Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Punjab

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

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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

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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

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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.

Chandigarh

Chandigarh Smart City and Municipal Corporation, join hands to celebrate World Bicycling Day

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IEP Chandigarh

Aiming at encouraging people to cycle to the work and emphasise on the benefits of cycling, Chandigarh Smart City and Municipal Corporation Chandigarh in association with its co-partner NGO ‘Patiala Foundation’ organized a cycle rally to mark the World Bicycle day, at Sector 42, here today.

Mayor Sh. Anup Gupta led the cyclothon along with Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Sh. Jasbir Singh Bunty, area councilor, other councilors, officers and residents.

The rally started at 6.30 from Sector 42 community centre and passed through Sector 35/36, 23/36, 37/36 and culminated after completing 6 Kms route. 

The Cyclothon highlighted the rare distinction the city of having 200 Kms of dedicated cycle tracks and the largest public bike sharing system in the country, with 5000 cycles. To ensure road safety of cyclists, reflective stickers were pasted by Patiala Foundation, on the bicycles to make them visible at night.

More than 700 participants, including councilors, employees of Municipal Corporation, professional cyclists, students, local residents etc. participated enthusiastically in this cycle rally, organized jointly by CSCL and MCC. 300 smart bikes were also arranged for the cycle lovers to take free rides today.

While addressing the cycle lovers, the Mayor said that this time the CSCL and MCC has taken unique initiative to mark the world bicycle day by involving the cyclists who use cycles as “transport” and not “sport”, people who peddle to work daily. This event was aimed at encouraging and appreciating them.

The Mayor said that the officials and staff of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh should cycle to work regularly. 

He said that it is very important to make people aware about the importance of using bicycles for transportation. There is a need to create awareness so that vehicular pollution can be reduced. 

Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, CEO, Chandigarh Smart City Ltd. congratulated all the cycle lovers of city on World Bicycle Day and emphasized that cycling not just keeps the person healthy but also protects the environment by reducing greenhouse emissions. It also reduces traffic congestion. She said that if it is not possible to ride day long, one should start with smaller distances, may be a ride to the grocery store or in a local park.

Help desks and counters with the provision of first aid and water dispensers were provided at the venue and throughout the route. Chandigarh Traffic Police officer ASI Bhupinder Singh sung a beautiful composition on cycling and road safety.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Punjab Health Department to Organise Cycle Rallies across the state today: Dr. Balbir Singh

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IEP Chandigarh, June 2

          To sensitise people about the benefits of adopting healthy lifestyle to keep the various lifestyle diseases such as Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular and Stroke away, the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh has directed to organise cycle rallies at all district headquarters and Health & Wellness Centres across state.

          It is pertinent to mention here that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are accounting for more than 63% deaths in the country. Out of which Cardiovascular diseases cause 27%, Cancer causes 9%, Respiratory Diseases 11% and Diabetes contributes to 3% of deaths in India. Most of these NCDs are strongly associated with major behaviour risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol use, poor dietary habits, insufficient physical activity, and air pollution.

          Dr. Balbir Singh said that in order to promote and inculcate a healthy lifestyle and to prevent such diseases, a Cycle Event would be organised on Saturday in all the districts of Punjab. The Health Minister has also instructed the Mass Education and Media wing of the Health Department to conduct various awareness activities regarding the importance of physical activity for good health at all Health & Wellness Centres on the occasion of “World Bicycle Day’ to promote physical and mental well-being through eco friendly conveyance.

          Director Health and Family Welfare Dr. Adarshpal Kaur informed that “Cycling is a low-impact exercise and incorporating cycling into our exercise routine or as a recreational activity can benefit people of all ages and improve their quality of life. Cycling can also help us beat a sedentary lifestyle. “The activity in the state shall be organised under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) and theme of the day will be ‘Cycle for Health’.” She added.

          Assistant Director cum State Programme Officer Dr. Sandeep Singh Gill said that the focus has now shifted from communicable diseases to the non communicable diseases as NCDs are now more prevalent and cause more deaths. These diseases can be prevented by following healthy lifestyle habits.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

PUNJAB-HARYANA MEETS OVER GRANTS FOR PANJAB UNIVERSITY

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Chandigarh, June 1

          Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to avert any change in the nature and character of the Panjab University, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the university is heritage of the state and any sort of change in it will not be tolerated.

          The Chief Minister, who participated in a meeting with the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh Banwari Lal Purohit and Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar here today, said that the Punjab government is committed to safeguard the rights of the state and its people. Bhagwant Mann, who firmly placed on record the facts pertaining to the university, said that this premier educational institute has an emotional place in the hearts of the people of Punjab on account of historical, cultural and provincial reasons. He said that Panjab University is a symbol of Punjab’s legacy and is synonymous with the name of the State.

           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 it was shifted from Lahore, the then capital of Punjab, to Hoshiarpur and then to Chandigarh the present capital of Punjab. He said that at present 175 colleges of Punjab situated in the districts of Fazilka, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib and S.B.S Nagar are affiliated with the Panjab University.

Chandigarh

Jaiveer Shergill meets BJP National President J.P.Nadda

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Chandigarh, June 1

BJP National Spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill met the party’s national president J.P.Nadda in New Delhi today evening. During the meeting, Shergill discussed various issues related to Punjab with the party president. Shergill told Nadda about the “blatant misuse” of law by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to “suppress” the freedom of the Press.

Shergill told Nadda that the ruling AAP Government in Punjab is “curbing” the freedom of expression by intimidating the media agencies. He informed Nadda that in gross violation of norms; recently a Times Now female reporter was arrested by Punjab Police for exposing Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s “Aleeshan Bungalow”. 

“Now, Editor-In-Chief of a reputed vernacular daily Ajit Barjinder Singh Hamdard is being subjected to extreme harassment and has been unnecessarily summoned by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau”, the BJP Spokesperson said. Shergill added that “drunk” on power, the AAP brigade, has become so allergic to truth and fearless media that even a Punjab Minister Inderbir Nijjar had been made to resign for speaking in favour of Hamdard.

Expressing his concern on another crucial issue of ever deteriorating law and order situation in the state, Shergill, who is also the Punjab BJP Permanent Invitee member, said that “jungle raj” is prevailing in Punjab under the AAP regime. “Law and order machinery in the state has collapsed and Punjab is being ruled by gangsters”, he informed Nadda. 

Meanwhile, in the wake of the recent Judgment of the Supreme Court, permitting Jallikattu sports, Shergill also sought Nadda’s assistance in ensuring the early resumption of bullock cart races at the Kila Raipur rural Olympics held in district Ludhiana. Later, Shergill said that meeting with Nadda was fruitful and BJP’s top leadership is extremely serious about all the issues concerning Punjab. 

Chandigarh

Child labour is a stigma in modern society: Dr. Baljit Kaur

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Chandigarh, June 1:

          Child labour is a disgraceful blot on the face of modern society. The aforementioned statement was made today by Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister of Social Security, Women, and Child Development.

          A one-day workshop was organized today by the Department of Child Development in collaboration with the private organization Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) at the Mahatma Gandhi State Level Institute of Public Administration, Sector-26, Chandigarh. The workshop focused on the eradication of child labour and the rehabilitation of these children.

          During her address at the workshop, Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, stated that the Punjab government is committed to putting an end to child labour, forced labour and trafficking. She further announced that the Action Month Against Child Labour will be observed from June 1 to June 30, 2023. The objective of the workshop was to facilitate collaboration among different departments, clarifying their roles and responsibilities during raids and the rescue of children.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur urged all stakeholders to actively pursue justice and ensure the mainstreaming of all children involved in child labour through education and vocational training.

          Mrs. Madhvi Kataria, the Director of the Department of Social Security and Women and Child Development, addressed the participants and highlighted the government’s efforts to liberate children engaged in child labour. She emphasized the importance of adhering to the guidelines and judgments of the Hon’ble Supreme Court against child labour.

          The workshop was attended by Mr. Manjinder Singh, District and Sessions Judge-cum-Member and Secretary of the State Legal Services Authority, who shared his experiences. Representatives from the Labour Department, Police, and Education Department were also present.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Narendra Modi is inspiring leader who constantly undertakes new experiments to swiftly take India on the development track, says Khattar

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IEP Chandigarh, May 29

Haryana Chief Minister said that the nine years of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s tenure has been dedicated to ‘Jan seva’. He while rising over political ideology has always worked for the Nation, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

        “The Prime Minister puts the country first and everything else second. With this pure intention,  he is working assiduously to strengthen the nation on the world map and we will undoubtedly realize the Prime Minister’s goal of transforming India from a  developing country to a developed nation upon the conclusion of 100 years of independence in  Amrit Kaal,” said Sh. Manohar  Lal while speaking at the programme, Maha Sampark Abhiyan held here today to celebrate the successful nine years of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi-led government.

        The Chief Minister said that in these nine years, on several occasions, every Indian felt proud, because over the past nine years, the Prime Minister had visited many nations around the world to restore India’s status as a global power. 

        “The image that India has developed on a global scale now is also turning out to be advantageous to the countrymen.  As a result of the Prime Minister’s rising stature around the world, even the presidents of big nations have started referring to Modi as the ‘Boss’,” asserted Sh. Manohar Lal.

        The Chief Minister shared that he and the Prime Minister share a close bond.  They have worked together for a very long time. 

        “During this period, while working with the Prime Minister, I used to closely observe that for him India was always first,  while for leaders of other parties, the slogan was “Me first”, said Sh. Manohar  Lal.

        He said that Sh. Narendra Modi is such an inspirational leader who never hesitates to introduce various public-friendly experiments. 

        “The Prime Minister has always given consideration to the wellbeing of the nation’s citizens, its cultural heritage, and its future.  Instead of being a politician, we are proud to have a Prime Minister who is a ‘True Statesman’, who considers the future,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

        The Chief Minister stated Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign, which was launched by Prime Minister in the year 2015 highlights Prime Minister’s concern for eradicating social taboos. With the help of the society, this campaign has received tremendous success, he added.

        “Mann Ki Baat programme is another such example, as in this programme, the Prime Minister never talks about politics rather he highlights the talent and skill of the countrymen living in far-flung areas. This programme is a hit among the citizens as it has successfully aired 100 episodes, which already is a record,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

After Independence, India has got a leader who has a vision of ‘Changing India’

        The Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that Prime Minister always works sensitively and has consistently strived to uplift the last mile citizen while upholding the spirit of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Antyodaya Darshan.

        He said that while many leaders, freedom fighters, and countrymen made supreme sacrifices for India’s freedom, but India never got any leader like Sh. Narendra Modi, who has a vision of changing India.

Central Government working on 5S strategy

        The Chief Minister stated that the Central Government, under the competent leadership of the Prime Minister is working on Antyodaya Utthan as well as the 5S strategy – shiksha (education), swasthya (health), suraksha (security), swavlamban (self-reliance) and swabhiman (self-respect). The National Education Policy-2020, which has been put into effect across the country, aims to awaken the national spirit in children by combining new technology with traditional teaching methods.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister, the dreams saw at a young age, are now turning into reality, O.P. Dhankar

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Former Minister and State BJP President, Sh. O.P. Dhankar said that in these nine years, everyone has seen how India has emerged as a strong nation on the world map.

“It gives me immense pleasure to share that the dreams we saw at our young age are now turning into reality as we are growing old. Abrogation of article 370, construction of the Ram temple are such dreams which have come true under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi,” said Sh. O.P Dhankar.

UPA’s tenure was worst decade for India and Indians, Sh. Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Sh. Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the Congress tenure was really the worst decade for India and Indians from amongst all the other bad decades in the history of Independent India.

        “Congress tenure is termed as India’s Lost Decade”. 2G, CWG, coal scam etc were the milestones of the UPA’s lost decade,” said Sh. Sh. Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

        He said that it was only because of these anti-public friendly policies and corrupt government that in the year 2014, to make up for the lost decade, the citizens of India voted for change and gave a resounding mandate to Narendra Modi.

        “In these nine years, countless reforms and governance initiatives have been successfully implemented across the country that has steered India into its current strength,” he added.

        Meanwhile, former Tripura Chief Minister, and Haryana BJP in-charge, Sh. Biplab Kumar Deb said that these 9 years are most memorable ones.  

“The Swabhiman’ and ‘Samman’ of India had enhanced under the leadership of Sh. Narendra  Modi and this I term as one of the biggest achievements in these 9 years.

        Vidhansabha Speaker, Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda, Chandigarh BJP President, Sh. Arun Sood, OSD to Chief Minister, Sh, Jawahar Yadav, Media Advisor to Chief Minister, Sh. Amit Arya and other dignitaries also remained present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Two Home Guard Officials Apprehended for Bribery Charges

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IEP Chandigarh

The Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested a Clerk and a Peon from the Home Guard department in Faridabad on charges of demanding and accepting a bribe amounting to Rs 2500.

                    The ACB spokesperson shared this information today, shedding light on the unlawful activities conducted by the accused.

                    The arrested accused have been identified as Jitender, serving as a Clerk, and Vijender Phawa, working as a Peon. Acting promptly on a complaint filed by Vishal Verma, a resident of Nangla Enclave, Faridabad, the ACB took swift action to apprehend the accused officials.

                    It was reported that both Jitender and Vijender had demanded a bribe of Rs 2500 from Vishal Verma, who is a Home Guard volunteer, in exchange for his re-enrollment in the Home Guard. The ACB team, acting on this complaint, promptly organized a raid to catch the accused in the act. The raid conducted by the ACB team led to the arrest of both officials while they were accepting the bribe. The entire operation was conducted in the presence of independent witnesses, ensuring transparency and fairness.

                    A case has been registered against the accused individuals at the Faridabad ACB police station. The investigation into the matter is ongoing, as the ACB aims to gather all relevant evidence to support the charges brought against them.

                    The Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau reiterates its commitment to combat corruption and maintain integrity within public institutions. This arrest serves as a stern warning to individuals engaged in corrupt practices that they will be held accountable for their actions. In addition, the ACB encourages citizens to report any instances of corruption promptly, as it plays a vital role in eradicating this menace from society.