Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Haryana

Government moving towards rural development and employment generation of youth: Dushyant Chautala

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh, June 9

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Chautala said that a robust road network is the foundation of progress and development. The government is fulfilling the commitment made to the people for inclusive development. Employment to the youth and rural development is the topmost priority of the government.

The Deputy CM was addressing the villagers on Friday after laying the foundation stone of the improvement work of 41 roads in Jhajjar district’s Badli area village Jahangirpur at a cost of more than Rs. 102 crores.

         The Deputy CM said that the roads are being improved by sanctioning hefty amounts for its repair and improvement. He added that 41 roads in the villages of Badli, Bahadurgarh, Beri and Jhajjar assembly constituencies of district Jhajjar. He said that the roads being constructed by the Public Works Department and Panchayati Raj Institutions will not only make the traffic movement smooth, but would also boost the economy of the area.

         The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that for the prosperity of any area, it is necessary to have strong roads and pucca streets. Sh. Chautala said that a provision of Rs. 25 crores have been made to each assembly constituency of the state for the repair of damaged roads, due to which the roads will be repaired in the next few months.

        He said that industrial areas have gained momentum under the able leadership of the present state government, due to which avenues of employment are opening for the youth.

Referring to the Maruti Suzuki plant being set up in Kharkhoda, he said that with the commissioning of this plant, 15,000 to 20,000 youths will get employment. On the other hand, enthusiastic industrialists from Bahadurgarh Footwear Zone are also looking forward to setting up a new company in the footwear sector, due to which more than 200 companies have taken interest to commence footwear production in Rohtak IMT, thereby creating employment avenues for thousands of youth.

Foundation stone laid for the improvement work of these roads

The Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Chautala on Friday inaugurated the improvement work of 41 roads of Badli, Beri and Jhajjar and Bahadurgarh assembly constituencies during a programme organized at bus stand in village Jahangirpur. In this programme, besides four-lane 18.250 km Jhajjar-Badli road, he also laid the foundation stone for the improvement work of 56 km long roads of Badli region.

Similarly, along with the improvement work of 10 roads of 40 km length in Beri assembly constituency and 15 roads of 27 km length in Jhajjar assembly constituency, the improvement work of seven roads in Bahadurgarh area has also been started. On the demand of construction of Jahangirpur to Pahsaur road, he said that this road will be constructed after taking approval from HSIIDC.

Chandigarh, Punjab

CM ANNOUNCES TO CONSTITUTE ‘ROAD SAFETY FORCE’ FOR SAVING PRECIOUS LIVES OF PEOPLE IN ROAD ACCIDENTS

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh

Expressing concern over the fatalities due to road accidents in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday announced to constitute dedicated ‘Road Safety Force’ to streamline the movement of traffic on the roads of the state.

Addressing the gathering after dedicating Regional Driving Training centre to the state here today, the Chief Minister said that daily around 14 precious lives are lost in road accidents in Punjab. He said that this causality can be checked by manning the roads well for which ‘Road Safety Force’ will be formed in Punjab Police. Bhagwant Mann said that this force will be entrusted with the task of checking rash driving, streamlining vehicular movement on roads and others to check the road accidents adding that it will reduce the burden on cops deployed in Police stations.

The Chief Minister said that this is an ultra modern centre equipped with hi-tech technology adding that this centre will give major relief to people aspiring to get heavy license thereby saving their time, money and energy. He said that the foreign countries lay major thrust on preventing accidents on their roads. Bhagwant Mann said that in the countries abroad any resident has to give written and practical exams for getting the license.

The Chief Minister envisioned that like abroad, these centres will play a pivotal role in sensitizing the drivers to drive their vehicles safely on roads. Exhorting the people to imbibe basic traits of discipline, patience and obedience while driving their vehicle, he said that social behavior on roads must be disciplined for every individual in the larger interest of society. Bhagwant Mann said that his government is making all out efforts to remove the blind spots on the roads of the state to avert casualties on roads. 

The Chief Minister unequivocally said that service of the state and its people are the top priorities of his government. Bhagwant Mann said that he is votary of morality in politics and taking even a single rupee from the public is equal to consuming poison for him. Bhagwant Mann said that honest, transparent and responsive government is the hallmark of his government.

Training his guns against the opposition parties, the Chief Minister said that as people have stopped hugging them for their misdeeds so now they are embracing each other by forgetting their ideological commitments. He said that these shameless people had mercilessly plundered the wealth of the state due to which people have ousted them from power. Bhagwant Mann said that these leaders will be made accountable for their sins and every penny will be recovered from them.

Taking the successive state governments to cudgels, the Chief Minister said that these corrupt people ignored the interests of the state for their vested political interests. He said that these politicians established their monopoly over the health, education, transport and other sectors by ruining the government institutions. Bhagwant Mann said that these leaders were so greedy that they didn’t even spare the food joints which were attracting huge crowds and tried to get a share in them too.

The Chief Minister reiterated the firm commitment of his government to safeguard the interests of the state and its people. Bhagwant Mann reiterated that Panjab University belongs to the state and no one will be allowed to change its basic structure by allowing entry of any other state in it. He also said that while Badals had given NOC for converting this apex institute into a Central University, his government will vehemently oppose any such anti-Punjab decision. 

The Chief Minister said that the state government will ensure uninterrupted and regular power supply to the farmers for ensuing paddy cultivation. He said that the state government has already made elaborate arrangements in this regard and there is no shortage of power in the state. Bhagwant Mann said that the state is already having coal stock of 52 days so power will be supplied in an uninterrupted manner to the food growers.

The Chief Minister for the first time in the history of the state, the Punjab government will put a tender for purchasing Goindwal Thermal Power plant. He said that this is unprecedented as for maiden time the state government will bid to buy a private plant. Bhagwant Mann said that the state has enough supply of coal through which this plant can be run efficiently.

The Chief Minister also said that three departments are being clubbed in the state to ensure optimum utilization of canal water. He said that at present only 30% of canal water is being used for irrigation but with this decision by next year 70% canal water for irrigation purposes. Bhagwant Mann said that this will help in checking the depletion of groundwater in the state.

Highlighting the significance of Sarkar Tuhaade Dwaar, the Chief Minister said that it was a flagship program of his government for the progress of the state and prosperity of its people. He said that this program finds no parallel across the country as no other state government bothers to spare so much time for the people by solving their problems at their doorsteps. Bhagwant Mann said that this program helps in quick resolution of public problems on one hand besides judging the performance of the government officers/officials on the other.

The Chief Minister said that this pro-people initiative, stipulates that Cabinet Ministers and the officers especially the Deputy Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners maximize their field visits, especially in villages, and interact with the people by going to villages. He said that it is the need of the hour to facilitate the people in getting their day-to-day works done easily besides ensuring good governance to them. Bhagwant Mann said that this will help in better functioning of the offices along with better acquaintance with the ground realities.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also announced the construction of a new byepass in Amargarh at a cost of Rs 45 crore.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and others were also present.

Chandigarh

Rupee Store’, a new home for old , good quality items @ Rs.1 in Chandigarh

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh

Chandigarh has opened the doors of the first ‘ Rupee Store’ to promote the concept of 3R i.e. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and use the items collected to help the needy people in the city. The city’s first ‘Rupee Store’ aims to encourage the practice of following 3R and also, help people in need, where people can buy any item whether it is briefcase, ladies suits, gents trousers and shirts just @ Rs. 1/- per item.

On Friday, city Mayor Sh. Anup Gupta inaugurated the 1st store at community centre, Vikas Nagar, Mauli Jagran in the presence of Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Sh. Manoj Sonkar, area councilor and other prominent persons of the area. Similarly, 2nd store was opened by the Mayor at community centre, small flats, Maloya in the presence of area councilor Mrs. Nirmala Devi and others.

While speaking on the occasion, the Mayor said that with the mantra of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle at the RRR centres, reusable items have been made available to the needy people in the villages and colony areas of the city. He said that after setting up of temporary RRR centres at all 35 wards of city the MCC has started permanent RRR centre at New Bridge Market, near Jagat cinema, Sector 17, where citizens can bring their reusable items to donate.

He said that Municipal Corporation had set up 35 RRR centres in the 35 wards of the city on 20th May where residents have donated their good quality old clothes, toys, shoes, furniture items, crockery items and books among other items at the RRR centres, which have been repaired, refurbished and made usable to the needy. He said that a large number of old books and textbooks have been deposited in the RRR centres, which will be very usefull to the needy students and others in slums and other areas.

          Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, MCC said that from recycling electronic items, clothes, old books, shoes to upscaling used items the RRR centres paved way for sustainability in the urban areas. Both donating to RRR centres and buying used clothes and other articles help to keep these goods from going to landfills. Keeping in line with these centres, urban sanitation ecosystem moves towards Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Centres or the RRR Centres.

She said that 35 RRR Centres were set up across the city and one permanent centre has been set up at sector 17, as thousands of citizens participated in these mega collection drives to deposit old, unused goods. The newly opened ‘Rupee Store’ at Mauli Jagran and Maloya are not just attracting enthusiastic crowd eager to purchase unused goods, old books, shoes, clothes toys only at Rs. 1 per item, but are also capturing the essence of jan andolan, said the Commissioner.

She further said that the passion for Swachhata coupled with the conscious effort of conserving the resources is clearly visible on ground by opening permanent RRR centre and ‘Rupee Store’ sale centres in the city beautiful under ‘Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar’ campaign.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Give me a chance, will give good education to your children, will build good schools: Arvind Kejriwal

Leave a comment

IEP Jind/ Chandigarh  June 8

National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Mann took out Tiranga Yatra and mega road show in Jind, Haryana on Thursday. Aam Aadmi Party workers and supporters reached Jind in Tiranga Yatra and road show. During this the entire city was filled with workers and supporters of Aam Aadmi Party. There was a huge crowd of supporters at every square intersection of the city. Supporters installed Toran gates at various places in the city to welcome Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann. At the same time, National Organization General Secretary Dr. Sandeep Pathak also reached for the road show. AAP’s State President Dr. Sushil Gupta, Senior Vice President Anurag Dhanda, State Publicity Committee President Dr. Ashok Tanwar, National Joint Secretary Minister Nirmal Singh and State Vice President Chitra Sarwara and other senior leaders have already reached Jind a week before the Tiranga Yatra. Thousands of people reached in this and resolved to change the government.

targeted CM Khattar on the issue of electricity, the day Aam Aadmi Party will form government, 24 hours free electricity will be available: Arvind Kejriwal

Aam Aadmi Party national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal began his address with the slogan Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Targeting CM Khattar, he said that I saw a video in which a farmer is talking to Chief Minister Khattar about giving electricity for 8 hours to 12 hours. To which Khattar Saheb says that it will not possible, it will not happen, it will not happen. He said that the day the Aam Aadmi Party will form the government in Haryana. From that day Haryana will get 24 hours free electricity. He said that these parties are corrupt, so they do not provide electricity for 24 hours.

Delhi is my workplace and Haryana is my birthplace: Arvind Kejriwal

 He said that we all have to keep the honor of the tricolor together. He said that Haryana is my birthplace and Delhi is my workplace.

He said that among the people present here, someone is my uncle, someone is uncle’s son. Some are my cousins and some are distant relatives.

Congress ruled for 25 years, BJP has completed 9 years, what have they done for Haryana: Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal said that Congress ruled Haryana for 25 years and BJP ruled for 9 years. He said tell me any one work, which has been done by the BJP or the Congress. No facility of electricity, water, irrigation was given. If they haven’t even built a school or a hospital, then why are you voting for them. He said that till now it was compulsion that you voted for BJP after getting angry with Congress and voted for Congress after getting angry with BJP. Now the third option has come in front of the people in the form of Aam Aadmi Party. If the public gives him a chance, he will do the work of giving good education to the children.

 Give me a chance, will give good education to your children, will build good schools: Arvind Kejriwal

While addressing, he said that give me a chance, will give good education to your children, will build good schools. The children of the poor go to government schools. Will fix government schools, private schools also increase fees illegally. Will fix them too.

We will give good education to children, neither Congress nor BJP can do: Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal said that only the Aam Aadmi Party will give good education to the children. Neither Congress will give, nor BJP will give. He asked the public who are unemployed here. hundreds of hands raised up from the public. He said that 12 lakh jobs were given in Delhi.

AAP govt. gave 30 thousand government jobs and provided 3 lakh private jobs in Punjab: Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann gave government jobs to 30,000 youths in the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab. At the same time, soon 3 lakh private jobs were given to the youth.

Congress-BJP will neither provide employment nor good education: Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal said that neither the Congress nor the BJP would provide good education or employment. He said that Chief Minister Khattar has increased unemployment in Haryana. He said that I will talk about your house. If someone falls ill, they get free treatment in the hospitals of Delhi. If the Aam Aadmi Party government comes in power, free treatment will be available in big hospitals.

Corrupt people of whole country are afraid of Arvind Kejriwal’s name: Bhagwant Mann

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann while thanking all the workers and supporters who reached at the land of Jind said that all of you have come to protect this tricolor leaving your work and business and taking out time. He said that if Kejriwal’s name is mentioned to big corrupt people, they start trembling.

Son of Haryana, Kejriwal changing the politics of the whole country: Bhagwant Mann

He said that it is a matter of happiness for the people of Haryana that Arvind Kejriwal of Haryana is a man born from the soil of Haryana who has changed the politics of the whole country. He said, “Jind is not a new area for me, it was the capital of the princely state of Jind, Sangrur is nearby.” We have relatives and friends in Jind. I felt like home after coming to Jind.
 
There is no electricity bill in 88 percent households in Punjab : Bhagwant Mann

He said that Tiranga Yatra is very important to bring change in Haryana and to eliminate corruption. This Tiranga Yatra will bring a wave of change in Haryana. He said that if electricity can be made free in Punjab, mohalla clinics can be set up and youth can get jobs then why not in Haryana. There is no electricity bill in 88 percent of the houses in Punjab. If this is happening in Punjab then why can’t it happen in Haryana. He said that an honest man like Arvind Kejriwal cannot be found. You are very lucky that the land of Haryana gave birth to Arvind Kejriwa. He said that in the coming days Lok Sabha, Vidhansabha and Panchayat elections may be held as per their wish, but the election symbol should be broom only.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana is the land of sports, Haryana can end the hunger for medals in the whole country: Home Minister Anil Vij

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh, June 7

Haryana Home and Health Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that Haryana is the land of sports and Haryana can end the hunger for medals in the whole country. Haryana is only 1.3 percent of the entire country while our medals are more than 50 percent. He said that we have laid special emphasis on sports infrastructure to promote sports because until the sports infrastructure is not provided to the players, the players will not be able to do their best.

         Sh. Vij was addressing special players and attendees going to participate in Special Olympics World Summer Games – 2023 in Berlin, Germany through Special Olympics Bharat in Gurugram today.

         He said that new stadiums are being constructed in every city of the state. In Ambala, a world-class football stadium has been built there and work has been done to revive the football game. Speaking on the sports policy, Sh. Vij said that when I was the sports minister in the last term, I made the sports policy of Haryana with consultation to the players, because many times there is a gap in making policies, and to bridge this gap. So, I also included the stakeholders i.e. the players. This work was greatly appreciated by the players then and said that to date no one has asked us about the sports policy and this is the first time that it is being asked before making the sports policy. He said that today players from other states also demand to implement Haryana’s sports policy in their state and say that Haryana’s sports policy should be implemented in their state.

         Talking about the medals, he said that in the Olympics gold medalist gets Rs 6 crore, silver medalist Rs 4 crore and bronze medalist Rs 2.5 crore, which is probably the highest in the country.

         He said that in the hustle and bustle of life, we forget many of our responsibilities because we are living in a water-tight compartment and if we pluck even a single flower in this compartment, it can be felt even to the farthest stars. That’s why not everyone feels the pain that goes or reaches in society, only a few feel it. He said that realizing this pain, Smt. Mallika Nadda, who is sitting among us today, has done the work of taking such people forward to walk step by step like other people through Special Olympics India.

Sh. Vij said that success can be achieved only with ability and opportunity. These special players also have potential, but today Smt. Mallika Nadda has given these children an opportunity to show their potential. He expresses gratitude from the bottom of his heart to the organization and all the people for their cooperation in this.

         Congratulating the special players who are going to participate in the Special Olympics World Summer Games – 2023 in Berlin, Germany, he said I have full hope that these players will bring back good medals from there. Praising Smt. Nadda, He said that she organizes health camps for these players from time to time.

He said that education and health are two important sectors of a government. Our government has implemented a new education policy to improve the education sector, which is unprecedented work. He said that education is a mechanism to make a man a human being and a good nation can be made only after becoming a good human being. Regarding DAV institution, he said that DAV institution has contributed to education even before and after independence and it is a revolution in the field of education.

         Special Olympics India Chairperson Smt. Mallika Nadda while congratulating the players going to participate in the Special Olympics World Summer Games – 2023 in Berlin, Germany said that 16 players and coaches are present here today. Praising the Home Minister Sh. Anil Vij, She said that these players are grateful to him for bringing change in the lives of these special players, giving them respect and providing them employment because during their tenure a lot of new things have been done. She said that for the promotion of these sportspersons, full cooperation is being received from the Haryana Government and the Health Minister. In this series, the stadium has been given to Special Olympics India in Daulatabad. She said that an amount of Rs 50 lakh has been announced by Home Minister Anil Vij for Special Olympics India. This amount will be used to build this stadium, she added.

        She said that we have to reach out to every Divyang and Special Olympics India has extended full cooperation in this movement. She said that 190 countries are in the Special Olympics with 1.5 million registered athletes. She said that 198 players will participate in 16 types of sports in the games to be held in Berlin. Expressing hope, she said that out of about 200 players, 150 players would definitely come with medals. Calling upon the people, she said that every class should make efforts to bring these special players into the mainstream.

         State President of Bharatiya Janata Party Sh. Om Prakash Dhankhar said that these special players should become the identity of the country and participate in progress, for which the Special Olympics is a great effort of India. Appreciating Smt. Nadda, he said that it is extraordinary to bring out the best in such special children as they strive to bring out the best in a challenge. Congratulating and wishing these special players on his behalf, he wished that they come victorious from Berlin and come back iconic. 

         Special Olympics Bharat State Pattern Smt. Latika Sharma, DAV School Vice Chairman Yogesh Munjal, Special Olympics Bharat Area Manager Virender Kumar, DAV School Principal Aparna, SGT University Registrar Yogendra Yadav also addressed on the occasion.

         Home Minister Sh. Anil Vij, Special Olympics Bharat Chairperson Smt. Mallika Nadda, BJP State President Sh. Omprakash Dhankhar and DAV School Vice Chairman Yogesh Munjal also provided dress kits to special players and coaches and other team members.

         On this occasion, President of Karni Sena Sh. Surajpal Ammu, Bodhraj Sikri, wrestler Babita Kumari Phogat, mountaineer Anita Kundu, Smt. Premlata Garg and other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Trinity hospital starts 1st  Comprehensive Spine Injury Unit in the Region

Leave a comment

IEP Zirakpur, June 6

Trinity Hospital & Medical Research Institute today launched its Spine & Neuro Rehabilitation Centre and Ortho & Sports Rehabilitation Centre in Zirakpur. This is the first of its kind  Comprehensive Spine Injury Unit in the North in the Private sector.

These cutting-edge facilities exemplify our commitment to delivering comprehensive, specialized care and revolutionizing the field of rehabilitation medicine.

Dr Mohinder Kaushal, Chairman,  Trinity Hospital and Medical Research Institute  and Dept of Orthopaedics Zirakpur and Chandigarh, while addressing the media said, “Spinal Cord Injuries are known for their profound impact, causing significant social, economic, psychological, and physical consequences. Road traffic accidents, falls from heights, sports injuries, and assaults are among the common causes contributing to the prevalence of Spinal Cord Injuries. Recognizing the gravity of this condition, the World Health Organization has identified it as a major musculoskeletal concern, burdening individuals and society as a whole.”

“Through our comprehensive rehabilitation programs, we address the specific needs and severity of each patient’s condition. After comprehensive spine injury and Neuro rehab program  starts  from the time a Spine Injury patient is admitted in emergency,  after initial resuscitation followed  by need based surgical stabilization and then rehab thus making life personally  socially,  economically productive. Our services include tailored exercise regimens to enhance movement and prevent weakness, social and behavioral skills retraining, cognitive improvement activities, pain and stress management, assistance with Activities of Daily Living, mobility enhancement, muscle control and balance improvement, vocational and nutritional training, and much more. ”, said Dr Mukul Kaushal, presently working as Senior Consultant, Dept of Orthopaedics at Trinity Hospital and Medical Research Institute, Zirakpur.

Senior Spine Rehab Physiotherapist Ms Amrita Ghosh, said, “The goal of neurological rehab is to help you return to the highest level of function and independence possible with the help of a structured conditioning programme. There is also a mental and emotional component of it which improves overall quality of life- physically, emotionally, socially”, adding, through physical therapy the patient helps regain function, improve mobility, and prevents complications which arise years after initial traumatic injury.

Patients are involved in an expanded program of resistive exercise, motor control, muscle re-education for the muscles which remain innervated. Emphasis is also placed in regaining posture and balance control, Ghosh said.

She added, “Trinity Hospital’s Ortho & Sports Rehabilitation Centre is dedicated to providing holistic care and support for individuals with orthopedic and sports-related injuries. Our multidisciplinary team, in collaboration with Dr. Mohinder and Dr. Mukul develops customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique condition. Employing targeted exercises, motor control and neuromuscular training, manual therapies, modalities, motion analysis, and other advanced techniques, we strive to restore function, prevent future injuries, and optimize recovery.”

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

NO SHARE IN PANJAB UNIVERSITY: PUNJAB CM MAKES CLEAR TO HIS HARYANA COUNTERPART

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh, June 5

Asserting that Panjab University, Chandigarh is part of the emotional, cultural, literature and rich legacy of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday categorically said that they need no share of Haryana in the University, which is an apex educational institute of the region. 

“Neither any college of Haryana will be given affiliation from the university nor will any attempt of Haryana for back door entry in the senate of university be allowed” said the Chief Minister while interacting with the media persons here at Punjab Bhawan.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that regular attempts are being made to change the status of the university. However, he said that the Punjab government will not allow any such move in the larger interests of the students. Bhagwant Mann said that 175 colleges of the state are affiliated with this premier university due to which generations of Punjab are emotionally attached with it.

The Chief Minister said that the University caters only to the state of Punjab and its capital Chandigarh. Citing the history of the University, its constitution, its ethnic, socio-cultural and historical roots as well as its faculty and students who hail primarily from the state of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann said that it is important that the present legal and administrative status of the Panjab University should be preserved. He reminded that at the time of the reorganization of the State of Punjab in 1966, Panjab University was declared as an ‘Inter State Body Corporate’ under section 72(1) of the Punjab Reorganization Act 1966 enacted by the Parliament.

The Chief Minister said that ever since its inception, the Panjab University has been continuously and uninterruptedly functioning in the state of Punjab. Bhagwant Mann recalled that after partition it was shifted from Lahore, the then capital of Punjab, to Hoshiarpur and then to Chandigarh the present capital of Punjab. He asserted that the entire territorial jurisdiction of Panjab University lies primarily in the state of Punjab and Union territory of Chandigarh.

The Chief Minister said that as per Sub-section (4) of Section 72 of the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, the maintenance deficit grants to the University were to be shared and paid by the states concerned, i.e., Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and UT Administration of Chandigarh in the ratio of 20:20:20:40, respectively. However, he said that in 1970 the then Chief Minister of Haryana Bansi Lal voluntarily pulled out his state’s share from the university adding that in 1973 even the state called back its members of senate from university. Bhagwant Mann said that since then the state of Punjab and UT Administration of Chandigarh have borne the financial responsibility of paying maintenance deficit grants to the University in the ratio of 40:60 respectively.

The Chief Minister said that despite increased financial burden caused by withdrawal of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh and the creation of new universities in the state, Punjab has continued to support Panjab University to ensure that the historical and emotional attachment of the people of Punjab with the University is maintained and preserved. He said that recently also the state government has given Rs 49 crore for construction of hostels to the university, even though no demand was made for it. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government has left no stone unturned for the holistic development of the university in all possible manners.

The Chief Minister further said that every step will be taken to retain the Interstate Status of the university and no one will be allowed to make any change in it. He unequivocally said that the interests of the state are not saleable so that anyone will offer money and purchase it. Bhagwant Mann said that the Haryana government’s proposal to bear the share of grants in university is totally unacceptable and unwarranted too.

The Chief Minister, while quoting a letter written by the Additional Chief Secretary of Haryana to the Vice Chancellors of all the universities of the state, said that the Haryana government had through communiqué expressed its inability to give funds to universities. He said that in this letter the Universities were asked to manage their own resources whereas on the other hand Haryana is too eager to put a share in Panjab University which indicates some nefarious designs of the state. Bhagwant Mann said that how can any state which is not able to manage its own universities fund a university of stature of Panjab University until and unless some higher agency was not funding it in a clandestine manner.

The Chief Minister said that after assuming the charge of office he had written two letters to Union Ministers Amit Shah and Dharminder Pradhan asking them that the university is heritage of the state and any sort of change in it will not be tolerated. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to avert any change in the nature and character of the Panjab University, he said that the Punjab government is committed to safeguard the rights of the state and its people. Bhagwant Mann said that Panjab University is a symbol of Punjab’s legacy and is synonymous with the name of the State.

The Chief Minister also said that a resolution was also passed in Punjab assembly on June 30, 2022 to retain the original status of PU to avert any sort of intrusion in the senate of university. He said that the state government is not against the people of Haryana and it is also a well known fact that 35% students in university are from Haryana. Bhagwant Mann categorically said that Haryana is free to make its university anywhere but they will not be allowed any share in the Panjab University.

Taking the Akali and Congress leaders to cudgels, the Chief Minister slammed them for backstabbing the state and its people. He said that the then Chief Minister of state late Parkash Singh Badal wrote a letter to erstwhile Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on August 26, 2008 seeking central status for Panjab University. Bhagwant Mann said that going beyond that, the Akali Dal government had issued an NOC to the Union government for converting this premier institute into a central university.

The Chief Minister said that on what grounds the Akali leaders are thumping their chest when everyone knows that they have worked overtime against the interests of the state and its people. He said that granting NOC for the central university was a treacherous move aimed at weakening the claim of state over the university. Bhagwant Mann said that Akali Dal has no moral right to say even a single word on the issue.

The Chief Minister said that these leaders and parties had always preferred their own interests by jeopardizing that of the state. Likewise, he said that Congress was also dyed in the same wool as a female Congress MLA of Haryana had in August 2022 moved a resolution in state Vidhan Sabha to affiliate colleges of state with Panjab University. Bhagwant Mann said that both these parties were hypocrites who had always ignored the interests of the state for their selfish interests.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Harjot Bains, Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua, Additional Chief Secretary to CM A Venuprasad, Special Principal Secretary to CM Ravi Bhagat, Additional Special Principal Secretary to CM Himanshu Jain and others.

Chandigarh, Punjab

A Book ‘ALL ONE MUST KNOW ABOUT THE SIKH FAITH’ released

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh

A unique book titled ALL ONE MUST KNOW ABOUT THE SIKH FAITH, nineteenth by the author Colonel Daljeet Singh Cheema, a Panjab Ratan awardee, and published by Abhishek Publications, Chandigarh was released on 3 June at Chandigarh Press Club. Eminent dignitaries who were the guests of honor included Gen V P Malik (Retd), AVSM, PVSM, former army chief, Madhav Kaushik President National Sahitya Academy , Professor P K Khosla, Chancellor Shoolini University, Vivek Atray, former IAS officer, and  Roopinder Singh, The event began on a soothing note of Mool Mantar sung in the very melodious voice of  Sunaini Sharma. As MC, Lily Swran kept the audience glued to their seats with her exceptional oratory skills and sharp wit.

 Vivek Atray, in his opening remarks appreciated the courage of Col Cheema to attempt a book of love, compassion and peace. Gen Malik spoke about the need of such a book in a strife-torn world of today. Madhav Kaushik felt that the message of Oneness of God and Universal Brotherhood was the need of the hour. Professor Khosla brought about certain unknown facts that make Sikhism a unique faith. 

Later, Roopinder Singh and Col Cheema discussed the unique features of the book. Col Cheema laid emphasis on the necessity of future generations understanding and interpreting their cultural and religious heritage in correct perspective.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Universities of Punjab shines in Khelo India University Games

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh, June 4

          In the Khelo India University Games held in Uttar Pradesh, the Universities of Punjab have shined. Four Universities of the State occupied the first five places in the final medal tally. Panjab University Chandigarh became the overall champion while Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar was the runner-up. Punjabi University Patiala secured the fourth position and Guru Kashi University Damdama Sahib secured the fifth position.

          Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hare congratulated all the winning players and Universities for this achievement and attributed it to the students, their parents, coaches and higher officials of the Universities and sports departments.

          Meet Hayer said that this is a big boost to the efforts of the State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to again make Punjab number one state in the country in the field of sports. Under the directives of the Chief Minister, a platform has been provided to the sportspersons to progress in the form of Khedan Watan Punjab Deya in the state.

          Panjab University Chandigarh, won a total of 69 medals with 26 gold, 17 silver and 26 bronze medals. Similarly, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, which came second, bagged a total of 68 medals with 24 gold, 27 silver and 17 bronze medals, Punjabi University, Patiala, which came fourth, bagged a total of 34 medals with 12 gold, 14 silver and 8 bronze medals and Guru Kashi University Damdama Sahib, which came in fifth place, won a total of 28 medals with 9 gold, 10 silver and 9 bronze medals.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab to rationalise staff in Rural Development & Panchayats Dept

Leave a comment

IEP Chandigarh, June 4

          Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Sunday, said that the rationalization of the staff of Rural Development and Panchayats department will be done soon to speed up the work at the ground level.

          Rural Development and Panchayats Minister said, it has come to his notice that additional staff was deployed in many districts, whereas other districts are struggling to complete their task in a timely manner due to lack of staff.

          The Cabinet Minister directed the Finance Commissioner Rural Development and Panchayats Mr. K. Siva Prasad and Director RD&P Mr. Gurpreet Singh Khaira to provide lists of staff of all the wings within two days so as to ensure the deployment of staff in required number in all the districts.

          S. Bhullar said that 73 regular BDPOs are working in total 153 blocks in the state, while 80 posts of BDPOs are vacant. Likewise, 97 blocks of the state are sans Senior Assistant (Accounts).

          S. Laljit Singh Bhullar also asked the authorities to provide the lists of DDPOs and BDPOs working in the same district for past several years. Besides this, the officials have also been asked to provide the number of vacant posts of BDPOs of direct and promotional quota and make arrangements at the earliest to fill these posts.