Today, Ms. Kanwardeep Kaur, IPS, W/SSP/UT, Chandigarh, visited Sector 52 of PS-36 and led the door-to-door awareness campaign, interacting directly with residents and checking drive under “Drug Free India”along with the police team, Sh. Dheeraj Kumar, SDPO/South-West, Insp. Chiranji Lal SHO/PS-36

During the drive, houses of persons involved in drug peddling and those previously booked in cases under NDPS Act in the area Sector-52 of PS-36 were checked and verified. The houses were thoroughly searched and antecedents of such persons were verified.

The public was also made aware of the Chandigarh following Police Helpline Number and encouraged to share information regarding drug-related activities with the police.

Anti-Drug Helpline Number 8283040100

Anti-Drug Helpline Landline 0172-2677037

MANAS Helpline: 1933**

Chandigarh Police appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and promptly inform the police about any information related to drug peddling, consumption or other drug-related activities through the designated helpline. The identity of the informer will be kept confidential.

Proper directions were given to such persons not to indulge in such activities in future and to maintain good conduct. They were also warned of strict legal action if found involved again in drug peddling activities. The drive was conducted with the aim to make the area drug free and to create a sense of security among the public.

Chandigarh, October 7

Under the initiative ‘Seva Ke Rang, Rashtra Ke Sang’ being held to mark 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public service journey, the Chandigarh BJP under its aegis, created a giant 90 feet by 90 feet rangoli showcasing India’s development journey, cultural heritage and various welfare schemes at Tiranga park in Sec 17, Chandigarh. Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon was the Convenor of the programme, while Ramesh Sahod served as the Co-Convenor. The rangoli, was created under the stewardship of Chandigarh BJP President – Jatinder Pal Malhotra.

Sanjay Tandon said that 25 years ago, Narendra Modi began his public service journey as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. After serving Gujarat as Chief Minister for around 12 years, he has been serving the country for nearly 12 years. He said that during these years, several development and welfare initiatives have been taken forward in Gujarat as well as across the country.

He said the giant rangoli, featured symbols associated with Chandigarh’s identity along with a portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Chandigarh’s Open Hand, the dancing form of Nataraja and the wheel of the Konark Temple. Around 40 schemes of the Central Government, along with the culture of Punjab and Haryana, were also depicted in the rangoli.

Tandon said the programme was aimed at informing people about the development initiatives and welfare schemes undertaken in Gujarat and across the country during the last 25 years under PM Modi. Tandon said the country was moving forward on the path of development and that achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 would require the participation of every citizen. He said everyone must work together with a spirit of service and dedication to take the country forward.

During the programme, Sanjay Tandon along with Chandigarh BJP President – Jatinder Pal Malhotra, Mayor Saurabh Joshi & other dignitaries took the ‘Viksit Bharat’ Sankalp, reaffirming their commitment towards building a developed and self-reliant India. This was followed by a ‘Seva Jyoti Yatra’, led by Malhotra & Tandon. The participants walked conveying the message of the country’s progress, the spirit of service and the collective commitment towards the vision of a developed India by 2047.

A prominent dignitary present was Inderjit Singh Sidhu, former DIG of Punjab Police and a Padma Shri awardee recognised for his contribution to cleanliness and sanitation. Notably, apart from Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon; Jatinder Pal Malhotra, President, Chandigarh BJP & Mayor Saurabh Joshi many other leaders like Pradesh Mahila Morcha President Sonam Verma were present. Many district presidents, 100’s of other BJP leaders and workers also participated. Former Indian cricketer Reetinder Singh Sodhi too was a prominent personality who took part in the proceedings.

Visual artist Abhishek Rathi has designed the Rangoli around the central theme of India’s cultural heritage, spiritual strength and its journey towards development and progress.

Inspired by the Konark Sun Temple wheel, the design uses its spokes to symbolise government schemes driving national development. Nataraja represents energy and movement, the Kamal (lotus) signifies renewal, and Goddess Chandi Devi’s eyes with a jet symbolise Operation Sindoor. The Shivling represents spiritual strength, while Chandigarh’s iconic open hand, Punjab’s Phulkari and Haryana’s Sanjhi reflect regional identity and cultural diversity.

Chandigarh, October 5:- The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, today attended the 118th All-India Mayors Council in Chandigarh and called for strengthening urban local bodies with adequate powers, resources, technology and administrative capacity, along with effective coordination between elected representatives and officials. He said strong mayors, empowered municipal bodies and active citizens are essential for building clean, green, safe, inclusive and self-reliant cities and contributing to a developed India.

The meeting brought together mayors from across the country to share experiences and discuss common urban challenges. Shri Kataria said the Council’s strength lies in collective discussion and exchange of best practices, enabling mayors to learn from one another and adapt successful models to local requirements. He noted that cities face common challenges relating to sanitation, water, sewerage, traffic, waste management, pollution, green spaces, housing, healthcare, welfare of the urban poor and digital services.

Recalling the Council’s role, Sh. Kataria noted that the All-India Mayors Council was established in 1962 to strengthen urban administration and provide a common platform for mayors. He also stressed that public authority must be exercised in the public interest, with Municipal Corporations and Local Bodies functioning with morality, compassion and humanity while remaining within the law. He said mayors must remain connected with citizens, listen to their concerns and work for their welfare, while humanitarian circumstances should also be considered alongside legal and regulatory aspects when dealing with violations.

Highlighting Chandigarh’s development since its foundation in 1952, the Administrator said the city has emerged as an important example of planned urban development, with continued efforts in civic amenities, cleanliness, water management and environmental protection. He highlighted its achievements in e-mobility and energy conservation, including recognition as the Best Union Territory for electric vehicles and Most EV-Ready City, first position in the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025, and becoming the first city to achieve 100 per cent solar coverage of all government buildings.

Sh. Kataria also highlighted Chandigarh’s second position in the Super Swachh League, Daddu Majra waste-management project and Compressed Bio-Gas Plant, along with large-scale rehabilitation and affordable housing that made the city India’s first slum-free city. He said sustained plantation and public participation, along with administrative efforts, have increased the city’s green cover to 51 per cent, and urged citizens to nurture and protect the trees they plant.

Ms. Renu Bala Gupta, Chairperson, All-India Mayors Council, shared her experiences and views on the functioning of Mayors across the country and appreciated Chandigarh as one of the most beautiful and well-planned cities in India. She said the deliberations of the Conference were aimed at strengthening the role and responsibilities of Mayors, including enhancing their powers and ensuring a uniform tenure. She emphasised the need for full and effective implementation of the 74th Constitutional Amendment, while acknowledging that municipalities across India operate under diverse geographical and administrative conditions, resulting in variations in civic service delivery. She advocated uniformity in the tenure, roles, responsibilities, powers and selection process of Mayors across the country. She further informed that the All-India Mayors Council regularly organises training and orientation programmes for Mayors and would continue to conduct such seminars and knowledge-sharing initiatives in the future.

Sh. Naveen Jain, Member of Rajya Sabha and Regional Head of AIMC, strongly advocated a uniform five-year tenure for Mayors across the country, along with clearly defined and uniform roles, responsibilities and powers. He emphasised that the provisions of the 74th Constitutional Amendment should be implemented in letter and spirit to empower urban local bodies and strengthen the institution of Mayors as an important pillar of urban governance.

Shri Ashutosh Varshney, General Secretary, All-India Mayors Council, highlighted the remarkable growth of the organisation, stating that the Council, which began with just seven Mayors, has now expanded to 266 Mayors across India. He advocated extending pensionary benefits to Mayors on the lines of Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies, recognising their contribution to urban governance. He also informed that the All-India Mayors Council organises four meetings every year at different locations across the country, providing a platform for Mayors to exchange experiences, share best practices and deliberate upon issues concerning urban development.

Mayor of Chandigarh Sh. Saurabh Joshi highlighted the wide variations in the tenure, powers and selection process of Mayors across different States in the country. He pointed out that the tenure of Mayors varies from one year, two years and two-and-a-half years to five years in different States. He emphasised the need for a uniform and transparent system for the selection of Mayors across India, noting that while Mayors are directly elected by citizens in some States, in others they are elected by elected Councillors. He stressed that greater uniformity in the institutional framework, tenure, powers and responsibilities of Mayors would further strengthen urban local governance and enable them to effectively address the growing needs of cities.

Presenting the vote of thanks, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, Shri Amit Kumar, IAS, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Guest, distinguished guests, Mayors and delegates for their participation and valuable contributions to the Conference. He highlighted Chandigarh’s achievements in scientific waste management and informed that the Municipal Corporation has achieved 100 per cent processing capacity for municipal solid waste. He further stated that Chandigarh has been selected under the Pragati Shahar-50 initiative on the basis of its performance in sanitation and development parameters, reflecting the city’s continued progress towards sustainable and citizen-centric urban development.

The Commissioner also highlighted the strict action being taken by the Chandigarh Administration against offenders under the Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan, in accordance with the directions of the Administrator, including action against properties of persons involved in such activities. He said such coordinated efforts demonstrate the Administration’s commitment towards creating a safe, healthy and responsible urban environment for citizens.

The Mayors later visited various projects and best practices of Municipal Corporation Chandigarh including ICCC, Rose Garden, Capitol Complex, Air Museum, Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake etc. and appreciated the initiatives and best practices taken by the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh. They also planted saplings of flowering plants at Ros Garden near Under Pass.

Other Dignitoris and Mayors were present including Smt. Kirron Kher, Former Member Parliament, UT, Chandigarh,

Sh. Manoj Gupta, Secretary for All India Council for Mayors (AICM)

Shri.Naveen Jain, Ex mayor of Agra,Member of Rajya Sabha, UP and Regional Head, AIMC,

Shri. Ashutosh Varshney, Ex-Mayor of Aligarh & Ex. Chairman of AICM, UP

Mrs. Renu Bala Gupta, Mayor of Karnal, HR

DR. Manglesh Srivastav, Mayor of Gorakhpur, UP

Shri.Mrigen Sarania, Mayor of Guwahati, Assam

Shri. Pushyamitra Bhargav, Mayor of Indore, MP

Mrs. Mayaben Dharmendrabhai Mavani, Mayor of Surat, Gujrat

Mrs. Inderjit Kaur, Mayor of Ludhiana, Punjab

Mrs. Meenal Choubey, Mayor of Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Mrs. Pooja Vidani, Mayor of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

Mrs. Tshering Palden Bhutia, Mayor of Gangtok, Sikkim

Mrs. Neeta Rajendra Thakre, Mayor of Nagpur, Maharashtra

Shri. G.Udhaya Kumar, Mayor of Avadi, Tamilnadu

Mr. Rajeev Jain, Mayor of Sonipat, HR

Mrs. Rooprani Sangramsinh Nikam, Mayor of Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Shri. Nandlal Devgan, Mayor of Birgaon, Chhattisgarh

Mrs. Parveen Batra Joshi, Mayor of Faridabad, HR

Shri. Vinod Aggarwal, Mayor of Moradabad, UP

Shri.Shambhu Passwan, Mayor of Rishikesh, UK

Mrs Anita Aggarwal, Mayor of Roorkee, UK

Shri.Yogesh Kumar Tamrakar, Mayor of Satna, MP

Mr. V.V Rajesh, Mayor of Thirunvanthapuram, Kerala

Mrs. Nirmala Sahu, Mayor of Muzaffarpur, Bihar

Shri. Shyam Lal Bansal, Mayor of Panchkula, HR

Sh. Surinder Chauhan, Mayor of Shimla, HP

Shri. Sarabjeet Singh Samana, Mayor of Mohali, PB

Shri. Mukesh Tatwal, Mayor of Ujjain, MP

Shri. Hasanpreet Bhardwaj, Mayor of Barnala, PB

Mrs. Pooja Wadhwa, Mayor of Abohar, PB

Mrs. Suman Thakur, Mayor of Mandi, HP

Mrs. Sita Sahu, Mayor of Patna,BH

Mrs. Akshita Saini, Mayor of Ambala, HR.

Chandigarh: The Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, PGIMER, held a *one-day Research Methodology Bootcamp at Lecture Theatre 3, Nehru Hospital, as part of the 22nd NZ-ISACON 2026* . The programme ran from 9 am to 5 pm for undergraduate and postgraduate students and residents, taking a vague idea to a publishable paper in a single day.
Delegates were split into five groups a week earlier, and each received a crude research idea. During the workshop, the groups turned these ideas into complete protocols covering the question, design, criteria, statistical test and sample size. Each presented its protocol in six minutes, then wrote a 300-word structured abstract with six keywords. Groups also peer-reviewed each other’s work and received faculty feedback. Pre- and post-workshop MCQ tests measured learning gain.

Sessions covered framing a research question, interpreting SD, standard error and confidence intervals, bias, sample size, ethics and CTRI registration, data visualisation, reporting guidelines, plagiarism and salami-slicing, and converting a thesis into a manuscript. Faculty came from PGIMER, AIIMS New Delhi and RML Hospital, New Delhi.

 *Prof. Kajal Jain* , Head of the Department and Organising Chairperson, said: “Good research habits begin early. By taking students from an idea to a protocol and an abstract in one day, we hope to give them the confidence to start and complete their own studies.”
 *Prof. Madhuri S Kurdi,* Editor-in-Chief, Indian Journal of Anaesthesia, said: “A thesis shows you did the work, but a paper makes others care. I am delighted to see young medical professionals learning to write and review with rigour, and the journal looks forward to their contributions.”

Chandigarh: Under the aegis of the *National Programme for Prevention & Management of Trauma and Burn Injuries (NPPMT&BI), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India,* the faculty of Trauma Anaesthesia Subspecialty, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, PGIMER, Chandigarh, successfully conducted a hands-on, skill-based workshop titled “Immediate Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Workshop”, focused on life-saving skills in the trauma bay.

The workshop aimed at training young doctors in time-critical interventions that can save lives in the golden hour of trauma.
Speaking on the occasion, *Prof. (Dr.) Kajal Jain,* Head, Department of Anaesthesia and Course Coordinator, DM in Trauma Anaesthesia and Acute Care, apprised the participants about recent changes in the algorithmic approach to life-saving interventions. She stressed the urgent need to create high-powered, multidisciplinary teams to ensure rapid response and better outcomes in trauma care.
The highlight of the workshop was live master demonstrations on vet models for securing rapid intravenous access and chest tube placement, conducted by *Dr. Suman Arora, Dr. Shubhajeet Talukdar, Dr. Amarjyoti Hazarika and Dr. Nidhi Bhatia.* The demonstrations provided participants with invaluable hands-on training in crucial trauma procedures.

The scientific sessions elucidated the importance of two critical pillars of trauma resuscitation—controlling exsanguinating haemorrhage to save lives and prompt relief of airway obstruction to ensure adequate oxygenation.
 *The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from delegates across specialties, including General Surgery, Oral Health Sciences and recently joined Anaesthesia residents, who were provided hands-on training by expert faculty.
The workshop was highly appreciated by all participants for its practical approach and relevance to emergency trauma care.

Chandigarh, October 3: A special Women’s Health & Hygiene Camp (Mahila Swasthya Evam Swachhta Shivir) was organised at Indira Colony, Chandigarh, as part of the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, a month-long campaign launched on September 17, the birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The camp focused on bringing preventive healthcare, health awareness and essential hygiene support closer to women in the area.
The camp was organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chandigarh under the leadership of Shri Jatinder Pal Malhotra, State President, BJP Chandigarh. His emphasis on Seva, community outreach and welfare initiatives has encouraged programmes addressing the everyday needs of citizens.
The programme was organised under the Intellectual Cell by Dr. Monica B. Sood, Intellectual Head, BJP Chandigarh, and Smt. Ruchi Sekhri, State Secretary, BJP Chandigarh.
Smt. Suman Sharma, Deputy Mayor, Chandigarh and Councillor, graced the programme as the Guest of Honour. Appreciating the initiative, she emphasised the importance of creating greater awareness among women about preventive healthcare, hygiene and timely medical consultation, particularly at the grassroots level.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Monica B. Sood stressed that access to health awareness and basic preventive care should reach every woman, irrespective of her social or economic circumstances. She underlined that women often place the needs of their families before their own health and therefore community-based initiatives must encourage them to prioritise regular check-ups, nutrition, hygiene and early detection of disease.
A major focus of the camp was women’s health across different stages of life. Dr. Ruchi Ahuja delivered an informative session on cervical cancer, highlighting the importance of awareness, prevention and timely screening. She also guided women on maintaining their health through various stages of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood and advancing age.
Women attending the camp underwent health check-ups under different medical specialties, with lady doctors providing medical consultation, health guidance and addressing individual concerns. Iron tablets, multivitamins and other health-support supplements were distributed among the women. Special women’s health and hygiene kits were also provided to encourage better personal and menstrual hygiene practices.
The camp witnessed the active participation of Shri Lalit Takiar, Convener, Medical Cell, BJP Chandigarh, and Smt. Meena Chadha, Co-Convener, Medical Cell. Shri Bhupender Saini, District President, and Shri Kamal Maurya, Mandal President, were also present and extended their support to the initiative.
The programme reflected the spirit of Seva through Health, taking awareness beyond discussions and translating it into meaningful action at the community level.
The initiative concluded with a message that women’s healthcare must not remain limited to treatment after illness, but should encompass awareness, nutrition, hygiene, prevention and timely screening as integral aspects of women’s well-being.

Gurugram, 

The State Executive Committee meeting of INTUC Haryana was held in Gurugram. The meeting was attended by AICC Haryana In-charge Sanjay Dutt, Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh, INTUC Haryana President Amit Yadav, Co-Chairperson, Social Media & Digital Platform Puneet Yadav, along with INTUC office-bearers, representatives of various trade unions and labour leaders.

The meeting held detailed discussions on workers’ dignity, employment security, social security, safe working conditions, and the democratic and collective bargaining rights of trade unions. Concerns were also expressed regarding the provisions of the four new labour laws and their potential impact on workers and trade unions.

Haryana Congress In-charge Sanjay Dutt highlighted several key demands concerning trade union rights, including safeguarding the right to form, register and function independently as a trade union; strengthening collective bargaining; reviewing unnecessary restrictions on the right to strike; reducing the threshold for standing orders from 300 to 100 workers; and ensuring effective consultation with trade unions before making any changes to labour laws.

Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh highlighted key demands concerning workers’ rights, including ensuring fair minimum wages and timely payment of wages to every worker; providing contract workers with full benefits of Provident Fund, Employees’ State Insurance, bonus and other social security measures; making safety committees and occupational health and safety mechanisms effective at every workplace; protecting workers against arbitrary retrenchment and employment insecurity; and making appointment letters and salary slips mandatory for every worker.

Amit Yadav and the INTUC team prominently raised demands related to the interests of trade unions and workers. These included ensuring that no worker is discriminated against or harassed for becoming a union member; ending the practice of contractual and fixed-term employment; and ensuring the effective functioning of grievance redressal committees at every eligible establishment.

During the meeting, the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee also organized a training programme on strengthening social media and on the new labour laws. The training covered the provisions of the new labour laws, their impact on the rights of trade unions and workers, and the challenges related to workers’ rights. The training was conducted by Puneet Yadav, Co-Chairperson, Social Media & Digital Platform, Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee.

The meeting also emphasized that union representatives should have the right to meaningful dialogue and collective bargaining with management. It was further stressed that “Mazdoor Adhikar Pathshala” (Workers’ Rights Schools) should be established in every industrial area to educate workers about their legal rights.

The meeting resolved to further strengthen INTUC’s organizational structure to take the voice of workers to every factory, every industrial area and every worker. Reaching workers’ rights advocacy to “every factory, every gate and every court”, along with creating awareness among workers through gate-level Mazdoor Adhikar Pathshalas, was identified as a key objective.

Sanjay Dutt and Rao Narendra Singh emphasized the need to strengthen the organization at the grassroots level and to effectively raise issues concerning workers and the general public. The central message of the meeting was that respect for workers, protection of their rights and a strong trade union system are essential for equitable and inclusive development.

Senior Congress leader Raj Babbar said that workers play a vital role in the industrial and economic development of the country. He said that dignified employment, social security and safe working conditions are the rights of workers. He emphasized that trade unions are an important means of strengthening the collective voice of workers and that sustained and united efforts are necessary to protect workers’ rights. He appreciated INTUC’s efforts to strongly raise issues concerning the interests and rights of workers.

During the meeting, discussions were also held on strengthening organizational work related to the Social Media & Digital Platform and Connect Centre of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee.

On the occasion, Deepak Lamba, In-charge, Connect Centre, Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee, emphasized the need to strengthen organizational communication, make effective use of digital platforms, and ensure that issues concerning workers and the general public are effectively taken to a wider audience.

Chandigarh/Panipat.

A Block Congress Workers’ Conference was organised in Panipat under the guidance of Haryana Congress In-charge Sanjay Dutt and under the chairmanship of Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh. The conference called for strengthening the organisation up to the booth level, maintaining continuous dialogue with the people, and strongly raising issues concerning farmers, youth, sportspersons, traders and the general public.

Farmer Facing Problems in the Mandi and Sportsperson Lacking Adequate Facilities on the Field—Government Must Clarify Its Priorities: Sanjay Dutt

Haryana Congress In-charge Sanjay Dutt said that farmers across the state are bringing their crops to mandis, but are facing difficulties regarding the procurement, lifting and payment of paddy and bajra. Farmers should not have to make rounds of government offices to sell their produce. The government must ensure that crops are procured and lifted on time and that payments are made promptly.

He said that farmers and sportspersons are both an integral part of Haryana’s identity. A state that has produced international-level athletes for the country must provide sporting talent with adequate facilities, trained coaches, modern equipment and a secure future.

Sanjay Dutt said that sportspersons such as Mary Kom have enhanced the country’s prestige across the world through their talent, struggle and dedication. Such athletes have inspired millions of young people. The government’s responsibility should not be limited to honouring a sportsperson after winning a medal; it must also take responsibility for their training, healthcare, employment and future security.

He said there is a need for an effective system for the welfare of sportspersons and former sportspersons who have dedicated their lives to the country and the state. A sportsperson who has brought glory to the nation should not have to face economic or social insecurity in the later stages of life.

Sanjay Dutt said that during Congress governments, several measures relating to sports policy, employment and awards were introduced in Haryana to encourage sporting talent. Under the previous Congress government’s sports policy, provisions were made for providing government employment and higher positions to outstanding sportspersons, along with financial incentives for sporting talent.

He said the objective of a sports policy should not be limited to honouring a few medal-winning athletes, but should be to strengthen the entire journey of a sportsperson—from the village sports ground to the international stage.

On the issue of law and order, he said it is the government’s primary responsibility to ensure that ordinary citizens, women, traders and youth feel safe. Effective control over crime and equal enforcement of the law must be ensured.

He said employment is also a major challenge before the state. Young people need adequate employment opportunities, a transparent recruitment process and confidence in their future. The government must provide clear answers on issues related to employment and recruitment.

On the issue of SIR and electoral rolls, Sanjay Dutt said that the voting rights of every eligible citizen must be protected. Any changes to electoral rolls should be carried out through a transparent process, and every eligible voter must be given a full opportunity to present their case. Congress workers should remain vigilant in protecting democratic rights.

He said that Congress would continue to raise issues such as “vote theft and donation theft” before the people on the basis of facts and would continue to demand transparency and accountability in democratic institutions.

BJP Government Must Answer Questions Regarding the Honour and Future of Sportspersons; Congress Has Always Encouraged Sporting Talent: Rao Narendra Singh

Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh said that Haryana’s identity is not limited to its farmers and soldiers but is also defined by the exceptional talent of its sportspersons.

 Athletes from Haryana have brought glory to the country at the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and other international competitions.

He said that when a sportsperson enters the field, they do not play only for themselves but also for the state and the country. Therefore, it is the government’s responsibility to provide better grounds, modern equipment, trained coaches, medical facilities, competition preparation and dignified employment opportunities.

Rao Narendra Singh said that during the BJP government’s tenure, questions have repeatedly been raised regarding the recognition, facilities and future of sportspersons. The government should explain the condition of sports grounds and stadiums in villages, whether athletes are receiving regular training and equipment, and what concrete arrangements have been made to secure the future of talented sportspersons.

He said the example of great sportsperson Mary Kom is before us. She brought glory to the country, inspired millions of young people and gave Indian women’s boxing international recognition. The recognition of such athletes should not be limited to their active sporting careers. The government should also establish effective support and social security mechanisms for former athletes and those from economically weaker backgrounds.

Rao Narendra Singh said that during Congress governments, policies such as “Medal Lao, Pad Pao” (Win a Medal, Get a Position) were introduced to provide outstanding sportspersons opportunities in government service. During the Congress government, emphasis was placed on taking sports to villages, identifying sporting talent and securing the future of athletes.

He said Congress believes that sports are not merely a means of winning medals but are connected with the future of the youth and the identity of the state. Therefore, Congress workers will raise the problems faced by sportspersons at the village and booth levels.

Rao Narendra Singh said that the Congress organisation is not one that remains active only during elections. Booth-level workers will stand with the people in their times of happiness and difficulty and will strongly raise issues concerning farmers, youth, sportspersons, women, workers and traders.

Before Expecting Medals from Sportspersons, It Is Essential to Provide Them Better Facilities and a Secure Future: Deepender Hooda

Senior Congress leader and MP Deepender Hooda said that sportspersons from Haryana have brought glory to the country across the world through their hard work and talent. However, before expecting medals from any athlete, the government must provide them with good grounds, modern equipment, quality coaching, medical facilities and adequate training.

He said Haryana has no shortage of talent. There are many children and young people in villages who have the potential to make a mark at the national and international levels, but a lack of resources and opportunities creates obstacles in their path. The government must work at the grassroots level to bridge this gap.

Deepender Hooda said that sportspersons such as Mary Kom have demonstrated that with determination and the right opportunities, the daughters of India can raise the country’s flag high across the world. Such athletes should be honoured, and their experience should be utilised to prepare the next generation.

He said Congress governments have taken several important steps to provide sportspersons with recognition, awards, employment and facilities. Policies providing government appointments and financial rewards to outstanding athletes in Haryana were aimed at giving sportspersons confidence to pursue sports as a career.

He said honouring a sportsperson after they win a medal is not enough; the government should stand with them from the time they begin their sporting journey until after their sporting career.

Deepender Hooda said that farmers, youth and sportspersons are the strength of Haryana’s future. The state’s overall development cannot be envisioned by ignoring issues concerning these sections.

Resolve to Struggle for Every Public Issue Along with Strengthening the Organisation

At the conference, Congress leaders said that the real strength of the organisation lies in its booth-level workers. Every worker should visit villages and households, listen to people’s problems and ensure that issues concerning farmers, youth, sportspersons, women, workers and traders are taken up through the organisation at the appropriate forum.

Workers were urged to remain continuously active on public-interest issues while strengthening the organisation and to stand with the people in their times of happiness and difficulty. A strong organisation will serve as an effective means of taking the people’s voice to the government.

On the occasion, Indu Raj Narwal, Ramesh Malik, Divyanshu Budhiraja, Sachin Kundu, Balbir Valmiki, Rajendra Sharma, Jai Kumar and Manoj Bairagi, along with a large number of Congress office-bearers, workers and local leaders, were present.