Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Chandigarh

The Department of Psychiatry at PGIMER organizes one-day Continuing Rehabilitation Programme (CRE) on “Neuropsychology: Assessment and Intervention”

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The Department of Psychiatry at PGIMER organized a one-day Continuing Rehabilitation Programme (CRE) on “Neuropsychology: Assessment and Intervention”.

 The event, which drew delegates from across the country, was aimed at advancing the understanding of neuropsychological assessments and interventions in mental health and rehabilitation. The programme was inaugurated by the organizing chairperson, Prof. D. Basu, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, who delivered the welcome address.

The event also featured Prof. R.K. Ratho, Dean of Academics, as the chief guest, and Dr. Roopesh B.N., Additional Professor in the Department of Clinical Psychology at NIMHANS, as the guest of honor. The inauguration ceremony featured and acknowledged organizing secretaries, Dr. Devender Kumar and Dr. Krishan Kumar, alongside other core organizing team members, Dr. Lalit Kumar and Dr. Renjith Pillai, for their contribution to the success of the event. The CRE attracted a diverse audience of mental health professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and junior and senior residents in psychiatry, reflecting the growing interest in neuropsychology within the mental health community.

The workshop featured a range of expert speakers in the field of clinical neuropsychology, who shared valuable insights and practical expertise with the participants. Key scientific sessions during the morning session focused on the structural and functional aspects of the brain, presented by Prof. Shubmohan Singh. Dr. Roopesh B.N. also delivered an engaging session on neurocognitive assessments in children and the neurophysiological basis of neuropsychological retraining. The afternoon sessions delved into specific topics, including neuropsychological deficits in various psychiatric disorders, discussed by Dr. Jyoti Mishra (Assistant Professor, GMCH-32), and the fundamentals of neuropsychological assessments and interventions for adults, presented by Prof. Hardeep Lal Joshi.

The workshop also explored cognitive rehabilitation in traumatic brain injury and stroke, with a session by Dr. Mohammed Afsar, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya. The diverse range of topics and expert speakers garnered high appreciation from the delegates. The event concluded with engaging discussions and a deeper understanding of the evolving role of neuropsychology in mental health care and rehabilitation. The CRE served as an important platform for professionals in the field to enhance their knowledge and exchange ideas on the latest developments in neuropsychological practice.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Buddha Dariya Rejuvenation project: Local Bodies minister Dr Ravjot Singh and MP Seechewal issue strict instructions for taking action against violators; visit dairy complex to take stock of situation at ground level

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Chandigarh/Ludhiana, March 1:

Reiterating the commitment of the state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to clean ‘Buddha Dariya’, Local bodies minister Dr Ravjot Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal reviewed the project to rejuvenate ‘Buddha Dariya’ on Saturday.

Conducting a meeting with the officials at 225 mld Jamalpur STP on Tajpur road, local bodies minister Dr Ravjot Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Seechewal issued strict directions to take action against those dumping untreated waste or cow dung in the Buddha Dariya or sewer lines.

MLA Madan Lal Bagga, Mayor Principal Inderjit Kaur, Deputy Mayor Prince Johar, DC Jitendra Jorwal, MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal among other officials of PPCB, soil conservation, irrigation department etc were present in the meeting.

Cabinet minister Dr Ravjot Singh and MP Sant Seechewal stated that the state government is making regular and serious efforts to rejuvenate ‘Buddha Dariya’. The public and industry should also support the government and administration, so that the goal could be achieved. The government or the officials are not against any industry, but no one can be allowed to dump waste in Dariya.

The civic body officials were directed to ensure lifting of cow dung from dairy complexes and dumping the same at designated sites. Further the officials were directed to expedite the process to hire a private contractor for door to door lifting of cow dung in dairy complexes.

MP Seechewal stated that this was the 8th visit of cabinet minister Dr Ravjot Singh to review the project to clean Buddha Dariya in the last two months. This shows the seriousness of the government towards the project.

Later, cabinet minister Dr Ravjot Singh and MP Sant Seechewal also visited Tajpur road dairy complex to take stock of the situation. Necessary directions were issued to the officials. Cabinet minister Dr Ravjot Singh also visited the site where ‘Bathing Ghat’ is being established on the banks of Dariya under the ‘Kar Sewa’ led by MP Seechewal.

Cabinet Minister Dr Ravjot Singh and MP Seechewal appealed to the public and industry to support the authorities in cleaning the Buddha Dariya.

Chandigarh, Punjab

HARJOT BAINS ORDERS TO GO ONSLAUGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING

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Chandigarh, March 1:

Going onslaught against the illegal mining, Punjab Education Minister and MLA from Anandpur Sahib, S. Harjot Singh Bains, on Saturday, has issued a slew of directives including the immediate sealing of unregistered crushers and the installation of CCTV cameras at all registered sites, critical routes and hotspots within 15 days across the Rupnagar district.

S. Harjot Singh Bains directed the district authorities to seal all unregistered crushers immediately and there should not be any generator at the unauthorised sites. He also asked to ensure installation of high-resolution night vision closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras with 360-degree view at registered crushers, besides installing CCTV cameras on all critical routes and pathways, which could be used for transporting mining materials, as well as in areas identified as hotspots for illegal mining.

To increase transparency in mining operations, the Education Minister has also directed authorities to verify the records of past three months of those crushers against whom complaints were received. This verification must be completed within 15 days.

S. Harjot Singh Bains also directed to seal the Agampur Bridge area, where illegal mining activities were reported. He said that the area must be secured with barbed wires and the display boards should be installed with warning that trespassers will be prosecuted.

He also ordered all JEs and SDOs to ensure round-the-clock vigilance to prevent illegal mining activities, while emphasising holding district officials accountable for any negligence or collusion with illegal mining operators, regardless of their influence or political connections.

Contractors operating at all legal mining sites have also been strictly warned against engaging in any unfair practices. They are prohibited from exceeding their designated mining areas, he added.

The Education Minister informed that a team of experts from IIT, Rupnagar will conduct site surveys to verify compliance and identify any violations. Contractors found exceeding their authorised mining area will face severe penalties and legal action.

He said the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has adopted zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining. He stated that anyone found engaging in this illegal practice will face severe consequences.

Chandigarh, Punjab

’YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: PUNJAB POLICE LAUNCHES MASSIVE ANTI-DRUG OPERATION, ARRESTS 290 DRUG SMUGGLERS IN STATE-WIDE CRACKDOWN

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CHANDIGARH, March 1:

A day after Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has waged a decisive war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” to wipe out drugs from the state, Punjab Police on Saturday conducted a massive state-level Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at identified drug Hotspots— the points of sale of drugs and psychotropic substances— across the state, leading to the arrest of 290 drug smugglers after registration of 232 first information reports (FIRs), informed Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here.

The four-hour long operation has also led to the recovery of 8.14 kg heroin, 1.21 kg opium, 3.5 kg ganja, 19 kg poppy husk, 700 grams Charas, 16,238 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 8.02 lakh drug money.

The development came a day after CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state in coming three months. 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.

DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav, who was personally monitoring the state-level operation, said that the CASO was conducted from 9am to 1pm simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state and Spl DGP/ADGP/IGP/DIG rank officers from Punjab Police Headquarters, Chandigarh were deputed in each Police district to personally supervise the operation.

          He said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government has devised a 360 degree action plan to make the state drug-free completely, while also rehabilitating the drug users in the state. Police officers have been asked to trace the forward and backward linkages of all the cases being registered under the NDPS act and take strict action against those found in collusion with the drug smugglers, he added.

          Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who joined Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Deepak Pareek at Balongi in SAS Nagar, said that the CPs/SSPs were told to plan this operation in a meticulous manner in their respective districts and conduct raids at such areas, which have become shelter/safe haven for drug peddlers amid massive deployment of the police force. Punjab Police has devised a comprehensive strategy and such operations will be continued till the scourge of drugs eradicated from the state, he added. 

          The Special DGP informed that over 900 Police teams, comprising over 8368 police personnel, under the supervision of 233 gazetted officers have cordoned off as many as 369 drug hotspots and conducted 798 raids in such areas.

          He informed that police teams have checked over 2000 suspicious persons and taken preventive action against 27 persons, while, five proclaimed offenders (POs) have also been arrested during the operation.

          Other officers who went to the field includes Special DGP PSPCL Dr Jitendra Jain, ADGP Traffic AS Rai, ADGP Law and Order SPS Parmar, ADGP State Armed Forces MF Farooqui, ADGP Internal Security Shive Kumar Verma, and IGP Technical Support Services (TSS) Pradeep Kumar Yadav, IGP Intelligence Babu Lal Meena, IGP GRP Punjab Baljot Singh Rathore and IGP Gurdial Singh.

          Meanwhile, the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Inaugurates 2ND India International Mega Trade Fair Chandigarh

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Chandigarh, March 1

 Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema today inaugurated 2ND India International Mega Trade Fair at Parade Ground in Chandigarh. The Minister hailed this initiative as a significant milestone in promoting economic growth, innovation, and mutual cooperation.

“Mega trade fairs like this one play a vital role in showcasing our country’s growth potential and fostering trade relations,” said Finance Minister Cheema. “These event provides a platform for businessmen to showcase their products, services, and innovations, facilitating connections, knowledge sharing, and exploration of new development opportunities.”

The Finance Minister also highlighted Punjab’s rich heritage in industry and trade, noting that the state has always been a hub for entrepreneurs, innovators, and traders. “We’re committed to building on this legacy, producing high-quality goods and services, and creating a conducive environment for industry and trade,” he added.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema extended congratulations to the Bengal Chamber and G S Marketing Associates for organising this event. He expressed his optimism that this event would be a resounding success, laying the groundwork for innovative business ventures and fruitful partnerships.

Chandigarh, Punjab

‘YUDH NASHIA VIRUDH’: PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS TRANS-BORDER DRUG SMUGGLING CARTEL; TWO HELD WITH 4 KG HEROIN

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CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, March 1:

          In a major blow to trans-border smuggling amidst the ongoing decisive war against drugs ‘Yudh Nashia Virudh’ waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has apprehends two drug smugglers and recovered 4 kg heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Karanpal Singh (37) and Ranjit Singh (36), both hailing from border villages situated in the jurisdiction of Khemkaran in Tarn Taran. Apart from recovering big haul of heroin, Police teams have also impounded their motorcycle, which they were riding.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the notorious Pakistan-based smuggler used the Ferozepur sector to transport the drug consignment using drones. Further investigations are on establish backward and forward linkages in this case, he said.

          Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting on reliable intelligence inputs, a police team under the supervision of ADCP Investigation Navjot Singh, ACP Detective Harminder Singh and ACP Narcotic Lalit Sharma and led by Incharge CIA-1 Inspector Amolakdeep Singh and Incharge CIA-2 SI Ravi Kumar conducted a special operation and apprehended accused persons during a naka at Jhabal Road at Amritsar and recovered heroin from their possession.

          He said that after receiving consignments from across the border, accused persons further selling it to drug peddlers to supply narcotics across the state.

          The CP emphasised that a detailed backward and forward link investigation is being conducted to uncover the entire drug supply network, including suppliers, dealers and buyers. Efforts are also being made to determine the total quantity of drugs purchased and distributed by the arrested individuals, he added.

          A case FIR No. 49 dated 27-02-2025 has been registered under section 21(C) of the NDPS Act at Islamabad Police Station in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, Punjab

‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Cabinet Sub Committee designates specific action areas for each committee member: Harpal Singh Cheema

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Chandigarh, March 1

Punjab Finance Minister and Chairman of the cabinet sub-committee formed to lead the war against drug trafficking, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Saturday that the Yudh Nashian Virudh Sub-committee has designated specific action areas for each committee member to eradicate the drug menace from the state.

During a media address following the cabinet sub-committee meeting, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema outlined the strategy for combating drug trafficking. He revealed that the state’s districts have been divided among the four cabinet ministers of the committee, including himself, Aman Arora, Tarunpreet Singh Sound, and Laljeet Singh Bhullar, to tighten the noose around drug traffickers. The fifth committee member, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, will oversee drug de-addiction activities in the state.

The Finance Minister further elaborated that he will continuously visit the districts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Ropar, Tarntaran, and Hoshiarpur to hold meetings with civil and police administration officials, ensuring ground-level monitoring of the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign. Similarly, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora will monitor Ludhiana, Patiala, Kapurthala, Mohali, Amritsar, and Jalandhar. Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sound will oversee Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Fatehgarh Sahib, Moga, and Malerkotla, while Cabinet Minister Laljeet Singh Bhullar will monitor Faridkot, Muktsar, Fazilka, Mansa, and Ferozepur.

The Finance Minister appealed to the families of drug addicts to admit their addicted members to drug de-addiction facilities. He said that this decisive war against drugs aims to break the supply line of drugs, which may cause health issues for addicts. He also highlighted the clear directives from Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal to deliver a final blow to drug trafficking in the state, ensuring a bright future for the youth.

The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema also sought the support and cooperation of the people of Punjab in this crucial battle against drugs. He said that the collective efforts of the government and the public are essential to eradicate the drug menace and secure a healthier and brighter future for the state’s next generation.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab Government’s Decisive War Against Drug Trafficking will Eradicate Drug Menace from state: Harbhajan Singh ETO

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Chandigarh, March 1

Punjab Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Saturday said that the decisive war against drug trafficking, initiated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, will yield positive results and eradicate the drug menace from the state.

In a press communique issued here, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the state government has given a clear and stern warning to those involved in drug trafficking, that they must either leave the state or put a complete stop to their illicit activities. He said that this warning comes as part of the Punjab government’s intensified efforts to combat the drug menace to ensure a safe and healthy environment for its citizens.

The Minister further added that the Punjab government’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking has been aimed at its commitment to protecting the youth and future generations from the devastating effects of drug abuse. He said that with the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government at the helm, Punjabis would soon witness a drug-free Rangla Punjab.

Chandigarh, Punjab

AMAN ARORA CALLS FOR UNITED FRONT TO COMBAT DRUG MENACE IN PUNJAB

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Chandigarh, March 1:

Punjab Cabinet Minister and the state president of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Mr. Aman Arora, on Saturday, gave a clarion call to all the political parties, social and religious organisations and NGOs to come forward to join hands with the Punjab Government to form a united front and make Punjab a drug-free state.

He was addressing the media here after the high-level meeting of the 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee formed to combat the drug menace.

“It is a collective responsibility of 3 crore citizens of Punjab. We must stand united and fight this menace with all our might,” Mr. Aman Arora said, while adding that the state government and police alone cannot extricate Punjab from the deep swamp created by previous governments.

Mr. Aman Arora expressed confidence that by working together, Punjab can overcome this challenge and create a healthier and vibrant Punjab, as envisioned by AAP Supremo Sh. Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Mr. Aman Arora stated that the Punjab Government has made a comprehensive 360-degree action plan to completely eradicate the drug menace from the state. This plan also  includes prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation measures to help victims return to mainstream life. Where Police authorities are dealing drug traffickers with iron hands, they have been directed to treat drug users with empathy and compassion, viewing them as patients in need of help, he added.

He highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and society as a whole, saying, “This is a battle we must win together. We need the collective strength and commitment of every stakeholder to effectively address this complex issue.”

“I assure you that we will not rest until we completely wipe out this menace from the state. It’s a matter of the existence of Punjab, the land of saints, sages, and warriors. It was deliberately pushed into this swamp by the previous regimes for their personal gains,” Mr. Aman Arora said. He also gave a clear and loud message to drug smugglers, warning them to leave the smuggling or leave Punjab or ready to face the consequences.

While reiterating the commitment of Punjab Government to deal with the drug smugglers with iron hands, he also appealed to parents and family members of drug users to take them to government drug de-addiction centres or OOAT clinics for treatment. He informed that the state government has made adequate arrangements for proper care of drug victims. He assured them that if they face any difficulties, they can contact local authorities for immediate resolution, and the state government is standing by them to help them out from this situation.

Chandigarh, Punjab

GANGSTER INJURED IN RETALIATORY FIRE WHILE TRYING TO FLEE POLICE CUSTODY IN DERA BASSI; PISTOL RECOVERED

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CHANDIGARH/SAS NAGAR, March 1:

          In a major action by the SAS Nagar Police and Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) amidst the ongoing fight against organised crime launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Gangster Malkiat alias Maxi sustained bullet injury on his left leg while unsuccessfully attempting to escape from the police custody near Ghagar bridge on Zirakpur-Ambala Highway in Dera Bassi, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Gangster Maxi, a native of village Rodala in Rajasansi Amritsar, is an operative of foreign-based terrorist Goldy Brar and Gangster Goldy Dhillon and was operating an extortion racket on their behalf. Recently, Maxi and his accomplice identified as Sandeep alias Deep were arrested by the Patiala Police in Arms Act case, subsequently, both were brought on production warrant from Patiala Jail by SAS Nagar Police on Friday, in an extortion case wherein accused persons had targeted Mohali-based property dealer and demanded Rs 50 lakh extortion money in January 2025.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that following the disclosures of Maxi, a Police team led by DSP Dera Bassi Bikramjit Singh Brar was taking him for recovery of weapon, a .32 Calibre Pistol, that he confessed to have concealed at an isolated place at Zirakpur-Ambala Highway, intending to harm the victim property dealer.

          “Upon reaching the location, the accused opened fire at the police team in an attempt to flee from the custody, in self-defence and retaliatory fire by the police team, Maxi sustained a bullet injury in his left leg fire and has been shifted to Civil Hospital, Mohali for medical treatment,” he said.

          The DGP said that the weapon along with three cartridges and two used/empty casings has been recovered from his possession.

          Sharing more details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) SAS Nagar Deepak Pareek said that the arrested accused has a criminal history with cases pertaining to extortion and arms act registered against him. Further investigations are on, he added.

          A fresh case FIR no. 46 dated 01/03/2025 has been registered under sections 109, 132, 221 and 262 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Dera Bassi in SAS Nagar.