Chandigarh, March 11:

The Election Commission of India has invited suggestions from all National and State political parties by April 30, 2025 for any unresolved issues at the level of ERO, DEO or the CEO, as the case may be. In an individual letter issued to political parties today, the Commission also envisaged an interaction with the Party Presidents and senior members of the party, at a mutually convenient time, to further strengthen electoral processes in accordance with the established law.

Earlier, during an ECI conference last week, Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar had instructed CEOs, DEOs and EROS of all States/UTs to hold regular interactions with political parties, resolve any suggestions received in such meetings strictly within the legal framework already in place and submit an action taken report to the Commission by March 31, 2025. The Commission also urged political parties to proactively use this mechanism of decentralised engagement.

Political parties are one of the key stakeholders amongst 28 stakeholders identified by the Commission as per the Constitution and statutory framework covering all aspects of electoral processes. The Commission in its letter to political parties also noted that Representation of the People Act 1950 & 1951; Registration of Electors Rules, 1960; Conduct of Election Rules, 1961; orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court and Instructions, Manuals and Handbooks issued by Election Commission of India from time to time (available on ECI website) have established a decentralised, robust and transparent legal framework for holding free and fair elections.

Chandigarh, March 11:

In a significant step towards enhancing road safety, enforcement, urban mobility and public awareness, Punjab Police signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Raahgiri Foundation and The Urban Lab Foundation at Punjab Police Headquarter here.

 These MoUs were signed by Shelly Kulshreshtra and Abhijeet Lokre through a hybrid mode, connecting both online and offline in the presence of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Traffic and Road Safety AS Rai and Sarika Panda Bhatt.

  Appreciating ADGP AS Rai and team for their dedication towards safer roads, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said that Punjab Police is taking a data-driven approach to traffic management and sustainable mobility through MoUs with Raahgiri Foundation and The Urban Lab Foundation. The collaboration will further enhance road safety, enforcement and public awareness in the state, he added.

 Emphasizing the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to road safety, ADGP AS Rai stated, “Enforcement agencies require collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to address road safety comprehensively. Both Raahgiri Foundation and The Urban Lab Foundation are pioneers in their respective domains, and this collaboration will significantly strengthen enforcement capabilities in Punjab.”

 He said that these collaborations will focus on research, policy advocacy, capacity-building programs, and practical implementation of road safety measures, reinforcing Punjab’s commitment to creating safer roads.

 Sarika Panda Bhatt, representing Raahgiri Foundation, lauded the initiative, said that Punjab is setting an example by establishing a dedicated research wing within the Traffic Police itself. This path-breaking move will enable a more scientific, data-driven approach to road safety.

 Abhijeet Lokre from The Urban Lab Foundation remarked, “We look forward to exchanging knowledge and learning from Punjab Police’s efforts in road safety. This partnership will foster impactful interventions aimed at improving traffic management and public safety.”

 Director Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre and Traffic Advisor to the Government of Punjab Dr. Navdeep Asija was also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh/Sri Muktsar Sahib, March 11:

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has launched a vigorous campaign to create a drug-free Punjab. In line with this mission, Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar visited Sri Muktsar Sahib district today to assess the implementation of the anti-drug campaign at the grassroots level. He presided over meeting with officials of various departments and directed them to take strict action against those involved in drug trafficking. MLA S. Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar and S. Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon were also present during the meeting.

Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that while the government is actively working to dismantle the drug supply chain, it is equally focused on channeling the energy of the youth into positive directions through sports. He announced that the initiative to make Sri Muktsar Sahib drug-free will begin with the launch of a sports campaign, adding that the state government is committed to promoting sports culture by organizing events and rewarding athletes who excel at the national and international levels with cash incentives.

The Minister highlighted that properties of drug traffickers are being attached and illegally acquired assets are being demolished. He criticized the previous governments for their lenient approach toward drug-related issues, which allowed the problem to escalate and assured that under the strict stance adopted by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government, Punjab will be made drug-free soon.

S. Bhullar also urged village panchayats to pass resolutions stating that no resident would help such people to get bail who involved in drug trafficking. He stressed that collective action and commitment from all sections of society will help in achieving the goal of making state as Rangla Punjab and drug-free.

While speaking to the media, the Minister mentioned that police have been instructed to maintain a strict vigil, particularly near sports grounds and parks, as these locations are often targeted by drug peddlers to lure young people.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Abhijeet Kaplish and SSP Akhil Chaudhary briefed the Minister about the various measures taken under the anti-drug campaign in the district.

Sports for Drug-Free Sri Muktsar Sahib

Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar announced that the district administration of Sri Muktsar Sahib will soon launch a sports campaign aimed at engaging youth in constructive activities and steering them away from drugs. He informed that a detailed assessment of the available sports infrastructure and human resources in the district is being carried out to ensure the success of this campaign.

100 drug-peddlers arrested in 10 Days

S. Bhullar informed that under the anti-drug campaign initiated by the government, 64 FIRs have been registered and 100 drug peddlers have been arrested in Sri Muktsar Sahib district in the last 10 days. Special surveillance is being maintained in identified hotspot areas to curb drug-related activities.

Community and parental vigilance encouraged

The Minister stressed the importance of community involvement in the fight against drugs. He stated that parents need to play an active role in guiding and monitoring their children. He revealed that 244 seminars have been organized in the district this year to raise awareness and encourage community participation in the anti-drug campaign. S. Laljit Singh Bhullar expressed confidence that just as Punjab overcame terrorism through collective efforts, the drug menace can also be eradicated with the support of the people.

The event was attended by Amit Singh Khudian, Chairman Jagdeep Singh Sandhu, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Gurpreet Singh Thind, Additional Deputy Commissioner Development Surinder Singh Dhillon, SP Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal, SDM Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, SDM Baljit Kaur, Block President Paramjit Singh Pamma, Sukhjinder Singh Brar, Gurpreet Singh Lande Rode, Jagdeep Singh Dhillon and officials from various departments.

Chandigarh, March 11:

On the onset of cotton sowing season, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare department has intensified efforts to expand the acreage of the crop, often referred to as ‘white gold’, while ensuring the availability of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)-certified cotton seeds to the farmers across the state.

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, along with Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Anurag Verma and VC of PAU Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, held a meeting to review the preparations made by the department for upcoming sowing of the Kharif crops in the state.

During the meeting, the Agriculture Minister highlighted that PAU has recommended 87 varieties of hybrid cotton seeds for cultivation in the state during the upcoming Kharif season. He urged farmers to use only these recommended certified seeds to maximise their yield.

To address the persistent issue of pink bollworm infestation, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the department has deployed 264 nodal officers across seven southwestern districts-  Bathinda-70, Fazilka-41, Sri Muktsar Sahib-62, Mansa-42, Sangrur-20, Barnala-16, Faridkot-13. These officers are tasked with managing and cleaning cotton stalks and leftover residues from the previous season, which serve as breeding grounds for the pink bollworm, he said, while adding that so far, around 32 per cent of the total cotton stalk heaps have been managed/cleaned. 

Additionally, a weed eradication campaign has also been initiated in the cotton belt for management of whitefly. The campaign is launched with the support of district administration, other departments and MGNREGA to destroy weeds standing alongside roads, canals and in abandoned sites etc. Monitoring activities of pink bollworm in ginning factories are going on with the help of officials of Punjab Mandi Board and fumigation of cotton stock will be carried out to control pink bollworm larvae in the ginneries.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to safeguard the rights of farmers, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian urged the farmers to get proper receipts/bills for all agricultural purchases, especially seeds and fertilisers. He emphasised that these receipts are essential for ensuring product quality and providing legal protection in case of disputes or substandard goods.

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian also directed the department officials to ensure the availability of quality seeds and fertilisers and to conduct regular checking at seed and fertilisers stores. This proactive approach aims to protect farmers from potentially harmful or ineffective agricultural inputs.

The Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare department apprised the Cabinet Minister that they have been working closely with the Water Resources department to ensure timely canal water availability for cotton sowing in the southwestern districts. The agriculture department has already submitted a schedule of water requirements to the Water Resources department.

Director Research PAU Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Technical Advisor PWRDA Chandigarh Rajesh Vashisht and other officials of the department were also present in the meeting.

CHANDIGARH, March 11:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 11th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 580 locations on Tuesday leading to the arrest of 110 drug smugglers after registration of 68 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 1540 in just 11 days.

          Police teams have also recovered 2.8 kg heroin, 500 grams opium, 10904 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 2.88 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has 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.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 220 Police teams, comprising over 1600 police personnel, under the supervision of 107 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 631 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced one person to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 146 awareness events across the state as part of Prevention.

          Meanwhile, Punjab Police has also carried out search operation at different jails in five districts— Fazilka, Ferozepur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Faridkot and Moga— to check any illegal activities in the jail. “Our Police teams have thoroughly searched every nook and corner including barracks, kitchen and toilets in the jail complex,” said Special DGP Arpit Shukla.

Chandigarh 11 March 2025:

Taking another leap in the field of Digitalization, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan today launched the searchable engine for accessing Punjab Legislative Assembly debates in the presence of Aman Arora, Good Governance and Information Technology Minister, Harbhajan Singh, Power Minister, Dr. Ravjot Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister and MLA Gurinder Singh Garry Birring.

Speaker Sandhwan said that now it would be easier to research any topic and find any fact from the debates/proceedings of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha since 1947 to till date through this searchable engine.  In addition,   he added that this searchable engine has been developed in collaboration with Punjabi University Patiala, IIIT Hyderabad and CDAC Noida.  For implementing this project, Dr. Gurpreet Lehal, Professor and Consultant, IIIT Hyderabad and his entire team has provided special support and worked tirelessly to complete this project.

He highlighted that the Punjab Vidhan Sabha has become the first among other Vidhan Sabhas of the country with the launch of these projects.  A complete solution has been prepared for the convenience of MLAs and therefore, regular training will also be imparted to MLAs and other departments.

Sandhwan emphasized that concrete efforts have been made to modernize and to make Punjab Vidhan Sabha  high-tech after the formation of Aam Aadmi Party Government in Punjab.  He also informed that currently the sessions of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha are being run paperless through the Neva portal.

Furthermore, he said that for the first time, all sessions of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha are being broadcast live on YouTube and social media channels of the Punjab Government.  Apart from this, an automation system is also being implemented in the library of Punjab Vidhan Sabha.  Even though the committee rooms and branches of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha have been digitized.

Giving more details, he added that software being run by the Punjab Government including e-Office and HRMS has also been fully implemented in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and these efforts will continue to be made to digitalise in future also.

Meanwhile, Speaker viewed e-gallery pass and paperless internal working of House Committees, Constituency e-Management developed under MLAs e-Connect by NIC Punjab Unit and inaugurated digital Compendium of Honorable Members.

On this occasion, Vikas Pratap, Additional Chief Secretary, Vijay  Namdeorao Zade, Secretary Expenditure, Dilraj Singh, Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs, Girish Dayalan, Director, Governance Reforms, Vijay Kumar Chopra, Chief Engineer, Manoj Aggarwal, NIXI, New Delhi, Vivek Verma, State Informatics Officer, NIC and other officers of Punjab and Chandigarh Administration were also present.

PNS Chandigarh

The Haryana Assembly on Tuesday witnessed heated exchanges between opposition lawmakers and the treasury benches over Rs 21 monthly allowance for women. On the third day of the Budget session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Congress MLA from Mulana Pooja Chaudhary during Question hour sought to know from the Government the time by which the monthly assistance is likely to be disbursed to the women of the state. Participating in a discussion on the governor’s address, another Congress leader and Julana MLA Vinesh Phogat also raised the issue of Rs 2100 allowance for women.

In his reply, Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi referred to the BJP’s poll promise and said, “It is under consideration and the government will take a decision on this soon,” Bedi informed the House. Ahead of the October 2024 Haryana Assembly polls, the BJP had promised to provide the amount to women each month if it returned to power.

Asking a supplementary question, the Congress MLA said, “I am surprised that this kind of reply is being given in the House. Is this the seriousness of the government?” “During the polls, this was the BJP’s first promise to women. They spoke of giving financial assistance to women. And now, five months later, this matter is under consideration. I am asking a clear question about the definite time when the scheme will be implemented,” she asked.

Responding to this, Bedi reiterated his reply and told the Congress MLAs in the House that they do not have to worry about the seriousness of the BJP government whose “promises are guarantees”. Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, the minister reminded the party about the fate of promises it had made to the people of Himachal Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.

“In neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, the Congress had made promises to women and said ‘khata khat, khata khat’. They made promises in Telangana and Karnataka, but they don’t talk about these,” Bedi said.  

BJP MLAs claim state witnessing fast development; Cong counters

 The Assembly also witnessed a discussion on the governor’s address, saw participation from legislators across the party lines.  Ruling BJP MLAs on Tuesday claimed in the Haryana Assembly that the state is witnessing fast development under the party-led government, which the opposition countered saying that the state has fallen behind on several parameters.

During this, two senior BJP MLAs also entered into a verbal spat after one of them remarked on the other, and the entire exchange was later expunged by Assembly Speaker, Harvinder Kalyan.

The ruling party legislators talked about various steps that the BJP government has taken in the state for the welfare of various sections in the past decade.

BJP MLA Laxman singh said that all round development has been undertaken by the government but the opposition can’t see it. Another MLA Kanwar Singh Yadav said that if the opposition claims no development has been undertaken, then why people brought back the BJP to power for a third time consecutive term? Our intent and policy is clear. The state is witnessing fast development, BJP leader said.  He targeted the Congress, saying people have repeatedly rejected them. “The situation is such that they are unable to even pick up their legislative leader.

Participating in a discussion on the Governor’s address in the Haryana Assembly, Senior Congress leader Ashok Arora said that address is supposed to be the road map of the government, which shows what it intends to do for the public and how to facilitate them, none of it was mentioned this time. He alleged that the drug menace had spread its tentacles in Haryana and demanded the government take strong steps to check its proliferation. He also alleged that crime has increased in the State and traders are being targeted by criminals. Government should provide them adequate security apart from taking measures to improve law and order situation in the State, he added.  

Arora also took on the state government over the alleged shortage of teachers and doctors in many schools and hospitals, respectively. He also alleged that many farmers have not got compensation for their demanded crops due to unseasonal rain. Joint operations are being conducted with neighbouring states to curb the cross-border movement of drugs. Strict action is being taken against the drugs menace and this would be further intensified, he added.

Arora further said that government’s Bina Parchi, Bina Kharchi” claims are hollow as corruption is rampant and many scams have taken place during BJP rule.

Arora claimed that a list of nearly 400 ‘patwaris’ who were allegedly involved in corruption came out. Intervening, Minister Arvind Sharma told Arora to find out during which government’s time these patwaris were appointed.

No illegal maternity clinic is being run in Nuh

Responding to a question during Question hour, Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said that no illegal maternity clinic is being run in Nuh district without a degree and licence. She said that in Nuh district, 4 private hospitals are registered under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act and 92 clinics are registered under the Health Management Information System (HMIS). Apart from these, 106 clinics are registered under the Central Registration System (CRS). She also informed that if any complaint/information is received regarding the death of a mother and newborn, immediate action is taken in the case under the Act. No such complaint has been received in Nuh district. The Health Minister, while giving detailed information, said that a hospital having more than 50 beds is required to be registered under the Haryana Clinical Establishment Act. In Nuh district, only Civil Hospital Mandikheda and Medical College Nuh are registered hospitals under this Act.

Chandigarh, March 10, 2025 – The Alliance Française de Chandigarh, Sector 36, today announced an exciting lineup of events for Francophonie 2025, celebrating the richness and diversity of the French-speaking world. Throughout March, visitors can enjoy culinary experiences, exhibitions, competitions, film screenings, and interactive activities that highlight the vibrancy of Francophone cultures worldwide.

Giving the information Ms. Ophélie Belin, director, Alliance Française Chandigarh, said, “Francophonie is the sharing of cultures from four continents, centered around a language that has constantly reinvented itself and evolved across the world. In March, we celebrate this diversity through the medium of the French language.”

Francophonie Gastronomy (March 17–21, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM)

An exquisite culinary journey through Francophone countries, featuring themed weeks of authentic cuisine from Francophone countries of the 4 continents: Africa, Asia, North America and Europe crafted by French Cheffe Govinda. These special dishes will be served at lunch time at the Rooftop Café of Alliance Française Chandigarh.

Location: Café La Terrasse Bleue, Alliance Française, Chandigarh

Exhibition: “Writing in French – A world of voices” (March 13–31, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

A captivating exhibition exploring Francophone literature by various writers of different nationalities through panels and video displays. This Exhibition will be available in both French & English languages. The Exhibition is proposed by Alliance Française de Paris in collaboration with the French Institute in India.
Location: Art Gallery, Alliance Française Chandigarh

La Plume d’Or Competition (March 19, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM)

Every year during Francophonie week, a prestigious French-language competition La Plume d’Or is organized for the students of Alliances Françaisesnetwork worldwide & the first prize of the competition will be a trip to Paris. Other than that all the students will get a participation certificate. This exam is based on the French language competency & the knowledge of French culture.
Location: Art Gallery, Alliance Française Chandigarh

Reflections on the Indian Ocean – A Cinematic & Culinary Francophone Journey (March 21, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM)

An immersive experience featuring three short films from the Francophone Indian Ocean, paired with a curated three-course meal from Réunion, Mauritius, and Mayotte.

Prior registration is required to book the three-course meal before March 18. The registration applies to the dinner but not to the screening, which is open to all.

Location: Garden, Alliance Française Chandigarh

Short Films Lineup:

●      Mauritius:Pié dan lo – Kim Yip Tong (13 min)

●      Réunion:Kabriimanz salad – Nicolas Séry (20 min)

●      Mayotte:Djo – Laura Henno (20 min)

Pétanque Competition (March 22, 10:00 AM)

AF Chandigarh will organize an exciting pétanque tournament, introducing Chandigarh to this traditional French outdoor game. Prizes will be given to the winners. The registration can be done by sending an email at communication.chandigarh@afindia.org.
Free & open to all!
Location: Parking, AF Chandigarh

Vin de France – a French wine tasting ((March 29, 4.00 – 6.00 PM)

Join us for an exclusive French Wine Tasting, where you’ll savor the delicate nuances of five French wines under the guidance of Arunanshu Bansal.
Location : Fola, Sector 9, Chandigarh
Save your spot now – +91 97805 41686

Some other activities will also be organized in the month of March like workshops in the Library, AF’s got Talent – open stage for the students to show their creativity in French, Table Tennis tournament representing different francophone countries, Francophonie visual – Indian Ocean Edition: An interactive artistic display, online quiz etc.