair to India can be arrived at. However, while urging for collaboration, Dr. Mittal reiterated, ‘India’s economic dignity cannot be compromised. My decision to ban American beverage companies from LPU is not targeted at any single brand but is a symbolic assertion of India’s rising role in global affairs. India is no longer a passive participant in international trade but a rising force to reckon with, that holds self-respect at its core. Hence, a hike that is imposed on India as a penalty for trading with Russia while USA continues to do the same is completely unacceptable. America WILL HAVE to RETHINK and REVOKE!’

RS MP Ashok Mittal’s latest statement comes exactly a week after President Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, post which two things are clear that pressure on the White House is mounting and there is growing compulsion to recognise India as the world’s fourth-largest economy that cannot be subjected to unfair trade diktats.

Dr. Mittal once again cautioned USA, ’Any imbalance of trade with India, would deal a far greater blow to the U.S. than to India.’ He once again called upon world leaders to move beyond zero-sum tactics and resolve this issue peacefully, reminding them that, ‘the real test of diplomacy lies not in rhetoric but in achieving breakthroughs that benefit all sides.’

With his assertive and firm stance against tariff hikes, and his repeated call for constructive global dialogue, Dr. Ashok Mittal stands out as one of the most mature and vocal champions of India’s economic dignity on the global stage. His message remains clear ~ India welcomes cooperation but its dignity is non-negotiable.

Chandigarh, August 20:

In yet another move towards the welfare of labourers, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has approved a 10 percent increase in Mandi labour rates. This decision was taken during a Board of Directors meeting chaired by S. Harchand Singh Barsat, Chairman Punjab Mandi Board.

Notably, the Mandi labour rate has been hiked from Rs 17.50 to Rs 19.26 per 37.5 kg bag of paddy, marking an increase of Rs 1.76 per bag.

 S. Harchand Singh Barsat said that the 10% hike in Mandi labour rates is a response to Labour Unions’ demands, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to labour welfare under CM Mann’s leadership. The revised rates will provide much-needed relief to labourers and their families, promoting fair labour practices and improving lives of those crucial to the agricultural supply chain.

 During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held regarding initiatives being taken to increase the income of Punjab Mandi Board. Chairman Punjab Mandi Board stated that special plans have been formulated to boost the Board’s income and work is being carried out with great enthusiasm. Vacant plots in state grain markets are being auctioned through e-auction and ATMs and Unipols are being installed in various markets.

He informed that Punjab Mandi Board has been making special efforts to provide better facilities to farmers, commission agents, labourers and the general public. Development works are underway in various markets, and robust arrangements are being made for facilities during the Kharif procurement season, keeping everyone’s needs in mind.

Among others, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Ramvir, Chairman Punjab Farmers Commission Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Special Secretary Agriculture Ms. Baldeep Kaur and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, August 20 — Haryana Environment and Forest Minister, Rao Narbir Singh has directed officials to ensure more effective implementation of the Van Mitra scheme so that plantation becomes a mass movement. He said that Van Mitras will now be able to plant saplings by digging pits not only on private land but also on forest department land.

The Minister gave these directions while chairing a review meeting of the Forest Department here today. Additional Chief Secretary Environment and Forest department, Sh Anand Mohan Sharan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and other senior officials were present at the meeting.

Van Mitra to Receive Honorarium on Time

The Minister said that there should be no delay in disbursing the monthly honorarium of Rs 15,000 to Van Mitras and directed that it be released immediately.

During the meeting, it was informed that under the Van Mitra Yojana, launched in 2024, as many as 70,000 youth have registered on the portal. They dug more than two lakh pits, out of which 2598 youth were given the status of ‘Van Mitra’ after planting saplings in 10 pits and completing geo tagging.

New System of Verification

The Minister directed that, in place of geo-tagging, the verification and monitoring of pits and plantations will now be carried out personally by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Conservator, and Forest Guard. This mechanism will ensure accurate evaluation of the work undertaken by Van Mitras and their honorarium can be released transparently through DBT.

Government’s Vision for a Green Haryana

The Haryana Government aims to transform the state into one of greenery and clean air in the coming years. With the spirit of the resolution ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, the government is actively involving youth, women and all sections of society in environmental protection efforts so that Haryana emerges as a green and healthy state for future generations.