Chandigarh, March 27

Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon on Friday complimented Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking a bold and timely decision to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel, thereby protecting citizens from the burden of rising fuel prices amid global turmoil.

In a statement, Tandon said that at a time when the world is under immense pressure due to escalating tensions in West Asia and a sharp surge in global crude oil prices, India has demonstrated its commitment to prioritising the welfare of its people.

He noted that while many countries have passed on the burden of rising fuel costs to consumers, the Modi government has chosen to absorb the impact to shield citizens from inflationary pressures.

“The decision to cut excise duty by ₹10 per litre on petrol and diesel is a clear reflection of the Prime Minister’s sensitivity towards the common man. It has brought significant relief to crores of citizens during a time of global uncertainty,” Tandon said.

Highlighting the broader context, he said the move comes when international crude prices have surged due to geopolitical tensions, posing a serious threat of fuel price hikes. Despite these challenges, the government has ensured that domestic consumers are insulated from the adverse impact.

Tandon further said that the Modi government had the option to pass on the increased costs to the public, as seen in several countries, but instead chose to bear the financial burden itself in the larger interest of the nation. He described the decision as a “pro-people and pro-poor step” that reinforces the government’s commitment to controlling inflation and ensuring economic stability.

“When the world is under stress, India is standing firm with its citizens. This decision once again proves that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the welfare of the people remains the top priority,” he added.

IEP Chandigarh

Chandigarh

The alleged scam of Rs 160 crore in the Panchkula Municipal Corporation has stirred political activity across the state. Haryana Congress President Rao Narender Singh launched a sharp attack on the state government and administrative machinery over the issue.
Rao Narender Singh said that corruption has reached its peak during the tenure of the current government. Before the echoes of one scam fade, another one surfaces. He alleged that this massive scam in the Panchkula Municipal Corporation fully exposes the reality of a corrupt government system. This is not merely a financial irregularity but an “open loot” of public money, carried out in a well-planned manner.
He further stated that this entire episode clearly indicates that accountability within government institutions has nearly collapsed. The scam appears to be a result of a well-orchestrated conspiracy involving officials enjoying political protection. Various charges are being collected from the public, but instead of being used for development works, the money is ending up in the pockets of corrupt politicians and officials. The general public is being continuously misled by this corrupt system.
Rao Narender Singh demanded a high-level and impartial investigation into the entire matter and strict action against those found guilty. He also expressed concern that if a fair investigation is conducted, the total amount involved in the scam could be even higher.
Issuing a warning, he said that until transparency is ensured in this matter, the Congress party will continue its struggle from the streets to the legislature.
Targeting the state government, he said that if the government is honest, it should immediately bring the truth of this matter before the public and take strict action against the responsible officials and concerned individuals.
In conclusion, he stated that the Congress party is fully committed to protecting public interests and will not tolerate corruption at any cost.

Chandigarh, March 26 – Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Sh. Manohar Lal, on Thursday, chaired the meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) in Karnal. He directed the officers to ensure transparency in the implementation of centre and state government welfare schemes and to ensure that their benefits reach the maximum number of people. The Minister reviewed 23 important schemes of 11 departments in the meeting and issued necessary directions to the officers.

He said that instead of merely presenting income and expenditure data in meetings, officers of all departments should work with better planning for effective implementation of schemes. If any problem arises, they should also give suggestions for its solution.

While reviewing the schemes of the Agriculture Department, Union Minister Sh.Manohar Lal directed the District Agriculture Officer (DDA) to ensure 100 percent registration of crops on the “Meri Fasal Mera Byora” portal. Along with mixed crops, details of vacant agricultural land should also be registered by farmers.

He said that at least one ‘Kisan Mela’ should be organised every year in each constituency, and farmers should be made aware of modern agricultural techniques and new varieties of seeds. Feedback from such  mela should also be taken, and good suggestions should be adopted to benefit farmers through schemes.

The Minister said that more and more Vita booths should be set up in the district so that youth can get employment and people can access Vita products near their homes. During the meeting, Union Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal also honored the Sarpanches of those gram panchayats that secured first, second and third positions in Swachata rankings by presenting appreciation certificates and shields. 

Situation in the Country Regarding Petrol and Gas is under control – Manohar Lal 

Union Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal extended greetings to everyone on the occasion of Ram Navami and, responding to media queries regarding petrol and gas, said that the situation in the country is currently normal and there is no shortage of any kind. Some countries are facing war-like situations, but if any issue arises, the Government of India is fully prepared. 

He said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi had called for building an Atmanirbhar Bharat, which means making the country self-reliant. 

Government Chief Whip and MLA from Indri Sh. Ramkumar Kashyap, MLA, Nilokheri Sh. Bhagwandas, MLA, Karnal Sh.Jagmohan Anand, MLA, Assandh Sh. Yoginder Rana, Mayor, Smt. Renu Bala Gupta, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Uttam Singh, Superintendent of Police, Sh. Narendra Bijarnia and officers from various departments were present.

Chandigarh: While rapper Badshah has been embroiled in controversy over his song “Tateeree” for allegedly hurting the dignity of women, “Burn It Down” by Ipsita , a lyricist and artist from Panchkula, Haryana, has emerged as a powerful example of women’s empowerment. Released on International Women’s Day, the song has been making waves across social media platforms. Within just two weeks, it has garnered 2.3 million views on YouTube and over 52,000 likes. The song delivers a strong critique of gender inequality and is currently trending on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

At a time when objectionable artistic content is increasingly being questioned, “Burn It Down” stands out as a meaningful effort that not only guides society but also reinforces the need for change. Through both music and cinematic storytelling, Ipsita directly challenges patriarchal systems. The song portrays how women’s lives are shaped and restricted by male-dominated structures from a young age. Its depiction of gender inequality is both powerful and thought-provoking.

Lyrics That Amplify Women’s Voices

Ipsita, who is currently residing in Sector 7, Chandigarh, explains that the song illustrates how cages, veils, and societal expectations imposed on women eventually lead to rebellion. It conveys a powerful message — “Now watch me burn it down.” Through her song, Ipsita pays tribute to women who have fought silent battles—those who remain unrecognized, who carry the weight of the world without fame or acknowledgment.

“Burn It Down” is dedicated not only to women who resist visible oppression but also to those struggling with invisible burdens—women whose labor, pain, and resilience often go unnoticed.

Powerful Statistics Highlighted in the Video

• Globally, 736 million women have experienced physical or sexual violence.
• Around 130 million girls worldwide are out of school.
• Women perform 75% of unpaid care and domestic work globally. Despite sustaining economies, this labor is rarely recognized or compensated.

Ipsita’s Academic and Professional Background

Ipsita is a singer-songwriter and actress whose work lies at the intersection of pop, performance, and social commentary. She graduated from Yale University with a scholarship in Economics and Psychology and received the V. Brown Irish Award for her contributions to performing arts. She also holds an MSc in Behavioral Science from the London School of Economics. Before pursuing music and film full-time, Ipsita worked in public health and behavioral change with organizations such as UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, and the World Bank.

New Delhi/Chandigarh, March 25
Raising the issue of livelihood security in Chandigarh, MP Manish Tewari has sought detailed accountability mechanisms in the Lok Sabha to ensure transparent and fair recruitment for local inhabitants. Taking up the matter in the Lok Sabha vide unstarred question number 4971, Tewari asked the Minister for Labour and Employment to provide year‑wise details of persons registered with the Employment Exchange, Chandigarh, during the last five years and the current year.

Tewari also questioned the manner in which registered candidates were provided employment in Chandigarh Administration Departments on temporary, contractual and outsourced basis. The MP further inquired whether the Chandigarh administration has issued any rule or order mandating that 20–25 per cent of outsourced recruitment be routed through the Employment Exchange and if so, the details of such rule or order. Tewari finally sought details of the monitoring mechanism put in place by the Government to ensure compliance with outsourcing norms by the agencies concerned.

Though the Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje did respond to the queries raised by Tewari, most of the substantive concerns were left unaddressed. The only concrete information she provided was the number of persons registered with the Employment Exchange over the last five years and during the current year.

While the Minister furnished year‑wise registration figures with the Employment Exchange, Chandigarh, the reply fell short of addressing the core issues raised by Tewari. In response to Tewari’s query on the monitoring mechanism for outsourcing agencies, the Minister offered only a generic statement that compliance is overseen by departments as per contracts and guidelines. “This reply, while formally correct, smartly ducked the core of the question – it failed to spell out any specific monitoring system, checks or enforcement measures”, stated Tewari.

Regarding Tewari’s query about the existence of any rule mandating 20–25 per cent outsourced recruitment through the Employment Exchange, the Minister simply stated that no such instructions exist. “While technically clear, the reply evaded the larger concern of why such a safeguard has not been instituted, leaving unanswered the question of how transparency and fairness in outsourced recruitment will be ensured”, Tewari observed.

Expressing his views on the matter and the Minister’s response, Tewari said that the reply underscores the lack of clarity and transparency in the government’s approach to ensuring fair employment opportunities for Chandigarh residents.

Chandigarh:

A Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) programme on Brain Awareness week and Head Injury Day was organized by the National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE) in collaboration with the Department of Neurosurgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The programme was held at the NINE Auditorium to commemorate Brain Awareness Week (March 16-22) and World Head Injury Awareness Day (March 20) under the theme: “Fears of Modern Life: Its Impact on Brain Health.”

The programme was conducted under the guidance and coordination of Dr. Manju Dhandapani, Associate Professor, NINE. Dr. Sukhpal Kaur, Principal, NINE, delivered the welcome address and emphasized the growing importance of neurological awareness and preventive strategies in modern healthcare systems. The theme of the programme was formally released by Dr. Manisha Nagi, Faculty, NINE. The programme was graced by Chief Guest Dr. S.K. Gupta, Head, Department of Neurosurgery and Guest of Honour Dr. Swapanjeet Sahoo, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, they highlighted the increasing burden of neurological disorders and mental health challenges associated with modern lifestyles, stress, and changing societal dynamics.

A special highlight of the programme was a Multigenerational Talk Show with Experts, moderated by Dr. Manju Dhandapani. The talk show explored how different generations-Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z, and Generation Alpha- experience and respond to modern life stressors and digital influences affecting brain health. Experts included Dr. Sukhpal Kaur, Dr. Sunita Sharma, Dr. AasthaTakkar (Additional Professor, Neurology), and Dr. Shalini Naik (Associate Professor, Psychiatry)discussed generational differences in lifestyle patterns, technology use, mental health awareness, and coping mechanisms, emphasizing the need for age-appropriate brain health promotion strategies.

The scientific sessions focused on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in which Ms. Renu, Neurosurgery Coordinator,Dr. Chander Shekhar, Associate Professor, Neurosurgery, Dr. Manisha Nagi delivered an overview of TBI and its prevention strategies followed by a session on Primary Survey in TBI and concluded with a talk on the long-term management and rehabilitation of TBI patients.

The programme also included felicitation of speakers, organizers, and winners of Brain Awareness Week competitions (poster making and slogan writing), acknowledging their valuable contributions.The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Meenakshi Agnihotri, Faculty, NINE, followed by the National Anthem. The programme successfully brought together experts from the nursing field, neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on promoting brain health and preventing head injuries in contemporary society.