Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB ALL SET TO ROLL OUT U-WIN TO DIGITISE UNIVERSAL IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME IN State

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IEP Chandigarh, June 28

      Following the success of digitisation of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in two districts— Hoshiarpur and SBS Nagar— of the state, Punjab Health Department is all set to roll out the U-WIN— a digital platform for UIP, in all the districts of Punjab from coming August.          The pilot programme had remained a huge success with both the districts having been able to achieve the desired targets by registering 92% session sites on board, while, 102% newborns were registered against pregnancy outcomes, and 90% of registered newborns were provided birth doses of vaccines through this digital platform.          Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh, while congratulating the health staff for achieving this another milestone, emphasised that providing world-class healthcare facilities and best possible health related services to the people of Punjab is the mandate of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.          The Health Minister, who joined via video conference, was addressing the two days state-level Workshop of Training of Trainers for U-WIN commenced here on Tuesday. All the District Immunization Officers, Vaccine Cold Chain Managers from all the districts of Punjab are participating in this workshop, which will conclude on Wednesday. After getting training, these trainers will further impart training to the concerned health staff in their respective districts for a successful roll out of the U-WIN platform.          Pertinently, Immunization has been a proven and cost effective strategy to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and UIP in Punjab covers 11 diseases and aims to reach over 437000 newborns and 480000 pregnant women every year.          As of now, this vaccination programme is being conducted in manual form and with execution of the U-WIN platform from August, all the data pertaining to vaccination will be digitised on the lines of Co-WIN. The CO-WIN platform has been very successful in India for covid vaccination in the pandemic times. With digitalisation the benefits not only include improvement in record keeping, it also empowers the beneficiaries and with increase in vaccination coverage contributes to better public health outcomes.          Underlining the benefits of U-WIN platform, the Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Vivek Pratap Singh said that this digitalisation will be of tremendous help as it will help in reducing the workload of the health staff as unnecessary time in preparation of reports will be considerably saved because online record-keeping of data will help in auto generation of required reports.          The beneficiaries will also be empowered through this portal as they will be able to register and book their vaccination, while sitting at their homes at any of their nearby session sites, he said, while clarifying that on-site registration of the beneficiaries will also be available in this portal.          Secretary Health cum MD NHM Dr Abhinav Trikha stated that U-WIN platform will also enable beneficiaries to download their vaccination certificates and reminders in form of text messages will also be sent on their mobile to keep them up to date about their upcoming vaccinations, follow-up of dropouts and planning of RI sessions. “Vaccine acknowledgment and immunisation card linked to the Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID (ABHA ID) will be generated for pregnant women and children,” he added, insisting on the popularisation of ABHA ID for every citizen.          Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Adarshpal Kaur asked participants to ensure successful implementation of U-WIN.          During the training workshop, Project Officers UNDP Dr Seema Garg, Dr Meet Dipinder Singh, Upkar Singh and Amritpal Singh were felicitated for their commendable role in successful implementation of U-WIN in the two Pilot districts.          On this occasion, State Immunization Officer Dr Balwinder Kaur, SPO UNDP Dr Manisha Mandal ,Dr Sonika and other officials were also present.

Chandigarh

BIG BONANZA FOR 12700 NEWLY REGULARISED TEACHERS AS CM ANNOUNCES UPTO THREE TIME HIKE IN THEIR SALARIES AND OTHER BENEFITS

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IEP Chandigarh, June 28

 In a major gift to the 12700 contractual teachers who’s service has been regularised recently by the state government, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced upto three time increase in their emoluments and other benefits of the government job after regularisation of m services. Announcing this today, the Chief Minister said that these teachers will be known as Associate Teachers, Special Inclusive Teachers and others adding that they will be governed by ‘Policy for Welfare of Adhoc, Contractual, Temporary Teachers (Nation Builders) and other employees in School Education Department’. He said that based on their educational qualifications and primary conditions for entry into services their emoluments have been fixed upto completion of 58 years in service. Bhagwant Mann said that these teachers will be entitled for an annual increment of 5% on their salaries every year. Divulging more details, the Chief Minister said that BA pass Education Provider (Associate Teachers) who were hitherto getting Rs 9500 will now get Rs 20500 as emolument whereas such teachers with ETT and NTT qualification will get Rs 22000 as compared to salary of Rs 10250 at present. Similarly, he said that such teachers with BA/ MA B Ed degrees who are now getting Rs 11000 as salary will now get emolument worth Rs 23500. Bhagwant Mann said that IEV Volunteers who are till now getting salary worth Rs 5500 will now get emolument of Rs 15,000. The Chief Minister further said that Education Volunteers who have been till yet getting salary of Rs 3500 will now get Rs 15,000 adding that EGS, EIE and STR teachers getting emolument worth Rs 6000 will now get Rs 18,000. He said that this is a landmark decision of the state government which will ensure the holistic development of these teachers. Bhagwant Mann said that these teachers have rendered service of more than 10 years in Education department after which the state government has regularised their services whereas the earlier governments had just done lip service on the issue.

Chandigarh

TEACHERS EXPRESS GRATITUDE TO CM FOR HISTORIC DECISION OF SALARY HIKE

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IEP Chandigarh, June 28

 A delegation of teachers today called on the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to express their gratitude for historic decision of the state government to enhance the salaries of the newly regularised teachers. Welcoming the decision, the teachers apprised the Chief Minister that the except lip service the previous governments didn’t do anything to safeguard their interests. On the other hand, they said that that the Bhagwant Mann government has given a huge gift to the teachers firstly by regularising their services and now with a salary hike. They said that the entire teaching fraternity is indebted to the Chief Minister for this historic decision. The delegation further said that 12700 teachers of the state will be benefitted from this path breaking initiative of the state government. They said that the state government has delivered what it had promised. They said that this path breaking initiative will go a long way in further revolutionising the education sector in the state.  “We welcome this decision. The Mann government has given us a huge gift in form if salary hike” said Kuldeep Singh.  “I have been working as a teacher since 2006. Earlier we used to get only ₹10000 per month, and it was very difficult to run our household with that little money. The government has increased it to ₹22000. It will ease our lives and allow us to live our lives with dignity and pride”- Maninder Rana  “The previous governments did not give us our rights, on the contrary, they meted out injustice to us. But the Mann government fulfilled its promise made to us in just fifteen months. We thank Mann government for this historic decision.”  – Ajmer Singh Aulakh

Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Minister to Honor 15 Heroes for Rescuing Woman Stranded in Ghaggar River

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IEP Chandigarh June 27

In a remarkable act of bravery and compassion, Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal today announced a reward for 15 individuals who valiantly rescued a woman trapped in the Ghaggar river at Panchkula yesterday. The incident unfolded on June 25, at approximately 9:30 am, when Mrs. Sangeeta Bajaj, a 69-year-old resident of Panchkula, stranded along with her car while performing a religious ritual in river Ghaggar.  As the water level rapidly rose, the woman and her car were swept away in the river. However, the unwavering efforts of 15 individuals, including 14 men and 1 woman, who were present near Khadak Mongoli village rescued the woman’s life.To recognize their heroic act, the Chief Minister will honour these courageous individuals with a total cash prize of Rs. 3,15,000, along with a citation. The names of the valiant individuals who played a crucial role in rescuing Mrs. Sangeeta Bajaj are Vikram, Kishan, Sonu, Sunil, Pappu Kumar, Chhote Lal, Rashpal Singh Chauhan, Salim, Mahendra, Jitendra, Sanju, Ranjit, Anil, Bablu, and Mamta.This heartwarming incident serves as a shining example of the unwavering courage and community spirit that exists within the people of Haryana. The Chief Minister’s commendation shows the state’s commitment to recognize and honour acts of bravery, inspiring others to come forward and make a difference in the lives of their fellow citizens. 

Chandigarh, Punjab

Drug supplier is a bigger criminal than the drug addict – Kanwar Pal

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IEP Chandigarh, June 27

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed across the world today. In this series, School Education Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal motivated the youth of Haryana to stay away from drugs and flagged off an awareness rally at Mukund Lal District Civil Hospital premises in Yamunanagar today. The School Education Minister also administered drug free oath to the people present in the programme.He said that drug peddlers cannot be treated as individual criminals but as people infecting the entire society. The menace of drugs is spoiling society. Therefore, to ensure a drug-free society, social organisations should put up a collective effort and work in tandem with the government to defeat the negative forces emanating from the abuse of drugsHe said that social organisations should work dedicatedly to create awareness about the vicious cycle of drugs and the harm they are inflicting on society. He said that youth should channelise their energies through sports and physical activities.Sh. Kanwar Pal said that the movement against drugs will be strengthened only when people from society will come together and pledge to eliminate this societal ill.   Today’s youth is the leader of tomorrow. Development of the nation would be assured if youth is given the right direction, he added.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh

Haryana Government takes significant steps towards environment protection and waste management: CS

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IEP Chandigarh, June 27

The Haryana Government is taking significant strides towards ensuring the scientific handling and disposal of municipal solid waste, hazardous waste, biomedical waste, and enforcing a ban on single-use plastics in the state. This was stated by the Haryana Chief Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal, during a one-day training programme focusing on the implementation of District Environment Plans held at the Haryana Institute of Public Administration in Gurugram today.The training programme was inaugurated by the Chairman of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel. Dr. M M Kutty, Chairperson of CAQM, Mrs. Urvashi Gulati, Former Chief Secretary of Haryana, Mr. Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Forest and Wildlife, Mr. P. Raghavendra Rao, Chairman of HSPCB, and Mrs. Chandralekha Mukherjee, Director General of HIPA were also present during the training programme.Mr. Kaushal said that as per the directives of the NGT, all Deputy Commissioners of the state have been sensitized to prepare District Environment Plans, which encompass various thematic areas such as solid waste management, air quality, industrial wastewater treatment, water quality, mining activity and noise pollution. The plans will be uploaded on the Environment Department’s website. These comprehensive plans will play a vital role in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring compliance with environmental norms, thus contributing to sustainable development and progress of the state, he added.To ensure the efficient utilization of environment compensation funds collected from violating units, a high-powered committee has been constituted which will undertake environment restoration activities as outlined in the District Environment Plans, he added.While expressing his confidence in the dedication and commitment of all the Deputy Commissioners and senior district-level officers present at the training programme, he encouraged the officers to approach the programme with utmost seriousness, as the lectures and sessions covering various environment-related topics will equip them with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively implement the identified activities in the District Environment Plan.Furthermore, Mr. Kaushal urged all Deputy Commissioners to share their best practices, seek clarification on any doubts, and provide valuable suggestions during the technical sessions. The experts present on the occasion interacted with the officers to address their queries and enhance their understanding.Mr. Kaushal further said that Haryana Government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development. By implementing the District Environment Plans and working collaboratively, we can create a cleaner, greener, and healthier future for our state, he added. 

Chandigarh, Punjab

National Green Tribunal Chairman emphasizes importance of district environment plan for sustainable development

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IEP Chandigarh, June 27

The Chairman of the National Green Tribunal, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, highlighted the significance of the District Environment Plan (DEP) as a strategic document designed to address environmental issues and promote sustainable development. While inaugurating a one-day training programme on the implementation of District Environment Plans held at the Haryana Institute of Public Administration in Gurugram, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel emphasized the role of DEPs in integrating environmental considerations into various developmental activities at the district level.Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel emphasized that DEPs follow a participatory approach, fostering collaboration among government agencies, local authorities, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and community representatives. These plans adhere to national and state-level environmental policies and guidelines, ensuring alignment with broader environmental objectives.An essential component of the DEP, is conducting an environmental assessment, which involves analyzing existing environmental conditions, identifying key challenges specific to the district, and assessing potential impacts resulting from developmental activities. This assessment provides the foundation for setting goals and objectives that address the identified environmental issues and promote sustainable development within the district.Furthermore, Justice Goel said that DEPs outline specific action plans aimed at achieving established goals and objectives. These action plans encompass measures for pollution control, waste management, conservation of natural resources, promotion of renewable energy, and environmental education and awareness. By integrating these actions into decision-making processes, DEPs ensure that environmental considerations receive due importance and become integrated across various sectors and activities within the district.Justice Goel also stressed the importance of establishing a robust institutional framework within the District Environment Plan. This framework identifies responsible agencies, coordination mechanisms, and the roles of different stakeholders involved in the implementation and monitoring of the DEP. Clear lines of responsibility are established, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration among various entities to achieve the desired environmental outcomes.To track progress and effectiveness, Justice Goel emphasized the need for monitoring and evaluation mechanisms within the DEP. These mechanisms enable continuous improvement, ensuring that the DEP remains responsive to evolving environmental challenges and the priorities of the district.Justice Goel further highlighted the alarming state of our environment, emphasizing the need for conservation and protection. He stated that human activities have posed a significant threat to the environment, impacting not only other forms of life but also our own. Recognizing this, various environmental protection programmes are being implemented at individual, organizational, and government levels, aiming to establish a balance between humans and the environment.The District Environment Plan serves as a crucial tool in this endeavour, enabling the creation of sustainable development practices and fostering a harmonious relationship between mankind and the environment, he added.Haryana Chief Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal, Dr. M M Kutty, Chairperson of CAQM, Mrs. Urvashi Gulati, Former Chief Secretary of Haryana, Mr. Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Forest and Wildlife, Mr. P. Raghavendra Rao, Chairman of HSPCB, and Mrs. Chandralekha Mukherjee, Director General of HIPA were also present during the training programme. 

Chandigarh

CM launches drug-free Haryana campaign on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

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IEP CHANDIGARH

that during the meeting with the Chief Minister on May 5, the Saints had assured full support and cooperation to the State Government to make the drug-free Haryana campaign a grand success. He said that the State Government’s Nasha Mukt Abhiyan would be included in  the programmes to be organized under the Jio Gita  , added Gyananand Ji Maharaj. He said that there are about 152 drug de-addiction centres in Haryana and efforts would be made to start yoga and exercise in these centres.

Haryana will contribute significantly to the Prime Minister’s drug-free India campaign, Sh. Rajesh Khullar

Speaking on the occasion, Additional Chief Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture, Sh. Rajesh Khullar said that the Sh Manohar Lal led Haryana Government has adopted a multipronged strategy to fight against the drug menace.

“The launch of ‘Haryana Nasha Mukt Abhiyan’ today is yet another significant step of the State Government towards eradicating this menace from the society. I am hopeful that this step would not only give further momentum to the Prime Minister, Sh Narendra Modi’s drug-free India campaign but also help in making Haryana first drug-free state in the country, added Sh. Khullar.

Sh. Rajesh Khullar said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, a study was done in every state and district across the country in the year 2018 to determine the problem of drugs. In the study, 254 such districts were identified where either the problem is severe or was on the verge of becoming serious. These 254 districts also include 16 districts of Haryana. The Prime Minister had launched the drug-free India campaign from Red Fort on August 15, 2020, and since then, the Haryana government has been working tirelessly to make this campaign a huge success, he added.

6044 drug peddlers arrested in Haryana, property worth Rs 52-53 crore attached

Throwing light on the achievement of the present State Government in the fight against drugs, Sh. Rajesh Khullar informed that in 2022 only, 6044 drug peddlers, smugglers or retailers were arrested in Haryana. Apart from that, to make these people economically weak, properties worth about Rs 52-53 crore of drug peddlers were also attached. At present, 152 drug de-addiction centres are operational in the state, shared Sh. Rajesh Khullar.

Sh. Rajesh Khullar said that the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh Manohar Lal   has adopted a policy of zero tolerance against drugs and is gradually making the fight against drugs impenetrable by launching several campaigns. “Setting up of Inter-State Drug Control Authority, having its headquarters at Panchkula, after bringing Chief Ministers of 7 states on a single platform is one of the key steps taken by Sh. Manohar Lal against this social evil informed Sh. Rajesh Khullar.

He said that about 9000 teams of 88,000 members have been formed in the State to eradicate drug menace. Apart from this, the Dhakad programme is also being run.

On this occasion, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker,  Sh Gian Chand Gupta, Mayor  Sh Kulbhushan Goyal, Chairman, Haryana Bureau of Public Enterprises Sh Subhash Barala , saints and gurus and other prominent personalities were also  present.

Chandigarh

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT RELEASES RS. 99.60 CRORE FOR CONSTRUCTION AND UPGRADATION OF NEW TEHSIL COMPLEXES IN PUNJAB: JIMPA

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IEP Chandigarh, June 26      

    Under the dynamic leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Government has released Rs 99.60 crore for the upgradation and construction of new tehsil/sub-tehsil complexes in various districts of Punjab.          Divulging the details, Revenue Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa said that for the convenience of the common people and to streamline the work of the Revenue Department, the state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken the initiative for the ultra modern construction of several tehsil/sub-tehsil offices.          He said that many offices were running in old and dilapidated buildings and have not been fully equipped with facilities. Therefore, Rs. 99.60 crore have been released to make these offices up to date. Jimpa said that Rs. 2.52 crore have been released for Hajipur Tehsil complex of Hoshiarpur district. Similarly, Rs. 1.04 crore, Rs. 1.47 crore and Rs. 1.42 crore released for the construction of Goniana, Nathana and Balianwali sub-tehsils of Bathinda district respectively. Also, Rs. 5.98 crore has been given for the construction of Talwandi Sabo Tehsil Complex, he added.          Jimpa further said that Rs. 98.98 lakh have been released for Jaito (Faridkot district) and Rs. 8.61 crore for the construction of new building at Bassi Pathana in District Fatehgarh Sahib. Similarly, an amount of Rs. 3.50 crore for the construction of new building at Abohar and Rs. 6.19 crore for Gurharsahai has been released.          Revenue Minister said that Rs. 6.60 crore, Rs. 5.50 crore, Rs. 5.98 crore and Rs. 44.96 lakh have been released for new buildings at Kalanaur, Sultanpur Lodhi, Phagwara and Machhiwara respectively. He further informed that Rs. 9.42 crore and Rs. 6.69 crore have been released for new tehsil complexes to be built in Ahmedgarh and Amargarh of Malerkotla district with Rs. 1.71 crore released for the construction of new sub-tehsil complexes in Moga and Samalsar while Rs. 5.38 crore has been released for Dudhan Sadhan tehsil complex in Patiala district.          Jimpa said that Rs. 5.14 crore, Rs. 4.31 crore, Rs. 10.68 crore and Rs. 3.05 crore have been released for the new buildings to be constructed at Chamkaur Sahib, Cheema (Sangrur), Dirba and Banur respectively. Among them, the foundation stone of Cheema and Dirba tehsil complexes was laid by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in May 2023.          Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also approved to release another amount of Rs. 70.76 crore. After the release of this amount, Hoshiarpur would also get a new tehsil complex. An amount of Rs.6.52 crore has been sanctioned for this purpose. Apart from this, tehsil/sub-tehsil complexes of many districts of Punjab i.e. Faridkot, Samana, Phillaur, Shahkot, Kapurthala, Nakodar, Batala, Rupnagar, Dinanagar, Muktsar Sahib, Jalandhar, Pathankot etc. would be upgraded.

Chandigarh, Punjab

ANOTHER STEP TOWARDS MAKING PROCEEDINGS OF THE VIDHAN SABHA HOUSE PAPERLESS

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IEP Chandigarh, June 26     

     In compliance with the instructions of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, a one-day training workshop was organized by the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat for nodal officers from various departments. This workshop marks another significant stride towards making the entire proceedings of the house paperless.          During the workshop, the Nodal Officers, appointed by the Administrative Secretaries of different departments, given detailed information about the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) and the website, which will facilitate the sharing of all relevant information related to the house.          Addressing the nodal officers in the Regional Hall, Vidhan Sabha Secretary Mr. Ram Lok Khatana emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann and Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, the upcoming session of the assembly would be truly unique. It would be the first of its kind in history to be conducted entirely electronically.          Mr. Khatana urged the nodal officers to extend their full support in ensuring the success of this mission, while highlighting that by making the proceedings of the house paperless, not only will it save time for all departments, but it will also contribute to the government’s environmental conservation efforts.          Furthermore, he stated that besides the house proceedings, the functioning of the legislative committees will also be made paperless, and all records of the house will be digitized.          The workshop included training sessions conducted by Mr. Vivek Verma, SIO, NIC Punjab, and other officers. They provided instruction on various modules of NeVA to the nodal officers, who were also briefed about the procedure for replying to notices sent by the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat.          Senior officials of the Vidhan Sabha and NIC Punjab were also present during the workshop.