Chandigarh, November 2

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday announced the launch of the Pensioner Sewa Portal, a one-stop solution designed to streamline pension services for approximately 3.15 lakh pensioners in the state. The portal, https://pensionersewa.punjab.gov.in , aims to automate the workflow of pension disbursal case processing and provide a range of services to pensioners and family pensioners.

Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the portal will initially offer six key services to pensioners, including submission of digital life certificates through ‘Jeevan Pramaan’ mobile app, application for conversion of pension into family pension through the Succession Module, application for availing Leave Travel Concession (LTC), submission of pension-related grievances through the Grievances Module, and updation/changes of pensioner’s personal details through the Profile Updation Module. The ‘Jeevan Pramaan’ mobile app is on Android at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aadhaar.life and iOS at https://apps.apple.com/in/app/jeevanpramaan/id6736359405 .

The Finance Minister further explained that the process to avail these services is simple and user-friendly. He said that the pensioners can register on the ‘Pensioner Sewa Portal’ by completing e-KYC through Aadhar authentication facility available at portal. “They can then access these services from the comfort of their homes using their login IDs on the portal through their mobile phones, PCs, or laptops. Additionally, these services can also be availed by visiting the nearest Sewa Kendras, requesting for home delivery of service, concerned Pension Disbursing banks, or District Treasury Offices”, said Cheema.

The Minister also clarified the situation for pensioners residing abroad, stating that as of now, the Pensioner Sewa Portal is operational only within India, and therefore, pensioners residing abroad are not required to complete e-KYC in this initial phase. He assured that work is underway to enable e-KYC for NRI pensioners. Until then, pensioners residing abroad will continue to submit manual Life Certificates as they have done previously.

Acknowledging that some pensioners might face initial issues during registration, the Finance Minister announced the extension of immediate help and support. He said that a dedicated War Room has been established at the Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts, Pension and New Pension Scheme to swiftly resolve grievances arising after the portal’s launch. “Three dedicated helpline numbers (18001802148, 01722996385, 01722996386) have been designated at the Directorate level which will be operational on all working days from 9 AM to 5 PM for addressing pensioner grievances”, he added.

To ensure a smooth rollout, the Finance Minister confirmed that training sessions have been successfully conducted for staff at the District Treasury Offices, banks, and Sewa Kendras, and comprehensive user manuals have been distributed. Importantly, a pilot of the Pensioner Sewa Portal has already been successfully concluded at the level of District Treasury Offices, banks, and Sewa Kendras, confirming its readiness for statewide implementation.

The Finance Minister emphasised that this revolutionary step reflects the government’s commitment to caring for the needs of its retired employees, stating, “Our pensioners are our pride.” He assured that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is committed to meeting the needs of its retired employees, and that the Pensioner Sewa Portal will ensure timely, accurate, and hassle-free pension services to all pensioners in the state. He expressed confidence that this revolutionary step will benefit pensioners residing in the state and make their lives easier.

Chandigarh, November 3:

 The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has taken suo moto notice of the casteist comment made by Punjab Congress Committee President and Lok Sabha member from Ludhiana, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, against former Union Home Minister late Buta Singh during an election rally in view of the Tarn Taran Vidhan Sabha by-elections.

Giving information in this regard, Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Sardar Jasvir Singh Garhi said that this matter has come to his notice through social media in which the Congress Party’s Punjab unit president and Lok Sabha member from Ludhiana is making color and caste-based comments towards the country’s late Home Minister and Dalit leader Buta Singh.

 He said that the Commission, taking suo moto notice in this matter, has asked Amarinder Singh Raja Warring to appear in person on November 6, 2025 and also the Returning Officer of Tarn Taran to appear in person on November 4, 2025 and submit a report.

Chandigarh, November 3: The Haryana Government has revised the wages of part-time and daily-wage workers engaged in various government departments, boards, corporations, and public undertakings across the state. The new wage structure will come into effect from January 1, 2025,

According to a notification issued by the Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, the decision to revise wages follows numerous representations from government departments and organizations requesting an upward revision in the remuneration for workers employed on a part-time or daily basis.

The notification divides the state into three district categories — Category-I, Category-II, and Category-III — for determining wage rates. This classification takes into account socio-economic and developmental differences among districts. The revised rates have been prescribed for different levels of workers under each category.

In Category-I districts, workers at Level 1 will now receive a monthly wage of ₹19,900, a daily wage of ₹765, and an hourly wage of ₹96. At Level 2, the monthly wage has been fixed at ₹23,400, with a daily wage of ₹900 and an hourly rate of ₹113. For Level 3, the monthly wage will be ₹24,100, daily wage ₹927, and hourly wage ₹116.

In Category-II districts, the Level 1 wage will be ₹17,550 per month, ₹675 per day, and ₹84 per hour. At Level 2, the monthly wage will be ₹21,000, daily wage ₹808, and hourly wage ₹101. For Level 3, the monthly wage has been set at ₹21,700, daily wage ₹835, and hourly rate ₹104.

In Category-III districts, the revised wage at Level 1 will be ₹16,250 per month, ₹625 per day, and ₹78 per hour. Workers at Level 2 will receive ₹19,800 monthly, ₹762 daily, and ₹95 hourly, while Level 3 workers will get ₹20,450 monthly, ₹787 daily, and ₹98 per hour.

Chandigarh, November 3 – Considering the increasing number of devotees visiting Kurukshetra, the work on the proposed Ring Road project in the holy city is progressing rapidly. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is almost complete. Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has sanctioned Rs. 250 crore for the development of Kurukshetra, giving a new identity to the sacred city.

This was stated by Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini while responding to questions from journalists during a press conference held at Haryana Niwas regarding the upcoming International Gita Mahotsav. The Chief Minister said that during a public rally held in Kurukshetra in 2014, Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had remarked that Kurukshetra, the birthplace of the Bhagavad Gita, should receive global recognition. Acting on this vision, the State Government has implemented several initiatives to give Kurukshetra international prominence. Today, the holy land attracts a large number of tourists and devotees not only from across India but also from abroad. The Gita Jayanti Mahotsav has now earned worldwide recognition.

He further stated that the city is being developed in a grand and attractive manner. The Anubhav Kendra at Jyotisar, based on the epic events of the Mahabharata era, is almost complete. On November 25, Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi will visit Kurukshetra on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Hind Di Chadar Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and will also participate in the International Gita Mahotsav.

The Chief Minister said that this year, the Ministry of External Affairs is playing a special role in organizing the International Gita Mahotsav. Invitations have been sent to 24 countries through the Ministry.

Responding to a query regarding the Government of India’s Krishna Circuit project aimed at promoting tourism, the Chief Minister said that Kurukshetra is no longer just a pilgrimage site but is emerging as a global centre of attraction. Under this project, along with Kurukshetra, plans are also underway for the restoration of Pinjore Gardens in Pinjore and the beautification of Tikkar Tal.

In response to another question, the Chief Minister said that the sacred city is being adorned on the Mahabharata theme. Major intersections are being named after characters from the Mahabharata, and murals depicting scenes from the epic are being created across the city. This will allow visiting devotees and tourists to experience the legendary events of that era in a vivid and immersive manner.

Present on the occasion were Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Commissioner and Secretary of Information, Public Relations & Languages Department Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Director General Sh. K. Makarand Pandurang, Media Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Praveen Attrey, and several office-bearers of the Kurukshetra Development Board.

Chandigarh, Nov 3 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Indian women’s cricket team for winning the ICC Women’s World Cup. He said that the country’s daughters have brought immense pride to India on the international stage, and this historic achievement is a moment of great honour for the entire nation.

Addressing a press conference at Haryana Niwas here today, the Chief Minister said that Haryana’s daughter Shefali Verma, who was part of the winning team, delivered an outstanding performance in the final match and was honoured with the Player of the Match award. Shefali played a decisive innings, scoring 87 runs, and also took two wickets, playing a vital role in securing India’s victory.

The Chief Minister said that Shefali’s exceptional performance symbolizes the talent, dedication and determination of Haryana’s daughters is a matter of immense pride for the entire state. He added that Haryana’s daughters continue to bring glory to the nation in various sports and serve as an inspiration for generations to come.

He further said that the state government is consistently making efforts to promote sports and recognize the achievements of athletes across Haryana.

On this occasion, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Rajesh Khullar, Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Director General of the Department, K. Makarand Pandurang, Media Secretary to the Chief Minister, Praveen Attrey and several officials from the Kurukshetra Development Board were also present.

Chandigarh, November 3 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini today virtually inaugurated state-level essay writing and story narration competitions titled “Suno Kahani Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Ki” from the Haryana Secretariat on the occasion of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Paying tribute to the unparalleled courage, sacrifice, and supreme martyrdom of Guru Sahib, the Chief Minister said that the life of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji stands as an eternal example of truth, courage, and humanity.

Present on the occasion were Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary of Higher Education Department Sh. Vineet Garg, Director General of Information, Public Relations and Languages Department Sh. K.M. Pandurang, Additional Director (Administration) Smt. Varsha Khangwal, OSD to Chief Minister Sh. Prabhleen Singh, and other senior officers. Schools from across the state joined the event virtually.

During the interaction, the Chief Minister listened to the thoughts of students and encouraged them to draw inspiration from the life and teachings of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. On this occasion, four students presented Saakhi Vachan—narrating inspirational episodes from the life of Guru Sahib.

Congratulating all participating students, teachers, and parents, the Chief Minister said that the objective of these competitions is to inspire the younger generation to follow the path shown by our Gurus and national heroes. He said that from Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, all Gurus have sanctified the land of Haryana with their presence, and their teachings remain deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.

He further informed that more than three and a half lakh students from schools across the state are participating in this initiative, which reflects the growing inspiration the new generation draws from the ideals and sacrifices of the Gurus. He urged students to participate wholeheartedly and imbibe the values of sacrifice, tolerance, equality, and justice propagated by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

The Chief Minister said that today’s tech-savvy generation should use social media and other platforms to spread messages of humanity, compassion, and brotherhood — this would be the truest tribute to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He called upon all students, teachers, and citizens to strengthen the nation through their actions and thoughts, as that is the true purpose of this competition.

Chandigarh, Nov 3 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate in the state-level event being organized in Kurukshetra on November 25 to commemorate the 350th Shahidi Diwas of Hind Ki Chadar Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The Prime Minister will also take part in the International Gita Mahotsav. The 10th edition of the International Gita Mahotsav will be held in Dharmakshetra–Kurukshetra from November 15 to December 5. For the first time, the festival will span 21 days.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, the Chief Minister said that the International Gita Mahotsav will present a unique confluence of culture, knowledge, and spirituality. He said that Dharmakshetra–Kurukshetra covers a 48-kos radius and is home to numerous pilgrimage sites. The Kurukshetra Development Board has identified 182 such sites. Highlighting the festival’s growing global appeal, the Chief Minister said the Gita Mahotsav has already been celebrated in Mauritius, London, UK, Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. The number of devotees from India and abroad attending the Mahotsav in Kurukshetra, the birthplace of the Bhagavad Gita, continues to rise each year, prompting extensive preparations annually.

He further informed that Madhya Pradesh will be the partner state for this year’s International Gita Mahotsav. Known for its rich religious and spiritual heritage, Madhya Pradesh’s participation as the partner state has significantly enhanced the festival’s stature. A special cultural pavilion from Madhya Pradesh is being constructed at Purushottam Pura Bagh near Brahma Sarovar, offering visitors an immersive experience of the state’s diverse traditions.

The Chief Minister added that the International Gita Mahotsav will be formally inaugurated on November 24 with a Gita Yagna and worship ceremony at Brahma Sarovar. A three-day International Gita Seminar will also be inaugurated at Kurukshetra University. In addition 25 scholars from 16 countries will be present in the International Seminar with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

He also mentioned that through the Ministry of External Affairs, Gita Mahotsav programs will be organized in 51 countries and broadcast live. Twenty Pandits from Fiji and Trinidad and Tobago will visit Kurukshetra for two days to participate in various festival programs.

The Chief Minister informed that from November 26 to 30, a Katha will be conducted by Padma Vibhushan awardee Rambhadracharya under the aegis of Jeeyo Geeta at Purushottampura Bagh. In addition, a Sant Sammelan will be held at Purushottampura Bagh on November 29, where renowned saints from across the country will convene to discuss the teachings of the Gita and the essence of spirituality. On November 30, the All India Devasthanam Conference will take place in the Senate Hall of Kurukshetra University, bringing together heads of various religious and spiritual institutions from across India.

The Chief Minister also said that the Information and Public Relations Department, Haryana, will operate a YouTube channel during the festival. Devotees will be encouraged to share their experiences and reflections on their favourite verses from the Bhagavad Gita, highlighting how these teachings have influenced their lives. The most viewed video clip will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh during the festival’s closing ceremony.

He said that a grand Gita Maha Aarti will be held on the sacred banks of Brahma Sarovar from November 15 to December 5. Cultural programs will also be organized at various pilgrimage sites across the 48 Kos Kurukshetra region from November 25 to December 1. On December 1, a Gita Yagya, Gita Path and Bhagwat Katha will take place at the Jyotisar Tiratha. On the same day, a global recitation of the Gita will be conducted by 18,000 students at the Theme Park, Kurukshetra, with millions of devotees and Gita enthusiasts from India and abroad joining online.

The Chief Minister further informed that a 48 Kos Tirtha Sammelan will be organized in the auditorium of Kurukshetra University, with representatives from all 182 Tirtha Samitis of the Kurukshetra region participating. On December 1, a grand Deepotsav will be celebrated simultaneously at all 182 pilgrimage sites, accompanied by a Gita Shobha Yatra. As in previous years, a Gita Book Fair will be held at Brahma Sarovar from November 24 to December 1. Alongside this, an exhibition on public welfare schemes, a craft fair, a fun fair, and the traditional Balram Kushti Dangal will also be organized.

Gita Mahotsav events across Haryana Districts from November 28

The Chief Minister said that International Gita Mahotsav celebrations will also be held across all district headquarters of Haryana starting November 28. A Gita Shobha Yatra will be organized in every district on December 1. Also, 1,800 students will participate in a global recitation of the Gita, while village panchayats will celebrate the Deepotsav at their respective pilgrimage sites in the evening.

Kurukshetra emerged as a Global Center of Devotion – Swami Gyananand Maharaj

Gita scholar Swami Gyananand Maharaj said that the International Gita Mahotsav has brought about a remarkable transformation in Kurukshetra, giving the city a unique identity on the global stage. He said that Kurukshetra holds a place of great significance among the sacred pilgrimage sites of India. Owing to the dedicated efforts of the Haryana Government, the Gita Jayanti Mahotsav has now attained international stature, drawing millions of pilgrims and tourists from India and abroad.

Swami Gyananand Maharaj further said that the number of devotees and visitors coming to the holy land of Dharmakshetra—Kurukshetra is increasing throughout the year. The city regularly hosts seminars, spiritual discourses, and Katha sessions, attracting renowned kathavachak eager to share their teachings.

He added that the International Gita Mahotsav has given new global recognition to the timeless message of the Bhagavad Gita. The recent honour accorded to the Gita at an event in Bali stands as a testament to this growing influence. The Governor of bali also proposed that, with the Haryana Government’s consent, an Indian Cultural Centre could be established there to further strengthen cultural spiritual ties.

Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar, Commissioner and Secretary of the Information, Public Relations and Languages Department Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Director General of the Department K. Makarand Pandurang, Media Secretary to the Chief Minister Praveen Attrey and several officials from the Kurukshetra Development Board were also present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, November 3 – The Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC), the state’s nodal recruitment agency, has decided to conduct a comprehensive biometric verification for all candidates selected for the Group-D, Common Cadre posts against Advertisement No. 01/2023. This proactive measure is being implemented to ensure the integrity of the recruitment process and to conclusively address potential issues such as impersonation, litigation, and court cases. The HSSC has requested that all relevant authorities promptly furnish the necessary details of the newly joined Group-D employees.

A letter in this regard has been issued by the Human Resources Department, directing all Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioners, and the Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula, to immediately cooperate with the HSSC. The letter instructs these offices to forward the complete details of the Common Cadre, Group-D candidates who have joined their respective offices to the Secretary of the Haryana Staff Selection Commission.

The recommended candidates were initially directed to join the offices of the respective Divisional Commissioners or the Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula, before their final posting orders were issued through the HKCL Portal. The upcoming biometric verification is the final step to secure the appointments and validate the identity of every selected candidate, cementing the government’s commitment to fair and transparent recruitment.

Chandigarh, November 3- Haryana Transport Minister, Sh. Anil Vij today said that the addition of five new air-conditioned electric buses (e-buses) to Ambala’s local transport network will further boost the city’s eco-friendly public transport infrastructure.  With this addition, the total number of e-buses operating in Ambala has increased to 15, marking another significant step towards sustainable and comfortable urban mobility.

Sh. Vij said that these new AC e-buses have been allocated to the Ambala Roadways Depot and will soon begin operations on various local routes. These buses will provide a comfortable, convenient, and eco-friendly travel experience to passengers, he added.

23 modern bus queue Shelters Under Construction

Sh. Vij said that to enhance passenger convenience, 23 new modern bus queue shelters are being constructed along Ambala’s local routes. Each shelter will feature seating arrangements, lighting, and fans to ensure comfort for commuters while they wait for buses.

He said that the initiative aims to ensure that passengers no longer have to wait in discomfort for local buses. The shelters are being developed at key locations such as Capital Chowk, Chungi Chowk, Tundla, Defence Colony, Kalrahedi, Shastri Colony, DRM Office, Sundar Nagar, Chandpuri Colony, Machonda, Shahpur, Civil Hospital (Ambala Cantt), Subhash Park, BD Floor Mill, Hathi Khana Mandir, Rangia Mandi Chowk, Nanheda, SD College, Mahesh Nagar, Tangri Bandh Road, Babyal, Dalipgarh, and Boh.

Local Bus Service relaunched After 25 Years, Thanks to Vij’s Efforts

Due to the persistent efforts of the Transport Minister, Sh. Anil Vij, Ambala’s local bus service was revived after nearly 25 years. The service was relaunched on November 1 last year with 10 mini-buses. Subsequently, five AC electric buses were introduced on January 26 (Republic Day), followed by five more on June 5, 2025 (World Environment Day). With today’s addition of another five e-buses, the total has now reached 15 electric AC buses operating on city routes.

Chandigarh:

Dr. Suresh Kumar has been selected for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar: Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in Medicine for the year 2025 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care. He is among the 15 Vigyan Yuva Awardees for the year of 2025.

After graduating from Government Medical College, Jammu, Dr. Kumar completed his MD in Pediatrics, Senior Residency in Pediatrics, and DM in Pediatric Critical Care at PGIMER, Chandigarh. Currently, he is working as Additional Professor in the Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatric Centre (APC), Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh

His pioneering research has substantially advanced understanding of the gut microbiome’s role in critical illness and infection prevention in children. Dr. Kumar led several landmark clinical trials on probiotics in pediatric intensive care. A pivotal randomized controlled trial (Critical Care Medicine, 2013) demonstrated that a multi-strain probiotic mix significantly reduced gastrointestinal candida colonization and candiduria in children on broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Another randomized trial (Critical Care Medicine, 2018) showed that probiotics attenuated inflammation in severe sepsis by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhancing anti-inflammatory mediators, and improving clinical outcomes. A before–after study (Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, 2013) involving 720 children established that routine probiotic use decreased the incidence of candiduria and invasive candidiasis. Collectively, these studies provided robust evidence for integrating probiotics into the management of critically ill children. In several review articles, Dr Suresh Kumar explained the mechanism of action of probiotics in critically ill children and highlighted the role of probiotics in restoring gut microbiome, preventing bacterial translocation, and modulating inflammation.

Dr. Kumar made pivotal contributions during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, elucidating the clinical spectrum and outcomes of pediatric COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in India. His work characterized cardiovascular involvement, shock, and long-term outcomes, contributing to national management protocols and guidelines. He also published a systematic review and meta-analysis on PIMS-TS. The comparative analysis of MIS-C and Severe Dengue informed understanding of these inflammatory disorders in children.

Dr. Kumar has demonstrated leadership in several national and international collaborative studies, including the ICMR-funded ReLiSCh-M Trial on fluid management in ventilated children, Effect of various therapeutic options on outcomes in MIS-C, and Development and Validation of Indian Children Length-Based Tape (InChiTape) for pediatric resuscitation. His international collaborations include the Severe Pneumonia in Children (S-PIC) study under PACCMAN (Singapore) and PRoVENT–PED on ventilation practices in critically ill children.

With over 240 publications in leading journals, 60 conference presentations, and contributions to more than 20 book chapters, Dr. Suresh Kumar has made exceptional contributions to pediatric intensive care research.

His work has been recognized with numerous national honors, including Dr. H.B. Dingley Memorial Award (ICMR), Dr. Tulsi Das Chugh Award (NAMS), Major General Amir Chand Gold Medal, and Prof. D. Subrahmanyam Gold Medal.

Dr. Suresh Kumar’s work exemplifies translational research that bridges bench to bedside, improving outcomes for critically ill children across India and beyond as he stated, ” I am deeply honored to receive the prestigious Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar: Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (Medicine, 2025). It is a moment of great pride and humility for a person like me, coming from a modest background, to be recognized with such a coveted national award. I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty, my teachers and mentors (Prof Sunit Singhi, Prof Jayashree M, and Prof Arun Bansal), my parents, family, and friends for their unwavering support and guidance. I am deeply thankful to the critically ill children and their families for their trust, and to PGIMER, Chandigarh for providing the platform and environment to pursue meaningful research and patient care. This Puraskar belongs to our Unit, Department, and Institute which provided the wonderful platform to serve humanity. My sincere thanks to the Government of India and the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Secretariat for this recognition. This honor will continue to inspire me to work with greater dedication toward improving outcomes and quality of care for critically ill children in India.”