Category Archives: Chandigarh

MOU between Health Department & Education Department of Chandigarh Administration and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, New Chandigarh, Punjab

IEP Chandigarh 

Today (07.07.2023), four MOUs were signed between the Health Department & Education Department of the Chandigarh Administration and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Punjab (A unit of Tata Memorial Centre) were signed in the presence of  Shri Banwari Lal Purohit, Hon’ble Administrator UT Chandigarh and Dr. Dharam Pal, IAS, Adviser to Administrator. The main objectives of the MOUs are as under: A)   To provide technical support to the Health Services, Chandigarh Administration for:                             i.        Technical support to Chandigarh administration in improving cancer care services across the UT of Chandigarh.                            ii.        Enhancing/ improving Hospital Based Cancer Registry and Population based cancer registries in Chandigarh.                          iii.        Human resource capacity building and Training of Public health workers from various departments for Cancer prevention & Cancer management across UT of Chandigarh with financial support of the Chandigarh Administration.                          iv.        Establishment of Preventive Oncology Service at Hospitals and medical colleges in Chandigarh in phase wised manner, wherever required.                            v.        Enhancing/ improving Palliative care Service at various government run Hospitals in phase wise manner, wherever required.B)   To set up patient referral system for cancer patients for further management at HBCH&RC, New Chandigarh.C)   To train health professionals including postgraduate resident doctors, fellows, medical officers, staff etc from GMCH-32, GMSH-16 and HBCHRC.D)   To facilitate school health awareness programs in schools of UT Chandigarh, on obesity, tobacco, alcohol, hygiene and nutrition and its impact on health and cancer awareness. This envisages the cooperation, coordination and utilization of the complementary facilities and capabilities of Dept of School Education, Chandigarh and HBCHRC. 4. It is expected that with the mutual co-operation of these organisations/ establishment; the UT Chandigarh will be able to screen the larger population for early detection of cancer and to provide better patient care. These MOUs will enhance the working relationship between the Parties and is intended to facilitate long-term collaborative research, development of faculties and related activities that are mutually beneficial to the missions of all the organisations.

BATALA FIRING INCIDENT: PUNJAB POLICE IN JOINT OP WITH WEST BENGAL POLICE & CENTRAL AGENCY

IEPCHANDIGARH/BATALA, July 7

 Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Counter Intelligence Wing of Punjab Police in a joint operation with Central Agency and West Bengal Police have solved the Batala firing incident case after arresting the main accused from Indo-Bhutan Border in Alipurduar district in West Bengal, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.          The 21-years-old arrested accused has a criminal background and he was out on a bail in a murder case.          According to the information, Rajeev Mahajan, his brother Anil Gupta and his son Manav Gupta had sustained bullet injuries after two assailants barged into their electronics shop at Lakkar Mandi in Batala on June 24, 2023, and opened fire at them.          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that based on technical inputs and evidence, the Counter Intelligence, Punjab had located the accused person in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal. “Batala Police immediately dispatched a team for West Bengal, and also shared the pinpointed information with them,” he said.          He said that the Punjab Police in coordination with Central agency and West Bengal Police have arrested the accused person from Indo-Bhutan Border. He also thanked DGP of West Bengal for extending all kind of cooperation.          “The preliminary investigations revealed that the entire module was being handled from abroad and the arrested accused was receiving funds from foreign-based handlers to commit these kind of crimes,” said the DGP, while adding that investigation to establish a money trail is going on.          SSP Batala Ashwini Gotyal said that the Police are working on different leads and efforts are on to nab remaining accused persons in this case. Further investigations are on, she added.          An FIR no. 103 dated 24/6/2023 was registered under sections 452, 307 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station City Batala.

VIGILANCE BUREAU NABS RETIRED SDO FOR ACCEPTING BRIBE OF RS.20,000

IEP Chandigarh, July 7         

  As a part of its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Friday nabbed a Retired SDO Sudesh Kumar for accepting a bribe of Rs. 20,000 during his posting at Punjab Mandi Board Sub-division no.3, Tarn Taran district in 2016.          Revealing the details here today, an official spokesperson of the VB said that the accused SDO has been arrested on the complaint of Darshan Singh resident of Patti in Tarn Taran district.          He said that the complainant has approached the Police Station VB, Amritsar Range and lodged a complaint that Punjab Mandi Board had allotted the construction work of link roads in Tarn Taran district to L.T. Builders, owned by Darshan Singh. The accused SDO had demanded a bribe of Rs 1 lakh in lieu of returning the security deposit of Rs 34,33,002 and he already took Rs.20,000 as a bribe from him.          The spokesperson informed that after preliminary investigation of this complaint, a FIR no. 09 dated 06-03-2023 under section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act was registered against the accused SDO at Police Station VB, Amritsar Range and a team of VB today arrested him. Further investigations in this case are under progress, he added.

REVENUE MINISTER BRAM SHANKER JIMPA LAUNCHES FIRST JAN MAAL LOK ADALAT IN JALANDHAR

IEP CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, JULY 7

 Punjab Revenue Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa today launched the first Jan Maal Lok Adalat from Jalandhar to provide on-the-spot redressal to people’s complaints related to the revenue department. Over 1500 people participated in the Lok Adalat and 816 mutations were decided on the spot while 90 fresh complaints were received by the officials. The Minister directed the officials to ensure prompt resolutions to these complaints so that people could be benefited from the pro-people initiative.          Interacting with the media, the Revenue Minister said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken some path-breaking initiatives to provide citizen services to people in a smooth and hassle-free manner. He further added that the Sarkar aap ke dwar initiative is a reflection of government’s priorities wherein the government is reaching out to people at all levels. The Chief Minister is holding cabinet meetings at several districts while field officials at district level visiting far-flung localities with an aim to provide the benefit of welfare program of the state government to masses.          Accompanied by Member Parliament Sushil Kumar Rinku, MLA Sheetal Angural, MLA Raman Arora, Special Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal, and Chairman District Planning Board Amritpal, the minister said that on the directive of Punjab Chief Minister Jan Maal Lok Adalat has been introduced in the state wherein on-the-spot resolution to people’s complaints with respect to revenue departments is provided. He said that the Sub Division wise counters are set up under this Lok Adalat where applicants can visit to seek disposal to their pending applications.          Likewise, in another unique initiative Whats App helpline has also been rolled out in the state under which people can send their complaints with respect to the revenue department on the helpline number. These complaints get time-bound disposal as nearly 1400 complaints have been received through this Whats App helpline of which over 500 plaints have been resolved while the remaining issues were under procedure.          Pointing out further, Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal said that in today’s Lok Adalat as many as 816 mutations (contested/uncontested/division/transfer) have been decided on-the-spot by the revenue officials while a total of 90 fresh complaints have been received during the Lok Adalat which have been marked to officials concerned for their quick disposal.          Earlier, the revenue minister chaired a review meeting with the officials of the revenue department wherein he directed the officers/officials to ensure fast-track disposal of all types of cases, especially the partition and mutation cases. He said that the revenue department is directly connected with the people; thereby the state government has laid focus to make it more responsive and swift with respect to people’s grievances.  

CM BHAGWANT MANN LED PUNJAB GOVT ANNOUNCES TO REGULARISE AYURVEDIC COLLEGE STAFF

IEP Chandigarh/Patiala, July 7      

     Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government on Friday announced to regularise the staff of Government Ayurvedic College, Patiala soon, said Punjab Medical Education and Research Minister Dr Balbir Singh here.          Directing to ensure the promotion of the college staff as per merit and rules, Dr Balbir Singh said that though the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) had asked to shut the Ayurvedic College, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led State Government has not only kept the College open but will also regularise its staff. The state has decided to revive the institution which has been protecting the ancient treatment system of India, besides starting facilities of a pharmacy and hospital here.          Meanwhile, the Medical Education and Research Minister also visited the Government Medical College and Government Dental College to get feedback from the staff and students for further improvement of the functioning of these three prestigious medical institutions.          Dr Balbir Singh said that all these Government Colleges of Patiala will be turned into the leading Medical Colleges of the country, for which the Punjab Government has chalked out a strategic plan. He also assured the faculty and students that Punjab Government is soon going to advertise the vacancies at the Dental College.          Reforms are being brought into the health sector at a large scale to make the state Rangla Punjab, he said, while adding that the Punjab Government is striving hard to ensure state-of-the-art health facilities in the state.          While reviewing the construction plan for the new Trauma centre to be built with the cost of Rs 150 crores after demolishing the old Gynae building, Dr Balbir Singh said that it will be a boon for health facilities in Government Rajindra Hospital. The Health Minister also reviewed the boys and girls Hostels, faculty houses and Institute building, and directed the authorities to speed up the on-ground work.          Earlier, Dr Balbir Singh held a high-level meeting with senior officers to implement the plan made to rank the Government Medical College among the leading Medical Colleges in the country.          The Cabinet Minister said that the promotions of faculty are also in progress at the four institutions. He said that making the entire system transparent and efficient is the top priority of the government.

Haryana State Level Steering Committee Approves Rs. 1371.91 Crore Annual Plan to Boost Agriculture and Horticulture Sector

IEP Chandigarh, July 5

The Haryana State Level Steering Committee of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana convened under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal here today approved the annual plan worth Rs. 1371.91 crore for the year 2023-24. This substantial funding aims to propel the field of agriculture and horticulture in the state to new heights.        The allocated funds will be utilized by institutions such as Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University – (CCSHAU), Hisar,, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Karnal, and Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, (IIWBR), Karnal. The plans will now be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Agriculture,  for final approval.        To support environmentally friendly practices, Mr. Kaushal said that CCSHAU will establish Biopesticide Laboratory and Natural Farming Pesticide Production Unit at Uchani. Additionally, an Advanced Soil Testing Laboratory and a Vermi Compost Demonstration Unit will also be set up in the state. The Indian Wheat and Barley Research Institute, Karnal is establishing a Wheat-based Agripreneurship Center to boost the income of small and medium farmers.        Mr. Kaushal said  that the Agriculture Department is committed to promote organic farming. In addition, efforts are being made to improve soil fertility and implement water conservation measures. Furthermore, a sustainable production system will be developed for farmers to cultivate dates on saline land, thereby harnessing previously untapped agricultural potential. He said that as part of the pilot project by CSSRI Karnal, improved infrastructure will be established to facilitate groundwater recharge in the villages.        Mr. Kaushal said that short video films showcasing successful stories of organic and horticulture farms will be produced and shared with farmers. This initiative aims to inspire other farmers to adopt the latest agricultural practices, contributing to a wider adoption of sustainable farming methods. He emphasized the government’s commitment to doubling farmers’ income and stressed the vital role of agricultural scientists in achieving this goal. He highlighted that their collaboration and efforts in developing innovative and cost-effective varieties will significantly benefit farmers across the region.        Furthermore, the Horticulture Department will impart training at seven different locations, encouraging farmers to explore the realm of horticulture. These training centers will be set up in strategic locations, including Bhuna, Gharaunda, Ladwa, Shamgarh, Sundrah, Hodal, and Pinangwa.        Special attention will be given to promoting the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, encouraging efficient water usage through the “Har Bund Ka Upiyog Aur Adhik Fasal” and providing modern agricultural equipment to farmers, he added.        Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Mr. Sudhir Rajpal, Deputy Director, Mr.  Pankaj from Union Ministry of Agriculture and other senior officers of Agriculture and Horticulture attended the meeting.

Hry Chief Minister takes strong action on the complaint received on CM window

IEP Chandigarh, July 6

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh Manohar Lal is taking serious view of the negligence shown by government officers and employees while discharging their duties. In the same series today, while taking stern action on deliberately delaying action on the complaint received on CM window regarding giving ration less than the prescribed quantity fixed by the Government, Assistant Food and Supplies Officer, Sirsa, Sandeep Kumar has been suspended with immediate effect. Directions have also been issued to take action against him under Rule-7.        Apart from this, the Chief Minister has also directed that the Commissioner and Secretary of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department will send the action taken report in this matter by July 20, 2023.        Giving information in this regard, OSD to Chief Minister, Sh Bhupeshwar Dayal said that Sh Premchand Jain S/o Sh Manak Chand Jain, Depot holder and resident of Bhim Colony, Sirsa in his complaint 2021/023775 on CM Window portal had accused DFSC-cum-District Manager Confed, Sirsa of giving him less ration than the prescribed quantity fixed by the Government, in the year 2015-16.Taking a serious view of the complaint, directions were issued on April 29, 2022 for early disposal of the complaint. Following which, an inquiry committee was constituted by the Department under the Chairmanship of Sh Pradeep Kumar, District Food and Supplies Officer, Sirsa on June 1, 2022.  Sh Sandeep Kumar, Assistant Food and Supplies Officer, Sirsa was appointed to assist in preparation of report of Sirsa, Rania and Ellenabad centres. During the course of investigation, Sh Pradeep Kumar, District Food and Supplies Officer, Sirsa got transferred on September 19, 2022. After which, being the senior most officer in the inquiry committee, Sh Sandeep Kumar was supposed to send the report.        Sh Bhupeshwar Dayal further said that the inquiry report was not submitted  by Sandeep Kumar  despite sending  reminder letters by the Department on October 28, 2022, November 15, 2022, November 22, 2022, January 24, 2023 and February 16, 2023.He said  that thereafter, through  the office letter  number C M Window-2023 / 1551 dated April 17, 2023, in compliance with the orders of Additional Director (Administration)-cum-Nodal Officer (CM Window) Food and Supplies Department, Haryana, Chandigarh, Sandeep Kumar, Assistant Food and Supplies Officer, Sirsa was again written about sending the report. But the inquiry report has not yet been submitted by him. Thereafter, as per the letter number CM Window 8- 2023/5297 dated April 18, 2023, received from headquarter, instructions were issued to send an action taken report  within ten days. But still no action was taken by him. Sh Bhupeshwar Dayal said that Sandeep Kumar, Assistant Food and Supplies Officer, Sirsa, was found fully responsible for deliberately delaying the matter and not taking interest in Government work despite several reminders. Keeping all this in view, a request was made to take stringent action against him and taking cognizance of the same, the Chief Minister ordered to suspend Sandeep Kumar. 

Haryana Cooperation Minister facilitates legal adoption of two girls from Shishu Niketan, Panchkula

IEP Chandigarh, July 5

Haryana Cooperation Minister, Dr. Banwari Lal accomplished the legal adoption process for two little girls, Gayatri and Aayat, from Shishu Niketan, Panchkula Sector 15, and handed them over to their new families.        Dr. Banwari Lal praised the commendable work of Haryana State Child Welfare Council, which has been actively operating across the state since 1971. The council runs special schools for mentally challenged children, providing vocational training in candle making, greeting cards, cane chair crafting, and chalk making to make them self-reliant.        Shishu Niketan School in Sector 15, Panchkula, under the State Child Welfare Council, ensures excellent care and nurturing of children upto 6 years. The primary goal of the state government is to find new families for these children, providing them with a nurturing environment and quality education.        During the adoption process, the Minister handed over 3-year-old Gayatri to Wesley George and Kalsi Sabrina, a couple from Michigan, USA, and 4-month-old baby girl Aayat to a family in New Chandigarh. He expressed his hope that these little girls from Shishu Niketan would grow up happily and prosperously in their new families.        Dr. Banwari Lal thoroughly inspected all the rooms at Shishu Niketan and inquired about the facilities provided to the children. He acknowledged the relentless efforts of the Honorary Secretary of Haryana State Child Development Council and her team for successfully placing the children in loving homes.        During the visit, the Minister also assured Honorary Secretary Mrs. Ranjeeta Mehta that the demand to install air conditioning in Shishu Niketan would be fulfilled soon.        Senior Child Welfare Officer, Mr. OP Mehra, District Child Welfare Officer, Mr.  Bhagat Singh, Incharge of Shishu Niketan, Mr. Milan and other employees were also present on the occasion. 

Foundation stone for a 700-bed civil hospital in Gurugram will be laid soon: Hry Health Minister Anil Vij

IEP Chandigarh, July 6

Haryana Health and Family Welfare Minister, Mr. Anil Vij said that the state government has taken the lead in the country by initiating comprehensive mapping work to cater to the specific health service requirements of its population. This pioneering effort aims to ensure that healthcare services are aligned with the needs of the people. The health mapping work is expected to be completed within the next one month, providing valuable insights into healthcare demands and facilitating efficient service delivery. Additionally, the mapping exercise also includes the collection of data pertaining to AYUSH. Health Minister, Mr. Anil Vij said that the foundation stone for a 700-bed civil hospital in Gurugram will be laid soon.        While presiding over a meeting of the officers of Health, Public Works, Urban Local Bodies, Development and Panchayats Departments, Health Minister, Mr. Anil Vij said that state-of-the-art medical facilities will enhance healthcare infrastructure in the region, further strengthening the healthcare system of Haryana.During the meeting, Mr. Vij emphasized the importance of timely implementation of healthcare projects across districts. He directed the concerned officers of the Public Works Department to exert efforts on a district-wise basis to ensure the successful execution of ongoing health projects. He informed the officers about the need for expeditious completion of all health sector initiatives.        Mr. Vij further directed the officers to fully comprehend their responsibilities and not underestimate the significance of the Chief Minister’s announcements. He further personally monitors the progress of these projects on a monthly basis, with the next review meeting scheduled for the first week of August. Mr. Vij also directed the officers to adhere to standardized designs for sub-health centres, Community Health Centers (CHCs), Primary Health Centers (PHCs), and civil hospitals.The meeting focuses on progress of various ongoing projects, including the completion of 70% work on the Model Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Panchkula and 55% work on MCH Panipat. Furthermore, progress has been made on MCH Sonipat, Faridabad, and Palwal.The Health Minister was also informed about the progress of ongoing projects in the districts of Gurugram, Jind, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Rohtak, Sirsa, Sonipat, Yamunanagar etc.        Additional Chief Secretary of Development and Panchayats Department, Mr. Anil Malik, Additional Chief Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department, Dr. G. Anupama, Director General of Development and Panchayat Department Mr. D.K. Behera, Director of Urban Local Bodies Department Mr. Yash Pal, Director General of Health Services Department Mrs. Sonia Khullar, along with officers of CPWD, PWD, Architectures, and representatives of HLL were also present in the meeting.

Haryana Government assigns Administrative Secretaries to monitor Gram Panchayat Schemes at district level

IEP Chandigarh, July 5

The Haryana Government has decided that Administrative Secretaries, who have been assigned districts to monitor project progress, will now also monitor the implementation of Gram Panchayat schemes at the district level.

In a directive to the Administrative Secretaries  and Deputy Commissioners, the Chief Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal states that this initiative aims at strengthening the governance and effectiveness of Gram Panchayat schemes in the state. Administrative Secretaries who are known as District Coordinators will review meetings at district level with Gram Sanrakshaks on a regular basis and take necessary actions. District Coordinators will also prepare a district-level report In collaboration with the district and submit the report through the designated portal [https://hrmshry.nic.in/loginAdmin.aspxl] for review.

The State level Steering Committee will thoroughly assess all reports submitted by District Coordinators and will finalize recommendations at the state level. The report will then be submitted to the Chief Minister’s office for further action.

Besides monitoring, Gram Sanrakshaks  will also spread awareness about various public welfare schemes during their visits. They will also review the progress of all defined parameters of the Gram Sanrakshak scheme and prepare a summary report. This report will be shared with the respective District Coordinators for necessary action.

The Chief Secretary has urged all officials involved to revitalize the Gram Sanrakshak Scheme and expedite progress in order to achieve the scheme’s objectives.

It is worth mentioning here that under the scheme, the State Government has appointed its Group A Officers as Gram Sanrakshak.  The objective of the scheme is to build a framework for the dynamic and holistic development of the Gram Panchayats with the senior officers of the State performing the role of a guardian (Sanrakshak). The senior officers would carry out an intensive review of the implementation of various schemes of the Government and better oversight of issues pertaining to the welfare of the villagers.