Chandigarh, August 1: Chandigarh MP and former Union Minister Manish Tewari today inaugurated a newly established computer lab at Dev Samaj College for Girls in Sector 45, Chandigarh, as part of his efforts to promote the development of the education sector. Tewari had sanctioned a grant of approximately Rs 10 lakh from his MPLADS fund for setting up the facility.

Addressing the gathering, Tewari said that the development of education has always remained one of his key priorities. He said an educated person is better equipped to fulfil his or her responsibilities towards the family and society. He appreciated the significant contribution being made by Dev Samaj College for Girls towards promoting girls’ education.

He said the newly established computer lab would prove highly beneficial for the students and provide them with better opportunities to develop their digital and technical skills. He also appreciated the college management committee and the entire staff for their contribution towards women’s empowerment through education. He said women today are playing an important role in every sphere of society.

Tewari also visited the newly established computer lab and interacted with the students, taking feedback about their educational needs and facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Chandigarh Congress President H.S. Lucky said that the Congress has always emphasised strengthening education and empowering the youth. Referring to the NEET paper leak issue, he said that the voice of the youth cannot be suppressed and that the Congress party stands firmly with the young people of the country.

Among those present on the occasion included, College Principal Neeru Malik and Chandramukhi Sharma, besides other members of the college management and staff.

Mohali

A Suvidha Centre was established adjacent to the Civil Dispensary in Phase 11 a few years ago for the convenience of local residents. The centre provided valuable services to the residents of Phases 10 and 11, Sectors 66 and 48-C, as well as nearby areas. Residents were able to get their routine government-related work completed at the Suvidha Centre located close to their homes.

A delegation led by Councillor S. Amarjit Singh met the MLA, S. Kulwant Singh, and requested that the closed Phase 11 Suvidha Centre be reopened and dedicated once again to public service so that residents would not have to travel long distances to avail themselves of essential government services.

The delegation informed the MLA that the Suvidha Centre earlier provided more than 300 public services relating to approximately 28 government departments. These included the issuance of residence certificates, caste certificates, pension-related documents, passport services, Aadhaar card services, affidavits, and several other essential citizen services. At present, only three Suvidha Centres are operational in the entire city, causing inconvenience to a large number of residents.

Responding to the delegation, the Hon’ble MLA S. Kulwant Singh assured them that necessary steps would be taken to restart the Phase 11 Suvidha Centre at the earliest for the convenience of the public.

Besides Councillor S. Amarjit Singh, the delegation comprised S. Charanjit Singh, S. R.P.S. Saini, Shri Suresh Bhanot, S. Hakam Singh, S. Umrao Singh, S. Surinder Singh, S. Karam Singh, Shri Dinesh Kumar, S. Hardev Singh, S. Gulzar Singh, and S. Arvinder Pal Singh, S. Narinder Pal Singh .

Chandigarh, July 30: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Health Department should be digitised from its headquarters down to the Sub Health Centres to ensure modern, fast and effective healthcare services reach every citizen. He said that facilities such as telemedicine, teleconsultation, e Upchar OPD, Tele ECG and health tracking should be made available to people to provide modern healthcare while saving both time and effort.

The Chief Minister gave these directions while reviewing the Health Department’s five year action plan under Haryana Vision 2047 at the Haryana Civil Secretariat on Thursday. During the meeting, he also reviewed the progress of Chief Minister’s announcements and Budget announcements related to the Health Department and directed officers to complete them within the stipulated timeframe.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that under Vision 2047, the State Government has initiated several new measures to provide quick healthcare services to citizens through modern technologies, on the lines of developed countries. He said these initiatives must be taken to the grassroots level so that quality healthcare facilities are available uniformly at district hospitals, sub divisional hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Sub Health Centres, thereby saving people’s time and reducing the need to travel long distances for treatment.

*Teleconsultation facility has proved effective*

Responding to the Chief Minister’s query regarding the teleconsultation facility, Health Department officials informed that through this service, Community Health Officers posted at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs share patients’ investigation reports with specialist doctors and obtain expert consultation and treatment advice.

At present, 24 consultation hubs are operational across 22 district hospitals and two super speciality hubs at PGI Rohtak and PGI Chandigarh. These hubs are providing consultation services to 2,733 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the State.

Haryana is the only State in the country to have signed an agreement with PGI Chandigarh, under which 10 specialist doctors provide medical consultation six days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Since the launch of this service in 2021, around 1.2 million teleconsultations have been conducted. During the financial year 2025-26 alone, about 4,00,000 teleconsultations were provided. Timely specialist consultations under this initiative helped save the lives of 20 pregnant women.

The Chief Minister said that healthcare services at Sub Health Centres would also be digitised at an estimated cost of around Rs. 177 crore to enable patients to access modern treatment through advanced technology.

*Dialysis facilities to be expanded to 18 new locations*

The Chief Minister said that the scope of the State Government’s free dialysis service for kidney patients would be expanded further. More than 250,000 patients have benefited from this facility so far. He directed that, in addition to district hospitals and PGI Rohtak, dialysis services should also be started this year in 16 sub divisions and two other medical colleges.

*Special camps for cancer screening among women*

The Chief Minister said that early detection is essential to prevent cancer among women. He directed the Health Department to organise special camps for cancer screening. He also instructed that the target of administering the HPV vaccine to girls between 9 and 14 years of age for protection against cervical cancer and other HPV related diseases should be achieved at the earliest.

Officials informed that out of 75,000 vaccine doses received from the Central Government in the first phase, 50,000 doses have already been administered and the remaining target will be achieved soon.

*Awareness campaign to prevent non communicable diseases*

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that non communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke account for the highest number of deaths in the State. He said that by creating awareness and encouraging healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes, these diseases can largely be prevented.

He directed that the AYUSH Department should be made the nodal department and, in coordination with the Health Department, launch a comprehensive awareness campaign. He further directed that Yoga Assistants and Health Department officials in every village should be assigned targets to educate people about weight management, walking regularly, avoiding fried food, getting adequate sleep, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, and adopting exercise and yoga. He said that such initiatives would not only improve public health but also reduce the burden on hospitals.

*100 day intensive campaign to eliminate anaemia*

The Chief Minister directed the Health Department to launch a 100 day intensive campaign to eliminate anaemia among malnourished children and women. Under the campaign, teams should conduct door to door visits to identify malnourished and anaemic children and women, provide them with nutritious food and iron tablets, and regularly track their health. He also directed that iron injections may be administered in serious cases.

*New X ray machines worth Rs. 1 crore each to be installed in all district hospitals*

The Chief Minister said that patients visiting government hospitals should not face any inconvenience in getting diagnostic tests conducted. He announced that all district hospitals would be equipped with modern X ray machines costing Rs. 1 crore each, enabling doctors to view X ray images instantly on their screens, thereby saving valuable time for both doctors and patients.

He also reviewed the installation of new ultrasound machines in districts and the diagnostic tests being conducted under the Nirogi Haryana initiative. He directed officials to strengthen basic laboratory services in hospitals and expand in house testing facilities. He also issued detailed directions regarding the modernisation of laundry services in hospitals, to which officials informed that tenders had already been floated.

MOHALI (SAS NAGAR); 30th July 2026

Amid chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and an atmosphere filled with devotion in Mohali, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday joined thousands of devotees at the grand “Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv De Naam” Bhajan Sandhya. Describing Punjab as the sacred land of Gurus and saints, the Chief Minister said the state’s enduring traditions of communal harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect are its greatest strength.

Announcing the expansion of the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Government will facilitate free pilgrimages to Khatu Shyam Ji, Salasar Ji, Vrindavan Dham and Rishikesh from August 1, with the government bearing the entire cost, including transportation from devotees’ homes, boarding, lodging and return travel. He asserted that while love and togetherness flourish in Punjab, every attempt by divisive forces to sow the seeds of hatred will be defeated by the people of the state.

Sharing a few snippets from this auspicious gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Participated in the “Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv De Naam” programme in Mohali and was blessed with the immense love of the devotees and the blessings of Lord Shiva. Punjab is the sacred land of Gurus and saints. Our communal harmony is like a beautiful bouquet where the crop of love and togetherness flourishes, not the seeds of hatred.

“Keeping in mind the faith and sentiments of our elders, we are launching new Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra buses from August 1 to Khatu Shyam, Salasar, Vrindavan and Rishikesh as well. The AAP government is spending your taxpayers’ money on your welfare. Free electricity, respect and financial assistance for women through the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, and facilities such as the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra are all the result of this very approach. Har Har Mahadev,” the post concluded.

Addressing the gathering during the function, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “People across the state have given a rousing response to this ambitious programme aimed at perpetuating the glorious legacy of Lord Shiva. The state government has decided to organise this programme in 22 cities across the state to disseminate the message of Lord Shiva. The sole objective is that during the ongoing holy month of Saavan, people across Punjab immerse themselves in devotion to Lord Shiva.”

The Chief Minister stated, “Punjab is a beautiful bouquet where every colour of flower blooms and everyone prospers on this sacred land. Punjab has fertile soil where every kind of seed can grow, except the seeds of hatred, because our unity is unshakeable.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “People of all faiths celebrate every festival together, whether it is Ram Navami, Gurpurab or Eid. This is why the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood and fraternity are extremely strong in Punjab.”

The Chief Minister said, “The evil designs of divisive forces trying to divide people on sectarian lines can never succeed in Punjab. The Punjab Government has expanded the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna under which pilgrims are being facilitated to visit major religious destinations, including Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Salasar Dham and Khatu Shyam Ji. From August 1, Vrindavan will also be included under the scheme.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Government provides free transport, boarding and lodging facilities to pilgrims, with arrangements being made from picking them up from their homes to safely dropping them back after the pilgrimage.”

The Chief Minister said, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that women across the state started receiving financial assistance under the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna from July 1. Every eligible woman receives ₹1,000 per month, while women belonging to Scheduled Castes receive ₹1,500 per month.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Thirty-two lakh women received the benefit on July 1 and more than 40 lakh women will receive the financial assistance on August 1 as a token of gratitude from the Punjab Government.”

The Chief Minister said, “People must remain vigilant because if the Opposition ever comes to power, it will discontinue all the pro-people initiatives started by our government. Keeping public convenience as the top priority, the government has shut down 19 toll plazas, resulting in daily savings of nearly ₹70 lakh for the common people.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “More than 68,000 government jobs have been provided to youth in a completely transparent manner. Ninety per cent of households are receiving free electricity, farmers are getting power supply during the daytime, around 44,000 kilometres of roads are being constructed and several other public welfare initiatives are being implemented.”

The Chief Minister said, “The Punjab Government has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country that provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh annually to every resident family in Punjab. Punjab is the first state in India to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage, significantly reducing the financial burden on people while ensuring quality healthcare services.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This historic initiative aims to provide universal healthcare to every family in the state. So far, people have already availed cashless treatment worth more than ₹650 crore under the scheme.”

Chandigarh/Fatehgarh Sahib, July 29

Punjab Water Resources Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal today inaugurated major development works to strengthen canal irrigation at village Sondha in the Fatehgarh Sahib Assembly Constituency.

Addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Minister said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has taken historic steps towards conserving groundwater by ensuring the maximum possible supply of canal water to farmers across the state.

Later, while interacting with mediapersons, Cabinet Minister said that projects involving the lining and strengthening of the Saidpura Minor, Rajindergarh Minor and 1-L Rajbaha over a total length of 33.68 kilometres along with the laying of 23.05 kilometres of underground pipelines have been completed in the Fatehgarh Sahib Assembly Constituency at a total cost of Rs.30.71 crore.

He said that underground pipelines are being laid at a cost of Rs.3.75 crore to provide canal water facilities to farmers in the villages of Sanipur, Barha, Chhaleri Kalan, Saifalpur, Muhammadipur, Adampur, Bibipur and Sarana in the Fatehgarh Sahib Assembly Constituency. The project will benefit an agricultural area of 2,332 acres and is expected to be completed soon.

The Cabinet Minister said that during the previous governments, only 26 per cent of canal water reached farmers’ fields in Punjab. However, the Aam Aadmi Party Government has invested Rs.7,500 crore to strengthen the canal irrigation network and increase canal water coverage to 86 per cent of the state’s villages.

The Water Resources Minister said that the Punjab Government is undertaking large-scale works to ensure the supply of canal water to every field across the state and canal water will soon reach every village. He added that strengthening the canal network will not only reduce farmers’ irrigation costs but will also help conserve groundwater for future generations.

On the occasion, Fatehgarh Sahib MLA Advocate Lakhbir Singh Rai thanked Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Water Resources Minister Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal for the development works undertaken to strengthen canal irrigation in the constituency. He said that these projects would prove highly beneficial for the farming community and would provide a major boost to agricultural activities in the region.

The MLA said that the Punjab Government has accorded priority to the long-pending demand of farmers in the constituency for the supply of canal water and has taken concrete steps to ensure that canal water reaches their fields.

Chhatbir (SAS Nagar, July 29:

International Tiger Day-2026 was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Mahendra Chaudhary (M.C.) Zoological Park, Chhatbir, on Wednesday. A series of awareness programmes, educational activities and interactive sessions were organised to spread awareness about tiger conservation and the protection of wildlife.

The event was held under this year’s global theme, “Their Roar Keeps the Forest Alive.” School and college students, zoo visitors and wildlife enthusiasts participated in the programme and learned about the importance of protecting tigers and their natural habitats.

On the occasion, S. Harpreet Sandhu, State Information Commissioner, Punjab, released a special tiger conservation awareness poster in the presence of Satinder Kumar Sagar, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Nalin Yadav, IFS, Field Director, Chhatbir Zoo, and other officials.

Addressing the gathering, S. Harpreet Sandhu said that the tiger is not only India’s National Animal but also an important symbol of a healthy forest ecosystem. He said that protecting tigers helps conserve forests, biodiversity and ecological balance. He encouraged students and young people to become ambassadors of wildlife conservation and contribute towards protecting nature.

During another awareness session, Harpal Singh, Public Relations Officer-cum-Wildlife Education Officer, Ms. Malti Sachdeva, Principal, Government High School, Chhat, Coordinator Teacher Ms. Sushma, and wildlife enthusiast Dr. Sidhartha Sharma highlighted the importance of tigers in maintaining ecological balance. They also spoke about the threats faced by tigers, including habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflict, and stressed the need for greater public participation in wildlife conservation.

Speaking on the occasion, Satinder Kumar Sagar, IFS, said that International Tiger Day was launched in 2010 during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia to promote global tiger conservation. He said that although significant progress has been made in increasing tiger numbers, continuous conservation efforts are essential to protect this valuable species.

Nalin Yadav, IFS, Field Director, Chhatbir Zoo, said that the purpose of observing International Tiger Day is to create awareness about conserving and expanding tiger habitats across the world. He described the tiger as a symbol of beauty, bravery, strength and national pride, and appealed to everyone to support the message, “Save the Tiger, Save the Nation’s Pride.”

The zoo staff also presented a creative interpretation of the word “TIGERS” to encourage visitors to actively support tiger conservation.

The programme concluded with students, teachers, visitors and zoo staff taking a pledge to protect wildlife and preserve the environment for future generations.

Chandigarh/Khanna (Ludhiana), July 28:*

Punjab Cabinet Ministers Barinder Kumar Goyal and Tarunpreet Singh Sond today jointly inaugurated major irrigation projects worth Rs 70.52 crore at Bhattian village in the Khanna assembly constituency.

While speaking on the occasion, Mr Barinder Kumar Goyal informed that around Rs 50.02 crore was spent on concrete lining across 68.32 km of canals, including the Khanna Rajwaha, Beed Kishan, Lalheri, Bardhal, Kotla, and Narayangarh minors. An additional Rs 20.50 crore was spent laying 23.40 km of underground pipelines.

He said that canal irrigation has now reached over 37,000 acres across nearly 30 villages. Remaining agricultural land in the area will also be linked to the canal network soon.

He further stated that the area irrigated by canal water in Khanna has increased from 21,506 acres in 2022 to 42,079 acres. He said that the state government has spent Rs 7,572 crore to overhaul Punjab’s canal network. Today, 86% of Punjab’s canal water is being utilized in fields, up significantly from just 26% in 2022.

Mr Goyal said that groundwater levels have shown improvement after a long time—a fact also acknowledged by the Union Water Resources Minister in Parliament. He said that without acquiring new land or spending extra money, the department increased the canal capacity by 12,000 cusecs. Currently, around 39,000 cusecs of water is flowing through 1,511 canals across the state.

While thanking his colleague Mr Barinder Kumar Goyal for giving several irrigation projects to Khanna, Cabinet Minister Mr Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that under previous governments, several areas had turned into “dark zones” due to depletion of groundwater. Under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, prioritizing canal water has drastically reduced groundwater dependence and saved electricity.

He said that now the punjabi farmers are getting 8 hours of uninterrupted daytime electricity for tubewells, meaning they no longer have to spend nights in the fields to irrigate their crops.