Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Punjab

“Give gift of sight”: Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh exhorts people to pledge eye donation

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IEP Chandigarh, August 24

          To mark the 38th Eye Donation Fortnight, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday urged people to come forward to pledge their eyes for donation. “Eye donation is a noble cause as it can be a gift of vision to a blind person,” he said.

          The Eye Donation Fortnight will be observed from August 25 to September 8.

          Dr Balbir Singh, who himself is an eye surgeon, informed that the corneal damage leads to blindness, which is known as Corneal blindness. The cornea is a transparent layer in front of the iris.

          “It is the Cornea which is taken from the donor’s eyes and is transplanted on to a corneal blind person, which enables the person to see the world,” he said while adding that this surgical procedure is called a Keratoplasty.

          Underlining the importance of eye donation, the Health Minister said that our eyes are the most pivotal sensory organs, as up to 80% of all sensory impressions are registered through our sight. Without the gift of sight it is challenging to lead a normal life, he said.

          He said that around 11 lakh people are suffering from corneal blindness in India and 30,000 new cases are being added each year, whereas, only 25000 corneal transplants are conducted every year in India. “We can see a huge gap in eye donations and a number of corneal blind persons. Therefore we all need to come forward to fill this gap by pledging our eyes for donation and make our state and nation corneal blindness free,” he said.

          Meanwhile, Punjab has a total of 11 registered eye banks and 27 corneal transplantation centres. A total of 946 Keratoplasty have been conducted in Punjab in 2022-23, while, 282 such surgeries have been conducted successfully in 2023-24 till July.

          Director Health Services Dr Adarshpal Kaur said that during this fortnight, various IEC activities are to be carried out across the state and detailed guidelines have already been issued to all the Civil Surgeons in this regard. Various myths and misconceptions associated with eye donation will be busted during this intensified awareness drive, she added.

          State Program Officer of the National Program for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI) Dr Neeti Singla said that registration forms for pledging the eyes for donation are available at all the district hospitals, sub-division hospitals and community health centres. The registration can also be done online on the website www.nhm.punjab.gov.in/Eye_Donation/form1.php and the print of the filled form as proof of registration can also be taken.

Eye Donation – Facts and Myths

Eyes can be donated only after death. Eyes must be removed within 4-6 hours after death.

Anyone irrespective of age and sex can donate eyes.

Spectacle wearers, those suffering from diabetes, hypertension, etc and those who have undergone cataract surgery can also donate eyes.

Only a trained person can remove eyes.

Eye removal takes less than 20 minutes and it does not delay the funeral formalities.

Eye removal does not lead to any disfigurement of the face.

— The identities of both the donor and recipient remain confidential and are not disclosed.

One donor can give vision to two corneal blind individuals.

Eye donation is a free-of-cost process.

Selling or buying of human eyes is illegal.

Donated eyes that are not suitable for transplant may be used for medical research and education.

Who cannot donate eyes?

Eyes are not collected from donors who are infected with or died due to the following conditions: AIDS (HIV)/ Hepatitis B or C, Sepsis, Leukaemia, Rabies, Meningitis, Encephalitis, Tetanus and other viral diseases.

What should be done by the relatives of the deceased?

Inform the nearest eye bank or eye collection centre immediately after death.

Switch off the fan and switch on the AC if available.

Gently close both eyes and keep a moist cloth over both eyes.

Raise the head with a pillow. This will reduce the bleeding during the removal of the eyes.

Chandigarh

Punjab Tourism Minister Anmol Gagan Maan leads tourism road show in Mumbai to showcase Punjab as most proffered tourist destination

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IEP Mumbai/Chandigarh, August 24

Under the visionary guidance of Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Ms. Anmol Gagan Maan, the Department of Tourism Punjab has successfully organized a vibrant and captivating road show in the bustling city of Mumbai today. This event marks the second stop in a four-city road show series that commenced from Jaipur (Rajasthan) on August 23. The road show will continue its journey to Hyderabad on August 25 and will culminate in the capital city of Delhi on August 26.

          The Chief Guest Ms. Anmol Gagan Maan, while addressing the gathering with fervour and enthusiasm, unveiled the state’s groundbreaking initiative, the ‘Punjab Tourism Summit and Travel Mart’, scheduled to take place in Mohali from September 11 to 13, 2023. This summit aims to spotlight Punjab’s rich heritage, diverse culture and captivating tourism offerings. To introduce this exciting event to the nation, the Punjab State Tourism Board has embarked on a nationwide road show campaign, she added.

          She informed that this grand event will witness participation from a myriad of stakeholders, including foreign and domestic tour operators, destination management companies, travel trade media, influential travel personalities, hotel operators, bed-and-breakfast hosts, farm stay proprietors and tourism boards among others.

          Ms. Maan emphasized that Punjab boasts enormous tourism potential, grounded in its opulent heritage, traditional art forms and unique customs. Notably, the cities of Amritsar, Rupnagar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib have emerged as top attractions for international tourists. She said that the Department of Tourism is steadfastly dedicated to propelling Punjab to the forefront of Indian tourism with the goal of becoming a premier international tourist destination by 2030.

          Ms. Maan extended a heartfelt invitation to the stalwarts of the tourism industry to invest in Punjab, a land brimming with tourism opportunities, besides extending a warm invitation to the film industry in Mumbai, highlighting Punjab’s picturesque locations often referred to as ‘Mini Goa’ and its potential as a sought-after film shooting destination. To facilitate this, Invest Punjab has streamlined the permission process ensuring approvals within a swift 15-day timeframe, she added.

          The Tourism Minister said that the Punjab Travel Mart aims to convene forward-thinking tourism professionals from across the nation, further cementing Punjab’s status as a top tourist destination. She commended the unwavering efforts of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann in promoting tourism within the state with a vision to boost international and domestic footfall.

          With two international border locations, Ms. Anmol Gagan Maan said that the state has a wealth of circuits of spiritual luminaries and freedom fighters, thus the state becomes the treasure trove of possibilities for tourists.

          Ms. Anmol Gagan Maan revealed Punjab Tourism’s forthcoming focus on adventure and water tourism, wellness tourism, agri and eco-tourism with a strong emphasis on the development of rural home and farm stays. She said that the government is dedicated to enhancing the role of women in tourism, championing their empowerment and thereby elevating their quality of life and livelihood.

          Ms. Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, further underscoring the government’s commitment to the tourism sector.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab VB nabs Sub Inspector while accepting bribe of Rs 7000

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IEP Chandigarh, August 24

          Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Thursday nabbed a Sub Inspector (SI), Dilbagh Singh, posted at Police Station Sarai Amanat Khan in Tarn Taran district while accepting a bribe of Rs 7000 from Nirmal Singh resident of village Kasel.

          Revealing this here today, an official spokesperson of the VB said that Nirmal Singh lodged a complaint that an FIR no. 46/2023 under section 21 (C) of NDPS Act was registered against his brother Daljit Singh at Police Station Sarai Amant Khan and the accused SI was investigating the case. The complainant alleged that SI Dilbagh Singh had demanded Rs 7000 as a bribe to get vetted the challan from Government Advocate and submit the same in the court.

          After preliminary investigation of the complaint, a team of VB laid a trap and arrested the accused SI while accepting the bribe of Rs 7000 from the complainant in the presence of official witnesses.

          In the regard, an FIR no 29 dated 24-08-2023 under  section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against SI Dilbagh Singh at Police Station VB, Amritsar Range.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh

Haryana Government takes significant steps towards environment protection and waste management: CS

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IEP Chandigarh, June 27

The Haryana Government is taking significant strides towards ensuring the scientific handling and disposal of municipal solid waste, hazardous waste, biomedical waste, and enforcing a ban on single-use plastics in the state. This was stated by the Haryana Chief Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal, during a one-day training programme focusing on the implementation of District Environment Plans held at the Haryana Institute of Public Administration in Gurugram today.The training programme was inaugurated by the Chairman of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel. Dr. M M Kutty, Chairperson of CAQM, Mrs. Urvashi Gulati, Former Chief Secretary of Haryana, Mr. Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Forest and Wildlife, Mr. P. Raghavendra Rao, Chairman of HSPCB, and Mrs. Chandralekha Mukherjee, Director General of HIPA were also present during the training programme.Mr. Kaushal said that as per the directives of the NGT, all Deputy Commissioners of the state have been sensitized to prepare District Environment Plans, which encompass various thematic areas such as solid waste management, air quality, industrial wastewater treatment, water quality, mining activity and noise pollution. The plans will be uploaded on the Environment Department’s website. These comprehensive plans will play a vital role in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring compliance with environmental norms, thus contributing to sustainable development and progress of the state, he added.To ensure the efficient utilization of environment compensation funds collected from violating units, a high-powered committee has been constituted which will undertake environment restoration activities as outlined in the District Environment Plans, he added.While expressing his confidence in the dedication and commitment of all the Deputy Commissioners and senior district-level officers present at the training programme, he encouraged the officers to approach the programme with utmost seriousness, as the lectures and sessions covering various environment-related topics will equip them with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively implement the identified activities in the District Environment Plan.Furthermore, Mr. Kaushal urged all Deputy Commissioners to share their best practices, seek clarification on any doubts, and provide valuable suggestions during the technical sessions. The experts present on the occasion interacted with the officers to address their queries and enhance their understanding.Mr. Kaushal further said that Haryana Government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development. By implementing the District Environment Plans and working collaboratively, we can create a cleaner, greener, and healthier future for our state, he added. 

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Colleges of Haryana’s three districts – Panchkula, Ambala and Yamunanagar should be given option of affiliation with Panjab University: Punjab Governor

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IEP Chandigarh, June 5

An important meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Punjab Governor and UT Administrator, Sh. Banwarilal Purohit with Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal and Punjab Chief Minister, Sh. Bhagwant Mann, on various issues related to Panjab University, Chandigarh. A detailed discussion was held on the issue of affiliation of Haryana colleges with Panjab University, Chandigarh. The next round of meeting regarding the matter will be held on July 3.

Sh. Banwarilal Purohit said that India’s culture has been to disseminate education and people from all over the world used to come to get education in Takshashila and Nalanda University. “That is why giving opportunities for education to children is a positive thinking. In this regard, the colleges of Haryana should be given affiliation from Panjab University,” he added. He said that colleges in Haryana’s three districts – Panchkula, Ambala and Yamunanagar, should be given the option of affiliation with Panjab University.

Along with districts of Haryana, colleges of Punjab’s Mohali and Rupnagar  should also be given affiliation: Manohar Lal

In the meeting, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that in the interest of the students, the colleges of the state should be given the option of affiliation with Panjab University. Both the states will proceed in a friendly manner, he added.

He said that along with the colleges in three districts – Panchkula, Ambala and Yamunanagar, colleges in Punjab’s Mohali and Rupnagar  districts should also be given affiliation with Panjab University.

“Delhi University is building its campus in Haryana. Apart from this, the campus of IIT, Delhi is also coming up in the state. Expanding education and affiliation of the colleges will provide many new opportunities to students of Haryana,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

Punjab adamant against Haryana’s proposal for college affiliation

In the meeting, Punjab Chief Minister, Sh. Bhagwant Mann remained adamant against the proposal of Haryana for affiliation of colleges. He said that Punjab is helpless on the issue of affiliation of Haryana colleges with Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Varsity gets only 7 to 14 percent of budget against Punjab’ share of 40 percent

Giving information related to the budget in Panjab University, Chandigarh, it was apprised that the varsity has been facing financial crisis for years. Chandigarh has 60 percent share in the university and Punjab has 40 percent share. In the last 10 years, the university has received an average of Rs 200-300 crore per year from the Centre.

While in the last 10 years only Rs 20-21 crores have been received from Punjab on an average per year. In the year 2020-21, an amount of Rs 39 crore was released by Punjab. Overall, the university gets only 7 to 14 percent of the budget as against Punjab’s share of 40 percent.

Punjab Education Minister, Sh. Harjot Singh Bains, Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal, Advisor to UT Administrator, Sh. Dharam Pal, Punjab Chief Secretary, Sh. Vijay Kumar Janjua, Chandigarh Home Secretary, Sh. Nitin Yadav, Director, Higher Education, Haryana, Sh. Rajeev Rattan, Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, Prof Renu Vig along with senior officials of Punjab and Chandigarh were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Drink adequate water during dry season: Dr Geeta Joshi

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IEP Chandigarh

Dr Geeta Joshi, an Ayurveda Expert said that staying hydrated is very important. This is because your body will give out more water through sweat because your body system works faster during a season like this.

Dr Geeta Joshi, an Ayurveda Expert

To stay hydrated, you can always carry a bottle of water with you to work or school. Drink lots of liquids to replace the fluids you lose from sweating. Do not wait until you feel like you need a drink. Thirst is not a reliable sign that your body needs fluids. When you exercise, you should take small sips of liquid rather than large drinks. Water is the best drink to replace lost fluids. Water with salt added can be used if you sweat a lot, Dr Joshi added.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh

CABINET MINISTER DR. BALJIT KAUR DISTRIBUTES 5 LAKH RUPEES FOR DHANAK DHARAMSHALA OF MALOUT, 20 COMPUTERS FOR DR. AMBEDKAR DIGITAL LIBRARY

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IEP Chandigarh, April 14    

      Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development Dr.  Baljit Kaur distributed a cheque of Rs 5 lakh to Dhanak Dharamshala at Malout today.          The Cabinet Minister said on this occasion that the government is fully committed to changing the face of Punjab’s villages and there is neither lack of passion nor lack of funds to complete these tasks.          She said that development works are being conducted by the government.          The cabinet minister further said that in the community centers, the people of the villages will get social facilities, while they will also get the facility to hold private and public events without any cost.          The minister said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is committed to the welfare of children.  She said that digital libraries are being built in government schools.          Cabinet Minister Dr.  Ambedkar gave 20 computers for digital library so that the students can do their studies properly.  On this occasion she distributed books to the children for the preparation of the competitive examination and copies, pencils were also distributed to the needy students of the two schools. 

Chandigarh, Punjab

Meet Hayer directs Deputy Commissioners to ensure use of self-declaration instead of affidavits

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IEP Chandigarh, September 21, 2022

          Punjab Governance Reforms Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Friday directed all Deputy Commissioners of Punjab to ensure use of Self declaration instead of Affidavits while processing cases of public service delivery.

          Meet Hayer further informed that State Government had already adopted Self declaration instead of taking attested affidavits. Instructions were already issued in 2010 but it was only on papers and not implemented and was not followed by offices. During review of Sewa Kendras, it has been observed that a lot of people are coming to Sewa Kendras for Affidavit Attestations.

          From January 2022, Total 4,38,058 affidavits prepared and attested from Sewa Kendras. More than 2100 citizens are visiting daily at Sewa Kendras only for Affidavit attestations. An Officer at rank of Executive Magistrate is being deputed by districts to attest these Affidavits. During interaction with citizens, it has come to notice that at the district level including Government/Private offices and school/colleges are still demanding affidavits for various reasons like admissions, certificates, scholarships, Meter Connections, Tubewell Connections, recruitments, NOC etc.  This is not only costs money to Citizens but also involves wastage of time of the citizens as well as Government officials.

He said that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has clear vision to provide public services to common citizen in a hassle free manner and this step will save both time and money of the citizen of Punjab.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Chief Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the ‘Faculty House’ in Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa

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IEP Chandigarh, September 18

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal inaugurated the renovated Faculty House of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa built at a cost of Rs.1.8 crore.

The Chief Minister took a round of the various rooms  built in this building along with the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ajmer Singh Malik.

It is noteworthy that along with promoting infrastructure facilities in the University, several initiatives are being taken to promote quality education as well. CM Suite, Drawing Room, VIP Dining Hall etc. have also been built in the newly renovated Faculty House.