Category Archives: Chandigarh

Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur Hands Over  Loan Waiver Certificates Worth Rs 8.72 Crore to 505 SC Families

Chandigarh/Malout, July 1:

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government continues its dedicated efforts to uplift the weaker and underprivileged sections of society. As part of this initiative, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today Hands Over loan waiver certificates amounting to ₹8.72 crore to 505 families belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community during a special event organized at K.G. Palace, Malout.

On this occasion, the Minister also distributed approval letters worth ₹71.40 lakh to 140 beneficiaries under the Ashirwad Scheme, with each beneficiary receiving ₹51,000.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated the Punjab Government’s firm commitment to the welfare of the needy and marginalized sections of society. She emphasized that the State Government is ensuring maximum welfare measures for people from every section of society. She noted that, for the first time in the history of Punjab, such significant relief has been extended to the economically weaker and backward classes, made possible because the State’s budget has been prioritized for the welfare of the common people. She added that the government is judiciously utilizing every rupee from the State exchequer for public welfare.

The Minister informed that this loan waiver covers all loans distributed by the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCFC) up to March 31, 2020. This waiver provides much-needed financial relief to borrowers from the SC community and differently-abled categories. She added that the State Government has already issued ‘No Dues’ certificates to these beneficiaries, ensuring that no recovery proceedings will be initiated against them under PSCFC rules after the waiver.

She further stated that the State Government will repay the entire outstanding principal, interest, and penal interest amount to PSCFC by April 30, 2025, ensuring complete financial settlement.

Among those present on the occasion were District Welfare Officer Jagmohan Singh, Personal Assistants to the Cabinet Minister Arshdeep Singh Sidhu and Shinderpal Singh, Ramesh Singh Arniwala, Sukhpal Singh (President, Truck Union), Yadvinder Singh (Sarpanch), Nirmal Singh (Sarpanch), Kulwinder Singh Bittu, Jyoti (Sarpanch), Dr. Sadhu Singh, and a large number of beneficiaries.

FOUR MONTHS OF YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: 19880 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 786KG HEROIN, Rs11.5CR DRUG MONEY

CHANDIGARH, July 1:

          With the ongoing decisive war against drugs ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has completed four months, Punjab Police has registered 12135 first information reports (FIRs) and arrested 19880 drug smugglers leading to the recovery of 786 kg heroin since March 1, 2025.

          Since the launch of this anti-drug drive, Punjab Police, under the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav,  has been conducting operations daily simultaneously in all the 28 Police districts of the state. Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. 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.

          Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who has been personally overseeing the operations, revealed that apart from the 786 kg haul of heroin, police have also seized 301 kg opium, 158 quintals poppy husk, 11 kg charas, 300 kg ganja, 2.9 kg ICE, 27.99 lakh intoxicant pills/tablets, and ₹11.58 crore drug money.

          Sharing details of outcome of Day 122, the Special DGP said that Punjab Police has arrested 128 drug smugglers and recovered 4.1 kg heroin, 3.5 kg opium, 10 kg poppy husk, 13667 intoxicant pills and ₹1.25 lakh drug money from their possession.

          Over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 87 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 418 locations across the state leading to the registration of 92 first information reports (FIRs) across the state, he said, while adding that police teams have also checked as many as 428 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          Meanwhile, 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 76 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

MC Chandigarh conducts anti-encroachment drive in Sector 22

Chandigarh:

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh carried out a major anti-encroachment drive today in Sector 22. The operation focused on the outer mobile market, Shastri Market (22D), and the area near Kiran Cinema.

Following the directions of Municipal Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, the enforcement team carried out the drive and issued 52 challans to violators during the drive. Illegal vendors occupying public corridors were removed to ensure free and safe pedestrian movement. The drive aimed to reclaim public spaces and maintain order in the market areas.

The Municipal Corporation has reiterated its commitment to keeping public areas encroachment-free and ensuring better civic amenities for residents and visitors. Similar drives will continue across the city in the coming weeks to discourage illegal encroachments.

The MC appeals to all vendors and shopkeepers to cooperate and adhere to the civic norms.

Fortis Mohali Leads in Advanced Angioplasty for High-Risk Elderly Cardiac Patients

Chandigarh, June 30, 2025: Fortis Hospital Mohali is one of the leading centres of excellence in cardiac care, The hospital offers cutting-edge interventional cardiology treatment to high-risk patients who were earlier considered unfit for bypass surgery or angioplasty.

A 93-year-old man with complex  heart disease and weakness was successfully treated with an advanced form of angioplasty for a major heart artery blockage. In another case, a 70-year-old man with diabetes, heart failure, kidney problems, and blockages in three heart arteries also underwent a complex and risky angioplasty. Both patients were not fit for surgery, but thanks to advanced technology and expert medical care, they have recovered well and are doing fine.

Giving details, Dr Sudhanshu Budakoty, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Mohali, said, “A 93-year-old man with diagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart wall, especially the left side), coronary artery disease presented to us with chest pain. He had undergone coronary angiography in 2022 and was advised for CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft), but due to his advanced age and frailty and possible high-risk surgery he did not go for it and was kept on medical management.”

 Despite of all optimized medical treatment, he continued to have recurrent chest pain at rest. The doctordiscussed the treatment options with the patient and family and counseled them about the need for repeat angiography. The patient and his family were unsure at first, as they had previously been told that neither surgery nor stenting was an option. Dr. Sudhanshu explained to them the need for intervention now and if required stenting is possible. He was taken up for Coronary Angiography (CAG), which showed calcified triple vessel disease. The calcified vessels could not be stented without plaque modification. The patient and his family were explained the advanced treatment options to deal with the hardened calcium in his heart arteries. These included special techniques like Rotablation, Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL), and Laser, followed by placing a stent in the artery causing the symptoms. After they understood everything and gave written permission, the patient underwent a complex angioplasty using the IVL method, in which gentle shockwaves are sent through a balloon to crack and soften calcium in the artery walls.

The patient had an angioplasty (PCI) done in one major artery – LAD (the most important artery in the front of the heart supplying maximum myocardial tissue). Patient was stable post procedure and was discharged the next day with no chest pain. He was followed up in OPD with no residual symptoms.

Dr Sudhanshu Budakoty  further added, “In another similar case, A 70-year-old diabetic man presented to us for cardiac clearance of surgery for anal fistula. On routine evaluation, we found out that he had a previous suffered a silent heart attack and it caused his heart pumping to drop to 30%. He was also detected with possible chronic kidney disease. In view of his high-risk conditions, he was first taken up for CAG which showed diffuse triple vessel disease with calcification in all 3 arteries with very poor flow in distal vessels making bypass surgery a difficult choice. Patient and family were counseled regarding the nature of disease and high-risk procedure of revascularization in view of low ejection fraction, diabetes, kidney disease and calcified vessels. They were not willing for bypass surgery at this age and hence a decision for high-risk angioplasty with IVL assistance for calcium modification was taken.”

IVL was done to treat blockages in the left main and LAD (a major heart artery). Two stents were placed from the left main to the LAD to keep the arteries open. A very small amount of dye was used during the procedure to protect the patient’s kidneys. The patient remained stable after the procedure and was safely discharged the next day, Dr. Sudhanshu added.

About Fortis Healthcare Limited

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities, ~4,750 operational beds (including O&M facilities), and over 400 diagnostics centers (including JVs). The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with a global major and parent company – IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs over 23,000 people (including Agilus Diagnostics Limited) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.

Preserving and beautify the heritage of Yadavendra Garden in Pinjore – Chief Minister

Chandigarh, June 30 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini directed that untapped sewerage or industrial effluent should not be discharged into drains anywhere in the state. He directed the concerned departments to identify all such locations and take effective measures to completely prevent the inflow of polluted water into the drains. In the initial phase, action should be taken in Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Yamunanagar districts, with significant improvements achieved within the next three months.

The Chief Minister gave these and other directions while chairing a review meeting to assess the progress of the announcements made in the budget speech here today.

Addressing the officials, he stressed that all commitments made in the budget speech must be fulfilled promptly so that the people of the state can benefit at the earliest.

It is noteworthy that Sh Nayab Singh Saini, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, had made several important announcements in the state budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 during the assembly session held in March this year.

While reviewing the progress of the Jungle Safari to be developed in the Aravalli region, the Chief Minister said that animals that are harmless to humans should be housed there. He instructed that the Jungle Safari must be established in accordance with the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority. Considering the monsoon season, seeds of plants that can naturally grow and stabilize in the environment should also be sown. He also reviewed other announcements of Environment and Forests Department and provided necessary directions to the officials.

During the review of the progress of the Tourism and Heritage Department’s announcements, the Chief Minister said that Rs 100 crore has been allocated in this year’s budget to enhance public participation in festivals, fairs, and celebrations across the state. He asked the Tourism and Heritage Department to coordinate with the Information and Public Relations Department to ensure the successful organization of these events, fostering enthusiasm and joy among all sections of the population.

He further stressed the importance of preserving and beautifying the heritage of Yadavendra Garden in Pinjore, so that tourists from across the country can visit and enjoy the site. It was also informed in the meeting that the Central Government has sanctioned over Rs 90 crore for the redevelopment of Yadavendra Garden and Tikkartal in Morni.

*International Surajkund Crafts Fair to be organized between Dussehra and Deepawali festival*

It was also informed in the meeting that this year International Surajkund Crafts Fair will also be organized for the second time between Dussehra and Deepawali festival, so that a strong platform can be provided to the public and they can enjoy this cultural festival to the fullest.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini also reviewed the progress of budget announcements made for the Sports Department and directed to complete them on time.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department Anand Mohan Sharan, Chairman of Haryana State Pollution Control Board Vineet Garg, Principal Secretary, Sports Department Navdeep Virk, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Heritage Department Kala Ramachandran, Commissioner and Secretary, Finance Department Mohammad Shayin, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Yashpal Yadav and other officers were also present in the meeting.

Tehsildar Bhavnesh Kumar Suspended with Immediate Effect

Chandigarh, June 30: Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Nayab Singh Saini has taken decisive action in the fight against corruption by suspending Tehsildar Bhavnesh Kumar, posted in Sirsa district, with immediate effect.

As per the official order issued by the government, Bhavnesh Kumar’s headquarters during the suspension period will be the office of the Director, Land Records, Panchkula. This step has been taken under the state government’s strict ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards corruption.

Chief Minister Mr. Naib Singh Saini said that corruption, in any form and at any level, will not be tolerated.

This action reflects the government’s firm resolve to promote honest and transparent administration across the state.

Hry Cabinet Ministers listen to 123rd episode of PM’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme

Chandigarh:

Haryana Cabinet Ministers on Sunday listened to the 123rd episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s  ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme in their respective district. After listening to the programme, State Environment, Forests and Wildlife and Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Minister Rao Narbir Singh spoke about the success of Operation Sindoor and also encouraged people to plant trees in memory of soldiers- ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Ek Podha Veer jawan Ke Naam’ a unique blend of environmental protection and patriotism.

He stated that every tenth soldier in the Indian Armed Forces hails from Haryana, which is a matter of immense pride for the state. He urged the people of Haryana to plant more trees in memory of the brave soldiers who serve the nation. Launching the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam – 2.0” campaign from Charkhi Dadri, he called upon citizens to actively participate in this noble initiative. The Forest Minister stated that the goal is to plant 2 lakh saplings in each district every year. He assured that all planted trees will be protected and nurtured for at least the next five years to ensure they develop strong roots and contribute to creating a long-lasting green cover across the state.

Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi said that public participation is essential for the effective implementation of government schemes and the overall development of the state. With active community involvement, not only does the pace of development accelerate, but the benefits of welfare schemes also reach the intended beneficiaries. He stressed that public support is vital in translating these initiatives into action at the grassroots level. In addition to development, he underlined the need for greater public awareness on key issues such as environmental protection, water conservation, tree plantation drives, and drug de-addiction campaigns.

Bedi listened to the live broadcast of PM’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme on Sunday in Dhanoda Khurd village, Jind district, along with many local residents who joined him for the event. On this occasion, Bedi announced a grant of Rs 25 lakh for development works in the village. He also encouraged the Gram Panchayat to submit proposals for other essential projects so that estimates can be prepared and further development initiatives can be undertaken for the welfare of the villagers.

State Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Shruti Choudhry praised the remarkable progress India has achieved under his dynamic leadership of PM Modi.  She said that ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is a powerful platform that connects the Prime Minister directly with the people, inspiring citizens across the nation. Under Modi’s visionary guidance, India is witnessing unprecedented development in every sector, strengthening its position on the global stage.

Choudhry said that the Prime Minister’s messages encourage grassroots participation in nation-building and social welfare, fostering unity and collective responsibility among citizens. She called upon the people of Haryana to actively engage with government initiatives and contribute toward building a prosperous and sustainable future for the country.

 In Palwal, after listening to ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, Minister of State for Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, and Sports, Gaurav Gautam said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India is scaling new heights and making a strong impact on the global stage. He said that ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is not merely a government initiative, but a programme that belongs to the entire nation and its people.

Encouraging the residents of Palwal, Gautam said that those who undertake meaningful and inspiring work for the betterment of society could one day be recognized by the Prime Minister in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address. He further expressed confidence that with the collective efforts of every citizen, India will become a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047, as envisioned by the Prime Minister.

Big Bonanza for Residents of Punjab, Work on Dhuri ROB to Commence Soon- Says CM

Chandigarh, June 29 :

In a major bonanza for the people of Punjab in general, and the residents of Dhuri in particular, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced on Sunday that construction work on a double-lane Railway Overbridge (ROB) at Dhuri will commence soon.

The Chief Minister stated that the necessary clearance has been granted by the Ministry of Railways after persistent efforts by the state government. He said the state-of-the-art ROB will be constructed at level crossing (phatak) number 62A and will play a crucial role in resolving the traffic congestion faced by residents of the Malwa region, particularly those in the Dhuri segment. The total cost of the project is ₹54.76 crore, which will be entirely funded by the state government, added Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister added that once initiated, the project will be completed within 18 months. Bhagwant Singh Mann mentioned that the groundwork for the project began in 2024, but progress was delayed due to the pending final railway permission/NOC since March 2025. The state government, he said, pursued the matter diligently, and with the required approvals now secured from the Railway authorities, work on the project will commence shortly.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to the development of Punjab and the prosperity of its people, the Chief Minister emphasized that no stone will be left unturned in the pursuit of inclusive growth. He asserted that Punjab is witnessing a new era of unprecedented development due to the determined efforts of his administration. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the state government has already put the wheels in motion to carve out a Rangla Punjab and this is reflective of this only.

DAY 120 OF ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: 114 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 4.1KG HEROIN, Rs9.6L DRUG MONEY

CHANDIGARH, June 29:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state completed 120 days, Punjab Police on Sunday arrested 114 drug smugglers and recovered 4.1 kg heroin and Rs 9.6 lakh drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 19,735 in just 120 days.

          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. 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 180 Police teams, comprising over 1100 police personnel, under the supervision of 85 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 367 locations across the state leading to the registration of 77 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 399 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          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 54 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Meanwhile, Police teams have also conducted checking at as many as 332 pharmaceutical shops in six districts including Commissionerate Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, SBS Nagar, Jalandhar Rural, Kapurthala and Rupnagar to ensure that they are not selling intoxicant tablets or any other habit-forming drugs, and are adhering to the prescribed norms and regulations regarding the sale of medicines

Haryana Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatraya pays tribute to Bharat Ratna PV Narasimha Rao on his jayanti

Chandigarh, June 28, 2025: Haryana Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatraya on Saturday paid his humble tribute to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Late Shri PV Narasimha Rao at Raj Bhavan.

Shri Dattatraya said that under his leadership, India embarked on a path of significant economic transformation, moving away from the socialist policies of the past and towards a market-driven economy.

Late Shri PV Narasimha Rao’s leadership, who also served as Chief Minister of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, extended beyond economics. He also managed India’s political landscape during a period of significant challenges.