Chandigarh

The National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE), PGIMER, Chandigarh, celebrated its 23rd Institute Foundation Day with great enthusiasm and fervor at the NINE Auditorium on March 28, 2026. The ‘National Institute of Nursing Education’ was originally inducted as College of Nursing for Post Basic Education Project, India, with WHO’s assistance in 1964 under the far sightedness of late Sh. Partap Singh Kairon, the then Chief Minister of Punjab. In 2003, the College of Nursing attained the status of ‘National Institute of Nursing Education’, which is one of its kind in the country.

Dr. Sukhpal Kaur delivered the welcome address and highlighted the significant milestones achieved by the institute over the years. She also shared that NINE prepares efficient nurses every year to serve the mankind with its highly qualified and committed faculty. She was pleased to share the future vision for the Institute in terms of initiating the nurse practitioner courses, fellowships in nursing specialties.

The Director of the Institute, Professor Vivek Lal graced the event as Chief Guest. He reiterated that nursing, workforce of hospital as backbone of the health system and appreciated the budding nurses for their inherent compassion and commitment.

The event was also graced by Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent; Shri Ravinder Singh, IA&AS, Financial Adviser and Shri Umeed Mathur, Registrar, PGI.

The occasion was also graced by Ms. Jyotinder Kaur Bajwa, IRS, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax who is an alumni of the College. She addressed the gathering and appreciated the contributions of nursing professionals. She highlighted the silent, yet profound impact of nursing, emphasizing that the nurses are the backbone of healthcare and inspired the students by affirming that with dedication, perseverance and self-belief, anyone can achieve anything. 

The event featured a variety of cultural events by the students of NINE.

The event was also graced by the former faculty members of NINE whose presence added pride and a sense of legacy to the occasion.

A prize distribution ceremony was conducted to recognize the meritorious students of NINE.

The students of the Institute participated very enthusiastically with power packed performances of folk dances from various states and western dance items and poetry recitations etc.

Chandigarh:

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has achieved a significant milestone by securing the second rank among Central Government hospitals/institutes under the prestigious Kayakalp Scheme for the year 2025–26 , instituted by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has sanctioned an incentive of Rs. 1,50,00,000/- (Rupees One Crore Fifty Lakhs) to PGIMER in recognition of its sustained commitment and outstanding performance in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, infection control, hospital upkeep and patient-friendly hospital environment.

The Kayakalp initiative aims to promote excellence in sanitation, waste management, infection control, and overall patient care environment in public healthcare facilities across the country. PGIMER’s achievement reflects its unwavering commitment to quality healthcare delivery and adherence to national standards.

Expressing happiness, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER stated, “”This achievement is a testament to PGIMER’s unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care and hospital hygiene. Securing the second rank at the national level reflects the dedication and coordinated efforts of our entire workforce, who are the real Karamyogi’s for us. We will continue to strengthen our systems to achieve even higher benchmarks in the future.”

Echoing the same sentiment, Mr. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER shared, “”Kayakalp is not merely an award but a continuous quality improvement journey. This recognition underscores the effectiveness of our administrative processes, monitoring mechanisms, and staff engagement strategies in maintaining high standards of sanitation and hospital management.”

Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER stated, “”This accomplishment highlights the critical role of clinical teams, nursing staff, and sanitation workers in ensuring a clean and safe hospital environment. Infection control and patient safety remain our top priorities, and we are committed to sustaining and further improving these standards.”
PGIMER continues to strive towards excellence in healthcare, education, and research, setting new benchmarks for institutions across the nation.

Chandigarh, March 27

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday evening chaired a high-level review meeting with Chief Ministers of various states to assess the situation arising out of developments in West Asia and to review the availability and supply of petroleum products across the country. Haryana Chief Minister, Saini participated in the meeting via video conferencing from Chandigarh.

The Chief Minister apprised the Prime Minister that despite the prevailing situation in West Asia, the supply of petroleum products in Haryana remains smooth and uninterrupted. He assured that under no circumstances will there be any shortage for the general public and that the State Government is fully alert and prepared to handle any eventuality.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the reduction in excise duty on petroleum products, stating that the timely decision taken under his visionary leadership has helped maintain stability and balance in fuel supply across the state.

The Chief Minister informed that he has personally held meetings with petroleum companies to review the situation. He said that the availability of petrol, diesel, and gas in the state remains at the same level as it was four months ago.

 Highlighting a key policy decision, he said that the State Government has revised the lease rent for laying PNG pipelines from Rs. 3 lakh per kilometre (earlier taken in advance for 10 years) to a nominal one-time charge of Rs. 1,000 per kilometre. This move is expected to provide relief to gas companies as well as consumers and accelerate expansion of the gas network. At present, a total of 28,377 kilometres of PNG pipeline has already been laid in the state, and further expansion is expected to gain momentum.

The Chief Minister shared that Haryana currently has sufficient reserves, with approximately six days’ stock of petrol and four days’ stock of diesel available. Additionally, terminals hold nearly seven days of adequate stock, ensuring continuity in supply. The overall supply chain is functioning smoothly without any disruption.

Providing details on LPG availability, the Chief Minister said that the domestic LPG situation in the state remains normal. Haryana is receiving approximately 2 lakh cylinders daily, out of which around 1.9 lakh cylinders are being distributed. Bottling plants currently have a stock sufficient for about five days.

In the commercial LPG segment, he thanked the Prime Minister for the 70 percent allocation framework introduced by the Central Government. At present, the state has a stock of 1,73,038 commercial LPG cylinders.

The Chief Minister further said that Haryana is rapidly moving towards a transition from LPG to PNG. So far, 3.32 lakh PNG connections have been provided in the state. To further boost expansion, the provision of deemed permission has been introduced for laying PNG networks. He added that the number of domestic PNG connections is expected to double within the next three months.

Chandigarh

Aam Aadmi Party National Media Incharge Anurag Dhanda reacted strongly to the ongoing petrol and diesel shortage in Haryana. He stated that the images emerging from various districts across the state and country are deeply concerning and clearly expose the failure of the BJP government. Long queues are visible at petrol pumps, many stations have run dry, and people are returning empty-handed after waiting for hours—all while the government repeatedly claims there is no shortage.

He questioned that if there is truly no shortage, then why is there such widespread chaos? This situation indicates that the government is either unaware of the ground reality or is intentionally misleading the public. The central BJP government and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini have proven to be complete failures, as the situation on the ground appears out of control and the administration seems utterly helpless.

Anurag Dhanda highlighted that this crisis is most severely impacting the common man, farmers, and small traders. With the farming season underway, farmers urgently need diesel but are forced to stand in long queues. Small shopkeepers and those in the transport sector are also badly affected, yet the government has no concrete solution and is busy only with rhetoric.

He further stated that this is not merely a supply issue but a result of government negligence and mismanagement. Had there been proper planning and monitoring in time, the public would not be facing such hardships today. A government’s priority should be public convenience, but the current situation shows the BJP government does not care for the people.

Anurag Dhanda demanded that petrol and diesel supplies be streamlined immediately across all districts. He called for emergency measures at pumps where stock has run out and insisted on fixing accountability and taking action against negligent officials. Furthermore, he urged the government to place the truth before the public and work with transparency instead of spreading confusion.

Anurag Dhanda concluded by saying that the people of Haryana are watching and understand how the government is failing them in times of crisis. The Aam Aadmi Party stands with the public and will continue to raise their voice strongly.

CHANDIGARH, March 27:

          Following the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make Punjab a gangster-free state, the “Gangstran Te Vaar” campaign has achieved significant milestones through the Anti-Gangster Helpline 93946-93946, which has seen an overwhelming response from the general public since its launch on January 21, 2026.

          Sharing the success of the initiative, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Gurmeet Singh Chauhan today informed that a total of 590 inputs have been received on the dedicated helpline. Out of these, 83 were related to drugs, 35 to extortion, 43 regarding gangsters, 86 concerning illegal weapons, 74 related to personal enmity, 13 for robbery/theft, 11 regarding Proclaimed Offenders (POs)/Absconders, and two related to immigration fraud, while 97 were categorised as others.

          “The proactive participation of the citizens has been instrumental. These tips led to the registration of 63 FIRs and the arrest of 26 individuals, including 21 preventive detentions,” said DIG Gurmeet Chauhan, while citing successful instances where public cooperation helped apprehend criminals involved in heinous crimes.

          Urging the public to make maximum use of the helpline, the DIG asked citizens to act as the “eyes and ears” of the police. “Not only extortions, but people can report any suspicious gangster, criminal, or anti-social activities using this number. I want to assure the public that complete confidentiality will be maintained,” he added.

          DIG Gurmeet Chauhan also sounded a note of caution against anti-social elements sitting abroad who lure innocent youth with meagre amounts of money to commit crimes. He strictly advised the public against facilitating financial transactions via UPI or other digital sources for unknown persons. Furthermore, he warned against picking or dropping packages from unidentified locations, noting that criminals abroad are using “dead letter boxes” to deliver weapon consignments for illegal activities.

          Highlighting the crackdown on the digital ecosystem of crime, the DIG revealed that the AGTF is launching a special campaign to monitor mischievous activities on social media. “We have already got 643 pages blocked across various social media platforms for glorifying weapons or criminal activities. I appeal to parents to remain vigilant about their children’s activities to ensure they are not misled,” he said.

          It is pertinent to mention that the Punjab Police has already identified 61 foreign-based gangsters operating from abroad. To expedite their extradition, an Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) has been established to ensure these criminals are brought back to face the law.

          The Anti-Gangster Helpline number, 93946-93946, remains operational for citizens to anonymously share information about wanted criminals and provide vital leads to curb crime in the state.

          Sharing the achievements of AGTF, DIG Gurmeet Chauhan said that Punjab Police has busted 1,111 gangsters/criminals modules and arrested 2,868 gangsters across the state since April 2022, and recovered 2273 weapons, 656 vehicles used in criminal activities from their possession. Notably, Punjab government had formed the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) headed by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Promod Ban to effectively combat gangster culture from the state.

*BOX: ACTION BY AGTF (APRIL 6, 2022 TO MARCH 26, 2026)*

MODULES BUSTED: 1111

GANGSTERS/CRIMINALS ARRESTED: 2868

WEAPONS RECOVERED: 2273

VEHICLES RECOVERED: 656

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, March 27:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busts a cross-border illegal arms smuggling module with the arrest of two accused persons and recovered 10 foreign-made sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Resham Singh, a resident of Khusupura in Amritsar and Manpreet Singh, a resident of Khwaspur in Tarn Taran. The recovered pistols include one Turkey made Zigana Pistol, one Austria made Glock Pistol, two USA made Bretta Pistols, five PX5 Pistols and one China made Norinco Pistol along with magazines. Police teams have also impounded their black colored Platina Motorcycle (PB63D3668) being used for transporting the consignments.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were working at the behest of a foreign-based gangster in coordination with Pakistan-based smugglers, facilitating the smuggling of illegal arms into India. The consignment was intended for further distribution among criminal elements across Punjab, he said.

          Sharing operational details, he said that CI Amritsar had received a specific information that foreign based gangster is active in the smuggling of illegal arms/ammunition from Pakistan into India using drones with the help of his Punjab-based associates.

          The information further revealed that the their Punjab-based associate Resham Singh has collected the weapon consignment and following the Pakistani smugglers’ instructions and is expected to deliver it to suspect Manpreet Singh near village Kohali near canal bridge on the Amritsar to Chogawan road, said the DGP, while adding that acting swiftly, police teams laid Naka and arrested both the accused persons after recovering weapon consignment their possession.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case to dismantle the entire smuggling network.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 20 dated 27-03-2026 has been registered under sections 25, 25(1) A and 25(1) B of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.

CHANDIGARH, March 27:

Punjab, under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, has set a benchmark in large-scale public healthcare delivery under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, emerging as a leading model nationally with over 30.51 lakh families enrolled and ₹292 crore worth of free treatment approved within three months of its launch on January 8, 2026. Highlighting the scale and pace of implementation, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday said the scheme has rapidly translated into real financial relief and healthcare access for lakhs of families across Punjab.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh stated, “The scheme has so far registered 30,51,325 beneficiaries and issued 1,77,097 free authorisations for treatment. The total approved value of treatment stands at ₹292 crore, of which ₹267 crore has already been approved. We have settled 71,000 claims and disbursed ₹60 crore to empanelled hospitals.”

Calling the achievement historic, the Health Minister emphasised that Punjab has outperformed all other states on every key parameter. “This is a historic day for Punjab. By any parameter, registrations, families covered or patients treated, Punjab is number one,” he said.

Assuring hospitals on timely payments, Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the Bhagwant Mann Government has put in place a robust mechanism to clear dues. “All pending dues up to March 31 will be cleared by April 15. No hospital will have a single rupee pending from our side,” he asserted.

He further outlined the new payment framework coming into effect from April 1. “Claims up to ₹1 lakh will be settled within 15 days, while bills above ₹1 lakh will be cleared within a week of submission. In case of disputes or verification requirements, the process will be completed within a month,” he said.

Highlighting the real impact of the scheme, Minister Dr Balbir Singh said it has already transformed lives across age groups. “Beneficiaries range from a one-year-old infant to a 99-year-old grandmother who received cancer treatment. We have covered complex cardiac procedures, including over 100 heart-related diseases. In one case, a patient with a ruptured sinus was successfully treated at Patiala Medical College under the scheme,” he noted.

“When the government spends ₹292 crore on treatment, it means that money stays in the pockets of the common man,” Dr Balbir Singh added, stating that the State Health Agency, in coordination with United India Insurance, is ensuring seamless delivery of universal healthcare coverage across Punjab.

CHANDIGARH, March 27:

          As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 66th day, Punjab Police on Friday conducted 531 raids at the at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.

          As per the information, the “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to make Punjab a gangster-free state was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all the districts in coordination with Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab has been conducting special operations across the state.

          On Day 66, Police teams arrested 167 individuals, taking the total arrests to 17,172 since the launch of the campaign.

 Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 62 persons, whereas, 353 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested six proclaimed offenders (POs) during the operation.

          People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.

          Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 391st day with 137 drug smugglers arrested on Friday and recovered 2.9 kg heroin, 1.5 kg opium, 77 kg poppy husk, 11,412 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 22,980 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 55,682 in just 391 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 94 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.