Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Haryana

Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel visits Bandhwari Plant in Gurugram, holds meeting with MC officials

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Chandigarh, April 26— Haryana’s Urban Local Bodies Minister Sh. Vipul Goel on Saturday visited the waste management plant located at Bandhwari in Gurugram and reviewed the ongoing work at the plant. On this occasion, he also held a meeting with Municipal Corporation officials and representatives of waste management agencies.

During the meeting, the minister gave clear instructions to speed up the garbage disposal work and complete the work within the stipulated time. He said the government is fully committed to cleanliness and environmental protection and any kind of negligence in this direction will not be tolerated.

The minister took information from the officials about the functioning of the plant, the condition of the machines and the current status of processing of garbage. He said the Bandhwari plant plays an important role in the garbage management of the area and there should not be any delay in its work. He also directed all the concerned agencies to work in coordination and resolve the challenges on priority. He said to maintain the clean image of a metropolis like Gurugram, any kind of negligence in waste management work will not be tolerated.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Mahipal Dhanda unveils statue of Swami Vivekananda at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University

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Chandigarh, April 26 – Haryana Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda today unveiled the statue of Swami Vivekananda at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University located in Education City, Rai, Sonipat. After this, he formally started the programme by lighting the lamp as the chief guest at the foundation day celebrations of the university.

Addressing the students, the Education Minister said the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and the Haryana Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini are continuously working with the resolve to make India a world heritage, self-reliant and developed nation.

He called upon the youth to play an active role in the development of the country. He said efforts should be made to find innovation in the judicial process, which can accelerate the development of the nation. He said while many countries in the world are struggling with instability, India is moving on the path of development due to its diplomatic policies.

He said under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India changed the policies and provided security to foreign investors, due to which today the major companies of the world want to invest in India.

He said Haryana is the first state in the country to implement the National Education Policy-2020. Under this, by making extensive changes in the curriculum, children have been given the freedom to study in the language of their choice. Also, the government is working to include the subject of entrepreneurship in school education so that children can become self-reliant.

The Education Minister said he sees positive energy and dedication towards nation building in the university students. He called upon the students to learn from the fairness of the Panchayati Justice System and go to rural areas and run legal awareness campaigns.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Agriculture Minister conducts surprise inspection in mandis, interacts with farmers

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Chandigarh, April 26 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana on Saturday conducted a surprise inspection of major grain markets of Kurukshetra, Kaithal and Jind districts and took stock of the ground reality of wheat procurement operations. On reaching the mandis, farmers and commission agents warmly welcomed the Agriculture Minister and put forth their suggestions and problems before him.

During the inspection, the Agriculture Minister himself checked the weighing machines and thoroughly inspected the crop procurement system. He gave strict instructions to the mandi officials and commission agents that any kind of negligence or carelessness in the wheat procurement process will not be tolerated. He also inspected the stock records in the mandis and took detailed information from the concerned officials.

He said Haryana is an agriculture-based state and the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini is fully committed to the welfare of farmers. He said our target is to buy every grain of the hard work of the farmers at the minimum support price. He informed that so far, 61.81 lakh metric tonnes of wheat has been procured in the state through various procurement agencies and the government has a target of procuring 75 lakh metric tonnes of wheat.

The Agriculture Minister also clarified that complaints of irregularities in weighing machines were received from some mandis, on which strict cognizance has been taken immediately. Action has also been taken against the guilty officers and commission agents. He said, “I am visiting the mandis and taking stock of the procurement operations so that the farmers do not face any kind of inconvenience.”

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that he himself belongs to a farmer family and understands the problems of the farmers very well. He instructed the officials to speed up the lifting of wheat in the mandis so that the farmers are not forced to keep their crop in the mandi for a long time. He also gave instructions to ensure drinking water, toilets, sanitation, electricity and other necessary facilities on the mandi premises.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

WITH AN AIM TO NURTURE SPORTS TALENT AT SCHOOL LEVEL, GOVT WILL SOON RECRUIT 2000 PTI TEACHERS: HARJOT BAINS

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Chandigarh, April 26:

In a significant push to further strengthen the state’s education system and nurture sports talent at school level amidst the ongoing “Sikhya Kranti” program, Punjab Government will recruit 2000 Physical Training Instructor (PTI) teachers for primary schools across the state, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.

He said that the requisition has been forwarded to the Recruitment Board of the School Education department to fill these posts, emphasising that recruitment process will be merit-based and in transparent manner.

Highlighting the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s efforts, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the government has already filled over 13000 school teachers vacancies in the past three years, including 4006 Master Cadre teachers and 7351 ETT teachers. The government has also prioritised promotions across various cadres, including 2600 Master Cadre teachers promoted as Lecturers, 425 ETT teachers promoted as Master Cadre teachers, 350 PTIs promoted as DPEs, 57 Principals promoted as DEOs, 75 non-teaching staff promoted as Master Cadre teachers, and 450 Master Cadre teachers promoted as Headmasters.         

The recruitment of PTI teachers would supplement the Punjab Government’s drive to establish playgrounds in all schools, ensuring students have access to proper sports infrastructure. These PTI teachers will play a pivotal role in training students, promoting physical fitness, and channelizing their energy into constructive activities, fostering discipline, teamwork, and overall well-being of the students, the Education Minister added.

He further said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has been pulling all stops to ensure a robust and accessible education system that empowers students to reach their full potential and nurture academic excellence to transform Punjab’s educational landscape.

The School Education Secretary Ms. Anindita Mitra informed that the details regarding application process and eligibility criteria would be available on the official website educationrecruitmentboard.com within seven days.

Divulging the qualification details for the PTI teachers, she said that an  applicant must have passed 10th class with Punjabi and he/she should have passed 10+2 with at least two years diploma or certificate in Physical Education as Diploma in Physical Education or certificate in Physical Education (D.P.Ed/C.P.Ed) or have done this course with any other nomenclature. The eligible candidates will be shortlisted based on their qualifications and performance in a written exam and physical fitness test.

Chandigarh, Haryana

CM Saini directs Police officers to ensure safety & security of Kashmiri students

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Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday directed to the Police officers that adequate measures be taken to ensure the safety and security of Kashmiri students studying in various colleges and universities across the state. Currently, 1,157 such students are pursuing their education in different educational institutions in Haryana. He instructed the district administration to maintain close contact with educational institutions to address any concerns and provide students with a sense of safety and reassurance.

Presiding over a high level meeting in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack at Haryana Civil Secretariat here in Chandigarh, he condemned the gruesome Pahalgam attack, in which several innocent lives were lost, and stated that such acts could not be tolerated.

In line with the directions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, he announced that April 27, 2025, is the deadline for Pakistani nationals to leave Haryana. However, this deadline will be extended to April 29 for those holding medical visas. These timelines will not be applicable on Pakistani nationals holding long-term, diplomatic, or official visas.

He directed the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to ensure that the above directions are implemented in letter and spirit.  He also reviewed the law and order situation in the state and made it clear that anyone who attempts to disrupt peace in the state will be dealt with firmly.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Gardens based on fruits, vegetables and herbal plants should be planted in schools and Anganwadis to reduce impact of climate change: Bal Mukund Sharma

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New Delhi/Chandigarh 25 April:

A two-day international seminar was organised at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in the national capital, New Delhi, on the impact of climate change on food security. Mr. Bal Mukund Sharma, Chairman of Punjab State Food Commission, participated in this seminar.

Addressing the seminar, Mr. Sharma said that climate change is emerging as a very big challenge for the whole world. He said that it is causing water crisis as the earth’s temperature is increasing rapidly and glaciers are melting.

He said that the Punjab Government has taking several steps to save water resources and climate under which priority was being given to sustainable farming, diversification and sowing of crops that consume less water. He said that Punjab had suffered a lot by over-explolating its natural resources to feed the entire country, especially paddy cultivation which had caused huge damage to ground water level, soil health besides environmental damage through excessive production of green gases and carbon.

Mr Sharma said that continuous efforts were being made by the Punjab government to avoid the effects of climate change, for which, apart from growing forests, special financial assistance is being provided for direct sowing of paddy, 33 percent subsidy on BT cotton seeds and Rs 500 crore is being spent on the purchase of stubble management machines.

He also emphasized that along with food security, we should all work together for nutrition security and a campaign should be prepared in this direction, through which “nutrition gardens” based on vegetables, fruits and herbal plants should be prepared in schools and Anganwadis. He added that children would be make aware of the importance of nutrition at an early age, while these beneficial vegetables and herbal plants like curry leaves, mint, drumstick etc. can also become a part of the mid-day meal given to them.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab notched another success; Hydel projects witnessed record breaking power generation

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Chandigarh, April 25

          Punjab’s hydropower sector has achieved a significant milestone during the financial year 2024-25, setting new benchmarks in electricity generation. Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO announced today that three major hydel projects under the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) have not only surpassed their annual generation targets but also recorded their highest output in the past three years.

          The Shanan Power House, located in Joginder Nagar, emerged as a standout performer by generating 512.656 million units (MU) of electricity, exceeding its annual target of 480 MU by 6.80%. This exceptional performance is attributed to efficient plant operation, favourable hydrological conditions and timely maintenance practices. Following closely, the Anandpur Sahib Hydel Project (ASHP) generated 486.14 MU, outperforming its target of 470 MU by 3.43 percent.

          Meanwhile, the Mukerian Hydel Project, the largest among the three in terms of capacity, registered a staggering 1326.81 MU of electricity generation, surpassing its annual target of 1110 MU by an impressive 19.53%. This marks the highest generation recorded at the project in the past three years and underscores the efficiency and robustness of Punjab’s hydropower infrastructure.

          “The remarkable performance of our hydel projects during 2024-25 reflects our commitment to sustainable and efficient energy generation. These figures not only surpass our internal benchmarks but also exceed the targets set by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), New Delhi,” said Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. He added that this achievement is a testament to the relentless efforts of our engineers, technical staff, and management teams who have worked tirelessly to enhance output and optimise resources.

          Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO further emphasised the importance of hydropower as a clean and renewable energy source that supports Punjab’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and improving energy self-sufficiency.

          He also acknowledged the support of the state government and expressed confidence in maintaining the upward trajectory in the years to come. “With strategic investments, modern technology, and the dedication of our workforce, Punjab’s hydropower sector is poised for even greater success,” he added.

          The exceptional performance of the Shanan, Anandpur Sahib, and Mukerian hydel projects not only reinforces the efficiency of Punjab’s power generation capabilities but also contributes positively to the state’s economy and environment by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Development works worth Rs 27.18 crore in Jandiala Guru be completed soon,Hospital and college facilities will be available soon: Harbhajan Singh

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Chandigarh, April 25

Punjab PWD Minister S. Harbhajan Singh E. T. O. on Friday held a meeting with the officers of various departments at Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh to give further impetus to the development works being carried out in Jandiala Guru constituency.

Reviewing the status of development works, Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan Singh E. T. O. held detailed discussions and directed the officials concerned to further accelerate the pace. He also took stock of ongoing construction of a 30-bed hospital at a cost of Rs. 8.63 crore in  Jandiala Guru, a new government polytechnic college being constructed at a cost of Rs. 14.97 crore and a sub-tehsil including Patwarkhana to be completed at a cost of Rs. 3.58 crore.

The meeting was attended by Director Technical Education Mr. Munish Kumar, Director Health Services Mrs. Hatinder Kaur, Chief Engineer of PWD Mr. Vipin Bansal and other senior officers.

The Cabinet Minister directed the officials to ensure regular review of status so that these significant works could be accomplished in the right earnest to facilitate general public. The Minister said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to fully develop the Jandiala Guru constituency with carrying out various development works.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB GOVT’s INITIATIVE TO BUILD SMART AANGANWADIS; WORKERS & HELPERS TO BE EQUIPPED WITH SMARTPHONES

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Chandigarh, April 25:

Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, announced that the State Government will soon provide smartphones to Anganwadi Workers and Helpers to enable them to perform their daily duties in a more organized and modern manner. She said that the Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making sincere efforts to address the legitimate demands of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers with utmost sensitivity.

During a meeting held at Punjab Bhawan with representatives of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, Dr. Baljit Kaur attentively listened to their issues and assured them that demands which can be resolved at the departmental level will be addressed promptly. She further mentioned that demands requiring decisions at the State Government level will be thoroughly reviewed and formal recommendations will be submitted to the Chief Minister for further necessary action.

The Minister informed that fulfilling the demand for smartphones is being prioritized to enhance the efficiency and field performance of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. These smartphones will help connect them with modern technological resources and assist in ensuring effective implementation of government welfare schemes at the grassroots level.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also highlighted that the State Government is equally concerned about the health and well-being of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. In this regard, a campaign had already been launched by the department to complete the eKYC process for all Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, which will be a significant step towards providing them with better health security benefits.

In conclusion, Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab Government is fully committed to safeguarding the rights of its workforce and will continue to take welfare-oriented decisions in the future as well. She emphasized that the government will always remain responsive to the demands and suggestions of workers and will keep introducing new initiatives for public welfare in the coming days.

Chandigarh

AAP GOVT INCREASES SARPANCHES HONORARIUM TO Rs. 2000; HIGHEST EVER IN PUNJAB

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Chandigarh, April 24-

Soliciting the support of the village Panchayats in ongoing ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virush’, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced financial assistance along with major projects for the drug free villages in the state.

Addressing the gathering during the state level function to mark Panchayat Diwas, the Chief Minister said that the village which will declare itself as drug free village will be given financial assistance worth Rs 1 lakh besides other ultra modern facilities. He said that the drug free villages will be developed as Model villages and no stone will be left unturned to give fillip to their development. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the Sarpanchs to play a proactive role in this noble cause so that the scourge of drugs is wiped out from the state with active public support.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will not sit idly and watch the smugglers bloom at the cost of the dead bodies and pyres of the drug victims. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has already snapped the supply line of drugs and big fishes involved in this heinous crime have been put behind the bars. He said that for the first time the property of the drug smugglers acquired illegally are being destroyed/ confiscated by the state government so that it acts as a deterrent for others.

Meanwhile, in a significant decision, the Chief Minister announced that Sarpanches will be given a honorarium worth Rs 2000 per month starting from the day they were elected. He said that earlier his predecessors had promised Rs 1200 as honorarium to the Sarpanches but that decision never saw the light of the day and Sarpanches had to run pillar to post for it. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now this honorarium worth Rs 2000 will be a regular and permanent feature.

The Chief Minister further said that village panchayats are the most significant organ of the democratic system which had been instrumental in the transformation of the rural areas. He reiterated that the state government is committed to extend all possible support and cooperation to the Sarpanches as they played a pro-active role in the process of overall rural development. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Panchayats and Sarpanches were the real eyes and ears of the state government as they are well connected with the masses at ground level.

The Chief Minister said that the wise voters of Punjab have bestowed a huge responsibility to all Sarpanchs and they should discharge it meticulously. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Panchayats are known as ‘foundations of democracy’ as they have immense power and its decisions are obeyed by the entire village respectfully. He said that now when people of state have given Sarpanchs this power, it is their bounden duty to safeguard their interests and cherish their aspirations.

The Chief Minister said that these institutions act as a catalyst for disseminating the benefits of pro-people and development oriented schemes of state government at grassroots level. He said that the policies are framed by the state government and Sarpanches/ Panches play a major role in implementing them at ground level. Bhagwant Singh Mann urged all Sarpanchs to rededicate themselves for the development works adding that they should ensure the supervision of development works and services in a dedicated manner.

The Chief Minister gave clarion call to Sarpanchs that they should remain away from any sort of undue interference in these works. He said that it is very unfortunate that several works in villages are jeopardised due to widespread groupism in the villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Sarpanchs must accord top priority to abolish groupism in the villages adding that in a democracy the person or party who attains majority is the winner but once elected Sarpanch  to the entire village.

The Chief Minister said that sarpanch should treat every resident of the village equally and decisions must be taken neutrally. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there are several sarpanches of the village who have transformed their villages with their wiseness and farsightedness. Expressing gratitude to the villages who have elected panchayats unanimously, he said that these villages have risen above the parochial considerations and elected their sarpanches unanimously to strengthen ethos of harmony and brotherhood in villages on one hand and ensure their comprehensive development on the other.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the Punjab government is committed for overall development and progress of the villages and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Sarpanches are a bridge between government and the villages and they should play a big role in the development of villages. He also urged the Sarpanchs to work hard for making villages clean, green and pollution free, so that the environment of the state can be protected.  

The Chief Minister further said that the Punjab government has started a massive drive to rejuvenate village ponds across the state. He said that the drive is aimed at cleaning these ponds adding that the state government has already prepared an elaborate plan for purpose. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the water of these ponds will be treated and utilized duly for agricultural purposes so as to reduce burden on underground water.

The Chief Minister said that at the time when he had assumed the charge of office only 21% canal water was being used in the state for irrigation purposes. However, he said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that today 75% of the canal water is being used for irrigation purposes. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that canal water is a boon for irrigation as this mineral rich water enhances fertility of soil on one hand and reduces pressure on groundwater on the other.

The Chief Minister said that it also reduces the burden on the power sector thereby enabling the state government to provide uninterrupted power to every sector. He said that after assuming charge his government has revived thousands of water courses in the state due to which water has reached at the tail ends even in remotest villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government the ground water level has started increasing and as per a report of the Union government it has witnessed an upward enhancement of even one metre in several blocks.

The Chief Minister bestowed Panchayat Advance Index Award to Gram Panchayat of Village Baloh, District Bathinda for securing first position in various categories related to village development.

Apart from this, the Chief Minister honored nine Panchayats and other unanimously elected Panchayats for their excellent performance in various categories. The Chief Minister also honored the Self Help Groups and Panchayat Secretaries for their good performance.

On this occasion Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond and others were present.