Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Punjab

PATIALA ROAD ACCIDENT: PUNJAB STATE CHILD RIGHTS PROTECTION COMMISSION SUMMONS REPORTS FROM DC AND SSP

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Chandigarh, May 8:

The Punjab State Child Rights Commission has summoned reports from the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala regarding the recent road accident in Patiala.

Providing more information on this regard, Commission Chairperson Mr. Kanwarjit Singh said that the Commission has taken suo-moto notice of the case where seven students and a driver died in a horrific collision between a school vehicle and a tipper truck, with many others injured.

The Commission has written to the Deputy Commissioner Patiala directing that all possible treatment be provided to the injured children. The Regional Transport Officer has been strictly instructed to thoroughly inspect overloaded tippers/vehicles plying on roads. Besides this, the Commission has directed that the vehicles of the affected school and all schools in the district be inspected and strict action be taken against school vehicle drivers and schools if the vehicles do not meet prescribed conditions.

Likewise, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala has been instructed to thoroughly investigate the tipper, driver’s license, complete documentation of the tipper including valid RC, fitness certificate and compliance with government mining policy conditions regarding road usage and overloading and to take appropriate action against the tipper owner according to regulations.

The Commission has sought action reports from both the Deputy Commissioner and SSP of Patiala by May 11, 2025.

Chandigarh, Punjab

CM Blasts Centre, BBMB Over Water Theft: ‘Punjab Fighting Enemies Within and Beyond’

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Nangal (Rupnagar), May 8:

Asserting that the state is fighting twin battles one against Pakistan to safeguard our borders and other against the Union government and Haryana government to protect the snatching of our waters, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday foiled the nefarious design of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to steal the waters of state.

Leading from the front the Chief Minister himself staged a sit in at Nangal to ensure that the BBMB Chairman cannot divert the waters of the state to Haryana. He said that if Punjabis can protect the borders of the state then they are capable enough to save it water also. “It is shameful that the BJP led Union government is playing dirty games over the waters of the state in this crisis when the country is supposed to fight the enemy in unison with each other”, said Bhagwant Singh Mann.     

The Chief Minister said that today when in the entire country sirens are being blown for blackout as a part of strategy of battle against Pakistan, the BJP is playing petty politics with Punjab. He said that it is really shameful that BJP is searching for an opportunity in the hour of crisis (Apda mein Avsar) to harm interests of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab will never allow the nefarious plans of the BJP to succeed and not even a single drop of water will be shared with any other state.

The Chief Minister said that BJP and its allies are in haste for stealing the water from the state whereas Haryana has been using 4000 cusec for the entire year. He said that the BJP should tell that whether Punjab should safeguard the borders of the country or they should protect the waters. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to vigilance of the state government today the illegal stealing of water by BBMB and Haryana has been prevented.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will challenge the decision of the High Court on the BBMB and water sharing in the Apex court adding that the battle to protect the waters will be fought politically and legally. He said that the BBMB Chairman has tried to illegally loot the water of the state which is highly condemnable. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that any such move will not be tolerated and the state government will oppose it tooth and nail.

The Chief Minister categorically said that if the state is capable of protecting the borders of the country, it can save the waters of Punjab too. He said that Punjab has a glorious history of making supreme sacrifices to protect the 532 kilometres long border with Pakistan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that today also Punjabis are at the forefront giving a befitting reply to the Pakistani Army and no stone will be left unturned for it. 

The Chief Minister said that Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) was originally established to manage the waters of the Sutlej and Beas rivers. However, he said that for years, Punjab’s water has been diverted to other states through the BBMB adding that the BJP government has started using this board for its political interests. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Without consulting Punjab, meetings are being called at midnight, and under pressure from other states, Punjab’s rightful share is being taken away.

Describing BBMB as a white elephant, the Chief Minister demanded for its reconstitution as per the new constitution. He said that it is totally useless and unacceptable in the present form adding that Punjab will never accept it now. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is ironic that employees of other states are being paid from the exchequer of state and they harm the interests of Punjab only.

The Chief Minister said that in recent days, the Bharatiya Janata Party, through its Haryana government, the central government, and BBMB, has been attempting to snatch Punjab’s rights. He said that in an unconstitutional and illegal manner, BBMB meetings are being convened to forcibly divert Punjab’s water to Haryana. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that even the BBMB uses the money of the state to fight legal battles against Punjab, which is highly deplorable.

The Chief Minister said that operation Sindoor is a laudable step to crush the anti-India tirade by Pakistan through terrorists camps in POC. He said that while the Indian Army has destroyed the terrorist centres being run by Pakistan and on the other hand our religious places are being targeted by the enemy during bombardment from across the border. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjabis are the brave hearts that can do anything for the country but the BJP led government has adopted an anti-Punjab stance against the state which is not correct.

On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Barinder Kumar Goyal along with others were also present.

Chandigarh

Control room established by Punjab Government

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Chandigarh, May 8:

          In view of the current situation in the country, a control room has been set up by the Punjab Government.

          According to the information given by the official spokesperson, for the convenience of people, the Finance Commissioner Revenue Disaster Management Control Room has unveiled the landline phone numbers 0172-2741803 and 0172-2749901. In case of any emergency, the above numbers can be contacted.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Government Must Find a Permanent Solution to the Private Schools Issue: Kulbhushan Sharma

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Chandigarh, May 7

Speaking at the Chandigarh Press Club, Kulbhushan Sharma, State President of the Federation of Private Schools Welfare Association and National President of NISA, emphasized the urgent need for a lasting resolution to the long-standing issue of unrecognized private schools. He pointed out that many of these schools have had their cases pending with the Aadhaar system for over two decades. As a result, every year during the admission period in April and the board exam season, these schools face uncertainty regarding their operations. This ongoing pressure diverts their focus from improving education quality to making repeated appeals to government officials to ensure their survival.

Sharma noted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been in power in Haryana for over ten years and had promised in its manifesto to address this issue permanently. However, thousands of private schools across the state are still awaiting meaningful relief. He urged Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, who has been offering relief to various sections of society, to convene a meeting with private school representatives and address their concerns without further delay.

Private schools have also been in regular contact with Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, raising awareness about their challenges. Sharma proposed that schools operating since before 2011 should be granted recognition under the Right to Education Act, based on the infrastructure they currently have. This would help integrate all such schools into the mainstream education system. For those unable to meet certain norms, he recommended that they be given sufficient time and permitted to relocate according to the older regulations.

He further criticized the actions of officials in some districts, who, citing specific orders, are allegedly pressuring school authorities, which Sharma described as unacceptable in a civilized society. He called on the Chief Minister and Education Minister to step in immediately to stop the harassment and threats of FIRs against private school staff, and to engage directly with school representatives to find a permanent and just resolution.

Chandigarh

Leaders from across the sections from Punjab met MP Manish Tewari

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Chandigarh, May 6:  A cross section of senior Congress leaders from Punjab across various districts most of all have worked for 45 to 50 years in various capacities in the NSUI and in the Youth Congress and in the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee met former Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Chandigarh MP Mr. Manish Tewari and discussed the challenges being faced by Punjab, especially in the agrarian industrial environment and other sectors and also shared what should be the road map in future in order  order to mitigate these challenges.
They also apprised Mr. Tewari about the prevailing political situation in Punjab as well as the intra party dynamics which are at play.
Almost all of these people had worked Mr Tewari, when he was the national president of the NSUI and the Indian Youth Congress in the late 80s and 90s.
The leaders resolved that in the days to come, there would be meetings in various districts of Punjab in order to deliberate upon the challenges which the state is facing.                                            
Among others Pawan Dewan Ex Chairman Punjab Large Industrial Development Board, Vijay Sharma Tinku ex-Chairman Planning Board Mohali, Satvir Singh Palijikki ex-Chairman Planning Board Nawanshahar, Gursharan Kaur Randhawa President Punjab Mahila congress, Harinder Bhambri ex-Chairman Planning Board Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Tehal Singh Sandhu Directer Markfed Punjab, Hari Singh Khai  member PCC, Sukhdev Singh Ropar Spokesperson PPCC, Simarjit Singh Manshahia president District Bar Association Mansa, Kiranjit Singh Mitha President Punjab Congress Kisan Cell, Harinder Dhindsa Member PCC, Kuljit Singh Bedi deputy mayor Mohali, Gulshan Rai Passi, Gurbir Singh Dhaliwal, Rajinder Sandhu, Jaswinder Randhawa and other senior congress leaders were present.

Chandigarh

THALASSAEMIC CHARITABLE TRUST

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CELEBRATING WORLD THALASSAEMIA DAY

ON 8th May 2025

Chandigarh:

Department of Transfusion Medicine, PGIMER Chandigarh and Thalassaemic Charitable Trust is celebrating World Thalassaemia Day (8th May) at Community Centre (Behind Gol Market), PGIMER Chandigarh by organizing Mega Blood Donation Camp on 8th May 2025 from 9.30am to 2.00pm. This event will be inaugurated by Hon’ble Director, PGIMER Chandigarh. Senior Administrator Officers, Faculty Members of PGIMER, State Bank Officers and other philanthropists will join this occasion and bless the blood donors.

Dr(Prof) RR Sharma-HOD, Deptt. of Transfusion Medicine PGIMER and Shri Rajinder Kalra-Member Secretary, Thalassaemic Charitable Trust explains that Thalassaemia is a chronic blood disorder in which patient needs blood transfusions regularly throughout life and they appeals to all social organizations, voluntary blood donors and other religious/social communities to kindly donate blood for this noble cause for thalassaemia patients whose life line is blood and other needy/serious patients requiring blood support. The Camp is being organised to meet the increased demand of Blood in the Tricity hospitals.

Your Blood donation will save precious lives of serious patients needing Blood support.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Awaaz Ghar: The First-Ever Punjabi Audio Library Launched

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Chandigarh, May 6, 2025: A new chapter in Punjabi literature and knowledge-sharing begins with the launch of Awaaz Ghar, the first-ever Punjabi audio library, dedicated to preserving and promoting the richness of Punjabi language and literature.

Awaaz Ghar is a revolutionary platform that brings a vast collection of Punjabi books, spanning literature, history, poetry, and folklore, to audiences worldwide through digital audio. At launch, Awaaz Ghar offers over 700 audiobooks, with an additional 300 titles currently in processing. Furthermore, new books will continue to be added every month, expanding the collection and ensuring fresh content for listeners.

Available via its own dedicated app on iOS and Android, and accessible through the web, Awaaz Ghar also distributes its content on global streaming platforms like Spotify and many more, ensuring that the voices of Punjab reach listeners everywhere.

Beyond personal access, Awaaz Ghar will also distribute its collection to major libraries, universities, and schools, integrating seamlessly with their existing digital platforms. This initiative aims to make Punjabi literary heritage more accessible to students, researchers, and general readers who prefer audio learning.

Speaking about the launch, Ms. Balraj Pannu, a major driving force behind Awaaz Ghar, said:

“Punjabi literature is a treasure trove of knowledge and culture, but accessibility has always been a challenge. With Awaaz Ghar, we are bringing our stories and wisdom to the digital age, ensuring that every Punjabi, no matter where they are in the world, can connect with their roots.”

Awaaz Ghar also aims to serve as a bridge between generations. By providing audio access to classic and contemporary Punjabi works, it offers younger audiences a fresh, engaging way to discover the depth and beauty of their heritage. In a time when screen fatigue is real, audio storytelling offers a comforting, immersive alternative to experience literature on the go.

In addition, the platform is actively working with voice artists, narrators, and cultural scholars to ensure that every audiobook captures the authenticity and emotion of the original text. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of oral tradition in Punjabi culture, while embracing the power of technology to carry it forward.

Our platform is dedicated to providing an equal space for both contemporary and renowned writers, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. We believe in fostering a diverse literary community, where writers of all backgrounds and experience levels can share their work. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a rising star, our platform is a place for everyone. Additionally, we embrace a wide range of topics and genres, offering a space for every group to express their unique perspectives, explore new ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations.

Chandigarh

MP Manish Tewari inaugurated the installation of CCTV Cameras in Ramdarbar. 

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Chandigarh, May 6

Senior Congress leader and former Union Information & Broadcasting Minister, Chandigarh MP Sh. Manish Tewari inaugurated the installation of 56 Close Circuit TV Cameras to enhance the safety and security of residents in Ramdarbar. 

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Tewari said that there is a very-very great demand for cctv cameras from across the city, whether it is the villages or the colonies or the sectors itself. Everywhere people and their representatives want close circuit TV cameras installed, because of apprehensions with regard to the general safety and security of the area. Mr Tewari said that he had written to the Director General of Police, Chandigarh providing a list of where all CCTV cameras have been given under the MPLAD scheme and where they are going to be given in future, so that they could be integrated into the police surveillance network, either at the integrated command control I-CCC level or at the local level of the police thanas and beat boxes. The close circuit TV cameras were given on the request of the former Mayor of Chandigarh Smt. Kamlesh and the other Congress leaders of Ramdarbar and Block President of Ramdarbar Mrs. Sonia Singh. 

Moreover the Commissioner of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Mr. Amit Kumar was also present on the occasion. 

Speaking on the inauguration ceremony the president of the Chandigarh Territorial Congress Committee S. Harmohinder Singh Lucky also said that this initiative which has been taken under the MPLAD scheme would help in augmenting the security and safety of the citizens and residents across the city. Even when Mr. Tewari was MP from Shri Anandpur Sahib, he had given CCTV cameras in Manimajra and Bapudham and this is a continuation of an endeavour which was started even before he got elected as member of parliament from Chandigarh. 

Others, who were present on the occasion included the Deputy Mayor Mrs. Taruna Mehta,  the former mayor Mr. Surinder Singh, Mr Wasim Mir, Mr. Mohammed Imran, and many other office bearers of the Congress party.

Chandigarh

MC Conducts Briefing Session on Rain Water Harvesting for RWA Members

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Chandigarh, May 6

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh organized a comprehensive briefing session for members of various Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) at the Jal Shakti Kendra, Water Works, Sector 37, to promote awareness and understanding of Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) technology and the construction of structures/pits for water conservation.

The session was attended by engineering staff and officials from the Municipal Corporation, RWA representatives from different sectors, and water conservation experts. The aim of the session was to encourage RWAs to adopt sustainable water management practices and assist them with the technical aspects of implementing rainwater harvesting systems within their respective residential areas.

During the session, detailed presentations were made on the design, construction, and maintenance of RWH structures, along with discussions on the environmental and long-term economic benefits of rainwater conservation. Attendees were also guided on how to seek support from the Municipal Corporation for implementing such systems.

While sharing about the awareness campaign, Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Commissioner, MC Chandigarh said that this initiative is part of the ongoing efforts under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, reflecting the commitment of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh towards sustainable urban development and efficient water resource management.

Chandigarh

A.C. Joshi Library, Panjab University, Chandigarh organises in-depth Onsite Training Session on Plagiarism

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Chandigarh, 6 May 2025

A comprehensive onsite training session on Turnitin Plagiarism Software was organised today by A.C. Joshi Library, Panjab University, Chandigarh to promote academic integrity and equip participants with practical knowledge on plagiarism detection, text similarity, and AI-generated content. The session was aimed at fostering research quality and ethical scholarship practices.

The training witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 200 faculty members, researchers, and students. PU Director, Research Development Cell and University Librarian, Prof. Meenakshi Goyal was the Chief Guest at the programme.

Earlier, Deputy Librarian, Dr. Jivesh Bansal, welcomed all attendees and emphasised the critical need for such training sessions to improve research standards. Deputy Librarian, Dr. Neeru Bhatia provided an overview of the session and highlighted its objectives.

In her address, Prof. Meenakshi Goyal stressed the importance of addressing plagiarism to uphold academic standards. She noted that such training sessions not only promote sincere learning and intellectual growth but also instil core values of honesty, integrity, and responsibility—values essential for academic and professional success.

The technical session was conducted by Mr. Gautam Raval from Turnitin India Pvt. Ltd., who offered a detailed walkthrough of Turnitin’s functionalities, including steps for plagiarism detection, understanding similarity reports, and the implications of storing submissions in the Turnitin database.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Neeraj Kumar Singh, Deputy Librarian.